Gathering Light [Blazepaw]

Newleaf had given splashes of color to Skyclan's rocky territory. The sight of the new blooms brought Wolfstar fond memories and hopes for the future just as much as it brought her bittersweet emotion as she recalled her last conversation with Birdstar. The former leader had not made it to see the new blossoms, but many of Skyclan's younger cats did. They continued to grow, despite the chaos. Very much like the forest around them, even now as they dealt with a new, unknown threat while trying to hunt and patrol and go about their lives. Something big enough to have ripped apart a fox... Wolfstar scanned her surroundings once more.

"We'll stick to the trees, it'll be good practice." Not to mention give them a better chance, if something particularly nasty decided to show itself. The patrol consisted of mostly warriors, as well as one apprentice, Blazepaw. Wolfstar had not spoken to the younger apprentices recently and had intended to start, this one had been given Brackendawn as a mentor. An outspoken cat, but good at heart.

"How has training been, Blazepaw?"

Blazepaw padded behind his leader wih purpose, his head as high in the air as his tail. The day was truly beautiful, in spite of the threat that loomed over SkyClan like one big, dark storm cloud.  But everything was in full bloom now, the bees buzzing as they danced from  bush to bush, a pleasant floral scent hanging in the air. He was happy to be here. Leafbare had gone on for much too long; his apprenticeship beginning just in time for newleaf was a blessing. And, perhaps, a pertinent metaphor; each of SkyClan's apprentices blooming just alongside the flowers.

Including him. And he was intent on proving this - on showing Wolfstar all he'd learned with Brackendawn, and his natural affinity for hunting. But he was surprised when Wolfstar dropped back to speak to him. Nervousness, unfamiliar to the young tom, settled in the pit of his stomach. What if he said something totally stupid? By the Clans, she'd never give him his name if he proved himself to be a total mousebrain.

Oh. How had training been? So she just wanted to catch up! Whew. The flame-furred apprentice straightened up again, his amber eyes glowing with excitement; training was going awesome! "Oh, it's epic! Brackendawn is just the best. He says I'm a natural when it comes to huntin'!" He boasted, puffing his little chest out.  "I caught a huge mouse on my first hunt! It was, like, the size of a rabbit! I...know it's up to you an' Bracken, but I hope I get my name soon." Blazepaw added, a bit more quietly. Okay, maybe it hadn't been the size of a rabbit, but what good was a story without a bit of exaggeration?

Wolfstar smiled at the apprentice's clear enthusiasm. Indeed, it seemed that his training was coming along nicely, and newleaf was a time for growth, not just for the forest, but the clan.

"That's good to hear!" She mewed, "Brackendawn is a skilled warrior for being so young. I know he'll train you well." Perhaps Blazepaw had inherited his mentor's slight predisposition for exaggerating, but Wolfstar felt it was harmless. Wishing to be a warrior sooner rather than later was nothing new, but it meant he would be driven to improve and do well. "We will see how training progresses. It might go by faster than you think it will." And then he'd be wishing for simpler days, but Wolfstar would not allow her blooming sense of pessimism to color this interaction with the young apprentice.