She Has a Wild Look in Her Eyes

The sound of fierce rustling broke through the camp. Venidiumpaw furrowed her brow as she watched the last of Smolderpaw's tail disappear into the undergrowth. She heard the murmurs of other cats outside of her den.

"Why does she always have to be so defiant? Can't she just let things be?"

"She's just strong-willed, that's all. You know they always think they know best."

Venidiumpaw couldn't help but sigh. Where other apprentices would respond to refusal with a growl and a stomp, Smolderpaw could be quite self-destructive when she didn't get her way. She was covered in more scars than a lot of MoorClan's senior warriors. Venidiumpaw silently started setting aside some herbs, anticipating Smolderpaw's return.

Sure enough, Smolderpaw came strolling in to the medicine cat den some time later. She was sporting a new wound above her eyebrow and a satisfied look on her face. Venidiumpaw sighed as she watched the blood roll down her friend's face.

"Are you alright?" Venidiumpaw asked, kneading some herbs against a rock she had to make a pulp.

"I'm fine," Smolderpaw huffed in reply. "Got the rabbit."

"It almost took your eye out," Venidiumpaw scolded. Smolderpaw only grunted in response.

A small stream of clear water ran right by the medicine cat den. Venidiumpaw took Smolderpaw out to it and used the water to wash off the cat's face. It bothered Venidiumpaw that her friend didn't ever flinch.

"Are you sure you're ok?" Venidiumpaw pressed.

"I'm fine," Smolderpaw snapped. "Can we please just get this over with?"

With that, Smolderpaw stormed back into the den. Venidiumpaw could only frown.