[Shallow] Heart, Shallow M i n d s

[Skysong/Firehawk]

One day he'd show his clan how good he could be. How powerful he was. Furious pawsteps thudded against the earth as he stalked away from another stern glare. He'd never get an apprentice, because they all wanted the soft-hearted ones. Pah! Soft hearts make you weak.

The fire-pelted tom glared up at StarClan, as they seemingly glared back at him. Even StarClan hates me. he thought angrily to himself, and lept upon a rock near the river. This was his favorite spot, where he often came to cool down after another snide remark from a clan member.

They hated him because he was born from a rogue. It wasn't his fault! Not like he chose his mother to be a stinking loner. Disdainfully he glared behind him, in the direction of his camp. Few liked him there. Few he trusted. No one cared where he went, because they didn't really accept him. Turning his burning-orange gaze to the dark water, he sighed, feeling self-pity engulf him. Why? Why did StarClan do this to him?

[[B l u r r y step]]

"Hey there, big cat!"

Thiefpaw strutted into the scene, thin body easily crossing the clearing in a matter of seconds. His aqua green eyes were practically glowing with mischief, but he dare not play a joke on Firehawk...unless he wanted his head to be on fire. Those eyes could probably burn an entire forest down! But Thiefpaw didn't mind. He was pretty cool, in a weird, destructive way.

"So, what're you up to?" Grinning wildly, the tabby tom stared up at the larger, much experienced warrior. Now he was the type of cat to go to if you needed some decent training. With no mentor, it was pretty hard to just get by. But luckily, his father managed to sneak in some special tips before he died....

The thought of his father made Thiefpaw lower his head just a bit. Even though it had been a few moons after their deaths, it still lingered. Feeling a shudder pass through him, the handsome tom puffed out his chest and took a deep breath. Not a very smart idea going all mushy when in front of one of the strongest warriors in NightClan!

[Skysong/Firehawk]

Firehawk looked up as he heard an apprentice voice ring throughout the area. Towards him. In his special spot. Slightly annoyed, he gazed down at the apprentice as Theifpaw questioned what he was doing.
"Laying here." he answered gruffly. No need to state his name. Theifpaw knew who he was, and he knew Theifpaw. Heck, they were in the same clan, were they not?

He seemed almost in awe of Firehawk, which was amusing in itself. Most looked at him like some sort of freak. The warrior decided to give the apprentice some credit; after all, he had approached him in a very bad mood. Rarely did anyone approach him in such a mood; he often got carried away. Thankfully he hadn't been kicked from the clan yet.

That's right, this apprentice didn't have a mentor. Few did, which was extremely odd, because in the naming ceremony for an apprentice, the leader usually appoints a mentor at the same time...

Shifting into a more comfortable position, he noted the lowering of the younger cat's head. What was up with him? Memories probably. Obviously not very good ones. Whatever. He recovered himself nicely, so FireHawk decided to overlook it.
"What are you doing here Theifpaw?" he questioned in turn, relazing a little. There was no need to be alert around an apprentice.

[[B l u r r y step]]

Well, that was a stupid question to ask on his part. Of course he was laying there! Anyone could've seen that. Mentally smacking himself for being so...stupid, he gathered his wits before realizing what the warrior had asked. What was he doing here? Walking? If he didn't know, then StarClan certainly didn't know.

"Huntin'." He decided quickly, making sure not to stall. Best answer him quickly, show respect. Disrespectful equals massive butt-whooping. "Thought I might try and find someone to spar with too, y'know. Get all my trainin' done." The apprentice shrugged slightly, face going numb.

When he was younger, he didn't need to worry about finding someone to play fight with, even though he had no siblings. His father was always there, teaching him the ropes and such. His mother always talked to him as if he was royalty, which Thiefpaw found quite rewarding. Plentiful food, a warm place to sleep, the best things a cat could have!

[Skysong/Firehawk]

FireHawk regarded the apprentice with greater amusement than before. He didn't stammer either. Stretching his limbs on the rock he yawned largely, his ivory white teeth glinting in the moonlight. Once he was finished he snapped his mouth shut and looked back at the apprentice to hear ...find someone to spar with too, y'now.

Well yeah, sparring was good when an apprentice didn't have a mentor to help him out. He aught to talk to the leader and the deputy about the lack of mentors in this clan. It was a disgrace beyond words. Though they may not listen to him. Whatever, he'd show them what he was made of.

Rising to his feet FireHawk looked down at Theifpaw. He seemed so small from up on his rock. "Someone to spar with." he echoed mildly, and lept from the rock, as if to trying to take him down. He asked for a sparring partner, he might as well get it. And there would be the possible added bonus of scaring the cat's fur off!