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On cautious paws, Larkwing climbed over a large branch that had broken off a neighbouring tree. In front of her, the young she-cat saw the bushy, dark reddish-golden tail of her littermate, elegantly weaving her way through the undergrowth.
Larkwing noticed how quiet she was. Despite the dense plants in this part of RoseClan territory, Amberhaze made no sound. With this talent, it was no wonder she had become such a good hunter.
In contrast, Larkwing stumbled awkwardly after her. She gritted her teeth in frustration and stifled a hiss as she got caught in a small thorn bush.
Amberhaze turned to face her. "Are you alright?"
Hot with embarrassment, Larkwing yanked herself out of the bush a little too jerkily, leaving a few thorns caught in her pelt. Clumsy mouse-brain!
"Wait, you've got thorns in your fur." Amberhaze's eyes shone with worry.
"As if I didn't know." Snorting, Larkwing turned her head away and tried in vain to pull the little troublemakers out.
Amberhaze stepped closer to her. "You can't do it like that. Let me help you," she ordered.
So Larkwing could do nothing but stand there and wait until Amberhaze had freed her from all the thorns, similar to a mother cleaning her kit after a wild game.
"Done," Amberhaze announced after a while. Her whiskers twitched in amusement. "Better watch where you're stepping."
With ruffled fur, Larkwing put a few tail-lengths of distance between herself and the thorn bush. The whole situation was terribly embarrassing for her. "I don't know how I missed it," she grumbled dismissively.
Amberhaze hurried after her. "You've been so distracted all day."
"Am I?"
"You're nervous about tomorrow, am I right?"
Larkwing wrinkled her muzzle. "I'm not-" she wanted to protest, but then broke off abruptly.
It was true, she was nervous. So nervous, in fact, that she was getting tangled up in briars, even though she could normally cross the forest without a problem.
Sighing, Larkwing lowered her gaze. There was no point in denying anything. "Yes, I am nervous," she confirmed. "Perhaps I should've insisted that another cat take on this task instead. But it's too late now, I guess."
Purring, Amberhaze rubbed her muzzle against Larkwing's. "I'm afraid for you," she admitted softly. "Still, I'm quite sure you'll make it."
"Really?" Larkwing's fur prickled with warmth.
Amberhaze stepped back, a glow of pride in her dark amber eyes. "You've always been the braver of us, and more importantly, the better fighter. No matter what you face tomorrow, I believe in you."
