They always said that time was of the essence, but lately, it felt like time was constantly moving in slow motion. 

Tempers had temporarily subsidded in ThunderClan, and all threats of war were seemingly on pause. While it was nice to have the opportunity to relax and check back in with reality, it as also unnerving. It had to be the calm before the storm. Something else had to be around the corner. Someone else special would surely be taken from her once more. 

It was hard to focus on the present when Newtpaw was the type of cat who always liked to look and plan ahead. So for now, she tried to focus on a different future- her own, not just that of ThunderClan. Sure, the two went hand-in-hand, being that she as the clan's future leader, but...well, she couldn't ascend the throne until she completed her training, which seemed to have no end in sight for so long. But now, she was beginning to know that she was ready. Even as a warrior, she'd hold the title of Lynxstar's apprentice, and she'd surely continue to learn from both him and experience throughout her entire lifetime. Nonetheless, it would be rewarding to have her basic training complete, to join her younger peers in the warrior's den.

Being the popular feline she was, it was a little...degrading, knowing younger cats earned their name before her. She knew to expect it, but it still stung nonetheless. But the end of the basic training was finally in sight for Newtpaw. She could see her goal, the end, her upcoming warrior ceremony....she only needed to study, to practice, to prepare for her assessment. 

She would ensure that Lynxstar didn't regret choosing her for a heartbeat. 

So there the mottled chocolate molly lurked, enjoying the solitude of the abandoned den to gather her thoughts and focus on what she learned. To practice, to recall lessons from several moons passed, and to mentally prepare herself for the assessment that lied ahead. 

...Of course, some of that time was spent spectulating what name Lynxstar might give her as well.

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