Gingerkit

The Leaders Speak

"Cats of the clans," Windstar yowled so that every cat could hear him. "Swiftclan is sad to announce that one of our elders, Whitenose, has died. She lived a long life and was not sad to leave."

Low meows of sadness vibrated around the clearing from the assembled cats.

"However," Windstar continued. "We hope that the coming of Newleaf will bring us new kits and more prey."

Crowstar stepped forwards. "Nightclan has had no deaths or indeed any sad events to speak of. The pine forest of ours is full of prey and our clan is thriving." He gazed around at the cats. "However," he reminded them. "This time of prosperity for Nightclan does not mean we will be relaxing border patrols. Any cat caught across our borders will be punished as is to be expected from Nightclan.

"Thank you, Crowstar." Featherstar meowed as he took the other leader's place. "Treeclan is proud to announce that we have three new apprentices. Lionpaw, Gingerpaw and Snowpaw."

All four clans yowled greetings to the apprentices. From beside Foxpaw, Gingerpaw lifted her chin with pride and caught side of Lionpaw doing the same and Snowpaw ducking her head in embarrassment.

"Our territory is prey-rich and all of our cats are healthy and well-fed." Featherstar finished, and stepped amongst the other leaders and Pondstar padded forwards.

"Waterclan has two new warriors," she yowled, pride audible in her voice. "We welcome Gorsefoot and Brackenfur to our warrior's den."

Gingerpaw and Foxpaw cheered for the two warriors.

"And we have a new apprentice, Foxpaw." Foxpaw lifted his head in surprise at being mentioned .

Gingerpaw cheered quietly for Foxpaw so she wouldn't send him home deaf.

"That is all the clan leaders have to say." yowled Featherstar. "The time for conversing has come." And with that, he turned to Windstar and began discussing the best way to catch a mouse in strong winds.