An Overdue Trip [closed]

With her new name, Ferntwist was free to leave camp as she wanted. The molly had finished with the patrols Smallbean had told her to do and had the rest of the day off. And she wasn't going to miss her chance. After talking with Sootstorm to borrow Nectapaw, the two she-cats were now on their to the Flower Fields. The sun was warm and the soft breeze was enough to keep them cool enough. It was the perfect day for a journey. They still had a lot to walk but in the meantime, both Windclanners could take the time to talk and update each other. "How's your training with Sootstorm? Is he teaching you well?" Ferntwist mewed as they walked through the tall grass.

Ferntwist was glad to hear that Sootstorm was a good mentor for Nectarpaw. During their apprentice days, the older tom had taught her how to properly hunt, so the she-cat knew he was mentor-material. "Yeah, let's hope you don't have to use them soon..." She mewed a bit concerned. Shadowclan aggression had made Ferntwist more aggressive in borders and more aware of her surroundings. Any day from now... Shadowclan could attack and she wasn't going to let them hurt her friends. If they dared to lay a paw on Nectarpaw... The warrior contained a hiss. This day wasn't to get angry. It was a day for the two mollies to enjoy peacefully the flowers of their territory and hopefully bring some to camp.

"It's great! Although is not all freedom since Smallbean still has to send us on patrols, we can do whatever we want in our free time. Hunt, sleep under the sun and collect flowers. Whatever your heart pleases." She purred gleefully, her tail twitching with excitement at her newfound freedom. "I'm sure you will be a warrior as well in no time. But until then, if you ever want to leave camp, just tell and can sneak you out to do something fun. I'm sure Sootstorm won't complain if it's me asking." The she-cat wasn't dumb. She was aware of the tom interest in her, though she wasn't sure if they were romantic feeling what he felt for her. What she did know was that Sootstorm cared for her... and Ferntwist reciprocated that feeling.

The older she-cat guided Nectarpaw to a small hill and after crossing the tall grass, they were welcomed to the flower fields. As soon as they entered, the flowery scent invaded her nostrils and Ferntwist couldn't help a purr. "Here we are!"

Ferntwist happiness became even more prominent when hearing the excitement of the apprentice. She looked from a safe distance at how the she-cat rushed through the flowers, mewing excitedly. The young molly remembered her first time out of the camp and she saw herself in Nectarpaw. A young, wide-eyed apprentice blissfully enjoying the clan life and Windclan's lifestyle. Ferntwist wanted to protect that: her happiness, innocence and peaceful life, and because of that feeling, the usually bold and brave she-cat was afraid. She feared the other clans and their distaste for Windclan and worry that something that some skirmishes would set loose. The warrior couldn't bare the thought of seeing Nectarpaw get caught in that mess.

Her gloomy thoughts disappeared for a moment when Nectarpaw focused on one particular flower. The young warrior entered the flower field to reach her side and saw the little white plant the apprentice was pointing at. "Yes, it is gorgeous. Maybe we can find more of them and bring them to camp." She purred, starting to look around for more. Despite the calmness of this trip, Ferntwist didn't let Nectarpaw out of her sight. The flower fields were relatively peaceful, with no predators and far from clan borders.

The warrior stumbled upon a different kind of flower which reminded her of someone: a plant with many long petals and a centre of shorter green petals. The same shade as Sootstorm's eyes. A bit confused by the comparison that suddenly popped into her head, Ferntwist turned her head to speak to Nectarpaw. "Maybe you can use these flowers to make bundles and give them to someone you like. A friend or... maybe a crush?" The warrior's expression changed to a mischievous smile and curious eyes. She wondered if there was someone special in Nectarpaw's life. She was young so crushes were common at her age.