Otterpelt

**Otterpelt** is a red-brown she-cat with amber eyes.

#### Allegiances

Otterpelt is listed under Allegiances, Allegiance Update 1, Allegiance Update 2, and Allegiance Update 3, Allegiance Update 4, Allegiance Update 5, Allegiance Update 6, and Allegiance Update 7 as medicine cat apprentice of RiverClan, being mentored by Maplesky.

Otterpelt is listed under Allegiance Update 8 and Final Allegiances as medicine cat of RiverClan.

#### Chapter 2

Otterpelt runs out of the medicine den to the center of the camp, wailing that a darkness is coming. Maplesky rushes after her and tries to calm her, but Otterpelt goes on crying about her vision of bones and a river of blood. As the clan watches in horror, Maplesky gently guides her back to her den, telling the clan that she just had a nightmare. But Otterpelt insists that she knows what she saw, and RiverClan is doomed.

#### Chapter 3

Iceslide returns to camp and finds a clan meeting being held. Maplesky tries to reassure the clan about **Otterpelt**'s omen by telling them that even medicine cats have regular dreams sometimes, and says that StarClan showed him a great future for the clan. Throughout the meeting, Otterpelt looks down silently.

Afterwards when the clan is relieved, Shimmerstar speaks to Maplesky and Otterpelt alone, praising him for his lie. Otterpelt insists that they should have told the truth, and need to warn them. Shimmerstar gently tells her that the clan was afraid, and they must face their future without fear, whatever it may be. Maplesky agrees, then adds that he's told her not to tell the clan about an omen until she knows what it means. Otterpelt looks down and says that this one seemed important.

Shimmerstar agrees that it is, but spreading panic won't help anything. She says that maybe Otterpelt will have more dreams to make it clearer. Otterpelt mumbles "I suppose". They walk away, and Iceslide is shocked that they're lying to the clan.

#### Chapter 6

It is the night of a gathering. Iceslide sees Maplesky and Otterpelt join the other medicine cats below the great rock. When WindClan arrives, Otterpelt and Silverberry begin speaking to each other happily.

#### Chapter 8

When Icepaw returns from the hunting patrol, he sees Maplesky and Otterpelt sorting herbs. Maplesky tells her that they'd better stock up on herbs before leaf-bare comes, as they never know when an outbreak of green-cough could spread.

Otterpelt agrees, saying they'll need catmint more than anything. She adds that just this morning, Troutspots complained of a cough.

#### Chapter 10

When Iceslide can't sleep and goes into the clearing, the only other cat there is Otterpelt. She is sitting outside her den, staring at the sky. Iceslide shrugs it off as weird medicine cat stuff and goes to the fresh kill pile. When she spots him, she nearly jumps out of her fur, bristling, and Iceslide is startled and stops, asking if she's okay. Otterpelt doesn't respond right away as she stares at him, then slowly relaxes, saying she's fine.

Iceslide isn't sure he believes that, but isn't going to bother her about it. He's about to take a fish from the fresh kill pile when Otterpelt crouches beside him and quietly asks if he's left RiverClan territory since he was caught. Iceslide narrows his eyes, wondering if Frostedcloud put her up to this, deciding that he must have. He says no.

Otterpelt stares at him uneasily with her eyes wide, telling him that he can't leave. Iceslide blinks and says he knows, but she goes on, staring at him in distress and telling him that he has to stay in RiverClan terrirory. She's about to say what happens if he does when Maplesky calls her from the medicine den, looking alarm as he stammers about needing her to help him sorting herbs.

She doesn't respond, her wide eyes fixed on Iceslide, and he stares back, alarmed and confused as she wonders if he's gone mad. Maplesky calls her name again, and Otterpelt desperately begs Iceslide to stay before hurrying back to the medicine den.

Iceslide stares at her for a moment, thinking about how weird it was. He decides that it's probably just something that Shimmerstar or Frostedcloud said, or even just the wild imagination of a medicine cat.

#### Chapter 11

Frostedcloud is waiting outside the nursery while Swanpool is kitting. At last, Maplesky and Otterpelt step out of the den, and Maplesky congratulates him and tells him that he has two daughters and a son. Frostedcloud perks up and starts to ask if he can go in, but Maplesky nods, and he rushes into the nursery. Maplesky purrs and heads toward the medicine den, Otterpelt closely following.

#### Chapter 12

While Shimmerstar, Salmonstripe, and Creekleap crouch over Lilynose's body, Maplesky and Otterpelt sit near them, waiting quietly to prepare her body for the vigil.

#### Chapter 13

When Shimmerstar calls a clan meeting, Otterpelt and Maplesky are sitting together outside the medicine den, watching Shimmerstar contently.

She is about to make Newtpaw a warrior when Otterpelt lets out a yowl of horror. Every cat jerks in shock and snaps their attention to it. Otterpelt is crouched outside the den, her fur bristling and eyes wide and scared. Maplesky spins to face her, bristling in alarm as he asks what's wrong and what happened.

Otterpelt's eyes are round with terror as she stares at the clan, wailing that she had a vision. Maplesky is uneasy and starts to say her name, but Shimmerstar interrupts, staring at her and asking what vision. Every cat looks alarmed and wary.

Otterpelt trembles, looking distant and petrified as she says that everyone is dead, her eyes darting from cat to cat as she cries that there's so many dead, and so much blood.

The clan murmurs anxiously to each other, and Blizzardfur and Coralshine exchange a worried look. Coralshine asks him what she means. Fintail gasps and asks if they're all going to die. Shallowpool stares at the medicine cats and recalls that Otterpelt has spoken of a vision like this before.

Maplesky struggles to reassure the clan and gently nudges Otterpelt. She stumbles back, startled as though just realizing he's there. He tells her to get some rest.

Shimmerstar stares down at the medicine cats uneasily, then continues with the ceremony. She tries to sound positive, but Iceslide guesses that she's unsettled by Otterpelt's words. A few cats relax, but many exchange worried and frightened looks.

Troutspots murmurs that the medicine cats are hiding something and know something that they don't. Iceslide watches the medicine cats curiously.

Maplesky whispers to Otterpelt to come on and that it's going to be okay, licking her ear. She stares at him anxiously and asks if he knows it's coming. She starts to say "because of", then trails off, and Iceslide tenses as she rests her eyes on him, desperate and afraid.

Iceslide is alarmed as he wonders what she knows and what it has to do with him, as he'd never harm his clanmates, or anyone at all.

#### Chapter 14

While in twolegplace, Iceslide notes that Lilynose's death isn't the only thing on his mind. His thoughts darken with unease due to Otterpelt's vision from yesterday.

Her words echo in his mind, and he begins to imagine what she could have possibly seen, the camp filled with dead cats, her friends and family, their blood splattering the ground. Such a vision would have been terrifying. He shudders, unable to imagine what it would be like to see that. He tries to clear his head as he walks, but the dreaded thoughts take hold of his mind again. He remembers how Otterpelt stared at him, and a quarter moon ago when she begged him not to leave RiverClan territory.

Iceslide notes that she seems to think that he'll cause all the death she saw. He thinks it's impossible, as he'd never kill anyone, and leaving RiverClan territory certainly wouldn't change that.

#### Chapter 18

Several cats are gathered outside the nursery. Iceslide notes that Shallowpool had begun kitting not long ago, and Maplesky and Otterpelt are in the nursery with her now. Dipfoot is sitting outside the nursery, his tail flicking back and forth nervously.

When Creekleap asks Heartsong what she's doing outside, she explains that Maplesky and Otterpelt needed room.

Maplesky steps out of the nursery and Dipfoot looks up sharply. He purrs as he congratulates Dipfoot, telling him that he'd better go meet his kits. As he and Otterpelt leave, Dipfoot slips into the den.

When Shorestep's patrol returns to camp wounded, Frostedcloud races to the medicine den to get Maplesky. He and Otterpelt hurry over with bundles of cobwebs, and he tells Shorestep to hold still as he dabs her shoulder wound. Otterpelt goes to Perchstripe.

Frostedcloud suddenly asks if Otterpelt is alright. She's hunched over a little ways away, her eyes wide as she trembles and whispers "It's begun".

Maplesky stares at her and starts to tell her to listen to him, but she ignores him and wails the words again, startling every cat around her. She cries for StarClan to save them before she races to the medicine den, leaving the alarmed clan staring after her.

#### Chapter 20

When Iceslide returns to camp, Shimmerstar is speaking urgently to Maplesky and Otterpelt, Salmonstripe at her side.

When Shimmerstar calls a clan meeting, Iceslide sees Sunripple wincing as Otterpelt presses cobwebs to his shoulder.

When Cherryberry arrives with Divetail's body and the wounded apprentices, Otterpelt is with Frozenripple and Mintpaw, trying to stop the bleeding in Willowpaw's neck. When she collapses, Otterpelt feels her flank and gasps that she's not breathing. When Willowpaw dies, Otterpelt is hunched over her, staring at her numbly.

Maplesky calls to Otterpelt, his mew shaky as he tells her to help him get Cherryberry and Darkpaw to the medicine den, as they can still save them. She steps around Willowpaw's body, and Maplesky help Cherryberry to her paws, staying on either side of her for support.

When Cherryberry cries Divetail's name, Maplesky murmurs that he's with StarClan now as they guide her to the medicine den. She cries and reveals that she's expecting Divetail's kits. The clearing goes silent.

#### Chapter 21

When Shimmerstar calls a clan meeting, Maplesky sits outside the medicine den. Otterpelt follows more slowly, looking anxious and afraid. She catches Iceslide's gaze and holds it, her eyes pleading. He's puzzled and awkwardly looks away, wondering if she had another vision.

#### Chapter 23

After the rogues attack the camp, Maplesky and Otterpelt rush out into the clearing, carrying bundles of cobwebs and herbs. They stop and look around as though not knowing where to begin, as there are many cats with terrible wounds. Both medicine cats bear scratches, and it's noted that even they had no choice but to engage in the battle.

Frostedcloud yowls for Maplesky and Otterpelt to hurry, as he's crouched over Shimmerstar, who is motionless. He says that she's died twice and hasn't woken up yet. The medicine cats immediately hurry over to examine Shimmerstar.

Creekleap stares at the medicine cats as they press cobwebs to her wounds, asking them to confirm that she has more lives. Maplesky hesitates, as this information usually isn't shared with the clan. He responds quietly that he thinks so, trying to stay calm, but his voice shakes. He says to give her a few moments, and StarClan will bring her back.

Some times passes, and the medicine cats go around treating wounds.

#### Chapter 24

Iceslide notices how exhausted Maplesky looks and guesses that he and Otterpelt were awake all night treating wounds. Iceslide guiltily notes, wounds that he caused.

#### Chapter 25

When Iceslide returns to the RiverClan camp after the attack, he sees Maplesky slumped in the snow outside the medicine den with his stomach slashed. Otterpelt has a paw rested on his shoulder as she stares down at him, murmuring something. Iceslide silently notes that their medicine cat is dead.

#### Chapter 26

It's noted that Otterpelt has begun taking on the responsibilities of being the sole medicine cat of RiverClan. She seems lost and deep in grief for Maplesky. But she's carrying out her regular duties and checking on every cat as often as possible. Otterpelt seems to avoid Iceslide at all costs. He knows that she foresaw what would happen, and knows everything is his fault.

#### Chapter 27

It's noted that Otterpelt doesn't seem to sleep at night. If Iceslide had to go to the dirtplace during the night, he often saw her sitting outside her den, looking up at the stars and whispering, begging StarClan to show her what to do.

Iceslide hears pawsteps padding through the snow and looks up to see Otterpelt standing over him. She quietly asks if he and Winterlight are alright, giving Iceslide's shoulder a sniff as she says that his wounds seem better. She asks if he's in any pain.

Iceslide shakes his head. It's noted that he'd had some bad cuts and scratches from the attack, but Otterpelt had patched him up and told him it wasn't serious and he'd be fine.

Winterlight hopefully asks Otterpelt if there's anything she can do for Shimmerstar, as she's not herself. Otterpelt hesitates and looks across the clearing at her leader. She murmurs that Shimmerstar has lost Salmonstripe, Lilynose, and Creekleap all in a short amount of time, and she feels helpless against Bone Shred. She bears wounds that they cannot see, and no medicine cat can heal those. It's quiet as Otterpelt turns and heads toward her den.

#### Chapter 28

During the clan meeting,Shimmerstar says that Otterpelt would like to speak, and steps down from the stump, her tail dragging behind her as the medicine cat takes her place.

Otterpelt stares at her clanmates with a sorrowful look on her face as she says that she has something to say. She gives herself a shake and draws in a deep breath before saying that moons ago before leaf-bare began, StarClan sent her a vision of blood and death for their clan. She told them about this. She swallows and reveals that there's a lot she didn't tell them, as Maplesky felt that she should keep it a secret to avoid causing panic.

Mudslip bristles and leaps to his paws, asking what kind of medicine cat hides things from their clan. Swanpool nods, looking anxious as she says she's supposed to guide them. Iceslide remembers how moons ago, he overheard Otterpelt, Shimmerstar, and Maplesky agree to lie to the clan to avoid spreading panic.

Otterpelt shrinks back, her eyes filled with guilt. Frostedcloud jumps to her defense and snaps at the clan to let her speak. Otterpelt gives him a grateful nod before going on and saying that not long after the first vision, she began having more, with so much blood. Her eyes grow distant as if reimagining the horrors she'd seen. She adds that she'd be in the camp, surrounded by the bodies of her clanmates, bloody and torn apart. She gives herself a shake before going on to say at the moonstone, she begged StarClan to tell her what to do and how to stop this. All they said was that "the cat who explores will bring death to the forest". She soon realized it was Iceslide.

After the cats yell at Iceslide, he looks up and sees that Shimmerstar is on the stump again, and Otterpelt is crouched outside her den, her head low.

After the meeting, Iceslide looks toward the medicine den where Otterpelt pads inside.

Winterlight quietly asks if he's okay and tells him not to listen to them. Iceslide silently notes that he's not okay, and won't be until this is over. He closes his eyes and says he needs to talk to Otterpelt. He opens his eyes and heads to the medicine den, waiting at the entrance. She notices him, and her expression fills with guilt. She doesn't seem to know what to say after she called him out in front of the whole clan.

He quietly asks if he can talk to her, and she nods, gesturing with her tail for him to come in. He steps into the den and sits down in front of her, lowering his head. Otterpelt shifts her paws uneasily and starts to apologize to him, but he tells her she has nothing to be sorry for. He realizes too late that he interrupted his medicine cat and silently notes that he's not making himself look any better. He looks at her apologetically, but she nods and waits for him to continue.

Iceslide goes on to say that he's been selfish, stupid, and ignorant, his heart aching as he speaks the truth that he hadn't wanted to believe. He looks up at her numbly as he says that he never should have left RiverClan territory. She tried to warn him, but he wouldn't listen. She nods, and he presses on desperately, asking why she didn't stop him or tell Shimmerstar to confine him to the camp or something.

Otterpelt shakes her head and quietly says there was no stopping him, as he wanted to see his friends, and he went to great lengths to do that. Shimmerstar could have tied him up with reeds, and you still would have found a way to twolegplace. Iceslide hangs his head and murmurs that he's sorry, and would take it all back if he could. She looks down as she says that there's no going back now, and they must face what has happened. He stares at her desperately and anxiously says that there must be a way to end this, asking if she's seen anything. Otterpelt hesitates, then meows slowly, seeming to choose her words carefully as she tells him that he'll know what to do when the time comes.

As the sun sets, Iceslide returns to his nest to sleep. Ever since he'd talked to Otterpelt, he's been thinking about her words "you'll know what to do when the time comes". He anxiously wonders what that's supposed to mean, what he's supposed to do to stop this, and how he'll possibly know when. He lays awake for hours thinking about it until eventually he drifts off to sleep.

In the morning when Bone Shred is in the camp, Otterpelt hangs back by the medicine den, her eyes full of fear.

When Shimmerstar accepts Bone Shred's challenge, Iceslide suddenly knows what Otterpelt meant. His time to act is now.

When Iceslide offers to fight in Shimmerstar's place, Otterpelt watches him sadly from by the medicine den. She gives him a tiny nod.

#### Chapter 29

Iceslide notes that he's been awake for a while now. Otterpelt had urged him to get as much sleep as he could to prepare for the fight, but once he'd woken up, he'd been unable to fall back asleep.

Later that morning, Otterpelt addresses Iceslide, and he and Winterlight move away from each other as she approaches, carrying a bundle of herbs. She drops them in front of Iceslide and quietly tells him they're travelling herbs, and they'll give him strength. She looks at the mouse Winterlight brought and tells him to eat that too. He reluctantly obeys and crouches, chewing up the herbs and grimacing at the awful taste. He nibbles at the mouse and is only able to eat about half of it before his nerves turn his stomach.

After speaking to Frostedcloud, Iceslide sees his clanmates gathered by the camp entrance, ready to go. Shimmerstar and Otterpelt are at the head of the group, waiting for him.

At the river, Otterpelt is crouched near Shimmerstar over some bundles of herbs, ready to treat Iceslide's wounds if he comes out of this alive.

After Bone Shred drowns and Iceslide collapses onto the ice, he opens his eyes and sees Otterpelt crouched over him, her eyes wide.

### Shadows of Blood

#### Allegiances

Otterpelt is listed under Allegiances, Allegiance Update 1, Allegiance Update 2, Allegiance Update 3, and Allegiance Update 4 as medicine cat of RiverClan with an apprentice, Sagepaw.

#### Chapter 7

At the gathering, Bloodpaw sees Hawkfeather talking to a reddish brown she-cat. Swiftpaw tells Bloodpaw that the cat Hawkfeather is with is Otterpelt of RiverClan.

When Frostedstar speaks for RiverClan, he says that Otterpelt expects that she will have an apprentice soon, as one of their kits has taken an interest in the ways of a medicine cat.

Hawkfeather asks Otterpelt if it's Sagekit, noting that she spoke highly of her at the last moonstone meeting. Otterpelt purrs yes, adding that Sagekit won't stay away from her den, and she can't keep her away any longer.

#### Chapter 14

Bloodpaw asks why Dewstorm and Starfaith were alone, thinking the other medicine cats would be with them. Spicewhisker tells him that Dewstorm and Starfaith stayed behind to talk alone for a moment. Starfaith told Silverberry she'd catch up, and the rest of them left.

#### Chapter 20

Deserve tasks Bloodfur with killing the medicine cats to weaken the clans.

#### Chapter 21

Bloodfur is determined to get vengeance on his clanmates, but decides he'll take care of the medicine cats first. He plans an attack on the medicine cats tomorrow with some of Deserve's soldiers during their moonstone meeting.

#### Chapter 22

Bloodfur, Mottledface, and the soldiers go to the moonstone cave and attempt to kill the medicine cats in their sleep, but they all awaken. Mottledface successfully pins Otterpelt while she's asleep and smothers her in his chest fur. She goes limp, and he looks down triumphantly. Sagepaw wails over her body, and Silverberry confronts Mottledface.

#### Chapter 23

The clans hold an emergency gathering to discuss the attack on the medicine cats two nights ago. After Ravenstar and Strawberry bring up the critical states of Ryeheart and Spicewhisker, Frostedstar says they should be grateful their medicine cats are alive, as Otterpelt was killed.

 It's noted that after Otterpelt died, Frostedstar gave Sagefern her full name and made her sole medicine cat of RiverClan. At the end of the gathering, Frostedstar thanks StarClan that Otterpelt had an apprentice.

#### Chapter 26

Bloodfur and other allies of Poisonedsap go to Deserve's camp. Revengeheart tells Deserve that Otterpelt and Silverberry are dead, and Poisonedsap agrees that they were successful in the attack.

### Starfaith's Fate

#### Allegiances

Otterpelt is listed under Allegiances as medicine cat of RiverClan with an apprentice, Sagepaw.

#### Chapter 2

As Starpaw and Silverberry near highstones, they see the silhouettes of the other medicine cats sitting around the entrance to the Moonstone cave, waiting. When they reach them, the other cats look at the newcomers, and Silverberry says she hopes they haven't been waiting long. Otterpelt purrs that they haven't, her tail curled over her paws as she adds that Spicewhisker and Ryeheart arrived just before the WindClan cats.

After Silverberry introduces Starpaw, Otterpelt purrs greetings and introduces herself as Otterpelt of RiverClan.

Starpaw is uncomfortable and shy around the others. Silverberry tells her that in time, she will feel as though these cats are her own clanmates. Otterpelt agrees, looking at Starpaw sympathetically as she says they may be from different clans, but they all share the same bond and will to help others, and pass on StarClan's messages to their clans. Starpaw is a little comforted by this and thanks her.

In the Moonstone cave, after Silverberry gives Starpaw her medicine cat apprentice ceremony, the other medicine cats purr and give her looks and nods of approval. Otterpelt and the others settle around the Moonstone and dream with StarClan.

After Starpaw tells Silverberry about her visit with StarClan, Silverberry turns to speak with Otterpelt.

When the medicine cats leave the cave, Otterpelt tells Silverberry she'll see her next moon, and touches noses with her. The medicine cats go their separate ways.

#### Chapter 4

Starpaw notes that she enjoys seeing the other medicine cats, and before long considered them her friends. She notes that Otterpelt is caring and wise.

Silverberry tells Otterpelt and Spicewhisker that Willowtail is expecting kits. Otterpelt purrs as she guesses Icetail is the father, as she always sees them together at gatherings. Silverberry nods with a purr.

When Ryeheart arrives late due to a coughing kit and apologizes, Otterpelt tells him it's alright and touches his shoulder with her tail as she asks if the kit is better. He tells her yes.

When Starpaw meets Sunripple, she recognizes his RiverClan scent from Otterpelt.

The medicine cats leave the Moonstone cave.

### Mistybreeze's Choice

#### Allegiances

Otterpelt is listed under Allegiances as medicine cat of RiverClan with an apprentice, Sagepaw.

## Quotes

*"I saw a darkness destroy our clan! The river ran with blood, and- There were cat skulls and bones everywhere..."*

-Otterpelt to the clan in *Beyond the River,* chapter 2

*"I'm telling you, Maplesky, I know what I saw! RiverClan is doomed!"*

-Otterpelt to Maplesky about her vision in *Beyond the River,* chapter 2

*"We should have told the truth! We need to warn them!"*

-Otterpelt to Shimmerstar and Maplesky in *Beyond the River*, chapter 3

*"It's begun! Oh, StarClan, save us!"*

-Otterpelt in *Beyond the River*, chapter 18

*"She lost Salmonstripe, Lilynose, and Creekleap all in a short amount of time. And she feels helpless against Bone Shred. She bears wounds that we cannot see. No medicine cat can heal those."*

-Otterpelt about Shimmerstar in *Beyond the River*, chapter 27

*"Not long after the first vision, I began receiving more. So much blood... I'd be in the camp, surrounded by the bodies of my clanmates, bloody and torn apart... At the moonstone, I begged StarClan to tell me what to do, how to stop this... All they said was... 'The cat who explores will bring death to the forest'. I soon realized it was Iceslide."*

-Otterpelt to the clan in *Beyond the River*, chapter 28

*"There was no stopping you, Iceslide. You wanted to see your friends, and you went to great lengths to do that. Shimmerstar could have tied you up with reeds, and you still would have found a way to twolegplace."*

-Otterpelt to Iceslide in "*Beyond the River"*, chapter 28

*"Yes. She won't stay away from my den, and I can't keep her away any longer!"*

-Otterpelt to Hawkfeather about Sagekit in "*Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 7

*"We may be from different clans, but as medicine cats, we share a bond and the same will. To help others, and to pass on StarClan's messages to our clans."*

-Otterpelt to Starpaw in "*Starfaith's Fate"*, chapter 2