live in the moment (vixen/squirrel)

alee with squirrelsong
credit to nat of adoxography.

It felt strange to be sleeping in a den that wasn't with her siblings. She missed the warmth of Redkit's fur against her, but she knew sleeping in the nursery now was stupid and embarrassing. Still, it didn't change the fact that she missed him dearly. The den felt empty, even with her sisters on either side of her and the other apprentices all around. Who knew being in training finally would be so lonely. It took Vixenpaw forever to fall into sleep and when she did it was restless. She woke up multiple times and when she did sleep it was nightmares of her brother being kidnapped or killed before he could become an apprentice. It took everything in her mind to stop her from going to the nursery after moon high to check on him.

Finally, the dawn came and her mentor, Squirrelsong poked her head into the den and gave her the nudge that meant it was time for her first day of training. She wasn't sure where they were going, but she hoped it was going to be hunting! Her long legs and dark fur helped her and she knew she was an excellent hunter. She was always the best "moss" catcher when it came to the games in the den. She padded beside her mentor with her head high and claws sheathing and unsheathing in her excitement. It felt like she was walking on clouds. Vixenpaw did her best to keep her thoughts away from Redkit, knowing that the more she thought about him alone in the nursery, the more she would ruin the thrill of her first training session for herself.

Their paws guided them toward the more and with every step the new apprentice became more and more excited. Her tail twitched behind her and she tried her best to keep from sprinting through the rolling hills until she just couldn't move anymore. So, what are we doing today, Squirrelsong?! She squeaked, trying to hold in her urgency for the answer. Her eyes were wide and her paws wouldn't stop moving. They needed to get started! And they needed to get started now.