Chapter 17

                                    

                                          
Chapter 17
	"So, you're training to be a Swift-Runner?!"
	Darkpaw met Boulderpaw's awestruck gaze wondering what was such a big deal. She had just gotten back from her first day of training with Swiftclaw, who had been an astonishingly good mentor. She taught moves efficiently, was straight to the point, and never once lashed out at her unfairly. Ha, Firbush! Even the loyalist ThunderClan cat ever is a better mentor than you.
	Swiftclaw had very clearly laid out the truth for Darkpaw. She would have to follow Mightystar devoutly, and then everything would be fine. She would become Swift-Runner, and make a life for herself in ThunderClan among the well-respected order of warriors. The alternative would be death, Swiftclaw had made that note exceptionally clear. 
	On her way back to camp, through the irritably long undergrowth, Darkpaw had vowed to herself that she'd try life in ThunderClan out before making any rash decisions. The cats in ThunderClan weren't... Well they weren't heroes exactly, but they weren't all brainless bad guys either.
	"... so anyways on my first day out, Smokeblaze and I became total besties for life. It was so blaze! That's my new catchphrase based on my awesome mentor."
	Darkpaw pulled herself out of her murky thoughts and resolutely tried to focus on whatever Boulderpaw was babbling about. This. Is. Fine. She tried to convince herself that any of this was normal.
	Darkpaw dug her claws into the earth trying to focus simply on ThunderClan camp, and not be swept away by all the memories and complex thoughts that were threatening to overwhelm her. While Boulderpaw chatted with himself, Darkpaw took the time to take in ThunderClan camp.
	Yes, it was a massive fortress in the woods, with walls all enclosed around her, but it was much more than just that. This is normal, Darkpaw forced the words into her mind that Swiftclaw had been repeating to her all day. Everything is as it should be. 
	A group of Tinypelts were bundling into camp, bouncing nervously on their paws as they were herded in by a young tom named Redmoth. He had been the one to attack Min all those seasons ag- not important.
	All the Tinypelts' tails were drooping, and they were laden down with burdensome piles of moss, freshkill and other materials. As all the Tinypelts made their way to the centre of the clearing, one of the group broke off and bounded over to Darkpaw and Boulderpaw, laden with fresh moss for bedding. The Tinypelt purred to Boulderpaw as he approached, who abruptly cut off whatever story he had been blabbering on about.
	"Creampaw, is that for us? Finally. You can finally make a nest for Darkpaw." Boulderpaw fluffed up his pelt excitedly, and nodded to the shadowy den that the two cats were sitting beside.
	Darkpaw dug her claws into the soft earth, glancing at the shadowy den that sat to the right of her. It was neatly made, with vines covering over the entrance, and little prey bones on one side, but it was ominous nonetheless.
	"Sure thing, Bo," Creampaw grinned tiredly.
	The cream coloured apprentice turned his head to Darkpaw, his blue-green eyes glinting with curiosity. Darkpaw stared at him impassively, keenly taking in all his features. He was a lanky cat, and visibly less fed than Boulderpaw, with ribs showing slightly. On his back was a tight bundle of moss wrapped together. He had something around his waist which seemed to help keep the moss on his back.
	"Have we met?" The tom asked, slowly.
	Darkpaw shrugged. How was she to know who she had seen and who she hadn't around camp? She was surprised that she couldn't remember seeing him, especially since they must share a den. Creampaw sat down while she looked at him through thoughtful eyes.