Heartstar's rise : Book Two

Ch. 37

Heartstorm smelt the light scent of WindClan and heard the rushing water. 

                "You alright?" Eelfrost peered at Heartstorm. Heartstorm broke out of his thoughts. 

                  "Yeah yeah," he assured Eelfrost. Eelfrost shrugged. "You don't seem right." 

                  "It's nothing, just got distracted," Heartstorm forced a smile. Eelfrost turned to Greyspeck and Softcry. 

                   "I'm the leader of this patrol," he announced proudly and for the tenth time. "So I say, Softcry, you go mark that way. Greyspeck, check for WindClan cats. I'll mark this part and Heartstorm you too." Softcry rolled her eyes at her son but padded away. Eelfrost turned to Heartstorm with a grin. 

                    "It's so fun bossing everyone around," he grinned. "I understand why Silverdrop does it." Heartstorm didn't appreciate Eelfrost making fun of Silverdrop but couldn't help but smile slightly. They reached the river bank, gazing at the other side where the moor stretched out. They marked the border quickly. 

                       "You're not talking much," Eelfrost pointed out. 

                         "Yeah, it's nothing," Heartstorm said.        

                          "Is it about Wolfstep?" asked Eelfrost more softly. "I know.... he was a great warrior. But..., he wouldn't want you to be sad. You've got to brighten up..., be the warrior RiverClan needs you to be." Heartstorm couldn't help but feel a little sense in what his best friend was telling him. 

                       "You know Eelfrost, I think, for the first time, you're actually right," Heartstorm said. Eelfrost made a face, slightly hurt but grinned. 

                      "Thanks," he said, flicking his tail. 

                        "Since when are you all intelligent and wise?" teased Heartstorm. But Eelfrost took him seriously. He bend over and looked around. He lowered his voice. 

                        "I think Deerflame will like me better this way," admitted Eelfrost. "She doesn't really like jokers." Heartstorm rolled his eyes and laughed. He knew there was something going on between Deerflame and Eelfrost and found it quite funny how each came to talk to him about the other. 

                        "Really?" Heartstorm raised his eyebrows. "I think she likes you just as you are." 

                         "But she's all into rules and stuff! I'm not really. From now on, I'm going to be more mature," Eelfrost stated with a frown. Heartstorm snorted. 

                          "As if," he rolled his eyes. Softcry and Greyspeck joined them. 

                            "No sign of WindClan," said Greyspeck. Heartstorm was glad WindClan wasn't giving them trouble either. They made their way back to camp, a cold wind blew. Heartstorm shivered. He had been getting used to the warm weather, taking it for granted. But it would be leaf-fall soon. Heartstorm didn't want to think about the cold. They slipped into camp and Eelfrost headed straight to report to Reedpelt or Thornstar. Heartstorm headed for the medicine den to visit Hawkpaw. He had been visiting Hawkpaw daily. Hawkpaw still had a quarter moon in the medicine den. Frogleap had suggested a bit of rest even after going out of the medicine den with his parents. When Heartstorm entered the den, it was crowded. Hawkpaw's whole family crouched beside his nest. Stripedfur was watching her son sadly and worriedly, her tail twitching slightly. Moorpelt looked sadder and more scared than Heartstorm had ever seen him. Rosepaw and Dustpaw were peering at Hawkpaw cautiously. Stripedfur turned to see Heartstorm. She gave him a weak smile. Moorpelt moved aside so Heartstorm could squeeze in and watch Hawkpaw. He felt slightly awkward.