Technically I'm Not A Warrior Or Apprentice [Starling]

[Otterpaw]

"Lyric? I can only imagine what they must have done to her after she betrayed them." She said, pinning her ears back. "Then what? Where did Lyric go? Why hasn't Robinfrost just moved up to the leaders position?"

[Deleted]

"I've only heard rumors about what happened when Drought caught her, but she managed to escape with her life and fled to RockClan. She's a warrior there now, and goes by Lyricwhisper." His voice was getting a tad scratchy, so he cleared his throat before continuing.

"Unfortunately, Robinfrost can't. CloudClan will not accept him as our rightful leader unless Wildstar retires or dies. That's just the way it has always been, sadly."

[Otterpaw]

She nodded I understandingly. "That is odd, though I understand. However, I'd understand it being problematic if a tyrant were in control. You'd think they would have more regulations." She spoke with a small laugh. "Do you have other stories, misterrrrr..?"

[Deleted]

He quirked a catlike eyebrow in amusement. "You want more? Certainly. Not another war tale this time, I assume?"

[Otterpaw]

"No thanks.." She said with a small nervous chuckle, "I guess I just imagined it with a better ending for IceClan. Maybe I'll be able to stomach those better when I'm older." She said, scooting comfier in the old cats fur. "Maybe something with a better ending that doesn't involve kits in peril?"

[Deleted]

"War is never pretty," the old tom reminded Starling. "But I think I know one you'll like. How about the first time I went out into the territory after becoming an apprentice?"

[Otterpaw]

Starling beamed, "I'd love to! I'm sure things weren't too different back in the day, becoming a new apprentice." Maybe this could give her some kind of idea on what to expect.

[Deleted]

"Ah, yes. There are some things that never change with time, and a youngster's first glimpse of the mountains beyond camp is one of those experiences. Let me tell you; I had been dreaming about that moment for moons. Can you guess who my mentor was?"

[Otterpaw]

The she-cat was practically on the edge of her seat. "Mountains!" She exclaimed in glee, before hushing herself a bit as not to disturb the others. "Who? Who?"

[Deleted]

"None other than Windflurry! She ended up becoming my mate, and right now she's the only other IceClan elder," Maple purred. "But anyway. That first glimpse of the territory is something you'll never forget. I bet you can hardly wait to see for yourself, hmm?"

[Otterpaw]

"Oh, believe me. I'm very excited. So is my twin brother, Wolfkit! Kinda like you two are the only elders in the whole Clan, him and I are the only twins in the whole clan!" She spoke proudly. "That's really romantic though. I'm so happy for you!" She said, rolling onto her back and playfully batting at the elders rugged ears. "I want to see it all. There has to be a lot more to life than these nursery walls."

[Deleted]

"Oh, you are? I didn't know that." Which was partially due to the fact that he wasn't in tune with the younger generations, but also because he couldn't see if cats looked identical. Briefly, he wondered whether twins had the same scent.

Maple purred and ducked away from her paws, then flicked her flank with his long-furred tail. "There's a lot more than that, indeed. I could hardly wait to explore it all once I got that first glimpse. It's hard, though, when your legs are short and you don't yet have the energy of a warrior. But you'll get there in time."

[Otterpaw]

"I'll have moons of my life to find all of these things. To explore every corner of the world we live in, even things you haven't gotten to! I'll be sure to tell you all about my experiences and the things I see." Considering he couldn't see anymore. "Maybe you can come with me when I'm an apprentice!" She beamed. She was sure he would like that. "Maybe you can be my mentor."

[Deleted]

"That sounds like a plan to me. You'd better keep me updated," he rumbled. Hearing the world described from a young cat's perspective… there was no way he'd pass up a chance like that. Maybe that joyful enthusiasm would even make him less of a pessimist about everything.

"Huh? Be your mentor? I don't know if my old bones can handle that." As if to prove a point, his shoulder creaked while he shifted. Then again… would one more apprentice really hurt? He was almost done with Dappledpaw, and Starlingkit could be his final time as a mentor.

"… I can try, though."

[Otterpaw]

"Really?!" She exclaimed with excitement. Sure, he may not be as well oiled as the warriors in this Clan; however, he was full of infinite wisdom! She was sure she could learn more from him in a day than one of these drab cats in moons. "I'd love that, thank you thank you thank you!" She squeaked. "I'll go easy on you." She said teasingly, clearing her throat and composing herself.