Briar Your Side[C]

I wish I could go back in time; not to change anything, but to feel a few things twice.

Juniperhunt slipped through the Camp entrance, Briarpatch by her side. Her first patrol as a warrior. It was, well, daunting. She still wasn't used to her new name, her attention flickering each time she heard the new suffix that replaced -paw. Her discomfort would be palpable, her ears pinning backwards and a queasy look in her eyes. She could feel herself shrink away from each mention of her new rank. Warrior. This meant that she should be sure of her skills now, right? As her paws sank into the familiar mud, however, she could feel her legs trembling slightly. She prayed Briarpatch would not notice as she pushed herself forward, gaze darting nervously around the shadowed forest. She felt uneased, as if a predator would emerge from the darkness to spring at her. She was fully cognizant of the fact that it would be an uncommon occurance to encounter a beast willing to attack two cats at once, but still the fear persisted. The tenebrous forest had not allowed her to feel safe in a long time, and tonight the fear would persist.

Juniperhunt glanced over at Briarpatch, somewhat soothed by the presence of another warrior, and a familiar one at that. Briarpatch had only recently been made a warrior as well, and they had spent much time together as apprentices. They had not been close, but Juniperhunt had always had the impression that the she-cat was a kind warrior, worthy of befriending. Eager to displace the worries of her surroundings, she asked softly, "How have you been, Briarpatch?"