{golden afternoons}

[Bast]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/ev9nox.png] NEARLY silent paws carried a streak of silver and black fur across the landscape, through trees, around boulders, leaping creeks and flashing through swift-flowing streams with a sharp splash. Pale yellow eyes housed on the handsome face of a young male snow leopard took in the landscape as it flashed past, black-rimmed ears alert for changes in the active calls of birds and hum of occasional insects. Normally at a time like this, sunhigh on a beautiful day, Cloudclaw would be hunting. Right now however, he didn't feel like hunting. He'd hunted since dawn and now he just wanted to run. His muscles flexing under his fluffy silver and black coat felt glorious. Sure, Cloudclaw had to run when he hunted but running to hunt and running for pleasure where two completely different sensations, not even on the same spectrum as far as the leopard tom was concerned. It was beautiful, being able to fully enjoy the power that came with being a leopard and the ease with which he could jump from boulder to boulder, over fallen trees and across streams. There was nothing like it. IN fact, running, jumping and climbing where about Cloudclaw's only real passtimes and probably the only things he was confident in. It never failed, he could run and jump and never miss his landing. Other things, well, he tended to double-think himself and stumble or mess up in some sort of way. It happened on hunts a lot, he'd corner a big horned sheep or mountain goat and then fall back once they started lashing out. Other times, the thought of injury during a hunt wouldn't even cross his mind. It was crazy how one moment he could be doing alright and the next, returning to camp with nothing to show for a full afternoon of hunting. SHAKING his head, Cloudclaw sprang off the forest ground and onto a fallen tree that crossed a wide river that was winding its way through the forest. Here, he stopped running and stood looking at the river flowing below. Its steady continuous sound was soothing, claming in a way Cloudclaw loved to sit and enjoy. Glancing around as if he expected to see a clanmate jump out of the forest and scold him for even thinking of being a bit lazy, Cloudclaw wandered to the middle of the log. Laying down on it, paws draped over the edge, tail curled around his hind paws, Cloudclaw angled himself so his pale yellow eyes gazed at the river below. Occasionally, little fish would swim along, moving between the rocks that made up the riverbed. Watching them had a hypnotic effect on the young LeopardClan warrior, lulling him into a grey place between awake and asleep. As the clouds overhead shifted to reveal the noontime sun, a pool of it fell on the lounging warrior, further urging him toward the land of dreams. AFTER a few minutes of simply lounging, Cloudclaw's yellow eyes slipped closed and he dropped off into slumber. Tagged;; open Word Count;; 502 Background Song;; "Hard Habit to Break" by Chicago Notes;; meh kinda boring I know, so someone spice it up! :)

[snowtuft]

Littlepaw was tired of sitting around and doing nothing. He had been sleeping the day away and decided he wanted to play. Padding from the apprentices' den, he looked eagerly around camp for something to do. Nothing. He snorted and stampeded into the forest and searching, his eyes falling on a sleeping warrior. His eyes narrowed with mischief as he crept forward with complete silence. Within striking distance, Littlepaw pounced on the male's tail, biting as hard as he could into the flesh and digging his claws into the fur. He let go and jumped around, pouncing onto Cloudclaw's shoulders and biting into his scruff, this time a little less hard with sheathed claws pawing at his sides. He He shook his head, trying to get his teeth through the thick fur. Littlepaw was having fun. I've got you now, LionClan warrior! You're not getting away from me! Littlepaw growled through the fur that filled his mouth. He was bored and just wanted a playmate.

OOC: Not my best Littlepaw post, because this is my first Littlepaw post! Lol. Anyway, I was thinking maybe Cloudclaw could be mad at first, but realize that Littlepaw gets very little attention from others and kind of feels bad, maybe they start to bond and become friends? Just an idea I had.

[Bast]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/ev9nox.png] A sharp unpleasant pain awoke the LeopardClan warrior, jerking him from the blackness of peaceful slumber and shocking his brain back into his head. Head shooting up, claws unsheathing, fur bristling and a growl bubbling up in his throat, Cloudclaw reacted on instinct, lashing his tail hard to yank it from the grip of an unknown assailant. Before he could clamber to his feet and face his attacker however, the warrior felt small paws hit his shoulders and little fangs prickling as they tugged on his thick silver fur. Confused and still somewhat asleep, the leopard tom clambered to his feet, balancing precariously on the log. Unsheathing his claws, Cloudclaw held on to the bark of the log so he wouldn't tumble into the creek, not that the fall was far or the water was particularly cold, namely just because he didn't like being wet. It took hours for thick snow leopard fur to dry, after all. Being wet was unpleasant. Giving himself a firm shake to dislodge his attacker, Cloudclaw heard a voice cry "I've got you now, LionClan warrior! You're not getting away from me!" BLinking pale yellow eyes a few times in confusion, Cloudclaw stopped trying to shake off the small cat clinging to his shoulders and hanging on to his scruff. Craning his neck, Cloudclaw peered over his shoulder and almost directly into the big mischevious eyes of none other than Littlepaw, one of LeopardClan's newer apprentices. Seeing the apprentice, Cloudclaw found himself stuck. Should he scold Littlepaw for disturbing a warrior and being without his mentor? Or should he entertain the little apprentice's obviously uncontrollable energy? Cloudclaw wasn't a mean cat, he actually liked apprentices, he just wasn't sure what was right. Teach the young one a lesson or entertain him? Finally, apprentice still clinging to his shoulders, Cloudclaw leaped off the log and onto solid ground before giving another firm shake. "Littlepaw! What were you thinking? I could have shredded your ears!" Cloudclaw scolded, determined to dislodge the apprentice. "What if I had been awake? They would have had to name you Nofur!" Tagged;; Littlepaw Word Count;; 349 Background Song;; "Miss You" by Blink 182 Notes;; Littlepaw is cute <3

[snowtuft]

Littlepaw dug his claws and teeth deeper as Cloudclaw shook his shoulders in attempt to dislodge him. He growled furiously as he was thrown off with the second attempt, falling to the ground with a thud. Littlepaw sprang to his paws and crouched, ready to spring, with his golden tail lashing side to side. I just wanted to play! Littlepaw defended himself fiercely. I haven't seen Wrenstar yet today, so I don't know what to do. I wanted to explore and I found you. I figured I could practice my battle moves, like sneaking and then attacking! You were asleep so I crept forward in a hunter's crouch, trying to be quiet, like if we were to do an ambush, you have to be quiet! So, I attacked, practicing my skills! Littlepaw said, looking at his paws, ashamed. But I guess it was wrong to sneak up on you like that, Cloudclaw. I'm sorry. He apologized. But look what I can do! Littlepaw boasted and launched forward, flipping onto his back and sliding between the snow leopard's legs while thrusting his paw up and raking Cloudclaw's belly fur with sheathed claws, the rolling back onto his paws. He darted forward again and swiped at the warrior's hind legs to unbalance him, then springing back and leaping onto Cloudclaw's back, cuffing his ears with his paws. He jumped down and stood in front of the male. How did I do? Littlepaw asked, looking hopeful for a good review.

[Bast]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/ev9nox.png] THE apprentice was an absolute ball of energy. He talked a million miles a minute and before Cloudclaw could even open his mouth to reply, Littlepaw was on the move again. Feeling sheathed claws pummel his belly, Cloudclaw tried to backpeddle away from the wriggling snow leopard, only to feel the same paws swiping at his hind legs. Leaping to the side to get the apprentice out from under him, Cloudclaw laid his ears flat in slight annoyance at all the hopping around. Cloudclaw opened his mouth to snap at Littlepaw to stop it but before he could, the apprentice leaped onto his back and again pummeled Cloudclaw's neck and ears. SHAKING himself again to try and dislodge Littlepaw, Cloudclaw was a moment too late. By the time he shook, Littlepaw was already leaping off and landing in front of Cloudpaw, asking for praise. Cloudclaw stared at the eager little scrap, blinking stupidly for a moment. He'd never been chased around by an apprentice and briefly wondered how much attention Wrenstar actually gave Littlepaw. "UH...you did well I suppose," Cloudclaw said at last. "You should go find Wrenstar and show her," the tom suggestion, not quite sure what to do with an overactive apprentice. He was a young warrior and had never had an apprentice of his own so he had no idea what to do with them. "She'll be happy to see you've been practicing." TURNING, Cloudclaw leaped back onto the log bridge and padded briskly across, springing lightly onto the other side. He wanted to get away fomr Littlepaw, wary that Wrenstar would be angry if she found him "training" her apprentice. Some warriors were particularly picky about such things and Cloudclaw did not want to find out if Wrenstar was one of them. Tagged;; Littlepaw Word Count;; 296 Background Song;; "Stand" by Rascal Flatts Notes;; <3

[snowtuft]

Littlepaw flicked his ears back a little, deflated by the empty praise. He let his tail droop. Then he mentioned going to find Wrenstar to show her. Wrenstar had already seen Littlepaw do it over and over. Littlepaw's eyes widened when Cloudclaw turned to walk away. But- The apprentice closed his mouth and turned with pain eyes. At least Cloudclaw had given him attention, unlike Wrenstar. Littlepaw hadn't been trained in a full two sunrises, and he really wanted to practice so he wouldn't forget his training. He stopped and looked over his shoulder, but didn't see Cloudclaw. He headed back to camp and curled in a ball next to a sunning rock and closed his amber eyes, falling into sleep without meaning to. He woke the next morning and peeked into Wrenstar's den, but she wasn't there. He sighed and dragged his paws as he hauled himself out of camp and went hunting on his own. He found a large bird. He instinctively dropped into a hunter's crouch and stalked forward. Once he was within striking distance, Littlepaw pounced on the bird's back, slipping off by getting a wing in his jaws. He held on tight as the bird tried to throw him off. He claws his way onto the prey's back and snapped at its neck, unable to get a good grip. He felt himself slipping off the smooth feathers and plummeted three fox lengths to the ground with a yowl of terror, hitting the dirt with a heavy thud. He laid there, unmoving with a bloody face and a bleeding shoulder. Unconscious.

[Bast]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/ev9nox.png] AS soon as he'd left the apprentice, Cloudclaw felt his pawsteps slowing until he came to a stop, ears drooping. He felt bad, he really did. Littlepaw was attention hungry since Wrenstar was usually quite busy. Twitching his tail, the warrior looked over his shoulder, half hoping the energy-full apprentice would have followed him. No such luck. Mentally cursing himself, Cloudclaw heaved a sigh and turned. Padding briskly back toward camp, he followed Littlepaw's scent trail back into the clan's gathering place. Near the sunrock, he saw a ball of silver-grey fur and felt his heart drop. Littlepaw was dozing in the sun, apart from the camp and alone. Heaving a sigh, Cloudclaw turned and left camp again. He had to hunt before sunhigh and get some rest before evening when he had the patrol. He didn't have time to baby Littlepaw, if it could even be called that. -- DAWN came annoyingly early for Cloudclaw, shafts of sunlight reaching into the warrior den and poking at the tom's eyelids until he pried them open. Pale yellow orbs glared out at the waking world as he reluctantly uncurled from his nest. Shaking moss and the like from his thick fur, he glanced around. The den was empty and when he stepped out into the camp clearing, the dawn patrol was just returning. Swiping his tongue around his jaws and yawning widely, the spotted tom ambled across to the freshkill pile. Plucking a fat bird out of the pile, he settled himself near the rock where Littlepaw had slept earlier and ate his meal. He would have to hunt this morning, unsuccessful hunting the evening before making him eager to succeed today. With his meal finished, Cloudclaw rose and strode out of camp, pausing to greet a few warriors along the way. STALKING through the undergrowth, keeping deep in the foliage, Cloudclaw searched for a fresh scent trail. Perhaps he could head to higher ground and seek out big game? That would please Wrenstar and feed several warriors well. Just as he settled on the thought however, a mangled bird's cry made his ears twitch. Raising his head slightly, Cloudclaw scanned the area for the injured bird. Birds were small, easy game, but at least it would be food enough for someone to enjoy. If it was already injured, that would be even easier to bring down since a bird with an injured wing was more or less defenseless. SPOTTING the injured bird in a thicket, Cloudclaw dropped low into a hunter's crouch. Creeping forward on silent paws, the thick fur between his toes muffling any sound his paws could make in the manner of all leopards, he slipped through the undergrowth like a silent serpent. When he was close enough, he stopped and waited, yellow eyes tracking the injured bird's every twitch and shudder. After a moment, he sprang. The bird never knew what hit it. In a mere moment it's neck was snapped and it hung limply from Cloudclaw's strong jaws. It was a sizable bird, a decent catch for anyone and big enough to carry away a small apprentice. The thought made Cloudclaw glad he'd killed it, seeing as birds like this had been known to carry away young kits. KILL in his jaws, Cloudclaw began picking his way through the undergrowth toward camp. Just as he passed by a clearing, a scent broke through the thick smell of bird blood clotting his nose. The smell made him drop the dead bird. CAT blood. MUSCLES tensing and eyes narrowing, Cloudclaw abandoned the dead bird and leaped into the foliage. Bursting through the bushes and trees, he skidded into a clearing. In the middle of it laid a crumpled heap of silver fur spotted with black. The small frame gave away who it was at once, Cloudclaw's eyes widening as he realized it. IT was Littlepaw. "LITTLEPAW!" Cloudclaw yowled, leaping toward the limp apprentice. PALE eyes swept over the tiny tom as Cloudclaw crouched over him. His face was slashed though the cuts weren't deep enough to be deadly, they would surely hurt for a while and possibly scar. Sniffing the apprentice's head and neck, he found no blood in Littlepaw's ears and he saw the rise and fall in Littlepaw's flank. Scooting a bit closer, Cloudclaw rasped his tongue over the apprentice's ears, trying to decide if he should run and find Leaffrost or try and wake Littlepaw. Apart from the gashes, he couldn't see any other injuries...he would have to try and wake Littlepaw. If Littlepaw wouldn't wake, he would carry the apprentice back to Leaffrost. USING his nose, Cloudclaw gently nuded Littlepaw's shoulder. "Littlepaw," he called in a softer voice. "Littlepaw, wake up, now's not a time for sleeping, wake up." Tagged;; Littlepaw Word Count;; 795 Background Song;; "Sweet Serendipity" by Lee DeWyze Notes;; poor littlepaw <333

[snowtuft]

Littlepaw woke a little after sunrise. His vision was quite blurred and his shoulder ached with pain. He moaned and tried to lift his neck, but that hurt as well. He let his eyes droop closed until he realized he was felt very warm and he smelled another scent. Cloudclaw. He coughed, stirring a tiny cloud of dust and struggled to his shaky paws, sitting up with an arched back. He coughed a little more, his entire body trembling with shock. He smelled blood and licked his paw, swiping it over his ears and feeling liquid on his fur. He looked at his paw and sighed as he saw the crimson blood. He looked around and saw the white snow leopard beside him. Cloudclaw? He asked softly, his voice rasp and barely audible. His neck hurt from the fall, but luckily it was undamaged, just a little bruised. His legs buckled suddenly and Littlepaw collapsed to the ground, gritting his teeth to hold back to the pain. He looked at his shoulder and felt bile rising in his throat to see the joint sticking out of the socket. He growled. Mouse brain! How could I possibly think I could kill that bird? Littlepaw scolded himself. Cloudclaw, am I in trouble for being out of camp by myself again? Littlepaw asked, his eyes staring at his paws. He stood up, holding his aching shoulder up so he didn't put pressure on it. His legs were weak and he found himself falling once again. He just layed there, not wanting to get back up. Ever.

[Bast]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/ev9nox.png] CLOUDCLAW let out a mental sigh as Littlepaw roused himself but tensed when the apprentice tried to sit up. It was obvious the apprentice felt ill and was aching. Cloudclaw had no idea what to expect and shifted a bit closer just in case Littlepaw needed the support. Perking his ears, Cloudclaw watched Littlepaw warily, unsure of what to do. He could see the misformed shoulder joint and could guess it was out of its socket. Cloudclaw knew he'd have to take Littlepaw to Leaffrost. He didn't know how to fix problems like this. Reclining on his haunches and wrapping his tail around his paws, Cloudclaw looked at Littlepaw as the apprentice muttered miserably and asked if he was in trouble. Sighing slowly, Cloudclaw looked around as he tried to think up a good response. Yes, he would be in trouble, and Wrenstar probably wouldn't be happy about him being injured, but she couldn't really punish him for trying to hunt. "LITTLEPAW," Cloudclaw began gently, "I don't know if you'll be in trouble. I'll tell Wrenstar you were hunting with me but we need to take you to Leaffrost for these scratches and your shoulder. We'll handle Wrenstar when the time comes but right now we need to go to Leaffrost." GLANCING around again, Cloudclaw turned and padded back into the undergrowth. Pushing through the ferns, bushes and brambles, Cloudclaw found the bird he'd killed and picked it up. Grabbing it, he turned and bounded back toward the apprentice and stepped into the clearing. Approaching Littlepaw, Cloudclaw put the bird down in front of Littlepaw, trying not to notice how the bird was bigger than Littlepaw. Nudging it so the bird was flopped onto its belly, Cloudpaw put his paw on the feathers and pushed so the scratches Littlepaw had made were more obvious, blood coloring his paws. Making sure Littlepaw was looking, he began to speak softly. "THESE scratches, you made them, didn't you?" Not waiting for an answer, he went on. "You aimed for its back, you should always come up behind the bird and leap to destroy its wings, not its neck. A flightless bird can't escape. Then you aim for the neck." TAKING his paw away from the dead bird, he looked Littlepaw in the eye. "YOU'LL get better. This was a good attempt. With more practice you'll be able to catch birds this size with ease." Tagged;; Littlepaw Word Count;; 401 Background Song;; ""More" by Usher Notes;; mentor moment! <3

[snowtuft]

Cloudclaw said he had to get Littlepaw to Leaffrost, the apprentice was only half listening, nodding his head. He still clawed at his own ears for doing something as trying to catch a bird three times his size. Then, Cloudclaw disappeared and came back with the bird. The white warrior showed Littlepaw the scratches he'd made, asking if he had made them. Yes, I made them. I knew how to catch it. That's why I went for the wings first, then the neck. But it was everywhere at once and the feathers were so slick! I couldn't hold on! Littlepaw's voice raised in fear as he spoke, watching himself fall off the bird and hit the ground, instantly swallowed by blackness as soon as he connected with the earth. The memory replayed itself over and over in his little head as he leaned against Cloudclaw's leg, frightened. He couldn't get those final seconds of falling out of his head and scrambled up Cloudclaw's shoulder and curling between the warrior's shoulders, wincing at the pain that shot through him like lightning. Just take me home, please. Littlepaw muttered, his eyes drooping. The apprentice let dizzying blackness reclaim him. It only seemed like a heartbeat before he opened his amber eyes again and saw he was in the camp... in the medicine den? He shook his head and perked his ears, trying to stand up. He hobbled from the den and into the clearing, looking around curiously.

[Bast]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/ev9nox.png] CLOUDCLAW looked at Littlepaw as the apprentice retold his story. It made him sad to see the fear in the apprentice's eyes. He would have to talk to Wrenstar about that. She would have to teach him how to properly pick a prey, one that he could handle. This bird had been the product of over exuberance, something not to be crushed in a kit, but something that needed to be taught. Now that he harbored a fear of the large birds, it would be hard to break. Cloudclaw crouched low and gave Littlepaw a boost so the apprentice was sitting between his shoulders. Carefully rising up, Cloudclaw picked up the bird and began to make his way toward camp. He was dreading having to explain this whole mess to Leaffrost and Wrenstar. Thankfully, Littlepaw was asleep, so he'd be able to handle everything. -- A while later, Cloudclaw crouched outside of the warriors den, a half-eaten rabbit laying in front of him. His gaze was resting on the medicine cat's den. Leaffrost had gone out a little while ago to find some herbs and told him that Littlepaw was doing alright. Right now he was supposed to be resting. Cloudclaw had left and gone hunting a little bit ago, allowing him to take a piece of freshkill from the pile when he returned. The rabbit was forgotten as Cloudclaw pondered. Wrenstar had been out on a patrol so he hadn't had to explain things to her yet. At the moment, he was trying to figure out how he was going to do that and not get his fur ripped off. IF he told Wrenstar he'd been with Littlepaw, she would ask why he hadn't stopped Littlepaw from taking on prey that was too big for him. Sighing, Cloudclaw wrapped his tail around his side, its tip twitching lightly. It was a difficult decision to make. BEFORE Cloudclaw could ponder further into his options, movement at the entrance of the medicine cat's den drew his gaze. Littlepaw came out of the den, moving stiffly and limping slightly. Seeing the apprentice made Cloudclaw sit up straighter, rising from his crouch, but he didn't move to stand and go to the apprentice. The camp was relatively empty so it was impossible for Littlepaw to miss seeing him, but Cloudclaw didn't know quite what to do about it. Littlepaw obviously wasn't being trained right but who was he, a young warrior, to challenge Wrenstar? It was almost unheart of to change mentors in the middle of an apprentice's apprenticeship without the previous mentor being dead. THE last thing any loyal clan cat wanted to do was offend their leader. Cloudclaw knew Wrenstar was one of those cats that could make his life miserable and even discredit his already unsure base of being a worthy LeopardClan warrior. It would be dangerous... Tagged;; Littlepaw Word Count;; 477 Background Song;; "True Colors" by Phil Collins Notes;; :)

[snowtuft]

Littlepaw saw Cloudclaw across the clearing and hobbled over to him. He could put pressure on his shoulder again, but it still ached. He sat in front of Cloudclaw and looked at his own paws, unsure of what to say. Um... thank you, Cloudclaw, for bringing me back to camp. And, um... for giving me some hunting tips and actually paying attention to me. Littlepaw sighed. Also, can I ask you something? Littlepaw hesitated. Well, you've been paying attention to me the past few days and, well, you've been more of a friend to me than anyone... The apprentice hesitated for a heart beat before continuing. Well, Cloudclaw, I want you to be my mentor. He blurted out before looking at his paws again. He looked cautiously at Cloudclaw's expression as the camp entrance rustled. Littlepaw looked to see Leaffrost entering and sighed. I got to go, see you later Cloudclaw. Littlepaw turned and limped back into the medicine den, curling into his nest and falling asleep after eating a poppyseed for pain.

OOC: Well, that was quite eventful. Not really. Lol. Anyway, can we skip forward in time to when Littlepaw is free to return to his duties?

[Bast]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/ev9nox.png] WHEN Littlepaw approached and started speaking, Cloudclaw shifted a bit, wary of what was about to be said. He felt bad for Littlepaw, for his lack of attention from Wrenstar. When Littlepaw burst out with his request, Cloudclaw stiffened, pale eyes widening slightly as he watched Littlepaw limp back toward the medicine cat den. Looking down at his paws and the rabbit laying in front of him, he laid his ears flat. Littlepaw obviously needed another mentor, someone that had time to devote to teaching him. Still...challenging for an apprentice? Cloudclaw lowered his head and crouched low, eyes fixed on the dead rabbit. Wrenstar. Cloudclaw didn't even know if he could successfully each an apprentice! If she had given him Littlepaw in a proper ceremony, it would have been nerve-wracking but not impossible. At least that way, he'd have StarClan's laws on his side and Wrenstar's fair judgment. Now...could he really ask Wrenstar something like this? SIGHING, Cloudclaw got up. Tossing the half-eaten rabbit aside, Cloudclaw padded toward the camp entrance. His strides lengthened and he started bounding through the forest, under the pretense of hunting. It was going to be a mess if he did ask Wrenstar...not that he ever would. He liked Littlepaw, he really did, its just, what if he couldn't teach well? What if he got Littlepaw as his apprentice somehow and then wasn't up to par with his expectations? SHAKING his head as he ran, Cloudclaw slowed from his run and began moving toward the borders. He'd hunted enough for today...he might as well check the borders. It would be insanity to ask Wrenstar to change Littlepaw's apprenticeship. It was unheard of! He had only been a warrior for a few moons after all, not too long ago he was cleaning the elders den and practicing his stalking techniques! He didn't nearly have the experience for teaching an apprentice quite yet. Nodding to himself, Cloudclaw turned and began to follow the path worn by past patrols. It just, wouldn't work out right. Tagged;; Littlepaw Word Count;;v337 Background Song;; "Vanilla Twilight" by Owl City Notes;; We should have Icefur come across him, maybe she could talk to him about it and change his mind?

[snowtuft]

Icefur had woken that morning and groomed herself thoroughly before going out on her assigned border patrol. They had to warn off a loner, but nothing else had happened. It was kind of exciting, to be able to chase off a loner. Now, as she sat in camp looking things over, she was utterly bored. The medicine den rustled and Icefur looked over at it curiously to see an apprentice limp out and pad toward a warrior. She quite surprised, actually, to see that warrior was a snow leopard, like her. But, as she watched the pair, the apprentice went back to the medicine den. The warrior flipped his rabbit aside and padded out in the territory. She stared at the rabbit, half eaten. What a waste of prey! She padded over and ate the rest of it, looking to the sky. Thank you, StarClan, for the meal. She said softly before going out for some exploring and maybe so playing. Finding a high rock, Icefur looked around and spotted another large rock. She judged the distance and it equaled up to half a fox length. She crouched and waggled her haunches before launching herself between the two rocks. She fell short a mouse length and landed heavily on the ground, luckily without any sprains or other injuries. Discouraged, the warrior looked around and spotted the other snow leopard from in camp. She crouched and started to stalk after him, until she noticed he seemed a little down. She stood up and tilted her head, a little confused. Um... hello? Her soft voice rang out to the other warrior as she trotted to catch up with him.

[Bast]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/ev9nox.png] THE sound of someone's paws brought Cloudclaw to a stop. Turning to look over his shoulder, pale yellow orbs scanned the undergrowth as someone called a greeting. His eyes landed on a she-cat, a sleek silver leopard that he'd seen around camp. She was a few moons younger than him, he could remember sitting next to Longwhisker during her apprentice ceremony, then sitting on the fringe of the clan as she was named a warrior. It was Icefur. He didn't know her well but he knew of her. It was hard to ignore her. Out of the she-cats in the LeopardClan, it had always been Cloudclaw's personal, and very private, opinion that she was one of its most beautiful warrioresses. Pushing the thought to the back of his mind, Cloudclaw turned fully to face the approaching she-cat. "UH..hi Icefur," Cloudclaw called, trying not to look as out of place as he felt talking to her. IT wasn't often Cloudclaw talked to thers of the opposite gender. He could never quite get up the nerve to go amongst them like the more confident warriors would. He could remember as a kit, wrestling with a she-kit named Bloomkit. It had been easy then to banter with them and play because in his kit days he had been a completely different cat. One stupid decision had changed that all. Too bad it had cost him his best friend, his brother Thornkit. Just thinking about it now, he felt the old ache stir in his heart. He could clearly remember the damning cold of the river and thinking he would die for sure. What was worse was when the numbness hadn't worn off. For days, weeks, moons, he'd walked around camp in a fog, a numb haze. He hadn't believed Thornkit was dead, not even when he touched noses with Longwhisker for the first time at his apprentice ceremony. It hadn't sunk in until he laid in the apprentice den that night and realized how alone he was. SINCE then he'd stopped making unsure decisions and second guessing the sure ones. That, more than anything, was why he wouldn't approach Wrenstar about Littlepaw. Littlepaw needed help, but not help from a warrior that half the time didn't know what he was doing. It would be insane! Wrenstar would be furious and then...then what? He'd be worse off than ever before and she'd probably make sure the whole clan knew about the ordeal. It was insanity. Just like talking to one of the prettiest she-cats in the clan. TURNING, Cloudclaw set off at a brisk walk, trying to make a quick escape before he could make a fool of himself. Tagged;; Icefur Word Count;; 445 Background Song;; "White Flag Warrior" by Flobots Notes;; crappy post...sorry...