backwritten RISING ABOVE THE STORM [assessment]

༄༄ The day draws ever nearer, and the thought of it is enough to make Scorchstreak’s stomach turn. First Bluepool, then Cygnetstare, and now…

Why does it feel as though she is losing Pinkpaw as well, by allowing the girl to become a warrior? She is deserving of whatever new name Sunstar would bestow upon her. She has proven herself worthy of the promotion—but still, Scorchstreak feels as though she should do everything in her power to keep the inevitable from happening. What can she do, though? The idea descends upon her thoughts like a vulture to dried-out carrion: an assessment. An official test of her apprentice's skill.

Unconsciously she nods, deciding what she will do today—quickly, dappled paws carry her to where Pinkpaw lies in her nest. Her inaction is understandable, because the sun has not yet risen over the moorland, but it will not continue. "You are old enough to be a warrior," she says without preface, and without waiting for a response. The apprentice will rise from her nest, and she will follow after Scorchstreak. She has no other choice. And especially not when the deputy utters quickly, "Today I will be assessing your readiness to become one." A flicker of a dark ear, and the tortoiseshell warrior turns on her heel, striding carefully to the camp’s entrance and assuming that the younger calico will continue following after her.

Once the immediate vicinity of camp lies far behind them, the deputy tips her head to Pinkpaw. "We will go to the horseplace. Once there, you will find a tunnel, and follow its path back to camp. On your way, you will catch something to feed the nursery’s residents." A flicker of a flame-striped tail, and the deputy continues sharply, "Keep your wits about you, and your senses sharp. There are DuskClanners who were once tunnelers—they may be lurking anywhere belowground." She glances up from Pinkpaw’s face, looking at the sky. The sun has finally climbed over the horizon, and they have reached the edge of the horseplace. "We’re here."

  • ooc: @PINKPAW
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    SCORCHSTREAK ❯❯ she/they, deputy (tunneler) of windclan
    small, slim flame-streaked calico with fiery golden eyes. cold and closed-off, ferociously protective of her clanmates. rarely seen aboveground.
    mate to bluepool ; sibling to rattleheart & rabbitclaw
    mentor to pinkpaw
    peaceful and healing powerplay permitted
    penned by foxlore