The clan, as they found out a few days later, was not called StupidClan but GorseClan and the leader not Idiotstar but Bristlestar. She had welcomed them with open paws, oblivious to the fact why they joined the clan. Snakefang and her siblings were now welcome members.

Bristlestar's paleish grey-brown tabby coat shone like a stream. Snakefang was sure many toms had crushes on her. The leader was beautiful. Snakefang was having second thoughts about the whole 'task' thing they had to do. Addertooth walked up to her. Snakefang knew her brother like the back of her paw. If anyone wanted to be leader, it would be him. So she was sure he would be doing his best to impress Bristlestar.

Adderstar,she thought,has a nice ring to it...

She didn't mind if her brother became the next deputy or not or even leader. She thoughts were cut of by Bristlestar's sing-songy voice booming out across the camp. "We have a kit ready to become an apprentice. Mahoganykit step forward." A small terrified red-brown tom kit walked out of, what Snakefang assumed was,the nursery. A dark-ginger she cat sat out of the nursery, tears of joy and pride streaming down her face. Snakefang knew the she cat, Searflower they called her. Even though she had one, she wondered how 'warrior names' were decided. From her short time in clan, she knew that 'apprentices' getting their 'warrior names' kept their prefix. So take this kit being apprenticed, his name was Mahoganykit. When he is a warrior he'll keep Mahogany-. What will his name be? She thought Mahoganyfur, Mahoganybark? Bristlestar's voice broke through her thoughts. "Mahoganypaw needs a mentor. Viperfrost." Snakefang's sister froze mid-chew. She swallowed awkwardly and gazed up to Bristlestar, speechless. "I know she's been here only for a few days but I'm sure she'll teach him well. Viperfrost, touch noses with Mahoganypaw." Viperfrost walked over and awkwardly touched noses with the new apprentice

********

Bristlestar was furring her sister's bloated stomach when Snakefang appeared in the nursery looking for Bristlestar. "She's far along. I think she's going to have them soon," Bristlestar cooed. Snakefang sat there awkwardly.

"Okay... but I think the clan is waiting for you to address them."

"Oh?" Bristlestar looked surprised. "I wonder what for."

Kaasuk was much more organized.

"Who's Kaasuk?"

Fox dung, did I say that out loud?

"She...was the leader of my group before I came here. I heard stories that she used to be called Smoketail."

"Smoketail?" Bristlestar's eyes darkened with something, perhaps it was regret?

"You know her?"

Bristlestar's answer was quiet and soft.

"She is my daughter."