GaleClan - Ripplestar, Brighteyes:

The siblings returned Tigereye's greeting, Ripplestar with a nod and Brighteyes with a cheerful "Good morning!" The leader nodded at his deputy's words.

"Indeed," agreed Ripplestar. "I plan on taking Brighteyes, Hollyfeather, Hazelfern, Ebony, and Nettlepaw on the morning patrol, so I'd like you to handle the hunting party. Is that agreeable?"

As Ripplestar spoke, two youngeer cats approached the three, including one of the cats in question, and greeted them. Ripplestar nodded to them, while Brighteyes gave a cheerful grin and an equally perky "Morning Ebony, Pinepaw!" The she-cat then focused on her unofficial apprentice. "Ebony, once a few of the others wake up, we're going on a border patrol with Ripplestar. So do your best, alright?"

Brighteyes hoped the underlying message was clear; Ripplestar might not have said it directly, but she knew her brother well enough to know he wanted to make Ebony an official apprentice, and soon.

(@ archaic @ Synesthete @ Dolphi @ Violet)

GaleClan - Silverpool:

Silverpool yawned herself awake, leisurely stretching as got to her paws and looked around at the empty medicine den, a hollow in the side of a hill caused by centuries of erosion and digging by animals long since passed. It was quite refreshing, not having any sick cats despite being in the middle of leaf-bare, although the cynical part of her wondered if this was StarClan's way of telling her to stock up because she would soon be needing all of the herbs she could get her paws on. She quickly shook that thought off; she would always stock plenty of herbs, bad omen or no, so she would just enjoy this stroke of good fortune while it lasted. Speaking of herbs...

As she left her den and entered the main camp, Silverpool looked around and quickly spotted Hollyfeather, just the cat she wanted to see. The medicine cat had returned late last night to find a pile of fresh herbs in her den, the kind she had been running low on and had asked Hollyfeather to help her find. She regretted missing the she-cat since she wanted to thank her, but she could do that now.

"Hey, Hollyfeather!" she called out, trotting up next to the warrior. "Thanks for helping me out last night. I really needed that celadine and dock. You, my dear, are a lifesaver." Her grin then melted into a sigh. "Honestly, I don't know where that apprentice of mine wandered off to. I haven't seen him since last evening."

(@ Darkstorm02)

RockClan - Moonpaw

M...p...w...

Who...?

Moo...pa...

Who are...

...wait...

Moonpaw...

Is it...really you?

Da...r

What? I can't hear you!

M...p...w

No! Wait, don't go!

B...ca...l

"WAIT!"

The white tom jolted awake, panting as the sharp yowl echoed throughout the dark den. Even as part of him winced at the thought that he had probably woken up just about every apprentice, if not every cat in the Clan, the rest of him still focused on the dream...or at least tried to. What had that been all about? Even as he attempted to remember, the details slipped through his paws like water, as dreams tend to do. He remembered a voice...but whose voice had it been? And what had they said?

(Yeah, just making sure 8D) (And no, you don't need to send any cats, Sandheart will probably just join in to steal a half-eaten fish from another cat or something :P)

Crowpaw - GaleClan Apprentice "Of course you don't," Crowpaw murmured, rolling his eyes again. He led the way out the entrance of the camp, where Badgerclaw's scent still lingered on the breeze. "So what? You know as well as I do that he'll want to train first thing in the morning. Not that he will, our mentors always beat him to it." His whiskers twitched when Adderpaw talked about Badgerclaw's abscences at night. Crowpaw didn't know what the tom did with his spare time either, but he doubted that he was sneaking off to find a she-cat. But who knew? "You should ask him what he's doing," he said sarcastically, whiskers still twitching. "I'd love to see his reaction."

Bone - Commander of the Vipers Bone wasn't surprised when Fox went the opposite direction of her mate's scent, seemingly at a whim. He followed her down the mountain, long claws making scraping sounds as he jumped from stone to stone. When she spoke up again he turned to her and nodded. He still wasn't sure what she was thinking, but that smile on her face made him curious, if not a bit apprehensive. "Yes, two sons," he said to her. "Crowpaw and Adderpaw. They're living in GaleClan. There's Clover too of course, my daughter."

Morningblossom and Ravensong - RockClan Warriors Instead of sleeping that night like most of the RockClan cats, Ravensong and Morningblossom had decided to spend the night on a hunting patrol. They'd been fairly successful; neither cat was a particularly good hunter, but they'd still managed to get a decent amount of prey. Now, as the sun was beginning to climb over the mountain, both cats knew that another patrol would be sent out soon, meaning that they could go back to camp and get some sleep.

"Morningblossom, I think it's time to go back," Ravensong mewed, approaching her sister with the two mice she'd caught. "Sunhigh's not far away now, Stonestar should be sending out a hunting patrol soon anyways."

Morningblossom nodded, and was about to turn around and head back when she saw a rustle several tail-lengths ahead. "You go ahead," she said, green eyes locked on her target. "I'll be there once I get this prey."

"Are you sure?" Ravensong asked. "I can wait for you if you want."

"No, it's okay," Morningblossom replied, pointing the other direction with her tail. "I'll be right behind you." Ravensong nodded, brushed her tail against her sister's side to silently say goodbye, and headed back towards the RockClan camp.

Once her sister was gone, Morningblossom began to inch forwards, towards the rustling leaves.

Galeclan: Hollyfeather Hollyfeather straightened, shaking the remnants of sleep from her stiffened limbs. She looked up as Silverpool padded towards her. Hollyfeather beamed, nosing the she-cats flank in greeting.

"Thats alright. Im afraid i just woke myself, i haven't seen your apprentice. Ripplestar is planning the morning patrol. Did you want to grab a bite to eat, i could help you look for Sparrowpaw before i head off?" She began edging towards the fresh kill pile, eyeing off a large vole. The fresh kill was running better now that bitter frost and soft snow no longer lay thickly under paw.

Nettlepaw "Where would you go, save into the forest to die without the aid of your Clan?" Nettlepaw bristled, coat prickling. He shook himself violently, shacking the pine needles and loose bark from his dark coat.

"I am not some helpless kit! I have taken care of myself well enough!" He snarled, attempting to should his way passed the larger cat. He tried to seem unbothered by his question but it was one that Nettlepaw had wondered himself. Had this worry been the reason he lingered. His mother, the gentle natured Goldenheather, had died almost as soon as she stopped nursing. With his father also gone and few den mates, Nettlepaw had been forced to grow up fast.

"Don't you have your own apprentice to pester?!" He hissed, tail lashing uncomfortably as he charged back to camp.

Chicorykit and Parsleykit Parsleykit was awake first. The ball of fur gave his sister a sneaky and particularly mean nip. The tiny she-cat squealed. Her brother dashed from the nursery, his sister right on his tail. With no regard for any one-else, the two barrelled noisily though the camp.

Rockclan: Thistlepaw was woken from his sleep by voices upside. He padded into the sunlight, stretching out. There was still frost on the plants around the camp, reflecting off the pales stones until Thistlepaw felt his eyes aching. He yawned and padded about to the fresh kill pile.

ebony - galeclan apprentice Hope blossomed in Ebony's chest. She had scarce dared allow herself to entertain hope for moons, and she almost didn't let herself now. Yet, despite herself, she couldn't help it. Did she misunderstand her almost-mentor, or did Brighteyes mean that Ripplestar would be making her a member of GaleClan proper, should she prove herself worthy? Oh how she hoped! She had not felt comfortable among other cats for so long, and now that she had found a place for herself in GaleClan she would hate to lose it. She said none of this. "Will it be a border patrol or a hunting patrol?" she asked, appearing for all the world interested, "Isn't six cats too many for a patrol?"

Adderpaw - GaleClan Apprentice, Badgerclaw - GaleClan Warrior Adderpaw followed his brother. "StarClan knows where he is, anyway," he said, knowing they were following the older tom's scent. "Would you rather train under Badgerclaw than Snaketooth?" They soon reached the end of the trail, coming to a stop behind Badgerclaw - and Nettlepaw.

They arrived in time to hear the tom's sentence, and Badgerclaw's response. The white tom didn't turn, but clearly knew they were there. "Here are my apprentices now," he growled. "Care to join us?"

Fox - Queen of the Vipers "Ah, you see that is convenient," Fox said, grinning, "Because I have two daughters and one son." She paused while she hopped down the 'stairway' and reached the bottom, scenting the air. It smelt strong, almost like sulfur, and under that was a soft, subtle scent of bare stone. Page enjoyed the undertones, but remembered that they were hunting. There was nothing here, dammit! She continued to move, avoiding growling. "So, I want you to bring Adderpaw and Crowpaw to The Vipers. They will be mates of Nettle and Wren. And Clover and Thorn will be mates." Her voice brooked no argument.

Galeclan

Tigereye Tigereye was greeted the moment he walked up to his leader and sister. He figured Ripplestar would have already gotten a border patrol together and his suspicious were correct when Ripplestar explained. "That is agreeable. I will take my apprentice Adderpaw and Pinepaw as well as Spiderbite. I think that should be enough as we do need some warriors to stay behind and keep an eye on the camp," Tigereye agreed. He didn't want anything to happen between their leader and deputy being gone without someone to watch out for the others within it. It was safer that way. He glanced toward the Ebony and Pinepaw as they came up to the three of them. He nodded his head toward them. He shifted his gaze toward the apprentices den watching as Adderpaw left the end giving him a look before continuing off. Tigereye flicked his tail back and forth knowing his apprentice wanted Tigereye to come to him. He didn't really have much of a choice since he needed his apprentice for the hunting party.

He glided away from the group following after Adderpaw and Crowpaw. "Adderpaw!" he called, his tail flicking back and forth slowly. He wasn't sure the apprentice heard him as he kept walking and Tigereye decided to follow after him. They came to a stop near a tree where Badgerclaw and Nettlepaw were hiding. He kept to the shadows a moment interested to hear whatever conversation was about to happen.

Brackenpaw Apprentices were blabbering and arguing loudly in the apprentices den. Brackenpaw found it difficult to stay asleep. He didn't mind the sun shining in as it kept his pelt warm, but the apprentices just wouldn't stay quiet. Once they were awake, it was hard for them to remember others were still sleeping around them. Brackenpaw slowly opened his eyes glancing about the den just as Crowpaw and Adderpaw left. He let out a sigh wishing he could have stayed asleep, but knew it was time for him to get up at some point. He was sure his mentor would want him awake before they did anything today. Slowly he rose to his feet and padded out of the den stopping to glance about the clan. Several cats were awake, but it appeared that his own was still sleeping. So he turned back into the apprentices den and laid back down still tired.

Rockclan

Alderfang Sleep was something that Alderfang didn't care much for. She spent only a few hours a night actually sleeping while the rest of the time she was out wandering the camp. She continuously checked in each den making sure everyone was still asleep. She felt akin to her own deputy as he didn't seem to sleep much either. She glided out of the warriors den noticing that she wasn't the only one awake. Several other warriors were also awake and out and about. Her gaze shifted toward the deputy as he sat high up on a rock. She padded over to him greeting him good morning. She glided over to his side and shifted her gaze toward the rest of the clan. "Everything seem in order? Anything need to be done?" she asked, glancing over at him with dark yellow-green eyes.

The Vipers

Wilder The white she-cat tossed and turned her chest heaving up and down. Her feet moved forward and backward as if she was running from something while a slight whining came from her maw. Her eyes moved back and forth beneath her eyelids fear gripping her entire body. She let out a yowl as she sat up panting heavily. She closed her eyes slowly realizing it was all a dream, but the threat on her life was still real. She was still a pregnant she-cat without permission to have kits. That was a dangerous thing to be in a clan like this. Her mate didn't even know and she was constantly worried that Fox would tell Blacksparrow. She lived in fear every day because of him. Slowly, Wilder opened her eyes stretching out her limbs glancing at the other cats sleeping around her sure they would be awake soon because of her loud yowl. She left the den quickly and got herself a raven for breakfast deciding it was a good way to keep her mind of the kits growing inside her belly.

GaleClan: Snaketooth;

He'd been losing sleep these past few days, much to his brother's slight concern and sister's nonchalance. The warriors' den just felt so crowded nowadays, with the collective scents and warmth of various cats constantly wreathing around him. Snaketooth, Spiderbite, and Firefly hadn't been warriors for long, but Snaketooth was already somewhat bored of it. Being one of the youngest warriors, he was at the bottom of the metaphorical fresh-kill pile once again; with a chatty apprentice to look after. I can't drag thorns into camp anymore... he huffed, mumbling to himself in his sleep. Silverpelt was so beautiful. Paired with the chill of the cold, clear night air, and the fresh scent of wind and liberation, Snaketooth couldn't help but sneak out of camp at moonhigh; the sky was like a panther's pelt, dappled with stars brighter than the light of the sun. Each was a deceased Clan cat, each was an individual warrior spirit. He laid on his back the whole night, staring up at all those souls. Where was his father? He wanted answers, and desperately so. Why, why, why? Why did you do it, if you did? Why did you lie to us? Why all these rumors? He fell asleep sprawled out in a clump of tall grass underneath the expanse of the vast black sky and stayed so even when the sun began to rise and the leaves near him began to rustle. Snaketooth wasn't quite awake yet, but the noise was enough to make the tip of his fluffy brown tail twitch subconsciously in irritation.

Sorry I wasn't really sure who Badgerclaw was talking to.

Rockclan: Tangelbelly – The deputy bowed his head in greeting as Alderfang approached his post.

"Everything seem in order? Anything needs to be done?" he nodded.

“The fresh kill is steady but we will still need to send out a morning patrol. My concern is this weather.” He rumbled. In truth it was proving to be a strong day with warm sun and few clouds. It was not the sun that bothered him but the effect it would have. The early leaf bare had melted the snow in a flourish of water. The rivers had risen and what once were trickling lazy streams could now be churning torrents. It was temporary and common with unusually warm weather but it was still a concern.

“I will need you to keep an eye on those apprentices today. The last thing we need is for one of them to be caught in a flash flood.” He said finally. A large dollop of cold dew dropped from a leaf onto his shoulder. His muscles rippled with cold.

Galeclan: Nettlepaw- Nettlepaw bristled almost violently as Adderpaw and his brother came up behind them. So much for peace and quiet. He always found the two toms strange; they reminded him slightly of his own reflection. Were they both truly pure Galeclan?

"Care to join us?" Nettlepaw hissed in contempt.

"Join you and Adderpaw, the apprentice who would crown himself king of the stars? No thanks." He sneered. It seemed to him that the other apprentice was constantly complaining about some cat or another. He thought so highly of himself. Or maybe it was just because he saw something a little to familiar in Adderpaw. Either way, Nettlepaw had no interest in training with him!

The Vipers Blacksparrow- The fighter’s sharp eyes picked out Wilder as she left the den. Her loud yowl had distracted him from following Fox. It mattered not, he would find out what his queen was up to later. Perhaps they would have a raid soon or add to their ranks? … or both. It would be fun to have a raid. His claws ached for action. Hunting would only keep him entertained for so long. What would his old mentor think of him now? He snorted.

He slunk up beside his mate silently, a shadow appearing from the walls and gave her a not to friendly nip on the shoulder. He often liked to remind her that he was watching. He had taken this pretty little white she-cat and he would not have her wondering off. Strange. Was she perhaps a little slower than usual? He gave her a careful and inquiring sniff.

(Sorry about that, I didn't mean to be unclear)

Adderpaw - GaleClan Apprentice, Badgerclaw - a GaleClan Warrior Adderpaw hissed angrily at Nettlepaw, the tom's self-righteous nature grinding on his nerves. It was not he who sought to claim rulership of the whole damned forest! His hackles rose and he slowly slipped into a vicious crouch, even as he sensed Tigereye arriving in the small clearing behind them. "Say that to my face, Petal," he hissed. "Or perhaps you'd like to put your claws where your mouth is?"

Badgerclaw, too, smelt Tigereye's approach. He did not turn, keeping his eyes on Nettlepaw, watching as he disdained the offer to train with him. Still, the white tom sensed that there was somewhat in Nettlepaw that could be corrupted - however, not with the deputy hovering behind them. "Suit yourself," he muttered quietly, before turning back to the deputy. It amused him somewhat that the other striped tom had followed them, chasing after his apprentice. "Good Morning, Tigereye." He gave the tiniest bow.

Gladeclan

Tigereye He was crouched low to the ground his dark gaze locked on the cats in front of him. He could see Nettlepaw perched in a tree while Badgerclaw attempted to get him down with his clever words. Adderpaw and Crowpaw joined them as well. It was clear they were all a little on edge with each other. He didn't much like Badgerclaw or his nephews. They seemed to always be up to something no matter what they were doing and he did not like that. Badgerclaw's brother had disappeared some months ago and Tigereye wouldn't mind if Badgerclaw went along with him. Wherever he did go would be better than this clan.

He narrowed his eyes at Badgerclaw when he turned toward him. Tigereye slowly rose to his feet and glided out of the shrubs stopping in front of the badger like cat. "Good morning, Badgerclaw," he repeated his voice just as gruff as always. "Seems you're having trouble with the apprentice." He tipped his head toward Nettlepaw in the tree. He didn't greet his own apprentice choosing to ignore the disobedient Adderpaw until they needed to return to camp.

Rockclan

Alderfang She shifted her gaze across the clan taking in the silence as few Rockclan cats were actually out and about. It appeared many didn't want to get up and greet the day. Alderfang didn't like sleeping long as it took away the day, so getting up early was one of the things she did often. She nodded her head slowly understanding where he was coming from. The early warmth melted the snow quickly making the rivers rise faster. It would make teaching apprentices difficult, but they needed to learn that this kind of weather happens very often and they had to be prepared for it. She would most definitely be keeping an eye out on them though. "Absolutely, Tanglebelly. I will do my best to keep them as safe as possible," she replied. "A morning patrol is a good idea. Hopefully more warriors wake up, so we can do so."

The Vipers

Wilder She ripped the wings roughly off the raven and tossed them aside. She pulled the feathers off just as roughly letting them fall randomly around her. She chewed ravenously upon the dead bird her gaze cautiously looking around her. She could smell the remains of her queen and Bone drifting off, but that was about the only scent. Fang was probably awake also off hunting for breakfast for himself. She didn't mind being completely alone while the other cats continued to sleep. It allowed her time to think on her own without worrying about outside attention. The silence and loneliness didn't last long though.

She could smell the scent of her mate as he left the fighters den. She kept her gaze down on the bird as she chewed hungrily on it ripping flesh from bones. He came up slowly behind her and nipped on painfully on the shoulder. She winced slightly at the pain as it ran down her back. She glanced up at him gulping down the last piece of the bird. "Good morning, Blacksparrow. Did I wake you?" she asked, pressing her nose lightly to his shoulder.

Cherryflower, Dusktalon - RockClan Warriors Having slept in, a white form shuddered into wakefulness and rolled over. Feathers stuck to her pelt; she'd collected them herself while other warriors looked askance at her. First she'd delivered some to the nursery, to create nests for queens and kits, then found more for herself. It was something she did every week or so, whenever bedding needed changing. Sometimes she would wait by the fresh kill pile and pluck prey for other cats, knowing they would only make a hash of the soft feathers if she didn't do it herself. With a silent purr, one that shook her entire pelt, she licked off the remnants of her nest and ran a paw over her face to rid herself of sleep.

Not far away, a dark tom arose, mirroring Cherryflower almost entirely, not just in appearance but in personality. Dusktalon's nest was the barest of things, he himself not having bothered to gather much in the way of comfort; he didn't really care what he slept on, so long as he slept, often and for a long time. He too sat up, stifling a yawn, and groomed himself. His grooming was not cursory as hers had been, but drawn-out and exaggerated. He needed to look his best. Cherryflower and Dusktalon's paths met at the den entrance, but he let her go ahead so that he could watch her.

Rose-tinted eyes locked onto Alderfang and Tanglebelly, and the albino she-cat made to head over. Her path was stopped short. "Good morning, Cherryflower," Dusktalon purred. She gave a slight nod. "Would you like to go hunting with me? Alone?" She didn't like his tone, especially when accompanied with the actions his tail was taking. It snaked around her shoulders and over her back, dark blue-grey against white, and sent an uncomfortable shiver down her spine. She tried to dodge around him, but he was there before she could. "Or perhaps you'd like to patrol the borders with me?" Cherryflower's eyes narrowed and she aimed herself for the deputy and warrior. She would not have Dusktalon causing discomfort on such a bright day. Or any day.

( Sorry for the delay everyone. My grandma has been in and out of the hospital over the past week, so I've been a bit preoccupied...)

Sunpaw, RockClan

"Moonpaw." She mewed, firm voice coming from the nest beside him. Sunpaw's green eyes glowed with concern in the dark den, "It was just another dream." An orange paw slithered out of her warm nest and came to rest on Moonpaw's white shoulder. She failed to stifle a yawn, and her white fangs glinted in the morning light seeping through the cave den. "Your fidgeting woke me." She mewed irritably, though they both knew it wasn't meant as anything more than Sunpaw being Sunpaw.

Riverpaw - RockClan Apprentice Riverpaw couldn't help but overhear Moonpaw's wailing and Sunpaw's words. The tom had nightmares more nights than not, and it grated on the nerves somewhat before long. The light, blue-grey she-cat rolled over onto her back and scratched an itch that had been bothering her for the duration of the so far short morning, then turned full circle to look at the pair. "You know, I'm surprised it wasn't somewhat else that woke you, Sunpaw," she said, quietly. Her voice was not unkind, though her words could have been taken to have a harsh edge. She was short of sleep, she realised. "Sorry. Moonpaw, is there anything I can do? Perhaps Halfwind will have something to give you."

( just checking, did we decide on a mate for Tangelbelly? I can’t find anything flicking back and forth between the two boards.)

Rockclan: Tanglebelly- He nodded gratefully to the she-cat. He had one eyes on Dusktalon and Cherryflower. He could see Cherryflower’s obvious discomfort, her ears flinting back and forth in annoyance as the tom’s tail made a possessive flick around her. The deputy sighed in annoyance. Could they never have such a morning that was peaceful? He appreciated Alderfang’s company. He appreciated a she-cat who didn’t always have to be carefully instructed to get work done.

“Dusktalon, make yourself useful and fetch Thistlepaw. It is time we started the border patrol.” His voice was not unkind but his volume and deep tone echoed around the camp. It was time the rest of Rockclan were on their feet!

Galeclan: Parsleykit, Chicorykit, Nettlepaw -

Petal?

Petal!?

“What did you just call me!? Bring it on, oh mighty king!” He spat sarcastically, his hooked claws sinking into the soil. That’s it, my son. Show them who them your true nature... Nettlepaw faltered.

Parsleykit and Chircorykit crept into the bushes.

“Those two are making enough noise to wake up the whole forest!” Chicorykit giggled. Parsleykit snorted.

“You would never see me making such a racket. Come on. Let’ follow the patrol.” He suggested quietly. Chircorykit shuffled nervously beside him.

“I dunno…” She mumbled. Her brother bumped her shoulder lightly.

“Come on, do you want to be treated like a kit forever? When Ripplestar sees that we can follow the patrol, we will become apprentices for sure!’ He hissed in excitement. Chicorykit glanced through the leaves of their hiding place to Crowpaw. Her eyes followed his dark grey pelt. She liked the other tom and it was the only secret she had ever kept from her brother. Perhaps… if they did pull it off, Crowpaw might notice her?

“Alright.” She whispered back. Together, they crept a little closer.

The Vipers: Blacksparrow- The tom settled, calmed somewhat as she nosed his shoulder.

“You did not. I was already amongst the stones.” He announced. Following Fox and Bone.

“I sense a battle on the horizon. The queen seemed very pleased with herself this morning. A new plan perhaps.” He purred, the excitement in his voice quite clear. He licked at a patch of fur on her neck. Perhaps he was distracted this morning but it almost seemed as if Wilder’s scent had changed. …Ever so slightly.

“And what of you my mate?” He hummed, emphasising the ‘my’. Was she hiding something from him? No. Surely not.

((Oh gosh, Violet, I hope she gets better soon!))

GaleClan - Ripplestar, Brighteyes:

Ripplestar nodded as Tigereye told him his plan for a hunting patrol, and then turned to Brighteyes and Ebony as his deputy left to go search for his own apprentice. The apprentice-to-be appeared quite excited, making the tom smile.

"This will be a border patrol," he answered, "and yes, six is usually more cats than necessary in times of peace, but this is...a special case. I do have my reasons." His sister aside, he also wanted Hollyfeather and Hazelfern's opinions on Ebony, since they were some of his eldest and therefore most experienced warriors. Of course, he would also want his deputy's word on the matter as well, but Tigereye needed to take care of the hunting patrol for now. He would ask Tigereye to watch her training session with Brighteyes later and, if there were no outstanding dissenters, he would proceed with her official naming ceremony.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ripplestar saw Hollyfeather talking to Silverpool, and then turned to the two she-cats in front of him. "Can you two go find Hazelfern and Nettlepaw, and wake them up if need be?" he requested. "I want to get started soon." Brighteyes nodded, and Ripplestar stood up and gave them a departing nod before heading over towards the medicine cat and the warrior.

"Okay, how about you find the apprentice, I'll find the mentor, and then we can all have a bite before we leave," Brighteyes suggested. "Sound good to you?"

()

GaleClan - Silverpool:

"Well, the breakfast part sounds lovely, but I doubt you'll have time to help me find my troublesome apprentice," Silverpool replied, gesturing to their approaching leader.

Ripplestar gave both she-cats a slight dip of the head in greeting. "Good morning. Hollyfeather, I'd like you on morning patrol. This is going to be a bit of a test for Ebony, and I'd like your opinion on how she is faring in regards to officially joining GaleClan."

"So, Ebony's going to become Ebonypaw, huh?" Silverpool commented, smiling. "Good for her, I know she's been trying hard. Maybe she'll have a bit of an easier time settling in if she knows it's official."

()

RockClan - Moonpaw

"Sorry I woke you up, ladies," Moonpaw apologized, albeit somewhat surprised he hadn't woken more cats up. Perhaps the yowl had just seemed loud to him. "Luckily, though, it's about time we got up anyway," he mewed, nodding toward the quickly brightening camp outside the den.

"That's not a bad idea, Riverpaw," he replied to her suggestion. "I was hoping that these would go away on their own, but I suppose it's about time I tried some herbs. And if these nightmares are keeping you ladies from your beauty sleep, well, how could I not at least try?" he grinned, the usual mischievous sparkle in his eyes. By now he had completely forgotten the contents of his dream, so why dwell on it when there were cats, especially Sunpaw, to tease?

Getting to his paws, he gave him self a shake and a few quick licks, before padding over to Sunpaw and giving her a few friendly licks on her head. "I'm going to head over there now; would you like to come with?"

( Synesthete)

Cherryflower, Dusktalon - Warriors of RockClan Finally, Dusktalon's tail brushed over Cherryflower's spine only once more, this time leaving her fur entirely. It hovered proudly in the air, his eyes glinting mischievously, but he did not move to touch her again. She was relieved. Watching him slink off with an-almost polite nod of the head to the deputy, Cherryflower approached Tanglebelly. She gazed at him with relief, and bowed her head low to the ground. She meant the gesture to be appreciative, and her thanks showed in her eyes.

Get Thistlepaw, eh? Pfft. Why could Morningblossom not take her own damned apprentice out? Dusktalon hadn't seen the young tom yet, but then again he'd seen few cats this morning. Heading over to the Apprentices' den, he poked his face in half-heartedly. "Thistlepaw, get your lazy rump out here for a morning patrol!" the dark blue-grey tom called, then turned about swiftly. That was sufficient. If the cat came, he came, if not; well, not Dusktalon's problem.

Adderpaw - GaleClan Apprentice, Badgerclaw - GaleClan Warrior Both toms, large and smaller, watched with amusement as Nettlepaw seemed to have a fit. He exploded in anger for a moment, then faltered, haultingly. Apparently, he didn't like the nickname 'Petal', but he didn't dislike it enough to take up Adderpaw's challenge. Badgerclaw watched with interest, not willing to stop them; neither was his apprentice at any rate, and Adderpaw had already healed from worse wounds than Nettlepaw could inflict, by the warrior's own claws. "Don't worry, Feather," Adderpaw said sarcastically. "One day, you'll find the courage to act where you speak."

Ebony - GaleClan Apprentice Listening seriously, Ebony was mildly irked that Ripplestar did not explain fully the way he was thinking; she wanted nothing more than to learn, but if things were not explained she could not remember them. Still, she understood that not everything the leader thought about would be told to an appentice, as eager as she was. And like as not, it had to do with her pending apprenticeship. Ebony nodded, then turned to Brighteyes. "Sure," she said smiling, then smelt the air. "Ah, foxdung; I can smell his scent, but it's stale, and more than likely Nettlepaw's left camp already." She couldn't go out into the forest without a warrior. "I guess I'll have to wait for you."

Riverpaw, Burningpaw - RockClan Apprentices Another cat, closer to the centre of the apprentices' den, was awake and grooming himself. His fiery ears were perked up, but he wasn't really eavesdropping; more worried, you could say. Burningpaw had heard the tail-end of Moonpaw's nightmare, thankfully already awake himself, and it had prompted him into movement. Soon, other cats' voices had joined the white tom's, and now the flame-pelted tom stood to join them. His orange fur flashed in the fresh sunlight. "Don't be silly, Moonpaw," Burningpaw said, smiling at them all. "It is not beauty these she-cats need their sleep for." A pause while he flashed a grin at the pair, and their companion. "Shall I secure something from the fresh kill pile for you and hold it till you join me?"

(No idea, I wasn't watching, but if he wanted to court Cherryflower (good luck to him, conversation will be hard) I would be cool with it :) Or, you know, any of my cats, though I can't guarantee their response :p )

( Thanks... But, I sadly don't think she's going to live another year. She's a mess.)

Sunpaw, RockClan and Blue

Sunpaw shot Riverpaw an icy look. Riverpaw was right; it hadn't just been Moonpaw's fidgeting that had woken her. But she thought it a kindness not to tell him he had been wailing as well. Her friend had enough to worry about without thinking he was disturbing everyone else in their den. "No one asked your opinion, Riverpaw." She mewed coldly, before the other she-cat had spoken directly to Moonpaw. Moonpaw was beginning to come around at last and, naturally, he had a few teasing words for her, and Riverpaw, she thought resentfully. But Moonpaw was giving her an affectionate lick between the ears, leaving Riverpaw out, and Sunpaw couldn't quite stifle a purr. "Beauty sleep, right." She snorted sarcastically, rolling her eyes. She turned her head to look as Burnedpaw joined in the conversation, and she silently thanked him for echoing exactly what she had been thinking, "Exactly. Hunting is way more important than beauty." She meowed proudly, though, in a sudden burst of self-consciousness, she gave her ginger paw a quick lick. "Of course I'm coming with you." She meowed to Moonpaw, green eyes back to her best friend. She got to her paws, stretching, legs trembling after being stiff so long. Her pelt was rumpled from the nest, but she made a point of not bothering with it. "Come on, it's crowded in here."

Whitelion, GaleClan

"Brackenpaw! Hey, Brackenpaw! Wait!" Overenthusiastic was the best word to describe Whitelion's skills as a first time mentor. Having only recently become a warrior himself, it was sometimes easy to forget that he needed to sent an example by rising early, when he had done all he could to get a few last moments of sleep himself when he was an apprentice. "Sorry... I'm... late..." He puffed as he made it to the apprentice's den. They hadn't exactly agreed upon a time to meet that morning, but Whitelion wasn't entirely certain either way, so he was covering his bases. Shaking out his almost white pelt, banishing the scraps from his nest, he looked at his apprentice with bright blue eyes, "Are you ready to go?"

Sparrowpaw, GaleClan Blue

I'm late! Sparrowpaw's paws were flying over the forest floor, racing home before, hopefully, his mentor didn't notice his absence. He had fallen asleep the night before at the Viper's camp after his evening training with Kestrel. This was bad, very bad! He already had proven himself a poor apprentice by his constant disappearance, though his double training made him an extremely skilled medicine cat for his age. Still, he wanted to do well for Silverpool, even if his alliance lay elsewhere. Sparrowpaw skidded to a sudden halt, thinking. It would look awfully weird if he came back in the middle of the morning after being gone all night with nothing to show for it. He looked around, panicked, letting his fur lie flat so he could concentrate on the scents around him. What could he smell? He closed his eyes, parting his jaws. "Ahah!" He mewed in satisfaction, veering off the trail home to wander through a thick bit of forest. A few minutes searching resulted in a very fine discovery: Catmint! He bent to pick a few stalks, then stopped himself. It wasn't the season for greencough and whitecough... Picking it now would only waste it. Sighing, he scraped away a few weeds threatening the precious plant, and rubbed his face generously over the leaves of it, coating his scent both to hide the fact that he had been with other cats all night, and to prove what he had found. Satisfied he would please Silverpool, he turned away once more and ran for home.

"Silverpool!" He called, skidding to a halt beside her once he'd made it back to camp, "Sorry I'm so late!" He mewed apologetically, dipping his head in shame. As he caught his breath, he looked up in horror, realizing that not only were other warriors with his mentor, but Ripplestar himself was among them! Now he was looking like the worst apprentice ever in front of his leader!

Galeclan

Tigereye The deputy watched Nettlepaw carefully as he threw a fit about Adderpaw calling him names. The apprentice was being very childish and Tigereye found it very annoying. An apprentice wasn't exactly an adult, but they didn't have to act like kits. They weren't children anymore and sooner than later, they would be the ones running camp. He didn't want a cat like Nettlepaw running his clan if he couldn't act mature about things. Adderpaw was also taunting him on purpose just to get a rise out of him. These cats had no business treating each other as play toys. They were supposed to be allies, not enemies. He flicked his black and orange striped tail back and forth clearly irritated by things.

He stepped up beside his apprentice letting his tail purposefully flick the tom. "Do not think you are any better than these other apprentices. You are just as childish as the others," Tigereye explained, holding Adderpaw's gaze. He wondered how he would react to his mentor and deputy. "Return to camp now. We have a hunting party to take out." He turned to Nettlepaw in the tree. "Ripplestar wants to take you out on border patrol. Return to camp as well. He'll be waiting for you." The tom rose to his feet glancing at Badgerclaw and Crowpaw noting two other scents entering their area, but he couldn't quite pick them out. He brushed the scents aside and continued on toward camp.

Brackenpaw Once he decided to crawl back into his nest, Brackenpaw quickly found himself falling back to sleep. The other cats clearly hadn't been loud enough for him to wake up fully. His eyes slipped closed and he found himself falling back into the dreamworld. It wouldn't last long though as his mentor began calling for him rather loudly and annoyingly. Brackenpaw's eyes flicked open his fur standing on end slightly as Whitelion came bounding into the apprentice den. The tom rolled onto his belly stretching out his limbs while the tom huffed and puffed excitedly. He shifted his gaze to the male and yawned. "I am now," he muttered. "Where are we going?" He sat down curious as to where exactly his mentor was going to take him this morning. It wasn't like he'd been a warrior for very long himself. He barely knew what he was doing, but Brackenpaw gave him credit anyway. He was trying.

Rockclan

Alderfang The she-cat quickly spotted two warriors exit their den each very much the opposite of the other. She felt a bit of pity for Cherryflower as Dusktalon toyed with her. He wasn't the most exceptional cats and one that Alderfang didn't much care for. He was lazy and Alderfang did not like lazy. That was probably because she didn't understand how any cat could be lazy living a life like theirs. She glanced at Tanglebelly when he gave the tom orders. Dusktalon didn't sound too pleased about it, but he did so anyway. She was glad no one really had to order her around as she was always ready to go herself. "Good morning, Cherryflower. Would you care to join me on the morning patrol?" Alderfang asked the she-cat as she came up to her and Tanglebelly.

Brownpaw It was apparent that Brownpaw wasn't getting anymore sleep this morning as all the apprentices seemed to want to have an early morning conversation. Of course, Brownpaw knew it wasn't that early considering the sun was already over the horizon. It was just she didn't want to get up yet. She didn't even think many of the other cats were up yet either. Yet, she found herself opening her eyes anyway as Moonpaw, Sunpaw, Riverpaw, and Burnedpaw left the den in search of breakfast. She was glad to be rid of the noise, but at the sound of food she perked up a little more. She rose to her feet shaking her body so the pieces of her nest fell upon the ground. "Hey! Wait for me!" she called after the other apprentices setting off after them. They probably hadn't even noticed she was awake anyway.

The Vipers

Wilder She noticed her mate calmed down when she touched his shoulder. His entire body seemed to loosen up slightly, but she still felt on edge when he was around. He had no idea she was carrying around his kits inside her belly and she prayed he never would. He seemed to notice something was different about her, but he couldn't quiet pin point what it was. She let her tail gently flick back and forth watching her mate carefully. "Glad to hear I didn't wake you," she replied. He was off following the Queen again. She didn't much like that. He had an odd fascination with her that Wilder just didn't understand. "She's always up to something, but whatever it is, it is no concern of ours. We should leave her business to her and Fang," Wilder told him. Her tone was a bit on edge, but she tried to hide it anyways.

"Just getting myself some breakfast. Nothing special," Wilder told him. She noticed his emphasis on the 'my' when he spoke, but didn't say anything about it. He was usually like that around her making sure she remembered exactly who she belonged to. Like she could really forget with a mate like him.

Sandheart-

Sandheart had been silently following this hunting group, and listened up until the point he heard about the cat named Ebony who was about to be apprenticed by another cat. "So... apprenticeship eh...? I remember those days..." He thought to himself, remembering how him and his other friends would catch their prey together. "Such good times..."

(I'm sorry, but it's completely unclear to whom Sandheart is talking)

Riverpaw, Burningpaw - RockClan Apprentices Riverpaw began to follow the other apprentices out of the den. It was clear that Sunpaw had no desire to have her around, but then again who did she want around? Other than Moonpaw of course. Burningpaw's arrival made it slightly easier, but not completely. Sunpaw didn't want him around either. At least Moonpaw wasn't being a dungbrain. Despite herself, Riverpaw felt her pelt grow warm at the two toms' compliments, but she tried her best not to show it as she followed them out of the den.

Riverpaw stopped. "Hey, Burningpaw, wait for Brownpaw," she said, turning to look back. She'd heard the other she-cat calling after them, and it was only fair that they wait.

Burningpaw stopped too, letting Sunpaw and Moonpaw go on ahead to Halfwind's den. He smiled a charming smile at Brownpaw. "Good Morning, coming to join us for breakfast?"

Adderpaw - GaleClan Apprentice, Badgerclaw - GaleClan Warrior Adderpaw held Tigereye's gaze without flinching. It was a battle of wills, it seemed, and neither wanted to back down. Oh, Adderpaw knew exactly what he was doing in goading Nettlepaw, and he had no intention of stopping. If the tom wouldn't rise up to the potential that was inside him, by virtue of his father's skill. If Nettlepaw embraced that instead of shirking it, he could be a truly great cat. If he didn't, he was no better than a stupid she-cat. He thought all this without taking his eyes off his mentor, but when Tigereye turned to speak with the other apprentice he allowed himself to blink. "Fine."

Badgerclaw watched, smiling slightly at the sight of the two cats. He did, much as he didn't behave like it, admire his deputy. He had risen to that position for a reason. With a nod, the striped tom paced around Nettlepaw to stand beside Crowpaw. "I'll take Crowpaw hunting, Tigereye. We can always do with more prey."

Cherryflower - RockClan Warrior The white she-cat smiled at the other warrior, nodding eagerly. It was always good to be invited on patrols, though most cats didn't like to invite her without Shadowlark. Cherryflower sat down and raised one claw to Alderfang, trying to indicate that they should wait. She tilted her head, a questioning look on her face. Where was Shadowlark? Glancing around quickly, the albino cat searched for her best friend. She hadn't been in her nest when Cherryflower had risen, but in the moment that Dusktalon had been flirting with her, she hadn't noticed her friend. Ah! There she was, hovering by the warriors' den. Cherryflower raised her tail, hoping to attract Shadowlark's attention.