Homecoming

"I... Came seeking forgiveness," Swanpaw admitted slowly, lifting her head to look at the leader. "I understand if you don't wish to accept me. I was out of line, and even if I'm no longer welcome here I wanted to apologize for the things I said and the way I acted. Not just the last time I was here, but... Before that." She had been bitter and resentful when there had been no reason to be. "RiverClan is my home, and I... I couldn't abandon it again." She had tried. Dear StarClan, she had tried. But in the end it had just led her here again, and this time she was willing to stay.

"As long as I draw breath, there will always be a place for one born of our clan in these territories. Of course you are welcome back, this is your home as much as it is mine." Ivystar cut off any doubts that might linger in the she-cat, making it clear to all of her clanmates that Swanpaw was not to be chased out or doubted. However, welcoming back was the easy part, finding her a place amongst a clan that had endured moons without her presence? Now that was another matter. "However, it has been several moons since you have trained under a warrior, thus you will need to retrain in the ways of an apprentice. And though you are welcome here, to become a warrior, you must prove your loyalty to not just me, but the whole clan. A clan divided is a clan fallen. Do you understand, Swanpaw?"

Swanpaw felt her like her heart might burst. "Of course, Ivystar. I understand." It wouldn't be easy, of course not. She didn't want it to be easy. But she was home, and that was what mattered.