Housework? --open

[Rootpaw]

I clicked my tongue in annoyance as I looked across the large expanse of nests' galore. Which one was free? Like I'd know. I sighed inwardly and weaved through the nests of bracken and moss. My muzzle dipped down every few times to sniff for fresh cat scent and as you would guess, there is plenty of that. I walked to the very back of the den where holes showed light to the dusty sodden floor. I sighed and sniffed an old nest. The moss was dried up and no longer soft; however I was glad to smell no fresh cat scent. In fact, the scent so stale that it probably hadn't been used since before I was birthed. I frowned and stalked out of the den. My feet carried me to a large willow which had an abundant amount of moss growing up it's side. I used my claws to gently scrape it off before returning to the den.

⇪⇪⇪⇪⇪

I finally finished lining my new nest with the soft clean moss. I had already ripped away the old stuff and thrown it aside. I had blown out all the dust from the bracken, which was still pretty sturdy. I jumped into the nest and circled it a few times before sitting down. It smelled a little bit better than the nursery at least. The down part was when it rained, the holes in the ceiling would let water through. I frowned a second time and grabbed some of the old moss. It crunchy texture almost made me the think it would crumble. I shook my head and raised my body up. My left paw's claws were gripping the ceiling as I stood on my hind legs. My right paw started to plug the holes with the old moss. It would do for now. I plugged the last hole and collapsed. I fell into my nest with a sigh from my quivering legs. "What shall I do now?"

[Sleetpaw]

"You know..you could have asked for help." I smirked devilishly at the tom who had just come in. I had been watching him, making a nest and all. Not like I was a stalker or anything, sometimes you just get bored, and have to entertain yourself. "But then again, you are new here. And assuming you don't know anyone, I guess it wouldn't be very polite to say, 'Hey you! Can you help me with my nest?'" I continued blabbing, forgetting I was even talking to anyone. Then I remembered the tom was sitting there, and I giggled softly to myself.

"Anyway, I'm Sleetpaw. You know, like hail, but softer." I paused for a moment, thinking over what I had just said. "What's your name?" I inquired, thinking he must be tired of me talking by now. But hey, at least I had a personality right? At least I wasn't some heart-less robot. I rolled over and played with my tail for a moment, once again forgetting I was in a conversation. Geez, was I developing sort term memory loss or something? "So who's your mentor?" I continued, still playing with my tail. Finally, I had someone to talk to. I just hoped he wouldn't run off after my explosion of words.

[Rootpaw]

I blinked as I looked up to see a white cat. She kept talking and talking and talking. I stared at her for a moment, trying to register everything she said. "I'm Rootpaw and my mentor is Silversky, although we haven't actually trained with each other yet," I said with a monotone voice. It was amazing how I could lack the regular intonation of normal kitties. My stone colored eyes cast their dull gaze over her in a quick inspection. Just a white cat. Not that I had anything against it, but it was just white. It kind of looked like snow, was she cold because she looked like snow? Was she like snow? I had an urge to touch her to determine whether my theory was correct or not, but I didn't. I wasn't that creepy.

❂❂❂❂❂

I stretched and looked at the female cat who was probably quite a bit older than myself. I probably would still grow to be larger even if I stayed younger. I smiled slightly at the thought of being one of the youngest apprentices, but being taller than the rest. That would be something fascinating and strange. It would make me very very happy. I'd feel stronger, but right now, I was about her size and probably weaker. I frowned slightly, but stood up. My expressions faded into a face that lacked life. "Any who, it's nice to meet you. Hopefully we can be friends in the near future." I smiled and blew some waved fur out of my eyes. I was smiling more often. I felt happier.

[Sleetpaw]

"Don't worry, I've only trained once with my mentor." I nodded reassuringly, and at the same time noticing how he was staring at me. I followed his gaze to my pelt, which lead me to confusion. There wasn't anything different about it..just a normal, white pelt. Was he..looking at my eyes? They were mis-matched, one being green and the other, blue. That was probably the only strange thing about me, or at least I thought so.

Maybe he thought my pelt was too plain? Or too regular? Why I was still contemplating over this I didn't know, I guess it was because no one had insulted me before, and I thought that's what he might be doing. After awhile, I shrugged and listened to his next comment. "Any who, it's nice to meet you. Hopefully we can be friends in the near future." Yay~! I friend! My heart leapt at the thought of having someone to hang out with, or talk to. The only friend I had was Silversky, and I wasn't even sure if he thought of me as a friend or not. "Yeah, me too. I don't have a lot of friends, so it would be nice." I smoothed out a stray piece of fur on my chest, then looked at him and waited for a reaction.

[Rootpaw]

Her reaction surprised me. She wanted to be my friend? I looked surprised for a moment before relaxing again. "Uh, yeah. I really have no friends, well I guess I could include my little sister." I shrugged and curled my tail around my paws. "If you'd like, we can be friends now instead of being friends in the near future." I crooked my neck and licked my chest with a flew embarrassed flicks of my tongue. I really had no friends, sad right? I was considered charismatic or unapproachable. Either one wasn't really something that tickled my peach, but I payed no mind to it. I was a pretty lonely self conscious cat who didn't socialize unless the socialization was brought to him. I flicked my ears as I stared at her pelt which interested me. It sparkled like snow as well. Could her coat be made of snow?

⊱⊱⊱⊱⊱

I kept staring at her delightfully white pelt. It was something I envied as well as wanted to touch. Mine was white, yes, but mine was littered with ugly ginger tabby patches. My fur wasn't smooth and shiny like Sleetpaw's, mine was wavy, messy, and knotted. My little sister said I looked cool and handsome, but I honestly thought I looked like a sociopath who rolled around in ginger tabby fur and it stuck to him. I was impossible and un-groom-able when it came to fur. You could actually consider me a horrid view. I flicked my tail, realizing I was still staring. I liked her appearance, even her odd eyes. The blue and green looked at peace with shiny white.

[Sleetpaw]

"That'd be great~!" I purred cheerfully, shaking out my fur and then beginning to groom it. My eyes were usually closed when I groomed myself, but this time one was open. It was looking at Rootpaw, noticing how he was stilling staring at my fur. At first I had thought he was staring at it because it was ugly, but now I was starting to catch on. His gaze was calm and relaxed, not cold and piercing. There was also something else in there, but I couldn't identify what it was.

I was able to piece together that Rootpaw might actually be envious of my fur, and not meaning to insult it at all. Relief flooded through me and I calmed down a tiny bit. But my day wasn't accomplished, yet. Since Rootpaw was now my friend, I had to make him feel better about himself since if he was jealous, he was probably insecure, too. "You know," I began, talking between licks. "You fur is really unique." I stopped grooming for a moment, and looked him in the eyes. "And that's a good thing." I then offered half a smile, and continued licking my fur.

[/color]

[Rootpaw]

I listened and let my skin flush and get hot. Yep, she noticed me staring. I nervously licked my white fur. My tongue caught on knots that I had to dissect. The unfurled knots curled back into knots after dissected. I looked back up at her with an embarrassed face. "Uh, your pelt is really nice, sorry I was, um staring at it...I think it looks like snow," I murmured loud enough for her to hear. I ducked my head downwards to face the ground. The fur on my necks was rising very awkwardly with it's bumps and waves, but my embarrassment was funny and cute to see. I back petaled and flopped into my nest with an inaudible sigh. No cat would even hear it, I barely heard it myself. I took a deep breath and scented the air. The other nests around me had the faint stale scent of cat. Yeah, I was all alone back here.

☁☁☁☁☁

A small crackling noise echoed and I felt wet moss and a splash of water hit my pink nose. Small droplets of water had begun to fall and they had already broken through my little roof sealing job. I frowned and my frown was quite visible. "Hey, uh, ifI can't get this fixed or ya' know dealt with, can I have my nest by yours?" A few big droplets of water cascaded down my cheeks. They dripped off at my chin. It almost looked like I was crying. I wasn't. A few more drops started to soak my head as the rain got heavier outside. I doubted I would train today. I looked up at one of the larger holes that the moss had caved in from. The sky was darkening which made me frown more. "We might as well take a walk in this rain. My head's soaked anyway," I said before giving a small sneeze. "It's not a bad idea, want to?"

[Sleetpaw]

I flicked an ear in thanks, looking at my pelt. It did kind of look like snow. I watched as he blushed, and I could feel the heat coming from his body. Whoops. Hadn't meant to embarrass him there. I looked at the holes above his nest, and how tiny rain drops were able to make it through and down into the den. I giggled, thinking about what would happen if it snowed. Maybe he would have a white coat like mine. "Hey, uh, ifI can't get this fixed or ya' know dealt with, can I have my nest by yours?"

[/b] I nodded my approval, patting the spot next to mine. "Sure~ As long as you're not dirty."

When he asked me to go on a walk outside, I smiled brightly and nodded. "Yeah okay~! Let's go!" I padded outside, letting the soft rain roll down my sleek, short fur. I laughed and ran around for a moment, feeling free in the windy storm. After I was done, I strolled calmly back to Rootpaw and shoved him. "C'mon slowpoke!" I teased, running off into the forest.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[Rootpaw]

I smiled at her answer of yes and followed her outside at a slower pace. I shiver as the ice cold rain soaked through my coat and to my skin. It rid me of the flush I had, but I got goosebumps instead. I laughed and quickened my pace. I was wet, but happy. Strange day, yeah? "Ehh?!" Sleetpaw suddenly shoved me and then she ran off towards the forest. "Huh? Wait!" I said as I chased after her. She disappeared behind bushes so, the only part of her visible was her tail which streamed after her like a banner. I pumped my muscles until I reach her side with long quick strides. "Where are we going? Are we even supposed to go into the forest without a warrior?" I asked with a worried expression.

☂☂☂☂☂

I expected as much. I knew we weren't supposed to leave camp without a warrior, but I silently followed. I pushed all my worried expressions and feelings down to let the happiness resurface. I relished it. I was able to break a rule with my friend. An actual friend, a pretty cool one at that. She's pretty with white fur and a set of odd eyes. I stored that in my memory. I, Rootpaw, had a friend. I blinked rain from my dark lashes and obediently followed the she-cat with a kind smile.

[Sleetpaw]

"Where are we going? Are we even supposed to go into the forest without a warrior?"

[/b] I almost laughed out loud at his question. "Well, no-" I smirked devilishly. "But that's what makes it fun!" I wasn't usually one for breaking rules, but this was an exception. I was out in a forest, with a friend, and about to have the time of my life. And this time, the warrior code wasn't going to stop me. I sniffed the air, trying to pick up the scent of anything different. A good expedition always starts off with finding something unusual or interesting.

After a few minutes, I turned to Rootpaw. "Hey, do you know any good places to hand out around here?" I had decided that just going for a walk wasn't go to appeal me. We were going to do something exciting. And I was going to make sure of that. My paws tapped the ground in anticipation. "Well, do you?" I pressed, staring at him. Just one good place would be enough. Just one..[/blockquote][/blockquote][/color]

[Rootpaw]

I kept running, keeping my pace up with her. Haven't I told her that I haven't been outside camp before? I thought confusedly. I reached into my memory to pull out something. Maybe a piece of gossip from warriors? Yeah! "Well, when I was around the age of a newborn, warriors were talking about a broken down twoleg den that was flooded with mice. Apparently there are a lot of things made from trees that you can climb as well," I said as I sniffed the air. The warriors had spoken about it being west from camp. I really had no clue where it's exact location lay, but I'd try. "If I remember correctly, they spoke about it being west from camp, so we'd need to go to the left and and go north." My head was jumbling; it was hard to remember stuff!

⇇⇇⇇⇇⇇

I had turned left, my body was rushing as I culd hear blood pumping through my ears. This running felt quite nice and calm, but adrenaline was pulsing through me. I broke twigs and made leaves crumble beneath my paws as I ran towards an overwhelming stench of mold and rust. I halted at the sight of a tall twoleg den. The rain made it moist and dark. It had also added to the smell of mold. Underneath all that, you could smell a strong aroma of mouse wafting in the air. I bounced excitedly and spun around. "Told ya'! It'll be more fun considering it's almost night."

[Sleetpaw]

I listened closely as Rootpaw explained to me what he had heard from some warriors. "Okay then. Let's go find it." I followed him until we reached an old, abandoned shack not too far from camp. It reeked of rotten food and animals. I instinctively started breathing through my mouth, not about to let any of those fumes in my precious nostrils. "Well, this is cool. I'm still trying to get over the smell, though." I leapt up onto a low branch that was hanging over the top of the house. From there, I jumped into the roof, carefully avoiding any holes.

My heart leapt in my chest when I realized how beautiful it looked from there. The stars were set perfectly in the sky, as if there were in a formation. The moon was a half moon, shining down onto my fur, and making it look like a patch of snow glimmering in the night sky. I took in a fresh breath of air, since the retched rotten smell was out of range on the roof. I blinked a few times, then remembered Rootpaw. I looked down at him and smirked. "Come on! It's so pretty up here~!"

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Rootpaw]

I watched as she lept up onto the rooftop. I blinked as the harsh light flashed. Bright and shiny, she stood up there looking like fresh winter snow. I purred with happiness instinctively. I extracted my claws and ran towards the tree that had the overhanging attached. I leaped up in one effort and landed with enough time to balance myself. I sighed in relaxation and slid onto the roof and padded up to be behind Sleetpaw. I listedned to the pitter patter of rain drops bouncing and rolling off of the tin roof. Cool night air chilled the surface to be as nearly as cold as ice. Shiver laced through me as I looked up at the blackened sky. Shimmering dots littered the never ending darkness. They were the cats of the stars watching us. They were watching us a break a rule from their past clans.

✌✌✌✌✌

I looked peaceful as I crossed the roof to the other side. I looked downwards at a few crisscrossing wooden planks. I jumped down onto them. I bounced for a few seconds. Slight cracking noises sounded, but I was still standing, safe. I walked the length of the planks until I reached the other side. A dark array of pine trees were outstretched in front of me. The mold stench of the old twoleg den had masked the thick scent of pine needles. I breathed in and smiled at the delicious scent. It was mixed with the smell of mint and other various plants. I jumped down, my paws sunk in squishy mud, but I ignored it and walked back towards the twoleg den. I crossed from the forest floor and onto the broken, but smooth, den floor. "Come check this out!"

[Sleetpaw]

I stood on the roof for a few more minutes after Rootpaw left. I enjoyed the New-Leaf breeze brushing through my soaked fur, it made me feel like I was flying. Like I was re-born. Actually, I didn't even realize Rootpaw was gone until I looked around, and saw no one. That was about the time I heard his voice calling to me. "Come check this out!" I perked my ears and jumped off of the roof, following his scent.

I wrinkled my nose when I smelled that rotten food again. Nonetheless, I followed my friend inside and smiled. He was right, it was kind of cool. Usually I would be worried that the twolegs would be coming back, but I kept telling myself this place was abandoned. I walked around, looking at all of the strange furniture pieces that filled the room. I also wondered if there were any fresh mice here, but they would probably all be hiding under the broken floor if there were. I turned my head to Rootpaw, my eyes sparkling with awe. "This is so cool~! Could we spend the night here?"

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Rootpaw]

I listened as she trotted down to me. I followed her farther in to do my share of inspecting. I reached a large dark brown pelt. It's surface was like skin except it was more thick and worn out. I placed both of my front paws on the top and pressed down. It was sturdy and it didn't seem to be molded. I jumped up onto to find it was hard and cracked. I frowned and moved around. I found a section of the pelt that had a large slab of monster fur or so I assumed it was. As warriors described it, it was shiny and hard as a tree trunk. This peace smelled odd and had a slick sheen to it. The sheen was from something wet. I sighed with annoyance and used my paws to move the heavy piece of hard fur aside. Underneath, the thick brown skin stuff wasn't cracked and dry. IT smelled like the strange stuff coating the monster fur. The skin stuff was as wet as the monster fur was. I looked around frantically until I spotted something.

♫♫♫♫♫

I wiped the spot of with a damp pink shaded fur that had been a few fox lengths away on top of the brown skin of the pelt. It easily wiped away the wetness to show a soft and smooth spot. I stepped onto it to find it was very nice to the touch. I laid down and the spot quickly heated up to my temperature. "Hey Sleetpaw! You said you wanted to sleep here right? I found this brown skin that is protected by the ceiling and it's very soft! I think there is enough room for both of us!"

Brown Skin: Leather couch.

Monster Fur: Slab of metal coated in oil

Pink Shaded Fur: Pink blanket