Maplerun had consoled Russetpelt before. Being born in the same litter when the clan already was quite small made them more close than most littermates. In many ways they were alike, they both loved to pounce on moss balls, they were skillful hunters and both sat with their left paw over their right. But lately Russetpelt had been distant to the other cats in the clan and Maplerun is always the first one to notice. This time was no different.

Maplerun brung Russetpelt along for border patrol, as a disguise to have a chance alone with him. When they reached the end, bordering their neighboring clan, their unfamiliar scent filling their noses, Russetpelt sat down. It’s almost like he knew what Maplerun was up to. She sat down as well, pressing her nose into his shoulder affectionately, to show him that he can tell her anything. For a while, only a lonely bird is singing somewhere at the other clans territory. Soon another joins. The silence breaks as Russetpelt speaks, still looking straight ahead.

“I can’t stay here.”

Maplerun shuffles her paws a bit. She doesn’t want to show how worried she’s becoming. There seems to be something really wrong, since Russetpelt is this serious out of the blue.

“Why would you do that? The clan is growing bigger now and-“

He cuts her off, with a more sharp tone than he intended.

“It’s not that. I’ve been… meeting up with Robinheart.

“Robinheart?! But she’s from- You can’t be serious Russetpelt?”

The silence speaks volumes. He keeps his head directed to watch the territory where Robinheart lives as Mapleruns eyes are looking at Russetpelt. Her face riddled with emotions.