#rowanclaw is typically just less confident while still being very calm

[legionairemutt]

TNP CHAPTER 2 Outline

Rowanclaw woke with a start as Cedarheart prodded their side roughly. Their brother complained loudly as the ginger cat blinked awake, telling them they’d be mewling and thrashing like a raging badger as they slept. Rowanclaw stretched, whining that they’d had such strange dreams and it wasn’t their fault they slept awfully. Cedarheart teased Rowanclaw, saying that they’d sleep better if they’d stop getting their tail in a twist about every little noise in the forest. Tawnyshade spoke up from nearby, snapping at Cedarheart to stop teasing Rowanclaw for nightmares. 

Rowanclaw curls in on themselves slightly as Cedarheart and Tawnyshade begin arguing between each other, noting how much it made their heart flutter when Tawnyshade came to their defense. They knew it was ridiculous, as Tawnyshade had expressed she had no interested in silly crushes or relationships when she’d first joined the clan. Still, Rowanclaw couldn’t help but admire the confident molly, though they tried to justify their feelings as simple respect for a talented warrior. 

Brownfleck poked his head into the den suddenly, growling at the young warriors to quit yapping like chatty foxes and to get up. Cedarheart complained loudly that they hadn’t been assigned patrols yet, so they had no need to hurry anywhere. Brownfleck retorted that they wouldn’t want to experience Russetfur’s wraith in having to wake them up to hear the patrol assignments for the night. The young warriors all agree, padding out of the den. 

Rowanclaw notes that even in the supposed darkness of the night, the moon illuminated the shadowy hollow as if it were day. They much preferred the night time, as most ShadowClan cats did, but was well aware that their red pelt made them a better Day-Walker. They was often assigned to the morning and afternoon patrols, and had taken to resting through the evening. Still being expected to get up for Russetfur’s patrol assignments left them slightly sleep deprived, however, as they often struggled to go back to sleep once the moon was out. 

They shook the needles from their fur after they padded out of the den, padded close after Tawnyshade as the three warriors went to gather around the rotting stump Russetfur had claimed as her own ‘high place’ to announce things. Rowanclaw noted Blackstar was lodging up in the High Pine, vigilantly watching his clanmates. Rowanclaw supressed a purr as Blackstar nodded at them directly. They were surprised when Cedarheart huffed beside them, but when they turned to look, Cedarheart stared strictly forward at Russetfur. 

The ginger molly yowled to get the attention of the cats gathered, despite them all being mostly quiet. The gossip and prey sharing often didn’t start until Russetfur’s announcements were over, though some of the more chatty cats had been whispering. 

Rowanclaw noted that the queens were hanging around outside the nursery. Most of the kits were far too young to be out at night, so small they’d easily be carried away by owls. The entire clan had become strict about the protection of the young cats, especially after Brokenstar’s reign. 

Nightwing smiled and nodded her head in greeting at Rowanclaw, and they waved their tail at their brother’s mate. Cedarheart huffed again beside them, though this time they chose to ignore it, instead focusing on Russetfur as she began to speak. 

Russetfur assigned the night patrols first, naming Flintfang patrol leader to WindClan, with Brownfleck and Snowbird assigned with him. Wetfoot was assigned to dawn Thunderclan patrol, with Rowanclaw, Snakepaw, and Nightwhisper assigned with him. Rowanclaw winced at that. Nightwhisper was also a hard cat to deal with, especially with his occasional commentary about Tigerstar. He had proven to be quite a loyal warrior, but he didn’t seem to want to let the past go. Assigning him to Thunderclan felt like a bad decision to Rowanclaw, but they kept it to themselves, trusting Russetfur’s decisions. 

After the hunting patrols had been assigned for the night, the cats were dismissed and began to filter either out of camp, back to the dens, or to the prey pile. Before Rowanclaw could really move, they felt a long presence press against their side and looked over to see Tawnyshade smiling down at them. The large molly practically dwarfed them in size, and they had to admit it made them nervous. 

Tawnyshade offered Rowanclaw a chance for a nightly stroll, stating she wanted to spend time with them. Ratscar’s snickering made Rowanclaw’s pelt burn, but they assured themselves Tawnyshade just wanted to spend time as friends. They quickly agreed, more than happy to go with her. 

As the two left camp, Rowanclaw took a deep breath, taking in the comforting scents of pine and marsh. Tawnyshade remarked that it was always relaxing to be in the forest at night. Rowanclaw agrees, stating that they always liked to be in the dark, it always felt safer to be blanketed by the night sky than be picked out by the blazing sun. Tawnyshade commented about the old stories her mother used to tell, about the ancient cats that spent so much time in the shadows it stained their pelts and sharpened their senses and claws. Rowanclaw tells her their mother used to tell them ShadowClan cats were descending from the ancient tigers. 

The brief reminder of TigerClan caught up with both of them and Tawnyshade let out a heavy sigh. She admits to Rowanclaw she is still worried about the clans, and Rowanclaw hesitates. They open up quickly after, admitting to Tawnyshade that they too worried. The forest had yet to recover from the BloodClan battle, and Rowanclaw fears it was affecting all cats in ShadowClan the hardest. 

They recount how they’d been told by Blackstar and Russetfur that many of the senior and older warriors expressed a reluctance to have more kits. Brownfleck, Wetfoot, and Ratscar especially didn’t want to have kits, after their experience training under Brokenstar. So many of their clanmates had died of the sickness, the battles, and the brutal training that ShadowClan was the smallest clan in the forest. 

Tawnyshade asks whether they were thinking of letting in outsiders and Rowanclaw nods, stating that Russetfur had reluctantly suggested it as a potential alternative. Tawnyshade says it isn’t a terrible idea, though she admits that it would take special care to find the right kind of cats to fight in with the clans properly. She didn’t mind rogues, saying she almost admired their freedom, but she worried about those who would join just for easy food and not respect the warrior code as they should. 

Rowanclaw agrees, mentioning that some of the Bloodclan cats were still around twoleg place. They’d apparently regrouped, according to rumors from local kittypets, and were actively recruiting more cats. Tawnyshade asked if they were worried about them attacking the clans again, and Rowanclaw hesitantly confirms that yes, it was a concern. Blackstar was reluctant to mention it at the gatherings just yet, as he had no doubt the other clans would accuse him of working with these rogues. Especially if he couldn’t say where the information came from. 

Tawnyshade let the news sink in for a moment, before agreeing that Blackstar shouldn’t tell them just yet, at least not so publicly. She mentioned how it would be wiser to inform each leader separately. Laughing suddenly, she remarks how its admirable how much Russetfur and Blackstar trusted Rowanclaw with such important information. Rowanclaw, flustered, asked what she meant by that, remarking that they thought these conversations happened with most of the other warriors. Tawnyshade shakes her head, informing Rowanclaw that no, Blackstar rarely shared information with even his senior warriors. Flintfang and Wolfstep were quite vocal about it. 

Rowanclaw said they hadn’t realized, and wasn’t entirely sure why Russetfur and Blackstar often informed him of such information. Tawnyshade mentions quickly that Finchflight had told her about what it used to be like, how in Cedarstar and Raggedstar’s eras, the deputy and leader would often choose a young warrior to prepare for future leadership. Tawnyshade suggests that maybe Blackstar is attempting to go back to old traditions, though Rowanclaw quickly denied it, saying there was no way they were trying to prepare them for leadership. 

Tawnyshade tilts her head, asking why Rowanclaw doesn’t think it would be them. Rowanclaw rants for a moment, stating how there are plenty of other young warriors far more qualified. Wildfur is tenacious and confident, as well as charming. Cedarheart is an amazing fighter, as well as super intelligent. Nightwing is a super compassionate cat, and amazing at organizing things. They mention that Tawnyshade would be a much better pick to prepare, seeing as they were all those things and more and generally an amazing warrior. Tawnyshade shakes her head quickly, stating she has absolutely no interest in ever leading a clan. She informs Rowanclaw that they are  a good pick, as they’re observant and focus much more on supporting their clanmates and upholding the warrior code than fighting and convincing people to like them. When Rowanclaw argues that they’re too timid to ever be a leader and that they aren’t sure anyone would support them, Tawnyshade leans close, pressing their foreheads together as she states she would always support them. 

Rowanclaw feels their fur burning, and stares into Tawnyshade’s pine green eyes for a long time. Tawnyshade purrs, backing up and teasing Rowanclaw about freezing up like a mouse. Rowanclaw stammers that they get nervous about pretty mollies, immediately panicking before Tawnyshade laughs about the compliment. Tawnyshade says while she likes them, she wants them to try a little harder than one nervous compliment before she’ll agree to be mates. Without waiting for a reply, Tawnyshade suggests the head back, noting she has to leave for a hunting patrol soon. 

Rowanclaw agrees, their mind racing with thoughts of a future with Tawnyshade as they head back to camp. Tawnyshade bids them farewell with a brush of their shoulders and Rowanclaw nearly trips over Newtspeck where she and Boulder had been crouched sharing a frog. Newtspeck snaps at the young warrior to pay attention, commenting on the fact that they were always so dazed.  The two share a silent glare, before Newtspeck remarks that Russetfur was looking for them. Boulder lets out a rusty purr, remarking how Russetfur and Blackstar had certainly taken an interest in Rowanclaw’s position as a warrior. Rowanclaw hummed in agreement, the gray tom’s praise warming them slightly. They turned to Newtspeckasking about why Blackstar would be involving him in more political matters. 

Newtspeck confirms that its the old Shadowclan tradition of preparing the next leader, and remarks she surprised Rowanclaw was picked. Rowanclaw agrees, saying they thought it was odd, but wasn’t about to question the leader, let alone disappoint him. Newtspeck expresses some admiration for the honesty, though snaps that the young warrior should have a little more confidence. 

Rowanclaw quickly bids the cats farewell, slightly annoyed with themselves for their awkward interactions with Newtspeck. They padded towards the roots of the Great Pine, where Blackstar’s den was carved into the ground. 

They ducked in, taken in the rich bark smell as they called out to announce their presence. Russetfur called them in, telling them to hurry up because she was fed up waiting for them. Rowanclaw apologized, to which Blackstar asked about their stroll with Tawnyshade. Rowanclaw stammers their reply and Blackstar and Russetfur share a mild look of amusement. 

Blackstar begins to talk more about the issue of rogues, saying he’d like to send a patrol to scout out kittypets and loners who might be interested in joining. Russetfur mentions the former clan cat who lived on the farm, Raven, as a potential candidate, but Rowanclaw interjects, expressing how they weren’t sure a cat that left the clans would want to return, especially to a different clan. Russetfur agrees, though still thinks its worth a try at the very least. 

Blackstar reminds her they’d have to get Tallstar’s permission to cross, and he wasn’t keen on intruding on the old tom’s territory so soon after things had calmed. Rowanclaw quickly mentions it might be a good time to inform Tallstar of the Bloodclan worries, especially in a more private setting. Blackstar asks if they thinks he should contact each leader individual and Rowanclaw confirms, though adds that even sending a warrior to do so would also be acceptable. Blackstar agrees, mentioning that him waltzing into another clans territory could be taken as a threat. He asks if Rowanclaw would be up to the task, remarking that he’d prefer if they completed it before the next gathering. Rowanclaw quickly agrees, though does ask why Blackstar trusts them so much. Blackstar simply says Rowanclaw has the traits of a trustworthy warrior, and one who cares for their clan. Overwhelmed by the praise, Rowanclaw thanks their leader, and Blackstar dismisses them, allowing them to go prepare for their patrols. 

Later, Rowanclaw complains loudly to Wetfoot that the greenleaf sun was starting to get unbearable. Rowanclaw had always preferred the leafbare temperatures, though they had to admit the lack of prey was a downside. Nightwhisper mocks them, stating they’d probably much prefer being a kittypet where thye could enjoy the snow while still having a full belly. Rowanclaw huffs, stating that they’d never be a kittypet, as they enjoy the freedom of the forest far too much. 

Nightwhisper argues that some rogues consider the clans just as much of a trap as a kittypet’s den, and Wetfoot interjects, saying clearly Nightwhisper doesn’t believe that’s true since he stayed. Snakepaw mimics his mentor, mentioning the fact that Nigthwhisper even brought Kinkpaw into the clans because he loved the ‘den trap’ so much. Nightwhisper admits he enjoys ShadowClan, though he doesn’t quite get every aspect of ShadowClan life just yet. 

As the patrol approaches the ThunderClan border, Wetfoot stops by the Thunderpath the explain the danger to Snakepaw. Rowanclaw tuned out quickly, having heard the lecture many times. Their attention was peaked as a Thunderclan patrol strolled up. He quickly recognized Thornclaw, Sandstorm, and Brambleheart, followed by a rather tall, but thin cat, whom Rowanclaw guessed was just an overgrown apprentice. 

Beside him, Nightwhisper purred. He remarked about the similarities between Brambleheart and Tigerstar, mentioning that the two were hardly distinguishable by this point. Rowanclaw watched with tnesion in their back as Nightwhisper grinned viciously at Brambleheart. They felt bad, as the young warrior seemed to flinch away before locking eyes with them. Rowanclaw tried to make their gaze sympathetic, though they were quickly reminded of the way Tawnyshade smiles when Brambleheart smiled softly and waved. 

Rowanclaw bristled, realizing they’d been practically glaring at him just trying to see and they ducked their head, turning to Wetfoot to avoid the embarassment. It was then Wetfoot actually noticed the ThunderClan patrol, having been absorbing in the lecture he was giving Snakepaw. Unfortuantely, that was when Sandstorm deciding to yowl across to them, telling Wetfoot to move his patrol along. Wetfoot muttered that they’d been loitering with their apprentice as well, before yowling back, saying as much. Wetfoot turned to back to the patrol and nodded, saying he didn’t particularly want to argue with cats who’d been hit with far too many branches to have any sense. Nightwhisper let out a purr and Rowanclaw shot one last glance back at the ThunderClan patrol, seeing them also moving on. 

The patrol was nearly over by the time something eventful happened, with a kittypet named Luna sniffing casually around the forest edge. Nightwhisper padded straight up to her, his tail flicking in amusement. The kittypet immediately bristled, hissing and assuming a natural fighting stance. Rowanclaw noted that it would still have been easier to take her own, though she seemed like she at least had the guts to put up a fight. Nightwhisper greets her calmly, telling her she’s crossed onto Clan territory. The molly seems puzzled, and Wetfoot, sensing she wanted to talk their ear off with questions, remarks that they don’t have time right now to teach her. Luna rolls her eyes, asking if they were gonna claw her ears off just for sniffing. 

Rowanclaw quickly interjects, stating they won’t drive her off unless she starts hunting, but warns that unless you know your way around the forest, it’s dangerous with the clans and predators like foxes. They don’t want to scare her, just inform her its safer with her housefolk. Luna sighs but agrees saying she just wanted to stretch her paws and run around a bit. She remarks if its this much trouble she doesn’t want it, having already been chased away from the farms by hostile clan cats. 

Luna turns and leaves and Wetfoot hisses that Rowanclaw was much too soft on the house cat, accusing them of being soft in general and not defending the territory. Nightwhisper hushes him, pointing out the the kittypet left willingly, so theres no real need to be hostile. 

Rowanclaw thanks Nightwhisper quietly on the way back, to which the ex-rogue replies they owe him, but to worry about it later. The gratitude turns to stones in their gut.