Birds chirped cheerfully in the nearly-bare trees, shouting whatever forest gossip they could find into the clear forest air. Sunlight spread its golden warmth where it could, but it was no match for the chill of the oncoming Leaf-Bare. All creatures in the forest were preparing for the harsher moons to come- squirrels were busy hoarding nuts and seeds, and Thunderclan, too, was starting to feel pressure to gather prey. Although most cats found the increase in patrols irksome, Leafstorm started to look forward to his daily walk around Thunderclan's territory. They were a break from the irritable attitude of most of his clanmates.
It seemed that the colder weather dampened everyone's spirits. Leafstorm's shoulders ached on the particularly cold days, and even Specklefang had been snappy with him, although the fluffy brown tom couldn't blame her. Everything that had happened with Lionspark, and the more recent issue with her tail.
But never mind that- he was going on a patrol!
Leafstorm's paws kneaded the ground excitedly as he waited for the rest of his patrol to join him. He had no idea who would be leading it, but with all the apprentices and younger warriors around, he or one of his seniors would probably have to step up. Leafstorm couldn't blame the apprentices for being excited to learn, but they were rather annoying when it came to patrolling the territory. It was a dice roll every time; They were either too energetic to handle or too grumpy to talk to. And new warriors were even worse- always assuming that because they were warriors, they could make all these ridiculous rules and codes and... ugh. C'mon Leafstorm! Don't focus on the bad. They're just excited, that's all.
He turned as a small group of cats approached him. "Hello," He meowed cheerfully. "Are you patrolling with me?"
______________________________________
