Crystalstar woke up to the sound of kits mewing, she lifted her head and saw Firekit, Cottenkit, and Leafkit restling close by. "Shew, shew get away from Crystalstar!" Leafdapple scolded, Crystalstar purred and said "Its okay they just want to have fun." But Leafdapple shook her head and replied "You are their leader and they need to learn respect." Crystalstar stretched and stepped out of the dark nursery. The clan was already busy hunting and the apprentices were already heading out with their mentors. "Good morning, Crystalstar." Sootfoot said making his way over "Hello Sootfoot how is the Elders Den?" Crystalstar asked, Sootfoot sighed and replied "Full of gossip, I got today and almost went on the morning patrol." Crystalstar gave him a sympathetic purr, Sootfoot was her mate's father and he had just joined the elders den after many long moons of service. "Have you seen Redstar?" Crystalstar asked, Sootfoot shook his head and said "I bet Threestripe has." (continued)

Crystalstar politely nodded and made her way to the medicine cat den, Threestripe was busy as usual sorting herbs and teaching her apprentice Specklepaw. "And you can put the Feverfew over- Oh hello Crystalstar." Threestripe said, Crystalstar stopped and said "Hello Threestripe and hello Specklepaw." Specklepaw bounced over to Crystalstar and cheerfully replied "Hello, hello, hello isn't it so nice out the bees are humming and the birds are singing!" Specklepaw was always unnaturally happy which made her the perfect medicine cat. "Have you seen Redstar?" Crystalstar asked, Threestripe nodded and said "Yes he went with the hunting patrol this morning he should be back soon." Crystalstar said goodbye to the two medicine cats and went to wait for her mate in the middle of the clearing. When he finally came back he set his plump rabbit on the fresh ki.ll pile and headed over to Crystalstar, "Hello my love how are you?" Redstar said his usually charming twinkle in his eyes (continued)

Crystalstar grew hot under her pelt as she bashfully replied "I'm okay how was hunting?" Redstar smiled and said "Lonely without you." [Part 2 soon]