ωαяяισя ¢αтѕ // Mintpool's Promise

Chapter 26

The late afternoon sunshine cast a golden glow on the camp as Mintpaw and Echoleaf trotted back from their herb-gathering session. The tabby was carrying a jawful of marigold and her mentor had goldenrods. Most of the AirClan cats were sprawled out in the clearing, back from the sunset patrol, sharing tongues and eating prey. The tabby brushed past Robinpaw and Flowershine as she made her way to the medicine den, her fur rippling.

The two medicine cats trotted into the den, dropping off their herbs. Echoleaf's orders arrived quickly and swiftly. "Here, grab some marigold, and go check on Crowfur," she meowed. "His wounds should be healing, but they might be infected." Her pelt twitched. "When you're done with that, please bring the elders some water. Robinpaw and you are the only apprentice now, so the two of you will have to do more duties."

Mintpaw bowed her head, feeling her already-weary paws droop, as though there was sand on top of them. After the battle, Echoleaf had kept her busy, barely giving her any rest time. After collecting herbs all afternoon, she was hoping for a break. However, things had to get done.

"Oh, and when you're done with that," her mentor mewed, "go grab some prey. It's a Gathering tonight."

Mintpaw had been so busy that she'd forgotten about that. And especially after the conversation that she'd witnessed from the half-moon meeting, she was anxious to see Cobrastrike. With a flick of her tail, she leaned down, grabbing the marigold, and trotted out of the den. A sigh exited her as her tired paws felt more energetic, and there was a spring in her step when she walked. The thought of seeing her friends always brought her more energy.

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By the time Mintpaw ducked into the Gathering, she could see that AirClan was the last Clan to arrive. Her green gaze swept the clearing until it reached the usual spot that she and her friends sat at. Cloverpaw and Leafwhisker were there, but she didn't spot Cobrastrike. Disappointment weighed in her stomach as she padded over. Her FireClan friend probably had to stay at camp for this Gathering.

"Hi!" Cloverpaw greeted, her brown-and-white pelt ruffling with excitement.

"Hello!" Mintpaw mewed back, nudging her friend. She loved talking with Cloverpaw. The medicine cat apprentice was always so energetic and bright. 

"You forgot my greeting!" Leafwhisker protested. Again with the playful teasing.

The gray tabby purred, forgetting about her weariness, and offered him a flick of his ears with her tail. "Well, you didn't greet me either, so I think it's fair."

Cloverpaw craned her head. "Where's Cobrastrike? Did he have to stay at camp today?"

The brown tom shrugged idly. "I suppose so."

Mintpaw couldn't help but feel a little put off by his tone. He sounded like he didn't care. Confusion rippled through her. Doesn't he want to talk with Cobrastrike, too? After all, they are friends. What had happened? She shook off the thought. They've probably spoken plenty of times at the border, so he's not that upset by his absence. 

"So, how are things going in your Clan?" Cloverpaw prompted. The question was clearly directed towards Mintpaw, for she and Leafwhisker were in the same Clan.

The tabby ruffled her pelt. Should I tell them about the rogue attack? No, Spottedstar will do that if she wants to announce it. "It's going okay. We're low on apprentices, so me and Robinpaw have to do most of the duties. I hope Violetkit and Duskkit become apprentices soon. They're so cute! I love playing with them! They're very bright, too. They'd make great warriors or medicine cats."

Cloverpaw eyed Mintpaw teasingly. "Wow, you'd make a great mother! I'm sure you'll take great care of your Clan."

The gray tabby huffed, flicking her friend's pelt. "Mouse-brain," she muttered affectionately.