Though we've squeled over our excitement for Ashenstar and Mousetail plenty in the chat box already, let's write it out!

Though Mousetail didn't know when her feelings began, it's safe to say that they really never went anywhere in regards to Ashenstar. She can remember the day she became his apprentice clearing, and feeling the pride of becoming the apprentice of such a noble warrior. But, somewhere down the line, Mousetail's desire to please her mentor changed from merely wanting his approval and to wanting him to notice her. She was always somewhat shy and unsure around Ashenstar, happy to be in his company, but unsure what to say or do in his presence. Perhaps the day Mousetail lightens up and they can have a deep conversation is the day they can find more in common with one another.

Before anything else, Mousetail and Ashenstar are undoubtably friends, and good ones at that. They have known each other for many long moons, most of Mousetail's life in fact, and shared life experiences can bring cats quite close. Mousetail was likely one of Ashenstar's biggest supporters when he was appointed deputy, and later leader, feeling as much pride for her former mentor and friend as she would have felt if she had earned the role herself. Mousetail and Ashenstar will likely get to know one another better when Mousetail can stop being so shy and nervous around Ashenstar and they can both relax with one another.

Perhaps another large obstacle in Mousetail's love life was Daisyfang. Seeing Ashenstar look at the she-cat would have been enough to keep Mousetail at bay. After all, how could she compete with a cat Ashenstar loved so much, and had asked for moons to be her mate. So, the she-cat likely kept her distance, only offering her support as a friend or a ShadowClan warrior, but avoiding Ashenstar's love life. It's likely Mousetail was as shocked as any cat when Daisyfang returned to camp without the kits she was expecting, depriving Ashenstar of his own children and ruining any chance they ever had of a solid relationship. But, as down as Ashenstar was, Mousetail would have only been Ashenstar's friend, offering her support and her sympathy for the lost kits, as blind to every other cat that they were alive and well in WindClan. But, perhaps with Daisyfang's betrayal not so new, Ashenstar recovered from his shock, and the discovery of the kits, there will be little to keep Mousetail from trying to win her leader's heart for herself.