I HAD NOTHING ELSE I WANTED TO DO | pebblepaw

[Cloudyfur]

Cloudypaw was probably the only apprentice in the clan who liked cleaning the elder's den.

It was one of the few tasks she was given that she felt like she could actually handle. Whenever she had to hunt or spar she always lagged behind the other apprentices, and even when she was on her own it was hard to forget that any one of her peers would be doing better. Cleaning, on the other paw, was simple. Anyone could manage it. At times the other apprentices distaste for the task even made them worse at it than her. As they hurried to get it done, doing a sloppy job in the process.

While cleaning out old bedding wasn't exactly her idea of fun, she did find it satisfying in a way. It was just nice to be able to help out. Whenever she finished, she was always able to look over her work with a smile.

As she pulled out the old moss to be replaced, Cloudypaw hummed a pleasant tune to herself, enjoying the mindless work.​

 

[PEBBLESTEP]

Cleaning dens wasn't something Pebblepaw excelled at, though, if asking the defeatist tom themselves, they would answer that they didn't actually excel at anything. The job would be done to the highest standard he felt he could achieve, but it was hard to ignore his frustration whenever he got stuck picking at old moss. He wanted to reach the same level of skill as the other apprentices, perhaps even further beyond if such a thing was attainable, there was little to learn by being stuck in camp save for which elders were likely to make one feel dreadfully insecure. Amber eyes consistently flittered toward the camp entrance longingly, the awareness that dogs lay somewhere just beyond it growing more and more overshadowed by the desire to do something. He made his way past the elder's den, his large ears flicking to an upright position at the gentle noises coming from within. A smile split his muzzle in recognition of the soft tone. It'd been some time since he'd last had the chance to talk to his sister, duties had seemingly separated them for some time.

He poked his head into the den, his nose wrinkling at the fusty stench that seemed to permeate wherever elders lingered. Pebblepaw wouldn't hold it against them for smelling so bad, it wasn't like the trio of siblings' scent had inspired much envy when they first arrived either. Dark eyes settle on the fluffy blue cloud, growing wider with glee. "Oh, hey Cloudy." The nervousness the tom usually displayed around camp melted away, leaving behind only a quiet voice and instinctively slackened posture. He briefly assessed the work that'd already been done by the she-cat, scanning the den with impressed thoughts at the helm. Stars, she was efficient. Pebblepaw hadn't heard anything about her progress as an apprentice, but if it was anything like her den-building, he figured that she must have surpassed him moons ago. "Do you need a paw? Fawncloud's busy for a bit and... it'd be nice to catch up." It felt a little insulting to offer assistance when she didn't need it, as an excuse to talk more with his loved ones though, he'd forgive himself for the transgression.

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[Cloudyfur]

Cloudypaw gave a small start at hearing her own name, shaken out of her rhythm. She blinked before glancing away from her duties. Seeing that it was Pebblepaw calling out to her immediately set her back at ease though. There were no cats she felt as comfortable around in the whole of Thunderclan as her siblings.

"Hey Pebble." She returned his greeting with a small smile. "That'd be great! Thanks." Waving him over with her tail, she nodded toward one of the nests that she had yet to get to. With the two of them working at it, they would be done fairly soon after all the work she had already gotten done.

"How are you settling into Thunderclan?" Cloudypaw asked after a moment. It was the same question Flycatcher kept asking her, and the one she never seemed to have a good answer for. More than anything, she had wanted to fit in well here. It had been a second chance for her. Now that she was here though, it felt like she never would. She was no warrior.

Her gaze drifted away from her work, watching Pebblepaw for his answer They used to talk near constantly back in twolegplace, but here in Thunderclan they didn't have the time to between their training. She hoped that he was feeling better about it than her.​

 

[PEBBLESTEP]

Pebblepaw's smile grew as Cloudypaw accepted his offer for help, with a spring in his step, he strode to the next she'd directed him towards. His forepaws got to work separating older bedding from new, kicking that which needed replacing into a pile behind him. Carefully, his carnelian eyes scoured for potential trinkets hidden amidst the matted fur and brittle moss, nosing any he found to one side. It was as he worked that the lilac tom remembered that he had no such mementos of his own. The loose collar that once encased his little neck was long since buried, and so focused on hunting or training, he'd never stopped to admire a pretty feather or flower (not that the latter tended to be visible this time of year). It was a fact he regarded with melancholy until his sister asked him a question, the male letting out a little 'hmm?' sound before fully realising what she'd said. "Oh, sorry! I was in a world of my own."

He was reminded of his recent conversation with Flycatcher. The other had reassured him that all cats had different strengths and as long as they used theirs to the best of their ability they'd be fine. Whilst Pebblepaw tried and tried and tried, he could still not think of one sole advantage he had over others that made him valuable. There was kindness perhaps, but his uncle was plenty kind as it was. There was drive, but he was certain Stormypaw had more than both siblings combined. Perhaps it was a secret to him, something he'd have to train day and night to discover about himself, and if that was what it took to be worth something then he'd do it in a heartbeat. Just as soon as he finished checking in on his sister, of course. "I don't think I miss the life we had." He admitted, though his weathered body attempted to spin a different tale. "I mean... I miss mom... and the food... and the warmth... but I feel like I have purpose out here, you know? It's nice, and so are most of the cats in this clan as well." He'd given them the benefit of the doubt, despite some spinning an anti-kittypet narrative.

Pebblepaw would hate privilege too if he'd never experienced it, he was sure. Giving that life up must've seemed asinine to some as well. "And yourself? Has ThunderClan been alright with you?" They were both nervous creatures, but he hoped it wasn't wrong to consider Cloudypaw to be even more anxious than he was.
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