Dusk Trail

Chapter I
Blizzardstar looked down on his Clan from the rock that strands of lichen fell from like rain. Everything was right in his Clan; they were in the middle of the wet season. A sweet scent drifted from the medicine cat's den. "Hello, Twigeye," Blizzardstar greeted the medicine cat in a good-humored manor.

"Lovely day, isn't it," the brindled tortoiseshell replied. "I need some catmint. We need to build up the supply for winter."

"I'll fetch some apprentices who I'm sure will be happy to do it," Blizzardstar purred, a sarchastic tint to his voice as he said the last few words.

"Happy, pfft. However, they'll be full of complaints. Now go bring me Blackpaw and Swiftpaw," the medicine cat retaliated with a good-humored tone.

Swiftpaw bounded over. "Someone say my name? Want me on a hunting patrol? Or a border patrol?"

"No, you eager 'paw," Blizzardstar meowed. "Actually, your game plan for today is harvesting catmint for winter."

"Awww."

"But you get to take Blackpaw with you," Twigeye purred.

"Aw -- I mean, great," Swiftpaw muttered.

He padded off.

"What's wrong?" Blackpaw asked him.

"We have to go find catmint for Twigeye."

"We... meaning, as in, you and me?" Blackpaw said, her voice falling.

"Brilliant, Holmes. Better make the best of it," the small black and white tom grumbled.

The two apprentices ran off.

"There's some fresh catmint over here!" Blackpaw said.

"Like I care? I've got a thorn in my pad."

"Don't be so uptight all the time, Swiftpaw!"

"Why can't I be uptight? I've got every reason to be uptight. There's a thorn in my pad."

Blackpaw just growled.