[littlelove]

Maplepaw hummed thoughtfully as Dawnstar went about her explanation - about how she was willing to give her one last chance. Not that it sounded particularly appealing to the tortie. Something told her that any new mentor she got wouldn't stick around for too long.

She couldn't help but let out a dry laugh as the leader mentioned her plans about giving her Ebonyfang as a mentor. "You already gave him to me, before Frogfang. Remember? I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't, since he never spoke a damn word to me. Just ignored me until he moved into the nursery - didn't even come meet me at the Shadowledge when you assigned me to him." She knew Dawnstar was busy, but really? "Either way, I'm glad we're both on the same page now. I'll take the exile."

Part of her heart felt sore at the aspect of leaving, as much as she wished it didn't. She didn't know anything else out there - what would she even do? Maybe she'd go chasing after her mother. Maybe she'd find Frogfang and tell him to get his ass back to Shadowclan and look out for his daughter. Maybe she'd even relent to the soft life of a kittypet. She would go where the road took her, probably. It was easier than carving her own path out in a seemingly infinite gloom. No longer would she be an overgrown child overstaying her welcome.

Turning to leave the den, she caught a glimpse of the spanning pine trees beyond camp. It would no doubt clear out into oaks, and then clearings stretching across the horizon.

And as she padded out and aimed for the camp exit, for once, excitement seemed to jump into her throat at the thought of her future.

@Undertaker