Make the best of it [open after Romantica posts]

Although lots of cats in Fourtrees were distressed or upset about having to be there, Asterpaw was actually quite content. He was lucky enough to escape camp unharmed and was now enjoying the forced closeness between clans. He thought of it as an opportunity to make friends and allies, and to engage in experiences he wouldn't be able to otherwise.

Stretching out his legs, he slowly stood to his paws, looking around the clearing for Stoatpaw. Asterpaw had really been appreciating his company lately, but he wanted to expand his circle of friends. Not that Stoatpaw wasn't enough or anything, but he knew barely anyone from any other clans, besides Lightpaw. Maybe they could find her while they were here?

After walking around a little bit, Stoatpaw soon came into view. "Hey, Stoatpaw, do you want to see if we can meet some new cats? Like, from other clans?" The other apprentice didn't seem particularly busy, hopefully he didn't have any other plans for that afternoon. If he did, Asterpaw would gladly tag along... with the company of a warrior.

A familiar voice dragged Stoatpaw from his thoughts, and for a moment a slight bit of fear filled him, but quickly drained away as he realized who it was. "Asterpaw!" He could feel a slight smile creep onto his face as he greeted his friend. With all these clans gathered around, it would be a shame not to at least try getting to know some of them. "Yeah, count me in." Most of the cats in Skyclan were monsters in disguise, any opportunity to rid himself of those cats was a welcome one. Maybe they could find someone as friendly as Lighttail, or maybe Lighttail herself? Stars, he thought entirely too much about her these days, especially since he had seen her with that odd cat. With a shake of his head, Stoatpaw tried to clear his mind of her. They could have a chat any time, today he would focus of meeting new cats. "So, where do we start?"

Dawnfeather had left her little darling comfortably asleep in a beam of sunshine- but not before asking one of the other queens to watch her. She was just headed to the fresh-kill pile to grab some food, but one could never be too careful, really. The golden-pelted molly stretched, working some stiffness out of her back as she eyed the pile. Hmm. Maybe a starling, or a quail? That robin looked nice, if a bit squished- perhaps some apprentice’s first kill? Dawnfeather smiled and picked the robin up with her jaws, planning on heading straight back to Smokekit.

Yet there were some apprentices, chatting not too far away, and Dawnfeather- she’d always gotten along well with apprentices, and she had no idea who they were- what better time or place than now and here? Or here and now- that sounded better. Not better- no- just more familiar.

Dawnfeather loped over to the two, just missing the tail end of their conversation. “Hello,” she started with a friendly wave of her tail and dip of her head, “hello, I’m Dawnfeather? You?” She was taller than them, but her eyes were kind, and maybe they’d recognize her as a queen, though not strictly a nursing one. She- unlike the rest of her family, except Prima and Muddy, Dawnfeather- Dawnfeather could hardly be mistaken for anything but kindly and pleasant. She hoped.

The sound of pawsteps nearby alerted Asterpaw to the approach of another cat. Looking across camp, he watched as an older she-cat approached. He didn't know her name, but she knew that she was a queen; Asterpaw had seen her with kits before. "Here, I guess." He muttered quickly to Stoatpaw before Dawnfeather was within earshot.

When the queen had grown closer he turned toward her, facing Dawnfeather fully. He returned her greeting. "Hi, I'm Asterpaw, and he's Stoatpaw." Asterpaw hoped that the other apprentice wouldn't mind being introduced. "Who's the Robin for?" The apprentice assumed that it wasn't for herself, since she hadn't already started eating it. Maybe it was for one of her friends, perhaps Stoatpaw and himself could meet them too.