By The Way [Goldenstar]

The snow was mostly melted and warmth of the sun's rays was welcome as Swiftspirit carefully stepped from the nursery, pale blue gaze sweeping over the camp andnarrowing at the sight of a fox-pelt-clad warrior watching near the edge of camp. Tawnyflare. She'd recognized her from the gathering, and even having fought a different cat with Bearspirit and Magpiesight, none made Swiftspirit more anxious than her former mentor and former Asylum member.

She wanted to be proud that all but one of her kits had been made apprentices. Not worried sick over them. She would've been worried regardless of course, she knew that. But now the clan had seen what the dark forest cats were capable of. Her kits would never know their father because of them. They'd never know true freedom or feel truly at peace so long as they were in camp. They certainly wouldn't be safe, nobody in Windclan was, despite Goldenstar having uneasily accepted their presence. Not that she'd had a choice. No clan did, after how that bloodsoaked gathering had gone.

For a moment anger flashed in Swiftspirit's gaze, her claws digging into the ground. A cat couldn't even go to the fresh-kill pile without being accosted and harassed. And fighting back would only cause more problems. With effort, Swiftspirit forced her fur to lay flat, casting a glance back toward the nursery where Fallowkit slept. She was reluctant to stray too far, just in case, but there was a sunny spot a few tail lengths away that she could sit, at least.