"Hello there, Rabbitpaw" A dark gray mottled Tom stood in front of her, eyes glowing warmly.

"You're Ashenstar, aren't you?" Rabbitpaw asked. Ashenstar nodded. "Indeed I am"

"Are you here to deliver that....prophecy again?"

"I assume you're getting tired of it?" Ashenstar tilted his head.

"I don't know what it means! Is Wolfpaw going to betray the Clan?" Rabbitpaw questioned.

"All will become clear when the time comes, little one"

"I didn't ask for this!" Rabbitpaw exclaimed. "Not for any of this! I just want to live a normal life, and not have to worry about this"

"Trust me, I wish it were that simple" Ashenstar's gaze softened. "Everything will work out in the end"

Rabbitpaw could only watch as the ancient leader disappeared.

Time had passed by. Rabbitpaw was walking into camp, holding a thrush. She dropped it on the prey pile.

She looked up to see Wolfpaw padding towards her.

What does he want?

She gave the Tom a questioning look as he approached her.

"I see you caught something...uh...nice" Wolfpaw shifted his paws as he spoke awkwardly.

"Did you come here to point out the obvious or are you here for an actual valid reason? 'Cause if not, then go away. I don't want anything to do with you" Rabbitpaw spoke harshly.

Wolfpaw flinched away as if she'd just raked his muzzle with her claws. "I just....wanted to-" He broke off, looking at the ground.

"Badger got you're tongue? Spit it out!" Rabbitpaw hissed.

"I wanted to apologize" He spoke quietly.

"Give me one reason why I should forgive you" Rabbitpaw lashed her tail.

"I don't deserve your forgiveness- I know that! But I still owe you an apology. I should've respected the fact that you forgave Cloudheart"

Rabbitpaw stared at him for a moment. "I had trusted you, to always be there for me. But then you acted like you had to control my life"

"I know....I really am sorry, Rabbitpaw"

After a minute of silence, she finally answered. "I guess I forgive you then...." She mewed

Wolfpaw looked up, eyes glimmering. "Really?"

"Yes" Rabbitpaw rolled her eyes with amusement. She touched noses with him before turning away. "I gotta go see to the elders" She picked up a starling.

Wolfpaw was silent for a moment until she turned away. "Wait!"

Rabbitpaw turned to her head to look at him with a questioning gaze.

"I know you'll be a Warrior in a quarter moon....I just want to say...good luck. On you're assessment"

"Uh.....thanks. I guess" Rabbitpaw offered him a small smile. She turned and walked away, padding into the elders den.

"Hello dear! Is that prey for us?" Pouncefoot sat up, a purr rumbling in his throat.

"Yep! Here you go!" Rabbitpaw set the starling down.

Shelltail heaved herself to her paws and joined the Tom. "I'm certainly not excited for leaf-bare to come again" She mewed.

Rabbitpaw tipped her head to the side. "Why? From what I've heard, it's sounds so cool! I personally can't wait to see the snow!"

"With leaf-bare also comes great troubles" Pouncefoot rasped. "Scarcer prey, snowstorms. And it's so cold! I worry about Rosefall's kits.......they're just newborns. I fear that with the cold and scarce prey, they'll grow hungry and too cold"

Rabbitpaw's ears flattened. She was excited that she had cousins and new kits in the Clan. But Pouncefoot had a point. "I'm sure they'll be okay.....I'll make sure they're happy! I'll go out several times a day to hunt, and sleep with them to keep them warm!"

"Don't overwork yourself, dear" Shelltail mewed softly with an amused purr.

"So do you want me to change the moss on your nest? More feathers? Water? Ticks? Anything you need, just ask me! I don't have anything else to do" Rabbitpaw offered.

"Don't you have to train extra hard for your assessment?" Pouncefoot asked.

"Cloudheart says I've been working hard lately, so she let me off early today. So, I have free time!" She answered.

"So why don't you go rest or hang out with other apprentices?" Shelltail questioned.

"It's more fun gossiping with elders" Rabbitpaw replied.

"Aw, that's cute" Pouncefoot licked her head. "Why though?"

"I like listening to your stories. And I like the company of you two. You're always so welcoming and friendly."

The two elders exchanged glances.

"Well, I suppose I could do with more feathers" Pouncefoot rasped.

"Great!" Rabbitpaw stood up and headed towards the entrance.

"Just promise me one thing, Rabbitpaw"

"Hm?"

"When you're a Warrior, don't forget about us. We like your company too. You promise to come and talk to us?"

"I promise!"