[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Feathercloud[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

The tall, lithe silver she-cat stalked by the entrance to TreeClan's camp for what must have been the thousandth time that morning. The sun hadn't reached its peek yet, but the she-cat, unable to sleep, had been there since dawn had broken. She would have joined the dawn patrol, to put some of her nervous energy to good use, but she'd left the warrior's den just a little bit too late. Had she run, she might have caught up to them, but she had quickly been swallowed up by her antsy pacing from one side of camp the other.

Feathercloud was known for a few things around camp. First and foremost, her hot-headed temper. If she was set off, she was a force to be reckoned with, and her weapon of choice was her sharp tongue. With blue eyes that seemed to hold the wrath of StarClan in them, she could be quite the disciplinarian, regardless of the fact she was still a fairly new warrior. Sure, she respected those older than she was, until they did something, or said something that got on her nerves. The second trait she was known for was her fluidity and grace. She made almost everything she did look far too easy. She was a fairly decent hunter, though her impatience could occasionally get the best of her. Her true talent was in her fighting technique, the way she was able to maneuver herself high in the trees. Though TreeClan was well-known for their tree-fighting ability, Feathercloud's lithe, but tall frame let her stretch up high, as well as slip through some thinner spaces between branches. Her uncanny ability to figure out the perfect moment to drop down from the treetops to land upon an opponent had succeeded in making her old mentor proud many a times. She wasn't as strong as some warriors, but she had developed her own, successful style of fighting.

On this particular morning, however, she was hardly recognizable. Her silver fur, which was usually so well groomed, soft and sleek against her body, stuck up in every direction, ruffled with her jitteriness. Her icy blue eyes were wide, strangely hollow, and looked more tired than they had ever been. She supposed this is what happened when you weren't able to get much sleep the night before. The whole reason behind her nervous air today? It had been nearly a day since her best friend in the entirety of the Clans had set off on a journey, organized by Lionstar, to search out the missing StoneClan. Sure, Silverpaw was being accompanied by three warriors. It wasn't like the time she had set off a few moons ago by herself, heading to the mountains to find a cat she wasn't even sure was alive. It didn't make the waiting, the wondering, any easier. How long would they be gone? Were the okay? Were they alive? Feathercloud was absolutely clueless as to how the younger silver she-cat had been able to cope when Feathercloud had run off as an apprentice.

Suddenly unable to stand being in camp, the silver she-cat made an awkward, skidding turn, throwing herself out of the camp entrance. She didn't go very far, deciding to try hunting. She got as far as stalking a few steps, ears trained on the surrounding, jaws parted to draw in scents. Not long after that, the familiar stab of impatience hit her like a bolt of lightning, causing her to spring up out of her crouch and run full-tilt to StarClan knows where. She weaved her way between the close-knit trees of TreeClans forest, staying as silent as she could, her ears flat against her head as she made herself as aerodynamic as possible. She had no clue where she was going or why, she only knew that she was going somewhere. Her silver pelt banked and dipped, vanishing and reappearing behind the thick trunks of the great trees. She continued running, her lungs screaming at her from within, until suddenly, an overpowering urge over took her, telling her to jump.

Obeying the ridiculous notion, the silver she-cat sprung into the air, claws hooking into the bark of one of the trees. With a mighty heave, she hauled herself up onto the first and lowest branch of the tree. Bounding from one to another, twirling her way around the tree, higher and higher until the treetop became too thin to support her climbing any higher. Panting heavily, the silver TreeClan she-cat gazed down at the ground far below, not really paying attention to what she was seeing at all.

She wasn't sure how long she stayed perched up in the dangerously high branches of the tree, lost to her own mind, but without warning, that stab of sheer impatience and nervous energy struck her, causing her to hastily begin her clamber down the tree. She was clumsy, her claws scrabbling and just barely hooking the tree in time to stop her from falling. Imagining that this she-cat was the same Feathercloud as a few days back was ridiculous. With far too much time on her paws to think about the awful things that could be happening to her best friend, she had become quite a wreck. And to think it had only been a day... How long would this go on?

Her landing was a little rough, considering she lost her grip on the tree at the lowest branch, but her paws contacted the ground rather safely. She felt a burning sensation in her shoulder, which caused her to stagger slightly, limping forward as she trekked back towards camp. She noticed, rather surprised, that she wasn't all that far from TreeClan's camp. She must had run a near full circle. Her blue eyes were clouded over, lost and distracted as she pushed herself through the camp entrance. Her long, slightly-plume like tail whisked back and forth, seemingly without purpose, much like the silver she-cat felt. She limped across the camp, not even fully aware of her throbbing shoulder, heading near the fresh-kill pile. She spent a mere moments observing the prey sitting on the pile, but couldn't find the will to eat anything. Instead, she stumbled her way over to a patch of sunlight, flopping down on her side. She lay there, unmoving for StarClan knew how long, her blue eyes staring without seeing at nothing in particular.

Silverpaw... Please, oh please be alright....

[Phoenix]

Nobleheart

- - -

It wasn’t until the dawn patrol had left that he gave up trying to reach the sanctuary that sleep would have offered him. After tossing and turning throughout almost the entire night, which had earned him some less than friendly looks from those around him, he had been lucky to manage what little sleep he had. Images raced through his mind of Lionstar announcing who would be on the patrol to search for StoneClan and of the familiar silver form of his apprentice disappearing through the entrance for what could easily have been the last time. Much the appreciation of his peers, he had left the den just as a silver streak – his heart jolted at the sight, wondering, if perhaps that was Silverpaw, racing back for help, or, even better, deciding that she was not fit for the patrol – flew from the camp as though flames still danced on the trees around it. There was no Silverpaw; hope had led his raw heart into a trap and left it there.

Unable to sit still, he had taken up pacing along the perimeter of camp. Every now and then when the helplessness became particularly overwhelming, he sped up, racing to outrun those relentless, intangible demons that had filled in the gap left by his missing apprentice. It hardly helped, and he hardly batted an eyelash when his paws carried him off on a tangent, his destination being a certain hollow. The dirt was packed down from the paws of generations of apprentices as they learned age-old battle moves from their mentors, practicing into the evening just to perfect that single turn or leap that could mean the difference between life or death. Green eyes locked on the closest tree, and driven by the sheer need to do something, to combat the unforgiving powerlessness that flooded him, he tore at it with claws unsheathed. Nothing, perhaps, was more therapeutic than that.

The sensation of bark ripping away beneath his claws as he unleashed pent up emotions on the tree that was no longer a tree but rather the embodiment of his helplessness – unable to move to avoid his claws, just as he could do nothing to avoid the frustration and anxiety and everything that accosted his mind – it was gratifying. Sounds, low and harsh and high and uncontrolled, welled up in his throat, snarls and hisses. What if something happened to Silverpaw, while she was out there, and he was here, too far away to be of any use? A particularly vicious swipe left a gash in the tree. He had sworn that after Duskflower – another lunge – that nothing else would happen to anyone he cared about. He gouged and tore and attacked without thinking, and if a cat had crossed his path and stepped between him and the tree, he would undoubtedly have attacked that unfortunate feline instead.

Only the height of the sun in the sky told him how much time had passed when he finally calmed enough to regain control of his mind, and upon seeing the tree for the first time in a moment of clarity, green eyes widened slightly at the damage. Sap oozed like blood from a fresh wound, and if the tree could talk, he was sure that it would have been groaning. Half-heartedly, he licked at a paw, but he had swiped it over his face only twice before the effort became too much. Suddenly, exhaustion seemed to weigh on him, tugging on his limbs as whatever had driven him to tearing apart the tree seemed to dissipate. Steps heavy, he plodded back up the familiar path toward camp, worries reclaiming his attention with every step he took.

By the time he reached the clearing, his mind was a mess of emotion once more, though his body was far more exhausted. He was tired. Ragged and raw, he could hardly function; sleep seemed impossible, and one glance at the fresh kill pile had him turning away before he even considered the prey that was one it.

What it was about Feathercloud that had caught Nobleheart’s attention and prompted him to join the she-cat, he could not say, but by the time he had settled down beside the unkempt – as though he were one to talk, having just come from taking out his frustration on a tree – warrior, it required too much effort to move afterward. ”She’s going to be alright…?” He didn’t like how it came out more as a question than the reassuring statement he’d intended it to be, but there was nothing he could do about it now. Green eyes watched her for a moment before straying to a nearby pebble. Idly, he wondered if perhaps sleep would finally claim him; moments later, after his eyes snapped open once more, he knew his answer.

- - -

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Feathercloud[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

The silver warrioress would probably have spent the rest of the day where she lay, blindly staring out at absolutely nothing, sucked into the abysmal chasm that was her thought process, had it not been for the approaching paw steps of another cat. No matter how much she tried, however, she wasn't able to pull her gaze away from the nothingness she was staring at, the only indication of her awareness of the other cat's approach being the pivoting of her ear. She figured that whoever it was would simply walk on past. For all they knew, she was just sunning herself. Nothing interesting about a cat who was sunning themselves.

Much to her surprise, the sound of someone sitting down could be heard from nearby. Blinking herself out of her empty state, the she-cat lifted her head to see who it was that had come to keep her company. She felt a slight flutter of her heart, hoping to see a familiar blue pelt. And yet... Something told her it wouldn't be him. When her eyes landed upon a warrior older than she was, known as Nobleheart, Feathercloud blinked in slight astonishment. After taking a moment to clear her head, she rolled onto her stomach, offering the older warrior a slight dip of her head. Even when worried about her best friend, Feathercloud could find it in her to be respectful of those older than she was.

Especially when the tom in question happened to be the mentor of the she-cat she was missing so dearly. It was true that Silverpaw was Feathercloud's best friend. Sure, she was worried about her friend's safety, just as Silverpaw had been worried about her safety when Feathercloud had disappeared. But after hearing the stories about Lionstar's frayed nerves upon her disappearance... The silver warrior could only imagine what was going through Nobelheart's mind right then. Blinking at his words, Feathercloud gave another dip of her head, unable to figure out just what she should say to him.

After a moment, she cleared her throat, tired eyes trying in vain to brighten slightly as she offered a smile. "I know she will.. She's smart, and she's fast, faster than anyone I've seen. You've trained her well, Nobleheart. She'll get herself home safely." I hope... She couldn't help but add the last part silently, hoping that her eyes didn't betray her doubt. Shifting to groom some fur on her chest, in hopes of attempting to make herself look a little less ridiculous, Feathercloud wondered if perhaps all they needed was a distraction.

"Nobleheart... If you aren't too busy, would you maybe be interested in sharing a bite to eat?" Not one to be shy, her request didn't cause her to stammer unnecessarily. It was sharing prey, not sharing a nest. Just two warriors eating together, and maybe even having a conversation. StarClan knew they could both use something else to occupy their minds.

[Phoenix]

Nobleheart

- - -

Scarred features turned toward Feathercloud at the sound of her voice, offering a faint smile similar to the one she gave him. He appreciated the reassurance where he could give himself none, grasping onto the words like a drowning cat would a piece of driftwood. "Of course. You're right." Silverpaw was smart, and she was fast. His most prominent worry was about her skill in the area in which he had excelled as an apprentice: fighting. That was not to say that they had not covered it, but had he had any warning - he directed this thought toward Lionstar, unable to deny the irritation he felt at the golden leader - he might have shared his experience with Demon. But here he was, with potentially life-saving information regarding the agility of their most dangerous predator, and they were wandering, ignorant, into the lynx's domain.

But, he reminded himself, trying to combat the growing sense of helplessness that came with his train of thought, the patrol wasn't completely defenseless. Grayowl, for one, was on it, and however creepy he was, Nobleheart didn't think he would abandon his clan mates just like that. Right? Emberstorm wouldn't, he was sure; the other warrior was just as reliable as Sixtoes. They were all formidable opponents when they wanted to be, and surely they would work to keep his apprentice safe if the situation required it.

It wasn't until Feathercloud's offer interrupted his thoughts that he realized that he was spiraling down the same thought pattern he had been unable to leave for the past night and morning. Nodding, he saw no reason to turn her down, and figured that even if he didn't feel like he could stomach anything, it would hardly do any harm to fill his stomach after an active morning taking out his frustrations on a tree. Flushing slightly at the thought, he pushed himself to his paws. "Yeah, that's a good idea. I'll go get us something, then." A glance back at the she-cat to make sure she had heard and he was on his way, paws carrying him toward the fresh kill pile.

When he returned, he carried a fairly plump rabbit in his jaws, which he placed in front of the she-cat before settling down once more. Carrying the piece of prey had awakened his previously dormant appetite, as if his stomach had realized just how close he had gotten to fresh kill and thought the opportunity too good to pass up, and the tom took the first bite without another word. There was nothing like freshly caught prey and he savored the taste for a moment before swallowing, mind addressing the problem of conversation. Apart from their respective bonds of friend and mentor to Silverpaw, there was little the two probably had in common. He had never really interacted with Lionstar's former apprentice, having had his own to train. Wanting to prevent the silence from lengthening, he searched for something to talk about, something that preferably wasn't a certain someone who was currently conspicuously absent.

"Um… So nice weather we're having today."

Way to go, Nobleheart. You've just made yourself sound like the dullest tom in TreeClan right now.

- - -

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Feathercloud[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

Sharp blue eyes, unusually dulled by her recent exhaustion, watched the older tom rise to his paws, volunteering to fetch some prey for them. She watched him for a moment, before turning her attention to her rather... Disgruntled appearance. With a soft sigh, she began to quickly groom herself, willing her fur to stop sticking up in every direction possible. Slowly but surely, the silver fur that covered her body began to lie flat again, sleek against her lithe frame. Her ear pivoted, catching the sound of Nobleheart's approach once more, just as she licked a paw to draw it over her ears, flattening the fur on her head.

Noting that the rushed grooming would have to do, she turned to Nobleheart once more as the tom dropped a plump rabbit between them. She hadn't eaten for a while now, and though she knew she should be starved, the only thing she could feel was a slight ache in her stomach. She was hungry, sure, but she wasn't famished. Allowing the older tom to take the first bite, once more out of respect, Feathercloud curled her feathery tail around herself, content to wait as Nobleheart took his share. When the tom pulled away, giving her access to the fresh kill, the new warrior leaned forward, jaws parting to pull her own share from the carcass.

She had to admit, it did taste wonderful. She could hardly think of anything better than freshly caught prey. Swiping her tongue over her jaws to ensure she got everything she had taken, her ears pricked as the tom spoke up once more. Politely offering him her attention, she gave a slight smile as he mentioned the weather. Silver head tipped upwards at the comment, blue eyes examining the sky of an equally bright color. After a moment, she nodded, looking back at the older warrior.

Normally she would have scoffed at such a comment. No one talked about the weather, save for a few of the elders. But in that moment, the silver she-cat simply didn't have the energy to think that bizarre at all. It was a topic of conversation, and she couldn't think of anything else to talk about. And so she actually formulated a response.

"It is, isn't it. After a harsh leaf-bare, the floods in newleaf and the drought in greenleaf... It seems that StarClan has given us a wonderful leaf-fall. It is beautiful, but mild, making it easy to be out and about. Perfect weather for teaching some of the new apprentices to climb trees, if you ask me. And of course, the perfect weather to catch prey." Once more offering him a tired smile, the silver she-cat glanced up towards the sky for another brief moment before bending to take a bite out of the rabbit once more.

After a pause of silence to chew her food, Feathercloud looked up at Nobleheart, her head tipping to the side slightly as she gave a shrug of her shoulders. "Have you heard any good gossip lately?"

[Phoenix]

Nobleheart

- - -

The lack of teasing that followed his lame conversation starter was a pleasant surprise, for he had been fully prepared to face a reaction that could span from an odd look to laughter at a topic that no one but the dullest elders brought up. Green eyes watched as his companion turned her gaze upward, and compelled to do the same, he raised his gaze to the clear blue stretching far above their heads. Only a few scattered clouds broke up what would otherwise be a solid color, and those were barely visible, appearing, from his perspective, to be hidden behind leafy tree tops. A cool breeze ruffled his fur, and only when his companion spoke did he lower his head and return his attention to the she-cat.

Nodding in agreement, he added, ”You couldn’t ask for a better day, really.” It was just a shame that such a pleasant day had to be overshadowed by the significant absence of his apprentice, his traitorous mind reminded him, and with a flash of irritation, he tried to shove that thought away. The whole point of bringing up the weather was an attempt to distract himself from Silverpaw; he did not need to keep circling around to his worry for the she-cat, regardless of how strong it was.

Feathercloud’s inquiry about gossip caught him off guard, and for a moment he just lay there dumbly, mind blank as he tried to think of anything he had head – barring the obvious – that was remotely interesting. Gossip had never held his attention for long as an apprentice, for he had spent most of his free time sparring against his den mates or finding some other way of honing his abilities. Though he had relaxed somewhat regarding his rigorous conditioning, he had kept the habit of never giving much thought toward the rumor mill of TreeClan, though it was probably quite the production.

”Well,” He began slowly, searching for something to say. ”There’s always Appleshade. This time, I think it was a LightningClan tom that caught her fancy. How long do you think it’ll last this time?” A grin touched his lips, there for only a moment before it turned genuinely conspiratorial. He leaned forward. ”Actually, have you seen the way Lionstar and Grayowl’s sister – Willowfur? – look at each other? I haven’t, but I heard they’re like a pair of apprentices in love. He doesn’t even realize he likes her, I heard, but it’s apparently obvious to everyone else.”

- - -

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Feathercloud[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

Feathercloud waited as the tom before her seemed to search for the words to speak in regards to her question on gossip. Her silver tail was curled around her body as she lay in the sun, sharp blue eyes blinking every now and again against the harsh light. The sun's rays were warm against her silver pelt, and it felt wonderful to the warrioress to have such warmth spread over her body, stretching ever so slowly until it completely bathed her in it. The temptation to flop onto her side and stretch herself out was creeping in the back of her mind, but she kept herself focused on Nobleheart instead.

At the mention of Appleshade, the silver she-cat gave a slight snort, which turned into a chuckle, shaking her head. Easily picturing the she-cat, sister to a tom by the name of Sprucefur, Feathercloud couldn't help but murmur something between Nobleheart's words. "LightningClan, eh? Wonder which tom she's managed to find for herself over there. I wonder if she'll stay interested for more than half a moon this time." With a slight roll of her blue eyes, Lionstar's former apprentice returned her attention to the more senior warrior, a hint of a smile drifting over her lips. She shifted slightly, crossing one forepaw over the other as she listened to the new words he spoke.

At the mention of her old mentor and another she-cat, a flare of jealousy ripped through her, starting in her chest. She knew it was stupid, but she couldn't seem to help it. Even with her own mind set upon a tom with darker fur, the golden lion of TreeClan still held a place in her heart. Her face remained composed as Nobleheart spoke, a faint interest lighting in her eyes at the news. If he couldn't even tell that he liked this Willowfur, there was no way he ever would have noticed her little crush, the one that had burned brightly within her when she had been his apprentice.

Silently vowing to never tell him, at least not for moons yet to come, the silver she-cat leaned forward slightly, a grin on her lips. "What? Lionstar in love? I haven't seen any interaction between him and..." She paused for a moment, trying to remember her name. "Willowfur, but if it's really as bad as it is being said, it just has to be a must see."

With a fond shake of her head, Feathercloud continued. "For the all mighty leader of TreeClan, Lionstar can be pretty dense about somethings, can't he? Any idea where the two lovebirds are now? Think they're together right now?" There was a wicked gleam in her eyes, despite the little bubbles of jealousy and even hurt that were surfacing within her. She pushed her jealous thoughts aside, firmly telling herself that Lionstar was much too old for her, and that it was probably better for him and his reputation if he found someone closer to his age. And anyway, if everything went well... Perhaps her little crush on Ironpaw would make it to the next step.

[Phoenix]

Nobleheart

- - -

At her comment regarding the flirtatious she-cat, he flicked an ear, closing his eyes for a moment and letting out a soft sigh. "Unlikely." Though he could not say the same for the rest of the clans, the she-cat's reputation had quickly spread through TreeClan, and it seemed to have reached a point where they did little more than shake their heads and roll their eyes at her antics. Idly, he wondered what Lionstar thought of his younger sister's actions, and the irony of the relationship did not escape him; as leader, it was part of the golden tom's duties to enforce the Warrior Code, and visiting a suitor over from LightningClan was hardly legal.

What caught his interest, however, was Feathercloud's reaction to his mention of her former mentor. As he listened, a mischievous grin mirroring her own found his way across his lips, and green eyes lit up with the prospect of adventure. Leaning forward slightly in a conspiratorial manner, he lowered his voice slightly as he spoke, "He can be pretty dense, but I bet they're together right now. It's mid-morning; anyone who's not out on patrol is out hunting, and no one would notice if those two slipped away…" His gaze left the silver she-cat before him and traveled around the area, eventually coming to rest on the leader's den. With that grin still plastered on his face and an impish glint in his eyes, he began to climb to his paws, keeping his head low enough to talk to her without having to raise his voice. "What do you say? I think it would be quite… enlightening to see what our all mighty leader has been up to, don't you think?"

He had not forgotten the way the older tom had practically covered him in pine sap, and though the incident had not spawned any nasty emotions, the warrior was determined to get him back somehow. That, and this latest incident with Silverpaw - he could barely make himself feel any sympathy for the unsuspecting golden leader. It was the least he could do to return the favor.

- - -

[BlooRey DVD]

[smear:999999]Feathercloud[/smear:ffffff]

~~~~~~~~~

She couldn't help that wicked grin that was now plastered on her lips. Nobleheart had just suggested exactly what she had been thinking from the moment the more senior warrior had first mentioned the alleged relationship between her old mentor and Willowfur. As the silver warrioress gazed up at the tom, her tail curled slightly, a show of the excitement that was flushing through her veins. She couldn't even figure out why she was so willing to intrude... Perhaps it was a sort of revenge for sending her best friend out on such a mission, without her. Even though she sort of knew the mountainous territory after her escapade.

With a purr of appreciation, her mischievous eyes turned towards Nobleheart, who had risen to his paws. Slowly, she pulled her own frame into a standing position, her tail twitching to and fro now that it was no longer on the ground. Bending her lithe body into a stretch, the silver warrior couldn't help but laugh, though she kept it quiet, not wanting to alert anyone to their plan. As she straightened, she glanced around the camp, noting how it was, for the most part, empty. Her heart fluttered in her chest, the excitement of what they were about to do running through her once more.

Focusing her attention on Nobleheart, the silver feline figured it was just about time she answer him. "Nobleheart, I think that is the greatest idea I have ever heard since the day I was born. I'd say we go pay Lionstar a bit of a visit." With a slight pause, the silver she-cat thought for a moment, turning a knowing gaze in his direction. "However... Just in case we are caught unexpectedly... Our alibi is we were simply wondering if our dear leader wanted to attend a hunting trip with us. And... If she happens to be with him, we can invite them both along. How could they possibly say no without raising a little... Suspicion?"

With a mrrow of laughter, the silver feline began to pad off in the direction of the leader's den, glancing over one shoulder with a questioning glance. She wasn't moving particularly quickly, which meant that the tom could easily close the distance that had begun to separate the pair. The day had started off a little rough for the both of them, it seemed. And yet... Something told her it would all brighten up within the next few moments.

[Phoenix]

Nobleheart

- - -

The wickedness of the she-cat’s grin was reflected in his green eyes as he nodded at her suggestion. It was a good one, for the idea of having an alibi hadn’t even crossed his mind. Though he didn’t think that his ability to lie on the spot wasn’t horrible, he based his judgment off of incidents that did not include their esteemed leader. Other warriors did not have the ability to assign him extra patrols. With a grin lighting up his scarred features, the tom leapt after Feathercloud, paws landing lightly on the dirt as he landed by her side.

Unhurried strides carried him toward Lionstar’s den, and feeling very much like a kit about to attempt to sneak out of camp, he glanced around surreptitiously before poking his head into the small den. ”They’re not here.” Except for a nest of fresh moss, which appeared very comfortable and tempting, and scuffled dirt, the closed in area was devoid of any signs of life, let alone any felines of either a masculine or feminine nature. The warrior’s smile faded somewhat as he let out a dissatisfied but wholly unsurprised sigh. Only the most hopeful part of him had expected to find Lionstar alone in his den, for it was unbecoming of a leader to isolate himself during the middle of the day, and it would only have been a stroke of insane luck to have found both Lionstar and Willowfur in there. A discovery of that kind would have both never ceased to amuse him – their expressions would have been priceless – and confirmed his and Feathercloud’s joint suspicions that had instigated this whole endeavor.

Turning back to face the she-cat, he raised his shoulders in a slight shrug. ”I suppose it wouldn’t be as fun if it were that easy,” He conceded, voice quiet enough as to not attract any more attention to themselves. Simply standing outside Lionstar’s den had already earned them a few curious glances, but it was easy enough to ignore them. ”Where do you think we could find them?”

- - -

Insidious and Fawn, feel free to jump in with Lionstar and Willowfur anytime~

[Fawn]

Lionstar

 42 Moons || Tom || TreeClan

___________________________

"Looking for someone, you two?"

Lionstar's voice carried over the heads of his Clanmates, the tom having entered camp through one of the lesser known entrances alongside Willowfur, no real reason for this beyond that it was the one closest from the sparkling brook. Unaware that his behavior was under heavy scrutiny by the two cats he'd had the privilege of training and graduating into warriorhood, the golden tom gave his chest a couple of licks to smooth down it's slightly ruffled appearance - due entirely to strong winds and not some sort of embarrassment.

Oh no.
He knew why these two cats were looking for him in particular. One was Silverpaw's mentor and the other was Silverpaw's closest friend; and you two both want to know why I didn't send you with her? Their concern for one of his youngest siblings was heart-warming, and it pleased him greatly to know that his shier kin had made such decent, compassionate friends - however, Lionstar would remain resolute in his decision to send Silverpaw and Silverpaw alone.

It wasn't to say he didn't worry about her - he spent so much of his time worrying that this little break with Willowfur had been exactly what he'd needed - it was more along the lines that his worry was outweighed by his belief in her abilities to succeed. Silverpaw was a smart little she-cat, and though he noticed a bit of social anxiety on her part, he also noticed that she was adaptable and could be remarkably brave when needed.

She also has a habit of running into every predator known to feline kind.

Lionstar shook his head, not intending to dwell on such thoughts.

Reapplying a golden gaze to Willowfur, he held his tongue rather than part ways with her in front of the two young warriors – if her presence would be enough to temporarily delay the barrage of indignant questions about his search party decisions, then he would be that much happier to keep her around. Plus, with Grayowl presently out of the picture, Lionstar didn't feel as though he had to check over his shoulder every now and again – the only thing likely to be stalking him through the bushes is a rambunctious apprentice who thinks they can sneak up on him.

[Insidious]

Willowfur

Willowfur's ears pricked upon detecting Lionstar's voice, dark gold eyes following his own amber stare, landing upon two TreeClan forms she couldn't, for the life of her, seem to place. The uncertainty shadowed her expression, it clear that their names were entirely lost upon her. The gray-and-white she-cat inhaled a calming breath, reminding herself of Lionstar's words back at the Sparkling Brook as she settled comfortably at his side: losing her memory wasn't her fault, and she was not meant to feel guilty about any of it. With this in mind, she found herself able to press a smile onto her muzzle, dipping her head in greeting to the pair of TreeClan warriors, obviously having been in search of Lionstar with their proximity of his den.

A thoughtful glance was spared toward Lionstar, hoping she wouldn't have to ask directly for their names and instead have them extended toward her – it would save her the embarrassment, if not awkwardness, that would no doubt follow having to phrase the words I'm sorry but I have no idea who you are. So it seemed that Lionstar didn't currently plan on addressing the pair by name, but of course, Willowfur couldn't be angry about it. She allowed her eyes to avert from the handsome tom, once again familiarizing with the frames of the two unidentifiable TreeClan warriors.

Willowfur wasn't positive of what thoughts were shielded behind the fixated stares of the two fellow warriors, but the logical part of her – the one that occasionally managed to arise through the cloud of her missing memory – informed her that it likely wasn't meant to include her. An awkward shuffle of her paws accompanied this realization, ears flicking backward in dismissal of her own presence, curious of what was behind the pair's search for Lionstar but unwilling to idly sit by and force herself into the conversation when she wasn't even sure she was meant to be. “If you two were hoping for some privacy with Lionstar, I can be on my way?”

Her tone betrayed the lack of certainty she possessed, eyes flickering away from the TreeClan pair as soon as she had finished addressing them. She didn't want them to know she didn't even know their names – it would be so terribly rude of her. She once again reminded herself that she was not to feel guilty about any of it, but such was remarkably easier said than done.