Post by ❅Maplefrost❅ on Mar 22, 2021 6:13:41 GMT -5
I feel like Ivypool seems to get a lot of blame for why Dovewing left and the reason for how she behaved in AVoS and forward. Imo I feel like it's a bit nonsensical tbh, so I decided to do an entire overview of Ivypool and Dovewing's relationship in AVoS, and the DoveTiger drama. I won't get to far into their relationship as apprentices, but mostly focused on the after fact.
I apologise for any typos ahead of time, I'll go back and fix them later.
Lack of Character Agency:
When it comes to her character before AVoS, Dovewing doesn't have much of a character, it feels like it was something that the Erins never really cared to bother with. The only three types of plot points that centered with her was either her being involved with the prophecy, her conflict with Ivypool, and her romantic involvement with Tigerheart. The reason why the majority of her arc centers around her romance is because its the only plot point as a character she even involves herself in any actual agency on her own.
When it comes to the prophecy and Ivypool, those are two things not exactly in her control and stuff she had to go along with. Her fulfilling her role in the prophecy wasn't really much at the end, while her issues with Ivypool was more so something she had to get over on her own (her jealousy) which she does later. However her romance is something that remained consistent with her character, so no I'm not saying that her romance with Tiger doesn't make sense, but it doesn't make it right either.
Her growth as a character should have honestly centered around her powers, but instead was focused on her romantic aspect of her character, which is something I'm always going to be disappointed about when it comes to the Erin's writing. Even though Dovewing and Ivypool are sisters, Dove's role should have been more important because she was part of the prophecy, and because she had powers, but instead the focus was put on Ivypool in that category even though she was powerless.
When it comes to the prophecy and Ivypool, those are two things not exactly in her control and stuff she had to go along with. Her fulfilling her role in the prophecy wasn't really much at the end, while her issues with Ivypool was more so something she had to get over on her own (her jealousy) which she does later. However her romance is something that remained consistent with her character, so no I'm not saying that her romance with Tiger doesn't make sense, but it doesn't make it right either.
Her growth as a character should have honestly centered around her powers, but instead was focused on her romantic aspect of her character, which is something I'm always going to be disappointed about when it comes to the Erin's writing. Even though Dovewing and Ivypool are sisters, Dove's role should have been more important because she was part of the prophecy, and because she had powers, but instead the focus was put on Ivypool in that category even though she was powerless.
Beating a Dead Horse:
That aside, I feel like Dovewing's character does have more agency in AVoS but only because once again, it's her romance with Tigerheart coming back into the spotlight.
Ivypool's jealousy toward Dovewing was a character plot that was long dead since Dovewing stopped lying about her powers to her, back in Night Whispers. But there's a reason why this ties to her dislike toward DoveTiger. Out of petter arguing between the sisters, Ivypaw revealed that Tigerheart is a DF cat like her, but Dovepaw refused to listen and threatens to out her sister if she ever told anyone her secret. To see it with her own eyes, Ivypaw followed Dovepaw, and caught them in the act, however this leads to Ivypaw being captured by Tigerheart and ShadowClan. Whereas Dovepaw walked away from this situation scott free, by sneaking back into camp and playing innocent, Ivypaw was used in exchange for herbs that Dovepaw revealed to Tigerheart. Tigerheart took advantage of both sisters, and put clan before his DF comrade, and his love interest, meaning he was untrustworthy to both of them.
On top of that, when Ivypaw goes into the DF again this is where she sees Tigerstar talking to Tigerheart, and revealing that he's been lying and manipulating her this whole time. Add in the traumatic experience of Mapleshade almost murdering her, it makes sense as to why she doesn't like nor trust Tigerheart. Especially because after this experience she becomes a spy, and doesn't trust Tigerheart even more.
Vice versa, Tigerheart also dislikes Ivypool, due to the incident where she was almost forced to kill Flametail's spirit. Tigerheart doesn't let her live it down either, and remains aggressive toward her when they see one another from then on in the DF. During a gathering he also instils doubt in Dovewing, by trash talking Ivypool, and says she's not the cat she thinks she is, which caused a suspicious rift between the sisters.
There's no conflict between the two until DwS, where Tigerheart tries to prod Ivypool for information about her sister, asking her where she is and if she's with Bumblestripe. Obviously guarded and annoyed with Tigerheart being nosy, she tells him it's none of his business, because it really isn't. It's also obvious by this point in the story, Dove and Ivy have no conflicts toward one another, and are much more supportive and protective of one another, as it should be.
However the conflict comes again in AVoS, when Tigerheart is around again, Ivypool expresses her worry about her Tigerheart being around her sister while they're in the same clan temporarily. Tigerheart's jealousy toward Bumblestripe, and him wanting to get back with Dovewing so badly was so noticeable, that even Alderpaw could see there was some sort of history between them. Meanwhile, the one and only cat Ivypool has ever told Dovewing's secret too was Twigpaw, her own apprentice she trusted, because she knew how it felt to be worried about one's littermate.
When it came to conflict toward Tigerheart while he was staying, it was not only because of her wanting to protect her sister, but also because of the dangers of Darktail and his rogues at the time. Whether the cats should attack them again, whether they should focus on protecting themselves or helping SkyClan, despite already helping what was left of ShadowClan. There was many things that were afoot to deal with at the time. On top of that, Purdy passing away, and even Twigpaw disappearing, to which Ivypool blamed herself over. And even though Dovewing was mourning over Purdy as well, she used Twigpaw's disappearance as of means to get away from Bumblestripe and spend more time with Tigerheart.
Ivypool's jealousy toward Dovewing was a character plot that was long dead since Dovewing stopped lying about her powers to her, back in Night Whispers. But there's a reason why this ties to her dislike toward DoveTiger. Out of petter arguing between the sisters, Ivypaw revealed that Tigerheart is a DF cat like her, but Dovepaw refused to listen and threatens to out her sister if she ever told anyone her secret. To see it with her own eyes, Ivypaw followed Dovepaw, and caught them in the act, however this leads to Ivypaw being captured by Tigerheart and ShadowClan. Whereas Dovepaw walked away from this situation scott free, by sneaking back into camp and playing innocent, Ivypaw was used in exchange for herbs that Dovepaw revealed to Tigerheart. Tigerheart took advantage of both sisters, and put clan before his DF comrade, and his love interest, meaning he was untrustworthy to both of them.
On top of that, when Ivypaw goes into the DF again this is where she sees Tigerstar talking to Tigerheart, and revealing that he's been lying and manipulating her this whole time. Add in the traumatic experience of Mapleshade almost murdering her, it makes sense as to why she doesn't like nor trust Tigerheart. Especially because after this experience she becomes a spy, and doesn't trust Tigerheart even more.
Vice versa, Tigerheart also dislikes Ivypool, due to the incident where she was almost forced to kill Flametail's spirit. Tigerheart doesn't let her live it down either, and remains aggressive toward her when they see one another from then on in the DF. During a gathering he also instils doubt in Dovewing, by trash talking Ivypool, and says she's not the cat she thinks she is, which caused a suspicious rift between the sisters.
There's no conflict between the two until DwS, where Tigerheart tries to prod Ivypool for information about her sister, asking her where she is and if she's with Bumblestripe. Obviously guarded and annoyed with Tigerheart being nosy, she tells him it's none of his business, because it really isn't. It's also obvious by this point in the story, Dove and Ivy have no conflicts toward one another, and are much more supportive and protective of one another, as it should be.
However the conflict comes again in AVoS, when Tigerheart is around again, Ivypool expresses her worry about her Tigerheart being around her sister while they're in the same clan temporarily. Tigerheart's jealousy toward Bumblestripe, and him wanting to get back with Dovewing so badly was so noticeable, that even Alderpaw could see there was some sort of history between them. Meanwhile, the one and only cat Ivypool has ever told Dovewing's secret too was Twigpaw, her own apprentice she trusted, because she knew how it felt to be worried about one's littermate.
When it came to conflict toward Tigerheart while he was staying, it was not only because of her wanting to protect her sister, but also because of the dangers of Darktail and his rogues at the time. Whether the cats should attack them again, whether they should focus on protecting themselves or helping SkyClan, despite already helping what was left of ShadowClan. There was many things that were afoot to deal with at the time. On top of that, Purdy passing away, and even Twigpaw disappearing, to which Ivypool blamed herself over. And even though Dovewing was mourning over Purdy as well, she used Twigpaw's disappearance as of means to get away from Bumblestripe and spend more time with Tigerheart.
The Argument:
Before Dovewing leaves to go on the mission to find Twigpaw, with Tigerheart, her and Ivypool argue again for the first time in most likely a long time. Dovewing is irritated with Ivypool on how she handled the situation the day before, opposing on going on the mission to look for Twigpaw's kin and instead preferring to stay and focus on Darktail's group. Dovewing, confronts her sister, and demands to know what's gotten into her, accusing her of not actually caring about her apprentice. Ivypool then points out it's none of her business, and that she doesn't want to get Twigpaw's hopes up so she could be hurt again. Ivypool then casually points out that Dovewing should focus more on her clan instead of Tigerheart, to which only infuriates Dovewing. Ivypool implies that if Dovewing can find everything she wants in ThunderClan, to which Dovewing thinks she means getting back with Bumblestripe again if she so desperately wants a mate and kits.
Considering the events that happened in the future, it wasn't that Dovewing didn't want a mate and kits, she just didn't want that with Bumblestripe. She wanted it with Tigerheart. So Ivypool wasn't entirely wrong about her accusations, she just didn't think her sister would be foolish enough to actually elope and break the code. I won't go into how Dovewing also takes her anger out on Bumbelstripe a few times, despite him being cautious, polite and patient the whole time with him. Or the moment she thought that maybe things would be easier with Bumblestripe but then quickly takes her anger out on him again and avoids having an actual "talk" with him. If she actually had as much courage and bravado to talk to Bumblestripe seriously like she did when confronting Ivypool, honestly a lot more things could have been solved easier. However, for the most part, Dovewing seems to prefer to avoid confrontation and her problems, and this has been very consistent with her character for most of her chapters in general. She even says that she would talk with Bumblestripe when she comes back to work things out, but this conversation, obviously never happened.
Considering the events that happened in the future, it wasn't that Dovewing didn't want a mate and kits, she just didn't want that with Bumblestripe. She wanted it with Tigerheart. So Ivypool wasn't entirely wrong about her accusations, she just didn't think her sister would be foolish enough to actually elope and break the code. I won't go into how Dovewing also takes her anger out on Bumbelstripe a few times, despite him being cautious, polite and patient the whole time with him. Or the moment she thought that maybe things would be easier with Bumblestripe but then quickly takes her anger out on him again and avoids having an actual "talk" with him. If she actually had as much courage and bravado to talk to Bumblestripe seriously like she did when confronting Ivypool, honestly a lot more things could have been solved easier. However, for the most part, Dovewing seems to prefer to avoid confrontation and her problems, and this has been very consistent with her character for most of her chapters in general. She even says that she would talk with Bumblestripe when she comes back to work things out, but this conversation, obviously never happened.
The Fallout:
This is when things start to go back down hill for Ivypool and Dovewing's relationship once again.
Ivypool and Twigpaw make up, Ivypool apologizes for not siding with her and admits that she would have done the same for her kin. This once again shows Twigpaw and Ivypool being parallels, and how the two of them can relate on things when it comes to the struggles of one's kin and their clan. Ivypool, despite being very loyal to her clan, still loves her kin, but she isn't blinded by either. While Twigpaw is still trying to decide where she belongs and if she should prioritize her blood kin over her found kin in her life.
Not long after this, Twigpaw passes her assessment with flying colors but then she decides to leave and join SkyClan to be with her kin. While out with Finpaw, she accidently comes upon Dovewing and Tigerheart, who were meeting in secret. Tigerheart is explaining the state of ShadowClan and how he might have to be the leader they need, but then Dovewing interjects and asks what about "them". Tigerheart reaffirms that he loves her and promises they can work things out. When Twigpaw quickly wants to leave, after she and Finpaw accidently see their secret, she wishes she hadn't seen it. She also then debates whether or not to tell Ivypool about the interaction. It's clear by this point that Dove and Tiger are together again, and once more going behind their clan's back. So between Shattered Sky and Darkest Night they got back together again. Meaning ironically Ivypoolw as right about them going on the mission together.
Later Twigpaw ends up running into Ivypool when she accidently chases a squirrel over the boarder into ThunderClan. Although Twigpaw is happy to see her again, Ivypool is upset with her apprentice leaving ThunderClan after spending moons training her and even passing her assessment. Twigpaw apologizes and says she wanted to be with her kin, two which Ivypool concedes and admits that she did miss the other, but Twigpaw is still thankful for her training. She then shows her displeasure about how SkyClan hasn't given her her name yet as she deserved, but Twigpaw points out that it's because she has to learn SkyClan's ways first.
When they talk about Fernsong and how warmly Ivypool speaks of him, it reminds Twigpaw about the incident of catching Dove and Tiger in the act, to which prompts her to ask about Dovewing. Ivypool becomes suspicious, and not wanting to lie to her, Twigpaw admits what she saw. It is noted that when Twigpaw says this, "worry" was in Ivypool's eyes, before Ivypool confirms her suspicions that her sister had been up to something lately. However it's keen to note, that Twigpaw doesn't tell Ivypool about them being in love again, and only talks about Tiger worrying over the state of ShadowClan and Dove being upset.
Ivypool is understandably angrily and confused as to why Dovewing was meeting Tigerheart in secret, and worried about ShadowClan over ThunderClan when her loyalty should be with them. Twigpaw questions if Ivypool is worried Dovewing will switch clans to, to which Ivypool gives her sister the benefit of the doubt. She says her sister has fought too long and risked too much for ThunderClan, and doubt her sister would just up and abandon them.
Ivypool and Twigpaw make up, Ivypool apologizes for not siding with her and admits that she would have done the same for her kin. This once again shows Twigpaw and Ivypool being parallels, and how the two of them can relate on things when it comes to the struggles of one's kin and their clan. Ivypool, despite being very loyal to her clan, still loves her kin, but she isn't blinded by either. While Twigpaw is still trying to decide where she belongs and if she should prioritize her blood kin over her found kin in her life.
Not long after this, Twigpaw passes her assessment with flying colors but then she decides to leave and join SkyClan to be with her kin. While out with Finpaw, she accidently comes upon Dovewing and Tigerheart, who were meeting in secret. Tigerheart is explaining the state of ShadowClan and how he might have to be the leader they need, but then Dovewing interjects and asks what about "them". Tigerheart reaffirms that he loves her and promises they can work things out. When Twigpaw quickly wants to leave, after she and Finpaw accidently see their secret, she wishes she hadn't seen it. She also then debates whether or not to tell Ivypool about the interaction. It's clear by this point that Dove and Tiger are together again, and once more going behind their clan's back. So between Shattered Sky and Darkest Night they got back together again. Meaning ironically Ivypoolw as right about them going on the mission together.
Later Twigpaw ends up running into Ivypool when she accidently chases a squirrel over the boarder into ThunderClan. Although Twigpaw is happy to see her again, Ivypool is upset with her apprentice leaving ThunderClan after spending moons training her and even passing her assessment. Twigpaw apologizes and says she wanted to be with her kin, two which Ivypool concedes and admits that she did miss the other, but Twigpaw is still thankful for her training. She then shows her displeasure about how SkyClan hasn't given her her name yet as she deserved, but Twigpaw points out that it's because she has to learn SkyClan's ways first.
When they talk about Fernsong and how warmly Ivypool speaks of him, it reminds Twigpaw about the incident of catching Dove and Tiger in the act, to which prompts her to ask about Dovewing. Ivypool becomes suspicious, and not wanting to lie to her, Twigpaw admits what she saw. It is noted that when Twigpaw says this, "worry" was in Ivypool's eyes, before Ivypool confirms her suspicions that her sister had been up to something lately. However it's keen to note, that Twigpaw doesn't tell Ivypool about them being in love again, and only talks about Tiger worrying over the state of ShadowClan and Dove being upset.
Ivypool is understandably angrily and confused as to why Dovewing was meeting Tigerheart in secret, and worried about ShadowClan over ThunderClan when her loyalty should be with them. Twigpaw questions if Ivypool is worried Dovewing will switch clans to, to which Ivypool gives her sister the benefit of the doubt. She says her sister has fought too long and risked too much for ThunderClan, and doubt her sister would just up and abandon them.
Suspicion:
In ThS, it picks up where Twigpaw and Finpaw left off, but shows more context of the scene. It shows Dove and Tiger seeing one another in secret again, it's also confirmed that being in the same camp as her every day, and going on the mission to find Twigpaw, had made them rekindle their feelings again. After the ShadowClan reclaimed their territory, they had been seeing one another, so since the end of Shattered Sky. A few things noted here is that Ivypool is barely talking to Dovewing anymore because she suspects she's seeing Tigerheart again, which is true, and that Dovewing didn't tell her about her pregnancy yet, let alone any other cat.
Now, this is where things get...twisted. Tigerheart knows that a scandel like this would put ShadowClan at odds, most of the cats have lost respect for Rowanstar, and as deputy, he's the only figure they can look to or respect. But considering the circumstances, cats would most likely take sides if they knew about this secret getting out. However, logically, Tigerheart was fine with that, he wanted Dovewing to join ShadowClan, because they needed the kits, and it would be beneficial to the both of them. No more lying and meeting in secret, and they could actually be happy together. Which..makes sense.
However, Dovewing refuses, because of the dreams she was having, and wants to instead abandon the clans, and raise her kits in unknown kittypet territory, because she thinks it's safer. Tigerheart tries to remain logical about this again, and asks her if she talked about her dreams to any one else, like Jayfeather, or Alderheart, heck even talking to Daisy or other queens about it might help. And ironically by the end of the book we find out that her dreams are perfectly normal, and queens have dreams from their kits all the time, which makes the reason for Dovewing leaving kinda...pointless. Especially because she comes back.
But anyways, she refused to tell anyone else about the dream because she's scared of the secret getting out that she's pregnant. She's afraid of confrontation yet again. She then gives Tigerheart a choice, either her and his unborn kits or his dying clan that's on the brink of extinction, putting him in an unreasonable situation. Either way, it makes Tigerheart look like the one in the wrong with whatever choice he goes with.
Now, this is where things get...twisted. Tigerheart knows that a scandel like this would put ShadowClan at odds, most of the cats have lost respect for Rowanstar, and as deputy, he's the only figure they can look to or respect. But considering the circumstances, cats would most likely take sides if they knew about this secret getting out. However, logically, Tigerheart was fine with that, he wanted Dovewing to join ShadowClan, because they needed the kits, and it would be beneficial to the both of them. No more lying and meeting in secret, and they could actually be happy together. Which..makes sense.
However, Dovewing refuses, because of the dreams she was having, and wants to instead abandon the clans, and raise her kits in unknown kittypet territory, because she thinks it's safer. Tigerheart tries to remain logical about this again, and asks her if she talked about her dreams to any one else, like Jayfeather, or Alderheart, heck even talking to Daisy or other queens about it might help. And ironically by the end of the book we find out that her dreams are perfectly normal, and queens have dreams from their kits all the time, which makes the reason for Dovewing leaving kinda...pointless. Especially because she comes back.
But anyways, she refused to tell anyone else about the dream because she's scared of the secret getting out that she's pregnant. She's afraid of confrontation yet again. She then gives Tigerheart a choice, either her and his unborn kits or his dying clan that's on the brink of extinction, putting him in an unreasonable situation. Either way, it makes Tigerheart look like the one in the wrong with whatever choice he goes with.
Not taking Responsibility:
Tigerheart, now at a loss on how to deal with the situation, especially after his medicine cat gave him a sign, and the continuous fragility of his clan, tries to come up with a solution to get Dovewing to stay in ThunderClan. He then thinks of Ivypool, knowing that the two sisters were close until recently, but ironically doesn't realize that he's the reason for their fallout in the first place.
Tigerheart then crosses the boarder, and trespasses into ThunderClan territory so he could find Ivypool in secret. He spent the whole day waiting to see her until he happened to see her before getting her attention to talk.
Ivypool is angry to see him, unsurprisingly, they don't have the best history with one another, and Tigerheart was trespassing. She confronts him about Twigpaw seeing him on the boarder and meeting in secret with Dovewing, she's angry that Tigerheart will get her sister in trouble for breaking the code. Tigerheart, on the other hand reveals that he loves Dovewing and that she loves him, but she needs Ivypool, which understandably annoys Ivypool.
Tigerheart tries to convince Ivypool to make up with Dovewing, so she would have someone to confide in. But Ivypool refuses, saying she's not going to approve of what Dovewing is doing so she'd feel less guilty. Tigerheart than questions if Ivypool actually cares about her sister, which offends Ivypool. She says of course she cares about her and that if Tigerheart did he would leave her alone. However Tigerheart says he can't, and also doesn't notably tell her that Dovewing is pregnant, let alone planning to leave. He asks Ivypool to talk to her, but Ivypool says she will after she stops seeing him before leaving. The problem here is that Ivypool has put her foot down, and is no longer tolerating their affair, and it's bad enough she's not telling her clanmates the truth about them. She wants to protect her sister, and doesn't want her to get in trouble, so as far as she's concerned, Tigerheart is the cause of all of this. Neither Dovewing or Tigerheart are taking responsibility for their actions in this situation. Dovewing is opting out and trying to run away from her issues, while Tigerheart is trying to get another cat to handle his problems.
Tigerheart even goes to try and convince Scorchfur and Juniperclaw not to leave just so he could leave and meet up with Dovewing, something he openly admits in the book. However in the end, she left without him, and Tigerheart decides to stay behind instead of going after her.
Tigerheart then crosses the boarder, and trespasses into ThunderClan territory so he could find Ivypool in secret. He spent the whole day waiting to see her until he happened to see her before getting her attention to talk.
Ivypool is angry to see him, unsurprisingly, they don't have the best history with one another, and Tigerheart was trespassing. She confronts him about Twigpaw seeing him on the boarder and meeting in secret with Dovewing, she's angry that Tigerheart will get her sister in trouble for breaking the code. Tigerheart, on the other hand reveals that he loves Dovewing and that she loves him, but she needs Ivypool, which understandably annoys Ivypool.
Tigerheart tries to convince Ivypool to make up with Dovewing, so she would have someone to confide in. But Ivypool refuses, saying she's not going to approve of what Dovewing is doing so she'd feel less guilty. Tigerheart than questions if Ivypool actually cares about her sister, which offends Ivypool. She says of course she cares about her and that if Tigerheart did he would leave her alone. However Tigerheart says he can't, and also doesn't notably tell her that Dovewing is pregnant, let alone planning to leave. He asks Ivypool to talk to her, but Ivypool says she will after she stops seeing him before leaving. The problem here is that Ivypool has put her foot down, and is no longer tolerating their affair, and it's bad enough she's not telling her clanmates the truth about them. She wants to protect her sister, and doesn't want her to get in trouble, so as far as she's concerned, Tigerheart is the cause of all of this. Neither Dovewing or Tigerheart are taking responsibility for their actions in this situation. Dovewing is opting out and trying to run away from her issues, while Tigerheart is trying to get another cat to handle his problems.
Tigerheart even goes to try and convince Scorchfur and Juniperclaw not to leave just so he could leave and meet up with Dovewing, something he openly admits in the book. However in the end, she left without him, and Tigerheart decides to stay behind instead of going after her.
Fickleness:
When ThunderClan came to see if ShadowClan knew where Dovewing was, Tigerheart knew that Ivypool would be wracked with worry and that her clan would be grieving for her. When asked about Dovewing's disappearance by Tawnypelt, he lies saying he knows nothing about it, and Tawnypelt points out how obvious he was around her. Yet another cat to add to the list of cats suspicious about them. He lies once again about his involvment with her, and then Tawnypelt reminds him about his loyalty to which he's offended by.
Meanwhile in SkyClan, Ivypool goes on a patrol to see them, to try and find out if they had any information about her sister's whereabouts. It's again noted the amount of worry in Ivypool's voice as they asked about her sister to Leafstar and the others, and explaining that she suddenly went missing, at this point it's been two days. This is also where Twigpaw admits to the rest of her clan that she had seen TigerDove, but to everyone else's surprise, including Ivypool, this wasn't reported. Twigpaw states that it was a quarter moon ago, however she once again doesn't say anything about them being in love, and only tells them what she had told Ivypool before. This also is one of the reasons why Twigpaw starts to realize that she felt more at home in ThunderClan than she did with SkyClan despite being with her kin.
Meanwhile, following this scene, Tigerheart goes to speak with Ivypool, trespassing into ThunderClan territory again. Ivypool is rightfully furious with him for trespassing, while also accusing him of knowing where Dovewing was. Tigerheart says no but then Ivypool accuses him of knowing she would leave, to which he confesses that he did. His excuse was that she was determined to leave even though he tried to convince her not to, and when asked where she has gone, he withholds this information, and clearly remembered everything Dovewing said to him.
He tells her that he tracked her as far as the thunderpath, but no further, this obviously disgusts Ivypool. Tigerheart continued to speak in a simple manner towards why he didn't go, and that his clan needs him, while Ivypool points out how he abandoned her despite supposedly loving her. Tigerheart snaps back saying he thought that she didn't want them together, but Ivypool shoots back "Do you think I'd prefer she was out there alone?" This shows to me that Ivypool would have probably been willing to go with her sister, or even convince her not to leave if she knew she was going to leave. This is also in character because of her and Twigpaw, and how she said she would have done the same, to go and look for her kin beyond the clans if she had to.
Ivypool says that she knew Tigerheart was always trouble and that if he cared about her he would have never let her leave, before clawing him (which I suppose is the equivalent of slapping someone in warriors) and leaving. Honestly she could have clawed him up more than that just for catching him trespassing twice, she honestly let him off easy here. But she also pointed out just how cowardly Tigerheart was being in letting her sister face the dangerous unknown on her own. Imagine if she knew that Dovewing was pregnant and Tigerheart still had left her on her own?
Meanwhile in SkyClan, Ivypool goes on a patrol to see them, to try and find out if they had any information about her sister's whereabouts. It's again noted the amount of worry in Ivypool's voice as they asked about her sister to Leafstar and the others, and explaining that she suddenly went missing, at this point it's been two days. This is also where Twigpaw admits to the rest of her clan that she had seen TigerDove, but to everyone else's surprise, including Ivypool, this wasn't reported. Twigpaw states that it was a quarter moon ago, however she once again doesn't say anything about them being in love, and only tells them what she had told Ivypool before. This also is one of the reasons why Twigpaw starts to realize that she felt more at home in ThunderClan than she did with SkyClan despite being with her kin.
Meanwhile, following this scene, Tigerheart goes to speak with Ivypool, trespassing into ThunderClan territory again. Ivypool is rightfully furious with him for trespassing, while also accusing him of knowing where Dovewing was. Tigerheart says no but then Ivypool accuses him of knowing she would leave, to which he confesses that he did. His excuse was that she was determined to leave even though he tried to convince her not to, and when asked where she has gone, he withholds this information, and clearly remembered everything Dovewing said to him.
He tells her that he tracked her as far as the thunderpath, but no further, this obviously disgusts Ivypool. Tigerheart continued to speak in a simple manner towards why he didn't go, and that his clan needs him, while Ivypool points out how he abandoned her despite supposedly loving her. Tigerheart snaps back saying he thought that she didn't want them together, but Ivypool shoots back "Do you think I'd prefer she was out there alone?" This shows to me that Ivypool would have probably been willing to go with her sister, or even convince her not to leave if she knew she was going to leave. This is also in character because of her and Twigpaw, and how she said she would have done the same, to go and look for her kin beyond the clans if she had to.
Ivypool says that she knew Tigerheart was always trouble and that if he cared about her he would have never let her leave, before clawing him (which I suppose is the equivalent of slapping someone in warriors) and leaving. Honestly she could have clawed him up more than that just for catching him trespassing twice, she honestly let him off easy here. But she also pointed out just how cowardly Tigerheart was being in letting her sister face the dangerous unknown on her own. Imagine if she knew that Dovewing was pregnant and Tigerheart still had left her on her own?
Aftermath:
After being unsuccessful in finding Dovewing in SkyClan territory during rainy weather, she informs Alderheart that they didn't find her. The weather would make it even more difficult to find her now, due to the rain washing away her scent by now as well, which makes the rest of the clan worry even more. This is also where Lionblaze informs the rest of the clan about what Twigpaw saw, to which Ivypool becomes upset over. She questioned if Lion and Fern think Dove is a traitor, to which they deny, but Ivypool's eyes are still troubled with worry and she hopes her sister is safe. To make matters worse, Snowbush, Ivypool's apprentice, is injured from a rockfall minutes of them returning to camp, and then later dies from the infection.
Fast forward to the gathering where Rowan announces that Tigerheart is missing, many cats begin to put two and two together, especially after witnessing Dove and Tiger's closeness; Brackenfur, Cinderheart, Ambermoon, Bumblestripe, Honeyfur, etc. Ivypool is lowering her ears and twitching nervously at the news, while Alderheart notes the discussions around him. Ivypool shrinks under her own pelt, while Rowan continues that Tigerheart went through great effort to cover his trail. This is moments before he dismantles his clan into extinction in favor of joining SkyClan, meaning without Tigerheart, his clan literally collapsed.
Fast forward to the gathering where Rowan announces that Tigerheart is missing, many cats begin to put two and two together, especially after witnessing Dove and Tiger's closeness; Brackenfur, Cinderheart, Ambermoon, Bumblestripe, Honeyfur, etc. Ivypool is lowering her ears and twitching nervously at the news, while Alderheart notes the discussions around him. Ivypool shrinks under her own pelt, while Rowan continues that Tigerheart went through great effort to cover his trail. This is moments before he dismantles his clan into extinction in favor of joining SkyClan, meaning without Tigerheart, his clan literally collapsed.
Acceptance and Moving On:
Ivypool gives birth during and eventually confides in Alderheart not long after. She talks about how upset and angry she was with Dovewing for leaving, how much she missed her and how she felt like Dovewing betrayed her. She says, "But now seeing my own kits...I think I'm learning what's really important." keep in mind this isn't about Dovewing most likely. This is probably about how she's realizing that focusing on her own life and her own family that makes her happy in her clan is more important right now. Alderheart also adds to this saying that he's sure Dovewing had a good reason to do what she did. To which Ivypool says that she thinks she can accept that now that she's been gone for so long. Ivypool is now officially moving on from her relationship with her sister, she still misses her, but she's accepted that she's gone, and is going to move on and focus on her own kin and clan.
She talks about how she still dreams of her sister, and thinks they'll see one another one day again, to which Alderheart hopes as well. Hoping she's safe.
Once Ivypool finds out that Tigerheart has returned, she asks the ShadowClan patrol if Dovewing is with them, but they don't answer her. Later however, after Tigerheart becomes Tigerstar, Dovewing is seen about to leave with him again until Alderheart interjects and invites her to see ThunderClan again. It's only now Dovewing decides to take the opportunity to go see her kin and former clan.
On there way to the camp, Dovewing asks Alderheart if her former clan would forgive her, knowing that her running away, and now joining another clan could be seen heavily as betrayal. But Alderheart reassures her that they were all worried about her and will understand. Upon her entering the camp she was flocked by her clanmates, fastest by Ivypool who was so overwhelmed with joy that she couldn't find words at first and was purring loudly. Her father and mother expressed relief and worried and exclaimed that they thought she was dead, but they were overjoyed to see her return.
You can see just how happy every was that she was alive and safe, and their kits were even happy to have kin with one another. Unfortunately for Bumblestripe, even though he's happy she's okay, he's obviously stiff at the sight of seeing her with kits from another tom. Despite the awkward pause, no cat seemed thrilled about finding out who the father was, but they were still happy she was now home. Meanwhile Daisy reassures Dovewing that having dreams because of your kits is perfectly normal for queens expecting. It's when Dovewing says it's time for her to leave, that things seem to freeze and become tense, because every cat thought she was returning for good.
At this the cats are obviously upset, Ivypool quickly turned to leave with her kits back to the nursery, while Birch and White are disappointed in her, and Spark accuses her of being a traitor. Dovewing says, "I had to make a choice. I couldn't be torn between my Clan and the cat I love." keep this mind. She's aware that she made a choice, and in this case she chose Tigerstar over her kin and Clan. Following this, Bramblestar is a leader with enough sense to send a queen and her kits an escort out of the ThunderClan, Birchfall and Whitewing volunteer to go with their daughter, while Fernsong goes as well. Dovewing had promised to come back and visit, however...Bramblestar makes it clear that they will see one another at the gatherings instead. He said because she is no longer apart of the clan, she can't just drop by and visit the camp whenever she feels like it.
It's noted Dovewing looks taken aback by this, as if she hadn't realized quite what her choice would mean, before accepting his words. Ivypool remained in the nursery and refused to look at her sister after she glanced at her one last time before leaving the camp. Upon his return, Ivypool asked her mate about her sister, wondering if she at least sent her a message, or if she said anything about leaving ThunderClan, to which Fernsong couldn't answer.
Later when Puddleshine becomes sick and is rescued by ThunderClan, Dovewing is on the patrol with Tawnypelt and Scorchfur to go check on him. However it's revealed that Dovewing really came along just to have a chance to see and visit her sister again, putting her on the spot when she looks to the nursery again. Bumblestripe points out that Dovewing had visited a mon ago, and that was before she joined ShadowClan. He says that when she left her former clan, she also left her kin. And that she claimed she understood that. Bramblestar had been very clear about this with her. However, Dovewing claims that what she did was best for every cat.
Daisy interjects that kin is kin no matter the Clan. However Bumblestripe and Lionblaze say that the clan is more important, and that loyalty comes first. Lionblaze says that when you leave your Clan you leave your kin. Jayfeather points out that if warriors didn't keep falling in love with the wrong cats then a lot could be avoided, he also states, at another time, that what's the point of rules if every cat keeps breaking them.
Dovewing, ignoring the criticism and tensions around her, continues to look to Ivypool, and speaks with her kits, before verbally begging her sister to see her, in front of everyone. Ivypool eventually caves and goes to see her sister, but her eyes were glittering with pity. Ivypool says she understands but she's still upset, and dislikes that her kin will grow up without truly knowing their other kin. Dovewing wants Ivypool to visit, but Scorchfur interjects that it won't happen any time soon.
Eventually they have to part when Dovewing has to return, however Ivypool's kits were speaking about how they wanted to live in ShadowClan one day to be with their other kin too. But Ivypool quickly hushes them and teaches them that their loyalty must be to their clan if they want to be warriors one day. The kits point out that Dovewing wasn't loyal, to which Alderheart pitied her. He wondered how she could defend her sister while properly teaching her kits about the code and remaining loyal to their clan. Without loyalty the warrior code was hollow.
She talks about how she still dreams of her sister, and thinks they'll see one another one day again, to which Alderheart hopes as well. Hoping she's safe.
Once Ivypool finds out that Tigerheart has returned, she asks the ShadowClan patrol if Dovewing is with them, but they don't answer her. Later however, after Tigerheart becomes Tigerstar, Dovewing is seen about to leave with him again until Alderheart interjects and invites her to see ThunderClan again. It's only now Dovewing decides to take the opportunity to go see her kin and former clan.
On there way to the camp, Dovewing asks Alderheart if her former clan would forgive her, knowing that her running away, and now joining another clan could be seen heavily as betrayal. But Alderheart reassures her that they were all worried about her and will understand. Upon her entering the camp she was flocked by her clanmates, fastest by Ivypool who was so overwhelmed with joy that she couldn't find words at first and was purring loudly. Her father and mother expressed relief and worried and exclaimed that they thought she was dead, but they were overjoyed to see her return.
You can see just how happy every was that she was alive and safe, and their kits were even happy to have kin with one another. Unfortunately for Bumblestripe, even though he's happy she's okay, he's obviously stiff at the sight of seeing her with kits from another tom. Despite the awkward pause, no cat seemed thrilled about finding out who the father was, but they were still happy she was now home. Meanwhile Daisy reassures Dovewing that having dreams because of your kits is perfectly normal for queens expecting. It's when Dovewing says it's time for her to leave, that things seem to freeze and become tense, because every cat thought she was returning for good.
At this the cats are obviously upset, Ivypool quickly turned to leave with her kits back to the nursery, while Birch and White are disappointed in her, and Spark accuses her of being a traitor. Dovewing says, "I had to make a choice. I couldn't be torn between my Clan and the cat I love." keep this mind. She's aware that she made a choice, and in this case she chose Tigerstar over her kin and Clan. Following this, Bramblestar is a leader with enough sense to send a queen and her kits an escort out of the ThunderClan, Birchfall and Whitewing volunteer to go with their daughter, while Fernsong goes as well. Dovewing had promised to come back and visit, however...Bramblestar makes it clear that they will see one another at the gatherings instead. He said because she is no longer apart of the clan, she can't just drop by and visit the camp whenever she feels like it.
It's noted Dovewing looks taken aback by this, as if she hadn't realized quite what her choice would mean, before accepting his words. Ivypool remained in the nursery and refused to look at her sister after she glanced at her one last time before leaving the camp. Upon his return, Ivypool asked her mate about her sister, wondering if she at least sent her a message, or if she said anything about leaving ThunderClan, to which Fernsong couldn't answer.
Later when Puddleshine becomes sick and is rescued by ThunderClan, Dovewing is on the patrol with Tawnypelt and Scorchfur to go check on him. However it's revealed that Dovewing really came along just to have a chance to see and visit her sister again, putting her on the spot when she looks to the nursery again. Bumblestripe points out that Dovewing had visited a mon ago, and that was before she joined ShadowClan. He says that when she left her former clan, she also left her kin. And that she claimed she understood that. Bramblestar had been very clear about this with her. However, Dovewing claims that what she did was best for every cat.
Daisy interjects that kin is kin no matter the Clan. However Bumblestripe and Lionblaze say that the clan is more important, and that loyalty comes first. Lionblaze says that when you leave your Clan you leave your kin. Jayfeather points out that if warriors didn't keep falling in love with the wrong cats then a lot could be avoided, he also states, at another time, that what's the point of rules if every cat keeps breaking them.
Dovewing, ignoring the criticism and tensions around her, continues to look to Ivypool, and speaks with her kits, before verbally begging her sister to see her, in front of everyone. Ivypool eventually caves and goes to see her sister, but her eyes were glittering with pity. Ivypool says she understands but she's still upset, and dislikes that her kin will grow up without truly knowing their other kin. Dovewing wants Ivypool to visit, but Scorchfur interjects that it won't happen any time soon.
Eventually they have to part when Dovewing has to return, however Ivypool's kits were speaking about how they wanted to live in ShadowClan one day to be with their other kin too. But Ivypool quickly hushes them and teaches them that their loyalty must be to their clan if they want to be warriors one day. The kits point out that Dovewing wasn't loyal, to which Alderheart pitied her. He wondered how she could defend her sister while properly teaching her kits about the code and remaining loyal to their clan. Without loyalty the warrior code was hollow.
After thoughts?
After all is said and done, I feel like there's a lot of issues when it comes to the relationship of the sisters. There were outside interferences that were causing them to drift apart from one another from the start; Lionblaze and Jayfeather. And then even more so later on thanks to mistrust and suspicion; Tigerheart.
I think despite everything, Ivypool does love her sister, and has always worried and cared for her safety. I've read over every single chapter where the two are together, and it shows just how dedicated Ivypool was to her sister, however it's the conflict of her sister breaking the code, and lying to her clan that caused the actual problems between them.
Ivypool has been keeping her sister's secret for moons, since she was an apprentice, and then once again when she and Tigerheart get back together again. She feared that Tigerheart would get her sister in trouble and became suspicious of them seeing one another again. It's not a matter of, "It's not her business who her sister gets with" it is when she's breaking the warrior code. She also wasn't the only cat that soon became suspicious either, there were several cats that began to wonder, and some even witnessing them in the act; Finpaw and Twigpaw.
Ivypool was also rightfully angry at Tigerheart, not only for breaking the code and trespassing into ThunderClan territory, twice, but also not taking responsibility and trying to get her to fix his mess. She told him to stay away from her sister, he refused claiming he loved her. Yet later when he revealed she knew she was leaving, he did nothing to stop her, let alone go with her, which shows how cowardly he was. Tigerheart was inconsistently fickle, while Dovewing was being selfish and forcing him to choose between her and his clan. Both of them withhold important information; Dovewing being pregnant, that Dovewing was going to leave, and where she was going. They both lied and went behind their clans backs, and then subsequently abandoned their clans.
Dovewing's clanmates spent time and energy, looking for her for days, in the rain even, to try and find her only to turn up nothing. They even thought she was dead after so much time had went by. They genuinely cared about her, and were even esthatic to see her safe and alive, only to be punched with the truth that she wasn't returning and was going to live in ShadowClan.
I think that DoveTiger should have stayed buried in BrS and not go anywhere from there, it was obvious both cats were moving on but their relationship rekindled due to Tigerheart staying in ThunderClan again. Dovewing shows she's selfish, while Tigerheart is fickle, and both are cowardly. Running away from their problems instead of facing them, constantly. Was it a good idea for Dovewing to move to ShadowClan? Yes, at this point in the story, she might as well. However, the way she went about it, and her reaosoning for leaving, was awful.
She should have been truthful with her kin and clan if she truly loved them so much. If she actually had the courage to express she was leaving, like Twigbranch did, a much younger and more inexperienced cat, then I highly doubt there would be as much bad blood between them than there is now. And the problems of Dove's actions end up bleeding into the later arcs of TBC because of this. I feel that DoveTiger and both characters individually could have been handled much better. And I pity Ivypool for having to put up with all these factors so long compared to any other cat in the series.
That being said, what are your overall opinions on the situations after reviewing the majority of it all as a whole?