~ Sparrowflight ~

A short sigh whisked out of Sparrowflight's muzzle as she placed her catch on the ground and the pair greeted her and attempted to explain themselves. She couldn't hold it against them, they were only kits trying to have fun, but this was an issue of safety.

"Hello," she mewed back, keeping her tone level and her eyes locked onto their ruffled and snow-dusted fur. Clearly they had been having a grand old time and she had to be the grumpy grown-up cat to end it with responsibilities. "I don't believe you were trying to run away. Besides, your paws have got to be half frozen off in this weather."

A quick scan of the area didn't bring any more kits into view, so the tan she-cat flicked her tail back towards camp and gave the two trouble-makers a stern look.

"You're luck it was me who spotted you and not Dogbark. You'd get an additional lecture all the way back to camp on top of having to go see Aspenstar," she chided gently. "As it stands, we WILL have to go talk with him in camp and your mothers are probably worried sick about where you two ran off to."

Another huff of cold breath escaped her muzzle and she picked her prey back up before turning back towards the camp.

"Come along now, I want you two in front of me so I can make sure we get back to camp safely," she murmured through the vole's fur. Well, at least this could lead nicely into the chat with Dogbark that she wanted to have.

(We can have them chat more going back, or move them to the clearing. Whichever you two prefer! @Brightlight @Cloud- )

~ Sparrowflight ~

The squeaks and looks of alarm when their mothers were brought up sent a pang of empathy through the she-cats heart. She remembered when she used to want nothing more than to make her mother proud, and the small bits of mischief she caused made her felt like she was disappointing her somehow.

"I'm sure you'll be fine," she tried to reassure them, gently tapping each of them with her tail as they moved in front of her and started the trek home. "Let me know if either of you get sore paws. My back is free to ride if you'd rather not walk."

Oh stars, kits had such big feelings stuck in their tiny little bodies. Perhaps warriors mellowed out because they grew enough so that it didn't feel like those emotions were trying to burst out at every turn. Hmmm something to ponder later when she went on her next run.

(Alrighty then, I'll move this to the clearing for the deputy interaction if you think they'd be a little silent on the walk home and Sparrowflight wil make it up to them later. I promise XD @Brightlight @Cloud- )

~ Sparrowflight | Lynxfuzz | @Papaya ~

Giving Lynxfuzz a cautious smile back, Sparrowflight hummed in acknowledgement before padding quickly out of camp. After a few moments of silent walking, she let a quick huff of breath escape her as they made their way to the Weeping Tree. "How are you with races," she queried in an attempt to prod some excitement into this patrol. "I'll give you the first piece of prey I catch if you can beat me to the Weeping Tree."

A bright smile was shot towards Lynxfuzz as Sparrowflight offered her challenge. She wanted to get to know her clanmates better and a challenge usually seemed to help crack most cat's hardened exteriors.

~ Sparrowflight | Lynxfuzz | @Papaya ~

Sparrowflight's eyes playfully narrowed at his response, but before she could open her jaws to speak he was racing away.

Oh no you don't, you little bugger.

An eager grin stretched itself across her muzzle as she leapt after her hunting partner as he ran off. Perhaps Lynxfuzz would be a worthy racing partner as well! Lithe limbs stretching out to their fullest extent, the tan warrior could feel her body warming up as her paws rushed her through the undergrowth and the familiar kiss of the wind brushed through her pelt. This young tom wouldn't know what hit them once she past them. They'd eat snow for bursting off without a proper start!

An amused bubble of laughter escaped her muzzle and she pushed herself even faster to match his pace and give him a challenging grin before attempting to dart further ahead. She knew a few shortcuts from her recreational runs about the territory, so maybe she'd get the jump on him.