The Aftermath [All of RiverClan - IMPORTANT]

Tawnystorm gave Goldpaw a curt nod in return, but said nothing. It wasn't that she didn't like her or anything, it was just that she was to deep in thought to really talk. She turned her attention back to the front, where Crowpaw was trying to justify himself. She wasn't quite sure what to think of this. On one hand, it could be genuine. But on the other, knowing Crowpaw, this could just be a lie to weed himself out of being punished. She hoped it was the first one, but she couldn't be sure of anyone anymore, especially not Crowpaw. So why did she care about him so much? She tried to let the confused thought go from her mind, but couldn't distract herself. Tawnystorm narrowed her eyes, listening. It was possible he was telling the truth, but now, she knew she couldn't trust anyone.

Dewpelt sat there uneasily, she knew the she and her old apprentice were safe but the threat of a fight breaking out any moment kept her on her paws. Dewpelt wanted to fight for those that joined the Dark Forest, saying that they would be loyal now, but how could she when she didn't believe it herself.

Fishstar sat down again and watched Crowpaw through narrowed eyes as he spoke to her. She stayed absolutely quiet and still as his testimony went on, absorbing every word thoughtfully. He had some valid points laid out before him, but Fishstar did not care for the way he was speaking to her. This situation would have to be weighed with great care. Once Crowpaw was finished his speech, the RiverClan leader had to pause for a moment, mulling over everything she'd been told. She couldn't excuse him of the wrongs he'd committed. It would make her look spineless. She'd already let an apprentice off easy for falling in love with a ThunderClan cat once - while the two Clans had been at war, in fact. She knew she couldn't bring down the full brunt of her hate for the Dark Forest, though.

Sighing heftily, the spotted tabby stood up once more, looking into the distance. "Young cats are impressionable. It's why when you are raising kits, it's important to fill their lives with positive role models - So they will be influenced to walk down the same, righteous path when they grow older, just as those they looked up to did before them." Fishstar's gaze met Crowpaw's again, hard and unflinching. "I understand why you feel the way you do - because you were raised under Frostfall's leadership. But I will tell you now, the Dark Forest are not figures you should look up to. They started a war. They got many good cats killed. They chased me and several others out of our homes. They shamed our warrior ancestors in StarClan, who personally have guided me and supported me throughout my entire leadership through turbulent times. StarClan gifted me with nine lives and wisdom to guide you and the rest of the Clan during your lives. They bode us no ill-will, but the Dark Forest does. I can tell you this with utmost sincerity. You have been following a false leader for a moon, whether you knew it or not, and it is inevitable, now that I know where your allegiances had been during the battle, that my trust in you has been thinned quite significantly." She paused for a heartbeat and closed her eyes, giving herself another moment to think. When she opened them again, she continued, "However, I have always believed in second chances. I was a troublesome apprentice, and caused many problems for my mentor, but I was given a second chance when I acted poorly and made foolish mistakes. If I could be pardoned for my wrongs, then you can, as well, because you are young. But I want to make it very clear that if I sense any disloyalty out of you ever again, you will not receive a third chance. I will exile you. Is this understood?"

Fogheart listened to both Fishstar and her apprentice, Crowpaw, discomfort making her itch in her spot. She couldn't say anything. She'd taught Crowpaw those ways, and she had strongly supportd the Dark Forest, if at least in a vain attempt to become stronger. The blind warrior felt another wave of guilt rose in her. There was nothing she could do to defend herself.