Feline Frenzy

[Smokeleaf]

ooc: This is probably going to be a fail post, but we need to get something going. Agreed? Agreed.
bic:

Morning had finally arrived and small rays of sun began to filter through the tightly woven trees of the forest, bringing with it the faded warmth of early new-leaf. Light wound itself around tree trunks and over the undergrowth, finally reaching the dozing TimberClan camp. Not all of the cats were sleeping, however; young Owlpaw hadn't even closed his eyes that night, just waiting for the morning in eager anticipation. While he was napping, he had come up with a new scheme, one that would win him admiration from his Clanmates and maybe even a glance from Wishpaw, and he couldn't wait to get started. As soon as the first beam of light clawed its way into the den, Owlpaw was off in a flash, tail streaming behind him and graceful paws guaranteeing him passage without notice.

Windsong, too, was awake, and was bustling through the stocks nervously. Were they missing anything? Chervil, catmint, borage, even a bit of honey... Thank goodness the kits hadn't found that yet; even Wishpaw had been tempted to take a lick or two now and again.
The silvery medicine cat looked down at her apprentice, eyes glowing fondly. The little white ball of fur was sleeping calmly, her flank rising up and down as steady air whistled from her nostrils. This was the quietest she had ever seen Wishpaw. Their hunt for herbs yesterday must have tuckered her out; she hadn't said a word that night, and usually, even in her sleep she was chattering away like a singing bird. Windsong felt bad about working her apprentice so hard, but that leafbare had been a rough one, and they desperately needed to restore their stock. They would be out again today, but oddly enough, Windsong didn't feel that bad about it. After all, if it meant a silent Wishpaw, she was doing her Clan a great service.

Fluffy white ears perked up at the sound of pawsteps racing through camp. Wishpaw knew those pawsteps; they were Owlpaw's. More importantly, they were Owlpaw's when he was doing something he didn't want anyone to know about.
And that's why Wishpaw had to know.
"Morning, Windsong!" she chirped, rising to her feet.

Windsong's heart fell. She was back to normal.
"Er, good morning, Wishpaw. Are you sure you don't want to sleep a little longer? You had a long day yesterday, and another one coming up."

"Oh, I know, Windsong, which is exactly why I can't go back to sleep!" Why was her mentor giving her that exasperated look? Didn't she understand? "See, Windsong, I'm very excited. I've been thinking about how much fun I'm going to have all night, and now that I'm awake, I just couldn't go back to sleep! Hmmm, I'm hungry. Think there's any fresh-kill out there still? I bet Owlpaw's going to get some! Do you think I could help him?"

Windsong sighed. StarClan bless Owlpaw, even if he was nuttier than Wishpaw. "I suppose that would be all right. But you must be quiet, so you don't scare off the prey!"
"Oh, I will, Windsong, I promise!" Windsong watched as the white apprentice raced out of the den, probably waking up the whole Clan with her cries: "Owlpaw! Owlpaw, wait up!"
She sighed. Wishpaw sure was a pawful.

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

ooc;;
Yeah, I'm having trouble remembering who exactly is and isn't in the clan now, with Darkie's characters taken out....

bic::
Muddled dreams began to clear, swirling like water in a river, mingling with banded light that slowly became clearer as she rose from her deep sleep into a shallower place, and then to full waking. Clear blue eyes opened slowly, looking around silently before she twitched her tail, stretched luxuriously, yawned widely, and rolled nimbly to her feet. She paused to run a tongue over the smooth gold-striped coat before gliding sinuously out of the warriors' den. Something had wakened her, but since it was morning anyway, she might as well get up. What was it? That thought hadn't long to circle.

"Owlpaw! Owlpaw!" The silly little mousebrain's loud mews were enough to wake a horned owl at noon. Glacierpoint rolled her eyes, sniffed once, and sat down in the sunlight to finish washing. Something would happen today; she could feel it in her whiskers. She wasn't sure what though - or even what kind of thing - and it wouldn't be polite to go bothering people about it. The freshkill pile was low; she ought to go hunting today. The freshkill pile is always low, she thought drily. This leafebare has been harder than it ought to have been. Or perhaps she would find a few other warriors and go on a border patrol; that could be interesting. She watched the little ball of white fluff racing across the camp and smiled in spite of herself. Mousebrained little creature, that Wishpaw, but endearing nonetheless. Still, she didn't envy Windsong the task of training the little scatterbrain. A little of the white cat went a long way, she found.

[Smokeleaf]

Owlpaw twitched his whiskers and scowled. Wishpaw? Already? No, no, no! She wasn't supposed to come yet! She was supposed to wait until he was a valiant hero! Now she'd only try to talk him out of it; or worse, talk him into it. If he was going to be a hero, he had to do it alone. Quickly, before she could see where he was going, he dove into the bushes and rocketed into the forest.

"Owlpaw?" Wishpaw tried again, sniffing the air. Still no answer. Where had he gone? Ah, well. As long as he came back with some yummy prey, what did she care? Owlpaw was a nice cat. Wishpaw liked him a lot.
She turned and headed back for the medicine cat den, but found that she wasn't quite ready to go back and instead plopped down in the middle of camp and started grooming herself. She wished Icepaw would wake up soon; he was loads of fun to be around. But then, so was Frozenstar! All of the cats in TimberClan were real nice; that was when she first noticed Glacierpoint, out of her den and apparently itching for something to do. Maybe she'll take me with her, Wishpaw wondered. Wherever Glacierpoint planned on going, it had to be better than sitting in camp. And I'll find some herbs, I promise! Her spirits lifted, she padded over to Glacierpoint and sat down with as much courtesy and patience as she had in her.
"Good morning, Glacierpoint," she mewed politely. "What'cha doing?"

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

ooc;; Very short post. Sorry Smoke.

Glacierpoint continued washing her ears, watching out of the corner of her eye as Wishpaw sat down in the middle of the clearing. The little thing was very cute, no doubt about that. Very cute from a distance, at any rate. She stifled a sigh as the apprentice suddenly trotted over to her and sat down before her.

"What'cha doing?"

I should think that would be fairly obvious, Glacierpoint thought dryly, turning her attention from her ears to her side. But saying that aloud would be very rude, she she fixed the litte fluff ball with a level look and said,

"Bathing." And then, because she thought it was only polite to help carry on the conversation begun by the apprentice - and because, as her mother had always reminded her, one-word replies were terribly impolite - she added, "What does your mentor have you doing today, Wishpaw?"

[Smokeleaf]

Wishpaw seemed to shrink into her pelt. "Er, uh... gathering herbs," she replied briefly. Was Glacierpoint trying to talk to her, or trying to guilt her into getting to work?
Nah, she thought. Glacierpoint wouldn't do that.
"This leaf-bare was hard, you know. We didn't get much of a chance to gather anything, and our stocks are really low! I wish they would just kind of restock themselves, but they don't, so I have to do it. I'd much rather be practicing battle moves or something, in case we fight SootClan soon, but I guess if we do fight SootClan soon, we're going to need lots of herbs. SootClan warriors are pretty good, aren't they? But nothing like our warriors! We'll beat them any day!"

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

Gathering herbs; perhaps Windsong would come to collect the fluffball soon, before she began to irritate Glacierpoint. The golden tabby licked one forepaw again, absently, smiling a little at the sweet mousebrain. A light breeze stirred her soft pelt and she meticulously put it back into place with her rough tongue.

"Yes, we would beat Sootclan if we had a battle with them," she assured the apprentice; "but don't get too excited. Battles are not the glorious affairs you imagine them to be." There were many descriptions crowding her mind - the blood flying thick through the air, the horrible death-screams of the wounded and dying cats around, the constant half-worry that you might be attacked unawares while you looked elsewhere, the stinging pain, the numbness inside as you saw your friends and kin falling under sharp claws and bloodthirsty eyes; the terrible sight of cats too young to see such horrors, innocent, naiv apprentices, killing and dying. But all that was hardly pleasant conversation; hardly proper. Hardly polite. She licked that forepaw again and twitched one ear.

"The herbs are very necessary, Wishpaw; do your best under Windsong. Nobody expects a battle at the moment, but if there is a battle any time soon, we shall need the herbs and the skills of our medicine cat and her apprentice." She gave Wishpaw a level, measuring look, twitching one eye a little farther open than the other, managing to look dispassionate and calculating while never losing that high-bred air that seemed to float around her.

[Smokeleaf]

Wishpaw studied her gaze, perhaps confused. "Yeah," she muttered. "Herbs. Right."
She shook her pelt, simultaneously shaking away her concerns. "Hey, Glacierpoint, I have an idea! The fresh-kill pile is low, and I don't think Owlpaw will be able to catch very much alone. When Windsong and I go out to collect herbs, will you come with us to hunt? Oh, I'd love it if you came! It would be so much fun! Will you come?"
She tilted her head, pouring her heart and soul into her large blue eyes, hoping that alone would convince Glacierpoint to tag along. And maybe they would find Owlpaw along the way; the more, the merrier!

ooc: I can't write long posts. Fail.

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

Go with them to hunt while they looked for herbs? What an idea. The very thought of trying to hunt with this little bundle of chatter bouncing along with her made Glacierpoint's ears twitch. That would be the day...! But perhaps Wishpaw was right - replenishing the fresh-kill pile was a good idea at any rate. And what was that mouse-brained apprentice Owlpaw doing running off to hunt on his own? Perhaps she ought to follow along with Windsong and Wishpaw and see how much hunting she could get done with the little white fluffball trailing her. Perhaps some of that excitement and eager noise would channel itself into her task of looking for herbs. It wasn't as if Glacierpoint had anything pressing to do today anyway - and she had been thinking of going hunting; maybe she would go with them.

"I'll think about it, Wishpaw," she said after a moment. She would talk to Windsong about it, she supposed. She was beginning to weary of the little cat already, but it was hardly polite to let Wishpaw know that. One must always be polite, no matter how much Wishpaw talked.

ooc;; It might help things a little if Windsong showed up to nab Wishpaw? Since Glacierpoint is running out of ... things to say?

[Smokeleaf]

ooc: I can take a hint. ( =

Sniiiiiiiiiff! Snort.
Windsong started hacking at the scent of the herbs. Even as a medicine cat, she hated everything about them, except, perhaps, their ability to help her Clan. Still, these herbs weren't foul in the usual sense. They were very old and rotten. Why hadn't she noticed them before? Were there more?
Before she could look, she heard Wishpaw's high, sing-song voice chattering within the camp. What was she doing? She was supposed to be keeping an eye on Owlpaw! With a sigh, she padded out of her den, surprised to see Glacierpoint talking with her.
"Wishpaw, just what do you think you're doing?"

Wishpaw spun around. "Oh, Windsong, guess what! Glacierpoint says she'll hunt with us while we gather herbs today! Oh, isn't that just swell!" She coughed suddenly, then caught herself. "I mean, she might come with us, but she's not sure yet. I really wish she would though, wouldn't you? Glacierpoint is my bestest friend!"

Windsong sighed. Manipulative little she-cat. "That's all fine and dandy, Wishpaw, but we need to find more herbs than we originally thought. We'd better get started early; you never know when disease might strike. And don't speak about Glacierpoint as if she isn't there! I'm sorry, Glacierpoint, and you are welcome to join us, if you would like."
Please come with us! she thought. StarClan knew how little control Windsong had over her apprentice; maybe Glacierpoint will help to keep her on track. Maybe they'll actually find something today.
Please?

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

ooc;; Ok I started and haven't got time to finish, so I'll finish later, k? And has anyone seen Night or Darkie or Shona lately?

Glacierpoint felt a quick surge of relief as Windsong approached, her voice reaching them before the harried-looking cat did. Poor thing; having to deal with Wishpaw day in and day out must be positively exhausting. She watched Wishpaw's eager, rather overdone efforts to coerce her into joining the herb-hunting party, and then felt rather guilty for being so reluctant. Poor Windsong could most definitely use some help, it would please Wishpaw, and it would save her the trouble of finding a polite way of backing out of the excursion. She could probably catch something on the way, despite the apprentice's ceaseless chatter and wearying exuberance, and Windsong looked so tiredly hopeful that the sinuous she-cat could hardly find it in her to consider saying no. A slight twinge of annoyance ran through her at the idea that Wishpaw would probably think it was her wheedling, her arrogant presumtious statements to Windsong, and her big eyes that had accomplished the purpose; but to refuse on the grounds of such an annoyance would hardly be well-bred. She glanced up at the sun as it slowly slid up its eternal arc, and then got to her feet, swished her long tail once, and blinked, soaking in the warm caresses of the sun's gold over the gold tones of her pelt. She offered Windsong what she hoped was a cool, polite, slightly sympathetic look, and said,

"I believe I shall come with you, if you don't mind, Windsong; I'll do some hunting while we're out, if it won't bother you."

[Smokeleaf]

Windsong bowed her head politely. "That sounds perfect, Glacierpoint. If you don't mind, I think we should leave now, while the sun is still low and cool. I'd rather not be out late again, if you know what I mean." She quickly ran through the list of herbs they still desperately needed; the odds of returning early were slim.

"YES!" Wishpaw cried, shaking in her pelt. "Oh, I just knew you'd come! That's why we're best friends, Glacierpoint! I know everything about you!"

Crazy mouse-brain. While she bounded away, prancing about happily, Windsong leaned in close to her warrior friend and whispered, "Don't worry. We found some herbs yesterday but couldn't pick them up; we'll go there first so Wishpaw will have to keep her mouth shut."
She purred at the thought of Wishpaw chattering away with leaves pouring out of her mouth, although she didn't doubt its likliness, and started toward the forest, flicking her tail to guide the others along.

ooc: Sorry if Wishpaw's kind of annoying. We lost Heronfrost, and you're the only other one right now that I can annoy. Hopefully Shona will finish up with Frozenstar/Freezestar (I forget) and we can spread the love. ( =

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

What on earth had induced her to agree to this ridiculous plan anyway? But of course saying anything of that sort would be dreadfully rude; she would have to be very courteous and hope that she could get some real hunting done despite the hair-brained fluff ball accompanying them. Thank StarClan she isn't my apprentice, she thought suddenly. She dipped her head back at Windsong, nodding agreeably.

"That sounds perfectly fine to me, Windsong," she mewed. "We can leave immediately, if you like." Wishpaw was so excited, it made her tired just thinking about how this trip was going to go. And she was not particularly polite; it could hardly be called polite to assume such a close relationship with someone, especially a warrior. She allowed some disapproval to shine out of her luminescent blue eyes. Wishpaw most certainly did not know everything about her; on the contrary, she knew very little. Glacierpoint was decidedly relieved when the little thing danced away like a squirrel that ate fermented nuts. Windsong's reassuring promise to fill Wishpaw's mouth right off made her feel just a little better; with her mouth full of leaves she could hardly keep on babbling like usual. Best friend indeed, she thought, following Windsong toward the trees.

[Smokeleaf]

As the three trooped into the forest, Windsong had the suspicion that Wishpaw had offended their warrior companion. Part of the silvery she-cat felt remorse for Glacierpoint. Wishpaw was always talking, she just never knew what was coming out of her mouth, and could sometimes be assuming and insensitive. On the other paw, Wishpaw hadn't said anything that dreadful. Wishpaw was under the impression that everybody in the Clan was her best friend (note to self, Windsong thought, teach Wishpaw the meaning of the word 'best'), and was only being friendly.
Still, she'd have to learn eventually. Windsong pushed off the thought, knowing that Wishpaw would only learn from a lecture in a peaceful setting. The middle of the busy forest on the perfect sunny morning with her "best friend" would only lead to frantic nods and the occasional can-I-go-now glances.
Finally content with her decision, Windsong raised her nose toward the ether and began to search for the sharp scent of fresh herbs.

Surprisingly, Wishpaw was being rather quiet. She placed each paw down quietly, and while she was being a bit slow, she was doing her best not to frighten prey. I wish I were a warrior apprentice! she thought to herself. I wish I were Glacierpoint's apprentice! Her chest swelled with pride. Even as a medicine cat apprentice, she would work hard to make Glacierpoint proud. She was, after all, her best friend.
Still, something nagged at the back of Wishpaw's mind. Hunting prey seemed like a lot more fun than hunting herbs. While she couldn't tell either of her companions this, nor any other cat in the Clan, she stayed content by imagining that chervil was a frightened mouse, or borage was a snake trying to attack her Clan. (ooc: hint, hint)
What most cats didn't realize was that Wishpaw was quiet in the forest; or at least, more quiet than normal. The towering trees were a sort of fantasy arbor for her, where her mind could freely wander without the use of her tongue. Sometimes, however, the words still escaped.
"Glacierpoint? What's it like to be a warrior?"

Owlpaw pecked at the seeds, then lifted his chin to look at the tree, wondering exactly how high it was. He scraped at it slightly, unsheathing his claws for a moment to get a sense of how strong the bark was. Could it support him? It could support prey easily, and Owlpaw was fairly small. Maybe...
It didn't even occur to him that a patrol of his Clan mates had journeyed into the forest.



ooc: I have no idea what I'm going to make Owlpaw do. Apparently something with seeds and climbing trees. This should be interesting.

[[[ShAdYCaUStI]]]

ooc;; Lulz Owlpaw is so weird. That will be fascinating.

bic::
Glacierpoint was very surprised to see Wishpaw go quiet as they entered the forest. It was almost amusing to note the look of careful concentration on her little face as she cautiously placed each fluffy paw down, obviously taking care to be as close to silent as she possibly could be. She had a good heart, if that was any compensation for her constant mindless chatter. At least she was trying hard, slow as it made her. Glacierpoint glanced back at her and wondered whether Windsong would tell Wishpaw to hurry or whether they would do their best not to bother the careful balance of Wishpaw's mood - if she was going to be quiet, Glacierpoint certainly wasn't going to object; going a little slower was a low price to pay for Wishpaw's silence! She walked on, trying to catch the scent of prey over the usual woodsy smells, each paw landing with the graceful ease of long practice. She had to make no effort to be soft as a shadow gliding through the trees; moons of training and hunting had given her that smooth silence that all the cats - the warriors especially - aimed for. There - she thought she smelled something. She paused, trying to catch the scent more clearly, ears pricked for any telltale sounds in the underbrush.

"Glacierpoint - what's it like to be a warrior?" Glacierpoint groaned inwardly. It had been too much to hope that Wishpaw would be quiet the whole time, of course, but perhaps just a little longer? She passed a bland look in the little apprentice's direction.

"It's very much like being any sort of cat, Wishpaw," she replied noncommitally. "You do what you ought to and treat the other cats around you respectfully." What sort of answer did the mousebrain want, anyway? She was still trying to catch that scent - there; it wasn't prey at all; it was another cat. Owlpaw, she thought with vague amusement as she watched the apprentice digging his claws into the trunk of a tree just ahead.

"Hunting for birds, Owlpaw?" she asked mildly.

DONE AT LAST! Lolz don't kill me for taking so long....

[Smokeleaf]

Owlpaw almost dove out of his skin. He veered around, helter-skelter, and glared at his accuser. "No," he replied curtly, forgetting his manners in the thrill of the moment. "I'm just..."

"Just what?" Windsong mewed, trying not to snap at the apprentice but unnerved just the same. "Whatever it is you're doing, it sure looks... secretive."

"I like secrets!" Wishpaw yelped, but was ignored.

"It's not secretive," he replied, stalling slightly so that he could make up an excuse. "I was just, erm..."
"Well?"
"Fine," he sighed melodramatically. "You caught me. I was looking for herbs. I thought it might help, since I know we're a little low. Wishpaw told me..." His voice trailed off, hoping he wouldn't get Wishpaw into any trouble. "I'm sorry, Windsong, Glacierpoint. I should have asked. But I think I found something!" He pushed his little pile toward the medicine cat and looked up hopefully and innocently. Wishpaw snickered in the background, but he tried to ignore her.

"Well, that's very noble of you," Windsong replied, not quite convinced, "but that's a pine cone."

Owlpaw tried to look disappointed.