Getting Back to Business [closed]

Since his health had improved, Thrushstar finally felt it time to get back to business. He had been out for so long that he felt almost guilty for not taking part in any of the patrols around the territory whether it be border or hunting. So, for the early dusk patrol, the leader organized a small patrol to get him back into the rhythm of clan life. It felt nice, actually, to be able to jump back in with almost a fresh start.

Before he could protest, Mousepaw was pulled into a patrol. With the absolutely mad leader as well. It was Thrushstar, it wasn't like he could just refuse and walk away. The young tom sat uncomfortably while waiting for another person to join them or for the old leader to give the signal to head out. He hadn't interacted with Thrushstar at all. It was going to be incredibly awkward to explain why he was old enough to be a warrior and yet was still an apprentice. His annoyed gaze flitted everywhere except the other tomcat.

Sleeping in and totally forgetting that he was assigned to Thushstar's patrol, Mudfoot awoke with a jolt and practically flew out of camp. How could he have forgotten something as important as this?! Not only was the leader feeling better, but he'd asked him to go on a patrol! Finally catching up with Mousepaw and Thrushstar, Mudfoot came to a skidding halt. "Sorry I'm late," he huffed, embarrassed.

"No worries," the leader rasped as he stood up, noting tat Mousepaw was with them as well. Good. Thrushstar had heard some... interesting things about this apprentice. It was time to see what all of the fuss was about. "I plan for this to be an... easy patrol. Just to get back into the routine," he told Mudfoot rather calmly. It was a strange feeling. In fact, it was a feeling he had lost so long ago that now it was almost unfamiliar. With silence following, the leader turned and exited the camp, expecting both of them to follow him.

OOC: wait is this going to be a hunting or border patrol? I don't know why I never asked cx

OOC: I was thinking border so Thrust didn't have to exercise too much lol

IC: Mousepaw's head jerked in Mudfoot's direction, surprised by the warrior's sudden and loud appearance. He jumped to his paws when Thrushstar got up, wondering just how far he was going to push himself today. All the scars he'd gotten from the Dark Forest battle were pretty nasty looking, but the worst one was easily the deep cut that stretched across the leader's throat. He wasn't even sure if they were all from the same battle. Both repulsed and intrigued, the apprentice couldn't help but hope he'd hear the story behind it one day. When Thrushstar simply walked off without uttering a command, nearly the opposite of Leopardfang, Mousepaw stood frozen in surprise before hustling out of camp behind him.

Padding next to Thrushstar and Mousepaw, Mudfoot gave a small yawn, trying not to show his tiredness. A ton was on the tom's mind and as much as he wanted to let everything out, he stayed quiet. Besides, Thrushstar had enough on his mind. Nodding in agreement to the patrol being a simple one, he was perfectly fine with that. The three cats padded through the dense forest for a little while before Mudfoot couldn't help but make some conversation. "So Mousepaw, ready to become a warrior?" he meowed with a smile, recalling that the younger tom would soon be made a warrior. For most cats, being a warrior was pretty exciting, but everyone would take the new responsibility differently.

As they padded through the territory, Thrushstar listened to their conversation. It was interesting just to listen for once instead of poking his nose into every little issue that occurred in his camp. It was difficult to get used to, but he was making it work. Yet, as they got farther into the territory, he needed to interrupt for a moment. "Mousepaw, you've been on a border patrol before, yes?" He asked, looking back for only a moment to see what the apprentice's answer was.

"You bet I am!" Mousepaw responded rather arrogantly to Mudfoot. "It's definitely been a little longer than most, but I'm sure my apprenticeship is almost over. As long as I beat Hawkpaw, then whatever." He added carelessly. Meeting Thrushstar's gaze with slight surprise and uncertainty, he responded hesitantly, "Uh, yeah. A few times already." Mostly on his own, since his former mentor had gone and disappeared for good, but at least he'd had the chance to be by himself.

Listening to the them speak, Mudfoot stayed quiet, not wanting to interrupt. Remembering that Mousepaw's mentor has disappeared, he wondered how the young tom was coping and was glad to be able to take him on a patrol. "So, where might we be headed?" he asked with a smile when the two of them finished chatting.

"First, the more important borders," Thrushstar replied, turning slightly to make sure he was going where he wanted to. "I need to check the Thunderpath. It's... been a while since I've been there. They're the... ones I'm most concerned about right now." It was a concern of his even though everything had been fairing rather well since the massive battle with the Dark Forest. That's what he had been told, at least. It didn't actually take long for them to reach their destination. As soon as they arrived in the bushes that lined the Thunderpath, the leader had to stop for a moment and get used to the horrid smell that burned his nose and throat. "Mudfoot, have things been well here?" he asked, hoping that the warrior would keep him updated.