[center][color=7B68EE][b][i][h2] Maplestream: WillowClan Camp [/h2][/i][/b][/color][/center]

[center] Waking with a start Maplestream flashed her gaze from one corner of the warrior's den to the other, startled awake by a bad dream. Trying to calm her breathing, she shifted positions in her nest drowsily. Through her half opened eyes, she saw that she was the only warrior still in the den and stood up suddenly. The sun was up, which means she was late, for [i]everything[/i]. She wandered out into the center of camp, trying to hide her embarrassment and looked around for her Clanmates. The camp was mostly empty, suggesting Fernstar had already sent cats out on hunting and border patrols. Looking up towards Fernstar's den, she wasn't there either. Considering the medicine cat's den was the only place she hadn't looked, she padded in that direction. Casting a glance towards the fresh kill pile on her way by the hollowed log, she was surprised to find only a stale mouse. [color=7B68EE][i] Wow, prey IS really hard to come by isn't it? I pray to StarClan the hunting patrol comes back with enough to feed everyone. Maybe I should go out to help them? [/i][/color] She decided that Fernstar probably wouldn't want her disappearing from camp without mentioning where she was going. She nosed her way into the medicine cat's den and found Fernstar sharing a piece of prey with Blackpelt. [/center]

[center] Upon her entry, Fernstar looked at her with a mixture of amusement and disappointment. [color=3CB371][b] "You slept through the morning patrol assignments." [/b][/color] She took another bite out of the starling and looked at her paws for a moment. [color=3CB371][b] "Just because I'm your best friend doesn't mean you can disobey my orders. I'm still the Clan leader." [/b][/color] Feelings of embarrassment and guilt shot through her pelt. She never wanted Fernstar to think she was taking advantage of her. Dipping her head with respect she said quietly, [color=7B68EE][b] "I'm sorry Fernstar, I didn't mean to disobey. Lately I haven't been sleeping well but last night I was finally able to fall asleep and stay asleep. I guess I needed the sleep and my body just couldn't wake up. I could go help the hunting patrol if you like? Help you pad dens?" [/b][/color] Sitting with her tail wrapped around her paws, she shivered at the cold. Even in the shelter of the medicine cat den she could still feel the heavy weight of the cold in her pelt. She hoped this leafbare would end soon. Pulling her attention back, Fernstar spoke. [color=3CB371][b] "Actually yes you can stay behind and help Silverpaw, Cinderpaw and I pad the dens. We need to find more undergrowth to replace the old layer and the more help we have, the faster it will get done." [/b][/color] Shooting Maplestream an affectionate glance, she ended her statement with [color=3CB371][b] "I appreciate your help." [/b][/color] Maplestream nodded her head and purred softly to herself as she turned and headed towards the warrior's den to start tearing the old undergrowth away. Her heart warmed with affection towards her friend, and she forgot about the cold for a brief heartbeat. [/center]