(✓) Warriors ▸ Shadows of the Domestic [1]

Chapter 7

Harepaw stretched languidly in her nest, the early morning sunlight filtering through the branches casting a warm glow upon her sleek fur. Her amber eyes blinked open, heavy with sleep, yet a sense of duty lingered beneath her drowsiness. Yellowfang, the wise and grizzled elder, had been taken prisoner within ThunderClan's territory—an unsettling turn of events that had sparked protests within her young heart. However, as a mere apprentice, she found herself overruled by the weight of senior warriors' decisions, and ultimately, the decree of their esteemed leader, Bluestar.

Despite her inner turmoil, Harepaw resigned herself to the course set by the Clan's leaders, knowing defiance would only lead to further discord. Yet, a glimmer of hope remained—a promise to provide Yellowfang with the comforts she deserved during her confinement. Harepaw vowed silently to ensure the elder received ample food and fresh bedding for the moons to come, a small token of respect and gratitude for the wisdom Yellowfang had imparted upon their Clan.

In this endeavor, Harepaw found herself joined by Firepaw, her fellow apprentice and trusted friend. Together, they would embark on this mission of care and compassion, bridging the divide between duty and empathy in the heart of ThunderClan's territory.

"Hey there, Sleepyhead!" grunted Graypaw, his voice rough with morning vigor as he nudged her nest with his head, his gaze playful yet expectant. "Ready to treat some old sick hag?" he jested, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.

Harepaw snorted in response, her own voice a blend of amusement and determination. With a flick of her tail, she acknowledged his jest before rising from her nest, her fluffy white fur ruffling as she shook herself awake. Casting a quick glance around the den, she padded purposefully towards the fresh-kill pile, the scent of prey lingering enticingly in the air.

Selecting a plump vole and a well-sized rabbit, Harepaw approached Yellowfang's side, the elder dozing peacefully near the nursery's entrance. With a gentle nudge, she roused Yellowfang from her slumber, presenting the offerings of food with a respectful dip of her head. "Here you go, Yellowfang," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with warmth and kindness, "fresh kills for you, straight from the morning hunt."

"Hmph, I don't need you to bring me food, little one. I can do just fine on my own," Yellowfang grunted, her tone gruff and defiant as she lashed her tail, a testament to her stubborn independence. Despite her words, however, the old gray she-cat begrudgingly accepted the offered rabbit, her hunger betraying her pride as she began to nibble on the supple flesh.

Harepaw couldn't help but roll her eyes at Yellowfang's stubbornness, though she settled herself beside the elder nonetheless, a silent sentinel of care and respect. Yet, her attention was soon drawn away by the passing figures of Dustpaw and Sandpaw, their voices dripping with disdain as they mocked her efforts.

"Ah, I see Harepaw being punished for taking care of an old hag like Yellowfang, hah, what a shame she must feel," Sandpaw scoffed, her eyes glinting with a bitter edge. Harepaw's blue eyes flashed with indignation, her patience worn thin by their callous remarks. With a low growl rumbling in her throat, she turned towards Sandpaw, a fierce defiance burning in her gaze, causing the younger apprentice to shrink back in discomfort.

In that moment, Firepaw approached, a dove clutched delicately in his jaws, his green eyes sparkling with amusement at the exchange. "You set Sandpaw in her place, I see," he remarked, his voice laced with admiration for Harepaw's courage in standing up to her peers.

"Had to, that flea bag only knows what's good for her and not," Harepaw retorted with a flick of her tail, her words carrying a hint of playful defiance as she returned to her vole. "You don't need to get your claws in a twist for me, little one," murmured Yellowfang, her tone gruff yet touched by a hint of amusement.

Harepaw met Yellowfang's gaze, her own eyes shining with determination as she smiled warmly, her tongue running across her lips in a gesture of reassurance. "But of course I do. You're in my care now, Yellowfang, whether you like it or not. And I won't let you get called out like that or picked on by those two," she declared, her voice firm and resolute.

With a snort of agreement, her eyes sparking with righteous indignation, Harepaw continued, "They're just mouse-brains, thinking they can push others around. But they'll learn soon enough, with me around, they won't dare bother you again."

Yellowfang let out a rare mrrwo of laughter, a sound like the echo of distant thunder, as she pressed her ragged pelt against Harepaw's flank in a gesture of gratitude and camaraderie. "Thank you, little one," she murmured softly, her voice carrying the weight of years of experience and wisdom, before she delved back into the rabbit with renewed vigor.

Harepaw shared a knowing look with Firepaw, a silent acknowledgment passing between them of the bond forged in their shared determination to care for their elder. With a sense of unity and purpose, they turned their attention to their own meals, savoring the taste of fresh prey and the warmth of companionship amidst the dappled light of the forest clearing.