Oak Trees Sprouting Beside the Barley Fields [closed]

The long grass swayed slightly in the breeze and the sun beat down on the yellowing moors. Oakpaw sat atop a rock, maw open as she inhaled the sweet scents of Greenleaf. A smile passed over her muzzle, it really was a nice day. The tabby lifted her head to the sky watching as the black dots of birds criss-crossed the blue expanse. Her eyes narrowed slightly, attempting to make out their blurred silhouettes. She'd learnt to watch the skies after her previous encounter with an eagle. The memory seemed to follow Oakpaw everywhere she went. She'd been so mouse-brained, any other cat would of noticed it circling above them and to make matters worse she'd been helped by that RiverClan fox-heart from the gathering. The apprentice made a mental note to call him that at the next gathering, but knowing her meek personality she most likely wouldn't

Sighing, Oakpaw removed her gaze from the sky, the chances of an eagle attacking her when easier prey was as abundant as it currently was seemed fairly low. The tabby she-cat clambered to her paws and leapt off the rock, landing gracefully on her paws. Her ears pricked at the snap of a twig, but in the end she simply dismissed it as a rabbit. Taking another glance at her surroundings, Oakpaw decided she should head back to camp. The apprentice didn't want them worried, and besides she'd seen some clouds rolling in over the hills-- she didn't particularly fancy getting wet.

Oakpaw bounded through the grass, feeling the familiar rush of running. She loved it. When she ran, Oakpaw felt at ease, like she was untouchable. It was one of the rare things she actually considered herself good at. Her cares stripped away as she ran, paying less attention to her surroundings. A smile crossed her muzzle yet again, today was in fact an excellent day she decided. Well, that was until she crashed headfirst into the back of another cat.

The apprentice fell flat and she felt her cheeks heat up. The all to familiar worry washed over her as she waited for their reaction. "I'm so s-sorry. I should of watched where I was g-going. Oh, StarClan. I'm sorry. Are you a-alright? It was an accident. I p-promise." the sting of words came out of Oakpaw's mouth in a rush and a stutter. It was an accident it'll be fine. Im sure they'll understand. The tabby attempted to reassure herself, but the worry and anxiousness still lingered to her pelt.

'I'm fine." she mewed hastily. Oakpaw stood up and shook out her fur, she didn't want to be here much longer. Although, she could sense no anger in his voice, she still felt terrible. Maybe taking off into the moors wasn't her best idea. The tabby she-cat looked the sandy furred cat up and down. She'd seen him around camp and unfortunately couldn't place a name to his face.

The question about why she was running still hung in the air. Oakpaw didn't exactly know how to answer it. It was a simple question, but Oakpaw fretted over it. Saying "no reason" was suspicious, but saying "i really like running" was a tad weird. She'd just have to bend the truth a little. I... Ell I saw the c-clouds on the horizon and I didn't want to get wet. It was a bit mouse-brained to take off like that, there was no n-ned to r-run." meowed Oakpaw flicking her tail in the direction of the clouds.

Oakpaw's eyes followed the tom as he spoke, glancing again at the clouds as he mentioned the. She nodded in agreement with his words, clambering to her paws so that she was ready to go. However, the tom's last words caught her attention. a race? It brought back memories of her kithood and she smiled fondly.

"I'll race you." she meowed, feeling herself relax a little "But, I have to warn you, Im pretty fast." The tabby she-cat padded up beside the tom as she took her mark. 'I'm Oakpaw, you'll want to remember that name after I kick your butt!" she mewed flicking her tail.

Barleypaw's grin widened as the she-cat agreed to race him. She padded up to take her starting place beside him, and he crouched low, feeling his muscles tighten as he prepared to spring into action. She introduced herself, and he replied, meeting her gaze, "Barleypaw. We'll see how fast you are!"

Barleypaw wriggled his haunches and announced, "On your mark... get set... go!" He kicked off the dirt and grass beneath his feet, launching himself forward. Barleypaw began running towards campy as fast as his long, gangly WindClan legs could carry him.

OoC: We could use a dice roll to decide who wins the race, but I'd be glad to have Oakpaw win if you'd like. Up to you. xD

OOC: sounds good!
1-3 Oak
3-6 Barley

Oakapw nodded simply when the tom gave her his name, then turned her gaze to the moors. Her muscles tensed as she waited his words, seeming to zone out from reality. All she could think about was winning, proving that she was good at something. Blood pounded in her ears.

On your mark... get set... go!"

Oakpaw exploded into action, leaping forward as fast as she could. Her muscles heaved as she surged forward and her eyes were focused on the dip that was WindClan camp.

The member 'Midnee' has done the following action : Dices roll

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'Effect Dice' : 4

The wind rushed through Oakpaw's pelt, as she pelted across the moors. Mud was flung in every direction. Her eyes burrowed into the dip and she felt another surge of energy. Oakpaw managed to take a deep breath in and pushed forward more. Her muscles ached, but she was going to win this.

She'd paid no mind to Barleypaw as she ran, only focusing on Windclan camp and getting there. The familiar scent of camp grew ever stronger and eventually she could see the dens that she slept in. The final stretch! Just a little more and I'll have won! It was a risk, but the tabby apprentice glanced behind her, only to see Barleypaw gaining, closer and closer. Oakpaw's eyes widened and she attempted to run faster, but she couldn't. She was exhausted. Her only hope was to pray that Barleypaw was just as exhausted.

Barleypaw's sandy pelt flew past Oakpaw, as he bolted towards camp. Oakpaw panted heavily and tried to find even he slightest slither of energy. Each leap felt like she was carrying the weight of all the freshkill in the world. It was tiring and she accepted that Barleypaw was going to win.

Just moments after Barleypaw tumbled into camp, Oakpaw crashed into the clearing beside him. She looked at the tom and flopped onto the ground, panting heavily. Her green eyes darted to the confused stares of the other cats in camp and then to Barleypaw. Oakpaw smiled exhaustedly at her friend.