Exploring

[shiningheart]

Shiningpaw approached the gaping cave, her pure white belly fur brushing the soft ground beneath her. Venompaw and Blizzardpaw flanked her, each with a different expression on their face. Blizzardpaw's ears were pricked toward the cave, and his amber eyes were shining almost as brightly as Shiningpaw's crystal blue ones were with excitement.

Venompaw's expression was more subdued, and cautious. "I don't know about this." She murmured. "What if something happens and we can't get out?"

Shiningpaw sighed agitatedly and turned to her sister. "You could have remained in camp, you know." She growled. "I gave you a choice."

Venompaw shrugged helplessly. "I'm just as curious as you are about what's in that cave." She flicked her ears to the caving mound of earth. "I'm just less optimistic as you."

[Sable]

A sandy-furred, black mottled tom crouched precariously among the stiff, dry plant life that clung to the edges of the small shelf above the cave. Pale blue eyes bright with amusement, Wildheart smiled inwardly as he observed the actions of the three wayward apprentices. Elder cats frowned upon youngsters' unsupervised excursions, but his own adventures had taught him much. And besides, he was supervising, in a way.

Mischievously, Wildheart slowly dragged his tail across the ledge, sending several pebbles down through the roof and creating a resounding clatter inside the cave. It would make a good test.

[shiningheart]

A shiver ripped through Venompaw as she heard a pebble clatter in the cave. She noticed a visible shudder go through both her companions. For a moment, the gray apprentice hoped her sister had changed her mind. That small hope was dashed as Shiningpaw and Blizzardpaw exchanged excited glances. "Shiningpaw..." Venompaw whimpered to her sister. "I'm scared."

Shiningpaw glanced at Venompaw. For a moment, the small apprentice felt disgusted by the look of fear in the identical eyes. But she quickly pushed it away. "It's okay, Venompaw." She murmured to Venompaw. "I'm not forcing you to go in. But I do want you to be look out. Can you do that?"

Venompaw nodded once, huffing a sigh of relief.