TCL, Book Two

Chapter Nine

-November 10th-
-Daisypaw is 9 moons old-
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Daisypaw listened intently to Pineheart's words. "While we're out, take note of the different scents you smell; as a warrior you need to know how to detect the difference to be able to get a hold of what you'll be fighting, if you ever get into a situation where you need to fight a predator," he told her as they waited for Mallowfang to assign the patrols.

   My first Dawn Patrol! Oh, me and Tulippaw went on a hunting patrol before but border patrols are different! I'm going to be reinforcing the border with my Clanmates! she thought excitedly. The hunting patrol hadn't been much different from her regular hunting expeditions, she and Tulippaw had simply branched off from the others and worked in a pair like apprentices usually did.

   As the last of the warriors settled around Mallowfang, the silver and black deputy began to speak. "For today's Dawn Patrol I will be taking Birchwhisker, Smalltalon, and Pineheart, as well as the apprentices," she announced. "When we return I would like Goldenfern to lead a hunting party, taking Whiterain and Russetclaw."

   Daisypaw beamed as her father and uncle crowded around her and Pineheart, Tulippaw chattering to a tired looking Nightpaw as they followed. Daisypaw couldn't help but notice the dullness in the black tom's eyes. These night visits are tiring him out. But if it's what makes him happy. . . She shook her head, letting the trail of thought end uncomfortably.

   Mallowfang crossed to the front of the group. "Are the apprentices ready?" she purred back at them. Daisypaw nodded, letting her eagerness reign inside her. Tulippaw and Nightpaw both gave a 'mrrow' in agreement.

   Daisypaw, who usually stuck very close to Pineheart, branched out a bit, moving between Birchwhisker and Smalltalon, rubbing affectionately against both their flanks. Smalltalon gave her a twinkling look and bumped her back in the shoulder, while Birchwhisker stole a loving lick between her ears. Feeling loved, Daisypaw began to purr. How are we marking today? she wondered, never before having tried the method of rubbing against things to leave her fur in the crevices.

   They walked in semi-silence — every once in awhile Tulippaw would make an over-eager comment and Nightpaw would poorly stifle his occasional yawns.

   Smalltalon leaned in close to Daisypaw's ear at one point. "If we run into another Clan's patrol and they're being sharp-tongued, just act oblivious to any taunts. It annoys them to death you know," he chuckled.

   Daisypaw gave him a glowing look, giggling quietly. My uncle, so unbothered by everything. Always up for a laugh. Never change, Smalltalon.

   Soon they arrived along the small section of border between them and SkyClan. Daisypaw was a bit weary of being so close to the abandoned twoleg-den, but was reassured when she caught Foxblaze's fresh scent. He usually volunteered to be a lookout around this area since the incident, and it was clear he had gotten an early start today. She rubbed against an oak, wincing as the bark tugged at her fur. Hmm, I'll stick to spraying and scratching, she thought, readying her tail instead.

   The stretch of border was short, so they moved on pretty quickly. As they moved to the ShadowClan border, Daisypaw felt an odd sense of foreboding. Puzzling over it for a moment, she glanced in Nightpaw's direction. The fur along his neck was slightly puffed and his eyes were wide. That's what's up, she concluded. Hopefully his scent hasn't lingered.

   They stayed there a bit longer, walking slowly along the border while leaving scent markers, but soon enough Daisypaw was walking along the lake as the sun turned the grey film of the air into a pinkish-orange glow as the sky lightened, falling behind to walk alongside Pineheart, Tulippaw, and Nightpaw.