Gingerkit

Pondstar

The river separated the two clan's territories, Treeclan and Waterclan. Gingerpaw was following Willowpaw along their side of the bank when a yowl of greeting made Gingerpaw prick up her ears.

Three cats stood on the opposite bank; two she-cats and a small tom.

"Greetings, Pondstar!" Willowpelt meowed to the she-cat standing at the head of the border patrol. Gingerpaw gasped. So she was looking at the leader of a rival clan!

Pondstar was a pretty cat, with tortoiseshell brown and white fur.

The she-cat on her left was completely black save for her white paws, chest and belly, and muzzle.

The tom on Pondstar's right was young: he looked about Gingerpaw's size. He was a fierce, glowing orange, not unlike Gingerpaw, who's pelt was slightly paler. His big bushy orange tail and thin muzzle made him look like a fox.

Pondstar turned to the cats beside her. Gesturing to the she-cat, you meowed, "This is Whitefoot my deputy, and Foxpaw. He's coming on very well as an apprentice."

"I'm happy to hear it," Willowpelt replied politely. "I'm glad that both our clans are thriving. There's no shortage of prey in the forest."

"No. Nor in our river." Pondstar agreed.

"Come on," Willowpelt turned to her apprentice. "Let's get back to camp."

"Wait!" Pondstar called. "I didn't catch the young cat's name."

"Oh. I'm- I'm Gingerpaw."

"Happy hunting then, Gingerpaw. May the forest fill with prey to keep your clan healthy."

Gingerpaw was surprised by the Waterclan leader's friendliness. "You too, Pondstar."

Gingerpaw tore her eyes away from Foxpaw and followed her mentor towards the Treeclan camp. Why had the young apprentice been gazing at her so intensely? It felt like he could see through her, into her soul. She shook her head to clear away the thought. It wasn't as if she hadn't been staring at him either.