The Forest Camp
Welcome to ThunderClan's forest camp! I'm Sandstorm, a ThunderClan warrior. Firestar has asked me to show you around. Watch out, though. Some of the elders might be cranky if we disturb them while they're having a nap.
Can you see the camp entrance? Well hidden, isn't it? Those brambles protect us from predators, but they don't stop the sunshine from warming the camp.
Follow me down the ravine. Bluestar said it used to be a river a long time ago, but I can't imagine that. It's so dry and sandy now. Keep your head down-we're going through this tunnel in the gorse. See that path under your paws? Hundreds of ThunderClan cats have been this way over many generations. Watch out for the prickles!
And here we are! No, Squirrelpaw, this is my guest. They didn't sneak up behind me. Yes, I know you're standing on guard. I'm sure the whole camp knows we're here now.
Over this way is the nursery. See the thick bramble walls? The nursery is the strongest part of the Clan camp. Can you hear the kits mewling and playing inside? Queens and warriors will fight like TigerClan to protect them.
Notice the clump of ferns beside the tree stump? That's where the apprentices sleep. It's supposed to be lined with moss, but it looks like a certain apprentice has kicked up a bit of a mess. After guard duty, I promise you she will be cleaning it up. Poor Squirrelpaw! She has always been such a restless sleeper.
Warriors sleep under that bush-you can see the entrance tunnel there. As a senior warrior, I sleep in the center of the group, where it's warmest. I remember being a young warrior, though. It can get cold on the edge during leaf-bare!
This fallen tree is the elders' den. Go ahead, poke your nose inside. Oh, sorry, Dappletail! I'm giving a tour. No, they are not spying for ShadowClan! Don't you have an apprentice to torment, Dappletail?
Quickly, while she's gone, put your paws on the den floor. Don't the grass and moss feel soft? The apprentices keep it fresh. Nobody wants grumpy elders...well, no grumpier than usual.
Let's cross the clearing to that tall, smooth boulder over there. This is the Highrock, and it's where our leader stands to make announcements to the whole Clan. Can you picture it? You'd listen, wouldn't you?
Around here is Firestar's den. Hello? Firestar? He must be out on patrol. Peek through the lichen hanging over the entrance. This is where he sleeps. Before him it was Bluestar, and after him, who knows? Firestar was a pudgy little kittypet when I first met him. Who could have ever dreamed he'd be our leader?
Before you go, let me show you the medicine cat's den. Come inside. I love the smell of herbs. Leafpaw! That's my other daughter-She's in training to be a medicine cat, and she's very clever. She sleeps at this end of the fern tunnel. Her mentor, Cinderpelt, sleeps in that hole in the rock over there. Leafpaw! There you are. Always sorting herbs! She's so dedicated and hard-working. It makes me proud.
What's that? You think your sister would rather be hunting than on guard duty? All right, I'll have a word with Firestar and see if she can come to the Gathering tonight-that should cheer her up.
And that's our camp! I really should be off hunting now. Watch your fur on the way out. And don't tell anyone you were here!
