Ivypool's Heart/Chapter 34

"Everything has changed. The dark void of my loss has vanished. It's filled now with the beauty of the world: trees and flowers and running water and the newly opened eyes of kits. All the places where Bristlefrost can be."

— Ivypool's thoughts in Ivypool's Heart, page 374

Ivypool's Heart
Chapter number:	34 (of 34)
Page numbers:	369-376
Point of View:	Ivypool
Chronology

Below contains in-depth information for chapter thirty-four of Ivypool's Heart. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.

Chapter Number: 34 (of 34)

Page Numbers: 369-376

Chapter description

At dawn, Rootspring and Dovewing set out to hunt, preparing to return home now that their quest is complete. Ivypool worries that the river will run with blood despite their achievements, and that the Clans will be destroyed. Stalk Purr and Tumble Leap lift Stretch Blink and Hunt Leap onto their backs while Claw Stretch carries Pounce Whisper, and Stalk Purr thanks Ivypool for rescuing them, while Tumble Leap vows to never forget them. As the wildcats depart, Ivypool realizes her Clan will need her to step up again as ThunderClan's deputy. She hopes her mate, as well as Thriftear and Flipclaw, are alright. Icewing interrupts the she-cat's thoughts and begins to lead the way towards the lake territories. Ivypool stops to take a final look at the cave where the wildcats' kits were born and remembers their belief that Bristlefrost is in the air and water, still unsure of whether she believes it or not.

The Clan cats journey through the hills and make a temporary den among some bushes as the sun goes down. As she sleeps, Ivypool dreams of the Dark Forest, watching in horror as Bristlefrost fights off several Dark Forest residents. She throws herself into the fight alongside her daughter, but the Dark Forest dissolves and the two cats find themselves beside the lake. Bristlefrost purrs and rubs her cheek along Ivypool's, and Ivypool feels her heart break over her loss all over again. She tells Bristlefrost how much she misses her, and Bristlefrost explains that she is everywhere, and all Ivypool needs to do is look. The dream fades, and as Ivypool wakes, she holds onto the last image of her lost daughter.

Emerging from the den, Ivypool notices Rootspring coming closer. He tells her that he shared the same dream, and that seeing Bristlefrost calm and peaceful comforted him. As the two cats talk, a white stag emerges from the undergrowth, with antlers looking as if they are covered in frost. The cats freeze as the stag looks at them, and it reminds Ivypool of Bristlefrost. It convinces Ivypool that the wildcats are right in their beliefs, and that the spirits of cats exist everywhere in the world even after they are gone. Rootspring comes to the same conclusion, and the two cats reflect on how much the quest has helped them heal. Ivypool asks Rootspring if he will take a mate, and he explains that caring for the wildcat kits made him realize he wants to be a father. He goes on to add that Wrenflight will not be that cat, as whoever his future mate is will need to be worthy of Bristlefrost's approval. Ivypool, while still mourning, is happy for the SkyClan cat, and the two decide to no longer meet at the lake. They promise to continue to be friends, and while Ivypool does not know what waits for her back home, she takes comfort in the fact that her beloved daughter was never truly gone and will never be forgotten.

Characters

Major

• Ivypool

Minor

• Dovewing (Unnamed)
• Prowl Sleek
• Stalk Purr
• Tumble Leap
• Stretch Blink
• Hunt Leap
• Claw Stretch
• Pounce Whisper
• Rootspring
• Icewing
• Bristlefrost (Vision or Dream)

Mentioned

• Fernsong
• Thriftear
• Flipclaw
• Wrenflight

Important events

• The Clan cats and the wildcats part ways to return to their respective homes.