[Fawn]

[STYLE= background-color: #000000; width:400px; font-family:times new roman; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; border-top: solid 20px #000000; border-bottom: solid 20px #000000; color:#C49FC2;]When Daybreak Seems So Far Away
REACH FOR MY HAND.[/style][STYLE= width:400px; background-color: #0A0A0A; font-family:Arial; font-size:11px; text-color:#424242; text-align:justify; line-height:11px; letter-spacing:2px; color:#424242;]

There was no need for the customary call that signaled a Clan meeting. Ever since he'd left to go receive his nine lives, with the Clan's well-wishes at heart, the remaining TreeClanners had been on edge, eagerly awaiting his return. Lionstar felt a surge of pride and apprehension as all eyes fell upon him, the golden warrior weaving his way through the throng to reach the Ancient Stump. Legs bunching, Lionstar made the leap to the highest point in the Clan for what felt like the very first time - the very first time as leader, after all. Turning around, he drew in a calming breath, the moonlight flowing down onto his pelt and the elevated perch upon which he sat.
"The time has come to appoint a new deputy!" Voice even but authoritative, Lionstar felt a small victory at not having stuttered out his first official ceremony as Clan leader. "I say these words before StarClan that they may hear and approve my choice." Lionstar paused to draw them in, practically able to feel the excitement and the tension in the air. He'd thought long and hard about this decision - there had been a lot of cats he would have liked to have chosen as deputy, Leafscar, Longstripe and Briarshade, for example. Leafscar would make a good deputy, but Lionstar had to keep in mind whether or not Leafscar would make a good leader, and he had personally felt as though the other tom was a bit too docile for such things.

Briarshade had been a smart candidate as well: she had the makings of a leader, strong and confident, perhaps a little too confident when it came to acknowledging her own faults. Though she was loyal to her Clan, Lionstar had been a tad worried she may have clashed with him on several occasions, and it was too important that there be unity amongst the higher ranks of TreeClan to allow the deputyship to go to Briarshade. Perhaps. Longstripe had been too young, but the tom had a good head on his shoulders. In fact, Lionstar viewed the ginger striped tom as something like a friend.

That left only one cat in particular, who had caught his eye and soothed some of the worry burning in his chest over this decision.

"The new deputy of TreeClan," he announced, eyes ablaze. "Will be Smallshine."

Song - I'll Be Right Here - by Ashes Remain
[/style][STYLE= background-color: #000000; width:400px; font-family:times new roman; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; border-top: solid 20px #000000; border-bottom: solid 20px #000000; text-color:#424242; line-height:10px; color:#C49FC2;]When Hope and Peace Begin to Fray,
Still I Will Stand.
~
When the Rain Falls I Won’t Let Go
I’ll Be Right Here. [/style][STYLE= width:400px; font-family:Arial; font-size:7px; letter-spacing:3px; border-top: solid #000000 20px; border-bottom: solid #000000 20px; background-color:#000000; color:#424242;]TEMPLATE BY LISE FROM BACK TO NEVERLAND[/style]

[Deleted]

[atrb=width,430,true][atrb=border,0,true][bg=332233]

[bg=667744] With Barkpool padding beside him, Leafscar took a place close to the high-rock, his ears pricked and his gaze focused on Lionstar. The tom was somewhat proud to see that his friend had succeeded to leadership without being torn apart by Distantstar's death. The senior warrior had assisted with the former leader's burial, but he was ready to move on. In general, Leafscar had low expectations for himself. Although he was a senior warrior, experienced and likable for the most part, he lacked the ambition and the drive that he knew Lionstar would be looking for in a deputy. Although there had been a small hope within him at the beginning, it had quickly been extinguished. When Smallshine's name was announced, Leafscar called out to her, cheering on the new deputy. "Smallshine! Smallshine! Smallshine!" He thought she would make a good deputy; Leafscar understood and accepted Lionstar's choice without question. Of course, had it been any other cat he wouldn't have complained either, but he was somewhat happy to have Smallshine in charge. Seeing the Clan grow always brought a certain spark of light into the warrior's eyes.

[salt]

[STYLE=width: 500px; padding: 20px; background-image: url(http://images2.layoutsparks.com/1/123552/black-design-floral-pattern.jpg);][STYLE=width: 450px; background-color: #cccccc; border: 7px solid #333333; padding: 10px;]
[/style][STYLE=width: 400px; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 35px; text-transform: lowercase; text-align: center; margin-top: -2px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #cccccc;]Spottedfeather, Treeclan Medicine Cat[/style]
[STYLE=width: 450px; background-color: #cccccc; border: 7px solid #333333; padding: 5px; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; color: #111111; text-align: center; margin-top: -10px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;] Spottedfeather was sorting herbs in her den with her two injured apprentices next to her. Head shotting up she let her head and eyes turn towards the opening of her den and could make out her leaders voice calling a meeting. Looking back at Duskpaw and Noblepaw she mewed, "Both of you don't move. If you need anything I'll be right outside the den and call me if you need something." Padding away from her cats that needed to be taken care of she padded out of her den and saw cats gathering under the stump. Spottedfeather just sat a few feet away from her den but still let her attention , well half of it be directed to lionstar.

Listening she gave a few blinks and along with a yawn. This medicine cat was tired. Yet this was her job and she loved what she was able to do. She looked back in the den to see the two apprentices doing okay then looked back to lionstar. It was the announcement of the new deputy. It was about time. This clan couldn't handle not having a deputy. Listening closely a smile came to her face when she heard it was Smallshine.

Letting the clan do its chanting she just sat and watched Smallshine and could not wait to see her reaction for her being picked to help lead the clan.
[/style]
[STYLE=font-size:15px; font-family: helvetica; width: 450px; text-align: center; background-color: #cccccc; border-top: 7px solid #333333; border-bottom: 7px solid #333333; padding: 12px; margin-top:10px; color: #111111;]Tagged: all of treeclan
Words: over 150
Comments: None

made by misty of btn

[Phoenix]

Noblepaw

From his place in the nest, Noblepaw let out a huff of annoyance. It was always the same. Don't move. Don't leave your nest. Stay where you are. He was sick and tired of it. There was nothing to do in the den, nothing with which to distract himself. The wall had never been interesting to start with, and the nest was not nearly as comfortable as his own back in the den. Spottedfeather was not very good company, what with her constantly poking and prodding his face and asking how he felt, and whenever Duskpaw talked, it looked like it hurt her ribs. Not that it was particularly comfortable for him to be moving any part of his face either. Even tracing shapes in the dust and sleeping in had lost its novelty. He was bored and restless. He wanted nothing more than to get back out there and practice fighting.

So when the medicine cat gave her command before exiting the den, Noblepaw was already climbing silently to his paws. His nest was farther back in the den, and voices did not carry very well, as most patients probably preferred silence over the noise of camp. But this was an important announcement; he could feel it in his gut. He wanted to hear it for himself, instead of second-hand. Silently, barely breathing, Noblepaw made his way to the entrance of the den, glancing at Duskpaw and flicking his tail at her, inviting the she-cat to join him in his endeavor. He was not mousebrained enough to try and sneak past Spottedfeather, who stood like a sentinel almost directly outside the den. Rather, he was satisfied with sitting just inside the entrance; the sound quality was considerably better.

The tom had barely settled himself down when Lionstar announced Smallshine's name. He did not know the warrior very well, but what he had seen of her suggested that the new leader had made a good choice. Cheerful and supportive, he imagined a more outgoing, female version of Lionstar. Then, very disturbed, he banished the thought from his mind, shivering as green eyes flicked to the small gray she-cat. He did not dare open his mouth to chant along with the rest of the clan for two reasons: the first being that he did not want to alert Spottedfeather to his presense, and the second that it was not worth the pain that would accompany the movement. However, Noblepaw cast out a little cheer of his own in his mind. Smallshine! Smallshine! Smallshine!

[Insidious]

[atrb=cellSpacing,5,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 380px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 75px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 75px; background: url(http://i49.tinypic.com/1h5zs4.jpg), bTable][atrb=style, background: url(http://i47.tinypic.com/15rfreu.jpg); -moz-border-radius-topleft: 75px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 75px; height:245; opacity: 1.0][STYLE=text-align:right; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 1.0px; margin-top: 150px; color:#000000; text-transform:uppercase; width:345px; margin-left: -2px; text-shadow: 1px 5px 5px #000000;]Foxpaw; Treeclan Apprentice of Eight Moons.[/style]

[atrb=style, background: #FAFAFA;][STYLE=font-family: georgia; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px; width: 380px; height: 375px; overflow: auto; text-align:justify; padding-bottom:1px; text-indent-right: 2px;]Foxpaw had been settled amongst a low hanging branch which belonged to a tree along the outlining of the camp. She wasn't attempting to obscure herself from view, nor practice any training methods for the time being. She was simply relaxing, which was rare all on its own for the stubborn apprentice. Her entire body was comfortably lying down upon the tree branch's surface of rugged bark, her thinly furred tail of honey, dark brown striped pigmentation loosely hanging off the branch's side to be in mid-air. Only when Lionstep, no, Lionstar's voice was detected from his newly inhabited position atop the Ancient Stump, did Foxpaw quickly raise her head from its rested position atop her forepaws. The time has come to appoint a new deputy! This captured Foxpaw's interest, enough so she scrambled to her paws effortlessly and flung in a downward motion to the grassy terrain below. Landing with a light thud, the tabby furred apprentice buckled her limbs upon impact to with-stain any mild pain the collision could have caused. A moment was spent enduring before Foxpaw straightened her stance and began trotting to a place before the Ancient Stump she viewed as suitable. Her desired spot led the she-cat directly passed the medicine den. And during her travels, the corner of her gray-green eyes captured a patch of gray-and-white fur at the den's mouth. Wasn't Noblepaw supposed to remain in his bed? She questioned this as a self-comment, finding that the answer was generally obvious. But regardless, who would she be to inform Spottedfeather and ruin the little fun Noblepaw was capable of having while injured? Acting oblivious to her former sight, Foxpaw offered a polite dip of her head while she passed the medicine cat. Reaching her desired destination, Foxpaw's hind legs folded into a seated stance from where her tail curled around her paws lightly. Fully pricking her ears, the apprentice began searching the crowd for Smallshine whom had the honour of being crowned Treeclan's deputy. Foxpaw didn't recall much quality time spent socializing with the particular female called, but it was clear she was an incredible warrior to receive deputy over the other Treeclan cats. “Smallshine! Smallshine! Smallshine!” Foxpaw felt obligated to join in with the chant, though her voice was much softer and quieter than the rest out of mild shyness. She was rarely one to raise her voice, or speak in general before a large crowd unless it was absolutely a requirement. [/style]

[atrb=style, background: #FAFAFA;][STYLE=font-family: georiga; font-size: 10px; line-height: 13px; width: 380px;]notes blah blah blah tags mr. who, mrs. who, & cindy-lou who words #### muse music or anything that inspired your creativity[/style]

[style=font-family: Courier New; font-size: 10px;]template by BRITZ☆ (aka KETSUE) of LS and BTN[/style]

[Fawn]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #F5DEB3; width: 480px; padding: 10px; border-top-right-radius: 60px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 60px; border-bottom-left-radius: 60px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 60px; border-top: 1px dotted #bfbfbf; border-right: 1px dotted #bfbfbf;] [STYLE=font-family: times new roman; font-size: 55px; letter-spacing: -4px; line-height: 30px; color: ffffff; text-transform: uppercase; padding: 3px; text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px #c1c1c1; width: 370px;]DUSKPAW OF TREECLAN[/style] [STYLE=background-color: FFF5EE; color: FF6347; text-align: right; width: 340px; letter-spacing: 3px; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 10px; margin-top: -35px; border-top: 1px dotted #c1c1c1;] TREECLAN - 6 MOONS[/style] [STYLE=background: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Duskpaw-faceicon_zps55f17309.jpg); width: 100px; height: 100px; -moz-border-radius: 1em 4em 1em 4em; border-radius: 1em 4em 1em 4em; -webkit-border-radius: 1em 4em 1em 4em; border: 4px solid #FF6347; float: right; margin-top: -80px;] [/style] [STYLE=background: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Duskpaw-dappledfuricon_zps7a8db1a9.jpg); width: 70px; height: 70px; border-top-right-radius: 40px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 40px; border-bottom-left-radius: 40px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 40px; border: 4px solid #FF6347; float: left; margin-top: -24px;] [/style] [STYLE=text-transform: lowercase; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 9px; text-align: justify; width: 260px; color: FFA500; line-height: 10px; margin-top: -20px; margin-left: 80px;]❝ LONG LIVE THE WALLS WE CRASHED THROUGH ALL THE KINGDOM LIGHTS SHINED JUST FOR ME AND YOU I WAS SCREAMING LONG LIVE ALL THE MAGIC WE MADE AND BRING ON ALL THE PRETENDERS ONE DAY, WE WILL BE REMEMBERED ❤ ❞[/style] [STYLE= background-color: FFF5EE; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; border-top: 3px solid #cacaca; border-bottom: 3px solid #cacaca; color: FF6347; text-align: justify; padding: 10px; border-top-right-radius: 30px; -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 30px; border-bottom-left-radius: 30px; -moz-border-top-right-radius: 30px;] In. Out. In. Out. The tortoiseshell and white she-cat had been dutifully practicing the breathing techniques Spottedfeather had suggested, when a flick of Noblepaw's tail caught her attention. Stirring, Duskpaw's whiskers quivered in surprise when the familiar intonations of Lionstar sounded just beyond Spottedfeather's den, the she-cat - wincing, as was now automatic whenever she attempted walking - scuttling over to stand beside Noblepaw and listen, ears pricked, for the sounds of the ceremony. Smallshine was deputy! "Sma-" This tiny beginnings of a cheer were stiffled as she shoved her own tail in her mouth, looking at Noblepaw apologetically. Sorry! I-It was automatic! Hoping Spottedfeather wouldn't hear, she cast a guilty look at the she-cat sitting like a sentry a few foxlengths away, and focused on being as quiet as a mouse, for once her small, shallow breaths actually working in her favor. Smallshine had always been a nice cat, in Duskpaw's eyes and brief experience with her. Though the she-cat was on the small side, Duskpaw knew better than to judge a warrior on size alone - look at Littlepaw! She was on the petite side as well, and yet she'd caught the most prey during the hunting challenge! Even though she was very sorry they'd lost, feeling as though she'd let down the one cat she'd wanted more than anything impress, Duskpaw couldn't find it in her heart to be truly angry at Littlepaw. Secretly, she was actually glad Littlepaw had done so well. No longer would Noblepaw have a reason to dislike her, after all, how could he dislike a cat that could out-hunt him twice as much in a single day? Though it might make his competitive spirit burn for a rematch and his pride roar at the 'injustice' of losing the hunting challenge, but could he really be upset at having strong Clanmates? No, of course not. At least, that's what Duskpaw had been able to put together from her knowledge and observation of the gray and white apprentice. [/style] [STYLE= arial narrow; text-align: right; color: f6f6f6; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: -2px; text-transform: lowercase; text-shadow: 0px 0px 2px #a5a5a5; margin-top: -30px; font-style: italic;]I SEE THE LIGHT, ZACHARY LEVI & MANDY MOORE[/style] [STYLE=color: 514854; font-family: georgia; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: -1px; text-align: right;]TAG ⋆ whoever. NOTES ⋆ here. CREDITS ⋆ rayah! of btn[/style]

[Deleted]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0px,true] [atrb=style,background-color: #e1e1e1; padding: 10px; opacity: 0.8; border-top: #998899 solid 5px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 200px; border-radius: 200px 0px 0px 0px;][atrb=width,440,true] AND IF YOUR HEART WEARS THIN I WILL HOLD YOU UP AND I WILL HIDE YOU WHEN IT GETS TOO MUCH I'LL BE RIGHT BESIDE YOU, I'LL BE RIGHT BESIDE YOU! tags,

[/font] Treeclan
words,[/font] 967
notes,[/font] =^_~=[/div]

It seemed moons that the clan nestled in the leafy forest went leaderless. The clan was stricken, devastated by the loss of Distantstar. As unexpected s it was tragic it left Treeclan in despair. Many grieved silently, some openly. A small gray she-cat refused to show her grief. Instead she had gone from one group of mourning cats to the next consoling them, reassuring her clanmates that even though a great leader had passed on another was soon to take up his mantle. Her heart went out to every single one of them if she could only soothe them all maybe her own inner grief would be eased. Bringing hope to her clanmates was the only thing that staved off the own yawning pit of despair that filled her belly. Her leader was gone and she would never again see him until she herself went to Starclan. She had loved Distantstar like he was her own brother as she loves all of her clanmates. Feeling the loss for herself and her clan she was unable to sleep, remaining beside the deceased for the entire night. At dawn the small framed she-cat had done her best to help carry his body. His cold, never to move again form from their home. With each step painful memories washed over her. They had hunted together, he had protected her from harm, he had led his clan with dignity and grace that befitted his stature. The sorrow broke over the gray feline with the force of a breaking storm. Soft sobs rocked her shoulders as he was lowered into the earth. Tearless sobs soon subsided and once more the usual gentle smile returned to her features. Her sorrow had finally been relieved like the calm after the storm she felt healing begin.

It was like leaf-bare thawing, giving way to new-leaf. The earth was rejuvenated, in place of the empty cold a new warmth envelop the clan with new hope. Distantstar returned to the earth and the clan became even more restless then before. Lionstep would be leaving to gain his nine lives and take his place at the head of Treeclan. With a somber but bright glint in her eyes the little she-cat stood near the entrance to wish him luck. She admired the deputy with all her heart. He was strong, clever and brave. In her heart she knew he would usher in a new era for the clan. One she believed would be even better then the last.

Smallshine spent the day and following night in suspense. Having trouble sleeping she soon abandoned her nest to lay in the clearing. The air tasted of frost as she lay gazing up at silverpelt. She imagined she could see a new star amongst the shining host of the heavens. A bright speck of light that pulses softly as if to give her courage. Feeling soothed knowing that Distantstar was still with his clan in spirit Smallshine drifted to sleep on the cold ground. The sun woke her early. Dew had solidified on the grass leaving her to marvel at the still frozen droplets. The earth was sparkling, it was so beautiful she sat in silence to appreciate it. Before long the cold that had seeped into her bones throughout the night became uncomfortable. Taking stock of the situation the warrior decided that having a quick breakfast would be alright before she set out to hunt. She scarfed her meal in hasty starving gulps. Being so upset and worried over her clanmates sorrow had distracted her from her own bodily needs. It was finished far too quickly but taking another would be too much. Maybe after she hunted she could eat again.

Racing through the territory, springing through the tree tops made Smallshine feel better. The slight golding of the leaves made hunting that much more important. Leaf-bare was fast approaching and prey would be much scarcer as it descended. The day passed much more quickly then Smallshine had imagined. Her hunting went well and she made several trip back to camp to haul in her prey. Much to her satisfaction the fresh-kill pile was decently full with the exploits of herself and her clanmates. It didn't look like any cat would go hungry and that made her truly happy. As twilight fell an eagerness stirred the clan. When the moon rose it would be time to declare a new deputy. She sat in silence with the rest of her clan until at last the newly named Lionstar made his appearance. Smallshine had done a bit of thinking on the subject of the new deputy and, having ruled out herself entirely, had decided that there were too many likely candidates to choose from that she wouldn't assume but rather wait to hear the announcement from Lionstar himself. As the regal gold tom began to speak she felt a shiver of anticipation crawl down her spine. Watching with huge blue green eyes as he spoke the formal words for announcing the deputy. What came next shocked the she-cat so much she couldn't react at all. It was her name he called! Numbly she climbed to her paws. Her head turning this way and that as her name was called over and over. She wasn't sure what to say or how to react but a huge smile found it's way onto her face and she could do nothing to stop it. She had been chosen! Feeling honored and a bit humbled all at the same time Smallshine gazed up at Lionstar. A mixture of pride and surprise mingling in her warm gaze. Still unsure of how to react or who to address first she merely stated the only thing that seemed appropriate for the moment. "Thank you Lionstar, I won't let you down!"

made by ayu from back to neverland

[/td][/tr] [/table] [/center]

[Fawn]

[STYLE= background-color: #000000; width:400px; font-family:times new roman; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; border-top: solid 20px #000000; border-bottom: solid 20px #000000; color:#C49FC2;]When Daybreak Seems So Far Away
REACH FOR MY HAND.[/style][STYLE= width:400px; background-color: #0A0A0A; font-family:Arial; font-size:11px; text-color:#424242; text-align:justify; line-height:11px; letter-spacing:2px; color:#424242;]

The golden figurehead of TreeClan nodded in approval, inwardly pleased and humored by Smallshine's sincerity. That's what he liked about the she-cat. She may not have been the most eloquent of speakers, but you could always tell that she meant what she said. She had an honesty and kindness about her that was refreshing. Even if some members of the Clan may have felt as though her soft nature was a weakness, Lionstar certainly didn't see it that way. It was a strength, rather than a weakness.
Quicksand was also soft, and that made it just as dangerous as falling rocks or getting struck by lightning.

He waited until the enthusiastic cheering quieted somewhat before continuing. "I am confident that your new deputy will serve TreeClan to the best of her abilities." He glanced around the many faces of the cats he had grown up with and watched grow, his beneficent gaze lingering on the TreeClan apprentices. "I am sure many of you are aware of this by now, but two TreeClan apprentices were attacked by Demon near the mountains, for a while, no one is to hunt alone - apprentices must be accompanied by at least one warrior - hunt in sets of three or four, at least until we are certain this sort of incident won't happen again."

This new era he was determined to bring to TreeClan was not going to be an era of blood and fear, not if he had anything to say about it. Lionstar continued, the point of bringing up the injured apprentices evident in his next statement: "Most of you have probably heard the news by now, that LionClan has won the hunting competition and Littlepaw - " he dipped a curt nod to the little she-cat, eyes filled with a momentary proud warmth

[/b]"was the apprentice who caught the most prey. However, because of injuries and the approaching bad weather, the battle challenge will be postponed to a later date."[/b]
That one's for you, Noblepaw, Duskpaw. Recover, and meet LionClan on the battleground. As though aware that Noblepaw was listening in, Lionstar drew his gaze to the Medicine Cat's den, able to spy them deep within the sanctuary of Spottedfeather's den.

Even if he could've rerolled the teams into two-and-two with Duskpaw and Noblepaw sitting out, the benevolent Clan leader couldn't quite do that to the gray and white apprentice - not when he'd worked so hard and had so much to prove. With his injuries and the bad memory that went with them still fresh, Lionstar had not wanted to burden the apprentice further by telling him that he would miss the competition. Postponing it had been the right thing to do - he'd rather wait to see all six apprentices fighting for their respective teams than just four with two stuck watching from the sidelines.


[/blockquote][/div][/font]

Song - I'll Be Right Here - by Ashes Remain
[/style][STYLE= background-color: #000000; width:400px; font-family:times new roman; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; border-top: solid 20px #000000; border-bottom: solid 20px #000000; text-color:#424242; line-height:10px; color:#C49FC2;]When Hope and Peace Begin to Fray,
Still I Will Stand.
~
When the Rain Falls I Won’t Let Go
I’ll Be Right Here. [/style][STYLE= width:400px; font-family:Arial; font-size:7px; letter-spacing:3px; border-top: solid #000000 20px; border-bottom: solid #000000 20px; background-color:#000000; color:#424242;]TEMPLATE BY LISE FROM BACK TO NEVERLAND[/style][/center]

[Phoenix]

Noblepaw

An ear flicked as his fellow apprentice joined him in the entrance, glancing at her and nodding slightly in greeting. The rest of the clan still chanted Smallshine's name, and the new deputy herself seemed pleasantly surprised that she had been chosen. Even from the shadows of the den, he could see the large grin that spread out across her face. And then something broke the silence of the den. The beginnings of a cry, cut short at the root, came from the figure standing beside him. Immediately, the tom froze, not daring to breathe as green eyes flicked to the outlined form of Spottedfeather. Did she hear? Out of the corner of his eye, he cast Duskpaw a sharp glance. She could be as apologetic and sorry as she wanted, but that would not undo her action. If the medicine cat noticed their presense and deliberate breaking of her rule...

Well, what could she do that she wasn't doing already? Being cooped up in the den, constantly inhaling the fumes of the stronger smelling herbs, was torture itself. He was already miserable. Slowly, he forced himself to relax, soon distracted by Lionstar's following words. Even if Spottedfeather had noticed, all he had to do was sit there and listen. There was nothing to be worried about. He just needed to calm down. And then, just as quickly, he stiffened again when the leader brought up Demon's attack on him and Duskpaw. Jaw clenching, he glared at the leader, determinedly ignoring the gazes he felt landing searchingly on the den. He, at least, was perfectly visible to an outside viewer, and not wanting to appear weak, he straightened up and raised his chin a little. He would not play the role of the poor little apprentice who had been mauled by the mean old lynx. Let's see what they think about that. He refused to accept anyone's pity.

Luckily, the focus was soon shifted from him to the small form of Littlepaw, and Noblepaw felt himself relaxing slightly. Of course, the mention of LionClan's win brought up an entirely new wave of emotions, and his tail lashed through the air behind him. Shown up by that beginner apprentice, and Duskpaw's weak sister. It was pathetic. He would have to do better in the second round; and he would. Just as soon as... He postponed it! Conflicting feelings clashed inside of him, the main two being gratefulness and distaste. He could take on LionClan wounded as he was, and it hurt his pride to think that Lionstar did not believe that. But at the same time, it gave both him and Duskpaw more time to recover. A sound defeat for LionClan. And he could have always decided to carry on without him and Duskpaw. When the leader looked over in their direction, Noblepaw nodded slightly, calmly. Thank you, Lionstar.

Littlepaw

"Smallshine! Smallshine! Smallshine!" Her quiet voice carried high into the air, mixing and melding with those of the rest of the clan. Green eyes found the grinning gray she-cat, and Littlepaw felt a similar expression break out on her own face. Though they had not interacted very much, she felt a sort of connection with the new deputy due to their small sizes. The older she-cat was proof that size did not mean everything, and Littlepaw appreciated that reminder. She fully believed that the dark gray she-cat deserved the position, not only trusting Lionstar's instincts but also her own. Smallshine had been a large source of comfort to the clan after Distantstar's untimely death, and even before that, the she-cat had had no qualms about displaying the large size of her heart. It warmed the apprentice to know that TreeClan had Lionstar for a leader and an equally talented and compassionate she-cat for their deputy.

She found her gaze drawn to the medicine cat's den at the mention of two injured apprentices, knowing very well just who they were. Littlepaw was not quite sure how to feel about it, Noblepaw in particular. He had always been rather antagonistic toward her, yet even he did not deserve the wrath of Demon. Duskpaw too, though Littlepaw found that she had a little more sympathy for the she-cat. Craning her head around, green eyes landed finally on Dawnpaw, who was beside her. Quietly, she murmured, "She'll be alright. They'll both be." And just as she ended her statement, she heard her name. Small tabby head shot up, meeting Lionstar's proud gaze with a startled one. "... was the apprentice who caught the most prey..." Oh. Immediately, she hunched her shoulders, looking down at her paws again. Her fur prickled as she felt what seemed like the gaze of every cat. Never comfortable with being the center of attention, she wished that she could sink into the ground.