RavenXBarley Moments and A Look At Ravenpaw’s Farewell by Streampaw

Streampaw looks back on Ravenpaw and Barley’s best moments together!

Hi everyone! I’m Streampaw/lark and today I’ll be sharing some adorable RavenXBarley moments from Ravenpaw’s Farewell! This article was inspired by Mountainstorm’s “Best Feather x Crow Moments And Why It’s Awesome” article. You should check it out! If you love FeatherXCrow, send a 💙 blue heart in the comments as well.

I got four novella sets for Christmas, and the first one I read was “Shadows of the Clans”. This includes Mapleshade’s Vengeance, Goosefeather’s Curse, and Ravenpaw’s Farewell. Before I read the final novella in the set, my opinion on RavenXBarley was “meh”. I hadn’t read Ravenpaw’s Manga set and I’d only had info based on the main arcs. But once I read this, my perspective changed by a lot! 😃

RavenXBarley is a pairing that is considered “semi-canon”. Ships like this include TallXJake and others. In the Warriors Wiki, it states that Warriors can’t have any same-sex couples because of the laws in some countries, but it also says that Ravenpaw’s “partner” is Barley and that Ravenpaw and Barley truly loved each other. 💞
Well, I think the ship is cute! (It also shows Ravenpaw and Barley as mates on the family tree)

First, let’s analyze. Ravenpaw is the son of Fuzzypelt and Robinwing, and the brother of Dustpelt. He first appears in the original and first-ever published book of Warriors, Into the Wild. Ravenpaw is shown as a fretful, awkward, and easy to alarm apprentice whose mentor is Tigerclaw. Ravenpaw is rather frightened of his mentor because he saw Tigerclaw murder Redtail and is scared of what will happen if his mentor finds out. Because his friends, Graypaw and Firepaw, are concerned about him and want him to feel safe, they tell their Clanmates that he’d died and take him to the barn to live with Barley, a loner.

Barley was born in BloodClan, along with his sister, Violet, and his brothers, Hoot and Jumper. Loving his sister very much, he broke Scourge’s rules and stayed in contact wit her. When their renamed siblings, Snake and Ice, attacked her, Barley took her to live as a kittypet and settled down in a barn by WindClan’s territory himself. Barley was friendly with the Clans and helped Bluestar, Firepaw, and Tigerclaw when they were ambushed by rats. They also assisted “LionClan” against the battle with BloodClan.

Ravenpaw found himself welcome with Barley and Barley enjoyed his company. They were often helpful to the Clans with shelter, food, and even saw them off when they left for the lake territories. Barley constantly doubted Ravenpaw’s loyalty, scared that his friend would leave him, but Ravenpaw proved himself over and over in the books, helping Barley with his being nervous around crowds (which I find adorable 🥰 ) and preferring his life as a loner.

(SPOILERS FOR RAVENPAW’S FAREWELL START NOW! If you haven’t read this novella and don’t want it to be spoiled, DO NOT READ)

Ravenpaw’s Farewell takes place (I think) roughly between “The New Prophecy” and “The Power of Three”. If I’m wrong, sorry! 🙂 In this book, Barley’s sister Violet has given birth to three kits, Lulu, Bella, Riley, and Patch. Lulu and Patch, sadly, were taken away, but Bella and Riley are left. They’d often heard stories of the Clans and warriors from Smudge, who was still alive, and they wanted to be warriors themselves.

At first, Ravenpaw is skeptical, but the apprentice-aged kits could pad lightly, and they were both swift and strong. Ravenpaw decided after a conversation or two with Silverstream that he wanted to help them meet their dreams, since he came from a warrior to a loner, so why couldn’t they go from kittypet to warrior? Ravenpaw had heard that SkyClan had “daylight warriors” and were generally more welcoming to outsiders, so he chose to take Bella and Riley there.

Barley thought this meant that Ravenpaw wanted to leave him, and he was miserable and believed it foolish, deciding not to come. After they journey and are almost to SkyClan territory, they see Barley and he apologizes. Like Hollyleaf and Fallen Leaves, they do have arguments, but they make up and forgive each other, a quality of a healthy relationship!

Once they get there, though, there are some troublesome kittypets that keep bothering SkyClan cats and not letting the warriors get any sleep. They weren’t really a threat, just bark and no bite, but they were a nuisance. At first, Leafstar remarked that SkyClan didn’t need any more warriors, but once Riley and Bella as well as Ravenpaw and Barley fought against the kittypets and used Ravenpaw’s strategy, they were welcomed into the Clan as Rileypaw and Bellapaw.

During this entire time, Ravenpaw had felt a pain in his belly. We don’t really know where it’s from. When a kittypet kicked him hard in the belly, in his pained spot, he said his goodbyes, which is where the name of the novella comes from.

(A moment of silence for Ravenpaw) 😭😭😭😭😭

(Rest in peace, Ravenpaw)

And… back to the moments! Now I’ll share some of the cutest RavenXBarley scenes in this novella which will hopefully lift the mournful mood I just dropped. Sorry for that little depressing piece! 😅

Here are some of the sweetest moments, in my opinion, written in Ravenpaw’s Farewell, of RavenXBarley!

1. “Don’t be such a grouch,” Barley teased. “Do you want me to go climbing over the whole roof every night before you go to sleep, just to make sure you won’t get wet? Come on over here where it’s dry.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, pages 198 to 199.

I like this quote because normally Barley is sort of shy around other cats, and it just proves that he and Ravenpaw are close. He also has a good sort of humor. I also want to point out that before this, Ravenpaw was easily alarmed, and Barley’s company made him relax, which proves that they’re good for each other.

2. “I’m happy that you have some good memories from your time with the Clans. But… don’t forget why you left. Tigerclaw would’ve murdered you if you stayed. He knew that you had seen him killing Redtail.” Ravenpaw was startled by the emotion in Barley’s voice.
“Don’t ever think that I regret leaving the forest!” he hissed. “Firestar and Graystripe saved my life when they brought me to you. Since then, I’ve never wanted to be anywhere but at by your side.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, pages 206 to 207.

Aw! 😍 This is one of my favorites! Ravenpaw wanted Barley to feel better, and Barley truly was sad! It shows that home is the matter of who, not where, and Ravenpaw feels at home with Barley!

3. “They padded side by side through the long grass at the base of the wooden fence.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 208.

Short, but sweet, how they walked side by side! 🙂

4. “Do you and Barley have kits?” she mewed.

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 212. (This is little Bella, Violet’s kit, speaking)

Kits are so adorable! 🤗 But they also are more curious and see some things that adult cats don’t. I think Bella saw or felt the obvious affection between the tom and asked the first thing that popped in her mind.

5. “Ravenpaw let his eyes close. “Stay with me while I sleep?”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Barley promised, settling his chin more comfortably in Ravenpaw’s black fur.
Neither am I, Ravenpaw thought.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 216

So sweet! 😺 It’s so cute how they sleep so close together. This is one of my favorite RavenXBarley quotes.

6. “My home is with Barley now.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 222

Short but sweet! Again proving that home is where the heart is, and Ravenpaw’s heard lies with Barley.

7. “He was happy with Barley – happier than he’d ever been in the forest.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 224

Again with the home thing! Home is a big subject in Ravenpaw’s life and Barley certainly helped him feel more confident and sure of where his home was.

8. “Go back to sleep,” Ravenpaw whispered, stroking his paw across Barley’s flank. “All is well.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 226

😁 Adorable! Ravenpaw and Barley want each other to be comfortable and calm and to have a good night’s sleep. They really care about their health and happiness.

9. “But I thought you were happy here,” Barley whispered.
The hurt in his old friend’s eyes was too much for Ravenpaw to bear. He looked away. “I am happy. I have been since the moment I first arrived. But by taking me in, you gave me a chance to make a choice, don’t you see?”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 228.

Ravenpaw wants to repay Barley’s kindness to other cats! It’s like giving these two a sort of legacy inside of Bella and Cody, sort of like how Feathertail’s compassion and empathy to Crowfeather caused him to do the same to other cats. Kindness always repays itself! 🙂

10. “Barley spoke first. “I’m so sorry,” he blurted out. “I should have never tried to stop you from helping Violet’s kits. You are brave and generous, and I don’t deserve you…”
Ravenpaw bounded forward and pressed his muzzle against Barley’s cheek.
“Don’t be such a mouse-brain. You were right to be concerned. It’s been hard, but we’re okay.” He felt a lump in his throat. “Even better now that you’re here.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, pages 245 to 246

Okay, this is at least in my top two RavenXBarley quotes. How can anyone say that they’re not canon? Barley doesn’t think he deserves Ravenpaw, and he clearly loves and wants to show those qualities that he mentioned. And then Ravenpaw admits that he made a mistake and Barley does too! I love how they forgive each other so easily after they talk it out. Very healthy! 😃

11. “Ravenpaw blinked affectionately at Barley. “You certainly know how to motivate them!”
The black-and-white tom ran his tail over Ravenpaw’s flank. “I’m so proud of you for doing this. You’re right; they deserve to choose the life they lead. Just as we did, a long time ago.”
Side by side, they padded into the sunshine. Ravenpaw forgot the tiredness in his legs as he trotted beside Barley.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 247

Another favorite! Actually, almost all of these quotes are some of my favorites. But I like how Barley tells Ravenpaw how he feels and explains his thoughts. And it’s cute how Ravenpaw has so much energy with Barley beside him. 😉

12. “He was conscious of Barley standing very close to him as they watched the young cats tuck in.
“I can’t believe how well they’ve settled into living wild,” Barley murmured. “You’ve done a great job.”
“They’ve been very brave,” Ravenpaw replied. “I’m proud of them.”
Barley leaned against him, smelling warm and soft and familiar.
“You should be,” he whispered.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 248

Ah! I LOVE LOVE LOVE RavenXBarley! Not as much as I love FeatherXCrow or BrightXCloud, but this ship takes third place. 🥰

13. “I’ll stay awake to make sure they don’t come back,” Barley murmured in Ravenpaw’s ear.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 255

Another short one, but again, it’s not the quantity but the quality. This simple conversation proves a variety of things. One, Barley knows that Ravenpaw is exhausted even without asking, he just knows his friend that well. Two, Barley will stay up that night, risking his own sleep to make sure Ravenpaw is safe and cozy. And three, Barley wants to protect Ravenpaw. Yay! 💞

14. “Yes, I did,” Ravenpaw admitted. “I live with Barley now.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 258

Now Ravenpaw, Riley, Bella, and Barley are speaking with a SkyClan patrol made out of Plumwillow, Firefern, and Cloudpaw. And… even though they’re complete strangers and the two groups of cats have only spoken for a minute or so, Ravenpaw doesn’t try to hide anything between him and Barley. In lots of romances in Warriors, especially forbidden ones, cats have second thoughts and think about their place in the Clan and the warrior code. That’s why I love ships like SilverstreamXGraystripe, FeathertailXCrowfeather, and RavenpawXBarley: the aren’t ashamed of their love and are actually defiant about it. 😍

15. “A sharp pain jabbed in his belly, and Ravenpaw stumbled. In a heartbeat, Barley was beside, propping him up. “Are you okay?” […] Barley stayed beside him, fussing, until he was settled on the dusty orange floor. […] “I’ll go hunt,” Barley meowed. “You stay here and rest.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, pages 261 to 262

When Ravenpaw is hurt, Barley rushes as fast as he can to help his partner. They truly care for one another and don’t want their mate to get hurt at all. 😊

16. “Ravenpaw felt a painful lump rise in his throat. “I’m afraid for Barley,” he whispered.
“Barley knows that you don’t want to leave him. He understands, and he will not love you less if he can’t see you.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 267

Silverstream is comforting Ravenpaw, and she’s honest: Just because a cat is dead doesn’t mean you just let go of their love like that. Graystripe grieved a lot for Silverstream, Crowfeather even tried to commit suicide for Feathertail, and it’s easy to see what Ravenpaw is distressed about. He cares so much for his friend even thinking about the aftereffects of his death before he’s killed.

17. “Ravenpaw limped down behind Sharpclaw and Billystorm to join Barley. The black-and-white cat regarded him with concern…”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 274

Every time Ravenpaw even looks slightly weak or flustered, Barley is there for him. They have such a great bond! 😺

18. “I’ve been invited to join a hunting patrol,” Barley murmured in Ravenpaw’s ear. “But you need to get some rest.”
Ravenpaw opened his mouth to object, but Barley went on. “I can see you’re in pain. Don’t lie to me, please. Just look after yourself while I help with the fresh-kill pile.”
Ravenpaw nodded. “I’ll be here when you get back,” he promised.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 275

So cute! 🤩

19. “I wouldn’t change a thing,” Ravenpaw promised. “If anything had been different, I might not have had my life with Barley. I have been happier than I have ever imagined a cat could be.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 277

Aw…💚💚💚

20. “Ravenpaw turned and looked down at the gorge. He could see Barley standing at the edge of the woods, looking up at him. The black-and-white cat kinked his tail in greeting and Ravenpaw waved his tail in reply. Then he turned back to the StarClan cats.
“I cannot join you,” he mewed softly. “There is someone I need to wait for. I hope there is a place where we can be together, even though he’s not a Clan cat.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, pages 277 to 278

Ravenpaw! That was so sweet of you! Another favorite here.

21. “A spasm of pain racked his body and shadows swam behind his eyes. He felt Barley press against him, holding him up.
“You need to lie down,” his friend told him. He steered Ravenpaw to a soft patch of sand at the edge of the gorge. Ravenpaw sank down with a hiss of pain.
“You can’t fight tonight,” Barley mewed. His eyes were huge with alarm. “You’re not strong enough.”
Ravenpaw gazed at his friend. “Oh, Barley. You know me so well. Better than any cat ever has. But there is a secret I have kept from you without meaning to: I have always been a warrior. I have a loyalty to these cats, and I must fight beside them, whatever happens.”
Barley’s eyes filled with water. “You’re so stubborn,” he murmured. “I really can’t stop you, can I?”
“No. But you can be at my side,” Ravenpaw replied. “Please.”
Barley leaned his head against Ravenpaw’s. “Always.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 280

Oh. My. StarClan. This has got to be my 2nd favorite quote from the entire novella set. RavenXBarley forever!!!!! 💜 (Of course, FeatherXCrow is superior…)

22. “Wait!” Barley mewed, trotting alongside. “He’s very sick! Shouldn’t you take him to your den and treat him?”
“It’s too late for that, Barley,” Echosong murmured. “We must do what Ravenpaw wishes now.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, page 285

Poor Barley! 😭 He’s so worried. At least Echosong is comforting.

23. “But Barley… His old friend curled around him, just as he had always done when they slept. Ravenpaw could feel him trembling and wished there was something he could do to comfort him.
“It’s all right,” Barley whispered, his voice breaking. “I know you have to leave me. I will never forget you, I promise.”
Ravenpaw gasped for one more breath. “I will wait for you. Wherever you are, I will find you.” He let his head fall onto Barley’s front paw. Everything was starting to feel very far away.
[…] There was a gulp from Barley.
I’m sorry, my friend, Ravenpaw thought. He let the shadows fill his mind. Around him, the trees shimmered with starlight and his legs felt young and strong again. The pain in his belly had gone. Ravenpaw stood up and looked down at Barley. I will always watch over you, he vowed. Then he turned and walked into the woods. His heart cried out for him to stay with his friend, but he knew he had to keep walking. The shadows closed around him, but somewhere ahead there was warm sunshine creeping through the trees, and the scent of prey.
Farewell, Barley. I will see you again one day.”

Ravenpaw’s Farewell, pages 285 to 286

*sniffles* Ravenpaw! NOOOO! Why did you have to die?!?!? WHYYYY??? This, for me, was one of the saddest deaths. Ever.

(A moment of silence for Ravenpaw.)

*silence*
*silence*
*silence*
*silence*

We know that Ravenpaw will live on forever in Barley, and when his friend joins him… well, I want to see that scene.

(END OF SPOILER WARNING)

Well, I hope you enjoyed this! Here are a few polls to do and reply in the comments!

Which of the quotes was your favorite?
Send a blue heart 💙 if you love FeatherXCrow!
Send a purple heart 💜 if you love SilverXGray!
Send a green heart 💚 if you love RavenXBarley!
Send a yellow heart 💛 if you liked my article!
Send an orange heart 🧡 if you liked Ravenpaw’s Farewell!

-Streampaw/lark, December 29th, 2021
💙💜💚💛🧡