gentlebear awoke slowly, stretching out his body and his legs, ridding the exhaustion from his sleepy body. his dream had been so vivid, so tangable, that it lingered in his mind like a sweet scent carried on the wind. monarchdance had filled his mind, and the two had spent time with one another, free from the boundaries or rivalries, and the memory of it made a smile creep upon his muzzle. the sadness of waking from such a pleasant dream settled over him like a gentle fog.

he pushed himself out of his nest slowly. his den was quiet, just how he liked it, and the soft light of dawn filtered through the entrance. gentlebear padded out of the medicine den, breathing in the cool morning air.

most of the camp was still shrouded in sleep. cats still nestled in their dens, resting after a night of patrols and duties. the peaceful stillness of the camp was soothing — and could lull the tom to sleep again should he settle back in his nest.

the soft murmur of voices sounded to his left, as two figures appeared. a returning dawn patrol babbled as they passed by.

❝ morning, ❞ gentlebear whispered, giving them a smile.

the warriors, their fur ruffled slightly from the early morning chill, nodded tiredly to gentlebear as they passed by, heading towards the warriors' den to catch a few hours of sleep.

his stomach gave a gentle rumble, reminding him that he had not eaten since the previous morning. he strode across camp towards the fresh—kill pile and eyed down at the small mound. he picked up a small mouse and carried it back to his den.

settling down in his nest, gentlebear began to eat. he savoured each bite of the tender meat, and the fresh, familair taste grounded him. his mind drifted back to his dream.

a gentle rustle at the entrance of the den pulled him from his thoughts. chalkpaw stood there, blinking sleepily, but eager to start the day.

❝ good morning, chalkpaw, ❞ greeted gentlebear, his voice welcoming. he swallowed the last bite of his mouse and licked his lips.

❝ good morning, gentlebear, ❞ chalkpaw replied. she stepped into the medicine den. ❝ what are we doing today? ❞

gentlebear rose to his paws and brushed a stray bit of moss from his fur. ❝ we'll be checking on the kits and ravenmeadow, and then we'll gather some herbs as we are running low on juniper berries, ❞

gentlebear padded across his den, and out into the clearing of camp, chalkpaw closely following behind as they softly stepped in synchronisation in the soft morning light.

gentlebear pushed into the nursery. ravenmeadow sat in her nest, her tongue trailing across the head of one of her kittens. scorchkit wriggled under her mother's form yet loving grasp, impatient and eager to join her siblings, who were dating around the den in a game of chase.

❝ oh good morning you two, ❞ chirped the she—cat after she looked up from her task.

chalkpaw nodded politely as she stepped to the side and eyed the queen, her trail then drifting towards the two bumbling kittens.

❝ how're the kits? ❞ gentlebear asked after he goes a little closer to the families nest.

❝ we are doing well, ❞ replied ravenmeadow, though she rolled her eyes playfully as scorchkit attempted to break free. ❝ this one, however, thinks grooming is a waste of time, ❞

scorchkit wriggled more vigorously, her small voice piping up. ❝ ma i'm all clean! i wanna play! ❞

gentlebear chuckled. ❝ and how is that little cut of yours scorchkit? ❞

scorchkit paused her worming and looked up at the medicine cat. ❝ it's okay. it doesn't hurt. i just wanna go play with my sisters, but mama won't let me, ❞

ravenmeadow sighed and released the kit from her paws, and scorchkit immediately bounded off across the nursery to flamekit and dustkit, who yowled out loudly upon their littermates arrival.

❝ it's a struggle to keep them still long enough to make sure they're alright, ❞ ravenmeadow mumbled with a soft purr.

gentlebear nodded. ❝ they're full of energy, that's for sure. let's have a look at scorchkit, and make sure her cut is healing properly? ❞

he followed scorchkit to where she and her siblings were now engaged in a mock battle, their tiny claws sheathed and their movements more enthusiastic than coordinated. gently, he leaned down and picked scorchkit up, and she squealed with delight as she was uplifted.

❝ heyyy— put me down! i was winning! ❞ scorchkit protested.

gentlebear placed scorchkit down on the floor and gazed at the cut she had received the day before. it was healing nicely. the wound looked clean and dry, all thanks to ravenmeadow's efforts.

❝ it's healing well, ❞ he said, standing back, ❝ but be careful with your playing. we don't want it to open up, or for you to get another cut, ❞

scorchkit huffed but nodded, her attention already drifting back to her siblings.

chalkpaw stepped forward, having watched from the back of the nursery. ❝ do we need to do anything to the cut? ❞ she asked.

gentlebear shook his head, turning to chalkpaw ❝ no, it's healing well. it'll be as of it never happened in a matter of days, ❞ he chattered. ❝ all we need to do is check over ravenmeadow, but i will leave that task for you, ❞

chalkpaw gulped.

❝ you'll be fine. it just like how we have practised in the medicine den. and i'll be here to jump in if you need help, ❞ gentlebear reminded, his eyes softening as he nodded his head towards the young she—cat to go ahead.

chalkpaw stepped forward and tentatively pawed her way over towards ravenmeadow. she placed her paws gently on ravenmeadow's stomach and lightly pressed, feeling the rhythm of her breathing and the steady thrum of her heartbeat beneath her pads.

the queen remained still, her eyes filled with trust and patience. her gaze regularly flicked towards her kits.

❝ you're in good health, ❞ chalkpaw mumbled after she looked up. ❝ your body is strong, and all of your kits are happy and healthy, ❞

ravenmeadow sighed out softly and her whiskers twitched. ❝ thank you. they keep me on my toes, that is for sure, but i wouldn't have it any other way, ❞

gentlebear smiled and watched as chalkpaw walked away from the queen. ❝ they're a lively bunch, that's for sure. but it's a good sign — energy means they're healthy and happy, ❞

dustkit bumbled over. ❝ ma says we are the most strongest kits ever! ❞ she wailed, a wide grin on her small maw.

gentlebear couldn't help but laugh at the kits bright enthusiasm. he dipped his head down and touched his nose to her forehead. ❝ well, she's right. now go on, go play, ❞

gentlebear pushed himself upright and turned to the she—cat resting in her nest. ❝ we'll get out of your fur now, ravenmeadow. if you need anything, give us a call. we'll be in the elders den, ❞

nodding, ravenmeadow gleamed at the two as they parted from the den.

gentlebear dipped his head towards ravenmeadow as they exited, bidding her a silent farewell.

the brightness of the morning sun welcomed the pair as they stepped into the clearing.

❝ next up, the elders', ❞ gentlebear said.

chalkpaw nodded as she walked beside her mentor at a steady pace. ❝ i like visiting them. they always have a bunch of stories, ❞ she meowed.

❝ yeah, they do. they've spewed out a few funny ones too, i do have to admit, ❞ gentlebear purred, while entering the elders' den.

smokecough sat comfortable in his nest. the old tom—cat looked up as the entered.

❝ come to poke and prod an old cat, eh? ❞ greeted the elder, his voice gravelly, but warm.

a smirk creeped across gentlebear's muzzle and he shook his head playfully, his eyes rolling. ❝ just here to make sure you're still as spry as ever, ❞ gentlebear wore a wide grin and he settled beside the tom.

❝ chalkpaw? ❞ questioned gentlebear, turning to her with a warming smile. ❝ care to take the lead on this one again? ❞

chalkpaw's face shone brightly with joy. she nodded her head quickly then bounced over to smokecough. her paws trailed over his pelt, pressing at his joints, listening to his breathing, and feeling the steady beat of his heart.

his running nose had since ceased.

❝ your nose is all cleared up, smokecough, ❞ began chalkpaw after taking a step backwards.

❝ thanks, young 'en, ❞ the senior purred. he shuffled up in his nest and pushed himself to his paws. ❝ if that's all, i'll see the both of you later. i'm awefully hungry, ❞

❝ yeah that's it for now. just take it easy, i'll be back later to check on you and crookednibble, when she is awake, ❞ gentlebear mumbled after turning towards the sleeping elder who remained in her nest nearby.

smokecough staggered to his paws and slowly left the elders' den.

❝ i've got to head out and gather some herbs, do you want to tag along chalkpaw? ❞ queried gentlebear. he had already tasked his apprentice with a pawful today, so if chalkpaw declined the offer — he'd not mind at all.

chalkpaw stayed silent for a second before she got up and ambled towards the entrance. she flicked her tail and nodded her head. ❝ let's go then, c'mon! ❞ she purred brightly.

light pawsteps tickled the earth underfoot as a pair of felines trailed the woodland.

❝ quick fire questions, ❞ gentlebear beamed, looking across at his apprentice who bumbled nearby, nose to the ground scenting out nothing in particular.

❝ properties of marigold? ❞ he added.

chalkpaw's ears pricked. ❝ helps with infections, and helpful with wounds. and it's really good for treating cuts and sores, ❞

nodding, gentlebear just smirked. she had learned so much, and he was proud of her and her progress. he paused for a moment, allowing a shadow of silence to linger. ❝ okay... juniper berries? ❞

❝ c'mon! ask me something harder! ❞ chalkpaw said with a playful whine. ❝ bellyaches, and they can also help a cat with breathing issues, ❞

chalkpaw blinked at gentlebear. she waited eagerly for a harder question: she was ready to prove all of what she had retained and learned.

❝ fine, ❞ snorted gentlebear, ❝ meadow saffron? ❞

the question clearly stumped the apprentice, as her expression shifted. her brows curled, her whiskers twitched and she stopped in her tracks.

❝ uhm... meadow saffron... uhm... ❞ spluttered the she—cat. her gaze watered and her ears dropped to her head. ❝ i can't remember, ❞ she whispered.

softly sighing, gentlebear padded forward. ❝ that one was a trick question. meadow saffron is a dangerous plant that can cause a cat to become lethargic, and to vomit, ❞ gentlebear reassured his apprentice with a gentle paw atop hers, pattering it. ❝ you did well, i expected the last one would trip you up, ❞

chalkpaw huffed. she completely forgot about flora that could cause harm to a feline. how could she be so foolish.

❝ let's keep going, see what's up ahead, ❞ spoke the medicine cat after he continued onwards.

the terrain thickened out with ferns and brambles, and the oak canopy above filtered the sunlight into a soft glow of golden over their pelts, dappling their fur as they walked.

an clearing opened in front of them, and a rotting log lay dormant in the centre. the remnants of a mighty tree was settled in a bed of moss that had shrouded its bark with its greenery.

gentlebear's eyes flashed. ❝ look chalkpaw, ❞

chalkpaw's head shifted upwards, following his gaze, and she gasped. ❝ oh this is perfect! i was meaning to fluff out the elders' nests! ❞ she bubbled.

without another mumble, the two darted forwards to the moss—covered log. chalkpaw carefully plucked at the moss, quickly gathering as much as she could.

❝ let's leave some behind, to allow for it to grow over again to be used another time, ❞ gentlebear softly said from behind a mouthful of moss. he spat out the green, puffy plant and turned his gaze around the clearing.

❝ we could most likely find more herbs here. some cobwebs, for sure, in the cracks of the trees... berries too, ❞ gentlebear thought aloud, his attention landing on some bushes that edged the clearing.

gentlebear padded over to the bushes on one side of the clearing. it was a fruited blackberry bush that housed numerous bundles of shiny and ripe rounded berries. carefully, he tugged at the branches of the bush, pulling them from the base. thorns scrapes at his fur, but he cared not for the slight stinging pain it caused.

a rustling behind him caught his attention, and he turned on his heels. his eyes fell upon chalkpaw, who had her head shoved into the bottom half of a tree. the apprentice's hindquarters wriggled as she rooted around, clearly on a mission.

❝ found something interesting? ❞ gentlebear mused.

chalkpaw backed out of the trunk and scrambled to find her footing. a spider, disturbed by her activity, scurried across her nose, causing her to sneeze it off with a comical shake of her head.

❝ cobwebs! ❞ she mewled excitedly, dropping them by her paws.

gentlebear's head shook left and right as he laughed at chalkpaw's enthusiasm. ❝ excellent find, ❞ the tom praised with a warming grin. ❝ right, let's head back to camp — we have enough herbs for the time being, ❞

gentlebear took off first, leading chalkpaw back the way they had ventured, travelling at a leisurely pace. today had been a productive day, he thought. he and chalkpaw had done their duties back at camp, and he managed to test her knowledge. chalkpaw was going to be a great medicine cat — she had learnt so much, he was incredibly proud of her.

a twig snapped, causing gentlebear's thoughts to drift aside like a crawling cloud of fog.

chalkpaw ceased up, her eyes widening with fear. she darted behind gentlebear, who's body tensed up, and he extended out his claws. gentlebear's ears rotated forwards and his eyes scanned the bushes.

the faint chatter of conversation drifted towards the two, and gentlebear relaxed. his head lowered down and he expelled a relieved sight.

bluecrest and warrencreek stepped out into view, deep in conversation about a patrol that had gone bad a few days prior.

❝ ah, gentlebear, chalkpaw, ❞ bluecrest greeted, her mouth wide from ear to ear with a welcoming smile.

❝ we hope we didn't scare you, ❞ she added, flicking her head to the tom—cats protruding claws.

gentlebear retracted his claws. ❝ just a little, thought it was a riverclan patrol, or something, ❞ he uttered.

warrencreek cackled. ❝ you'd have smelt us from a hop, skip and a jump away if we were a smell, fishy, riverclan patrol! ❞

❝ you seem to have had a successful morning, ❞ said bluecrest after spotting the bundles of berries, moss and webs the pair held. chalkpaw had since stepped out from behind her mentor, no longer worried.

chalkpaw nodded. ❝ yeah, but we are heading back to camp now, ❞ she thrilled.

❝ very productive. well, we'll get out of your fur now, we've got a border to walk. have a good day, both of you, ❞ whistled warrencreek, stepping away, and continuing on the path they were walking, diving right back into their conversation.

gentlebear stepped on. camp wasn't too far now, just a few moments walk. a comforting silence enveloped them both as they walked, the distant thrill of birds travelled across the trees.

❝ gentlebear? ❞ asked chalkpaw, quietly, ❝ do you think there will be trouble with riverclan? ❞ her tone was soft, and the scent of fear wafted from her pelt.

gentlebear sighed. ❝ i'm not sure. all we have to do is our job, and be prepared for what could come, ❞ he mumbled.

the hubbub of thunderclan reached gentlebear's ears. he looked towards chalkpaw and hurried up his pace, eager to get back to camp and deposit all that they had gathered. chalkpaw followed suit, her paws thundering as she ran behind gentlebear.

stepping through the bramble barrier, gentlebear absorbed the warmth of the atmosphere. his peers mingled and milled about and shared tongues. he veered towards the medicine den, chalkpaw still following closely.

❝ you can just drop these with me. go grab yourself something of the fresh—kill pile, ❞ gentlebear purred as he dropped his bundle on the floor. ❝ you did well today, chalkpaw. i'm proud of you, you'll make a fine medicine cat when the time comes, ❞

chalkpaw beamed. ❝ thanks, gentlebear. i'll see you later then, ❞

gentlebear watched his apprentice exit out of the medicine den, and vanish into the crowd outside in the clearing.