Hailwind looked confused- hurt, even. But she ignored it.

  "M-Me?" Cypresspaw questioned, looking confused. Softheather nodded, and the apprentice sent Hailwind an apologetic gaze.

  "Alright, meet me at the river." Cypresspaw said as he turned around to finish the task he was doing.

  Softheather turned around. She could still feel the weight in her heart from the fight.

   But she started walking, and soon she was at the river. She sat down and tried to calm herself.

  Soon, Cypresspaw moved in to sight and sat down next to her.

  "Whats bothering you, Softheather? You look... angry?" He asked, looking at her with worry

  Softheather huffed. "It's Spottedrose. I finally talked to her, but shes so mouse brained!" She said, getting louder with each word.

  Cypresspaw put his tail on her back. "Calm down, Softheather. Lets talk about this. What happened?" He asked quietly.

  Softheather sighed and looked down at her paws. "Well, ever since the rouge fight... Spottedrose has been different." She murmured quietly.

  Cypresspaw nodded. "Yeah, lots of cats agree. They think it's because of Mintspirit."

  "But its not!" She burst out. Then she duck her head. "Sorry, Cypresspaw."

  He shook his head. "No, continue. What do you think?"

  She sighed. "Well, we just got into an argument. She got mad at me because she thinks i always have to be the center of attention, and im squirrelstars favorite out of us... she says i never talk to my sisters anymore." She said, her head hung low.

  "Do you?" Cypresspaw asked quietly.

  "Ive... its just been... ive been busy!" She bursted out. Cypresspaw nodded.

  "I've noticed. Tell me what else she said."

  Softheather looked out across the river, noticing the small fish. "She called me a try hard." She whispered. "She told me we dont have to try anymore. She said now that Swanstars gone, she doesnt have to pretend anymore, and she can be herself."

  "Your not a try hard, Softheather. And no cat thinks that." He murmured.

  "Briarcloud does. Thats what Spottedrose said. And after she said that, i told her to listen to herself. I told her shes not the same sister i know, and when Spottedpaw comes back let me know." Softheather took her claw and scraped the dirt.

  "I haven't talked to Briarcloud lately. She seems off... but, im sure she doesnt agree with Spottedrose. And its a good thing you stuck up for yourself, Softheather."

  Softheather sighed dramatically. "But i feel bad." She muttered.

  "Do you want to talk to her again?" He asked after a couple seconds of silence. Softheather hesitated, but nodded. "Okay. Stay here, and ill go get her."

  And with that, Cypresspaw was gone.