lupinepaw might have appeared content, seated outside the apprentices' den, but the expression that contorted his features was one of almost pained boredom and the flick of his tail one of unadulterated restlessness. the iceclanner hated the heat, hated lying around, hated doing nothing. he wanted a cold he had never known, wanted to make himself useful, wanted to do something. but there was no snow, no patrols for him to go on, and no prey. only the air of malaise that arose from the mundanity of monotony, clinging to lupinepaw and everyone around him like a colourless cocoon. 

the apprentice blinked as a pair of umber-hued eyes met his, accompanied by a movement of the tail that might have been a summons. the instant he registered who they belonged to, he pushed himself up onto his paws, a foolishly toothy smile threatening to curl up on his muzzle. perhaps lionfur was impressed by something that he had done; perhaps the leader was recognising the beginnings of his skill in battle, the bravado he wore like a bird's plumage - his heart sank. perhaps dawnflower had told lionfur of lupinepaw's failed attempt to steal herbs, and dawnflower and lupinepaw had a very different idea of what a strict warning was. 

lupinepaw did not speak as they made their way to an open space in the forest. the apprentice parted his jaws slightly, scenting the area. a small smile flitted across his maw at the pleasant perfume of the surrounding flora. he glanced up at lionfur only as the latter spoke, the apprentice's liquid grey eyes brimming with curiosity. "excellent," grinned lupinepaw as lionfur stated he would not be teaching him the warrior code or how to navigate the territory. "and agreed," he added. "my hunting skills need a lot of work. fighting? not so much." boasting was the apprentice's first mistake. 

the second one was when he dropped to the ground, body falling into a crouch with the ease of repeated rehearsal. his tail flicked out behind him in a movement both fluid and abrupt - a warning, perhaps, or a premature signal of victory. "you're on," he said at once, and with far too much confidence. a soft growl laced the words, but the spark in his storm-hued gaze was amiable. 

—— oh no lupine what are you doing