At Harepaw's cruel words toward his fellow apprentice, Screefoot's tail gave a single, whole lash. It crossed her mind to try disciplining him like Roseclaw did her apprentice. No... that would only escalate the situation. But to just let him say these things? She hissed at the young cat with her ears back. Next time something like that happened, she would (try to) give him some manner of tedious, menial task. Like helping Roseclaw gather herbs, she thought savagely. Being around that grouchy cat would be enough to make any apprentice behave more than properly.

She appreciated the leader's talk toward Pearpaw (she herself had been planning to say just that sort of thing to her in private), and hoped that the young she-cat would take Boulderstar's advice to heart. At first she was faintly surprised that she wasn't to join the patrol, as it had seemed like she would, but in the end it made much more sense for the leader to stay. She had business here, taking care of the clan, and with the deputy on patrol, it was important that one of the Clan's authority figures stay and watch over the camp.

Screefoot looked attentively to Boulderstar upon hearing her name spoken. She dipped her head respectfully at the leader's words, and made a note to talk to either her or Amberleaf later regarding Harepaw's training. It was currently the biggest worry on her mind, second to how her brother in OakClan was doing. Probably, she decided, he was being stepped all over by the Clan's she-cats.

"Well," she meowed, "I guess we should be going now."

––

When Sharpthorn approached, Burrpelt felt his nerves ease just a bit as his mind shifted from his current trivial worries to the upcoming border patrol. "I am ready to go," he confirmed to the long-haired cat, "but I don't mind waiting if you needed to stay in camp to do anything. You have been training all morning, haven't you? Perhaps you should rest a little before the-–"

Sunflame was here. Great. He'd just come here from flirting in the corner of Burrpelt's eye. A tiny flick of the ear betrayed the deputy's surprise, and slight annoyance, at the tom, on which he could just see the faintest trace of a smug smile. Not that he had anything to be smug about–– Burrpelt may have been useless at talking to she-cats, but he'd never seen Sunflame's interactions with them end in success. After all, he had no mate.

He brushed it off. Sunflame was a perfectly fine warrior, and that was all he needed to be concerned about. The patrol could use some extra paws. "Yes," he said, calmly. "Would you care to join us?" Please don't mention anything about she-cats. Please please please. I will handle it myself.

Boulderclan
Snowthorn looked a ther white paws when a shadow surrended her, looking up she noticed Brimpelt standing in front of her "...fine" she meowed guietly, but looked elsewhere when Amberleaf walking to them, just ask them to go to a patrol. When the deputyleft she stood up and looked at the dark tabby tom "So...do you want to ask someone else to join us or will we go...together?" she meowed calmly but still very silently.

Copperpaw standed up, spitting out the last sand particles from his mouth "Sorry that I didn't noticed the vine... and I promise to wake up earlier for now on" he meowed lowering his ears, mostly to say that he was sorry. He was silent for a moment before running after his mentor "...so what do you mean we have a busy day? Is someone sick? And where we are going? Are you going to teach me about herbs?" he kept asking.

Aspenclaw let the Vinetail to go ahead, when he walked behing. Watching the young tom he noticed how old he already had, before he would have been able to walk all day without getting tired, but now every step feels heavy. However, he was not yet ready to move to the lders den, he wanted to be useful to his new clan as long as his old legs can be bothered carry his weight.

Oakclan
Witheredpaw looked at the Eelpaw, rolling her eyes "Oh please! Stop flattering me...You almost make me blush" she laughed "And I would be interested to see those killer moves you're learned so far...as long you don't hunt us.." she meowed walking toward the den entrance, then looked over his shoulder for the younger black apprentice "...Smokepaw, as far you have no mentor...this little trip would be very useful for you...you know...and of course even I can show you how to hunt...If you want of course" she meowed making a kind smile.

Berrydream.
Current location: Oakclan Camp => Oakclan camp 'Berrydream's den.'
Interactions:
@CLIW Burrpelt
@OtterTerror Oakstar
@CondorTheMole Sharpthorn

She turned her head slightly to the side in mention of her name which was slightly embarrassing, hearing the leader speak to her so casually was certainly a strange feeling. "Oh... of course. Then allow me to wish you a safe trip, and perhaps we can speak when you return?" she said to the leader before flinhing slightly at the apperance of Sharpthorn who she haden't spotted behind the Deputy from her angle, he who seemed to have paid much attention to her not spotting him went ahead to make fun of her because of it. At first she lowered her head slightly, and momentarily decided between a snappy comback or just accept it as a valid point and be nice about it. Of course as tempting that snappy comeback was she decided to go with the latter and be nice about it. "oh... Sorr about that... I didn't mean to offend anyone...." she said with a gentle smile as she watched one of her mice get snagged away by someone completely else.

She just smiled it off as she couldn't really speak her mind as Sharpthorn just passed along after the leader was joined by his mate. Perhaps doing the same would suffice as a good idea... but she was somewhat certain that they would ask for privacy if they wante it or return to their den. Stretching she turned her attention to Burrpelt and smiled to him as he went to get one of her mice, he didn't say anything to her which she thought was odd first, but somewhat he looked a bit tired to her something she paid notice too. she wondered if he haden't gotten enough sleep or something and were now pushing himself to impress the leader. "Oh my... Sir deputy are you alright?... you look a bit under the weather" she asked kindly as he certainly seemed to have an increase in spirit while eating, something she also detected as he had seemed so... shy?... earlier. But a moment later he seemed to head out full of courage again which made Berrydream ponder to herself silently what was going on before shrugging it off. "Well... if i'm needed i'm in my den" she said before heading off herself, hoping she didn't offend anyone by her actions. Then she went to her den to rest.

Granitepaw
Current Location: Boulderclan camp.
Interactions: @KahleenCuthald Boulderstar

The young apprentice was simply running all over the camp looking for something to do when he suddenly came across an quite interesting scene. It was the Leader giving orders to other cats or taking suggestion, perhaps this was a great chance to assassinate her!... or it was a great chance to bite her tail and ask what's up?... decisions. Anyway he got down low enough to hug the nearby rocks, crawled closer slowly... closer and closer, inch by inch as he approached the leader... then as he came atop a high rock nearby he peered down from above. "SURPRISE ATTACK!..." he then shouted and leaped down from above in an attempt to catch the leader off guard and... uhm... well he didn't exactly know what to do after that... in fact he had no clue how to do so in the first place... too late he had already leaped... approximately a few things could happen now, the best being that he probably missed and didn't hurt himself or anyone else in that wild spur of the moment idea...

Boulderstar was in conversation with the queen of her clan. She was listening to her words clearly. But yet she still noticed the young wanna-be-warrior Granitepaw sneak up on her. Sneak? Well.... if you wanna call it that. She had a hard time to not find it funny and spoil that she already had seen the little tom. Boulderclan noticed how he went for an attack, she decided it'd be best to just step aside and let him fall to the floor.

But then the apprentice screamed "Surprise attack" at her and she couldn't hold it anymore. She quickly spun around and got up on her back paws. She didn't intend to hurt the cat, oh no it was quiet the opposite. The young cat flew down on her from above and she let him crash into her fully. They smashed on the ground and then all of a sudden the leader was above the apprentice, two paws on his chest. And smiling. "Got'cha!", she meowed happily.

"You should not exactly scream 'surprise attack' when you wanna do a surprise attack. That kinda spoils the whole thing." She nudge his head with her node quickly before releasing him from underneath her. "I assume you are bored, little warrior?"

Boulderstar really liked the apprentice. He wasn't afraid of her, yet he seemed to respect her. She liked to have a nice connection so her clan cats. And this young tom seemed to really have something that spoke to her. She enjoyed the little interruption. At the least, she had taught him a lesson about yelling. Today was a good day for the leader. Boulderstar felt light hearted and enjoyed having a quiet and nice day. Hopefully it would stay like this.

Nightmist padded into the rocky clearing that would serve as their training grounds for the day. She knew they would need experience battling among the trees too, if they ever planned to fight effectively on OakClan territory, but this was as good a place as any to start.

“Good,” she mewed, turning to face her apprentice. The black she-cat sat down with her tail curled around her paws. “That is not something to be ashamed of. You did what you needed to survive, and if that meant running away sometimes, so be it. You’re here, are you not? That is far better than the foolish cat who overestimates his abilities and dies in combat because he thought fleeing was cowardly. Besides, now you will learn.”

Nightmist looked around, taking measure of her surroundings, before gazing at Ripplepaw again. The former loner herself had not been in too many battles, since most other cats traveled in small groups before the Clans, and she could not hope to fight outnumbered. Instead, she had hunted her own prey and remained hidden by keeping on the move. However, she had some battle moves that she had used in tight situations, especially against dogs and other predators, and she would do her best to pass them on to Ripplepaw. It occurred to her that she could ask some cat who had experience with larger battles to help some time.

“Your advantage is clearly your ability to remain silent and unnoticed,” Nightmist started. “Use it. You may not always have this opportunity in planned battles, but you can start with an edge over your opponent if you surprise them. I’m going to lie here and close my eyes, and you’re going to hide and attack me. Take your time—stealth requires patience. Wait for the moment my focus wavers, and strike quickly.” She proceeded to lie down as calmly as if she were going to sleep in her nest, her green eyes closing as she rested her head on her paws.

@Phaesaris

---

Amberleaf nodded respectfully as Boulderstar excused herself to attend to the rest of the Clan. He was somewhat disappointed that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to patrol with their leader and talk, but he hid it well. Their duty to the Clan came first, and right now her responsibilities were here in camp. It was good that she would be here with enough warriors to defend the Clan if needed. Besides, he would have time to discuss plans with her later in the day when he reported on the results of their patrol.

“You heard Boulderstar; fall in,” the deputy mewed shortly, padding toward the entrance of the camp without a glance behind him. He expected that Screefoot, Harepaw, and Pearpaw would be following along. He hoped that his and Boulderstar’s words to the apprentice tom would get through to him somehow. Some cats would always be tetchy, but as long as Harepaw provided for the Clan and they could trust him to have their backs in battle, he would make a fine warrior.

“We will be heading for the western border, checking up on the territory on the way there. Remember to keep your senses alert. We won’t be ambushed by a rogue if we can scent them coming.” He watched where he placed his paws, gliding as silently as he could manage through the forest. “We will renew the scent markers along the border and hunt on our way back. If we see any cat, be on the defensive; only attack if they start the fight. Be careful,” he added. “Rogues are less likely to respect the borders than OakClan cats, which is why this border will need more attention in the early days of the Clans, until we are established and cats who do not wish to join us simply leave us alone.”

@CLIW@OtterTerror

Granitepaw
Current Location: Boulderclan camp.
Interactions: @KahleenCuthald Boulderstar

It all happened quite fast, one moment he were falling through the air towards The leader and was thinking what he guessed was a million thoughts. Then the next moment he felt a rather furry cushioned chest which he crashed into, and half a second after he was really dizzy... the sky above was spinning around and he was certain that the ground had vanished... well that was until he saw the three leaders starring at him with six eyes... he shuddered slightly in surprise as he heard the words 'Got'cha' blinking in surprsie as he wondered what in the world was going on. He had little clue as to what or how it happened but he was now on the underside of the leader and she was nudging him. Blinking quietly in a rather speechless surprise he looked around as his dizziness settled yet remained on his back for several moments as he was too confused to move. "Uhm... It felt like a nice idea at the moment..." he replied a bit embarrassed over how his awesome sneak attack had ended in him ending up surprised.

However as the leader asked him if he were bored he nodded slightly. "Yeah... I'm really bored... I'm so bored, that if boredom had a name... it would be... uhm... oh yeah Granitepaw?..." he mumbled tried to be cleer as he rolled back to his feet and got up to shake off a bit. He then fell back on his soft bum and looked up at the leader. "So boss, what'cha doing?...something exciting?... something dangerous?... uhm... I suppose if you were doing something dangerous it would not be calm around here... " he asked quite casually with a happy purr, this had actually ended much better than he had expected, he didn't get scolded or something so that was really good. "So is it true that you took down a bear?, one of my play... I mean fellow apprentices said you took down a bear, and the other cats made you Leader. Does that mean I have to take down a gigantic bear if I want to become leader?" he asked, nobody really there for going with the 'ask a million questions' approach.

Sunflame nodded in reply. "I would love to," he replied cheerfully. Even if he was neither a hunter nor fighter, it was always nice to get out of camp. Besides, any help he could provide was a chance to prove his worth as warrior. His kittypet roots were no secret, and he made no effort to keep them hidden. He had even kept his old collar during his temporary loner days, losing it only when he found the clans. Still, Sunflame knew the prejudice against those with pasts like his and he was determined to prove them wrong.

Sunflame's tail flicked and he gave Burrpelt a joking nudge. "So," he began in a teasing tone, "I couldn't help but notice your little...interactions...with certain she-cats."

---

Roseclaw rolled her eyes at Copperpaw's barrage of questions. Starclan, could the young tom talk. "No one's sick, thank goodness. An injury or illness is the last thing we need," she answered dismissively. "Today we're going to see how well you know your herbs."

The terrain grew rocky and uneven as they walked. Roseclaw kept her pace steady and swift, her destination clear in mind. The other day she had come across several bunches of herbs close to one spot, all surprisingly abundant considering the mountainous area. It was an ideal place to stock up or, in this case, teach an apprentice.

Roseclaw paused before a bush with thin leaves and blueish berries. "What do you think this one is?" she questioned as she gestured to the juniper berries with her tail.

---

Vinetail trekked confidently through woods, tail raised high and eyes alert. He paused when he noticed Aspenclaw lagging behind and turned to him. "Everything alright?" the younger tom asked the older cat. It was clear from his slowed steps and labored breathing that his age was catching up with him. Vinetail turned and took a small step towards his companion, ready to help when needed.

---

Ripplepaw stared at her mentor, tail twitching with hesitation. She was not fond of the idea of attacking her mentor, a cat whom she held much respect for. But if it was necessary, then so be it.

She circled Nightmist, paws barely making a sound. Ripplepaw's eyes remained locked onto her still form. Twice she went around, the small cat searching for an opportunity. Then, with little warning, she leapt and lunged at Nightmist from behind.

---

Ravenfeather dipped her head in greeting, relaxing as Boulderstar fell into step beside her. Though the clan was new, she did a good job of holding it together. She really was a good leader; one that Ravenfeather was proud to follow.

"The kits are fine, although it seems Owlkit has disappeared." Again, Ravenfeather silently added. "Hopefully he hasn't gotten himself into any trouble."

The black queen pricked her ears in surprise as a blur sped towards the leade. She bit back a purr of amusement as Granitepaw crashed into Boulderstar. Ravenfeather's intimidatingly sharp amber eyes bore into the apprentice. A part of her wanted to scold him, but another part decided to humor him. "A bear?" She raised her head so that she reached her full height. "I thought she defeated two."

@PrettyWalrus Sootpaw gave a small nod to her mentor. As he questioned if she was wanting to fight, she opened her mouth to quickly disagree however the chance never came as the older tom went off rambling about some crazy fight of his. The apprentice sighed softly to herself and let him continue on about his story. She was able to tune him out after a while and slowly became lost in her thoughts as they walked closer to the border.

His voice finally caught her attention again when he mentioned how close they were. Sootpaw perked back up and scented the air. "Not really." she answered with a smile. "I'm more concerned about getting my hunting down than those cats."

---

@AngelKitten@CLIW

"That may be so but I didn't have to be coddled like a kit in order to learn." He muttered in response to the deputy. Harepaw held Boulderstar's gaze with a look of pure arrogance. If he was able to survive that winter and more before the clan came to be, what was there to prove? His green gaze then shifted to his mentor as she hissed at him which earned a low but hushed growl from the tom in return.

Pearpaw lowered her head slightly. It seemed she had done the wrong thing as both Boulderstar and Amberleaf advised her otherwise. They were kind to her but she felt as though she had disappointed them. She had been a kittypet before she found her home among the clan cats and she had never been used to interacting with some many different cats. Especially those such as Harepaw who was impossible to get along with even when she attempted to stay out of his way.

At her mentor's words, she picked up her pace and padded slightly behind Amberleaf. She liked being at the front much better than the back anyways. Harepaw, on the other hand, waited a good long pause before following his deputy. He took up the back of the patrol in a cold silence.

"It's strange to think that it wasn't long ago that all there was in the valley were rouges and loners... No clans..." Pearpaw meowed in a hushed tone, as if trying to avoid ridicule from Harepaw. The young she cat hadn't seen the valley in it's dark days and had arrived slightly after the clan's formation. She was relatively new to everything. Despite her attempt to keep her voice down to avoid Harepaw, he still over heard her. "Probably a good thing for a kittypet like you." He remarked in a snarky tone before heaving a sigh. "It was messy and bloody. Many were lost. I don't know about most of the mousebrains who survived but I would rather not go back to such a time." he grumbled, casting his gaze off to the side.

NIghtmist lay curled up as if asleep, the only evidence of her alertness being her still frame and controlled breathing as she waited for Ripplepaw to strike. Finally, the moment came. True to form, the young she-cat barely made a sound as she leaped at Nightmist, but the faintest scrape of paw against rock gave her away. The warrior allowed herself to be pounced upon before she wriggled out of Ripplepaw’s grasp, attempting to pin the smaller cat down with a well-placed paw.

“Very good, my young apprentice,” Nightmist purred. “You might have really caught me off guard if I hadn’t known you were there as part of the exercise.” She padded a few tail-lengths away, turning to face Ripplepaw once again across the clearing. “If you can master the element of surprise, you can sneak up on larger cats and get in a few quick blows before they are even aware of your presence.”

She lowered into a crouch, tail upright and waving back and forth. “Now come at me with some frontal paw swipes. Claws sheathed for training,” she reminded Ripplepaw. “And watch how I defend myself, should you ever be on the receiving end of such an attack.”

@Phaesaris

---

Amberleaf’s ears twitched in irritation at Harepaw’s comments, but he remained calm as the group padded west through the sparse forest that made up part of their territory. “We’ll stop coddling you like a kit when you stop acting like one,” he retorted sharply without a backwards glance at the apprentice. “If you constantly feel the need to belittle others in order to prove how great you are, you are not ready to be a warrior yet.” While they walked, he continued to be on the lookout even as he talked to Harepaw.

Amberleaf couldn’t help a sigh himself as he thought about the time before the Clans. It already seemed so long ago, but he knew that one wrong move from either of the Clans would plunge the valley into chaos once more. It was such a fragile peace they held in their paws, something that could so easily be shattered if they were not careful. Amberleaf had no wish to return to that life, and Harepaw seemed to share the sentiment. The deputy felt the first small glimmer of respect for the younger tom with his last comment, despite the snark with which it was delivered.

“Yes… Neither would I. Which is why we must all work together to ensure the success of the Clans. Every cat’s effort will be needed and valued,” he added mildly, briefly looking over his shoulder at the three cats behind him, a warrior and two apprentices. His Clanmates, he thought proudly. Maybe they didn’t all get along just yet, but it was a start.

@OtterTerror@CLIW

Boulderstar chuckled at Harepaw's excitement and at the comment of the queen cat. "Two bears, that must be right then if you heard it, Ravenfeather. But don't forget about that lion I met once." She joked along.

Then she turned to the apprentice a bit more serious, but still in a light mood. "You have so many questions and so much energy. I believe a mentor would do you very good right now. Why don't you go meet Brimpelt and let him answer all your questions? Tell him, the fearless clan leader said so. Or else a bear is the least he'd have to fear", she added the last sentence jokingly.

Boulderstar really liked the young tom. It was good for apprentices to ask questions. You cannot learn, if you don't know what is missing in your education. She was proud of the little energy purr ball. But as much as she wanted to joke around with the young apprentice, she had her duties. And right now she needed to make sure Owlkit was found safe and sound.

"Ravenfeather", she turned to the queen. "Please allow me to help you find the little runaway kit. It'd be my pleasure to have you share company with me." She meowed politely. Today really was one of the kinder days. Boulderstar seemed to just be in the right mood.

The leader liked to have a close bonding with her clan cats, especially since sticking together was so important these days. She felt responsible for every little thing that happened in the clan. That included the runaway kitten Owlkit giving the gueen a hard time, Harepaw's attitude towards every other cat, and of course all the apprentices who needed training.

She felt responsible to give every single cat what they needed. So she made sure the senior warrior Aspenclaw wasn't being left behind duo to his age, he was a great member of the clan and deserved to feel just as important as the young warriors. She wanted to make sure that the younger warriors respected the elder cats, so she would bring them together every once in a while. Every cat could learn from the other, not only the young from the older ones, but also the older ones from the young.
She wanted them all to have a bond, it didn't need to end in friendship, but at least in some kind of respect.

And most of all, she wanted all of the clan cats - from young kittens over warriors and queens to the medicine cat to the elders - to know that she, Boulderstar, was caring about each of them and their problems. Let them be as tiny as searching a runaway kitten or as big as a clan war. She would be there for all of them the best she could. She would give her warriors attention when they talked, she would play with the little kittens, she would fool around with the apprentices and give them a hard word here and then, she would care for the elder and help the medicine cat as best as she could. It was important to her to not just be a leader of the Boulderclan, but also be a friend who every cat could come to if they needed a talk or advice. Being a leader was more than making hard decisions. Boudlerstar knew that. And she took her responsibility very serious. Respect is something you have to earn, not claim. It's something very precious that you cannot take, but have to be given by free will. Yes, and Boulderstar was thankful for each of them who respected her. And for those who didn't, she wasn't mad or angry or disappointed, she was just eager to gain their respect in the most honorable way she knew. Truthful care. Care for their tiniest problems. And listening. Listening to all they had to say. Be it Harepaw complaining, Ravenfeather worrying, deputy Amberleaf's suggestions, Granitepaw's questions or simply a few words from the kits. Everything was important in their own way.

Boulderstar respected every cat in her clan and their thoughts, worries, abilities and support.

Granitepaw
Current Location: Boulderclan camp.
Interactions:
@KahleenCuthald Boulderstar
@Phaesaris Ravenfeather /Owlkit
@ViolentViolet Brimpelt

Eyes this big had probably never been seen on such a small cat before at the mention of such astounding feats, of course he didn't really get that they were kidding him making him believe wholeheartedly that the leader had taken down two bears!... and a lion. He starred at the leader in a very silent but yet obvious look of amazement. "TWO BEARS!..." he caleld audioably after a while, enough to echo slightly. He then sprang to his feet and ran a circle around them all "Oh my!... Two... bears... two bears... two bears" he said repeatedly as he ran. "And a Lion!" he called and then suddenly skidded to an halt "What's a Lion?..." he thought audiable to himself as he never heard about such a creature before. It probably was something dangerous thought, something he himself didn't want to run into.

However hearing the command to seek out Brimpelt the young apprentice leaped slightly with joy over the command from their great leader. "OOoh!... Yes boss, right away boss." he said quickly and then before dashing off he glanced to Ravenfeather. "Ooh Let me help!... I can look for your kit while looking for Brumpelt" he meowed purring slightly. "I tell your kit to stay near the big rock in camp so you can find him If I find him first!" he said in quick succession before dashing off in a hurry. "BRUUUUUMMMMMPEEEEELLTTTT, OOOOOOOWWWLLLLKIIIIIIT, WHERE ARE YOU!?" he meowed as loud as he could while running zig-zag around the camp.

It was immediately and without question that Screefoot fell into the patrol, although she let Pearpaw ahead of her, figuring that it was best to let the apprentice travel near her mentor in case he had any lessons for her. As soon as they left the camp her nose was twitching with the effort to take in all the scents around them, and then to separate and dissect them. Alpine plants that weren't yet ready to blossom. Pine and the sap of other evergreen trees. The very faint but detectable musk of cats who'd gone out in days past for a hunt. And, she found with a shiver, far away, carried on a gust of wind, the rogues that Pearpaw had just begun wondering about. Though Harepaw's smart-alec answer to her didn't surprise her, his reminiscent words did. Carefully––very carefully–– Screefoot glanced behind her at her apprentice. His eyes looked faraway, as if he were remembering something he'd never asked to see. Frowning, she returned her eyes to what was ahead. She herself didn't have any comment; most of BoulderClan had seen things, horrible things.

Amberleaf turned to look over his shoulder at the cats he led. Screefoot gave a short dip of her head while returning her green gaze (and momentarily thinking, What a good-looking tom.) in a sort of way meant to affirm her loyalty. She was certainly prepared to do whatever it took to keep BoulderClan strong and functional, to protect it from whatever threats might come to it.

"What do you think the likelihood is that rogues will try to attack us?" she asked him, adding, "Surely a bunch of loners wouldn't go out of their way to destroy either Clan––it doesn't make sense. The risk for them would be far greater than for us." But for a small patrol like us, she thought uneasily, an ambush would be perfectly realistic.

––

Burrpelt watched Berrydream pad away with horrible embarrassment and dismay. That was something he couldn't fix. Although, he reflected, it was better that the warrior think him a little sick or tired rather than useless at talking to she-cats––unless she brought her well-meaning concern to the medicine cat. Burrpelt was not going to let Frostwhisker waste resources on a little case of anxiety, and so an encounter with her would definitely end in him disclosing his little issue. And that, he knew, would be a complete disaster.

And when Sunflame started to tease him, the deputy knew that today was not going to be a good one in any way.

He flicked an ear and refused to make eye contact with the golden tom, instead casting a glance at Sharpthorn that almost said, Help.

"I don't have time for flirting like you do," he answered, unable to think of a smartass response and instead electing to cover himself. Or try. "I have work to do–– like this border patrol."

The male purred in amusement, watching at the deputy walked over and asked the two of them to go on a hunting patrol right after he'd asked Snowthorn wanted to go out with him into the mountains. It was almost as if the tom had heard him and asked the two to go on patrol to make it seem as if it was his own idea. They were free to be here after all, and they never would be able to force every day to report to them when they left. Much less those who used to live in much more dangerous conditions and voluntarily joined the clan to take the load off their own shoulders. He watched the orange tabby walk away before returning his attention to the she-cat beside him.

He paced around her, feigning interest in the other warriors of the clan, though he was aware of who was still there. "We can manage it on your own." He said with complete confidence in their abilities. There weren't many warriors left to protect the camp from possible attacks that could happen while they were gone. "A few bigger birds, some small rodents and the fresh kill pile is stocked." Brimpelt wasn't hesitant as he spoke, having not really spent much time inside of the camp after having gotten here. He spent most of his time exploring their new territory. Of everyone in the clan, he was the only one thus far to have found a set of tunnels besides those they made their home in, and fully intended to keep them secret from everyone he didn't trust.

Naturally, when the tom had reached the flirtatious confidence he had intended to tease the she-cat with he heard his apprentice yelling and his mood flipped immediately. The small hint of playfulness in his vanished, fury clear in his demeanor as he turned to look at the apprentice that had been calling for him and Owlkit. "Grinitepaw!" His voice was louder, commanding and outright furious with the younger cat. Such childish behavior would not be tolerated of the cat that he was meant to train. The warrior obviously held no bias with the apprentice as the younger brother of the Deputy, as he stalked over to the apprentice and waked him on the side of the head with his paw, and none too gently. "Behave. Yelling this early in unacceptable." He scolded, his voice low as he looked at the apprentice with green eyes as cold. "If you opened your eyes and used what untapped brain power rests inside of you, then you might have seen I was standing in front of you."

---

The Queen purred, amused by the kits discomfort as she groomed her silently while the kit spoke. She was a mess, and Ravenfeather hadn't woken up quite yet. The Queen needed her rest with her kit since she was still nursing, though the silver Queen wasn't yet as heavily pregnant as she could be. "That is what mothers are for young one." The Queen murred just as the tom warrior padded over to her and Willowkit.

"Morning Nettlefang~" Riversong mused, reaching out to brush her nose along her mates cheek, nearly laughing with how worried the tom was already getting. "We're fine Nettlefang." She assured him, her tail curling protectively around her swollen stomach to show him that she was aware and healthy. "Sagekit and Owlkit are still curled up with Ravenfeather, and Willowkit here got up early." She teased the little she-kit with a playful wink.

Of course the Queen's mood turned the moment that Ravenfeather burst out of the nursery, screaming bloody murder and about Owlkit being gone. She went from relaxed and playful to alert and worried, her eyes instantly flicking around for a glimpse of the small toms pelt. The last she'd seen the young tom he had been curled up against his mothers side, sleeping soundly. She turned her worried gaze to Nettlefang, knowing he was better at tracking than she ever had been, and hoped he'd catch the hint.

---

The she-cat had been laying on a ledge higher in the cavern since she had gotten up in the middle of the night, neither Queen having noticed her moving or that she was gone in the morning. It was often that she was gone when they woke up, the female having long since formed solitary habits befitting her namesake. She'd never had a name before coming here to the clans either, having been living in trees, surviving on hibernating squirrels and birds before Riversong had wandered by on a hunting trip. She was over five months then, with a squirrel hanging from her jaws and had gone back with her and Nettlefang knowing she'd need the safety for then. That, and she wouldn't have a nest to call home once the clan had enough power to drive out rival cats.

She opened her eyes as the second queen came out of the nursery, headed toward her adoptive mother, wondering where her kit had gone. Since their meeting, Owlkit had watched Leopardkit scaling the most dangerous cracks in the cavern walls up to her ledge, but she hadn't seen the younger tom anywhere that morning. "Check the clearing outside. He's a kit, so he probably wandered off." She called down from her perch, several cat lengths up. One of her paws hung over the edge, her claws stretching slowly and scraping along the stone. Of the younger cats, and those in Boulderclan really, Leopardkit had some of the longest and sharpest claws - as well as one of the least caring attitudes. When she spoke she rarely sounded interested, always bored or preferring to be off doing something else, but at the strangest times she'd give the smallest hint to something. Kindness wrapped in bored sarcasm.

Leopardkit closed her eyes then, her tail hanging off the side of the ledge, hanging too far for any of the other cats to reach from the cavern floor, and just out of the sunlights reach. The patch of grass that Riversong sat in was given life by the opening in the ceiling of the main cavern of the Boulderclan's camp, inside of the side of a mountain. Her pelt waslight against the grey of the stone, a disadvantage to hunting against it, but the darker spots helped her blend in when she sneaked away from the clan and stalked the back tunnels, hunting alone. She enjoys the dark, the silence of the tunnels and how easy it was to sneak up on any prey animal or cat she found inside them. When fresh prey ended up on the fresh kill pile in the mornings, before even the dawn patrol had left, and she lay on her ledge sleeping, everyone knew where the animal had come from but no one would question it. Not with a tongue just as sharp as her claws and the temper to match.

The look of the deputy said it all. "Kittypet, instead of chatting make yourself useful and call Oakstar. The patrol needs to leave as soon as possible," he meowed coldly at the smaller tom, not knowing if what he said was actually true. To him Sunflame did not deserve the warrior title as the former kittypet had not shown what he could really do.

However Oakstar's word was final and Sharpthorn deeply trusted his judgment, now was the perfect time for his leader's wisdom to prove itself.Let's see how a glorified kittypet fares on a simple patrol the grey tom thought as he gave the older cat an intimidating look. Sharpthorn wasn't charismatic and he knew it, that is why he based everything on the fear his size and distant ways usually caused. When it came to socializing he went straight to the point and tried to evade smalltalk using intimidation to convince.

Sharpthorn usually viewed a cat not by gender but by usefulness so he did not understand Burrpelt's problems. The coon obviously found females attractive but he was always so focused in training and clan duties he had little time to spare in courting, perhaps when Oakclan was stable and glorious would he stop to think about that, his imposing presence could perhaps be appealing to some she cats, he wasn't sure.

What he did understand was annoyance and not caring what Sunflame's response was going to be, Sharpthorn turned and gave Sunflame his broad back as to cut any further conversation or protest. If the orange tom responded aggressively, which he doubted, Sharpthorn would be personally testing his might and would respond as he would with an enemy, even if one of them ended up dead.

"What happens if we encounter rougues or Boulderclan resistance?" he asked the deputy to change the subject but checking on Sunflame's movements out of the corner of his eye.

It wasn't too long before Briar noticed the scent of cats drifting in the breeze. The pale tom dropped his prey and scented the air, his tail twitching with curiosity. A Boulderclan patrol. It had to be. During a previous visit, his sister had warned him against crossing the territories in fear of a confrontation with such patrol. "I won't be able to protect you this time," his sister cautioned.

And I won't need you to, Briar quietly replied in his mind. He was a full-grown cat. He had survived vicious dogs and harsh winters. He could take care of himself.

The young tom shrugged and turned away from the dead bird. The patrol would hopefully take it. It was still fresh, and Briar was careful not to tear it apart too much. A sort of gift. Briar went on his way, not caring if he ran into the Boulderclan cats or the consequences that would entail.

---

Pride blossomed through the apprentice's chest at Nightmist's praise. Ripplepaw gave an obedient nod and crouched, watching her mentor at a distance. With a starting pounce, the silver she-cat lunged towards her mentor. Her claws were sheathed, as requested, yet Ripplepaw hesitated for a heartbeat before swiping at Nightmist. Training or not, it still felt odd to be attacking someone who the apprentice held much respect for.

---

Ravenfeather dipped her head at the cats' offers. "Any help would be much appreciated." Starclan knows that it will take the whole camp to find that runaway. The queen cared deeply for her son. After all, he was the sole survivor of her litter and a reminder of her beloved mate's sacrifice. But if only he didn't get into so much trouble.

Ravenfeather raised her head in surprise at Leopardkit's voice. The young cat lay on a ledge above, camouflaged against the rock. No wonder the queen hadn't seen her. "Thank you." Ravenfeather nodded in thanks. "I just hope he hasn't gotten himself into any trouble."

---

Owlkit was in trouble.

He hadn't really meant to walk so far. Perhaps just to border to check out if the stories were true, then back again to the den before his mother woke. It didn't occur to him how far the Oakclan border was, or where exactly it was. Until now, that is.

The black kit padded through the underbrush, his large eyes wide as he looked around the forest. His small paws were already aching, and the rocks rubbed uncomfortably against his still soft pink pads. Owlkit barely noticed the mountainous terrain replaced by more and more trees, or the foreign scent as he unknowingly crossed the border.

---

Sunflame's smile vanished at Sharpthorn's worse. He flinched at the verbal reminder if his past, but said nothing to challenge the intimidating tom. How could he? Sunflame stood for peace, not war. The most fighting he'd ever done was when he tried to fight a crow for scraps, and even then that had questionable results. All the more reason to keep trying, he silently told himself. But even that bit of self-encouragement seemed deprived of energy.

Sunflame turned to Oakstar, his joking energy gone. "We're ready when you are."

@AngelKitten@CLIW Harepaw flickered his gaze back forward, snapping back into the present. He listened in on Screefoot's questioning about rouges and of course had to add in his two cents. "They might not attack a clan directly but they can find way to weaken us." he snorted flicking his ears back once more. "Oakclan and Boulderclan took up a lot of territory... I'm sure many won't like that." His eyes momentarily gleamed with arrogance as he looked at his mentor, sneering. "You're not scare of a couple fleabrains, are you?"

Pearpaw glanced over her shoulder. She shifted uncomfortably as she tried to find her voice. "W-well... F-fear is a good thing to have!" she suddenly piped up but still looked rather nervous as spoke. "It keeps you from doing foolish things!" Harepaw looked over at her and snorted. "Fear is for kits who stray too far from their mothers."

---

@CLIW@CondorTheMole@Phaesaris Oakstar turned to look over at the patrol. It seemed that there was a bit of an issue between Sunflame and Sharpthorn. The leader sighed softly before making his way over to the three other warriors. He gave a warm smile to them, pausing to nod in greeting to Sunflame. The kittypet had a lot to learn. Some apprentice even knew more than the tom but the leader had felt that he would do better with a warrior name than that of an apprentice. It could have been discouraging. He just hoped he had made the right call. Every cat could be useful, it just took time.

"Glad to have you join the patrol, Sunflame." Oakstar meowed in acknowledgement of the tom and partly to try cheer him up after noticing his energy levels had decreased. Sadly, Oakstar had missed the reason as to why. He over heard Sharpthorn's question to Burrpelt and decided to step in. "If I may," he said giving his deputy an apologetic look for stepping. "If we encounter either, we will remain cautious around both. Rouges are to be asked if they wished to join. If they do not want to, we will attempt to escort them off Oakclan territory. If they refuse the escort, we will resort to chasing them off." he meowed.

"Boulderclan cats, however, are to be immediately sent back to their own territory unless they give a good reason for crossing into our territory. Since they are living right next to us, there is a greater need to enforce the barrier between our territories. Though it is unlikely we will receive much trouble from them at the moment, it is good to stay vigilant." Oakstar told his warriors. He had a great faith in the clans and one day believed that rouges would be a problem of the past and when that day came, he wanted to make sure Boulderclan knew there would be no treading on Oakclan.

Oakstar glanced back to make sure Frostwhisker was ready before flicking his tail as he moved towards the entrance. "We should get going. Don't want to burn too much daylight."

Nightmist nodded encouragingly as Ripplepaw pounced at her, dancing back a few steps to stay out of range of her pawswipes. “That’s right; don’t hold back. In a real battle there will be no time for hesitation. Decide upon a course of action and follow through,” she instructed. “Notice how I’m dodging your attacks. If you can stay nimble enough to do so, you can wait until you find an opening to strike.” She proceeded to do so, lashing out with both her front paws while taking her weight on her hind legs. Her claws were sheathed and the blow was light; it was meant to be a demonstration of fighting techniques, not to hurt Ripplepaw or make her feel inadequate.

---

Sagekit awoke alone in BoulderClan’s nursery, roused by the sudden emptiness beside him. He blinked sleepily and padded out of the den on tiny kit paws, first noticing Willowkit with Riversong and Nettlefang and approaching them. It was then that he saw Ravenfeather, clearly agitated, and became aware of the tension in the camp.

“Owlkit’s missing,” Willowkit said with wide eyes before Sagekit could ask. The worry of the adult cats was infectious.

Sagekit, on the other hand, took it more lightly. “Relax. He’s probably just having a little adventure,” he said, mostly to Willowkit.

“Well, do you want to tell Ravenfeather that?” his sister retorted. Sagekit took a look at the anxious queen and thought better of it.

Nettlefang’s gaze clouded over with concern and he nodded at Riversong. “Don’t worry; we’ll find him,” he tried to reassure his mate, nuzzling her briefly before walking over to Ravenfeather and Boulderstar. “I’m sure he’s safe,” he mewed, hoping to calm them down so they could search more effectively. “I’d like to help you look. We’ll head outside the camp and see if we can pick up his scent trail from there,” he added with a grateful nod to Leopardkit for her advice.

---

“They can try, but we’ll fight them off,” Amberleaf said confidently after listening to Screefoot and Harepaw speak. “We have as much right to be here as they do, and if they can’t see that, we’ll make them. However,” he was quick to add, “fighting is our last resort. If we go picking battles with every rogue we see, they’ll only cause more trouble.” The deputy flicked his tail as he navigated some loose gravel scattered across the ground underfoot. “Fear is what keeps us alive,” he pointed out to Harepaw, unruffled by the apprentice’s constant insults.

The orange tom lifted his nose to sniff the air as he walked, and he suddenly stopped and scented more carefully as he picked up something unexpected. There was a strange cat nearby, along with the smell of freshly killed prey. “Do you smell that? Loner or rogue. Remember what I said, we are not chasing this cat away unless he turns out to be hostile. Understood?” He looked at each of them in turn, his gaze lingering on Harepaw to drive the point home. Of all of them, Harepaw was the most likely to start a fight by far. Amberleaf somewhat wished that Boulderstar were here to give them direction, but he was confident that they could handle it. Tensed and alert for trouble, Amberleaf led the way in the direction of the scent.

@OtterTerror@Phaesaris@ViolentViolet@CLIW@KahleenCuthald

Swift legs pushed and as muscles heaved. The dark form of a young cat launched from the bush, startling a nearby rabbit into running. The thick amber-striped coat flashed after the prey as paws raced across the forest floor. "Dark!" Hawk called, his amber eyes watching the retreating meal. Where was his sister? She should have been waiting nearby for the rabbit to spoke and run! The kits had found hunting in such a tag=team efforts to be easier, and far more successful than both alone. 'Not like we can hunt in anything other than a pair to keep Owl and Dust fed.' The contempt in the young cats thoughts was palpable. His brother, Owl, could little hunt since he was blinded by a roaring monster of metal and death. Though he didn't really feel like begrudging the elderly Dust. Her bones ached and made it hard for her to walk such distances, let alone hunt. Ahead there was a vicious snap and the rabbit's quick steps halted. Easing into a walk he pushed his way though the bush. "Took your time." Hawk snapped in annoyance of the sleek female that was currently trying to pick up the carcass. Above the branches swayed from where she had jumped, nailing the rabbit. It had been a risky tactic.

Dark looked up from the prey at her brother. "Oh, enough Hawk. It was fine, we got the kill." Her tail waved in amusement, as her brother joined her and they both dragged and carried the rabbit back to the other two. Dark was far sleeker than her brothers, the short coat black as night saver her own set of amber eyes. While both Hawk and Owl sported large fluffy coats, something she envied when the nights were chilly, both sharing the tabby markings. That was all they would ever share and that not even in full, thought Dark sadly. She knew full well that Hawk blamed Owl for their mother's death and that Owl was taking that blame as proof that it was his fault. No matter that their mother had been able to run, but with a injured leg would not have made it most likely. Never mind that she had flung Owl to safety before she- Dark stopped that train of thought. Mourning would not help, not now. Her mother was dead, her brothers at war. It was a fact of life and one she accepted and dealt with daily. "So now he's picking leaves? What, turning into a rabbit are they?" Hawk's disgusted voice broke Dark from her concentration. Looking ahead she noticed OWl nudging a pile of sweet smelling leaves together. For once she shared her brother's confusion.

Owl looked over, his ears flickering all about as he heard the hunters return. "Rabbit?" He guessed, from the tangy smell of blood and a promising meal. Hearing his brother's snide remark, the blind cat refused to note it. "Chamomile. Dust says we need it, we don't know how long we have to go yet." Dark walked over to him, her foot steps treading a on the ground as she butted her head against his shoulder in a loving gesture. Trying to overcome the dark feeling of hatred about Hawk. It was only reasonable, Owl reasoned. I murdered our mother. He sniffed, smelling the large portion of rabbit that Dark had brought him. Crouching over the meal he ate greedily. "Dust went out for more, and maybe some moss by those stones in the river. She says we should join back with the Thunder path if we stay on this side, but-" Owl shook his head. "We shouldn't be resting for much longer."

Hawk hissed darkly. They had guided Owl across the stones, only to have him want to keep going. To not stop and hunt the bountiful forest? Under his directive, they had left the Thunderpath. They had needed rest and food. How could he want to keep going?! Into the something unknown for unknown reason. "You lost more than your sight when that car struck you! You've lost your wits! I'm not going a rabbit's length towards where ever these crazed feelings are leading you." He yowled loudly, pacing with all his fur bristled in agitation. "And that Dust only encourages you idiot ideas!"

"Hawk please-!" Dark tried to get between the two young male. Only for Hawk to shove her aside with his shoulder, leaping to attack Owl who had scuttled backwards and now tried to evade their enraged brother. She knew his temper had been growing threatening to snap and that is had over a needed herb. Did his hatred run deeper than she guessed?

Dust padded through the forest elsewhere, walking along the river's edge. The Thunderpath curved high above her in the mountainous reaches. It would be a hard trek, she realized. Easier to cross the river again, but yet Owl's driven senses has told them to remain on this side. To remain on the hard path, despite his sight. For all she had learned across the years, this sight was to be trusted. Still, she yearned to join the Thunderpath again. They had stopped fully in the forest to hunt and gather the needed herbs for their mountain crossing. Turning back, she trotted through the thick forest. They would hunt, and grow fat for a time, then cross. Dust decided, mountains were not easy and the last trek had been dangerous even following the Thunderpath. Without, she shuddered. Her old bones were going to ache.

Granitepaw
Current Location: Boulderclan camp.
Interactions:
@ViolentViolet Brimpelt

Running around wildly he didn't stop before the moment when he heard his name get called loudly from a cat nearby casuing him to skid to a halt and pant slightly before glancing to the larger tom who didn't waste any time approaching him and whacking him with his paw causing Granitepaw to flinch- "Oww..." he said and glared to the bigger tom for a while as he spoke ill of him. "Oh. So you must be Grumpy Tom Brumpelt... " he siad shaking it off somewhat before snorting. His tail somewhat flicking in the air as he wre a bit annoyed, "Well good, I see you've come to your senses and finally gotten of that lazy bum of yours." he said as he got up and started to wander a circle around Brimpelt.

Clearing his throat Granitepaw continued to glare at Brimpelt as he walked around him. "Well listen up and listen up good, From this day onwards I expect you to be up and about it at first light, You will be ready to start training within a minute's notice. You will answer all my questions I have for you, and you will adress me as 'my apprentice' and nothing else. The day's of being a pussycat is now over, and I swear by the name of our great leader that I Granitepaw, will make a Fine Teacher of you Yet. Now you sorry excuse for a furball, Am I clear?. Or do I need to remind you that if you waver for a moment or disregard your duties you will have something much worse than a bear to worry about.And that is with the greetings of our great leader." he said firmly as he starred at Brimpelt.

He then stopped in front of him where he starred up at the bigger Tom. "Besides what does it matter if we're loud?, most warriors should be awake at this hour, and those who wish to lazy their bums off or sleep in after night watch should be prepared that noise can be heard. Our Enemy, those Oakclan scum, also already know that we live here... if they would happen to hear our shouting well then let us shout with the ferosity of a million cats so that they'll tremble in their nest at the mention of our name. " he said and then sat down. "Now... are you going to instruct me on how to be a warrior or will you wuzz out?" he said

The Medicine Cat nodded in response as her mated told her to pick, her largely fluffy pelt brushing against him as she lifted herself off of the grass and walked toward the Apprentice Den. She had fully intended to bring an apprentice out with her today, though she hadn't thought it would be with the morning patrol. Of course, Oakstar was always protective of her especially, even if she had yet to tell him about the second litter of kits she was carrying for him. Ears pricked she listened to the apprentices conversation before sticking her head inside of the Den, purring in amusement.

"Smokepaw may go with you after boarder patrol. He's coming with us to help me collect herbs." A boring job, but one she knew the shy apprentice would appreciate. Not to mention he'd never been on a patrol before and it would benefit him greatly to join them for the experience. He may even meet a cat worthy of being his mentor. She heard his small mew of agreement and gave her farewells to the other two apprentices before backing away from the den and back over to the patrol with Smokepaw in tow. "We're ready to go Oakstar." Frostwisker greeted as she and the smaller black cat walked over to the group.

---

The young warrior was glad to have been able to help Petalwhisker in her worries, and bowed her head in respect when the Queen spoke. She couldn't tell why she was as worried as she was about Shadowkit's training, but Frostwhisker had been the same when teaching her and her littermates, so she assumed it was something only mothers understood. She wouldn't contest her anxiety, it was a dangerous time after all, and the system was just barely beginning to set in for the clan. Cats still got up too late and those who used to be kittypets were not yet used to the rough life that is living in the wild.

"If it is some small council, Petalwhisker, you may speak with Oakstar about Shadowkits apprenticeship. He will listen if you have a cat you feel with best teach and protect Shadowkit." Featherwhisker wouldn't deny her an opinion, and she knew neither would her father since the cat had been reasonable as long as she'd known him. Glancing to the side she saw Spottedblossom watching her from her nest, the four young kits curled up against her side and she excused herself politely. "I should let you both go back to sleep. Let me know if you need anything Petalwhisker, Spottedblossom."

And with that the young she-cat backed out of the nursery, leaving the entrance empty and unblocked though covered by the natural moss and lichen that grew there. She let her blue eyes wander, looking for something to do and a patrol to join, though as far as she could see the boarder patrol had enough cats on it to withhold. On the other hand both Burrpelt and Oakstar were going on it as a show of power. Walking over to her father after making sure there were still enough cats in camp to protect it, she bowed her head to the older toms respectfully and trailed the tip of her tail over her mothers side. "If I may I would like to lead a hunting patrol to restock the fresh kill pile. Witheredpaw needs experience, and the clan needs prey. Spottedblossom and the kits will be waking soon and there's nothing fresh in camp." She reasoned, already planning on taking Witheredpaw and Tigersky with her. The two young warriors and apprentice would be enough to hunt nearby in case of danger while the patrol was gone.

---

Smokepaw had grow uncomfortable with how much talking Eelpaw was doing, though it felt nice to be invited along somewhere by someone else, and one of his ears perked up in interest, but he didn't say anything as he ad Witherpaw exchanged comments. The two go along well and fit into clan life just fine, whereas the small apprentice with big feet had trouble fitting in with the graceful and strong warriors. All he really was good at was climbing trees and catching small birds and rodents. Sootpaw and Ripplepaw had left to go training recently, so they wouldn't be back for a while either, and the tom could get some practice by going with them.

He had been about to open his mouth when a white head stuck itself through the weaved entrance to the den, off coloured eyes looking at the three of there as if making a split second decision. The Medicine Cat meowed, asking for his assistance with herbs and he nodded his approval. "Of course Frostwhisker." He responded, giving the two other apprentices an apologetic look before following the Medicine Cat out of the Apprentice Den. She was headed straight for the group of others heading on boarder patrol, and regardless of how much he didn't want to interact, he knew he would at the very least have to answer when spoken to by on of the warriors. He could get away with ignoring apprentices.

---

The Queen lay on her side in her nest, curled around the four young kits nestled in her belly, when Featherwhisker looked inside of the den. Shadowkit and Petalwhisker at been awake at the time, and she didn't mind the noise since her kits generally slept through anything unless they were hungry, so she listened to the conversation. When the young warrior realized she was awake Spottedblossom blinked for her to continue and she had, answering the other Queen's concerns without hesitation. After the warrior was gone on the other hand, Spottedblossom looked over at Petalwhisker just as her own kits started wiggling around and waking up.

"Anything I can do Petalwhisker?" She asked as the kits mewed and yawned, waking up slowly though when the ginger tom pushed himself over the others out of the nest she knew he was up to no good and the others would follow after him. "And off the little monsters go." She purred, amused by the small kits actions. They may have been her first litter but she was comfortable here with them, glad to know that she didn't have to worry about them escaping with so many other cats keeping watch for runaway kits. The tortoiseshell Queen yawned herself, stretching out after the kits had scampered off, and beginning her morning grooming since they would need it once they go back anyway. Perhaps she would get something to eat soon.

---

Sunkit trampled over his littermates, waking them up on his way out of the nest to explore the camp, since his mother was sleeping and couldn't do anything about it. The small pale ginger tabby tom stepped on one of his sisters faces before rolling and tumbling off of them onto the bed of moss growing on the den floor. Standing and shaking out his pelt, he raised his tail proudly and bounded out of the den, followed quickly by the others behind him.

Duskkit woke up to a paw on her nose and shook her head to dislodge whoever it was that had been pawing at her face, but ended up sending Sunkit stumbling over the other kits and falling off of the nest. Laughing she stood and followed him out, her pale calico pelt dusty and messed up from her sleep, sticking out at off angles.

Palekit growled when the warmth on one side of him was gone, Duskkit having gotten up and left him in bed with Spottedblossom and their other sister. Annoyed and now, very cold and awake, he climbed out of the nest and followed after the other two, his narrowed pale grey eyes glaring at his brothers back as he walked away. He had no idea where they were going but someone had to keep the other two from causing trouble.

Dapplekit woke up alone in the nest to Spottedblossom standing up and stretching, alarmed to not know where her littermates were. Her mother quickly signaled that they had gone out into the clearing and she followed just in time to hear them plotting about attacking Burrpelt. She thought the idea would be fun, and had liked the Deputy since he had brought the rabbit to their mothers side upon her discovery.

The four kits together, giggled and ran across the clearing, bounding like rabbits, each with their tail in the air and mischief in their eyes. The tom wasn't expecting the sudden onslaught of kittens, each one of them leaping to tackle him even though the weight of the entire litter wouldn't really bring him down. He'd been talking to one of the other warriors, and the clan leader was there, but why would two month old kits care? They wanted to have fun, and attacking one of the warriors was one of their favourite things to do, aside from throwing walnuts around and teasing Dapplekit by not letting her have it.