Gray Wing

Graywing is a sleek, dark gray tom with golden eyes, sharp claws, and a ripped eartip.

The Sun Trail

 * Gray Wing is a cat living among the Tribe in the mountains. First seen hunting with his brother, Clear Sky, the two bring down a hawk. Though Clear Sky wants to immediately eat the hawk, Gray Wing thinks of the starving cats in the cave and insists they take the hawk back for them.


 * Returning to warm compliments for their catch, Gray Wing is saddened to note that his catch cannot feed everyone. His younger brother, Jagged Peak, wails for a bite to eat, but the bird is given to the older cats that will be going out to hunt. While Clear Sky talks with Bright Stream, an elder, Silver Frost, teases Gray Wing about how attractive Turtle Tail is. Gray Wing observes Stoneteller, grateful for the distraction, trying to convince the elders to eat some of the prey to no avail. The young gray tom is curious about an apparently meaningful conversation Lion's Roar and Stoneteller have briefly, but his attention soon turns to his mother, Quiet Rain. She praises her two eldest sons on the catch while her two youngest kits play-fight. Jagged Peak knocks over Fluttering Bird and the young she-kit feebly wails from the floor, malnourished and unable to summon the energy to play. Stoneteller calls a meeting and Gray Wing looks on, wondering like the rest if the old she-cat will be naming her successor, whom most cats think will be Shaded Moss. He is surprised when she instead reveals to the Tribe that she believes that the mountains can no longer support every cat in their group, telling them of a vision of a new home full of space and prey. Gray Wing is skeptical of his leader's dream, and is among those that wish to stay in the cave. He agrees with his mother's refusal to leave the place of her birth, despite Clear Sky's enthusiasm over leaving on an adventure. Even when Turtle Tail asks him to go, Gray Wing is reluctant to leave his home.


 * A few days later, Gray Wing decides to try hunting again, and he overhears Clear Sky arguing with Bright Stream over leaving outside the cave. Bright Stream joins Gray Wing, glad to be free of Clear Sky's pestering. While searching for prey, Bright Stream asks Gray Wing if he believes Stoneteller's dream, and he reveals his own skepticism over it, wondering why no other cat has had the dream. Bright Stream reveals her own worries over leaving the mountains and her mixed feelings over being separated from Clear Sky. She makes Gray Wing promise to keep this from his brother, however. The two are distracted when a hare appears, and Gray Wing displays his incredible speed when he runs it down and catches it. As they consume the fresh prey, Gray Wing decides to remain in the mountains. The pair returns with the remains of the hare, Gray Wing refusing to join the party of cats scouting out the best path out of the mountains. He instead takes the hare to his mother, who tries to feed it to Fluttering Bird, worriedly telling Gray Wing that the she-kit had been unable to get out of her nest that morning. He also tells Quiet Rain about his decision to stay, which cheers her slightly. However, when Quiet Rain tries to wake Fluttering Bird, the kit is barely breathing. Gray Wing goes to fetch Stoneteller. However, the Tribe healer is unable to wake Fluttering Bird, and gravely tells Quiet Rain to prepare for her death. Gray Wing tries to tell his mother that the kit's death isn't her fault, to no avail. Along with his mother, he says his farewell to his only sister. Together with Clear Sky, he takes the she-kit out of the cave and buries her. After a short vigil, Quiet Rain tells Gray Wing to go with the group looking for a new home, not wanting him to lose his kits as well.


 * When arguments erupt among the Tribe over whether or not the group should leave, a vote is organized when Lion's Roar suggests it, remembering the story his mother told him of the vote that decided that the ancients would leave the lake. Gray Wing gathers the stones for the vote, but when his turn comes he decides to place his lot with those that don't want any cats to leave the Tribe, despite his mother and brother's wishes. In the end, though, the vote to let the group leave wins out. Quiet Rain confronts Gray Wing, telling him to leave and find a better future for himself, but Gray Wing refuses and goes out to hunt instead.


 * Gray Wing is unable to catch any prey and is frustrated when he suddenly finds Stoneteller outside of the cave. He questions the healer about her dream, though she tells him she is absolutely certain of it. He then asks Stoneteller why her old group had left the lake and come here and if it had been worth the trip. She tells him that they'd come to the mountains for good reasons and that she considered the Tribe her kits, and that she has no regrets for her decisions. She tries to reassure Gray Wing that the future is unknowable and that he should trust himself to know what's right, but he doubtfully tells her that he believes staying in the mountains is the right path to take. As Shaded Moss's group prepares to go, Gray Wing says farewell to his eldest brother. Though Clear Sky tries one last time to convince his brother to come with him, Gray Wing is adamant in his desire to stay and protect his mother and young brother. Gray Wing notes Stoneteller's apprehension when she tells the departing cats about the dangers they might encounter in the outside world from Twolegs and monsters.


 * When the group departs, Gray Wing is alarmed to note that the elders and kits now outnumber the able-bodied cats, but is resolute no less and decides to hunt. He manages to bring down a hawk, and the others in his group also bring in some prey. The remaining members of the Tribe resolve to work together to make sure everyone is fed, and Gray Wing is enthusiastic about their chances. The next morning Jagged Peak begs his older brother to teach him how to hunt, and after some consideration Quiet Rain agrees. Gray Wing instructs the young tom in how to properly hunt in the harsh terrain, and when the kit tries to catch a hare a hawk makes an attempt to take him. Gray Wing fights off the hawk and Jagged Peak manages to kill the hare.


 * The next day, Gray Wing awakens to find that Jagged Peak has disappeared. He is unable to find the kit nearby, and Quiet Rain worries that her only remaining kit may have been picked up by a hawk. Asking Misty Water for help, he heads out to track down his brother. When they find his trail following in the direction the traveling cats took, Gray Wing realizes that Jagged Peak is trying to join them. Returning to the cave, Quiet Rain begs Gray Wing to find Jagged Peak, so he sets off to find the kit. Gray Wing finds Jagged Peak hiding from an eagle, which attacks both of them, though the two fight it off. Jagged Peak is grateful that his brother came for him, and set off to find the others. After a while and a tough journey, they both find the group of their traveling tribemates and join them, much to the tribe's surprise. Gray Wing notes that he is impressed by Jagged Peak, even though he is just a kit.


 * During the journey, they are attacked by four eagles. Clear Sky makes a plan to kill one of them. To not get attacked, Gray Wing, Clear Sky's mate Bright Stream, and several others were assigned to scare away the other three. Gray Wing trips and Bright Stream comes to help, but Bright Stream is carried off. Gray Wing is helpless and blames himself, thinking that his brother must hate him as Clear Sky seems different, but later when confronted, Clear Sky says he blames himself for making the plan. Gray Wing is relieved and sad for his brother at the same time. After traveling through a twolegplace, the group of tribemates arrive to their new home, but Shaded Moss who was leading them dies from being hit by a monster on the Thunderpath, so grief still clings in the air. The cats settle on the moor of their new home, Tall Shadow being the new leader of the group. While staying there, Gray Wing encounters two rogues when hunting; Wind and Gorse. At first the two rogues are hostile, but then teach Gray Wing how to use the network of tunnels underground to catch rabbits in their own dens.


 * Clear Sky and a few other cats decide to leave the moor and live in the forest where it suits them. Gray Wing again is shocked to find that he will not live with his brother, as he decides that the moor is the best place for him. Tall Shadow believes that this is a stupid idea, as rogues could attack cats in smaller groups. Clear Sky suggests that they vote, which they do so. The cats who wish to stay win the vote, but Tall Shadow finally agrees that they may leave if they wish to, for it's each cat's choice. Jagged Peak also decides to leave and live with Clear Sky. As Gray Wing watches his two brothers leave, he promises that he will visit. He discovers that Clear Sky has formed a group of cats and a territory in the forest. Clear Sky has collected many rogues to join his group, and when Gray Wing attempts to visit his brother, he finds out this. He still manages to see his littermate and even Jagged Peak. However, Gray Wing realizes that his brother might not be the cat he used to know.


 * He later meets a rogue named Storm and starts to develop affections for her, and he notices that Turtle Tail, a tribemate, is very unhappy with this recent development, as she also had feelings for the tom. Turtle Tail eventually leaves to live with her friend Bumble in twolegplace, but Gray Wing still can talk to and see her. He and Storm meet together on various days, but after Gray Wing introduces Storm to Clear Sky, Storm decides to live with Clear Sky. It is later revealed that Storm is in love with Clear Sky, and is expecting his kits. When Gray Wing hears this news, he is dismayed, as he also had feelings for the she-cat. Later on, Jagged Peak falls off a tree and breaks his leg. Gray Wing visits his younger brother, but finds out that his broken leg did not heal properly. Clear Sky banishes Jagged Peak from his group due to the inability to hunt, stating that it is the best for the group. Gray Wing is horrified, and tension begins to rise between the two brothers. Gray Wing invites Jagged Peak to live with him and the others at the moor, where he will be welcomed.


 * One day, he decides to confront Clear Sky about Jagged Peak. He runs into Clear Sky, Storm, and couple of rogues, one which is named Fox. Fox attacks Gray Wing for trespassing, and Clear Sky simply watches as the two cats fight. Gray Wing swipes at Fox, but accidentally kills the tom. Clear Sky is angry at Fox's death, though it was just a accident. Storm now truly understands what Clear Sky is like, and after mentioning to Gray Wing that he was right about Clear Sky being cruel at times, runs away to Twolegplace. After Storm runs away, Gray Wing brings Jagged Peak to his group and goes to Twolegplace in search of Turtle Tail, now living with a kittypet named Bumble, to see if they know where Storm is. Turtle Tail seems hesitant to answer but Bumble shows him she is living in an abandoned monster nest. When Gray Wing visits Storm, she doesn't let him see her kits. Gray Wing realizes she doesn't want anything to to with him or Clear Sky.


 * Gray Wing comes back with a rabbit to offer to Storm and her three new kits. When he is at Twolegplace again, Turtle Tail warns him that Storm's place is being torn down by monsters. Gray Wing rushes towards her home, hoping that he can save her and her kits. To his horror, he finds Storm in the rubble along with her kits, and dies after telling Gray Wing to say to Clear Sky she is sorry. Two of her kits die, but one of her kits, a ginger tom, survives. Gray Wing and Turtle Tail ask for the little kit's name, though he doesn't have one. Gray Wing and Turtle Tail decide that he will be called Thunder, born of Storm in the midst of a storm of stones and dust. Gray Wing brings Thunder to Clear Sky and tells his brother the whole story. Clear Sky is distraught, as he remembers Bright Stream's accident. He refuses to take in Thunder for his son would be a constant reminder of Storm, so Gray Wing brings Thunder to the moor, where a queen, Hawk Swoop, agrees to nurse him, even though some are uncertain of what might Clear Sky think. After mentioning to his tribemates that Clear Sky does not want him, Gray Wing says that he will be Thunder's father from now on.

Thunder Rising

 * Gray Wing watches affectionately as Thunder, Lightning Tail, and Acorn Fur wrestle happily. Watching them play, he remembers with a prickle of sadness of how him and Clear Sky were like that once, and wonders how they ever came to quarrel so badly. He recalls the times that he lived in the mountains - with the cats he had come to love so dearly, yet had to abandon. However, he shakes out of these memories and starts to give Acorn Fur and Lightning Tail a hunting lesson, allowing Thunder to join. He is worried about raising Thunder to be kind and compassionate - but frets over the constant fact that Clear Sky's character may come out in him. Gray Wing sees Turtle Tail, happy that she left the life of a kittypet and had returned to living with him and his moor cats, noting how much better she looks now that she has returned.


 * He shows Turtle Tail what has gone on during her time away, and accidentally remarks that she was away longer than she realized. Turtle Tail is first offended, but Gray Wing instantly realizes what he said and apologizes, adding that he missed Turtle Tail. Turtle Tail forgives him, returning the same. Turtle Tail then talks to Gray Wing about her life in Twolegplace, explaing about a big cat called Tom, who she shakily says that he treated her fine. She confirms that she is staying on the moor, and Gray Wing's heart is alight. However, the moment does not last. As Turtle Tail experiences discomforting pain after three kits knock her over, Gray Wing realizes that she is expecting kits. Turtle Tail lies, and says she's fine - although Gray Wing isn't fooled. He makes the kits apologize to her, and then outright asks Turtle Tail. Turtle Tail tells him he made a mistake, thinking Tom was friendly and kind, but realizing that he changed for the worst. She tells Gray Wing that the reason she came back wasn't just because she missed her friends - it was also because if she stayed with Bumble, her kits would be taken away from her as soon as they didn't need her milk.


 * When Shattered Ice approaches Turtle Tail, he is extremely hostile, taking her to Tall Shadow. Gray Wing tags along. Tall Shadow is hesitant on welcoming Turtle Tail, but notices her swollen belly and asks about the father. Turtle Tail replies sternly that she wants nothing to do with the father, and after a few exchanges of gossip, Turtle Tail willingly lets Turtle Tail rejoin. Shattered Ice protests about more mouths to feed, and Tall Shadow sends him off hunting. Gray Wing notices Jagged Peak, and Turtle Tail is shocked at him. Jagged Peak explains how he hurt his leg and how Clear Sky only wanted healthy cats for his group, and puts on a barrier that makes him seem he's confident that he will get better. Gray Wing, however, isn't quite so sure, knowing his brother. As Tall Shadow asks about Turtle Tail, she confesses sadly that she isn't sure if she'll be any use. Tall Shadow brings up Clear Sky and how things have changed, and Gray Wing feels a pierce of regret, never would have guessing that they'd end up as pure rivals. Afterwards, Gray Wing takes Turtle Tail on a tour of the hollow, and comes to terms with his affection for Turtle Tail. They meet Gorse and Wind, and Gorse tells them that hunting had been bad due to Clear Sky's claim of their land.



The First Battle

 * He was mentioned when he met Stoneteller and asked how was the Tribe. Stoneteller said they were okay and said that greed is only the beginning, there will be war. After he wakes up, Gray Wing watches Wind Runner pace, and notices that she is becoming plump. He thinks it is because of the abundance of prey. Gray Wing is then seen arguing with Gorse Fur, Turtle Tail, and Shattered Ice.

Battles of the Clans

 * Ashfoot explains that Graywing was a leader of WindClan a very long time ago. He was a famed tactician who came up with many battle techniques, especially for WindClan. He is often called by the name Graywing the Wise, even to the present days of the Clans. He came up with these tactics using small stones and claw markings as well as markings from sticks on the floor of his den. Graywing developed tactics for each and every sort of battle, including tactics for WindClan, who do not have an easy time with surprise attacks due to their exposed territory on the moor. Graywing won the honor of being one of the greatest leaders in all the Clans' history, because of his attention to battle strategy. Graywing realized that a very important element of a battle was the position of the warriors before and during battle.

The Ultimate Guide

 * Gray Wing has his own page. He stayed at the mountains when Stoneteller dreamed of a new home, believing he belonged with his mother, Quiet Rain, and his brother, Jagged Peak. But when Jagged Peak went after the traveling cats, Gray Wing followed. The two finally found the cats and went with them. Turtle Tail wanted to be his mate and was overjoyed, not knowing that Gray Wing had feelings for Clear Sky's mate, Bright Stream. Bright Stream was later killed by an eagle, and Gray Wing blamed himself for it. They later settled on the moor, and Gray Wing was upset when Clear Sky and other cats went to the forest. A she-cat he got close to, Storm, became Clear Sky's mate and later left while carrying his kits. Gray Wing went to look for her, finding the nest she'd given birth in falling. He rescued one kit and raised him when Clear Sky didn't want Thunder. He was permanently damaged during a fire, and became leader after Tall Shadow. He didn't like it when Thunder went to his father, but he fell in love with Turtle Tail and cared for her kits. He was later known as Graywing the Wise by cats in later generations.


 * On Clear Sky's page, Gray Wing is said to have been his littermate. He could not visit his brother without trouble, and tried to take Thunder to his father, who rejected him. He is also mentioned on his other brother, Jagged Peak's page. He was his littermate and had rescued Jagged Peak when he was attacked by an eagle.


 * Thunder was rescued by Gray Wing, who took him to moor when his father, Clear Sky rejected him, and Thunder wanted to make his foster father proud of him. On the page shared between Storm and Turtle Tail, he is again told to have been in love with Storm. She was happy to be around him, but fell for Clear Sky. Gray Wing rescued her surviving kit, Thunder, and he and his brother were affected by her death. Turtle Tail fell in love with Gray Wing, and left after realizing he had feelings for Storm. He stuck up for her when she returned and became her mate and father to her kits.


 * Tall Shadow is said on her page to have sent cats away from the group, making several cats believe Gray Wing should be leader instead, and though he didn't want to, she gave her leadership up to him later on. Gray Wing is last briefly mentioned on Wind Runner's section, where it says that she had taught him and the other cats a new way of hunting, though he didn't like it.

Trivia

 * It was revealed on Vicky's Facebook page that Graywing did have the -star suffix, but is remembered by his Clanmates as Graywing.
 * However, this contradicts Graywing's page in The Ultimate Guide that says he eventually refused to be a leader and never took -star.
 * Vicky confirmed that Graywing and Gray Wing are indeed the same cat.
 * Kate has said that Graywing's condition resulting from the fire was asthma.
 * It was revealed that Gray Wing was secretly in love with Bright Stream.
 * Kate has said on her blog that Gray Wing will have another mate, with whom he will have his own litter of kits. She extends on this, saying that she will appear in A Forest Divided, and she thinks that his new mate will also appear in The Blazing Star.

Members
Mother:
 * Quiet Rain:

Brothers:
 * Jagged Peak:
 * Clear Sky:

Sister:
 * Fluttering Bird:

Mates:
 * Turtle Tail:
 * Unnamed She-cat:

Foster Sons:
 * Thunder: Living (As of The First Battle)
 * Owl Eyes:
 * Pebbleheart:

Foster Daughter:
 * Sparrow Fur:

Kits:
 * Unnamed kits:

Nephews/Nieces:
 * Two unnamed kits: Deceased, Residence Unknown

Nephew:
 * Thunder: