Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2018 1:50:12 GMT -5
ALL LIMITATIONS ARE SELF-IMPOSED
Dustpaw
APPRENTICE | STONECLAN | 9 MOONS
Dustpaw was done being around his brothers for the day. He was tired of keeping them on good terms together, exhausted from their bickering and far more irritated than he often got when there was a silly fallout between his two siblings. Those two really are about as opposite as black and white. Kind of ironic actually. He thought, paws scooting aimlessly through the barren lands of Stoneclan. It was quiet and chilly outside, the rocks growing cool as the sun bled out feebly along the horizon. It was a measly sunset, like a cheap candle burning out, succumbing to darkness. What trees there were on Stoneclan territory had already shed their leaves, and quite often the setting sun turned the earth beneath the emaciated canopies to fire, though today it seemed like the daylight had been as weak as Dustpaw's patience. The rocks, soil, sticks, and leaves were all blanketed in a cold, dim luster. Sparse clusters of trees stood stark against the darkening skies, like charred skeletons, the fresh, verdigris flesh of spring and summer resting crisp and browned by their roots.
Dustpaw meandered towards a lone oak in the midst of the rocky, desolate territory. He had spoken to Kestrelpaw this evening and they had intended to meet up at the oak where Dustpaw caught his first piece of prey: a fat mouse scuttling around its roots. I wish he was my only brother. Dustpaw thought in resentment, swiping at a pebble as he neared the massive tree. He is so much cooler than my brothers. Mothpaw always has his head in the clouds, and Flintpaw is a bossy mousebrain that always thinks he knows what's right. Dustpaw's fur ruffled in irritation. Neither of them listen! I care too much about holding those two together. They obviously aren't very compatible. Dustpaw noted with a smirk and the twitch of his tail. Sometimes I wonder whether taking us three crazy kits into the clan was the best idea.
Dustpaw remembered walking in through the entrance as a kitten. He had never seen so many cats before in his life. He remembered how Flintpaw stood tall and unafraid, while Mothpaw crouched behind timidly. Oh how he yearned to be like his brother back then, and perhaps even now he still admired Flintpaw's unwavering confidence. He liked to think that back then his posture was as confident as Flintpaw's was, but his heart had been pounding louder than the thundering hooves of a thousand horses, and he was sure his legs were shaking from the strain of a million eyes. Dustpaw was terrified of change, but Flintpaw seemed to embrace it. In fact, Mothpaw did too.
Dustpaw was grateful for the opportunity to become a Stoneclan warrior though. To the young tabby tom, there was no greater honor than that.
Him and his two brothers were brought into the camp by a Stoneclan elder. She had ushered the kits through the camp entrance proudly, boasting to her clanmates about how she had saved them from an adder. Everyone looked at them like they were aliens. The kittens were skinny, lanky, long-snouted and exotic looking little creatures. They all were growing out of their skinny bodies and filling out, though the three brothers were still quite leggy and tall. After starting his apprenticeship, Dustpaw's muscles began developing nicely, and his brothers had thickened up as well. They were handsome, in their own unique way, though Dustpaw felt like he drew the short stick on looks.
He stepped up to the colossal oak tree, reaching up and scratching at the bark aggressively. It felt good to be away from Camp Drama, and he really was excited to hang out with Kestrelpaw. Most of the times he seemed more like a brother than Mothpaw and Flintpaw. Of all the cats in Stoneclan, he was one of the few cats that treated him like a normal apprentice. Dustpaw still felt like a lot of the clan was still uncomfortable with him and his brothers. They definitely looked...different. Kestrelpaw didn't seem to mind though.
The tan tabby tom sat down at the base of the oak, closing his eyes and listening to the soft sounds of wildlife as the last light of day faded and stars began peaking through the tenebrous blanket of night.
I can't wait to be a warrior. Dustpaw mused to himself, fluffing up his fur, laughter at his brothers' quarrel lighting up his eyes. One day I hope my brothers will realize in unity is strength.
Word Count: xxx | Tags: Fawn
Notes: xxx
