Ask to Join Edge of the Fence

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

Leopardrose’s steps were slower than usual. The slush beneath her paws didn’t make for easy travel, and every brittle twig or patch of churned snow set her nerves alight. Her ears swiveled constantly, sharp against the wind as if waiting for it to carry some familiar, dreadful scent.

She didn’t answer Greypebbles right away. His touch, though gentle, made her fur twitch. Not in discomfort but in the ache of being seen too clearly. "Off?" She echoed, a quiet breath slipping out with the word. She cast him a sideways glance, her teal eyes hooded. "I've just been thinking about rogues and killers. More than usual as of late."

She looked down at her paws, claws flexing against the frostbitten dirt. "I've been encouraging more sparring around camp, and trying to convince Moosestar to send more patrols around Twolegplace." Her tone turned colder. "We have to be prepared."

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles had quite easily fallen into step beside Leopardrose like a shadow cast from her own form, quiet, calm, and always just close enough. His pawsteps were careful as they crunched on the frost-lined slush, and though he didn't really say anything right away, his ear flicked in her direction showing he had heard every word.

He let the silence stretch for a few heartbeats longer, the kind of silence that wasn't empty, but gentle, shared. Then, softly, he spoke "I think about her too. Every day." His voice was low, nearly swallowed by the wind, but steady. "The way she fought. The way she seemed so in control on patrols, like nothing could touch her" his gaze dropped, watching his paws press into the snow as if he were trying to keep himself grounded. "and then it did"

He breathed in sharply through his nose and his eyes flicked up again, back to Leopardrose, there was a certain resolution in his eyes that he wanted to bring forth, but his voice lacked that same resolution. "You're right to push more training. For stronger patrols. I just..." Greypebbles twitched his whiskers, and looked away for a moment, as if trying to find the right words in the bark of the trees and the hush of the wind. "I don't want to lose anyone else. Especially not you." The admission hung in the air, not desperate, not loud, just true.

When Leopardrose mentioned it all, Greypebbles shuffled slightly on his paws. "I can help, if you want. With training. You know I'm not the best at speaking up in front of everyone but... maybe I can be your partner. For the sparring" His eyes flicked to hers briefly, but he soon realized that he sounded a little Mouse-Brained and let a huff free from his lungs "Or just your shadow. If you ever need one" A dry, small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He gently brushed his short tail against hers as they walked, careful not to overstep, his voice softer still. "We're not going to let another rogue take something from us. Not if I have anything to say about it"

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

Leopardrose didn’t speak at first.

The wind tugged at her whiskers, carrying with it the chill of Greypebbles’ words - the honesty in them, the fear she rarely let herself feel reflected so plainly. Her ears flattened against her skull for a breath, and she stared hard at the brittle path ahead, like if she focused enough, she could hold herself together.

"I remember." She said at last, her voice low. "The way she made you feel like you could win any fight just by standing beside her." A muscle jumped in her jaw. "And then she was gone in a breath."

Leopardrose’s pace slowed, her tail brushing lightly back against Greypebbles’ in silent acknowledgment of his offer. She didn’t pull away. "I don’t want to lose anyone either." Her voice cracked like ice. "But being scared won’t stop them from coming. If anything, it’ll make it easier."

Her teal eyes turned to him, more naked than she usually let them be, soft with something unspoken and weary. "If you’re my shadow, I want you sharp." Her gaze flicked ahead again. "We both know rogues don’t fight fair. So we don’t wait for fair chances to be ready."

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

"Fear makes us who we are, it keeps us alive, but if we allow it to make us skittish, hesitant... we'll be just like sitting ducks... easy targets" Greypebbles agreed, unsheathing his claws into the icy ground but was soon to sheath them again out of the need to be at least a little bit calm in the situation, his calmness right now was all that kept him grounded, if he lost that right now, then what would he be?

 The smaller tom kept pace with Leopardrose, not wanting to scramble ahead, since being together was the best option here, two cats against one had a higher chance of victory if the time for attack came, especially with Leopardrose.

Greypebbles' nose twitched but he nodded with all the determination of a seasoned warrior, "Sharp as a nettle" he echoed within his nod, she was right, there was no room for hesitation when it came to life or death, in this case; one with this sort of danger, it was one way or the other and Greypebbles most certainly didn't want to die because of stupidity or hesitation. "The only way to fight them off is to stoop to their level, we fight for honor, they either fight for fun or survival."

"But rogues..." Greypebbles began, his eyes filled with a few vivid memories, ones that deepened his resolution to do this more than ever "they don't have anyone to fight for besides themself, we know what we're fighting for, we know how it feels to lose something important. Leopardrose, we have something worth fighting for, if it comes to it, we can show that rogue just what ThunderClan is capable of when we know we can't lose what we're fighting for"

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

Leopardrose dipped her head toward the eastern edge of the trees, where the sodden new leaf path widened until it met the Thunderpath’s raw black scar.  "We’ll swing the route along Twoleg Place." She decided, angling her paws toward the asphalt ribbon. Exhaust fumes and the stale stench of Twolegplace already wafted on the breeze.

Greypebbles matched her stride as they broke from the treeline and paced parallel to the Thunderpath. Snowmelt pooled in shallow ruts, their reflections warped by the oily surface.  " Sharp as a nettle..." She reminded him.

Leopardrose flicked her tail against his flank. The hiss of distant monsters sent her ears tilting, but her steps remained even. "We’ll refresh the markers right up to the verge, then double back through Whitehart’s hedgerow. If we scent anything odd, we follow it to the border and no farther."

A part of her recalled the moment when she had brought Coyotepaw over here...How tramautized she seemed to unearth old memories. It wasn't pleasant. "After this, we collect some clanmates. Shadow or not, you’re running drills with me before sun down."

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles padded alongside Leopardrose, his grey dappled coat ruffling with each passing gust that carried the biting stink of the Thunderpath. Though his steps ere light and sure, his ears angled back warily at the roar of monsters echoing in the distance. The small grey warrior gave a sideways glance over at Leopardrose, letting a soft, reassuring smile break through his features before turning his gaze back to the Thunderpath.

He kept close to her side as they walked parallel to the path, his blue eyes skimming the oily pools reflecting the grey sky. At her flick of the tail and the cool press of memory in her voice, Greypebbles gave her a gentle glance, something soft and understanding flickering in his gaze. He didn't ask, didn't pry, just made sure his pawsteps matched hers, unwavering and quiet.

"I'll watch at the edge while you refresh the markers" he offered with a small nod towards the hedgerow. "We'll cover more ground that way." His tail gave a small, awkward flick, and his ears twitched. "And... drills?" he echoed, a sheepish look crossing his face. "Right. I won't argue. Just... don't make me pair with Savagefox, they hit like they're trying to knock the stripes off a badger" he stated, his voice a bit more hearty than serious, but there was a sense of truth in it. There was something about being around Leopardrose that brought out the best in him, even in these horrid times.

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●── 

Leopardrose gave a quiet snort at Greypebbles’ comment, the corner of her mouth twitching despite the tension coiled in her shoulders. "Don't worry. Savagefox can kick rocks. If they don't get partnered with anyone, maybe they can box themselves." She replied dryly, though there was a note of humor tucked beneath it.

The hedgerow came into sharper view as they neared the edge of the border. Leopardrose paused, scanning the boundary with a narrowed gaze.

"I’ll take the markers upwind." She said, motioning with her tail tip toward the bramble-choked corner where scent would carry. Her paws stirred the damp earth, the scent of ThunderClan strong as she reapplied the border. Greypebbles’ offer hadn’t gone unappreciated. His presence kept her grounded.

"We’ll swing wide on the return..." She called over her shoulder. "Catch any trail that crosses the wind."

She finished marking the base of a leaning fencepost and turned back, teal eyes locking with his. A small, pointed smirk rose on her face. "Should I pair you with Coyotepaw? You might just stand a chance." It was easier to speak like this...to toss barbs and jokes through the unease. It reminded her that they were still warriors, still here with each other.

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles let out a soft, breathy laugh at Leopardrose's dry jab, his whiskers twitching with the effort to stifle the smile threatening to pull at his muzzle "If Savagefox boxed themself, I think they would still be able to find a way to complain that they lost" he murmured back, voice low but warm with amusement. As Leopardrose moved forward, ahead of him, to mark the border, Greypebbles stayed true to his word, pacing slow and steady along the verge of the Thunderpath.

The smaller-than-average warrior's nose twitched, constantly tasting the air, but all that met him was the heavy stench of twoleg monsters and old, wet stone. No fresh threat, no shifting shadows waiting in the slush, just the occasionally hiss of monsters in the far distance and the acrid stench of the path they ran on. He paused when she called over her shoulder, flicking an ear in acknowledgment. "Yeah, I've got it" he said simply, keeping his pawsteps careful and deliberate

When she turned, that sly, pointed smirk on her face, Greypebbles caught it with a startled blink, and then a quiet, shy grin of his own broke through. "Coyotepaw?" he echoed, feigning mock horror as he padded a little closer. "She'd have me flat on my back before I could blink. Then you'd have a really good story to tell" he spoke with fondness as he pressed his nose against Leopardrose's chest, drinking in her scent for a moment before drawing back.

His words had been light, easy, a thread of normalcy woven through the strange weight that still hung in the air. His tail flicked in the cool air as he added with a softer tone, more serious now, "But... I wouldn't mind. As long as it is you calling the shots." Greypebbles held her gaze for a moment longer, steady, earnest, before shifting the route wide, just like she said.

Greypebbles craned his neck around to face Leopardrose again for a moment, his thoughts of danger, some hidden threat, lingered in his mind as he had begun to move ahead and the worry made him pause. Though seeing Leopardrose alive, well, made his worry ease, even if it was only slightly "Come on then, I thought I was supposed to be keeping up with you!"

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

The press of Greypebbles' nose against her chest startled her slightly. For a heartbeat, her paws felt rooted to the spot, the border, the stink of the Thunderpath, even the nagging memories of Whitehart fading into the background.

Her teal eyes softened at his quiet, earnest words. For all her sharp edges and stubborn pride, Leopardrose knew loyalty when she saw it and she would never take his for granted. "You will...: She murmured, the corner of her mouth lifting again, though this time there was something gentler behind the smirk. "Long as I'm breathing."

She gave his flank a playful bump with her shoulder before trotting ahead, steps brisk but light. She trusted him to watch her back as much as she trusted herself to lead. "Keep up then..." The she-cat teased over her shoulder, flashing him a grin full of fire and promise. "Or you’ll be the one paired with Savagefox after all."

The slush squelched under her paws as she swung wide toward the hedgerow, marking while watching for any sign of trouble. The world felt heavier these days but right now with Greypebbles at her side, it didn’t feel quite so heavy to carry.

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles' perked his ears, watching Leopardrose dart forward and glance teasingly back at him meant more to him than he could express, it meant that she wasn't letting the deaths eat too closely at her more playful side, at least... not with him she wasn't. Greypebbles was happy with that at least.

"In your dreams!" He called out before racing after her, bounding like a kit from the nursery as he chased after her, his bobbed tail flicking to release the extra energy when he made it to her side and trotted slightly ahead, his paw pressing on the sludgy ground ever so slightly, regardless of how the cold made him flinch, he continued on, just like he always had.

For a moment, it was silent, not the awkward kind of silence, but the silence that held weight and the silence that didn't have the need to be filled, one that Greypebbles would sit in forever if he wanted to. But he did have to speak eventually after all "So, turning our minds away from what has been happening recently..." he murmured before perking his ears up again "Coyotepaw, her training, how's that going? Anything new you've been focusing on?"

For a brief, fleeting moment, he paused, contemplating why he was even asking the apprentice's progress, and so deeply into it as well. Perhaps it was something he wanted insight on if he eventually got his own apprentice, but who could tell with the barely readable look in his eyes. He just seemed rather content just being there with Leopardrose in silence, but he knew that it could drive a cat crazy being in the quiet for too long.

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

Leopardrose caught Greypebbles’ energy as he bounded up beside her, the corners of her mouth quirking in silent amusement. The tension that had coiled in her chest loosened another notch. For a heartbeat, it really did feel like old times. She matched his pace easily, her strides steady but light, tail flicking in rhythm with her pawsteps.

When Greypebbles spoke again, she gave a soft hum. "Oh, she's fine. Her training is coming along fine too - I think." Leopardrose said, pride slipping into her voice without hesitation.

Leopardrose flicked a clump of slush off her paw and continued, her tone warming. "Lately I’ve been focusing on patience with her. Teaching her it’s not just strength or speed that wins a fight." Her gaze sharpened, briefly faraway. "Same thing that’ll win us the edge against those rogues."

She glanced back at him, catching the subtle thoughtfulness in his eyes. Greypebbles wasn't just making conversation. He was listening. "You’ll be good with an apprentice..." Leopardrose said after a moment, her voice low but sure.

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles was caught off guard by how well Leopardrose could read him, his thoughts that he wanted to know some decent lessons for an apprentice and he glanced away, slightly embarrassed and yet not denying the thoughts that had crossed him mind quite a few times. "Bravesong says that, but I'm sure he just says that because he's my mentor" he replied, a soft snort leaving his nose as he continued to walk in tandem with Leopardrose.

"It won't be up to me though, never will" Greypebbles drawled with a shrug, a shrug that hid how deeply he cared about getting an apprentice, although there was no true guarantee that he would, not unless Moosestar somehow saw what Leopardrose and Bravesong did. "Don't suppose you'd be able to put in a good word for me will you?" he joked, nudging her shoulder with his pinkish-grey nose.

The small grey warrior trudged through the snow, his paws hardly making an imprint in the sludgy ground. As he walked, and he noticed too, but he knew that just because he was light, it didn't mean he couldn't win a fight with a rogue, there was more to fighting than brute strength, especially to ThunderClan, perhaps they could learn a thing or two "He did mentor you after all, and you got an apprentice. So what do you say? Would you take one for the team Leopardrose?" He teased, giving her another light shove, he enjoyed this, the camaraderie the companionship, it was all just how he liked to spend his time if it wasn't alone in camp. Leopardrose is his best friend and he wouldn't change that for anything.

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

Leopardrose snorted softly at his nudge, though her eyes gleamed with warmth. "If Bravesong’s saying it, that’s not just fluff." Her shoulder leaned briefly into his as she walked, brushing against him in an unspoken agreement.

"But you’re right. It’s not up to us. Still...Moosestar listens. And I might have his ear." The teasing lilt in her voice was undercut by a flicker of something more genuine in her gaze as she glanced over at him. "I’d vouch for you."

Even the smallest pebble can make ripples that change the course of the stream.

⋘ ──── ∙∙•🪨•∙∙ ──── ⋙

Greypebbles blinked at her words, a flicker of surprise softening his expression before it settled into something quieter, deeper. Her shoulder against his was warm despite the chill in the air, and for a moment, the border, the drills, even the Thunderpath's oily stench faded into the background. It was a nice feeling, something he felt he could only feel with a select few cats.

"Really? Didn't think you'd actually vouch for me" he echoed, the corners of his mouth quirking in that small, lopsided way he smiled, rare, but real. "I guess I'd better make it worth your breath, then." he stated, and he was going to be true to his word, he always tried to, and with Leopardrose, he had to, not out of fear or obligation, but because he wanted to.

He gave his pelt a shake, as if to dispel the weight behind his words, but the glance he cast her held steady gratitude, edged with something more careful, something he didn't speak aloud. Not yet. "Moosestar listens, sure" he added, voice low. "But I think he'd have to be mouse-brained not to listen to you" his tone was half teasing but the honesty in it lingered just under the surface. After a pause, he gave her another gentle nudge. "And for what it's worth... I'd vouch for you too. Not that you'd need it"

Spawn of flame, Thunder-struck, from the ashes I rise
──●◎●──

At his nudge, she let out a quiet purr. "Thanks... Even if I didn’t need it." She paused, her gaze drifting to the horizon where the trees stretched long and the wind stirred the underbrush. "Still means something coming from you."

For a heartbeat, she didn’t say anything else. The Thunderpath hummed faintly behind them, the air sharp with early new leaf's edge, but none of it seemed to press so close anymore. “C’mon." She murmured finally, flicking her tail against his flank as she stepped forward. "let’s finish this round before the sun sets."

But there was a smile on her face as she walked, and it lingered long after her pawsteps moved on.