Just Like Old Times [closed for Icestorm & Ashwing]

Lightfoot stretched, appreciating the warm weather that newleaf brought with it. It wasn't as nice as greenleaf, but it was far better than leaf-fall and leaf-bare. The breeze carried with it the scent of growing plants from the moor. Now would be a great time to grab a few of his close friends and get out of camp for a bit. Emberleaf would be busy dealing with medicine cat business, so naturally the white tom went in search of Ashwing and Icestorm. They were mates, but their affection towards each other didn't put him off one bit. Hopefully Ashwing wouldn't be too preoccupied with her deputy duties and would be able to spend some time with old denmates. The mere thought of spending free time with the other two brought a good feeling to Lightfoot's pelt, like he hadn't been this free in ages. Winterpaw would be fine doing her camp chores alone, and she was certainly old enough to care for herself, so he searched around the clearing for his company.

Ashwing caught sight of her oldest friend Lightfoot and immediately walked over. They'd all come so far since they were apprentices, playing at being lions and tigers in their den. Now she was deputy, a position she hadn't even dared dream of as Ashpaw. But certainly she could spare some time for an old friend. "Hey, Lightfoot, " she purred contentedly. "What's up?"

Times had been pretty hectic with all the clan stuff going on and Icestorm never really got time for himself. Giving a yawn, he padded out of the warrior's den into the light. The weather had been fairly nice and the grey tom enjoyed a good nap in the sun. Now that Ashwing as deputy, she was busy with clan business. He couldn't complain, but there were always times that he was lonely. Spotting Lightfoot and his mate, he trotted over to the two. "Weather's nice, isn't it." he chuckled.

Lightfoot purred and flicked his tail at Ashwing in greeting. "Nothing, really. I was just looking for a few lucky souls to come along with me on a quick border patrol. Would you like to go adventuring like we used to when we were 'paws? That is, if you have the time?" He asked, a smile spreading across his muzzle. The apprentice days felt like they were ages ago. They weren't really that old, there were just a lot of younger cats in the clan. He turned to see Icestorm, the other cat he was hoping to bump into. He remembered the little rivalry that had budded before their close friendship. "I'd say it's almost perfect. It seems that way, at least, since I've gotten used to the cold of leaf-bare. I'll miss the snow, though. For once I was camouflaged while hunting. Now I'll have to go back to chasing the rabbits before they see me." He wasn't that upset. He actually enjoyed running very much, and he was a top notch hunter, possibly the fastest. But he wasn't a braggart and he never compared himself to others. "The invitation extends to you as well, Icestorm. I'd love to have you along, if you're not also busy."

"That would be great," Ashwing agreed. "I was actually going to organize a border patrol. We've come so far, haven't we?" she murmured quietly. "I can't believe so many cats have gone. Meadowfall, Brindlesong, Deernose, Wolftrot... Falconstar... We seem so old now. "

"Busy? I barely ever have anything to keep me occupied." He chuckled. Although it may seem like a lie, the grey tom had been stuck in camp for the past few days, bored out of his mind. Giving his hind legs a stretch, he leaned towards Ashwing to give her a lick on the cheek. "Why don't we get going before any apprentices ask to come along." As much as Icestorm liked apprentices and their happy attitudes, he really just wanted time with his old friends.

"You're right, Ashwing. But we're still far from being the oldest. Feathertail, Gorsefeather, and Sablestar have all been around since before I was born. Eaglethorn, too." Lightfoot said, remembering his training with Eaglethorn. The stoic tom never really said anything to Lightfoot after his warrior ceremony. "Yes, I agree, Icestorm. Let's head out, then." He shook out his white pelt and then started for the camp entrance, the wonderful weather putting him in a good mood. Maybe they'd even run a bit when they got out; Lightfoot loved running on the moors.

Ashwing nodded in agreement, following her friend. The newleaf weather was bright and sunny, and the moors no longer muddy from rain.

OMG I'M SUCH A HORRIBLE PERSON I THOUGHT I POSTED ;-;

With his mood happier than usual, Icestorm followed his friends out of camp. They walked in silence for a little while, but the silence was deafening. "So, how's life as a deputy?" The grey tom meowed, padding next to his mate. Truthfully, Icestorm was never very good at starting conversations or even being in a conversation, but he would at least try and hope they didn't noticed his awkwardness.

Lighfoot was content with the silence. He didn't particularly mind. He was one of those cats that could simply enjoy another's presence without necessarily needing to say anything, but he wasn't opposed to Icestorm's conversation starter. "I hope it's not been too stressful for you. It doesn't seem like it, but I just want to make sure you've been alright." The white warrior added in, pleased for his friend and her new position in the clan.

Ashwing smiled. "No, it's really not too stressful at all," she meowed. She was so glad her friends were supporting her. "I actually kind of enjoy the responsibility... It's a lot like being a mother, except the whole Clan is your kin. I help decide the mentors for new apprentices, sometimes the names of warriors, and I organize patrols to feed the Clan and keep it safe." She took a breath. "Of course, I'm not as close to Sablestar as- say, her mate- but she trusts me enough that we make a good pair." She waved her tail in embarrassment- she hadn't meant to monologue. "So, how's life with you two?" she attempted lamely.