Silversong's Sorrow

Chapter Three

Silversong. My warrior name. My own warrior name. Sapphirestar said my laid-back, comforting personality reminded her of a twoleg song her mother used to sing to her. Goldpaw was named Goldleaf, after her climbing abilities and always being found in a tree.

I was made a warrior 2 days ago. Life had sure picked up the pace. Every moment was filled with patrols, hunting... Socializing, even!

Now, I was making my way back to the river. That cat... he couldn't leave my mind. Maybe I could find him again if I tried.

My paws welcomed the warm sand of the river bank. The one thing unwelcomed was another cat.

The other apprentices – Ashpaw, Crowpaw, Blizzardpaw, Vanillapaw, and Vixenpaw – had all been made warriors along with me and Goldleaf. Their names: Ashstep, Crowwing, Blizzardstorm, Vanillastem, and Vixenheart.

Crowwing was behind me. "Hi, Silversong," he purred. He didn't try to hide his interest in me. But... I couldn't hide mine, either.

Turning to face him, I purred, "hi, Crowwing." I began to stalk up towards him, stopping face to face.

He stared into my eyes. I felt at ease with him. Just his acceptance felt... right.

He cleared his throat and began rambling, "Silversong... I have always thought of you as the prettiest, kindest she-cat in all of SapphireClan. I was wondering if those feelings were mutual, and if you would want to be my mate?"

I blushed, wide-eyed, as he finished. "Crowwing..." I whispered. What do I say?... "I..." I glanced down at my paws. I could just feel the tom's anxiousness. "Crowwing, I do have feelings for you, but I'm not sure if it's the right time..." What I was trying to mean was I wanted to go see that cat... Just explore over there.

"Oh..." He whispered, his voice being carried off by the breeze. "I-I understand." Crowwing turned away from me swiftly and began padding back to camp.

I'm not sure what he expected. I'm not sure what I expected, either. Crowwing was someone I had loved since we were apprentices! But, right after I'm made a warrior? I felt rushed. I need life to go at my own pace for the moment.

I glanced back towards the stepping stones. There he was – the white cat with those warm, amber eyes, standing in broad daylight.

I jumped when he approached me. He was my size, and I was much smaller than the rest. He had a fluffy white pelt with soft dapples on his flank and stunning amber eyes. He just gave me a small smile, gesturing me with his tail to come forward.

Is this a good idea...?

I shook out my thoughts and began stepping on the sleek, slippery stones. One after the other, I would jump and try to grab on with my claws. The claws were useless against the stones, not sure why I tried.

When my paws touched the territory beyond the river, it seemed gorgeous! A lively, vibrant forest. I could hear a few streams and the birds singing. The trees made such a gorgeous canopy – something that complimented the tom's pelt well.

He was several cattails ahead from me. Again, those amber eyes... They meant much more than words.

"Hi," he meowed to me. His voice wasn't high nor deep, but he sounded excited.

"H-hello," I stammered, glancing around my surroundings, then at him. "W-who are you?"

"I could ask the same of you!" He chuckled, "you sure are away from SapphireClan camp. Guess I'm just too irresistible."

I gave a sarcastic chuckle as the tom smirked. "That still doesn't answer my question, does it? Who are you?"

"My name is Flint!" He purred, approaching me in a friendly walk. "And you...? I have never seen such a silver pelt before, just gray." He sat in front of me, scanning me up and down.

My pelt began to feel warm under his stare. I cleared my throat, "thanks, I guess? I'm Silversong."

"Silversong! What a strange name. Yet it suits you. Can I call you 'My Silversong?'"

I blushed. "Taking it far, aren't you?" I immediately thought of Crowwing and felt a heap of shame drop onto me.

He noticed. It wasn't hard to read. "What's up, pretty kitty?"

"Just," I hesitated. Why was I talking to this cat? "Clan cats. Always something going on." I turned to leave and he immediately ran in front of me.

"Why are you leaving so soon? Can't you stay for a minute?" He looked at me with sad eyes.

I glared down at the ground. "I– I need to go," I whispered.

"Maybe I can escort you?"

"That's not a good idea... My Clan wouldn't be happy."

He frowned. "Farewell, Silversong. I'll see you soon." And with that, he padded away, leaving me alone.

~~~

779 words:)