Oleander’Heart (Birchpaw Apprentice Lore)

BREEZECLAN CAMP

Oleanderheart awakes from his nest within the warriors' den, he stretches lazily, shakes himself clean of loose brush and starts for the camp clearing. The sun glimmers just above the wall, blinding him slightly, 'Hmph', He grumbles. Oleanderheart fixes his gaze on the apprentices' den and makes his way over, letting his tail drag behind him. 'Birchpaw!' He bellows to the inside of the den as he leans down into the entrance. He ducks back out and waits for a response from his apprentice.

Birchpaw lifted his head drowsily. "Huh?" he muttered, yawning. He looked out of the den, seeing a cat standing there. His eyes have yet to adjust to the light outside, so he wasn't able to tell who it was.

'Come on lazy lump, get a pep in your step', Oleanderheart bellowed, dipping his head in a Come-on manner. He whisked around to face the camp clearing, sweeping his tail over his paws.

Birchpaw stifled another yawn and got to his paws, stretching. He made his way out of the apprentice den and let his eyes adjust to the light. He looked at his mentor. "Are we training today?" he asked.

Oleanderheart had his gaze fixed on the camp clearing as his apprentice walked outside of the den, relieved to get the day started. 'Were going to be working on some Battle training today', he replied as he casted a worried side glance towards Birchpaw, though he quickly brushed this off and arose to his paws. 'Are you ready?'

The tom nodded confidently. "Yes! I was hoping we would train today! Those RapidClan warriors aren't gonna know what hit em'!" he exclaimed, already heading towards the camp entrance. His tail was high in the air.

Oleanderheart looked after his young apprentice, feeling an ounce of pride for him as Birchpaw padded off, power in his stride. Oleanderheart dragged his heavy paws after Birchpaw, a smirk inching across his face, 'Not so much pep that I can't keep up with you Birchpaw', Oleanderheart yelled after him as he picked up his pace to catch up to Birchpaw.

ENTER TRAINING GLADE

Birchpaw entered the training glade. "Come on! It's not that bad for your old bones to keep up!" he joked around, a mischievous look on his face. He turned to face his mentor as soon as they entered the glade.

The Gray-blue tom smirked at Birchpaws remark, 'Respect your elders youngling', he laughed as he playfully bopped the back of Birchpaws head.

"Hah! I don't have to respect a RapidClan elder!" he stuck his tongue out, inferring that Oleanderheart was the RapidClan warrior. He crouched and awaited an attack.

'Oh really?' He snorted as he wiggled his hind legs, preparing himself, 'Well in that case-' he cut himself off as he leaped at Birchpaw, rolling in the dirt a ways, pinning Birchpaw on the ground afterwards.

Birchpaw spit out some dirt after he got pinned and pushed Oleaderheart off of him with his hind legs. After pushing him off, he rolled to the side and quickly got to his paws, leaping towards the tom and scraping his paw against his shoulder. If he had his claws unsheathed, it would've left a nasty wound.

‘Omfph!’ Oleanderheart huffed as Birchpaw leaped at him, staggering until he fell over. Oleanderheart, confused took a moment to reel in what happened. ‘Not bad Birchpaw’ he smirked. Oleander shoved the apprentice off lazily and sat up, his hind legs sprawled out, brush caught in his fur. Do you have any moves you’d like to work on? I want you to be prepared for anything’, he mewed gruffly, a slice of worry edging his tone as he looked at Birchpaw.

He thought for a moment. Birchpaw was going to be a warrior soon and he knew a lot already. "Can we work on dodging blows? I want to make sure I'm quick enough to not get hit," he answered.

'Of course', He replied as he stood up and shaked off debris from the tussle. He took a few steps away and prepared himself for what was to come next. 'Now I'm going to strike some blows, your goal is to dodge them and if you'd like, retaliate. You ready?' Oleanderheart questioned, waving his heavy tail.

Birchpaw nodded confidently, ready for anything. He awaited his mentor to start, ears perked and paws ready to dart to the side. He was focused.

Oleanderheart watched his apprentice closely, looking for some sort of Weak spot to strike. After a moment he leaped towards Birchpaw, aiming for his shoulder, attempting to whip around Birchpaw to then strike from the back as well.

The tom jumped to his side and turned to face Oleanderheart, trying not to have his back turned to the warrior. He knew that once you had your back turned to the enemy, you were done for. Birchpaw leapt forward and swiped at his mentor's muzzle.

Oleanderheart staggered backwards a few paw steps as Birchpaw swiped at him, trying to protect his eyes. Taking a moment, he looked at his apprentice proudly 'Well done,' he praised him. 'let's do a few more tries and then let's hunt. Might as well bring something back as we're out here' he gruffled as he readied himself to land blows on Birchpaw.

"Okay!" he mewed, getting ready for the next move. He kept his paws firmly on the ground and prepared to be jumped at. The tom tried to imagine himself in battle with a RapidClan warrior and thought about what their next move would be.

The blue old tom quickly lunged forward, his weight holding him down a tad, swiping at his apprentice's chest and shoulders, claws sheathed.

Birchpaw jumped back when he swiped at his chest, just barely getting away fast enough. Then he was hit on the shoulder, not being quick enough. "Fox dung!" he cursed out loud.

'Close', Oleanderheart mewed as he paced around Birchpaw a bit, his paws and tail dragging on the ground. He paced until he was facing Birchpaw once more and struck at his muzzle, aiming to side swipe him.

The tom jumped backward once more, dodging the blow. Suddenly something struck his hind paws and he tripped over himself, falling to his side with a huff. Dust flew up around him when he hit the ground.

OleanderHeart eyes widened with confusion as he watched his apprentice land on his side, he padded hurriedly to Birchpaws side, 'Are you alright?' He asked as he stooped his muzzle down, getting down to his level.

Birchpaw hissed at the ground and slowly got to his paws, shoulder stinging. He wasn't sure what happened. "I can't believe I fell! I don't know what's wrong with me today," he grumbled angrily, scraping at the ground then flinching at pain in his shoulder. He held up his paw to keep weight off of the arm.

OleanderHeart stepped a few pawsteps back, giving Birchpaw some space to sit up and breathe. 'Its alright', he mewed as he padded around him to be beside him, 'Lets head back to camp for now', he mewed in a dismissive tone, keeping his eyes on Birchpaw.

He grumbled something under his breath and placed his paw back on the ground, feeling the pain start to slip away after a few steps. He kept his eyes on the ground in front of him, ears pinned back as he headed back to camp. He couldn't believe how bad he did in training today! He usually did really well.

The burly tom padded beside Birchpaw, His head high, focus forward, but still keeping an eye on Birchpaw in case he needed him. wow... I wonder whats happening to Birchpaw.. Is it my training? he straightened with a sense of disappointment in himself, afraid that was the truth.Maybe im not a suitable mentor for him..? Or maybe Im just being hard on myself and Birchpaw is having an off day he continued to ponder as they paced back to camp.

HOLLYCLAN CAMP

Birchpaw stalked back into camp, still upset about training. He glanced around for Redpaw or anyone else to take his anger out on. The only thing that usually made him feel better was winning spars against the frail tom because he knew he'd always win. But, Redpaw was nowhere to be seen in camp.

OleanderHeart backed off of Birchpaw as they entered the camp. He let his paws drag a little more than usual, his mind racing  with worried thoughts. in the corner of his eye he spotted LittleBird, waving him over, smiling as she did so. He turned his gaze to her and smiled pausing in his pawsteps. he started to make his way to her, but turned back to look at Birchpaw a pang of guilt hitting him, but dismissed Birchpaw before continuing to walk to LittleBird.

As OleanderHeart settled himself next to her, she nudged his side playfully,' Whats up with Birchpaw?' she asked, curious of what had happened out in the training glade.

'Oh, were just having an off day', He responded gruffly, his ears pinned. 'I think were just seeing a bit of the aftermath of his parents splitting ways,' he sighed heavily.

Birchpaw walked over to the fresh-kill pile and stared down at it, taking in what was on it. After looking at what was there, he decided to wasn't very hungry and walked away, glancing at his mentor and Littlebird for a brief moment.

LittleBird looked at Birchpaws way intrigued by what was going through his head. 'Perhaps you should have a talk with him,' she suggested.

The blue tom followed LittleBirds gaze after hearing her suggestion. 'Perhaps I should...' he trailed off.

She nudged OleanderHeart, trying to get him to go to Birchpaw, 'I dont mean later Lazy elder', she sassed him.

'Oh-' He cut himself off as he got to his paws and padded towards Birchpaw, glancing back at LittleBird as he went. She was always such a sassy one. he rolled his eyes. 'Birchpaw-' he called,'Can I speak with you?'

He stopped and turned to see Oleanderheart. "I guess," he muttered, meeting him halfway. His tail tip twitched irritably as he looked at his mentor. He wasn't mad at him, he was mad at himself.

He looked away from Birchpaw, nervous about the conversation. taking a breathe, he looked back at his apprentice. 'Birchpaw, I want you to know that I am worried for you, Youve been acting- not you? What's really going on?' He mewed softly, trying to sound reassuring for Birchpaw.

He grumbled. "I don't know why I fell, okay!? Someo-something tripped me!" he hissed. Birchpaw truly believed the only thing bothering him was messing up in training. But what really was going on was his breaking point from holding in everything since the beginning of his apprenticeship, along with the things going on with him and Redpaw.

Oleander sat there, a tad stunned and confused at his response. Someone? 'Birchpaw, I'm not upset about your fall, I'm upset about what you've gone through at such a young age. I saw your eyeing around for Redpaw,' He started to raise his voice,' You cant rely on others as an outage for your anger.' He noticed LittleBirds gaze and began to soften his tone. Come on OleanderHeart, you can't let your impatience get the best of you right now. 

He sucked in a quick breath, surprised that he knew about his parents and unfair spars with Redpaw. Guilt immediately filled his stomach but he refused to show it. Anger rising, he felt himself unable to contain it anymore. "What do you want from me?! The only cat I'm angry at is myself!" he hissed, tears filling his eyes as he swiped at Oleanderheart, just barely hitting his cheek. He immediately stopped when he saw what he'd done and turned to run out of camp, tears falling down his face.

The blue tom winced as Birchpaw swiped at him, shock freezing him in place afterwards, his chest stone cold, stomach filled with guilt. He looked around the camp clearing, fear coursing through his blood as he spotted LittleBird. Her face twisted with horror and distraught, she seemed to be saying something, but OleanderHeart couldnt hear her. she began pointing where Birchpaw had gone running off to. He turned his gaze to that direction, attempting to move but frozen. What is wrong with you! Get going Oleander!! he yelled at himself before he took off, his muscles tense, 'Birchpaw!' He yowled as he raced after him.

WATERFALL

Birchpaw raced through the forest, more anger turning into tears with every step he took. He has never felt this upset before. Coming close to the waterfall, he slowed to a stop and crashed to the ground at the shore, covering his face with his paws as he sobbed on the ground.

OleanderHeart ran with all his might, adrenaline pushing him to find Birchpaw. Branches, shrubs and other debris hit him and tugged on his long fur as he frantically tracked down his apprentice. 'Birchpaw!' he yowled, looking hurriedly for Birchpaw. He stopped to catch his breathe and collect his thoughts. Calm yourself Oleanderheart. After a moment he opened his mouth, trying to track down Birchpaw. Eventually he found it and traced it to the waterfall, frantically running, but slowing as he neared, not wanting to scare off Birchpaw.

The apprentice sobbed into the dirt, face soaked and whiskers wrinkled. What is going on with me?? Why is all of this coming out NOW? Why not then? he thought as his tail swished around him.

He watched Birchpaw from the bushes, not sure what to say, thoughts racing. After a moment he gathered himself, breathed and pushed through the brush, approaching Birchpaw slowly. 'Birchpaw?' he mewed.

Birchpaw looked up, turning his head to see his mentor. He looked away down at his reflection in the water. "I-I'm sorry, Oleanderheart. I-I didn't mean to swipe at you... I don't know what's going on with me right now.." he mewed, sniffing. Birchpaw in fact did know what was going on with him but just didn't want to come to terms with it.

The old tom padded up behind Birchpaw before halting. 'Dont apologize, I shouldn't have pushed you and called you out...' he padded further until he was side by side with Birchpaw. He kneeled down and looked at his reflection in the water, then at Birchpaws. 'You know...' he paused for a moment thinking about his past,' I didn't want to admit the death of my mate affected me. Fox dung, I even ignored her death, but I started to realize that it was affecting my duties, not only as a warrior but as a father... ' he paused and looked up at Birchpaw, 'Even now..' he mewed softly, tears running down his cheeks, inferring that he saw Birchpaw as a son.

He closed his eyes and looked away from their reflections, claws digging into the dirt. He was still trying to hold back but it was becoming far more difficult to do so. His mentor seeing him as a son took him by surprise and he didn't know how to feel about it. He had never had a parental figure that stuck around before, let alone follow him out of camp when he was upset. He opened his mouth to say something but closed it, hesitating to open up.

Oleanderheart  looked away for a moment, his muscles starting to relax. After a moment he looked back at Birchpaw.'Birchpaw, I don't know if you see this in the same eyes as me, and I'm okay with that, i just want the best for you, even if it means that i shouldn't mentor you anymore.' He looked at him with a sense of comfort knowing that he finally told him. 

His head whipped around to look at him. "What? No-! I want you to be my mentor.." he mewed, feeling scared that Oleanderheart might leave him too. "Don't leave me, I-I don't know what I would do if you left me too.." he added on. "I want to tell you everything- I really do I'm just-" he hesitated. "Scared.." Birchpaw had never admitted this before. He usually always put on a brave face and pretended everything was okay.

The big Tom froze for a moment as he listened, but eased up as he continued. ‘Then I won’t leave you then, not now, not ever… It’s okay to be scared’, he assured him, his deep voice sounding like gravel, as he wrapped his thick burly tail around Birchpaw back. ‘What are you scared of, if you mind me asking?’ He asked, whipping tears from under his eye.

He looked back down at his reflection. "I'm scared to show that my parents splitting actually affected me. Everyone has always told me I took their split and deaths so well that I started to believe it and just... refused to ever talk about it. I don't like talking about it because it upsets me and then I get angry and- and take it out on Redpaw..." he mewed. Birchpaw was the only cat who knew why he bullied Redpaw.

OleanderHeart looked up at the waterfall as he listened, nodding slightly as he did, but stopped when he mentioned redpaw, he never realized why Birchpaw picked on Redpaw. ‘It’s scary seeing you not affected.’ He mewed looking down at  Birchpaw,’ it was a big event in your life that shouldn’t have happened, but alas’ it did.’ He frowned slightly, sighing. ‘Another question, if I may… why do you pick on Redpaw? I don’t see you picking on any other apprentices..’ He asked.

Birchpaw hesitated. "When me and Redpaw were kits, we were best friends. He looked up to me and did everything with me. I was his number one. I became an apprentice and he begged me to teach him stuff every day up until he became an apprentice himself. The first few moons were great and, well..." he paused, feeling nervous about what he was about to say. "I um, I had a crush on him.. But his parents took his attention away from me and their relationship was so- so perfect that my jealousy turned to anger and I just.. took it out on him one day and it went away.." Birchpaw looked up at Oleanderheart, eyes wide. He felt so guilty saying it out loud now.

He focused on Birchpaw as he spilled his mind. Afterwards Oleanderheart just stared into Birchpaw eyes, his gaze flickering with emotions, a gut wrenching feeling of 2nd hand Abandonment and guilt for his apprentice. After a moment Oleander’heart wrapped his arms around Birchpaw, hugging him, ‘ I- I am- so, so, so sorry Birchpaw… I can’t imagine the sense of betrayal and loneliness you’ve been feeling…’ Oleanderheart tried his best to comfort him, but at the same time tears rolled down his face, not knowing the full truth of Birchpaw mental and emotional suffering. 

Tears began to fall down Birchpaw's cheeks once more as he pressed into his mentor and father figure, feeling completely safe for the first time in forever. He smiled a little into the tom's fur. Finally, someone understood him and knew what he had been through. Birchpaw was glad Oleanderheart was here.

As Birchpaw pressed into him, Oleanderheart brought him closer, holding him almost, wanting to protect him from all the worlds harms. ‘I’ll be here whenever and wherever you need me’, he whispered. ‘I won’t ever leave’ he curled his tail around Birchpaw tighter before releasing him slowly, looking down at him and pausing for a moment,’So Redpaw huh?’ He chuckled awkwardly, a few tears running down his face.

Birchpaw pulled into himself, partially loafing. He blushed a little and looked away. "He doesn't like me," he mewed. "If anything, he hates me now. He even avoids me to the point where I haven't seen him in days! Even in the apprentices den.. Plus, he seems to be really close with Dapplepaw now anyways.."

‘Oh…’ OleanderHeart looks awkwardly away before looking back,’ Well- maybe the next time you do happen to see him, you could apologize for picking on him? That could be a start to at least a friendship, instead of a hatred.’ He suggested.

'Maybe, Maybe not, that's Redpaws decision,' He replied as flicked his ear, trying to relieve him of some anxiety. He realized that he didn't formerly forgive Birchpaw for the incident earlier. There was a pause before he spoke,'I forgive you for lashing out in camp', he mewed with a slight smile on his face.

Anxiety filled him for the first time, finally letting himself allow it. "Okay," he mewed, drawing a paw over his face to dry it and straighten his whiskers. Standing, he shook himself. "I'll- I'll tell him..everything," he declared mostly to himself.

Oleanderheart smiled up at his apprentice, pride bubbling in his chest. He heaved himself into a sitting position, giving himself a moment before standing up, his joints a tad achy. 'Im proud of you Birchpaw, it takes a lot of courage for a warrior to admit something he fears most and his wrongs', he mewed as he nudged his apprentice with his shoulder.

He let out a small laugh, feeling a little embarrassed to be praised in such a way. "Thank you," he mewed, leading the way back to camp.

Oleanderheart followed Birchpaw back to camp, 'Lets get going, this elder needs to rest his joints', he bellowed a laugh.

HOLLYCLAN CAMP

Birchpaw entered the camp and hesitantly glanced over at the apprentices den. He could hear chatter from inside. He looked back at Oleanderheart. "C-can you come with me-?" he mewed, stopping as he heard Swiftstar get onto the high ledge.

Swiftstar's gaze swept across camp as he scanned for warriors to join in the battle planning. "I need Robindance, Oleanderheart, Maplesplash and..." he looked around for another cat, landing on an apprentice he respected a lot. "Foxpaw, to come to my den immediately for battle planning," he announced, jumping down the ledge and returning to his den.

 Oleanderheart followed Birchpaw into the camp, looking after him as he headed towards the apprentices den. He stopped in his tracks as Birchpaw asked him. 'Birchp-' he was cut off as he heard Swiftstar call his name. The life of a clan cat is a busy one he chuckled to himself. He looked back at Birchpaw hesitantly,'Im sorry, I have to go, If you need me though, find me...' he paused as he turned to follow Swiftstar,' Good luck Birchpaw', he smiled looking back before going into his leader's den.

HOLLYCLAN CAMP - After Hollyclan Vs. Rapidclan battle (Hollyclan retreated after finding out their info about the mysterious murders were false) NIGHT

Birchpaw entered the camp, not injured very much.

numerous other clanmates enter the camp, with minor injuries.

Swiftstar hopped onto the high ledge. "Cats of HollyClan. The battle is over," he announced, sounding exhausted. "RapidClan did not kill Featherfang. They didn't join the last gathering because they found Goldenrain dead in the swamp. They were grieving. I was wrong. If you are injured, see the medicine cat." That was all he said before jumping off the ledge and entering his den.

Oleanderheart padded into the camp heavily, clumps of fur were missing from his stomach and shoulder. He looked up at Swiftstar, still standing, and dipped his head as Swiftstar was done announcing. He was exhausted, his paws feeling heavier than ever. He looked over at Birchpaw, I should check in with him he thought, worry, tugging at him along with the longing to sleep in his nest.

MORNING 

Birchpaw stirred in his nest as he woke up the next morning. The battle was the night before and it was nearly sunhigh now. He stood and stretched before walking out of the den and into camp. He looked around.

OleanderHeart opened his eye partially as sun danced on his face. Grumbling he covered his face.can’t be morning already… after a moment he sighed heavily and removed his paws, opening both eyes and looked outside from his nest. Rolling his eyes half heartedly, he heaved himself into a sitting position before stretching out his back legs, one at a time, and made his way out of the den. He stood at the entrance and finished starching his back, taking in the suns warmth. After a moment he took a glance around the camp and spotted his apprentice, Birchpaw. Smiling, he made his way to Birchpaw. 

The tom spotted his mentor coming towards him and bounced over to him, meeting half way. "Oleanderheart!" he said, a smile on his face. He seemed proud of himself from both the battle and settling the tension with Redpaw.

‘Hey Birchpaw’, he smiled as he met his apprentice,’Are you okay? You seem well’, he mewed, pride in his chest for Birchpaw. He wanted to press more into the details with Redpaw, but didn’t want to be nosey.

He nodded. “Yeah! I totally beat up an apprentice during battle! Sent him running away!” He boasted. “And look! I barely got any scratches! I guess it was just a bad day of training,” he said, referring back to the last time they trained.

Joy spread across his face at Birchpaws accomplishments. ‘That’s fabulous! I’m proud of you Birchpaw’, he mewed, he brought his paw to birchpaws head, and patted him, scruffing up his fur. 

He laughed a little, a playful smile on his face. He swatted his mentor's paw away and pounced on his side, laughing as he did so. "Even so, I've still got enough energy to take you down!" he said playfully, sticking his tongue out. Birchpaw was nearly the height of a warrior.

OleanderHeart playfully swayed to the side as Birchpaw pounced on him, laughing as he did, his voice echoing in his chest,’Ya sure do, Hollyclan warrior’, he teased raising his eyebrows, noticing his height and experience more. 

Birchpaw stopped and got off. "Warrior? Does that mean-" he looked down at Oleanderheart, hope swirling in his chest. Was he going to become a warrior?

The big Tom didn’t deny it, or confirm it, only teased him with his eyes, as he gently pushed Birchpaw off with one forearm, while using the other to sit up into a sloppy sitting position. ‘I can’t spoil the surprise now can I?’ He smiled warmly. He felt alive again, as if his life didnt end when his mate had. 

He nearly yelped in excitement. "I cant wait! Maybe then it'll be easier to become friends with Redpaw again!" he purred, shifting his weight from paw to paw excitedly.

OleanderHeart chuckled as Birchpaws excitement seem to nearly bubble over. ‘Perhaps!’ He purred along with him. He felt gratitude for how well his Sonly figure was doing. Everything seemed to be going right for once, everything was turning around.

Birchpaw suddenly stopped, remembering the encounter with Redpaw. "Oh, I didn't tell you what happened yet, did I?" he mewed more flat-toned instead of the excited upbeat one.

OleanderHearts smile went flat, ‘If you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to’, he said supportively, as he placed his paw on top of Birchpaws.

"Well, uh. He wasn't expecting it at all and he.. doesnt like me back but he did say that we might can be friends again. Even though he wouldn't forgive me.." he mewed, fidgeting with his paws.

'Oh... I'm really sorry Birchpaw-', Oleanderheart comforted as he looked at Birchpaw, trying to figure out if there was another part to the event. He dismissed the doubt after a moment and continued to comfort Birchpaw,'Forgiveness comes with time, so does healing, like any wound.' He smiled softly, 'Thank you for having courage and coming out to Redpaw about your past with him.'

He smiled at Oleanderheart, feeling appreciated. "Thanks, Oleanderheart. It-it really means a lot coming from you," he mewed, embarrassed. Birchpaw was glad to have a cat like Oleanderheart in his life. He was a mentor in more than just training and a father figure to him. Someone Birchpaw can look up to.

OleanderHearts smile spread farther across his face, a sense of value and respect from Birchpaw and for Birchpaw. 'Of course,', he replied, dipping his head, 'Youve come so far, and I couldn't be prouder of you,' he paused for a moment before continuing, 'Birchpaw? I've been meaning to ask you something, and please don't be afraid to speak your own opinions.' He took a breath, looking away for a moment, before putting his focus back into Birchpaw, anxiety stirring in his belly,' I wanted to ask, would you-' he hesitated nervous for Birchpaws answer,' Would you be my adopted son?' 

Birchpaw paused, whiskers twitching with surprise. "S-son?" he repeated, still shocked. Birchpaw didn't know Oleanderheart saw him as a son. It made him happy to know that. "I.. Yes!" he hopped to his paws, excitement overtaking him once more.

He looked at Birchpaw with longing and anticipation before he responded. 'Really?' He gasped joyfully and shocked, relief washing over him. OleanderHeart bounded to all fours excitedly, 'I'm so glad!' whisking his tail about, not letting it drag for once. He could feel all of his emotional wounds from the past starting to dissolve. He touched his forehead with Birchpaws, ' Thank you.' He smiled, tears of joy rolled down his cheek.

The tom purred happily. He never thought things could change so much in just a few days. "Is it okay if I bring something to eat to Redpaw? I want to try and be nicer to him," he mewed, rubbing against his new adoptive father.

He could feel his heartbeat almost, as if it was louder than his voice. 'Of course!' he purred, happy for Birchpaw. 'Have fun', he smiled as he swished his tail in excitment

Birchpaw bounced off towards the fresh kill pile, sifting through it.

OleanderHeart watched as Birchpaw bounded towards the fresh kill pile. Oh! Birchpaws ceremony! I suppose I outta go talk to Swiftstar, he had almost forgotten, caught up in the moment. he turned his gaze towards his leaders den and started for it.

HOLLYCLAN CAMP CLEARING

Swiftstar walked out of his den and hopped onto the high ledge. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the high ledge," his voice rang out around the hollow, a smile on his face. He seemed much happier than after the battle. "We have some warrior ceremonies happening today."

Maplepaw excitedly bounced over to the high ledge stomping her peets as she sat down

Birchpaw had a sparrow in his mouth, dropping it back in the fresh kill pile. He looked around for Oleanderheart again, excitement filling him. His warrior ceremony!

Redpaw came out of the apprentice den, trying to think of who would be getting their warrior names. It couldn't be Birchpaw, could it?

Robindance sat outside the warrior den to watch the ceremony, glaring at Swiftstar.

Tinyfeather sat in the clearing, a smile on his face as he waited to hear who would be getting their warrior names.

Oleanderheart had padded down to the clearing from Swiftstars den, looking about for Birchpaw, after a moment he spotted him and smiled, waving at him softly with his paw.

LittleBird padded from where she had been laying in the camp, curious about the almost made new warriors

BlossomPaw exited the apprentice's den, walked over and sat down.

Foxpaw was already in camp, recalling her battle moves from the war, when her leader called out to the clan. She quickly, with her tail held high, trotted to the center of the growing collection of cats, sitting at the front. She didn't know if it was hers, but she had a feeling it would be. Excitement and anticipation bubbled within her.

(Swiftstar)He waited until all the cats gathered around before speaking again. "During the battle, three apprentices fought bravely with their clan in mind. They have trained hard and deserve to become warriors today. Maplepaw, Foxpaw, and Birchpaw, please step forward," he said, hopping off the ledge and standing in front of it.

(Maplepaw)She steps forward her tail wagging and her heart beating she was so excited it was finally her time to be a warrior!!

Oleanderheart watched his apprentice, and adopted son, from where he sat, pride bursting out of his chest.

Birchpaw quickly got to his paws again and stepped forward in front of Swiftstar, excitement filling him.

Foxpaw calmly stood, walking to the center of the clearing to stand in front of her leader. Pride filled through her veins, and she lifted her head and tail high.

(Swiftstar)The tom looked at the three apprentices in front of him with pride. He turned his gaze to Maplepaw. "Maplepaw, you have trained well and learned the ways of the warrior code. I give you your warrior name, Mapletrail," he said, stepping forward and touching his nose to her forehead.

(Maplepaw)"thank you Swiftstar, my leader" she says accepting his forehead touch

Foxpaw purred in pride for her clanmate, while also admiring the new name.

(Swiftstar)He purred and stepped back, turning to face Foxpaw. "Foxpaw. You have supported your clan in many ways throughout your apprenticeship. Continue doing so, with the new respect of a warrior name, Foxsage," he meowed, pressing his nose to her head.

(Foxpaw)Foxsage's chest felt like it might burst from her purring. Her new name, so incredibly perfect. "Thank you!" She whispered under her breath.

(Maplepaw/Trail)she stomped her paws cheering for her clanmate and her new name

Birchpaw cheered his clanmates new warrior names, ready for his own.

(Swiftstar)He nodded to her and turned to Birchpaw. "Birchpaw, you have learned a lot and trained well under Oleanderheart's guidance. Have courage and do what is right for you and your clanmates. Your warrior name shall be Birchstorm," he said, pressing his nose to Birchpaw's head.

Birchstorm accepted the embrace. He finally made it!

Swiftstar stepped back and looked at all three of them. "Congratulations, Mapletrail, Foxsage, and Birchstorm! May StarClan light your paths," he purred, tail in the air. He continued to cheer their names with the clan, pride sweeping all around them.

Foxsage purred loudly, chanting her clanmates' new names.

'BirchStorm!' Oleanderheart cheered loudly, his voice bellowing within the camp 'Thats my son!' He proudly added to LittleBird and Smallwing sitting next to him. 'Mapletrail! Foxsage!' added on, cheering for them as well.

Littlebird rolled her eyes sarcastically, proud that Oleanderheart and Birchstorm had overcome their roadbump, 'Birchstorm! Mapletrail! Foxsage!'

Tinyfeather padded up to the tom and his siblings, purring. He didn't cheer the names, since he rarely spoke, but his purr was loud.

'Mapletrail! Foxsage! Birchstorm!' Smallwing joined her siblings and other clanmates, happy for her clanmates.

(LittleBird)'Hi Tinyfeather!' she smiled at her brother, swaying her tail as she did. She was grateful to have such a lovely family.

Foxsage had never felt so proud of herself, even counting the time she had taken down an entire crow on her second hunt, and even the time she had completely totalled a bush in a lone fight training. Remembering the vigil, she dipped her head in gratitude for her clanmates rather than speaking such outloud.

(tinyfeather)He nodded to Littlebird, purring still.

Mapletrail runs up with her other clanmates, wishing her past mentor was here to congradulate her, although she knew he was from the darkforest

BlossomPaw cheered for the new warrior's, the she-cat gazed around.

SmallWing watched LittleBird and Oleanderheart disperse from the crowd, wandering off in different directions with other cats. She turned her gaze to her brother, Tinyfeather, looking up at him. 'Hey Tinyfeather!' she mewed excitedly at the thought of having some time with her brother,' Wanna hangout?' she smiled, wagging her tail with anticipation.

(tinyfeather)The tom looked down at his sister, a smile forming on his face. He nodded at her question, tail going up in the air. He kneaded the ground a little bit to show he really wanted to. He then tilted his head, trying to ask what they were gonna do.

(smallwing)'I was thinking maybe we could wander about the Aspen forest, maybe catch some prey, who knows!' she replied excitedly. She loved how similar the two of them were, yet different in their own ways. She appreciated how Tinyfeather could connect to her, even without saying anything. 'Should we be on our way?' she mewed, lifting a paw, anticipating their walk.

He nodded quickly and turned to follow her. He nudged her shoulder with his head, excited to get going. Tinyfeather loved spending time with his siblings, it made him feel younger again.

SmallWing smiled at TinyFeather as he nudged her while they walked out of the camp. ‘Wanna race?’ She asked eccentrically furrowing her eyebrows in a teasing manner, her ears perking up and swaying her tail. 

He bent his forelegs down and looked at her, a competitive look in his eyes. He sprang forward, giggling as he turned his head to look at Smallwing behind him. Tinyfeather was rather competitive even though he was quiet a lot.

'Woah!' she exclaimed as Tinyfeather whoshed past her,'Oh, You're on!' she yelled after him and took off running.

(ALL CATS FINALLY DISMISSED)