A Walk Beside the River

[Ki]

What had started out as a simple walk between young Smallpaw and Creamfoot had turned into a mini-patrol of sorts. Frostwing had overheard that Creamfoot and Smallpaw planned to go on a walk and insisted he go with them to make sure Smallpaw's injured paw, which was healing up nicely, didn't get worse or cause him trouble. Ravenfeather was simply invited along by Smallpaw, since he wanted to spend a bit more time with his mentor outside of training. He'd wanted his cousin and aunt to come with them as well. But, as usual, Spottedsky was busy with Clan stuff and Smudgeclaw was busy with she-cat stuff. Oh well. There was always next time! A few others, such as Wrenpaw and her sisters, had also been invited. But not everyone chose to accept the invitation.

Smallpaw walked ahead of the others. He wasn't limping anymore, which overjoyed the medicine cats. So he didn't see why Frostwing insisted he come. Not that Smallpaw was unhappy. He was happy to have another friend and Clanmate along. The apprentice looked back and grinned at the rest of the party. "Don't you just want to jump into the river it's so warm? But I don't guess that'd be a good idea. It's not very calm, is it? Plus I never really learned how to swm." Who had the time when they're either trapped in the medicine cat den or fighting to catch up with the other apprentices in training? But the little apprentice didn't seem very bitter. Instead, he smiled again. "Are you keeping up back there, old girl?" This comment was directed at Creamfoot. Smallpaw was one of the few cats who teased the respectable, oldest cat in the Clan. But she always teased him right back. It was nice, light-hearted fun. "We wouldn't want to have to drag you back to camp! Would we?" He grinned at the rest of his companions, happy he was out of the camp and able to have a little relaxation with his Clanmates. Besides, Sandcloud said a little walking exercise would be good for him.

[Yoko]

Frostwing padded alongside his favorite young patient. The day was beautiful and warm. His glacier white pelt shone brighter than usual. His crystal blue eyes twinkled. Inside he was content with everything except the fact that they were not alone out here. At Smallpaw's mention of not being able to swim, Frostwing thought back to his brother Flamekit. Smallpaw would be a lovely repeat of the incident. But the apprentice was too small, delicate and precious, to waste on reliving the good old days.

The SkyClan Medicine Cat Apprentice smiled softly, "No, it wouldn't be a wise deal at all to go swimming now then. Perhaps once you are well, I can teach you how to swim properly."

As Smallpaw addressed the elder, Frostwing inwardly scowled. Why did she have to be here? Watching other apprentices was one thing, but she was such a hindrance. And she reeked of her age. All the same, Frostwing smiled sweetly and walked on.

[Kitty]

What had started as an ordinary conversation with Smallpaw had progressed into a decision to take a walk and then morphed into a whole patrol of cats taking a nice stroll along the riverside. Smallpaw, Ravenfeather, Frostwing, and a select few others accompanied the oldest cat in SkyClan on a nice walk along the river that cut through the ravine in which the SkyClan cats dwelled. This was good for her. Creamfoot hadn't been out of camp in forever. It was nice to stretch her achy legs - although they still ached. Actually, it probably wasn't such a great idea. But what did it matter. No telling how much time she had left with her Clanmates; she may as well do as much as she could with them while she was still able. At least she could actually walk. There were some days that her joints ached so bad that it was hard for her to make it just from the elders den to the fresh-kill pile.

Creamfoot was lagging behind a bit when she heard Smallpaw speak up from the front of the group of cats. She smiled as she gazed fondly at the young tom. "I'm afraid I never much cared for the feel of water in my fur, Smallpaw. But if you want to jump in and get yourself even more sick, by all means, be my guest!" she teased. She resisted the urge to smile again and instead dropped a somewhat annoyed expression over her face. Any other cat might think she really was irritated with the apprentice, but to a cat that knew her as well as he did, she knew that he would know that she was still teasing him. "Drag me back to camp, hm? I'll show you, you sickly little tom! Perhaps a nice dip in the cold river would do you good! Let's see if you're laughing when you catch a cold!" With that, she took off after Smallpaw as fast as her sore legs could carry her. "Just wait until I catch you, ungrateful little tom!"