The Proposal [not the movie x3]

[Whiskers]

Rowanheart felt butterflies in his stomach as he padded back to camp with Reedfoot right by his side. He didn't know why he was so nervous to ask Owlstar about the moonglade plan. Even if she said no, it wouldn't be that big a deal. He'd just have to go back to fighting with Frostpaw over and over and over, getting no rest, just worrying about his sons...

Oh yeah, Owlstar had to say yes or it would be the death of him. He didn't like being overdramatic, but honestly, he was so tired that he sometimes wished he was an elder. Then he could just sit around and tell stories and everyone would think he was wise just because of his title. Dear Starclan, that would be the life. Maybe, if this plan didn't work out, that was the backup plan. He could just retire, give up for good. While the idea was very appealling, Rowanheart couldn't help feel disgusted of himself for thinking it. He was only 38 moons! And he was not a quitter.

Dropping off his prey in the fresh-kill pile, Rowanheart licked his lips to erase the taste of his captured vole. Inside his stomach, the butterflies beat their wings along with his heart.

"You ready?" he turned to Reedfoot and uttered this quietly. He didn't wait for a nod, or even a yes though... he simply couldn't wait. He had to get this over with. Rowanheart had to reclaim his health before it was lost forever, trapped somewhere in Frostpaw's vicious smile. With another nervous flick of his tail, he padded toward Owlstar's den and paused by the entrance.

A deep breath filled his lungs and calmed him. At least I know Starclan's on my side, he thought. The ginger warrior let that sentence sink in, and when he was calm enough to produce a steady, confident tone, he stuck his head in the den and meowed, "Owlstar? Reedfoot and I have to talk to you about my apprentice, Frostpaw."

[/size]

[» s a b ø r ]]

Owlstar was laying in her den, trying to catch a nice little nap. Her eyes were closed and her body was curled up. The sleep had almost taken over her when someone had requested her.

"Owlstar? Reedfoot and I have to talk to you about my apprentice, Frostpaw." Owlstar sighed then stood up and came out of her den. "Reedfoot. Rowanheart." She greeted them then sat down. There wasn't enough room in her den for three cats, there was barely enough room for two.

Rowanheart couldn't think that Frostpaw was ready to be a warrior already, could he? Was that why he was here? Owlstar tried, but couldn't find another reason on why why Rowanheart would be here. Unless... Oh, she really did hope that Frostpaw had not died. She shook these thoughts from her head and returned her attention to the two warriors. "So why is it you are here today?" Hopefully this would be quick and she could get back to her napping.

[Pyro]

"You ready?"

After putting her squirrel on the pile, Reedfoot looked up to nod...But Rowanheart was already half-way to Owlstar's den. She trotted up behind him, choosing to remain slightly outdie of the den. After all, it was Rowanheart's apprentice, not hers.

"So why is it you are here today?"

Her heart began to beat faster. This was it. This, according to Rowanheart, would be the the decision that would save or ruin Frostpaw. Should she tell Owlstar about the idea? Or should she let Rowanheart? It was probably best if she gave him an opportunity to speak, as it was his apprentice...But her nature got the better of her and Reedfoot decided to have the first few words.

"Well...As Rowanheart already said, we came here about Frostpaw...Her behavior concerns us, well Rowanheart, very deeply, and we think we may have an idea that could change all that...Something that might put her in line..." Reedfoot trailed off to give Rowanheart an opportunity to jump in.

[Whiskers]

It sounded like Reedfoot was nervous too as she spoke as respectfully as she could. Her voice wasn't steady though and the way she was expressing herself made Rowanheart wonder if she was second guessing her very own plan. He touched his fur delicately to hers as a sign that he was right next to her and there was really no reason to second guess or to worry. What a hypocrite I am, thinking this when I'm probably just as nervous.

Reedfoot trailed off; she must have lost her nerve. Rowanheart took the opportunity up, cleared his throat, and tried to at least sound confident. He started over, from the beginning, to reinforce the fact that Frostpaw's attitude needed to change.

"Owlstar, as you know, Frostpaw is fiercely against all things Starclan. She's gotten worse lately, refusing to train with me, bothering the other apprentices...she has even gone so far as to try and talk Finchpaw out of his position," that was a bit of a lie, though he didn't know that Frostpaw hadn't done that and it was something she would do anyway. "I believe that if she continues this dangerous behavior, she could have a negative effect on Fogclan. That's why Reedfoot and I were brainstorming solutions earlier today and Reedfoot came up with a brilliant idea." He paused to smile at Reedfoot before continuing.

"Reedfoot suggested that Frostpaw accompany the medicine cats on their next journey to the moonglade. Then she can see Starclan's work for herself."

[/size]

[» s a b ø r ]]

Owlstar wondered why Reedfoot was so nervous to talk to her leader. It wasn't like Owlstar bit anyone that didn't have good ideas.

"Owlstar, as you know, Frostpaw is fiercely against all things Starclan. She's gotten worse lately, refusing to train with me, bothering the other apprentices...she has even gone so far as to try and talk Finchpaw out of his position." Owlstar widened her eyes, but let the warrior continue. "I believe that if she continues this dangerous behavior, she could have a negative effect on Fogclan. That's why Reedfoot and I were brainstorming solutions earlier today and Reedfoot came up with a brilliant idea." Yes, there was definitely something going on between the two warriors. They were probably just discovering their blooming love for eachother. Owlstar shook these thoughts from her head, she had more important matters at hand.

"Reedfoot suggested that Frostpaw accompany the medicine cats on their next journey to the moonglade. Then she can see Starclan's work for herself." Owlstar sighed as Rowanheart finished. It was a great plan, but it had many flaws. "Reedfoot, I believe that this plan could work if Frostpaw had even the slightest belief in StarClan. Sadly enough it seems as if she is deep set in her ways. I think that it is a wonderful idea, but I am sorry to say that I doubt it will work. StarClan may or may not show themselves to her. If they don't then she'll just believe she is right. If they do she will believe it was just a dream or that she was seeing things." Owlstar hated to say what she was going to say next but it needed to be done, "I understand she is your apprentice Rowanheart, but how she ended up in FogClan, the clan that believes the most in StarClan, I do not know. It seems as hse belongs with our fellow PineClanners..."

Owlstar hated to admit defeat, but it was for the better of the clan... If Frostpaw was trying to influence other members of the clan, one of them being the medicine cat apprentice, to believe her then she really must be set in her ways. And all of the four clans knew that cats that didn't believe in StarClan belonged in PineClan.

[Pyro]

Reedfoot was crushed.

Completely and utterly crushed. She shouldn't have been...after all Frostpaw was not her apprentice, but Rowanheart's...But it wasn't the possible loss of the apprentice that caused sorrow to wash over her, it was the thought of what that would do to Rowanheart. He had been so happy earlier...Like she had brought him a beacon of hope. Of course now that beacon had been put out. And worst of all, Reedfoot knew Owlstar was right, and agreed with her completely. Frostpaw belonged...somewhere. Definitely not in FogClan...

No. Rowanheart was strong. Thinking that this could push him off the cliff of despair would be like calling him weak! He could take it, right? He'd lost a mate...But he still had his kits, right? As long as he had them, he could get on in life. Eliminating Frostpaw would probably be like lifting a heavy burden from his back.

Still, the she-cat avoided looking at Rowanheart while she nodded her head (though it looked more so to be a nod of defeat than of acceptance). If he took the news badly she didn't want to see it cross his face.

To think. She had been wrong...BOTH of her plans hadn't even made it past crucial points of approval.

[Whiskers]

Rowanheart watched as the light in front of him was cruelly snuffed out, crushed by Owlstar's paw. He felt a surge of sudden displeasure for the leader, but instantly pushed it away, snuffing it out as well, just like his hope had been killed a second ago. Okay, so Owlstar hadn't gone for it right away. But Rowanheart wasn't going to give up just like that. This... this was his final chance at saving Frostpaw. And he needed to save Frostpaw, to save himself, to save the clan. They couldn't kick her out, could they, so they would have to help her, someway, somehow.

Some would call him crazy, trying to help her. After all, Frostpaw was the cat that had forced him to act so cruel and mean. He hated Frostpaw. But it was because of this hatred that Rowanheart needed to try and save her. He needed to do this to redeem himself in Starclan's eyes. If it worked, it would be a win-win; Frostpaw would be happy and a believer, and he would love her... like a daughter even! Of course he would, he'd throw away all their fighting for that!

So, that's why he didn't give up right away. He raised his head and dared to speak again.

"Owlstar, you might be right. This might not work. But there is a chance, albeit a small one, and as long as their is a chance to help my apprentice, I will take that chance! Can't we at least try, Owlstar? Please? I won't give up on her!"

I won't give up. I will purify this clan and I will purify her heart. Then she can talk to Firepaw or Finchpaw or whoever she wants.

He took a deep breath, though it sounded like a sigh. "If it doesn't work though... I promise, I won't bring up something like this again. This will be the last time I ask anything from you Owlstar."

[/size]

[» s a b ø r ]]

"Owlstar, you might be right. This might not work. But there is a chance, albeit a small one, and as long as their is a chance to help my apprentice, I will take that chance! Can't we at least try, Owlstar? Please? I won't give up on her!" Owlstar smiled at Rowanheart and meowed quietly, "You are right Rowanheart. We mustn't give up on her. You may follow up on your plan. If anyone can help Frostpaw it will be StarClan. I was wrong to give up on her so quickly."

Owlstar then turned her attention to Reedfoot. She could tell that the she-cat was down in her spirits because of Owlstar's first response. "It is a brilliant idea, Reedfoot." Owlstar smiled at the she-cat then turned back to Rowanheart.

"If it doesn't work though... I promise, I won't bring up something like this again. This will be the last time I ask anything from you Owlstar." Owlstar let out a snort then meowed, "Don't be silly, Rowanheart! I am your leader. You ask me to do thing, you ask me for guidance, you ask me for favors. It is what I am here for, to lead you. Now, you both are dismissed."

Owlstar smiled at both of them then disappeared in her den, maybe to get a nap. She decided that if she couldn't sleep she would go find Firepaw. If she could sleep she would find him after. She settled down in her den to find that as soon as she closed her eyes she drifted into a light, but fitful sleep.