Two cents' worth

Two cents’ worth is an off-camera scene, from a hunting trip taken by Cottonwhisker and Flamesong of ThunderClan, regarding the latter’s son, Frostkit.

In character, it took place on the 23rd day of the Moon of First Fishing (2007).

Out of character, it was written by Willow.

Two cents’ worth

Flamesong crouched and stalked forward, all her senses alert for any disturbance that might spook her prey – a squirrel skittering through the undergrowth. The she-cat stepped, paused, stepped again. Finally she sprung, unsheathed claws burying themselves on the squirrel’s flesh as she killed it with a bite to the neck.

She raised her head from the fresh-kill just in time to see Cottonwhisker approach, a thrush and a mouse dangling from her jaws. The older cat stopped as she came up to Flamesong, dropping her prey. “Good catch, Flamesong.”

The dusky queen was wary. Cottonwhisker had brought her on a hunting patrol, but it wasn’t hard to see there was more to this than a mere hunt. She preferred to feign ignorance – maybe the deputy would drop whatever the issue was.

There was the scent of mouse to her right, away from Cottonwhisker. With a single acknowledging nod, Flamesong veered in that direction, intent on the scent.

“Drop it, Flamesong. We will hunt more later.” Cottonwhisker’s mew was serene, yet there was an edge of authority to it. Resisting the urge to disobey the calico, Flamesong looked over her shoulder at her clanmate.

“What?”

Cottonwhisker sighed. Flamesong’s defensiveness wasn’t going to help. Sitting down, she curled her patched tail around her front paws. “Sit. We have to talk.”

Reluctantly, the younger queen turned completely around and sat, tail tip tapping the ground in an impatient gesture. “What is it, Cottonwhisker?” What have I done now?

The petite calico took her time replying. Sky-blue eyes searched Flamesong’s. “Frostkit will be apprenticed soon. He is almost six moons old.”

The reply was caustic. “Yes. I know that. And?”

Cottonwhisker refrained from sighing again. This was going to be harder than she had thought. “He will be an apprentice, Flamesong. Frostkit is old enough to have some freedom – which you aren’t giving him. He can’t grow up to be a strong warrior if you keep him by your side at all times. His mentor will need you to step back.”

At last, it appeared to sink in. Flamesong’s right ear twitched nervously. Her green eyes dodged Cottonwhisker’s. “Can you… Can you convince Bloodstar to let me mentor my son? Please, Cottonwhisker?” Her tone was pleading. Cottonwhisker was taken aback by the sheer anxiousness on Flamesong’s mew. If Bloodstar could see her now, sure as sure Flamesong would never get to mentor a twig, much less her own son.

It was heart-wrenching, but Cottonwhisker had to be direct. She couldn’t let Flamesong abash herself like this. Soon enough, she would be begging Bloodstar to let her mentor Frostkit.

“Flamesong.” The brisk tone pulled the small queen back to reality. Cottonwhisker continued, keeping her voice calm and kind. “Frostkit needs to be part of the clan. He will never manage it if you don’t let anyone get close to him. If you are the only cat he places trust on, imagine what will happen if anything happens to you? Frostkit will be helpless as well. He is ThunderClan. We look after our own, but you must let Frostkit be part of it.” She paused, collecting her thoughts. “I’m sure Bloodstar will find the best possible mentor for him, don’t worry. Also, the clan needs you. You have been neglecting your duties. Frostkit is old enough to be left behind when you go hunting and patrolling.”

Flamesong had suffered through the speech, looking submissive and hurt, but the last words caused her to interrupt. “But–”

Cottonwhisker cut her short. She was quickly losing her patience, and there was a steely expression on her normally gentle eyes. “No buts. You have duties as a warrior and a member of ThunderClan. Coldgaze wouldn’t like to know you are acting like a spoiled kittypet, not with your heritage and your mentor. ThunderClan is made of brave, capable cats. Frostkit shows more independence than you do, Flamesong! Bloodstar and I are counting on you to be an excellent example to your kit as he grows up. Continue acting like this, and you will let the whole clan down. A weak clan will not be able to protect their young – Frostkit included. Act like the full grown warrior you are, and you and Frostkit will be fine. Else, you will endanger us all.”

Rising to her paws, Cottonwhisker shook herself. “I’m sorry, but this is true. Do whatever you will. But don’t expect the clan’s support if you don’t contribute. Your choice, Flamesong.”

Picking her two pieces of fresh-kill, Cottonwhisker trotted away toward camp. Left behind, Flamesong choked back a frustrated growl. But… I’m doing my share…