WindClan Elders' Den

[Dust]

[Image soon to come...]
[ Oriolepaw - 6 Moons]
He/Him | Windclan Apprentice Tunneler | 11/100

The Elders den...? Giving an internal wail, Oriolepaw followed close behind his mentor. Large amber eyes stared curiously at Vinesmoke - giving off the impression that he was genuinely unsure why they were there. As a kit, Ori had been told only bad apprentices get sent to take care of the elders. Had... Had he done something wrong?! Blinking slowly, he let his own gaze wander across the dimly lit den - watching as the elders shifted in their nests... The stale scent... The sound of aged wheezing. Oriolepaw swallowed hard, leaning against his mentor slowly. As Vine turned back to look at him, Oriolepaw matched his gaze, fur bristling uncomfortably as he spoke. Once Vine had finished, the young apprentice spoke up,

"Am I in trouble?" The whisper was a bit louder than he had meant it to be. He cleared his throat, continuing softly this time, "I heard that apprentices only get sent here when they're in trouble." Sure, he had heard Vinesmoke explain that the Elders knew a lot about old clan stories and wisdoms... but... was this a punishment?! What had he done?! Amber eyes slowly shifted away from the warrior, instead landing on the elder Daffodildawn - accidentally locking eyes. EEP! He felt his fur bristle slightly in surprise, giving her a forced, awkward smile.

[ @Tallstar ; @seeingstars ]

[Tallstar]

Vinesmoke
13 Moons
He/Him

Vinesmoke’s blue eyes widened in surprise as he looked down at Oriolepaw, his fur shifting slightly in disbelief at the apprentice's words. It was clear the young cat had misunderstood the situation entirely. Vinesmoke had thought Oriolepaw would find the Elders’ den fascinating, even a little exciting—a chance to be close to the wisdom of their Clan’s history. He leaned down, his voice soft and gentle, a warm chuckle escaping him despite himself. "No, Ori, you’re not in trouble," he reassured, his blue eyes twinkling with surprise at the thought. "The Elders aren’t a punishment—they’re an important part of the Clan. We care for them because they have so much to teach us." He paused, noticing the way Oriolepaw shifted uncomfortably, and gave him a friendly nudge with his tail. "If anything, it’s a privilege. You’ll get to hear stories from cats who’ve lived through so much, who remember things even I don’t." He took a step back, giving Oriolepaw some space to look around the den. "This is just part of your training, Ori. Taking care of the elders isn’t about punishment, it’s about learning to respect our Clan’s history and those who helped shape it." He smiled warmly, flicking his tail toward Daffodildawn, who he gave a slow, encouraging nod. Vinesmoke's voice softened, more serious now. "I never want you to think of this as punishment. It's about giving back to the Clan, showing gratitude for those who've given us everything. We’re here because we’re trusted to care for the ones who cared for us."
@Dust @seeingstars

[Rustleaf]

Fidgetberry comes in again!