sneaking out of camp (open!)

It was late in the night, and Mottlekit hoped everyone in camp was asleep. She slipped silently out of the nursery and paused for a moment to listen. All she heard were gentle snores and the sounds of moving water. Reassured that she wouldn't get caught, she quietly padded towards the river that surrounded camp. She found a small bush next to the river and hid inside it while she decided what to do.

The river was higher than usual, and trying to cross it was a scary prospect. But Mottlekit burned with curiosity about what lay outside the camp, so she tried to push away her fear. She also tried to fight the nagging worry that she'd get in trouble for this. The whole clan is asleep. No need to worry. She listened and looked around again just to make sure that no cat was awake to notice her slipping away. When she looked behind her, she noticed her grey tail was still sticking out of the bush. She quickly flicked it out of sight and admonished herself for making such a silly mistake.

Stop worrying. Time to go! Mottlekit resolved to get away from the main camp before some cat woke up to stop her. As quietly as possible, she stepped out of the bush and placed her first paw into the river.

Nightwolf sat at the camp entrance. He was to assigned to guard that night. And while he rather preferred to be in his warm cozy nest he needed to help out his clan.

His glanced around when he spotted a kit putting her paw into the river. He got up and padded towards the kit. "I didn't know someone else was awake." Said Nightwolf to the kit.

Mottlekit jumped and let out an embarrassing squeak when she heard the other cat. How hadn't she noticed him before?

She turned and saw a black and white tom. She knew he was a RiverClan warrior but she wasn't sure of his name. Maybe he didn't know her name either? If I swim away really fast, maybe I won't get in trouble because he won't know who to blame. She vaguely thought this might be a bad plan, but she was desperate to get away without punishment.

"I'm not doing anything!" She blurted, and then leaped into the river. It was stronger than she expected, and carried her away rapidly.

Seeing how surprised the little kit was Nightwolf bowed his head apology. "Sorry I scared you-" But before he could finish the blurted out about how she wasn't doing anything and leapt into the river. Surprised at the kit's reaction, he jumped after the kit and swam after her, managing to catch up with her.

He grabbed the young she-kit by her scruff of her neck and carried her back to shore. "Are you okay?" Asked Nightwolf, worried for the kit.

Back on shore, Mottlekit pawed at the ground sheepishly. "Yeah, I'm ok. I'm sorry about that. I just wanted to explore." She was afraid she was going to get in trouble. Would this keep her from becoming an apprentice? Maybe she would never get to leave camp! Mottlekit looked down at the ground and flicked her tail back and forth nervously.

"Its okay! Every kit wants to explore." Said Nightwolf reassuringly, water droplets dripping from his whiskers. "Just don't go jumping into the river again ok? At least wait until you know how to swim! I'm Nightwolf by the way."

Mottlekit sighed with relief that she wasn't in trouble. "I'm Mottlekit! What are you doing up this late?" Secretly, she was wondering if she had woken him up while sneaking out of camp. Did she need to practice being more stealthy?

"I was standing guard so evil foxes don't get in." Said Nightwolf to Mottlekit, smiling. He was glad the kit had recovered from falling into the river so quickly.

Mottlekit's eyes widened with excitement. "There's foxes trying to get into the camp?" For a second she was scared and contemplated running back to the nursery. She glanced over her shoulder at it, but then decided to prove she was brave. "I'll help you chase them off!" She meowed excitedly.

Nightwolf giggled at Mottlekit's excitment. "Well then would you like to stand guard with me then?" Said Nightwolf turning his head to the camp entrance.

Mottlekit was so excited she was almost bouncing, but she took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. "That would be so cool!" She exclaimed. She imagined all the exciting things that could happen. Maybe she'd help fight off a fox, or a ThunderClan invasion! Mottlekit was ready to save her clan from the dangers lurking in the night.

"Well come on then Mottlekit!" Squeaked Nightwolf padded over to the entrance.

Mottlekit bounced after Nightwolf to the entrance of camp. She peered into the darkness, looking for foxes. Mottlekit had never seen a fox, but she was sure she could fight one off if she saw one.

Nightwolf sat down. "Keep your eyes peeled and ears open. Be sure to alert meif you see anything. Even if its just a mouse." Said Nightwolf. He knew that the kit would probably get tired so this was the best way to get her to sleep. Plus it was kind of lonely so Nightwolf enjoyed the kit's company.

At first, Mottlekit stood at attention, head held high. She peered into the darkness and listened intently for any suspicious noises. But it was late, and she didn't hear anything out of the ordinary. This was actually kind of boring. Eventually, she sat down and had to fight sleep.

"Nightwolf," she whispered, "This isn't as exciting as I thought. How do you stay awake all night?"