[ti]Private[/ti]Right Before Our Eyes

[Broadwaykat]

Gullpaw was not the first to dive in to any event, but as the days grew shorter to the moment he would be named a full warrior of Mistclan, he was getting a little better. Under Robinheart's tutelage, he was getting better - still primarily at things such as defense and hunting, but still - he was doing his best. But truth be told, it was as much to his mentor's tutelage as it was the encouragement of his two good friends. 

"Are you sure we should be doing this?" He asked one of those friends as the crept along the forest floor, feeling anxious even as the sun was setting much later that day, the air had a certainly dusky quality to it; it wasn't as bright and sunny as he would have liked it to be for a romp outside with his friends. "I mean, I know we've gotta train sometime, and they said we can go in groups - but...but what if those Rootclan-tribers are out and about or something?! What if they, like, attack us and capture us and try to eat us!?"


Okay, maybe some things had yet to change - but he was getting better.


Dragon

[Dragon]

Maplepaw had been working on gaining Gullpaw's trust and friendship hoping to make him loyal to him so he could use him if the need ever rose. He hadn't been happy to hear he had befriended another cat especially a she-cat. But he had hidden it well and made sure to tell Gullpaw how happy he was for him. Gullpaw, Webpaw and he would be made warriors soon and he decided to go on one last adventure as an apprentice. He had dared Gullpaw and Webpaw to go out with him later in the day towards sunset to explore. He had his own reasons he wanted to explore the border with the other clans especially the new Rootclan. Maplepaw decided to hide his intentions by going out with his friends. When Gullpaw asked if they should be doing this he smiled encouragingly at him. "Of course, we're almost warriors were just going out to do a little exploring maybe some night hunting. It's not like we're breaking any rules or the warrior code." He nudged Gullpaw lightly, "don't worry those tribe cats wouldn't dare cross the border," he bared his teeth "I'd chase them off if they did. I won't let anyone hurt you Gullpaw I promise."



Webpaw had grown close to Gullpaw and become good friends with him. She didn't exactly like his other friend Maplepaw but she didn't want to tear her friendship apart by telling him that he shouldn't hang out with Maplepaw. So instead she settled with just keeping a close eye on her friend and making sure he was ok. After all it was the least she could do after he had helped her with the elders. So when Maplepaw dared them to go out with him near sunset of course she said yes as soon as Gullpaw did just so she could watch out for him. As they left the camp and headed for the meadow she could tell how nervous and anxious Gullpaw was. She listened to Maplepaw's words and sighed softly. Once he was done talking she pressed lightly against Gullpaw and ran her tail over his back. "If you're not comfortable we could head back. I'd be happy to go back with you if you want."

[Broadwaykat]

Despite a naturally nervous disposition, Gullpaw was making tiny pawsteps towards being a better, braver cat. Part of it was, of course, the coaxing and care of his mentor, but just having too solid friends made everything different. Even if, in practice, Maplepaw and Webpaw were unlikely to be friends themselves. Maplepaw was fun and exciting - he had survived a flood that had killed grown cats for Starclan's sake. And yet he had stuck by Gullpaw and encouraged him to do bigger, grander things. He made him believe in himself.

Webpaw, on the other paw, was supportive in a different way. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that, in their first real meeting at the very beginning of their friendship, it was him to had comforted her. They were almost equal partners - she wasn't the healthiest of cats, but her spirit was indomitable. He, able-bodied as he was, was somewhat lacking when it came to that category. They balanced and supported each other spectacularly. The only slight problem was if he could figure out a way to be close to her without feeling like his own skin was going to catch his fur on fire.

Maplepaw was quick to put his mind at ease, gently confirming that there was nothing they were doing that was wrong. Reminding them that they would be warriors soon. Gullpaw didn't relax completely though, until Webpaw brushed against him.

"N-no...I'm okay. So long as we're not breakin' the rules or anything. Maplepaw's right; we're gonna be big, strong warriors soon enough, right. What's wrong with a little night-hunting."

Well, a lot could go wrong - Gullpaw had never been a fan of the dark. Lots of places for things to hide. But he was willing to put on a brave face if the others way. He was growing, and in many ways it was a little pathetic that a cat his age was still afraid of the dark.