It was quite a sight and a memory at that. Warriors screaming over each other with speeches growing large one after the other, discordance among the warriors specifically, each thinking they were better than the other, and of course, correct. The only ones she cared the lend an ear to were her newest mentor, who hopefully would not be a disappointment like the rest of them, despite her few reservations about the fact that he was younger than her by what... Five, ten moons? It was quite the revelation at that, that none other than Twilightstar herself was his mother. She nearly had half a mind asking him about it, but more confirmation she did not need. It just meant that he was born when she could've almost been a warrior... How embarrassing. But, that aside, she trusted that Twilightstar didn't assign her a slacker. He seemed motivated enough, at least to defend his mother, and Silverpaw would take that as a good sign... For now.

The other cat she lend an ear to was Crowtooth. Finding it within herself to nod affirmatively to his words (all the while suppressing a bit of joy at seeing the tunneller), at least not everyone had lost their marbles in this clan. Honestly, his words rang true, were so few left they did not remember when ShadowClan invaded their clan? When they were forced to sleep outside in favour of those scum, when - true to Crowtooth's word - the battered leader had to end a brawl at the gathering of all places? Silverpaw had to bite her tongue so as to not shout out in agreement, forcing herself to listen when the lilac leader spoke again. And her words were so... Disheartening. She made a point, but the silver feline could simply not bring herself to vote in favour of allying with ShadowClan. So she didn't. She remained silent, unspeaking, listening as more and more fools spoke in agreement of their doom.

All she could do was hope Twilightstar knew what she was doing. She hated doubting one whom she admired so, but in this case, she did. Pray she let Crowtooth, one of the rare competent felines if anything due to his affinity for tunnelling, accompany her. The only silver lining in all this, is when Batglare spoke. He appeared stern and a bit proud, though Silverpaw would set those remarks aside. After all, he was allowing her - as a singular apprentice - to come along. It was likely due to her age, yes, but it felt... Strangely nice not to be overlooked for once, and instead recognised. It was in such a little meaningless manner to most, but having been cast aside, neglected and ignored most her life, it felt fulfilling when he called her name as part of the patrol. That is why, as soon as he called for their departure, Silverpaw wasted no time in joining at his side. Yes, his side, she would not ban herself to walking behind the group when she had as much a right to be there as any other.

Truthfully, she did feel a little nervous, but beneath an expertly covered façade, she did not let it show. Her gave was firm and unwavering, every bit ready to do what she must to prove herself and protect her clan. It may have been moons since her last true fight, and just as much the fact stood true that those ShadowClanners beat her up over two moons ago now, but she was ready. She'd been exhausted at that time, hungry and sore from walking miles upon miles (and injured with a broken leg for half the fight). Now she was well-rested, her injuries healed save for the ghosts of some faint scarring her long fur had yet to grow over, and her leg no longer broken (as she tentatively had been testing for the past few days). This was the perfect opportunity to refine her skills and show them she wasn't to be trifled with all at once. So, with a determined step and a readiness to obey whatever orders given (after all, she knew to respect the hierarchy of a patrol lest someone was slacking), the silver-furred apprentice set out to follow after Batglare whenever the warrior may leave.


[ @Moonraven ]