@Crow
Birchstep watched his eyes carefully as he reacted to her offer. She figured he would be excited, and the smile on his face and hasty 'yes' told her she was right in believing so. She let off a little purr of encouragement for his efforts as he corrected himself and tried to regain a calmness. The maine coon herself felt alive with nerves, as if they were meeting for the first time. The nerves you got when you were too close to your secret crush for the first time. It was almost a silly feeling after all they were through, though she'd never been able to explore the giddiness she'd always felt around Crowfoot before. So in a way it was a fresh start, a new meeting. they now actually had a chance at a relationship, a chance to be something and work this out. it was hopeful and only made her smile widen a little more as she took a step closer to the tom who was so familiar, yet such a stranger to her now.
"Let's get back to camp then." She said softly, now standing beside him, taking the first step forward. they weren't far from camp so it wouldn't take them long to return, the perfect distance to break the ice that had formed between them. Which they have needed for a long time. A start at regaining their friendship, their relationship and exploring what they could possibly be. Birchstep found it difficult to keep her thoughts and dreams under control. It was nice to have those thoughts, those hopeful dreams for the future, it was a good sign that she was returning to the old cat she once was. Not that'd she ever completely heal from her past, but her personality most definitely would with time.

@Hexict
Crimsonmoon refocused on the water quickly after making sure her catch was dead and close behind her. the thrill of getting the first catch pumped through her body, sending little shivers of excitement throughout her. It made her skin prickle, her fur raising. She heard a splash across the water and her eyes jerked to the sound without thinking, seeing Pastblaze pull a nice plump fish from the river. Her smile faltered a little as she realized they were at tie game and she needed to focus more now that ever. Her intense red gaze refocused on the darkening waters of the river, pupils large with excitement. It seemed as though time held as still as her body while she waited for her next catch to come into view. When it finally did, it took everything in her to keep from lashing out too early once again. This fish, she could already tell, was one of her favorites. It's sides shone under the water, a rainbow of colors reflecting the lingering sunlight. Her breath stopped as she prepared to lash out, and swiftly she struck the fish in the side. it almost slipped away, but her claws had caught it and she flung it quickly out of the water. The wriggling and thrashing of the fish caused an outer claw to tear painfully, though she made no wince to let the silent forest know of her pain. Once it was flopping along the dry ground, she pounced on it and ended it. Resuming her silent hunt, hoping to hear silence from her challenger across the water.

Originally Posted by Ever (Post 130) @Crow Birchstep watched his eyes carefully as he reacted to her offer. She figured he would be excited, and the smile on his face and hasty 'yes' told her she was right in believing so. She let off a little purr of encouragement for his efforts as he corrected himself and tried to regain a calmness. The maine coon herself felt alive with nerves, as if they were meeting for the first time. The nerves you got when you were too close to your secret crush for the first time. It was almost a silly feeling after all they were through, though she'd never been able to explore the giddiness she'd always felt around Crowfoot before. So in a way it was a fresh start, a new meeting. they now actually had a chance at a relationship, a chance to be something and work this out. it was hopeful and only made her smile widen a little more as she took a step closer to the tom who was so familiar, yet such a stranger to her now. "Let's get back to camp then." She said softly, now standing beside him, taking the first step forward. they weren't far from camp so it wouldn't take them long to return, the perfect distance to break the ice that had formed between them. Which they have needed for a long time. A start at regaining their friendship, their relationship and exploring what they could possibly be. Birchstep found it difficult to keep her thoughts and dreams under control. It was nice to have those thoughts, those hopeful dreams for the future, it was a good sign that she was returning to the old cat she once was. Not that'd she ever completely heal from her past, but her personality most definitely would with time.

Crowfoot smiled almost giddily with her purr, tail twitching with restrained eagerness. With an almost-silent laugh, the tom bounced on his paws, clearly ready to get going with Birchstep at his side.Although, honestly, the former didn't matter much- he enjoyed running, but this was infinitely more about her than the activity they were doing together. Yes, he'd been hurt when she'd blamed him for everything that had happened- but those memories were pushed to the side, mood at the high point of its swing. These mood swings were new to Crowfoot- he'd always been the stable one, able to keep others calm, and now he was in need of calming himself. But he supposed that was what love did to a cat. It was more than worth it, although just a few moments ago he'd thought differently. but that was before he knew Birchstep was happy. Well, at least happy enough to fake it, as there was no way to tell whether this purring and smiling was purely for his own benefit. Dismissing the thoughts from his mind, the tom gave the Maine Coon a sideways smile. "Let's go," he purred, bounding forward in a small leap before spinning on his heel to grin at Birchstep, emerald eyes twinkling as only she'd ever been able to make them do.

The happiness that radiated off the tom was contagious. It sunk deep within her, infecting her with a contempt of her own. One unlike she had ever been able to achieve in her solitude. She had definitely been able to heal, find peace, but not happiness. Though a jolt of fear and anxiety made the fur along her spine prickle nervously as she felt a realization that her happiness depended on Crowfoot in a way. Though as she caught his gaze, she knew that things were the same for him too. The way his eyes lit up when he looked at her was evenly reflected in her own, though at the moment hers were stained by her fears. Soon she would reach his level of forgiveness and forget the past, be able to live in the present and only look towards the future. She was excited for it, longed for it, was fearful of it. It was such a strange mixture of emotions and it overwhelmed her a little, causing her smile to falter as they fell into a walking pace and she looked away from the tom. Her short burst of purring had ceased as well and a silence fell upon them like a thick blanket of snow. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, but it wasn't exactly comfortable either. It was borderline awkward, because there were so many things un-discussed that darkened their relationship still. A shadow that burdened them still. She glanced over at him once more, her look curious and questioning, wondering what was going through his mind. If deep down he was angry at her, if he hated her a little even. She wanted to believe he did, because he deserved to, but she doubted it. A small sigh passed her lips and she looked away. it was too difficult to look into his eyes as she said it, for the embarrassment was overwhelming. "I'm sorry." She whispered softly, her voice quickly carried away by the breeze. Though she was sure he had heard it, and she knew it was a pitiful way to have said it, but she didn't know any other way to apologize for her past actions.

Originally Posted by Ever (Post 131) @Hexict Crimsonmoon refocused on the water quickly after making sure her catch was dead and close behind her. the thrill of getting the first catch pumped through her body, sending little shivers of excitement throughout her. It made her skin prickle, her fur raising. She heard a splash across the water and her eyes jerked to the sound without thinking, seeing Pastblaze pull a nice plump fish from the river. Her smile faltered a little as she realized they were at tie game and she needed to focus more now that ever. Her intense red gaze refocused on the darkening waters of the river, pupils large with excitement. It seemed as though time held as still as her body while she waited for her next catch to come into view. When it finally did, it took everything in her to keep from lashing out too early once again. This fish, she could already tell, was one of her favorites. It's sides shone under the water, a rainbow of colors reflecting the lingering sunlight. Her breath stopped as she prepared to lash out, and swiftly she struck the fish in the side. it almost slipped away, but her claws had caught it and she flung it quickly out of the water. The wriggling and thrashing of the fish caused an outer claw to tear painfully, though she made no wince to let the silent forest know of her pain. Once it was flopping along the dry ground, she pounced on it and ended it. Resuming her silent hunt, hoping to hear silence from her challenger across the water.

Crimsonmoon refrained from looking up when she heard another splash in the water. She didn't want to get distracted by her competition when the time was running out quickly. Though nothing came and she could feel her chest tightening with anxiety. They had both caught two fish, but whose would be the larger amount of prey? She licked her lips and tried to see through the dark murky water but it was impossible with how little daylight remained. A small sigh escaped her maw and she finally sat up and looked across the river. It was even hard to pick out Pastblaze's body along the dark river edge. "I can't see anything anymore, I think it is time to be done. Need help bringing your catch over?" The last sentence was announced in a mocking tone almost. More of a nervous tease that she needed to get out to break the silence and try to instill some last bit of confidence in herself. Maybe it would make him more nervous than she was to see who the winner would be. Though she had caught a fair two fish, one dull green that was smaller and a nice fat rainbow trout. They would make nice meals, if there was plenty of prey on the fresh kill pile she would take the trout for her own meal. Well half of it anyways, it was big enough to feed two cats easily.

~for @Sleet~

Cloudpaw padded into the territory, the white apprentice looking around calmly. She sat down for a moment, looking back at the camp entrance before heading deeper into the territory. Her thoughts were mixed, hunting and the new friend that she had met not long ago. She was looking forwards to meeting him again...after all, she loved to meet new cats and play with them. Cloudpaw's senses were higher than they usually were as she prepared to hunt, her ears swiveling in the direction of any small noise. A leaf crunched under her paw and she jumped, startled before realizing that there was nothing to be worried about. She was glad that no one was around to witness her embarrassing display. Cloudpaw licked her maw, feeling really worried that someone might have been watching her. She hated embarrassing herself, especially in front of her clanmates. The white apprentice's blue eyes scanned the area around her, her ears pinned flat against her head and she shifted form paw to paw as she did when she was nervous. She was now hoping more than ever that another cat wasn't watching her, as she liked to keep up her 'cool' standards for as long as she possibly could. Besides, if Smokepaw's here he's going to change his mind about me being so confident, Cloudpaw thought worriedly. She had been planning on giving the tom some pointers on not getting embarrassed, but if she was going to get so worried, what was the point? Cloudpaw sighed, and swished her white tail once more as she calmed herself and her senses went back to their usual, heightened mode as she began to pad forwards once more, a little more cautiously this time. The she cat looked around as she did so, her eyes following any small movements, her ears swiveling around to follow any sound again.

Originally Posted by Lonestar23 (Post 1151) Cloudpaw nearly jumped again and caught herself just in time. "Oh! Smokepaw, you startled me. I was just...waiting for you," she smiled a little sheepishly. Did he see me earlier? she wondered, although she didn't speak her question aloud. She gave a small smile and a chuckle, and fell silent a moment afterwards. She appeared to be deep in thought, although her mind was racing to figure something to say to make the situation less uncomfortable for herself. Smokepaw, on the other hand, seemed to be feeling great! He looked as though he were feeling a lot more confident than he had when she had first met him. "Yeah, I'm ready," she answered after hearing his question. She grinned broadly, her eyes sparking with an almost mischievous glint. "So, how's it been going?" she asked, beginning to head further into the territory once more. Her senses were still as heightened as before, and nothing was escaping her notice. She was careful not to ignore Smokepaw however, glancing over towards him to make sure he was following. It wouldn't do at all to leave him behind...no, that would be very embarrassing indeed. Cloudpaw yawned, suddenly tired although she wasn't quite sure why...perhaps it had been too early of a morning for her. The white she cat glanced back at Smokepaw once more, letting her guard down on her senses and hoping that nothing would sneak past her...that would be even more embarrassing than her previous slip up. Oh well, I guess I should be thankful I didn't forget his name, she mewed with a slight shrug. That was one thing about Cloudpaw; she always seemed to be looking on the bright side of things. It helped her stay more confident and focused.

~bump for Sleet~

Crimsonmoon refrained from looking up when she heard another splash in the water. She didn't want to get distracted by her competition when the time was running out quickly. Though nothing came and she could feel her chest tightening with anxiety. They had both caught two fish, but whose would be the larger amount of prey? She licked her lips and tried to see through the dark murky water but it was impossible with how little daylight remained. A small sigh escaped her maw and she finally sat up and looked across the river. It was even hard to pick out Pastblaze's body along the dark river edge. "I can't see anything anymore, I think it is time to be done. Need help bringing your catch over?" The last sentence was announced in a mocking tone almost. More of a nervous tease that she needed to get out to break the silence and try to instill some last bit of confidence in herself. Maybe it would make him more nervous than she was to see who the winner would be. Though she had caught a fair two fish, one dull green that was smaller and a nice fat rainbow trout. They would make nice meals, if there was plenty of prey on the fresh kill pile she would take the trout for her own meal. Well half of it anyways, it was big enough to feed two cats easily.

Crimsonmoon refrained from looking up when she heard another splash in the water. She didn't want to get distracted by her competition when the time was running out quickly. Though nothing came and she could feel her chest tightening with anxiety. They had both caught two fish, but whose would be the larger amount of prey? She licked her lips and tried to see through the dark murky water but it was impossible with how little daylight remained. A small sigh escaped her maw and she finally sat up and looked across the river. It was even hard to pick out Pastblaze's body along the dark river edge. "I can't see anything anymore, I think it is time to be done. Need help bringing your catch over?" The last sentence was announced in a mocking tone almost. More of a nervous tease that she needed to get out to break the silence and try to instill some last bit of confidence in herself. Maybe it would make him more nervous than she was to see who the winner would be. Though she had caught a fair two fish, one dull green that was smaller and a nice fat rainbow trout. They would make nice meals, if there was plenty of prey on the fresh kill pile she would take the trout for her own meal. Well half of it anyways, it was big enough to feed two cats easily.

When the tom climbed ashore she first wanted to assess his amount of prey, but she was kept from doing so when he shook out his fur. It sent droplets of water flying towards her, forcing her to turn her face away so that it wouldn't get in her eyes. She made a small growling of annoyance and glared at him when he finally stopped. "You don't get out often do you?" She mumbled grumpily, pointing out his bad manners. Her tail twitched back and forth behind her, displaying her temper. Though her eyes dropped to his smaller pile of prey and a sly smile came across her face. She pushed her two fish forward, hers just a bit larger than his own, thus making her the winner of their little competition. She met his gaze again, her flaming red eyes were huge and black as she tried to make out his facial features in the night. "Looks like I win." Her voice wasn't as teasing as it had been, nor as harsh, more just matter-of-factly. She didn't feel the need to rub her victory in, she found gloating to be disgusting. Simply proving you were better was all you needed to do, just state the fact and have it be a fact.

{For Beau!}

Ears perking up as he heard the two choices he had to pick from for what exactly they would do, just him and Seapaw, he paused beside her, weighing his options. Both of them sounded like they could provide loads of fun, playing pranks on a Thunderclan or Shadowclan patrol, already he could imagine the looks on the other cats faces, but then again he thought about the riveting danger that would ensue with going off to check old Badger dens, one of his favorite things to do.. I might get in trouble if I try to prank the border patrols though.. Hickorypaw thought with a slight frown, tail flicking a bit as that thought passed through him. And exploring badger sets is so fun! Heck, maybe I can make another secret hideout that just me and Seapaw know about! A stupid grin spreading on his muzzle, he nodded his head and turned to look at his best friend, tail sticking straight up. "Lets go look for a badger set! I want to make a secret hideout and plus, maybe we'll even find an old badger to beat up and chase out!" He meowed out excitedly, that silly grin of his still plastered on his muzzle as he looked to his best friend for confirmation of his thoughts.

It was relieving that she had won the small competition between the two of them, if not a little lackluster as he didn't seem to be too bothered by it. He simply looked frustrated, pinned his ears and moved on. Though she supposed she appreciated that, sore losers were low. When he suggested they get back to camp she gave a nod. It was getting incredibly dark and there wasn't much moonlight out tonight. A cold wind blew through the forest, not that she minded however as her thick dry coat kept her nice and warm. Though she couldn't imagine Pastblaze could be dealing too well with the cold when he was so wet still. Though she made no comment. She simply picked up her prey and padded alongside him. She found herself watching him out of the corner of her eye a lot, catching when he glanced over and hurriedly looking away. She didn't want him to think that she was staring or anything, it was rude to stare she knew that much. The crimson cat couldn't help but think of how exhilarating and fun their competition had been, though she wasn't sure she wanted to admit that yet. Maybe she would, it depended on how she was feeling when they dropped the prey off and headed to sleep. If he was in a bad mood she wouldn't as she didn't want to make things awkward between them. The silence seemed to drag on as they padded through the territory, though it would be nearly impossible to talk anyways with mouths full of prey.
(want to post in the clearing?)

{For Beau!}

Ears perking up as he heard the two choices he had to pick from for what exactly they would do, just him and Seapaw, he paused beside her, weighing his options. Both of them sounded like they could provide loads of fun, playing pranks on a Thunderclan or Shadowclan patrol, already he could imagine the looks on the other cats faces, but then again he thought about the riveting danger that would ensue with going off to check old Badger dens, one of his favorite things to do.. I might get in trouble if I try to prank the border patrols though.. Hickorypaw thought with a slight frown, tail flicking a bit as that thought passed through him. And exploring badger sets is so fun! Heck, maybe I can make another secret hideout that just me and Seapaw know about! A stupid grin spreading on his muzzle, he nodded his head and turned to look at his best friend, tail sticking straight up. "Lets go look for a badger set! I want to make a secret hideout and plus, maybe we'll even find an old badger to beat up and chase out!" He meowed out excitedly, that silly grin of his still plastered on his muzzle as he looked to his best friend for confirmation of his thoughts.

Seapaw twitched her tail as Hickorypaw thought. She watched him closely, the corner of her mouth tilting up at his perked ears. The molly noticed him frown and then begin to grin foolishly. Seapaw couldn't suppress a grin of her own at the sight of his silly facial expression, and when he turned to her, a broad smile shined from her face. A little shot of happiness passed through Seapaw at the sight of her best friend's tail held straight up. It was funny, but she also liked that he was so excited. It was one of those underrated happy moments that no one ever seemed to notice. Chuckling, Seapaw purred, "Alright, badger it is! I could use some fur in my nest." The she-cat took a step forward before turning to look at Hickorypaw again with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes, "Your ginger pelt would be a nice addition once a badger rips it off." Sticking her tongue out, Seapaw dashed off in the direction of the loner territory, laughter tinkling behind her shoulder and drifting towards Hickorypaw.

Originally Posted by Ever (Post 135) The happiness that radiated off the tom was contagious. It sunk deep within her, infecting her with a contempt of her own. One unlike she had ever been able to achieve in her solitude. She had definitely been able to heal, find peace, but not happiness. Though a jolt of fear and anxiety made the fur along her spine prickle nervously as she felt a realization that her happiness depended on Crowfoot in a way. Though as she caught his gaze, she knew that things were the same for him too. The way his eyes lit up when he looked at her was evenly reflected in her own, though at the moment hers were stained by her fears. Soon she would reach his level of forgiveness and forget the past, be able to live in the present and only look towards the future. She was excited for it, longed for it, was fearful of it. It was such a strange mixture of emotions and it overwhelmed her a little, causing her smile to falter as they fell into a walking pace and she looked away from the tom. Her short burst of purring had ceased as well and a silence fell upon them like a thick blanket of snow. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, but it wasn't exactly comfortable either. It was borderline awkward, because there were so many things un-discussed that darkened their relationship still. A shadow that burdened them still. She glanced over at him once more, her look curious and questioning, wondering what was going through his mind. If deep down he was angry at her, if he hated her a little even. She wanted to believe he did, because he deserved to, but she doubted it. A small sigh passed her lips and she looked away. it was too difficult to look into his eyes as she said it, for the embarrassment was overwhelming. "I'm sorry." She whispered softly, her voice quickly carried away by the breeze. Though she was sure he had heard it, and she knew it was a pitiful way to have said it, but she didn't know any other way to apologize for her past actions.

@Ever;
[[I'm so sorry aaah ;n; Schoolwork got out of hand bc it's the end of the quarter this is so late I'm sorry ;o; I'll get more active soon I promise ;w;]]

Crowfoot smiled more widely at her clear happiness, a soft purr rumbling within his throat. It was hard to restrain himself from saying something overly romantic again, but he did, if only for her own sake. His eyes were fixed on the silvery tabby, a bit anxious that their mutual happiness was destined only to last a few seconds. His fear was confirmed as her fur stood on end, and the tom gave a small, worried frown, watching her like a hawk to try and find what was causing her sudden burst of unhappiness. Although small, it was still worrying. Did I do something wrong?wondered the tom. He must've- there was nothing else around that could've caused it. A small sigh huffed from his nose, a miniature cloud billowing out into the cold air. Although conversation usually made him uncomfortable, this silence was doing the same thing- it was prickling along his spine as he wondered whether to say something- but everything he could say was either awkward or 'too fast'. As he was about to speak- most likely saying something that would've been completely wrong for the situation- he heard a soft whisper from Birchstep's mouth. It was quiet- he likely would've missed it if it hadn't been for the previous quietness lingering still in the cool air. I'm sorry. "M-me too," he whispered in an equally quiet tone. "It's not your fault. None of it is." Not exactly true, but he wanted to convince himself and her of it all the same. Perhaps just blaming it on Aukstrike would be better? The tom shook his head, almost angry at himself. Aukstrike had a part to play in this, but so did he. So did Birchstep, even- however much he wanted to convince himself it wasn't true.

@Ever;
[[I'm so sorry aaah ;n; Schoolwork got out of hand bc it's the end of the quarter this is so late I'm sorry ;o; I'll get more active soon I promise ;w;]]

Crowfoot smiled more widely at her clear happiness, a soft purr rumbling within his throat. It was hard to restrain himself from saying something overly romantic again, but he did, if only for her own sake. His eyes were fixed on the silvery tabby, a bit anxious that their mutual happiness was destined only to last a few seconds. His fear was confirmed as her fur stood on end, and the tom gave a small, worried frown, watching her like a hawk to try and find what was causing her sudden burst of unhappiness. Although small, it was still worrying. Did I do something wrong?wondered the tom. He must've- there was nothing else around that could've caused it. A small sigh huffed from his nose, a miniature cloud billowing out into the cold air. Although conversation usually made him uncomfortable, this silence was doing the same thing- it was prickling along his spine as he wondered whether to say something- but everything he could say was either awkward or 'too fast'. As he was about to speak- most likely saying something that would've been completely wrong for the situation- he heard a soft whisper from Birchstep's mouth. It was quiet- he likely would've missed it if it hadn't been for the previous quietness lingering still in the cool air. I'm sorry. "M-me too," he whispered in an equally quiet tone. "It's not your fault. None of it is." Not exactly true, but he wanted to convince himself and her of it all the same. Perhaps just blaming it on Aukstrike would be better? The tom shook his head, almost angry at himself. Aukstrike had a part to play in this, but so did he. So did Birchstep, even- however much he wanted to convince himself it wasn't true.

Birchstep still didn't want to make eye contact with him even though he had uttered words she'd wanted to hear. It didn't feel like the truth, the truth felt rotten and made her chest clench with guilt, these words didn't help relieve that. She stared out at the forest ahead of them with a bleak expression. "It's not yours either." She replied, it only seemed right to say. She knew they were all to blame though and that the pain of each of their individual faults in this would only heal over time. Nothing could fix a mistake that had caused such a large impact on her life. Her fur finally laid down again. She felt exhausted, mentally and physically, from this conversation, from the mental strain it took to keep composed around Crowfoot right now. She wanted to sink her nose into his soft mottled fur and cry out all the tears she needed to, and maybe that would be a way to help her heal once they became closer again, it just seemed wrong to do now. It took a lot out of her to keep from losing herself in his eyes, in his scent, in his heart. Birchstep just wanted to protect herself first, make sure this is what she wants and what he wants. The silver cat didn't think she would be able to continue on in life if she made another mistake as traumatic as her last. She couldn't experience such pain alone again, it would consume her. The first time around almost had.
Her ears perked to the faint sounds of cats. The clearing was approaching and with that the sounds of the busy clan. She was happy that the clan was fairing so well, but it was bittersweet. It should be Aukstrike that was helping lead the clan into strength, not Thornfrost... She shook her head lightly, trying to shake off the memory as her past mate. He had been perfect, had seemed so right, how could it have come to this? She shook her head again, she couldn't spiral back to those thoughts. Not after all the work she had done to reach a peaceful place, she needed to let him go.

{For Beau!}

Ears perking up as he heard the two choices he had to pick from for what exactly they would do, just him and Seapaw, he paused beside her, weighing his options. Both of them sounded like they could provide loads of fun, playing pranks on a Thunderclan or Shadowclan patrol, already he could imagine the looks on the other cats faces, but then again he thought about the riveting danger that would ensue with going off to check old Badger dens, one of his favorite things to do.. I might get in trouble if I try to prank the border patrols though.. Hickorypaw thought with a slight frown, tail flicking a bit as that thought passed through him. And exploring badger sets is so fun! Heck, maybe I can make another secret hideout that just me and Seapaw know about! A stupid grin spreading on his muzzle, he nodded his head and turned to look at his best friend, tail sticking straight up. "Lets go look for a badger set! I want to make a secret hideout and plus, maybe we'll even find an old badger to beat up and chase out!" He meowed out excitedly, that silly grin of his still plastered on his muzzle as he looked to his best friend for confirmation of his thoughts.

Seapaw twitched her tail as Hickorypaw thought. She watched him closely, the corner of her mouth tilting up at his perked ears. The molly noticed him frown and then begin to grin foolishly. Seapaw couldn't suppress a grin of her own at the sight of his silly facial expression, and when he turned to her, a broad smile shined from her face. A little shot of happiness passed through Seapaw at the sight of her best friend's tail held straight up. It was funny, but she also liked that he was so excited. It was one of those underrated happy moments that no one ever seemed to notice. Chuckling, Seapaw purred, "Alright, badger it is! I could use some fur in my nest." The she-cat took a step forward before turning to look at Hickorypaw again with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes, "Your ginger pelt would be a nice addition once a badger rips it off." Sticking her tongue out, Seapaw dashed off in the direction of the loner territory, laughter tinkling behind her shoulder and drifting towards Hickorypaw.

It seemed while he was measuring his choices carefully, he hadn't even been paying attention to anything around him, just simply focusing on his thoughts and his thoughts alone, his eyes glazed as he went back and forth before finally deciding on the badger set exploration idea. When he finally came back into reality, he blinked and looked at Seapaws' demeanor, almost seeming to get happier when he saw that grin of hers, and that she seemed to be genuinely happy rather than what she had been earlier. "I don't know about lining badger fur in my nest, it stinks! But maybe if we lined the hideout with it, no other apprentice would dare come near it!" Eyes shining brightly as he thought about other apprentices' running scared at the badger smell and immediately began to snicker before snapping out of it just in time to hear what his best friend had said. Laughing out loudly and shaking his head. "Too bad that won't be happening! If anything, I might have to be the one saving your hide!" Flashing her a teasing grin before tearing after her once she took off, his paws spraying dirt behind him as he hurtled after her before zipping right past, sticking his tongue out at her as he did before laughing out and looking ahead, zooming right along.

{For Beau!}

Ears perking up as he heard the two choices he had to pick from for what exactly they would do, just him and Seapaw, he paused beside her, weighing his options. Both of them sounded like they could provide loads of fun, playing pranks on a Thunderclan or Shadowclan patrol, already he could imagine the looks on the other cats faces, but then again he thought about the riveting danger that would ensue with going off to check old Badger dens, one of his favorite things to do.. I might get in trouble if I try to prank the border patrols though.. Hickorypaw thought with a slight frown, tail flicking a bit as that thought passed through him. And exploring badger sets is so fun! Heck, maybe I can make another secret hideout that just me and Seapaw know about! A stupid grin spreading on his muzzle, he nodded his head and turned to look at his best friend, tail sticking straight up. "Lets go look for a badger set! I want to make a secret hideout and plus, maybe we'll even find an old badger to beat up and chase out!" He meowed out excitedly, that silly grin of his still plastered on his muzzle as he looked to his best friend for confirmation of his thoughts.

Seapaw twitched her tail as Hickorypaw thought. She watched him closely, the corner of her mouth tilting up at his perked ears. The molly noticed him frown and then begin to grin foolishly. Seapaw couldn't suppress a grin of her own at the sight of his silly facial expression, and when he turned to her, a broad smile shined from her face. A little shot of happiness passed through Seapaw at the sight of her best friend's tail held straight up. It was funny, but she also liked that he was so excited. It was one of those underrated happy moments that no one ever seemed to notice. Chuckling, Seapaw purred, "Alright, badger it is! I could use some fur in my nest." The she-cat took a step forward before turning to look at Hickorypaw again with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes, "Your ginger pelt would be a nice addition once a badger rips it off." Sticking her tongue out, Seapaw dashed off in the direction of the loner territory, laughter tinkling behind her shoulder and drifting towards Hickorypaw.

It seemed while he was measuring his choices carefully, he hadn't even been paying attention to anything around him, just simply focusing on his thoughts and his thoughts alone, his eyes glazed as he went back and forth before finally deciding on the badger set exploration idea. When he finally came back into reality, he blinked and looked at Seapaws' demeanor, almost seeming to get happier when he saw that grin of hers, and that she seemed to be genuinely happy rather than what she had been earlier. "I don't know about lining badger fur in my nest, it stinks! But maybe if we lined the hideout with it, no other apprentice would dare come near it!" Eyes shining brightly as he thought about other apprentices' running scared at the badger smell and immediately began to snicker before snapping out of it just in time to hear what his best friend had said. Laughing out loudly and shaking his head. "Too bad that won't be happening! If anything, I might have to be the one saving your hide!" Flashing her a teasing grin before tearing after her once she took off, his paws spraying dirt behind him as he hurtled after her before zipping right past, sticking his tongue out at her as he did before laughing out and looking ahead, zooming right along.

Seapaw listened to him talk about lining the hideout with badger fur, rolling her eyes. He hadn't understood what she meant, so she finished her tease by describing his fur. Before she ran off, she noticed the shine in his eyes and wondered what Hickorypaw had been thinking about.Probably scaring off other apprentices, She reasoned before dashing off. The molly heard what he yowled after her and turned her head back to stick her tongue out at him just in time to see his playful grin before he took off after her. Laughing loudly and exaggeratedly to be sure he could hear her, Seapaw picked up her speed. She looked over just in time to see Hickorypaw stick his tongue out at her as he passed, and a choking sound exited her maw as she laughed and hissed at him playfully at the same time. Tucking her head in, Seapaw pushed herself to speed up until she was right on his tail. Suddenly getting an idea, Seapaw pumped her legs even faster before springing into the air with her paws reaching for Hickorypaw's haunches.
:nana:

Originally Posted by echofur (Post 5519) Shadywhisker sat at the riverbank, watching the swift water. She was a few tail lengths away from the stepping stones witched crossed onto Thunderclan territory. The river seemed oddly empty this certain morning. Shadywhisker wouldn't return to camp until she had caught at least a mouse. The silver and black striped she-cat spend her jaw, drinking in the air. The faint sent of a vole came from further up the riverbank, towards the stepping stones. Shadywhisker fell into a crouch, stalking the prey quietly. A fox length away from the she-cat the grass stirred slightly, allowing her to pinpoint the vole, its sent growing stronger.

Originally Posted by Zero to Hero (Post 4729) Bleakpaw nodded, and then focused his attention back onto the stream and his new found ability to fish like a champion. However, he knew he shouldn't try to over think it, so he let his thoughts wander after a moment, and his body to do what felt natural. He leaned forward after a moment, but not enough to let his shadow fall across the water. This is how he stayed for a few minutes as he waited for a fish to swim close enough. When one did wander over to his side of the river, his gaze locked onto the sleek shape, watching with the focus of a well-trained predator. His paw flashed out after a moment, flipping the fish from it's home with warrior-like grace. This time, he got too excited, so he couldn't catch it in his mouth mid-air, but it did land next to him. He pressed a paw on top of it to hold it still, and then quickly killed it so last time wouldn't happen once again. "There we go!" He meowed, actually smiling genuinely.