"The tansy? It's this one... No, it's this one, right? I don't...I should know this!" Kitepaw fumbled for words. Nothing felt right. "What's wrong with me?"

"Nothing," soothed Birchcloud, pressing his tail to the tabby's flank. "You're just nervous. It's hard getting used to a new Clan. But you'll do fine. I believe in you. You remind me of your mother, and she could do anything."

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hey guys. I know I go on and on about how much of a fun ride this has been, and unfortunately, I'm about to start rambling again. It's just so hard to believe that I actually finished the story! It's such an incredible feeling, and I hope all of you get the chance to experience it one day as well :) 100,000 words, excluding all the lengthy author's notes, thirty-two chapters, over three hundred reviews - my only word is wow.

I owe you guys everything. You guys gave me praise, criticism, encouragement - everything I needed to push through with this fic. You are the epitome of what this site is about: a writing community. You have made me into a better writer, and I can't thank you enough. Apart from last November's NaNoWriMo, this is the first story I've ever truly finished - and it's of an incredible length. So thanks for that. Thanks again and thanks always.

As a reward for your loyalty, I am going to post an excerpt of my original brainstorms for Pawn. I don't want to give too much away, though, so this isn't going to be much. As you will see, though, not much of it actually came to pass:

Branchpaw: Is quiet, thoughtful, and has odd grey eyes. Falls in love with Fawnpaw, a StarClan she-cat. Final Mate: Fawnpaw. Final Name: Branchclaw

Russetpaw: Falls in love with Dawnpaw but can never have her. Almost becomes a bad guy but is redeemed. Final Mate: None, leaves. Final Name: Russetheart.

I changed Blossompaw's name because Fawn and Dawn were too similar. Also, while I had initially intended a romance, the whole reincarnation-of-your-murderer thing was a bit of a mood-kill. As for Russet, he doesn't fall in love with Dawnpaw, and he definitely doesn't receive his warrior name. Anyway, the Sootclaw and Dawnpaw drabbles list their final mates, and I wouldn't want to ruin that for you, so this is as much as I'm posting :)

Now, back to the rambling. This story just means so much to me. It's a testament to what I can achieve - or what any of us can achieve - if we just dedicate ourselves to our dreams. I've been writing for years, and if I can do it, anyone can, with enough time and discipline. This is the highlight of my writing so far, and this is only just the beginning.

I started this story in January 2011, sitting on my couch with a broken ankle, and trying to find a way to pass the time. I had been reading a lot of Harry Potter fanfiction at the time, and to be quite honest, Thickfur was initially based off of Snape, though he's developed into his own character over time. In fact, many of the characters have changed drastically since they were first conceived. Anyway, I started writing, and the rest is history. I stalled in the spring, pulled my stuff together in the summer, and lost it again in the fall. Then, mid-December, I received a review and realized that I couldn't give up. I had promised to see this story through.

And so I wrote.

You know what the best part of the whole thing is? Getting to screw with your shipper hearts. SootxDawn, SootxLily, DawnxElm... Be assured that I will be providing tons of fuel for your fires in the stories to come.

Speaking of which, by the time you read this, Knight of the Shadows will be posted. Only the prologue, to be sure, and it's kind of lame (though better than this story's prologue), but it will be there. Then will follow the allegiances and the moment you've all been waiting for - the first chapter. And by the time you read this note, I will also have written the first three or four chapters, which means quick updates! So be excited and go check it out right now!

I'm not going to do review replies here, though if you have a pressing question, you can always send me a message. I am going to reply to everyone's concerns about Cherrytail and Falconswoop, though. Cherrytail definitely had feelings for Falconswoop, but can you see him liking her back? Not really, right? Let's just say that Falconswoop had his own motives for the coupling. As for the darkness, it cannot multiply infinitely. Instead, it divides, meaning that it becomes stretched thinner and thinner. Interpret that as you will, but it explains why they aren't just infecting everyone.

If you've taken the time to read through this whole note, you deserve all the plushies in the world. So, uhm, final question:

Who was your favourite character in all of PotS, and who are you most looking forward to seeing in the sequel?

Thanks for reading, and, for a final time in PotS, please review!

- PV :)