Juncostar
shadowclan leader
The forest was covered with a fresh blanket of snow, the first of the season. It was yet undisturbed, and glittered in the pale morning light. Upon seeing that it had snowed overnight, Juncostar had been filled with a kit-like glee, and had immediately rushed out of his den to marvel at the sight. It had been then that he'd caught sight of Ravenkit, seemingly having sneaked away from his mother to see his first snow. Juncostar remembered his own wonder at the stuff when he was younger, and he was eager to show his nephew just what fun this all could be. He'd ushered the kit out of camp, all giggles and glowing eyes as he explained excitedly what they were going out to do.
"There's a clearing in the trees out here that's just perfect for playing in the snow," he explained, "We got lucky; this snow is the best for building snow cats." He could hardly contain his anticipation, a bounce in his step as he led the way through the forest. He was careful to keep his pace slow enough that Ravenkit could keep up with his stubby little legs, not wanting to lose him out here. He'd be lucky enough if he survived Mercuryrose's anger as it was, if he got Ravenkit back to camp safe when they were done; if something happened to the young tom when Juncostar sneaked him out of camp, not only would he never forgive himself, but he'd likely wash up somewhere along the sea shore come greenleaf.
As they came to the clearing he'd mentioned, the tom paused to take in how beautiful the snow was under direct sunlight. His eyes were wide, glowing bright as a huge smile grew on his lips. "Come on," he urged in a whisper, leaping and digging his paws heavily into a small pile of snow, scooping up a pawful and flinging it in Ravenkit's direction.
Juncostar
shadowclan leader
Head hanging in shame, Juncostar was forced to accept that maybe it hadn't been the best idea to sneak his nephew out of camp. "I... I'm sorry, Mercuryrose," he murmured, ears falling to his skull. He hadn't meant to scare her; he'd just wanted Ravenkit to get out and do something fun. It was the tom's first leafbare, and Juncostar remembered how excited he'd been, himself, when he'd seen his first snow. He turned his eyes on the she-cat as she turned away from them, nervousness settling in his belly. He didn't know what he was bracing himself for, but it was in vain when his friend announced that they were both grounded.
"Grounded!?" he repeated, eyes wide in disbelief. "Mercuryrose, you can't--!" He broke off with a heavy pout as the queen stepped closer to examine their snow cat. He was just thinking how lucky he was to only get off with a grounding, when suddenly his friend was threatening him. He gave a frightened squeal, hopping to his paws and stepping further away from her. He believed that Mercuryrose would make good on her threat. She was never one to make empty threats. His head and tail hung as he followed along behind the pair, dragging his paws through the snow as though they were made of lead. "This is a load of feathers," he cursed quietly, cheeks puffed indignantly.