Two Roads Diverged [Lightningtrail + open?]

[Deleted]

Lightningtrail - didn't know if you'd want this to be private or not! I'm good with either.

It was bitterly cold. Redpaw's fur was even fluffier than usual in her attempt to keep warm. but the chill in the air didn't bother her; her eyes glistened - admittedly, partly from the cold dry air - with an excitement and pride that had not worn out since receiving her apprentice name. Finally, after all that TalonClan had done for her, she would have the chance to return the service! Of course, she still had plenty of training ahead of her...but the tiny she-cat's head was already filled with visions of greatness. Of acceptance. Of home.

Stepping into the clearing, Redpaw gave herself a hearty shake, scattering bits of snow. She'd chosen, for her first night in the apprentices' den, a nest right next to the entrance. That had been a big mistake; she felt as though the season itself had seeped into her bones, making her stiff and a bit achey. She must remember to choose a nest closer to the middle of the den tonight, so as to take advantage of her companions' body heat.

The new apprentice looked around. The clearing was mostly deserted; most cats were either nestled inside their respective dens or out fruitlessly trying to stock the fresh-kill pile. Redpaw cast her eye over it; it was disgracefully low. She wished she could help, but she hadn't had a hunting lesson yet, and the idea of leaving camp alone made her insides writhe and burn. Maybe there was something else she could do in the meantime. Looking around, she spotted some well-positioned rocks near an edge of the clearing, and decided she might as well warm herself up and practice leaping and climbing. That was a good use of time, right?

[Lightningtrail]

((Um, could we keep it private then? I feel like open threads can get really chaotic really fast. ^^'))

Lightpaw yawned loudly as he rolled around in his mossy nest. It was nice and cozy in the center of the den, and he knew that he would definitely be choosing this very spot again the next night. It was almost as though it were late leaffall again. He could only assume how bitterly cold it was outside, but just thinking about it was enough to make him snuggle deeper into his moss.

The tom felt a sharp kick in his side, and stood up with a start. His eyes were wide with shock and pain from the violent attack, and he furiously searched his surroundings for the perpetrator. Another thrashing limb struck his forepaw, and he recoiled from the attacker. His ears turned back with anger. Dawnpaw is having nightmares again, he thought grumpily. Stupid mousebrain.

The tom gave up on returning to his nest, as it was already scuffed apart by Dawnpaw's flying feet. He weaved his way through the rest of the still sleeping apprentices, not taking too much care in preventing himself from stepping on a tail or two. As he neared the den entrance, he could already feel the cold that seeped into the once warm den. His whiskers gave a twitch as he thought of all of those poor cats who had gotten stuck with a nest near the den entrance. It must have been dreadfully cold.

He stepped into the clearing, and almost immediately wanted to pad back to his nest. He fluffed up his fur, which did not do much to help him due to how dreadfully short it was, and walked over to the freshkill pile. He sighed. There was hardly anything there, and he knew that if he took something before he helped to replenish it he would be scolded. He stalked over to a pile of nice, flat-topped rocks. Maybe there would still be a trace of yesterday's sun held in their dark exteriors. He heaved himself onto one, and curled up tightly. Nope, no warmth. but it wasn't too cold, either. He finally looked around at his surroundings, and noticed that another apprentice was also by the rocks. "Hey," He called in greeting, not bothering to raise his tail in an attempt to make himself seem more friendly.