"Thanks!" Lilypaw mewed grinning despite the slight pain. She liked Tabbystripe, for making her feel better, physically and mentally, and enjoyed her company. "It's my second moon as an apprentice!" She puffed out her chest and purred, as she always did when praised. Now she could show off her battle scars to the other apprentices, even if it was only a small scrape or sprained claw. "I'm glad you came back, Tabbystripe," Lilypaw purred, touching her nose to Tabbystripe's flank for moment. She was glad-glad that she had a friend back, no matter the reason she left.
As they padded on, darkness enclosed Silverstep and Ebonycloud completely. Silverstep had only been in here once, when the clan had needed an emergency visit to appoint a medicine cat. She had to rely on her whiskers and Ebonycloud's steady pawsteps After a while, she could feel a breeze on her whiskers, tugging at her fur, calling her into the open. Then they emerged, stars glittering down from a small opening high above them. "Well," she breathed softly, "we're here."
Tabbystripe purred amd smiled. "I'm glad to be back, too," Tabbystripe meowed. She rememembered when Lilypaw was just a kit. They were friends then, too, and Tabbystripe wan;t surprised at how well Lilypaw was learning. "I remembered when I was Tabbykit, then Tabbypaw, my apprenticeship passed by fast, I'm sure it'll be like that for you. You'll probably be a warrior soon. That's great, you're all ready strengthening up WindClan, just what it needs. Are you excited to find out what yout warrior name will be?"
"Yep, I can't wait to be a warrior!" she mewed. "I want a name that's...I dunno, something cool, I guess, like Lilypelt, or Lilyheart!" Lilypaw's eyes shined. "What do you think?"
Ebonycloud heaved a sigh before he padded forward. He turned his eyes back to Silverstep and then back to the Moonstone. Suddenly the moon beamed through the hole in the roof illumenating the cave in its silver light. He gulped and touched it with his nose. Instantly the world fell away and he grew very cold. His body hurt badly and he couldnt move. Nothing was around him as the defening silence took him over.
IC: Wolf's eyes flickered open. He lay still for a moment, trying to remember what had happened. Rogues, he remembered, blinking. Stupid thieves. The loner shakily attempted to stand up, and limped toward his den.
"Those are great names! I can really tell how they fit you, I'm sure Ebonystar will have trouble picking out the perfect name for you," Tabbystripe meowed, smiling. She was impressed by the apprentice's bright personality, especially righht after a threatening battle. It helpe Tabbystripe keep her hopes up, too, and suddenly she felt strong again, and ready for anything. Her eyes blazed with determination for her Clan.
Lilypaw nodded. Then she turned around at the sound of the loner getting up. "Hey!" She called to him. "Hey, you!" She dashed over to him. "What do you think you're doing? We just saved your pelt. A simple 'thank you' would be nice!" Lilypaw could be ferocious-unfortunately, she acted before she thought too often.
Silverstep curled up as she saw Ebonycloud touch the Moonstone and drift into sleep. It could take an hour before he woke up-leader ceremonies were the longest. I wonder what it's like to gain lives? she thought. She sighed, putting her tail over her nose. Maybe she should dream too-just to see if StarClan had any messages for her? It was worth a try....Silverstep padded quietly up to the blindingly bright Moonstone and touched her nose to it. All of a sudden, it was like the world didn't exist. All she felt was cold, and the cavern around her disappeared.
Tabbystripe raced after the apprentice and stood beside her. She agreed with the apprentice, but didnt want to provoke an attack by acting ferociosu alongside the apprentice. Instead, she said. "You should probably stay here with us," she meowed, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Our leader can decide what to do with you when he gets back."
IC: Wolf narrowed his eyes. "Your leader has no control over me," he spat, sitting down. He turned to the other cat. "I am checking on my food supply, thank you very much. The only reason those rogues came was to take it; I have no intention of hunting for that same amount again."
"This is our territory, our leader handles tresspassers," Tabbystripe replied evenly. "I was once a kittypet, and the roguestold me it was more than that, theyre plotting on attacking our Clan for some reason, but they say it's not food."