Smokestep|Deputy of Windclan|Smoky Dappled She-Cat|Location- Camp|Mentions-
"Find the thrill of the chase in the run, not the capture."
---

Such a peculiar day. Although that seemed to be the common theme lately. Padding after the clan, she took her place under Fogstar, body facing the clan but head twisted to watch her leader. He spoke far more casually today, more from the heart. She knew Fogstar was a thinker, which the clan needed in troubled times but it was a good change of pace to hear him speak his mind in this way. His quiet words at the end however, caused Smokestep to blink in curiosity. Would he truly dismiss a cat? Granted, if a clan member was relying on another clan before the word of their own members, how could they be trusted in times of need? Plumy tail twitched in contemplation of the idea. Fogstar was right to say those words that no cat would. Clan loyalty, being able to trust in one another without doubt was the most important thing that held a clan together. Otherwise, they were just a glorified group of rogues.

Long limbs pushed upwards until Smokestep was standing, and she nodded at Fogstar, her narrowed eyes and furrowed brow from earlier gone, replaced with her usual dreamy yet determined half smile.
"Windclan is resilient. You younger cats may not have seen trying times, but Windclan has survived prophecies before, and will do it again. " Her gaze glanced towards where the elders rested, the living proof that Windclan had survived many trials.

"Trust your leader. Fogstar has always done what he believes is best for us. No cat can say otherwise." Amber eyes floated over the clan, and onto the apprentices. Perhaps she would talk to Fogstar about some new warriors soon, especially with the added patrols and hunting that would need to take place. If anything else, and assessment was surely due. Her gaze remained on the apprentices as she continued.
"So we will do what it takes, to prove to the others that we will survive, in our own way." Sinking onto her haunches, Smokestep looked faintly sheepish as she returned to stare at Fogstar.
"Sorry, got a bit carried away." Her purr rang slightly across the camp, Fogstar had truly fired the she-cat up, and ready to act.

Smokestep|Deputy of Windclan|Smoky Dappled She-Cat|Location- Camp|Mentions-
"Find the thrill of the chase in the run, not the capture."
---
Smokestep felt herself relax at the change in atmosphere, unaware some tension had been slowly building in her narrow shoulders. golden eyes twinkling, she tilted a head in thought, gazing between the apprentices and Fogstar.
"I feel the elders may appreciate all the apprentices more." A soft rolling laugh emitted from the she-cat, a plesant, purring sound.
"They won't have anyone to be at their beck and call if all our apprentices are warriors." Her own tail tip twitched in a steady rhythm, as she feigned deep thought.
"But regardless, an assessment is always good, and with this potential prophecy, all the better to test how they are getting along." the deputy knew that the young cats had a few moons to go in their training, and their was no rush. In the end, a title did not determine skill.
"However after such a long day, tests and work should rest. We can't have apprentices dead on their paws." She paused, raising a paw and giving it a few good licks, to run over her face.
"Or warriors for that matter." She purred, knowing Fogstar would probably work himself ragged to make sure the clan was faring the best they could.
(Might be good to time skip a bit and set the prey thing in motion? Just a thought. ^-^;;)

Smokestep|Deputy of Windclan|Smoky Dappled She-Cat|Location- Camp|Mentions- Fogstar, Cheetahpaw, Meadowpaw, Marshfowl
"Find the thrill of the chase in the run, not the capture."
---
Smokestep purred at Cheetahpaw's reaction, her gaze swiveling to Fogstar, one eye narrowing slightly.
"Of course. I swear that cat will offer to do anything." There was a pause, then Smokestep's head tilted thoughtfully.
"Besides, it might give Cheetahpaw some encouragement to have a friend along. I know I had my assessments with others, and it made all the difference." Smokestep rose to her paws, shaking her pelt and giving a stretch, chest on the earth. It was a good day for whatever Fogstar had planned, made things feel back to normal.
As she regained her posture, the deputy looked around. She saw Marshfowl sitting a distance away, and with a twitch of her tail, trotted over to the warrior, tail waving in a cheerful greeting.
"Marshfowl, Fogstar and myself are taking Cheetahpaw and Meadowpaw for an assessment. If you would take out a hunting patrol, that would be great. If were not back by dawn, send out a patrol as well." Her ears twitched, tone gentle, but commanding no argument. She didn't want Fogstar to have any worries about camp to do's when they were out.
Turning tail, the deputy angled herself towards Cheetahpaw and Meadowpaw, pausing in front of her own apprentice.
"Meadowpaw, you've been kept busy the past few days. However, I'd like it if you'd come with us for the experience. I'm sure Cheetahpaw would also enjoy the support as well." Her soft gaze fell upon both cats, then towards the sun. There really wasn't much time.
"I'd eat if you haven't. " she made to move closer to Fogstar, finally lowering her haunches into a sit, tail curling around her paws.