Warrior Cats: Rising Smoke

Chapter 3

Cloverpaw padded past his brother and sister who were sitting at the entrance to camp with Mouseclaw and Littleleaf. Sparrowpaw was glaring at him as the patrol passed but he didn't let his brothers angry attitude ruin his mood. Dawnstar, Patchpelt, Ivybranch, Cloudpelt, Swiftshine, Bramblesun, Ivyfeather, him and Brightpaw were all headed to the Gathering and although he had already been before, he was excited to go and see some of the friends he had made. This was Brightpaw's first time going and she was literally bouncing with excitement up and down. She as asking so many questions so fast that Cloverpaw didn't even bother answering any of them and just let her keep talking, hoping she would eventually tire herself out.

"Maybe you should save some of that energy for the journey to the Gathering." Bramblesun suggested to Brightpaw.

"Stop putting a damper on her mood," Swiftshine shot back at her brother. "You were this excited your first time too."

"Yeah but I didn't talk everyone's ear off." he muttered.

"I am so glad you are so excited," Dawnstar stopped and turned to look at Brightpaw. "But we need to be a little quieter as we move into the other clans territory."

"Yes Dawnstar." Brightpaw clamped her jaw shut and there was almost a united sigh of relief from all the cats. Cloverpaw padded next to Swiftshine who gave giving him side glances until he finally asked.

"What is it?"

"Why does Sparrowpaw hate me?" she whispered.

"He doesn't hate you." Cloverpaw said, hoping it was true. "He just is a cranky Elder in an apprentices body. Don't take it personally."

"What can I do to better connect with him?"

"Why would you want to?" Cloverpaw asked in earnest. "There are lots of other toms who would be far better friends let alone mates."

"He was so kind to me when we were in the nursery together. Then there was that time he brought me herbs when I was sick. He has a soft spot somewhere and I just think he is afraid to show it."

"Er. Sure." Cloverpaw hesitated and decided not to tell Swiftshine that Sparrowpaw had only brought her those herbs so he could sleep better without her sneezing. "I guess then I would suggest not trying so hard." They continued on in silence and Cloverpaw hoped that poor Swiftshine would move on from her crush now that she was a Warrior and Sparrowpaw was still an Apprentice. 

They entered the ravine an Cloverpaw immediately started looking around for one specific cat. Then there she was, a pale ginger she-cat among her darker clanmates from Mountainclan. She stuck out with her warmer colored pelt like a flower in a patch of weeds. Cloverpaw couldn't help but stare at her and when she looked up and met his gaze he felt his face go hot and he quickly looked away. Dawnstar joined the other leaders up on the high rock to address the clans but Cloverpaw was so distracted with wondering whether or not Marshpaw had meant to look at him or if she had simply been looking at the arriving Moonclan group as a whole. 

"Come on," Brightpaw nudged him. "you look ridiculous just standing there and staring with your jaw hanging open." she guided Cloverpaw forward and they sat with the rest of their clan as the three leaders started the meeting.

"Good evening." Falconstar called down. "I want to start by saying that prey is plentiful and there has been no signs of The Madness that wiped out Treeclan. I think it is safe to say the danger has passed." there was a muttering from the crowd. "Mountainclan is healthy and has many new kits who I know will one day become wonderful and strong Warriors. New-Leaf has treated us all well and there are no concerns from Mountainclan." he sat back down and Featherstar stepped forward.