Lighttail's Courage (A Warrior Cats fan fiction)

Chapter twenty

Two moons passed, and the clans were finally okay again. Greenleaf had arrived, and after a long, harsh leaf-bare the beautiful trees and returning prey was good for all the clans. The past two moons had been full of rebuilding and settling back to regular life. Lighttail had made Julie, (now Jewelheart, which was Julie's choice of name,) her new deputy, and with her help LightClan became strong again. 

After many Gatherings, meetings, and sideline conversations with the other clans they had sorted everything out, wrongs had become right, and clan life was peaceful for now. Lighttail watched from her new den as her clan began to settle in, the sun sinking down from the sky, until the clearing was covered in the soft glow of dusk.

 Brightheart chatted with Daisy as always, while three new kits, born from Dandelionclaw and Icefur, were being herded into the nursery for bed. Two apprentices, Redpaw and Bravepaw were tussling across the clearing, and the elders sat at the edge of their dens, soaking up the remains of the sunlight. A group of warriors came through the gorse barrier, carrying prey to add on their already growing fresh kill pile, and satisfaction warmed Lighttail's heart as she recalled that nobody would grow hungry tonight. 

The night was warm and beautiful, with moonlight brimming down on the clearing. A beautiful breeze blew through the clearing, and Lighttail, excitement wriggling through her at the thought of getting her nine lives tomorrow, was about to head off to bed when Barkfur called down to her. "Hey Lighttail! Want to go on a walk?" He asked, jumping up on the ledge where her den was.  Lighttail nodded; she knew that if she went to bed without stretching her legs she'd wake up stiff for the long journey the next day. She followed Barkfur as he jumped down from the ledge, and Lighttail called out to Jewelheart as she trailed her friend through the gorse barrier "I'll be right back!" She mewed, and Jewelheart nodded in understanding before turning back to her prey. 

 "Where are we going?" Lighttail mewed to Barkfur as they raced through the trees that  had once been dead and bare but were now brimming with beautiful leaves. "Just follow me!" Barkfur mewed, and with a shrug Lighttail followed, until they reached the route that led to the lake. Barkfur lead her up against the trail until they arrived at the shore of the lake. As Lighttail looked over the water she felt the breath leave her, and she let out a gasp.

 "Oh Barkfur... Its beautiful..." She mewed breathlessly. The moon was brimming over the water, sending beautiful ripples across the shore. The gorgeous night breeze blew through them, and Barkfur suddenly took a step towards her, until their pelts were touching. "Lighttail," he began, before laughing softly and shaking his head. Lighttail stared into his amber eyes, reflecting the moonlight off the water, and was hoping with all her might that Barkfur might ask her what she was longing to hear.

 "Lighttail, I love you. Will you make me so happy and be my mate?" Barkfur mewed, his voice thick with emotion. Lighttail's heart burst with happiness and she let out a purr, and rubbing her jaw along his she let out a sigh. "Barkfur, after all we've been through, how can I say no? I love you too." With that the two mates soaked in their love, knowing that with troubles ahead, they would remember and long for this moment forever. Leaning her head on his, Lighttail gave her mate an amused glance. 

"Why did it take you so long? I was thinking I would have to force it out of you." She mewed. Barkfur chuckled. "Well, I knew I loved you Lighttail a little after we left the Striking Stone. I didn't want to tell you when we had so much on our minds... So I waited until everything was okay again... and with you becoming leader, I want you to know I will be the best father to our future kits and mate that I can." Lighttail nudged him lovingly, when a dark thought popped inside her head. 

"Barkfur... You know with me becoming leader... I will probably outlive you." She mewed carefully, heart racing. She prayed that Barkfur wouldn't decide that they couldn't be mates anymore, and she stared into his eyes, searching for answers. Barkfur let out a faint sigh before giving Lighttail a reassuring lick on the shoulder.