Ferretstar decides to invite them all to join in hide and seek.

It would be a fun break for everybody. And not just that, since the apprentice's will get practice by teaching the kits.

Ferretstar was looking forward to spending time with her daughter, and she expected Dustclaw to feel the same about spending some time with her son.

Ferretstar walks over to the tabby warrior just as she calls out to her apprentice.

"Molepaw, I'm thinking we should do some work to refine that bunnykick of yours..." Dustclaw meows.

So they were planning to do some battle training. Nevertheless, Ferretstar dips her head to greet them.

"I'm sure it must be coming along fine with you as her mentor." The leader compliments.

"Ah. Ferretstar, hello." Dustclaw nods back.

"Hey mom!"Molepaw chirps. Frecklepaw nods in greeting as well.

"Hi, Molepaw," Ferretstar smiles and nuzzles her daughters head and then greets the smaller apprentice as well, "Frecklepaw."

Ferretstar then turns back to address Dustclaw, "Before you two go... I was wondering if you'd like to join me for training of a different kind."

Dustclaw blinks, "What?"

"The kits and I are actually playing hide and seek right now... I think it could be a good exercise for them to know where to go if the clan is ever under attack."

"...I see." Dustclaw nods hesitantly.

"And I was thinking the apprentices should join in too," Ferretstar finishes with a slight grin.

Molepaw grins back, "Sounds fun!"

"What do you think, Dustclaw?" Ferretstar asks her.

The tabby has somewhat of an unreadable expression as she answers. "I suppose a quick game won't hurt anybody."

"Great. You apprentices can help me this round and we'll start over with Silvercloud as the seeker once we find everyone."

Molepaw nudges Frecklepaw, "Come on, you can look for Dovekit, and I'll look for Wrenkit!"

The younger apprentice nods and the two set out after the scent trail.

As Dustclaw watches them go, Ferretstar turns to her again.

"Before we do anything else, I need to send another patrol after Gingerleaf... Let me choose who will lead it." Ferretstar says, mulling over her options.

She had to keep in mind whoever she picked would also be picking the two cats who accompanied them.

Brownflower, Ashtail, Dustclaw, and well... Puddleclaw hadn't been chosen yet.

She could also send someone from her own patrol to help get them accustomed to the exercise. She herself could go again, but she still had a lot of things going on in camp to attend to.

Eventually Ferretstar's gaze settles on one cat in particular...

Original Poll Options:

17 votes

1. Brownflower - Barkpelt and Leaffur's mother! This old warrior would definitely have some more insight where to look, even if she does keep a slow and steady pace. : 11.8%

2. Ashtail - Ferretstar guesses having Ashtail as patrol leader would be the fastest at locating Gingerleaf. She'd cover more ground more quickly with her talented climbing abilities. She'll most likely want to take her sister and apprentice, however. : (35.3%)

3. Dustclaw - She'd have to skip battle training for now, but perhaps this would be just as important a lesson for Molepaw. You'd guess her second choice would either be her sister or Lostnose. : 29.4%

4. Puddleclaw - Eugh... As much as Ferretstar doesn't want to deal with his moping, she doesn't exactly want to leave him in charge of important tasks any time soon. However she doubts anyone else does either; making him patrol leader would be the only guaranteed way he would be chosen. The thought of Barkpelt running circles around him for days almost feels too cruel to be funny. Almost. : 11.8%

5. Someone from the first patrol; Lostnose, Cloverface, or even Ferretstar again. : 11.7%

*Note: My vote doesn't count, I just need to see the results.