Icepaw's Assessment [closed]

The Leafbare air was heavy with a damp coolness that promised snowfall later in the day, despite the fact that there were hardly any clouds visible in the bleak sky. Despite how miserably cold it was, they needed to take advantage of the break in the snowfall while they could. Shaking out her short fur, Brindlewhisker's face screwed up ever-so-slightly in response to the bitter chill that nipped at her exposed and defenseless face and ears, doing her best to remain somewhat warm as she continued to wait. Wrapping her her tail tightly around her sitting form, the Deputy's gaze remained trained on the temporary den that the apprentice's resided in for the duration of Leafbare, patiently waiting for Icepaw to appear.

A sneeze erupted from the tightly knit den that Icepaw called home, albeit temporarily. The tom sniffled, shaking his body as his fur was exposed to the cold of Leafbare. Letting out a large sneeze, he looked around nervously, hoping not to disturb any cats. As his blue eyes glanced around, the sight of his mentor made him blush slightly under his grey pelt. It was embarrassing for anyone to hear him let out such a loud sound, let alone the wise and calm deputy. She was always so poised, even when faced with the bitter cold that surrounded them. He suddenly felt unceremonious.

"Sorry to make you wait, Brindlewhisker," the tom whispered, eyes averting her gaze.

Brindlewhisker's expression perked up as she caught sight of Icepaw emerging from the the temporary den, but she remained seated for several more heartbeats as the apprentice approached her, her tail twitching as she listened to the tom speak. "It's fine, you haven't kept me waiting for long." She refuted, rising to her paws as she spoke, ignoring the slight stiffness that clung to her form due to the cold. Flexing her shoulders briefly, the Deputy gazed at the withdrawn young tom with a hint of curiosity evident in her expression. Even after training together for several moons now, it still seemed like Icepaw was hesitant to break out of his shell. "If you're ready, I believe that we can begin your assessment now." Brindlewhisker offered, her gaze momentarily lifting to the grey sky.