A lesson to be learned [c]

Shame of the public humiliation that occurred yesternight still heated Nettlepaw's pelt. Today was his assessment and his feet dragged through the marshes to meet Swiftheart. His mentor was not happy with him - she'd made that very clear. His outburst, no, that's what his opps would call it... his defence against an onslaught of targeted verbal abuse and slander, had garnered him a lot of negative attention. The sort of attention he didn't like nor want. The punishment, speaking the truth had earned him was harrowing, and it sent shivers down his spine. It was almost as terrifying as facing the wrath of his usually gentle mentor that shortly awaited him.

The white tom spotted her from several fox lengths away, and already he was debating making a run for it. He was younger, maybe his age would make him faster. He shook his head, he had to get this over with. At least it wasn't in public today. Trembling slightly, the apprentice padded towards Swiftheart.