The herd had just finished building the freedom tribute at Crabwing's Bay and a feast was being prepared. Morningleaf, Star, and Brackentail dozed on the shoreline enjoying the warm sun. Morningleaf snuggled next to Star and accidentally twisted Star's broken leg. Star tensed and took a sharp breath.

"Oh, sorry. I guess I'm so used to you healing yourself I forgot you were injured." she nickered and started to move away, but Star held her back.

"It's okay. It doesn't hurt anymore its just sore." Star assured her.

Morningleaf gazed into his eyes, unspoken feelings glowed between them.

"You know even though your mortal you still heel faster than any steed" she said.

"She's right, your leg has already mended and it has only been a moon" Brackentail added trying to break up the moment. He liked Star and respected him but still felt jealousy that burned in his mind since he was a foal. He had let Star and Morningleaf catch up with each other since they had been separated for a while. They had gotten a little more than close in those days and Brackentail had grown a little concerned. Before Star was immortal, an unlikely suitor for a mare, specifically Morningleaf, who would want to grow old and have foals with a stallion. But now he was mortal, and would live and die with his mate, whomever that would be. Brackentail hated the fact that he was in love with Morningleaf, but so was his friend Star, for he didn't want this to tear their friendship.

Morningleaf and Star jerked their heads toward him as if forgetting he was there and Brackentail immediately regretted his words. But Morningleaf and Star smiled and softened. They included him in their conversation and Brackentail was grateful that the tension had been broken. They chatted till the sun fell and they drifted into sleep. Morningleaf was swallowed into a terrible dream. Star faced the destroyer with teeth bared. She was dangling between two Ice Warriors, miles above the valley. They twisted her wings until she felt them snap, then dropped her from the heights. She saw the ground race toward her and Star, bolting for her. Nightwing came from behind and Star burst into flames. Dewberry had been right. She had killed herself and Star. The ground raced toward her and she jolted awake. Her hide was wet with sweat as she scanned her surroundings before remembering the destroyer was dead. Star's black wing covered her and Brackentail was close on the other side. She felt safe enough between the two stallions to go back to sleep.