Shadowstorm... sits. X.x

[icefang]

Shadowstorm padded into the camp, a leaf-fall thin vole hanging from his mouth. He dropped it onto the fresh-kill pile and shivered as a newly cold wind rushed past. Leaf-fall was upon them, and it wouldn't be too long before snow began to fall and the prey would settle down for the winter. He laid down in front of the warriors den, making use of the sunshine.

[|g.O.l.d.Y|]

So she'd finally been given a mentor. They gave her a mentor. They gave her a mentor when he died. When he DIED. How could they do this to her? Firestorm and she had been so patiently waiting for her mentor, they even secretly had hopes that Firestorm himself could be it. But no. They waited until he died. He'd never see her train, never see her become the warrior she'd waited so long to become. Not that that warrior would ever be there. She wasn't the same Leopardpaw, she would never be the warrior ThunderClan had wanted her to be. She'd been a promising apprentice until it happened, now she sat in the shadows, doing her duties whenever she was told with. The only cat she ever really talked to was Lunarpelt and that was only on occasion. She wanted to be alone but, now she couldn't. She had a mentor and it was time to report for training now that he'd walked into camp, right?

Introduce herself. That's what she should do. But her skinny, frail body didn't want to leave the cold, damp spot in the apprentice's den she laid in. Her amber eyes simply watched the form of Shadowstorm dully. He dropped a simple vole on the fresh kill pile then stretched out outside of the warrior's den. She was sure he didn't have a care in the world, she was his only burden. He'd have to train a cold, unfeeling soldier for the next few moons. He'd wish he had Spottedpaw, or Mistpaw, anyone but her when they were only a few minutes in. She knew he would.

Here goes nothing. Her body rose weakly, muscles showing sickingly under her heavy coat. At least these hadn't been lost, she could still prove her strength when called upon. She just needed to eat more but, she had no real desire to. Food needed to be saved anyway. Kits needed it more than she. Her paws stirred a little dust as she stumbled slightly on a sharp paw, wincing as it pierced her dry pad. Now determined, she hurried her steps, shoulders hunched as she approached her mentor, much like an elder. She looked far older than she really was, older than an apprentice, older than a warrior, far beyond her years. If her pelt were cleaned, if she strained her muscles, if she ate, perhaps, just perhaps her beauty would be restored and she would be strong enough. But why would she want to do that? Her voice was hoarse as she stopped before the older tom, bowing her head in respect. Shadowstorm...

[icefang]

Shadowstorm looked up at his apprentice and was surprised to see how thin she was. They were all losing weight as the prey began to hibernate, but Leopardpaw was skinnier than almost anyone in the Clan. "Hello Leopardpaw," he said. He was still trying to think of why she was so thin, but then it hit him. A senior warrior had died being hit by a monster on the Thunderpath somewhat recently, Firestorm. He had been her mate. His eyes darkened with concern. "How are you getting on?" he asked, as he sat up. He was very careful not to say anything that would strike her too strongly.

[|g.O.l.d.Y|]

How are you getting on?

The words made her stiffen, almost wince. How was she getting on? How she hated lying! But in cases like these it had to be done, she shouldn't feel shameful. He would understand. Others spoke highly of Shadowstorm, she should trust him to understand. If a cat couldn't trust her own mentor, who could she trust? Fine, thanks... When will we start training?

[icefang]

Shadowstorm smiled a little. She was a strong cat to be able to get past his death and still have the energy to train. Your training, yes... he said. He knew that her training would be short, she couldn't have gone this long without a mentor and learned nothing. He stood up. It starts now, he said. Follow me. He padded out of camp again, glancing behind to make sure Leopardpaw followed. Something nagged him to try to comfort her in some way, but he knew that she had to really trust him before he could do that.

[icefang]

OOC: Hm... I was going to keep it here because I'm so lazy, but I'll move it to Great Sycamore.

[STREAMY ?!]

ooc: Goldy, PLEASE post in our thread at the Great Sycamore. And plz, plz, don't let her wind up loving Shadowstorm...or Lunarpelt's heart will break yet again.

[icefang]

OOC: Whoa there, nooooo way. Leopardpaw's great, Goldy, but he's kinda old @.@ lol

[|g.O.l.d.Y|]

OOC: they're not that far apart in age. Leopardpaw's like 26 moons by now X.X But I'm just gonna say she's 18 moons >.> It'd be no worse or better than Dustpelt and Ferncloud or Ashfur/Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight. But I won't pull away from Lunarpelt so suddenly like that, not fair to Streamy.

[icefang]

OOC: You've got a point there. But he doesn't want a mate anyway ^^

[STREAMY ?!]

ooc: lol. You're right Goldy, that would be NOT FAIR. ^.^ Or that would NOT BE FAIR.