Frail as a Stone

Oakfang

The sun was just resting above the horizon. Its rays spewed over the leaves of the forest in a golden shower. The dew was still heavy on the grasses of the camp and dampened the dirt patches. Oakfang loved the mornings. So much so that he made it a point to join the cat who was on night vigil every morning. He bristled his muddy brown coat against the morning chill. This was new-leaf weather: cool mornings and wicked hot afternoons, but his fur was thick enough to be a bit warmer in the mornings, but still thin enough to be cooler in the afternoons. This was useless in the leaf-bare moons, though.

The tom's amber eyes grazed over the camp. All was quiet except for the returning morning-patrol. They had set out early this morning to see if Shadowclan had overstepped their bounds in the night. It looks like the fox-hearts kept to themselves in the evening hours. The returning patrol wasn't in a rush and they didn't look too weary. It must've been uneventful.

Run the whole border of Windclan and Thunderclan. Ten tree climbs. Twenty crouch crawls. Oakfang was going over the list of exercises he had planned for the day. He couldn't get weaker. He had to improve. There was always room for some improvement. Juniperleaf's voice resounded in his mind, You can't help the clan if you're too tired from exercising! He gave a toothy grin. She was completely right, but that wasn't going to stop him. He also needed to practice his hunting skills. Maybe that's the patrol he'd join for the day, but it was up to Littlestar to determine that.

Slowly the clan came to life. Warriors left the stuffy den for the open -slowly warming- air. He decided to snag a mouse from the fresh kill pile and share it with Juniperleaf. They were happily munching on the savory mouse when a small figure walked up to them. Instinctively, Oakfang knew it was Littlestar. The shadow was too small, and her tiny paws didn't make much noise even on the leaf covered floors of the forest.

It wasn't unusual for Littlestar to be up before the sun. It wasn't even uncommon for her to be up before the moon had finally reached the end of it's descent below the horizon. This morning was no different. The petite, tawny leader pushed to her feet long before the sun rose and out of the den, into the crisp, frosty new-leaf morning. She quickly scanned the camp, still as stone, making certain she didn't miss a single corner of the dusty clearing, shrouded heavily in shadow. A lone cat sat near the entrance, eyes fixed ahead, soundlessly sitting vigil. Momentarily, she contemplated joining them, but quickly swept the notion away as she turned to head towards the elders den. It was a part of her morning ritual, her eternal payment to the cats that adopted her, to clean the den and make it cozy for the pair of elders inside, however it was far too early to start that. Not only would Half-ear and Fernsong still be deep in sleep- and unwilling to rise, but so would Blackclaw, where he was tucked away in the warriors den. Oh, how she missed the nights curled against him for warmth, surrounded by the warriors of ThunderClan. Now, she slept alone, in a deep alcove underneath the high ledge, where all of the leaders of old rested.

Despite the early hour, and her inability to clean the elders den at said hour, she took a few steps through the entrance and sat quietly, watching the still elders curled close, Half-ear's soft snoring the only sign of life. It filled her with warmth, checking in on her dear parents, even if they weren't awake to notice. Oh maybe it was an odd quirk of a cat who felt more like a kitten, and after a long night of solitude, ached for her parents comfort. But she was leader now. She couldn't just crawl in between them and sleep, protected. A certain air was expected of her, so, instead of nuzzling her way in to her nest, she simply watched, inhaling their scent and feeling the warmth their bodies provided to the well-kept elders den. A soft smile curled her muzzle as she lounged for a good while, until the chill in the air began to dissipate, and she could see the first watery lights of dawn starting to lend a gentle grey hue to the entrance of the den.

Standing again, she stretched, giving the pair one last tender look, before turning and making her way back in to the clearing. She was surprised to see the cat on vigil was no longer alone, and a brown tabby had made his way out of the warriors den, giving the camp the same cursory once-over that she had given it as well, and it elicited a small chuckle. Had ThunderClan always been so paranoid? Next, the dawn patrol returned, and she made a beeline for them. Their conversation was short and sweet, the patrol uneventful. Exactly how she liked it. Uneventful. Events meant fights, it meant bloodshed, and it meant drama. Unnecessary drama. Nodding in acknowledgment of the report, and dismissing the tom in lead, she turned and once again found herself spying the brown tom- Oakfang, now standing near the fresh kill pile, sharing a mouse with his mate. She leisurely made her way over, imparting a soft greeting to the pair and taking particularly small mouse for herself, as Blackclaw was nowhere to be seen to share something larger, and her small stature not lending much of an appetite. Bringing her prey closer to her warriors, she began to eat and make small talk. The usual things, beautiful morning, isn't it? Ah yes it will get hotter later won't it. Simple conversation as she made quick work of breakfast. When she finally sat up and licked her muzzle clean, she decided it was certainly time to make sure a hunting patrol was put together. While she was certain her deputy would manage to get together enough cats for the task, she turned to Oakfang anyway with a bit of an energetic twinkle to her grey-blue eyes. She knew the tom would be game, with how his mate scolded him for his incessant excessive regimen.
"Care to accompany me on a bit of a hunt, Oakfang? Perhaps a bit of competition! Which of us is the more skilled hunter?"

Oakfang

The tom's ears prickled and his eyes glistened with excitement. Yes, a competition would be good. There was always room for improvement and a chance to learn, even from this tiny she-cat. A broad grin shined on his wide head. "A competition sounds lovely." He gave a deep chuckle. After finishing the remaining bits of his mouse, he licked Juniperleaf who wished him luck and walked a little close to Littlestar.

He towered over her. This was no exaggeration. This was an uncannily large cat next to an uncannily small one. Littlestar had barely made it to his underbelly. No doubt, this cat was powerful, but power meant nothing when it comes to fighting a lithe little she-cat like Littlestar. He was sure she could teach him something about that. The sun's rays warmed their pelts as they stood there gazing at the clan for a moment. Where to go? Where to go... The border with Windclan was good to hunt for an occasional rabbit, but most Thunderclan cats were too slow to catch rabbit. Littlestar could probably catch one and that would be an immediate win for her. No Windclan border then. That just left near the Shadowclan border.

"Let's head towards the Shadowclan border and hunt around there. Does that sound okay?" He tilted his head to make sure she knew that he was talking to her. He wanted to be respectful, which is why he asked her if it would be okay. He never wanted to disrespect a superior in rank. That was something he just would not do. But he also had to level the playing field. He couldn't very well just lead her to victory in this little competition of theirs. It had to be fair between them. He stared out at the forest as he awaited her reply. He couldn't wait to start hunting.

She purred with pleasure as the massive tom stood, dwarfing her substantially, and eagerly agreed to her little challenge. Excellent. She had hunted in parties with the tom before, and knew he was a good of hunter as any, despite his massive size, but the small she-cat had a cocky streak, and was more than certain that she would come out victorious. There wasn't a rodent or bird alive that could escape her, and she knew it. He seemed to stop and think for a moment, before looking and addressing her, offering the ShadowClan border as the hunting grounds. It sent a small shiver through her spine, and a flash of memories, her last foray in that area, where blood spilled and her leader died, launching her into the position she felt ill equipped for. Despite this, she squared her shoulders and flashed a smile.

"ShadowClan it is then." Offering one last parting remark to Juniperleaf, she nodded to Oakfang and set off at a steady trot- several of her steps equaling one of her massive companion- towards the thorn tunnel and out of the camp. As the sun began a steady ascent in to the sky, the new-leaf chill began to burn away, leaving a very mild, light fog around the base of the towering oaks and assortment of other trees, the misty tendrils drifting lazily through the lush new undergrowth, sprigs of green from ferns and wild grasses soft under her paws, while occasional areas of dense ground rot and fallen leaves, still crispy from leaf-bare, crunched.

At first, she stayed a few paces in front of him, sniffing the foggy air and simply enjoying the early sounds of chirping birds, and the scatter of squirrels in the distance. Leaf-bare had been harsh, as usual, but this new-leaf already promised a prosperous season for ThunderClan. That would allot her a few moons of peace, hopefully from other clans and herself, as new-leaf and green-leaf came and went- then leaf-fall would come, and she'd begin to worry. Now was not the time for those thoughts though, and she quickly returned to Oakfang's side as the pair continued their hike towards their desired hunting grounds. Despite her position, Oakfang was not a tom she had spoken to on many occasions. He was only a few moons older than her, though from the outside you would think it was a very large tom, and his very young kit, even as apprentices, she hadn't found herself getting to know the ambitious and determined tom, and certainly hadn't stuck her nose in his business when he and Juniperleaf had their first litter. Now was her chance though, and as leader, it was her job to know all of her warriors, and if they were all trustworthy. She needed to find her supporters, and make sure they outweighed the cats who wanted to strip her position. She decided to make more small talk while they made their way to the far border.

"Prey seems to be running freely this new-leaf. Hopefully the nice weather and full bellies will... lessen the... dissent, within the clan about my... position." She tread carefully, aware that while this tom was a good, and loyal warrior, she wasn't certain of his feelings on her promotion. More than a few senior warriors sneered when looking to their petty, kittypet "leader". "How is Juniperleaf doing?"

Oakfang

Steadily with large white paws, the chocolate tabby followed his leader into the forest. He took sure, measured steps as he gathered all the information he forest would give if one was quiet enough. The oaks made way for firs and smaller trees like birch. If you listened closely birdsong could be heard along with the silent rustling of the rodents between the tree roots. Yes, this was going to be a rich new-leaf indeed.

Littlestar talked about the prey and what obviously she worried about: the clan betraying her. Her finesse needed some work if she was going to start seeking the truth about her own clan. She was nervous from the exact moment she was named leader. Oakfang could understand. She had a whole clan to care for. He was as nervous as a cornered rabbit when he learned that he was to be a father, but the role had come fairly naturally to him, just as it would to her.

With a sigh the tom stopped and stood in front of his leader. Nervousness was weakness. Weakness meant a chink in the armor (if the tom were a two-leg and understood such sayings). But nervousness fed fear, and fear wasn't always a bad thing. Healthy fear kept you safe, but you can't let it control you. With intense amber eyes he stared her down. He spoke with a calm, deep voice, "A leader is a leader. No matter what. It's in the blood, not in how you were raised."

Without waiting for a response he turned back around and walked to a large birch. On silent paws he drew closer and hunched close to the ground, tail hovering just above the leaves. He had found his first prey: a small mouse. It was nibbling on something, a nut perhaps. Slowly. Slowly... Oakfang tensed for the final pounce. He was downwind, his shadow was behind him. The mouse was even turned around. It was all in his favor.

With a rippling of muscles the tom pounced. The mouse was dead before it knew what hit it. After covering it under the tree roots with leaves the tom trotted back to Littlestar. With a tone that suggested nothing had changed he said, "She's doing lovely. Thank you for asking."

Littlestar had been watching the forest floor in front of her, when suddenly a shadow blotted out the sun, and Oakfang came to a half in front of her. Her eyes shot up, locking with the amber gaze of her warrior, the casual demeanor of their conversation falling away with a sudden harshness she did not expect. She could see various thoughts flitting through his head, though all that came out of his mouth was, "A leader is a leader. No matter what. It's in the blood, not in how you were raised." Her jaw tightened and she took a large step back from the tom, so that she neither cowered in his shadow, nor needed to crane her neck to look him in the eye. As quickly as the halted, however, he turned and moved away, marching towards a gnarled old tree.

Her fur only fluffed up in mild annoyance after Oakfang had turned away, her pride slightly aching as she realized how clearly he sensed her apprehension- no, fear, of her position. As well as his gall to call her out. Giving her chests a few swipes of her tongue, she narrowed her eyes to watch him as he slipped into a crouch and slowly began to stalk towards an unseen prey item. With a swift pounce, he ended the life of a mouse, buried it, and had turned to address her again, giving her the affirmative that, yes, Juniperleaf was doing well, his voice once again casual and his stance relaxed. As if he hadn't just left his leader feeling like a scolded kit. Giving a small shake of her pelt and easing her own position, she nodded firmly. "That's good to hear." She said this as she took a few brisk steps in the direction of the undergrowth opposite Oakfang- no point in trying to hunt to nearby. She slowed her breathing, and her steps, her paws padding silently on the cool ground beneath her, fur barely whispering on leaves around her as she cut through the ferns and bushes of the forest, searching for her own prey. No way would she allow him to keep a head start.

Jaws parting, she took in the rich forest scents, going several long fox-lengths in to the undergrowth, until a sound had her head jerking suddenly to her left, and the warm scent of bird filling her nostrils. The feathers were a hassle and the meat on them wasn't always the best meal in the world, but not only would it be a catch, but an impressive one. She was silent as she stalked close to her prey, not even her breath to give away her location to the bright red creature perched on a fallen log, preening itself. Just as she thought what an easy catch this would be however, it fluttered to a nearby low branch, only a fox length or two, above the ground. She gritted her teeth, but knowing Oakfang would have probably come up behind her by now, she certainly didn't want to back down. Not yet. Not until there was no chance and the bird was gone. Quietly she moved towards the bird's position in a wide arc, and after a cursory glance, mapped out her path and set out on it. Onto the upturned roots of a fallen tree. Up a downed branch. Onto a low branch, and then to one slightly above. Now the cardinal was within her sights, ahead, and a little below her on the branch of her tree's immediate neighbor. She didn't wait long before making her move, silent as she leaped, and the bird had no time to protest or cry out as it was held down by it's chest, and then snatched off it's perch by it's throat. With almost the same forward momentum that her pounce gave, she landed back on the soft forest carpet, and dropped the carcass, offering her hunting partner a dirt-eating-grin, eyes glittering with glee and self-satisfaction. "Lucky catch?"

Oakfang

From beneath the brush a pair of eyes watched the little she-cat eye her prey. Oakfang watched with intensity as she planned her catch. She wouldn't try to jump up would she? No, she was far too smart for that. He watched her as she traipsed her way up a nearby tree branch, just slightly above the branch the bird was perched upon. With a leap and a flutter, the bird was dead and in her jaws.

"Lucky catch?" She said with a cheeky grin in his direction. He crawled out from the undergrowth and gave a shake.

"No. A good catch." He smiled back. He trotted away in the direction of the sun with his shadow trailing him. He heard Littlestar's soft paw steps behind him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had somehow aggravated her with his assurance of her leadership. He certainly didn't mean his statement in an offensive manner. It was a statement that his father had instilled in him and he felt like it should be passed to her. She needed to know that leadership was in her blood and that's why she was chosen.

He slowed his trot as the smell of squirrel drifted across his palate. There must be, yes! Two squirrels were playing amongst the leaves five fox lengths ahead of him. Immediately he darted into the undergrowth and watched for their pattern. Prey always had a pattern. He eyed the location for their nearest escape. The tree looked like it had a hole in the middle with some leaves poking out. That must have been their nest.

He tensed and like a coil, snapped quicker than a flash. One squirrel in his jaws and the other's tail in his claws. The creature squeaked and writhed and clawed at his paws. Before Oakfang could issue the killing bite (and or risk losing the prey) he flung the rodent at Littlefire hoping that she would kill the prey in time.

The tawny she-cat buried her catch with a satisfied purr, and took a few quick steps to catch up close behind her hunting companion, no longer speaking and for now, her apprehension gone. She may as well just enjoy a day of helping in clan in the only way she knew how- hunting. The forest was not silent, but alive with the call of prey animals and the very gentle buzz of insects, a buzz she knew within a few moons would turn in to the deafening roar of cicadas. For now, it was peaceful, and as she fell in step now next to Oakfang.

The hunting not yet over, she scented the squirrels moments after Oakfang, and joined nearby to watch as the two creatures frolicked through the leaf litter, but she didn't make her move, waiting instead to watch the tom. He tensed and sprang, landing a killing blow on one squirrel, but one still fought in his claws. Without hesitation, he tossed it like a moss ball in to the air, and years of playing with her siblings paid off. The squirrel never touched the ground alive. In fact, it was snatched in her teeth, and ended quite abruptly, barely able to get a squeak out before it's neck broke. She proceeded to drop it's limp body and offered a pleased look. "We make quite the lethal pair, if I do say so myself." Purred the she-cat, though she quickly amended, "At least to small rodents and birds." She glanced off to the side, staring through the trees, "And given how close we are to Shadow Clan? Pests." She scowled and parted her jaws, tasting the air, as well as the sharp odor of the rival clan. Despite the scent, only more trees of her own territory. This was only because of the blood bath that had happened ever so nearby, allowing the snake-hearts to take a chunk of what was now rightfully hers. Shaking her head, she picked up the squirrel and strode to Oakfang's side, shooting the tom a determined look as she dropped the rodent again, next to his kill.

"I'll take that stretch of hunting grounds back. I swear to it." Sitting back on her haunches, she looked around the leafy forest canopy above, birds no longer chirping in this area, the death cry of at least one squirrel emptying the immediate area of life. "If we keep up like this, we may come back with a larger haul than the hunting party!" However, the sun was ascending higher in to the sky, beginning to send strong streaks of light to dapple the forest floor, and she knew that soon, they'd need to return to camp, to go about other duties. The break was lovely however, and she inhaled the warming air deep in to her lungs, allowing her eyes to flutter shut and the peace soften her to the core. When was the last time she just took a moment to relax?

Oakfang

Quite the lethal pair indeed. A deep purr rumbled in Oakfang's chest at his leader. They did hunt well together. With these two the clan surely wouldn't go hungry, but if they continued hunting today they may end up killing more than they can carry. A warrior was to never just kill prey for the sport, but to provide for the clan.

Littlestar swore to him that she would get back the hunting grounds that Shadowclan took from them in their most recent escapades. He didn't doubt her, but he wondered if her reasons behind the declaration were in the right place. Sure, there was a time for regaining old hunting grounds when needs arose, but to retake grounds for the sake of making a statement. Oakfang couldn't help but wonder if it was the correct thing to do. But alas, she was his leader and he wouldn't openly question her.

Oakfang watched her as she looked around and a slight sense of urgency dimpled on her face. She must've realized the time. They were having such good fun, though! Oakfang couldn't just walk away from this perfect opportunity to exercise his muscles with his new leader. He knew she was tough, but that didn't discourage him from being curious as to how deadly this she-cat could be.

"We should probably head back soon..." his deep voice echoed. "But what say you to a little spar before we head back?" The tom grinned with pearly white fangs. "First one to make three contact hits loses. Sheathed claws and no teeth. Sound like a plan?" He patiently awaited her answer. This will definitely be something!

The petite she-cat had risen to her paws and taken a few steps in the direction of camp when Oakfang spoke up, his voice echoing and stopping her in her tracks. She turned to look over her shoulder at the grinning tom as he offered a sparring match. First one hit three times looses. The tom was massive, daunting, and intimidating in every fight. Littlestar, on the other hand, was miniature and quick as lightning. While size wise, they were unmatched, she knew that her speed alone lent her enough of a chance. She hesitated for a heartbeat. Would loosing, however, tarnish this proud warrior's views of her? If she did fall beneath his blows, would he view her as unfit? She searched his gaze for a long moment. Eager and carefree, wanting some honest, clean fun. No teeth. No claws. Just contact. He was a good, strong, and fair warrior. Perhaps she needed worry.

Life sparked in to her eyes and she couldn't help a grin from curling her own tawny muzzle. "I think you're on, my dear." She took a few more bounding steps away from him, spinning around quickly and standing tall as she surveyed her surroundings- the trees towered tall around them, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze, hot sunlight dappling down through the thick green foliage. She flexed her claws into the hard packed earth and bits of moss and grass beneath her paws, then quickly sheathed them. No claws, no teeth. She then brought her pale green gaze to the tom in front of her, dark brown fur looking as golden in hers in small splotches as the sun splattered his pelt, while looking black where the shadows crept. Her own fur blazed brightly, setting fire where the sun splotched.

"Ready?" She called, paused, then bolted towards the tom. Closer and closer in the span of just a heartbeat, and then she ducked, going between his front paws on her belly, before slamming upwards to knock him off balance. Shaking free from under him, now behind Oakfang, she spun around and gave a sure, swift strike to his rump. She turned to bolt to his other side, though it seemed Oakfang had already turned to strike out at her- she felt a blow to her hip as she bolted. It was only a glancing strike, and in a real battle, the claws would have stung, but not slowed her down, however in this fight, it counted. One for Littlestar. One for Oakfang. She darted a foxlength away, and it seemed like she'd run a little farther to get some more distance between them, but instead, she spun around and used the distance to leap, and land on his broad shouldered back. She only stayed there for a heartbeat again, and then once again launched herself to the dusty ground, landing in a huff and staggering a bit as her paw caught a tuft of grass. This broke her stride, and she bounded a bit further away again, in an attempt to recollect herself. She spun back around to face Oakfang, grinning and watching the tom, awaiting his next moves, pleased that her speed had allowed her to just get two out of three of her necessary blows.

Oakfang

Two to one. Oakfang scoffed at himself as she leapt off his back. You're going to have to be quicker than that, old cat. He told himself. He thought for only a moment and analyzed her movements. She had speed, that was for sure, but she doesn't seem to realize that she always moves to the left after an attack. Always. She favors the use of her right forepaw to attack and move with her left. So that was it. That was the key he was missing. That little bit of information that he just had to mull over to grasp. It would be all over soon now.

Oakfang stood his ground as she charged him. At least she wasn't afraid of moving first or even coming head on at an opponent. Placing most of his weight on his back paws for balance, he swiped at her with his left paw as she drew near. Instinctively she doged to her left where a well placed smack of his right paw was waiting for her and graced her shoulder with a touch.

"Tied," he mumbled to himself as he pounced backwards to get some ground between them. Surely she wouldn't fall for the same thing again. Littlestar was not stupid, nor was she simple or dim. But maybe if he made it seem like she was controlling his movements?

On sure, large paws, the tom raced towards his leader with assurance. She doged to the left once more and swiped at his hind legs as he ran past her. He dug his claws in the earth and spun a half circle before her paws could connect to his leg. The brown tom swiped at her back paw and with a relieved sigh his paw touched hers and that was that.

He leapt back to put distance between them once more, but this time it was more for the communication between a warrior and leader. He was breathing heavily and his bones ached. Old age...will not...stop me. The tom coughed and it sounded like the rattling of dry rocks. Ever since he contracted greencough he just couldn't breath easy like he used to. Every breath after a battle was, in a way, another -smaller- battle.

"That was a good match," He heaved. "You almost had me." Pearly white fangs slipped through his black lips in a smile. Oh, how lucky he had been.

The sandy she-cat charged the tom and moved to dodge- running right in to a waiting paw. At a tie, she bounded back and shook herself, watching him attentively. Another attempt put a blow to her back leg and that was it, the match was over. She stumbled a little from the impact along with her forward momentum, and took a few pacing steps forward to correct herself and get all four paws beneath her again. Behind her, she could hear Oakfang wheezing, and she turned, stoic, to watch him. She had been aware of his battle with green cough, and she couldn't help the pang of momentary worry. Had he overexerted himself? No, no... this was his life now. She mulled over it before turning and dipping her head, shoulders shaking silently for a few heartbeats like the wracking of sobs, before a peal of laughter left her throat in a soft rumble, taking a few quick strides towards the brown warrior, catching his grin and offering one of her own.

"Well wasn't that fun? Well fought, warrior." She purred, sitting back on her haunches once she was just a tail-length from him. She decided against questioning him on his poor recovery after a quick spar, not wanting to damage the aging tom's pride. If he felt the struggle to breath after a fight was not outweighed by the fight itself, well, she knew better than to stop old Oakfang from being a warrior- and clearly a fine warrior he was, aging or no. He still fought like one of the best, and she was proud to have him in her Clan. "I must say, I feel no shame in losing to such a talented senior warrior." Her tail flicked in amusement before curling around her front paws neatly.

"I see there is still much the clan can learn from you." Littlestar had gone in to the spar with every goal to win, as any self-respecting warrior would, but she felt nothing but pleasure- and a small ache in her damaged leg, after losing to the massive tom. Besides; it had been a close call either way, and that alone she could be proud of. She could give as good as she got. So could Oakfang. They each had their disabilities, and worked through them: Oakfang was getting up there in moons, and his lungs would never be the same. Littlestar herself was deformed, and tiny beyond belief, but it was clear they were each lethal. She offered a small smile to her comrade as he caught his breath. "Now, shall we collect our freshkill and return to camp?" She asked as she rose, striding over to where her prey was buried and retrieving it, managing- barely- to carry both her bird and squirrel towards the edge of the clearing and in the direction of camp, glancing back only once to check on Oakfang following behind.

Oakfang

Littestar let out a peal of laughter which made Oakfang's smile only grow wider. This leader was full of surprises. He wasn't expecting her to be angry, no, but he didn't expect a genuine laugh to tumble from her lips. "Well fought, warrior." She said and his chest puffed with pride; before another bout of coughing refused him that liberty.

"If only the young ones would listen," he laughed to her. He loved the apprentices, but could be too demanding. He was working on that. Although his available time to teach another apprentice was running low. He thought about it. An apprentice takes on average six moons to train. Some took longer; others a little shorter. If he had an apprentice right this very moment, he would be at least forty-two moons old by the time the cat took his or her warrior name. His next apprentice may very well be his last one. Littlefire pulled him from his reverie and mentioned taking the freshkill back to camp. He trotted to the location of his kill and took the mouse and squirrel in his jaws.

Between them a bird, a mouse, and two squirrels. It's an excellent catch on any day for a warrior. This new-leaf was teeming with bountiful prey. Oakfang prayed to StarClan that the abundance of prey would at least run through to the edge of leaf-bare. He looked at his leader, bird and squirrel in tow and barely holding on to them. She was so tiny behind that bird. He wanted to offer to carry it, but he knew that her pride wouldn't let her. Besides, his leader just lost to a senior warrior. Her pride had been damaged enough, even if she didn't show it or lost gracefully. He wouldn't push it. She was off before he could even offer to at any rate. She was to the edge of the clearing when she looked back to see if he was there, a few paces behind her. What an interesting leader he had, and he smiled.