Heronheart

**Heronheart** is a longhaired white tom with black markings of a pattern somewhere between cap-and-saddle and mask-and-mantle. He has large patches of black fur down his spine and flank, with a black tail and a black cap atop his ears. His eyes are a rounded almond shape and dark green in colour. He has a pink nose and a broad build.

## Personality

The Clans will have long been gone before Heronheart stops being loyal to his clan. Praised for his honor and discipline, he takes hefty blame when things do not run smoothly. He enjoys the cool springs on a hot day in Greenleaf, the luxury of a solid patch of moss in his nest, and hunting patrols. Perhaps not the most interesting cat but definitely a strong contender for mate if ever he should find one. Heronheart privately fears he will not be able to settle down but only time will tell.

## History

Heronkit was born to two MarshClan cats. As an apprentice, he worked hard, at one point rescuing two kits who nearly drowned in the Lake. He greatly enjoyed any meetings at the Peace Bounds he went to, as he liked meeting the other cats from different Clans. His efforts earned him his warrior name a moon early, given the name Heronheart to reflect his unyielding service. Though proud, he was a little saddened to leave his apprentice friends behind. At some point he became good friends with Nightshadow despite their age gap. He was also a longstanding friend of Oakclaw.

### First Leaf-fall

Heronheart sits at the edge of MarshClan camp watching the Lake, hoping to be sent on a patrol soon. He is joined by Nightshadow, who inadvertently alerts Heronheart to his presence with one of his trademark coughing fits. Getting up, Heronheart trots over to Nightshadow and asks how he is doing today, to which Nightshadow replies that he's fine and waiting for Flystar's orders for the day. They discuss the views of the Lake they get from camp. Heronheart glances towards the medicine cat den and notes that Softstream is sitting there looking a little tired.

A few minutes later, Oakclaw approaches Heronheart and Nightshadow, asking if they'd like to come out on a hunting patrol with him. Heronheart agrees readily, saying he would like to stretch his legs a little. He follows Oakclaw and Nightshadow as the two of them break into a run towards the Lake. When he arrives, Nightshadow and Oakclaw are awaiting him on the shore. Heronheart teases them for not already diving in and does so himself, heading to the bottom of the Lake in search of prey.

Noticing a catfish close by, Heronheart approaches it from above, hoping to direct it towards Oakclaw when it tries to flee. It does so, though Oakclaw misses himself, and instead it is captured by Nightshadow. The three return to the surface, where Heronheart and Oakclaw congratulate Nightshadow on his catch. While Nightshadow goes to the shore, Oakclaw and Heronheart dive under again, this time aiming for a school of trout. Oakclaw drives them towards Heronheart, who captures one and drags it to the shore while it's still alive. He makes the killing bite once he reaches the shore. Agreeing that they've caught enough prey for a quick patrol, Oakclaw, Heronheart, and Nightshadow return to camp.

Heronheart and Nightshadow are with Oakclaw when Softstream appears to take him to Flystar's den. When Oakclaw returns, Heronheart is confused to see his abrupt change in demeanour. He takes a seat with Nightshadow to witness Oakclaw's announcement, and is stunned to hear that Flystar has passed away. It reassures him somewhat to know that Oakclaw will be their next leader, but Heronheart is soon shocked again when Oakclaw announces Heronheart himself as his deputy. Accepting his new appointment, Heronheart promises to guide MarshClan in the eyes of StarClan.

Once the meeting has ended, Oakclaw seeks out Heronheart and assures him that he has had his eyes on Heronheart as his choice of deputy for a while. He says that for today Heronheart can sit by him while he assigns the patrols, and they will begin his proper instruction the following day. Nightshadow congratulates them both on their promotions. Heronheart remarks that he's glad Oakclaw thinks so highly of him and it's a drastic change from their casual hunt just this morning. He asks Oakclaw if the plan is for the warriors and elders to dig Flystar's grave the next morning, which Oakclaw confirms.

After Flystar's body has been prepared for viewing, Heronheart calls Nightshadow, Shrikethorn, Falconwing, and Spiderlight to bring her out to the centre of camp. When Shrikethorn is forced to leave the leader's den and Nightshadow goes out to help her, Heronheart takes their place helping to carry Flystar out. Once she is placed down he reflects with regret that this is the best she has looked in some time, and, pressing his forehead to hers, prays that she finds safe passage to StarClan. Looking around the camp, he announces that Flystar's vigil will be held from the evening throughout the night, and all cats willing to share tongues with her should step forth then.

When the vigil arrives, Heronheart sits silently among the others, listening to the others give their speeches in Flystar's honour. At dawn he goes out to the shore with the other warriors and elders, helping to dig Flystar's grave. While digging, Heronheart reflects that Oakclaw must be feeling great turmoil at the thought of succeeding Flystar. The grave is completed and Flystar is buried by sun-high, at which point Heronheart steps back and sighs.