Is Graystripe Really a Good Friend to Fireheart? by Vixenstalk

Vixenstalk discusses whether Graystripe was a good friend to Firestar

We all know (or most of us do, sorry for any spoilers), that Graystripe goes off with Silverstream in Fire and Ice. The pretty silver tabby saves Graystripe from drowning early in the book. Graystripe thanks her and flirts. As they get back the run into Tigerstar, known as Tigerclaw back then, and Cinderpaw lies, by telling him that Graystripe was teaching them how to catch fish, but fell in. As leafbare set in Fireheart noticed that Graystripe was frequently disappearing. One day Fireheart followed him and realised Graystripe was meeting Silverstream in secret.

At this point, the authors express that Graystripe was disregarding the warrior code as a small boundary. Fireheart had tried, repeatedly, to convince Graystripe to stop. Graystripe doesn’t listen. But the bad thing about this, is that Fireheart, as a good friend, is covering for Graystripe. But Graystripe wants almost nothing to do with him. Desperately Fireheart tries to convince Silverstream to stop meeting Graystripe. Fireheart has a right to do this as covering for Graystripe would get him in big trouble if anyone ever found out.

Graystripe is furious when he found out. He even ATTACKS Fireheart. This is a big indication that Graystripe doesn’t care, and/or think about the fact Fireheart could get in BIG trouble for covering for him, as I said before.
“(He) felt lost and alone without his old friend, though he could barely recognise him anymore. He wondered if they could ever be friends again,” – Fireheart’s POV, Fire and Ice. See what I mean??
Graystripe is terrible to Fireheart. By Fireheart is still loyal to him.
“Graystripe’s gone?” Firestar whispered. He sat down, drawing his tail around him. Leafpaw’s legs trembled. Her father had never seemed so far away, so far beyond her reach to comfort him.” – Sunrise, Firestar.
“I’ve lost Graystripe; I don’t want to leave another friend behind.” Ravenpaw shook his head. “My home is here, but I’ll never forget you, I promise. I’ll be waiting for you always.” – Ravenpaw, Dawn.
You see, his greatest friends stick by him even when he leaves. This shows they have more dignity, loyalty, and honour that Graystripe ever had.