a |boring| day &++

[KURI. (happy birfday to me :D)]

^{"He told me himself! He was not trying to fool me, you mousebrain!" the ginger apprentice snapped. He was mere momments away from tearing off Tawneypaw's fur, for StarClan's sake. What, did she think he wasn't good enough? Well, he was!
His fur sticking up in every direction, he glared at Tawneypaw and Dewpaw in turn. The sisters shared so much - for a second he even felt a pang of envy. He and Treepaw were not that close. He shook his head and turned his aqua-colored eyes to Stormstar's den.}

[SHADE. :D]

Tawnypaw rose her eyebrows expressively. Though her face was pretty, it now acquired a twist of mocking. The brown and white apprentice suddenly gave a purr of laughter. The scorn melted away into lines of humour. Tawnypaw's tail curled up as her fur bristled with amusement. Finally the giggles wracking her body sudsided, and Tawnypaw sat still, her whiskers still twitching. "Your so full of yourself," she mewed, her ears tilted forward in a friendly way. Her voice was teasing now, dancing with laughter. "Flatten your fur, mousebrain, before you get mistaken for a hedgehog." Tawnypaw rolled over onto her back, staring up at the sky. It was a gentle blue, and swam with white clouds. The day was so beautiful; autumn was beautiful. Her favourite time of the year.

[[xoxo] shard. :)]

<sup>A black form emerged from the warriors' den, blurry until in the full sunlight, due to the brightness of the sun. Jaws stretched wide in a yawn, showing sparkling sharp teeth, shining like pearls. The she-cat's eyes gleamed, but unhappily.

She came into the clearing, her eyes heavy from lack of sleep, and shimmering with worry. "I haven't been feeling well lately," Midnightlove remarked, not really aiming the comment towards any specific cat. "I'm going to talk to Dragonflydance." Her sapphire eyes flickered over to the medicine cat's den as the she-cat began directing her path toward it.

She entered the den, the scent of herbs flooding her nostrils. "Dragonflydance?" she mewed warily. "Are you there?"</sup>

[ooc]:// She's pregnant with the kits. ^w^[/sup]

[SHADE. :D]

A pair of eyes, as blue as topaz, were staring up at the sky. They blinked gently, only closing for a second before the light blue depths were once again uncovered. Dragonflydance shifted her small paws, curling her long tail over them. Her snowy white pelt rippled in the soft sunshine, and her pretty face lit up with a kind smile. Dragonflydance blinked as a ray of sunshine darted to the earth. A bar of light crossed her face for a moment. The medicine cat's smile widened, and she turned and got to her paws. The next moment a black coated she-cat entered the den.
Dragonflydance smiled at Midnightlove, turning her head on one side. She was always like this; good natured and gentle. She treated her clanmates like her kits. Dragonflydance waved her long, slim tail in greeting. "Hello, Midnightlove," she purred, ears tilted forward in a friendly way. The she-cat licked one snowy paw and rubbed it along her cheek. "Yes, I am here, as you can see." Dragonflydance shut her eyes with a purr of amusement. "What is it that is troubling you?"

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>"Please calm down, Barrenpaw," came a tranquil voice from beyond Tawnypaw. Firm muscles rolled under soft mixed-blotches-of-brown fur as Oleanderpaw came forth on heavy paws. The honorable-to-a-fault tom apprentice crouched onto his haunches between Tawnypaw and Barrenpaw. He eyed Treepaw with a glimmering acorn-like eye. His pelt was a bit askew; he paused to groom himself for a moment.

The dreamy, mentor-less apprentice's expression didn't waver, nixing the gentle smile to the younger Tawnypaw. Oleanderpaw was almost warrior age, but he still needed a mentor to guide him through some last minute touches and access him. He looked down at Tawnypaw kindly, flicking his tail to the others as he gazed at them as well. "Greetings, to all of you..."</sub>

[SHADE. :D]

Tawnypaw's gentle green eyes scoured the sky, they're depths cloudy with dreams. She was examining the clouds. She smiled as one drifted through the heavens, looking just a jay in flight. The creamy brown and white apprentice rolled onto her stomach again as a new voice reached her ears. The she-cat looked around, her eyes wide with curiousity. Recognizing Oleanderpaw, Tawnypaw flicked her tail in greeting. She almost smiled at his words; he sounded like an elder sometimes. Tawnypaw felt her whiskers twitch, and looked at her paws. The she-cat turned to look over her shoulder, then glanced back at her companions. "Hey, Oleanderpaw," she mewed. The apprentice's shoulders gave a small twitch as Oleanderpaw gave her that kind look. She hated it when others looked at her like that, as if she were still a kit. Tawnypaw blinked and looked away, eyes once more pivoted towards the sky.

[KURI. (happy birfday to me :D)]

<sup>ooc; Whoot kittens ^-^

"Hi," mumbled Barrenpaw, studying Tawnypaw carefully, his scruffy tail twitching back and forth. "Why do you do that? Just looking at the sky is so useless." Maybe because you're useless," he thought to himself as his gaze flickered to Oleanderpaw, the warrior-to-be. "And I do not look like a hedgehog! You're just mousebrained, that's all!" he paced in a restless circle, his eyes glaring from cat to cat. The sun's warmth felt good on his back, but he was too angry and frustrated to settle down and enjoy the day. Leaf-bare would be coming soon, bringing an abrupt end to days like this. Why didn't they believe him? Did they think that they could become Stormstar's apprentice? Ha! The thought swam around his head like a little silver fish.</sup>

[[xoxo] shard. :)]

<sup>The black shec-cat suddenly let out a sound of pain, sounded somewhat like a snake. That kind of stsssss sound. Her eyes closed with it, almost like a wince, but just not.

"Oh, Dragonflydance," she began, sighing, "I've been feeling sick like never before. I feel tired all of the time, with every pawstep. I get a belly ache on and off, and I feel like I may vomit. Have you seen this before?" Her eyes shined, a silent plea clearly visible at their surface. "Can you help me?"</sup>

Tip, tap, tip, tap. One, two, one, two, the steps of a small she-cat. Her beauty was not nearly like her sister's but she still was kind of pretty, though she didn't think so. Stepping out of the warriors' den, the white warrior closed her periwinkle eyes and lay down, silenting giving her everyday prayer to StarClan.

Finishing her prayer, she stood up and sat with her tail wrapped round her paws. "Hello." Heavenwing's soft voice flowed like a sweet lullaby as she spoke. Her eyes flickered to Oleanderpaw. Stormstar had mentioned she was to mentor him. The she-cat smiled. She respected the apprentice; he was wise as an elder, and kind as a queen to her kits (though he was a tom, it's just a comparison).[/sup]

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>Turning his kind gaze towards Barrenpaw, Oleanderpaw smiled slowly, shaking his head at the out-spoken tom. "Staring at the sky is not so useless. One learns patience by learning the meaning of the clouds," he said dutifully, as if he had recited it from a book. He smiled gently. "Though in battle, it would be rather useless to direct one's attentions upward," he said ambiguously.

Hearing a voice that reminded him of a lark, Oleanderpaw turned, formality increasing in the presence of Heavenwing. "Salutations, Heavenwing. How are you?" he asked cordially. Seemingly of both classes, he spoke to them both on equal levels, with some leaning towards the warriors. Heavenwing was a seasoned warrior. Almost as big as she, Oleanderpaw dipped his head, his quilt-like pelt seeming to shift under the daylight. Darks became lights and lights became darks. Only his tail, curled around broad paws, stayed in place. The tom straightened and kept the gentle expression on his face.</sub>

[SHADE. :D]

Tawnypaw's head snapped upward as Barrenpaw spoke. Her brown and white fur bristled. As quickly as a storm brewing, Tawnypaw's temper had risen. The she-cat shot Barrenpaw a truly venomous look, her green eyes no longer gentle. They held nothing but poisonous dislike and anger. "Go eat your tail," she spat, teeth bared. Tawnypaw glanced around at Heavenwing as she approached, and could not help letting her temper spill out of her at the she-cat. "You think your so perfect," she hissed, tail twisting and bristling wildly. Tawnypaw looked away, sides heaving with fury. After a moment her breathing evened out and she shot Heavenwing a glance. "Sorry," she muttered, though she had never really liked the she-cat. She knew her outburst had been unfair. Tawnypaw contented herself by staring heatedly at Barrenpaw, her temper still leaping temptingly in her chest.

[KURI. (happy birfday to me :D)]

^{Barrenpaw glared back, his tail twitching and his fur bristling. Who did she think she was? She was talking to the leader's apprentice, for StarClan's sake. "Why is everyone crowding around? Gosh, can't a cat get a little privacy?!" he meowed. Holding his tail high, he stomped off across the clearing. He stopped every few steps to shoot hateful glances at Tawnypaw from the corner of his aquamarine eyes. He hated them all! Tawnypaw the most, though. What was with her? Did she have to act like Clan leader all the time?
Sitting down with a thump on the other side of camp, Barrenpaw continued to glare at them. He was a better warrior than all of them put together! He realized that his rage was simply going in confusing circles - he was thinking the same tempered thoughts over and over again. Could they be right? He wondered with a flick of his ear.}

[SHADE. :D]

Tawnypaw stamped her paws in temper as Barrenpaw spoke. The she-cat's ribs were visible as she breathed in harshly. "That's it, leader's apprentice," she spat in contempt as Barrenpaw stalked away. "Just walk away! You can't even stand up to the leader's daughter!" Tawnypaw bristled and sat down, her green eyes burning like hot coals. Barrenpaw had no right to call her useless. Tawnypaw loved scanning the sky; it made her feel closer to her father. She wondered whether if she looked long enough, she might see him. Tawnypaw's chest ached as she thought of Cormorantstar. She had never really known him. She had only vague memories, like the soft brush of a paw, or the low, deep words, so strangely comforting. Tawnypaw sank her claws into the ground, determined not to look up at any of the others. They probably thought her childish, but she had always been this stubborn. It was her nature. Tawnypaw suddenly felt fiercely jealous of Oleanderpaw and her sister, both of whom seemed to be calm most of the time. Tawnypaw said nothing, thoughts churning mutinously in het brain.

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>Oleanderpaw sighed heavily at Barrenpaw's form. "Maaah, I will never understand him. Why does he think that the leader perk makes him better? He is still just a normal cat. I am not going to treat him differently...," he lamented and then turned away, flicking his brown tail. He yawned widely and shrugged at the rather arrogant apprentice that had stormed away.

He turned to Tawnypaw, seeing her looking at her claws. He pushed a little leaf off of her pelt idly and then came to his feet. "Do not worry about Barrenpaw. He's just a straw-head trying to get your attention," Oleanderpaw laughed wryly with a smile that hinted of mischievousness. The brown tom felt as if he was a brother to Dewpaw and Tawnypaw sometimes.</sub>

[SHADE. :D]

Tawnypaw's shoulders twitched moodily. "I'm not worried," she muttered. But she could not keep staring at her paws. Her eyes were beginning to hurt. The brown and white apprentice sprang up, green eyes glowing challengingly as if she expected Dewpaw or Heavenwing to spit at her. Tawnypaw then sat down and groomed her shoulders, feeling awkward.

Dragonflydance's eyes softened as Midnightlove spoke. The snowy she-cat's coat rippled as she stepped forward, the light reflecting off the beautifully groomed surface. The slender medicine cat sniffed the length of the dark warrior's body, her tail raised. Dragonflydance wrinkled her brow. Midnightlove did not smell sick. There was only two other obtions. Dragonflydance pushed some yarrow leaves towards Midnightlove. "Please eat these," she mewed softly. It was not an order; it was a reqyest. The white she-cat stood, waiting for Midnightlove to eat the herbs. They should make her sick, which would reveal whether she had taken in something poisonous or not. If not, then... Dragonflydance could not stop a fleeting smile crossing her face.

[blackfoot]

[{could I join in with Treepaw? or I could start another post if you'd rather I didn't. Either way, I'm easy=)}]

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>((Yeah, just join in. You don't have to make a post here to ask that. Just pm someone already here))

Deliriumstep's body unwound from the warrior's den and she made her way over to the little group. The black she-cat saw Heavenwing and the old apprentice Oleanderpaw, along with some others. The green-eyed female came in step with Heavenwing, smiling to the older she-cat. "Hello, Heavenwing, would you and Oleanderpaw like to go hunting? I noticed the fresh-kill pile was a bit low earlier," Deliriumstep said cordially, her voice naturally bold.

Oleanderpaw greeted Deliriumstep formally, as he had done for Heavenwing, and dipped his head to the older she-cat. "That would be most welcome, Deliriumstep," the tom said, broad shoulders rolling as he came to his feet. The mottled-brown tom smiled and turned to Heavenwing to see if she would accept.</sub>

[cheshy says grace]

Barleypaw padded up next to her brother, "Barrenpaw," she whispered, "What's going on?" She rasped her tongue over Barrenpaw's ear soothingly, trying to cam his nerves. Barleypaw smiled nervously at her brother, she hated it when Barrenpaw was mad. Why did it have to be today?[/size]

Otterkit bounced happily up next to Treepaw, "Hi Treepaw!" she squeaked, rolling under the tom, and bouncing up on the other side.[/color]

"Otterkit! Behave yourself!" Blissclaw teased her kit, cuffing her lightly over the ear. Then the queen turned to Tawnypaw and Dragonflydance, "Hullo, friends!" she greeted, grinning toothily.

[blackfoot]

Treepaw looked up as he heard his name called and grinned when he saw Otterpaw. As she rolled under him he jumped up on his hind legs and batted gently at her before coming back down on all fours. He bounced to the side and then tripped over a stone. He landed on his side and didn't try to get back up, looking at Otterkit invitingly. He loved to play, with anyone and anything, it didn't matter if it was a kit or a leaf, you could be sure he would play with whatever it was.

[cheshy says grace]

Otterkit grinned and tackled Treepaw, claws sheathed. "Nyah!" she squeaked. She batted his ear, "Take that!" she mewed. She swerved around him happily. "Hey-Hey! Did you know-did you know that I'm going to become an-an apprentice soon, too?" she yelped happily as she batted his paw and then smiled at him. Her brown fur gistened happily in the sun, making her look a bit older than five moons.[/color]

[blackfoot]

Treepaw grabbed for Otterkit with his front paws and then rolled to his paws. He twitched his whiskers as he heard Otterkit's announcement, a grin spreading over his face as he remembered how happy he had been when he was made apprentice. 'That's exciting ain't it?' He asked before pouncing for her with a playful growl. 'Maybe one day you'll be great Otterstar!' He chuckled.

[Spice..xx]

_{Dewpaw hissed softly as Barrenpaw padded away. 'God he's so arrogant! she said, padding over to Tawnypaw and sitting next to her sister. 'You okay?' she asked her sister, pressing close to her and looking at her with searching eyes. She shot Barrenpaw a glare and flicked her tail in annoyance. Great. Now there would be an ongoing feud in the apprentices den.}[/color]

[cheshy says grace]

Otterkit danced happily, and then stood back on her hind paws, slashing with her sheathed paw at Treepaw, "Yeah! Otterstar! Leader of CloudClan! That'd be cool!" she squealed as she jumped back from Treepaw, "And I'd make you my deputy!" she bowed, "Sir, Treetail," Otterkit grinned and ducked behind Treepaw, tackling him over the head, "Mrrow!"[/size]

Blissclaw looked at her daughter, sighing. Soon she was to be made an apprentice, and Blissclaw wouldn't be able to groom her kit anymore. Why did Steelstrom have to leave me? she thought, looking down at her stomach. He had died sometime after she had gotten pregnant once more, but the kits had died their first moon in her belly. Otterkit had only known him for two moons before he passed away. She started to groom herself, patting her stomach with a paw at the same time.

[KURI. (happy birfday to me :D)]

^{Barrenpaw ignored Barleypaw and shot back hotly at Tawnypaw, "Well, guess what? He's not leader any more!" for a heartbeat he found something he had in common with Tawnypaw - despite the obvious temper - both were missing their fathers. Well, at least she could say she was daughter of Comerantstar! He could be a decendant of the great Cagedstar, for StarClan's sake! But no, he was just a little cat, found who knows where and dumped in CloudClan with his siblings. Lovely.
Barrenpaw flicked his ear when Barleypaw licked it. "Go away," he muttered crossly. He hated being disturbed when he was mad, and Barleypaw must know it by now. But she was too nice, too perfect! She had to know what was wrong!vHis thoughts tumbled around in his mind, jumbled and confused.}

[blackfoot]

Treepaw grinned at the mention of being deputy, the thought was strange and funny to him. He was sure that he could never be serious enough to be deputy, and he didn't want the position anyways. He reached up with his paws as Otterkit attacked his head and grabbed her, he tried to pull her forward to flip her over onto her back on the ground. 'I'm sure you'd make a great leader.' He chuckled, though he meant it.

[cheshy says grace]

Otterkit smiled as she landed lightly on her back. She scrambled on to her legs, and attacked his back, "Nyah-Nyah!" she mewed.[/size]

Barleypaw's eyes brimmed slightly with tears and she looked as though Barrenpaw had just ripped her fur out, "O-OK," she stuttered sadly, backing away, her ears on her head. Then she turned and walk away, her tail drooping. Barleypaw padded up to her other brother, "Hi, Treepaw," she said gloomily, sitting down and beginning to groom herself slowly.[/color]

[blackfoot]

Treepaw batted at Otterkit again and then gently pushed her off as his sister came up. 'Can you give me a little Otterstar? I have an important meeting.' He winked at the kit and then turned to his sister. 'What's wrong sis?' He asked worriedly, licking her cheek in an attempt to cheer her up. He didn't like to see anyone anything but happy. Anything other than happy was awful to him.

[cheshy says grace]

Otterkit smiled and nodded her head. Then she began to clean herself... badly.[/color]

"B-Barrenpaw," she sniffed, "I try t-to cheer him up, and he j-just pushes me off. Why does he always have to be so grumpy!?" Her voice cracked and she pushed her muzzle in to Treepaw's fur for comfort. She sniffed again.

Blissclaw sighed and she stood up. She padded over to her kit and began to groom her correctly, "You're just making yourself messier!" Blissclaw chuckled.[/color]

[blackfoot]

Treepaw sighed and snuggled against Barleypaw. Why do cats have to be grouchy? he wondered to himself. He had an impish desire to bound over to him and tackle him, in a friendly way of course. He smiled a little at the thought, eyes gleaming in that mischevious way, but he turned right back to the matter at hand. 'I'm not sure why cats are grouchy.' He meowed to his sister. 'But I'm sure he'll cheer up soon, don't cry.' He licked her pelt lovingly and rubbed his chin on her back.

[Spice..xx]

_{Dewpaw leapt up, her hair standing on end and her murky grey eyes blazing with fire. "Don't you dare talk about my father. You have no right" she hissed at Barrenpaw, her tail lashing from side to side. She turned her back on the tom apprentice and looked over at the others silently. She said nothing, just stayed close to Tawnypaw while trying to calm herself down.}[/color]

[[xoxo] shard. :)]

^{The black she-cat had wrinkled her nose at the stench of the sickly herb. The ex-rogue barely knew anything about herbs, but this was one of the few she remembered. Yarrow, it made you sick. Hesitating, Midnightlove reluctantly chewed the medicinal object, throwing up within a few minutes. She felt numb and light-headed, but this would help the medicine cat to determine her problem.}

Heavenwing blinked her softly colored eyes and smiled. "Yes, that would be nice." Her gentle voice rode on the breeze, like the songbirds' melodies.[/sup]