Hymn for a Scarecrow [closed]

Stifling a yawn, Jaypaw inattentively laid in the sand, listening to Eaglepaw's rambling with his paws crossed in front of him. The Newleaf sun warmed his thin pelt, a welcome contrast to the weather that had been affecting the clans since before the last moon. Flicking his ears over to his brother, he was able to catch a few of his words every now and then, although his mind was mostly elsewhere - mostly his plans. He'd told Eaglepaw he'd go out with him today, although now he was regretting the decision.

He tuned back into Eaglepaw's rambles, having heard enough to mostly get the gist of what he was saying. Something about Sleepyhollow and Kestrelpaw.... probably. The spaces where he was supposed to talk were mostly filled with dismissive nods and flicks of his tail. It was nice, though, just laying there with his brother.

After watching another bird fly overhead, Jaypaw returned his cold gaze to Eaglepaw, blankly staring at him for a moment before finally speaking. "Alright, lets see if we can get some warrior to leave camp with us." 'cuz Smallbean will be up our tails if we don't' Letting out a long sigh, he stretched his legs out in front of him before pulling himself to his paws. It took only a step for him to stumble over his paws, sending a faint tingling feeling up his leg. Shuddering, he corrected his stride, cursing under his breath. "Ough... Let's go, Eagle." He avoided his brother's gaze.

Eagle was aware that his brother wasnt the most talkative of sorts or really the most eager and happy like himself but that was okay, he loved him for who he was and he gave him a friendly and playful nudge as they got going.

But as Jaypaw tripped over himself he glanced back over at him tilting his head a bit... "You okay jay?"

Jay was avoiding his gaze and Eagle laid his ears back curiosity and worry getting the better of him now.

He waited a little then caught back up to his brothers side. Observing him a little closer now but not saying anything else just yet

The reaction from Eaglepaw that he'd been bracing for finally arrived. Embarrassment and nervousness drove him to look the other direction. Eaglepaw cared, he knew, but he wished that nobody acknowledged it, that they'd leave him to deal with his leg himself. If every cat in camp knew that he struggled to do something as simple as walk, they'd see him as weak. His warrior ceremony could even be delayed because of it.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I tripped, is all. Nothing you need to worry about." He said, finally, begrudgingly meeting his brother's gaze before letting it drop again. His tone was soft, defeated. "C'mon, Now let's go." He began to walk again, trying to hide his limp, although he couldn't conceal it entirely.

Eaglepaw gave a raised eyebrow at Jaypaws answer... there was something he wasnt telling him that much was clear.

Ealgepaw flicked his tail back and forth trying to figure out just what it was. "Right... nothing to worry about he slowly repeated glancing to his brother.

Eaglepaw was slowly learning how to read others better and Jay's answer was none to reassuring but given he didnt know what it was enterly yet he just was content to let Jay have his secrets for now.

He walked a ways with him just staying quiet for now.


"Ya think mom will show us the tunnels soon?"

Jaypaw reluctantly nodded. "Nothing to worry about." As he matched Eaglepaw's stride, he responded to his question. The thought of his mother made him worry. "Something like that." He said, dismissively. No matter how hard he tried to shake it off, and as his frustration faded and gave way to insecurity, he couldn't help but feel guilty about lying to Eaglepaw, even if it wasn't out of malice. As they walked, and Eaglepaw filled the space with light-hearted conversation, Jaypaw gave vague, bland answers; his brother's words had faded into the blurry background. His mind was elsewhere, contemplating the consequences of telling his brother about what he'd been keeping to himself. He'd probably be met with pity, he figured. Or maybe Eagle would let it slip to the other apprentices, and he'd be made fun of. The apprentice frowned at the thought.

But, maybe, just maybe, he'd find comfort. He'd be met with support and sympathy, free of the pity he so feared. Jaypaw led the pair to a quiet part of camp, subconsciously. "Hey uh... Eagle?" He'd interrupted him, probably. Or maybe he'd asked something and was waiting for him to answer. He'd apologize later, or something. "Can I trust you?"