The five Warrior Clans are going extinct. Gatherings and Moonpool visits are inacessable, with leaders falling left and right. The lake territories are being wiped out to the brink of extinction by new, large predators that have migrated into their...
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"Hey Crescentsky."
Next mid-morning, Crescentsky was napping just inside the warriors den. The rain hadn't tapered off yet. Instead, it beat against the den walls with surprising force as she lifted her head.
"Lagoonstripe sent out an early-morning hunting patrol earlier, and I did it! I caught all of the prey, Crescentsky! Do you want to come see?"
Tinyflame woke with a start beside her. The little she-cat's nest was only a few mouse-lengths from Crescentsky's.
"What's this about?" Her sister sounded cross at Rainpaw's arrival. She'd been in the middle of a nap as well. Crescentsky thought that Tinyflame's deep chest punctures were taking longer to heal than her own injuries.
Guilt searing her pelt, she sat up and leaned over to give her a reassuring lick.
"Rainpaw just came to tell me about her assessment." She didn't bother trying to explain any further, and thankfully Tinyflame didn't ask.
"Oh. Well, you should've told me."
Despite her ire, Tinyflame stayed awake to watch, violet eyes staring across from the moss that was bundled up to her chin.
"I don't need to see the prey. I believe you," the tabby-and-white warrior told Rainpaw.
"Now, before I say the words to the ceremony let me make sure that I've picked a suitable name."
While she was speaking, Trufflefur walked into the den.
"You came!" Rainpaw turned around to touch noses with him, her tail quivering.
"Yes, but we must hurry. Sootface just went to the dirtplace, so he'll be back soon."
Tinyflame's eyes widened at that, and she looked around the gloomy den-space, but no other cat was there.
"I'm not picky, Crescentsky. As long as it sounds normal, I don't mind." Rainpaw sat down and curled her tail around her paws.
"You deserve more than that. You deserve a name that represents you." Trufflefur didn't hesitate when he said it.
The smooth den walls were a rich woody brown, since most of the structure was made from woven tree branches. They almost matched Trufflefur's auburn pelt, making him nearly indistinguishable. His name certainly suits him.
"I've got a few ideas. If I may give a suggestion, Crescentsky." Trufflefur padded close enough to whisper into her ear. He kept his voice so quiet that even Tinyflame couldn't hear, although she still leaned forward to try to.
