Marshpaw's POV

Marshpaw's claws flexed as he yawned, blinking his eyes open slowly.  Marshpaw wasn't exactly excited, he was tired still and didn't want to get up.

"Marshpaw, are you in here?" Badgertail poked her head into the den.

"No." Marshpaw sighed, slowly getting up.

"Falconstar is making an announcement about The Gathering!" Badgertail purred.

"Great." Marshpaw slowly approached his mentor.

"Hurry up then." And with that, Badgertail left.

Badgertail was a bulky, black she cat with a few white streaks in her fur. She had shining blue eyes, white paws and a stub tail, like a badger. Marshpaw looked around, realising that Willowpaw was already gone and slowly following after Badgertail to the large, oak tree in the centre of their territory. Falconstar was perched on a high branch, carefully climbing down and sitting on one of the large roots. Their leader Falconstar was a slender tortoiseshell she cat with a calm voice and amber eyes.

"Today I will be announcing the clanmembers who will be joining Hawkswift at the Gathering." Falconstar informed them,"Those going will be Nettleclaw, Badgertail, Ebonyrose, Eaglestrike, Marshpaw and Willowpaw."

The members of the clan cheered, they were very excited to go... Aside from Marshpaw, he couldn't be bothered with this!

"Aren't you excitement, Marshpaw?" Willowpaw asked, gently pawing at him.

"Not really." Marshpaw sighed.

"Maybe you'll see someone who catches your eye." Willowpaw teased, flicking her tail in his face.

"Willowpaw!" Marshpaw swiftly turned to her.

"I hope neither of you get any ideas." Hawkswift looked down at the pair.

"Oh, we won't." Willowpaw purred, slyly winking at Marshpaw.

Hawkswift was a slender, greyish brown Tom cat with muddy, green eyes and snowy, white paws.

"Good." Hawkswift placed his paw on Willowpaw's back,"Come, let's return to the medicine den."

"Alrighty!" Willowpaw smiled as the pair walked off.

"This is going to be a long day." Marshpaw thought to himself as the other cats began to disperse.

*The night of The Gathering*

Marshpaw stayed closed to Willowpaw, trying to stay unnoticed as he followed the others cats through the forest, under the ivy curtain and into the clearing. Marshpaw watched as Falconstar hopped into the large rock to stand with her fellow leaders and he stood, waiting to The Gathering to begin.