Private thanks for the memories — even if they weren't so great / flowercloud

[FIDGETPAW! FIDGETPAW!]

Like many newcomers, Fidgetpaw had arrived at SkyClan's border full of hope and dreams. Whispers of the Clans had drifted through the Twolegplace, carried on the wind as something too sweet to ignore. His imagination, coupled with a growing dissatisfaction with kittypet life, had largely drawn him to the border, where he had stood anxious, but eager, breathless, but bright-eyed, ready to start anew. However, these dreams had dulled and dimmed, especially now, as Fidgetpaw scrambled after his mentor, a dark ginger tom with piercing yellow eyes, who moved through the pines several fox-lengths ahead of him, towards camp, with little intention of slowing down.

"C'mon! Hurry up!"

Fidgetpaw, in an attempt to pick up the pace, nearly stumbled over his own aching paws. He would've moved quicker, were it not for the almost-unbearable burning in his legs and lungs. It seemed as though Redthistle intended to work the poor boy to the bone, as was the case today, and every day. From the first day of training, his mentor had ruled with an iron fist, constantly pushing Fidgetpaw's limits and barking orders left and right. Fidgetpaw wanted to believe in Hawkstar's decision—that there was some greater purpose to being assigned such a demanding warrior, to trust that he would be stronger and smarter and better because of it. And yet, the apprentice, already sore in body, had become sore in spirit.

With a pounding heart, Fidgetpaw stood helplessly before Redthistle, who stopped in his tracks and whipped around with teeth bared, his patience worn thin.

"C'mon!" The tom spat, "What did I say? You keep up, or you'll be crow food the moment a fox lays eyes on you."

"I-I'm trying," Fidgetpaw flinched, ears flattening as he struggled to catch his breath.

"Trying? I would be able to tell if you were trying, so try harder," Redthistle scoffed. "Tell me, do you think the other Clans will go easy on you because you're tired? You think they'll give you a break because your paws hurt? That your opponent will suddenly stop mid-battle to let you think over, catch your breath?"

"N-no, Redthistle," the apprentice sniffled, his voice barely above a whisper.

// @flowercloud

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[flowercloud]

Flowercloud had been watching. She had spoke to Hawkstar, her stomach uneasy with asking the leader anything, but Flowercloud persisted. She didn't feel something was right, and she wanted to just prove her suspicions wrong. She hoped for Fidgetpaws sake, that Redthistle was no more than just a grumpy guy- but for his first apprentice, she didn't expect this kind of commitment to a young life full of exponential potential. Fidgetpaw may well, fidget, but he had his head on his shoulders- and he fought with cowardice, he came to the border with the bravest face he could've ever put on, and he wanted to join. He knew what he wanted, he needed the confidence to actually commit though, and this?

Green eyes watched from above as the large molly slunk in the shadows of the high tree branches. Body pulled through this thick leaves beginning to orange, and steps careful as she aligned herself to keep them in earshot. The ruddy tom was not giving Fidgetpaw much of a chance. "What did I say? You keep up, or you'll be crow food the moment a fox lays eyes on you." Green eyes narrow, eyebrows knitting together as she watched Redthistle turn upon his apprentice. His teeth glinted yellow as the dappled sunlight through the trees hit them.

Then the Molly's form shoved herself off the tree, somehow managing with her large form to land gracefully a few tail lengths from Redthistles side- her paws scuffing against the ground, and her form lifting tall. "Redthistle." Her voice, normally honey sweet, was laced with a hint of malice. The tom was younger than her, and she knew he was stern- but to be as cruel as he was, and as demanding towards a new member? A young child even. "Hawkstar and I would like a word with you. Run along to camp, go find our king." She did not give much to argue with, her voice direct as she kept her head poised high above his, fluffy tail slightly swaying behind her. Her chest was healed, but even still it felt raw as it stretched with the way she moved. "Now." She hoped he would listen- and take the easy route.

Green eyes glanced towards Fidgetpaw, and almost immediately, the daggers fell and her face softened. The end of her maw lifted, and her posture relaxed as she let her body step towards the younger cat, nose pressing into his shoulder. Sure, she had a soft spot for children, but Fidgetpaw had already found a way to wrap himself around her heart- whether he knew it or not. Most of these children did. Shed pull away, and a glint appeared in her eyes as she gave him a crooked smile. "I saw how you defended yourself earlier- I think Redthistles-" she glanced towards the tom before leaning in close so only Fidgetpaw could hear. "Must have some ticks stuck in his pelt, because that was better than even I can do," she admitted, letting out a small chuckle as she purred. "You'll walk with me back to camp, okay?"

flowercloud - 36 moons - skyclan deputy - mentoring none