Private Thread Frosted Roses

Think before you leap. Find the right route. ~Shadefrost
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The sun was high in the sky as Shadefrost pushed his way through entrance of the Medicine Den into the main clearing. The camp was busy as usual with cats flitting here and there. Looking around he spotted Leopardrose basking in a pool of sunlight. Trudging over, his tail flicking back and forth nervously, he sat down beside her and licked a paw, dragging it over his ear.

"You look comfortable." He stated flatly. He gazed down at her with his stone gray eyes. They should be doing something to help the clan. But what? Maybe he could talk her into hunting with him? But that would mean having her around for an extended period of time and that idea alone was enough to put him off the idea.

Other cats... They didn't seem to get him, or at least that how he felt. He glanced toward the sky and focused on a wisp of a cloud overhead.

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
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Leopardrose’s ears twitched at the sound of approaching pawsteps, but she didn’t stir until Shadefrost's voice broke her peaceful trance. Her eyes snapped open, and she found herself staring up at him in surprise, her heart skipping a beat as he stood over her.

“I - uh...” She stammered, rolling onto her paws with an awkward stretch, trying to shake off the lazy warmth that had settled into her muscles. She could feel the sudden self-consciousness creeping in, her mind scrambling to cover the fact that she had been lounging about instead of doing anything meaningful.

"Comfortable?" A nervous chuckle slipped from her maw unconsciously, her tail flicking behind her. “Just... getting ready for the next patrol, that’s all.” She gave her chest fur a few hurried licks, her eyes darting away from his steady, gray gaze.

She hated the idea of anyone thinking she wasn’t pulling her weight - especially cats like Shadefrost, whose serious demeanor always made her feel like she had to work twice as hard just to be passed over. At least he wasn't poking fun like some cats might have done.

Her eyes darted back to him, catching his gaze for a brief moment before she quickly looked away again. “I was actually thinking about heading out soon.” She added, trying to sound more decisive. “Maybe join a hunting patrol, or check the dens for any leaks...” She gave an exaggerated stretch, as if to emphasize her readiness, though the truth was she had no concrete plans yet.  

Think before you leap. Find the right route. ~Shadefrost
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The young tom rolled his eyes. Getting ready for a patrol? She was clearly lying. But who was he to judge. He glanced around. He didn't really want to spend time with her but at least if they went and hunted they would both be doing something for the clan. His whiskers twitched in annoyance and he looked back at her.

"Well, you can come with me then. I was about to head out to hunt near the twoleg place." He turned around and headed towards the camp entrance carefully watching each paw step.

As he reached the entrance a nice breeze swept through the clearing and ruffled his fur. He purred at the feeling of the wind in his pelt. While he may not want the company today was sure to be a good day to hunt. At least he hoped it would be.

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
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  Leopardrose noticed Shadefrost's eye roll, and her heart sank a little. She knew she hadn’t been the most convincing, but the last thing she wanted was for him to think she wasn’t trying. As he offered for her to join him, though his tone wasn’t exactly enthusiastic, she was quick to nod and fall in beside him.

"Sure, sounds like a plan." Despite his obvious irritation, Leopardrose was determined to make the best of it. She wasn’t one to back down from a challenge, and if this hunt was an opportunity to prove herself, even if only to Shadefrost, she’d take it.

As they padded towards the camp entrance, the breeze tugged at her fur, carrying with it the familiar scent of leaf-fall. She couldn’t help but steal a glance at Shadefrost as he purred softly, clearly enjoying the cool air. "Twoleg place, huh? Alright." For Leopardrose there was a lingering stigma around there. She preferred if she avoided the area, but preference wouldn't trump duty.