Still my Mentor

❒ She was looking forward to this particular patrol more than most others due to one factor and one factor only: Spruce-ter was assigned to be her hunting partner! She hadn't hung out with her little fishy as of late and missed him. This patrol will help them hone their skills and would allow them to catch up. "Spruce-ter!" she greeted back as she sauntered over to her former apprentice, blue eyes sparkling with mirth. She nodded at him and began to walk out of the camp with the younger warrior by her side.

❒ Brookstone turned her head to give Sprucebark more of her attention as he sparked a conversation to pass the time as they walked. She hummed. "I've been busy, like usual," she began. "Patrols of all kinds everyday. Believe it or not, the border patrols are my favorite. I get ta chase out any tresapssers and that's always a hoot. There's also the usual chores like changing out the moss in the dens, sentry duty, and let's not forget entertaining all them cute kits." She shook her head with a fond smile. "I don't mind my busy schedule, though. I love helpin' out the clan. But just cause I don't mind it doesn't mean I'm not up for taking breaks once in a while, ya know?" She grinned then nudged his shoulder. "I miss hangin' out with ya. Makes me all happy and proud seein' ya all grown up. Kinda makes me feel old though." She pouted but stopped after she couldn't hold in her chuckles. "Well, how about you? How's my favorite apprentice been up to? Do ya like the life of a warrior?"

❒ Brook smiled toothily and lifted her nose into the air. "Only the best for all them little fishies. Gotta prepare them young for their lives ahead, ya know?" She gave Spruce an exaggerated wink and a nudge with her shoulder. She then chuckled and shook her head. She was always overly fond of kits. They were all so adorable and fluffy. Bundles of feisty love and big-eyed cuteness that never failed to make her melt.

❒ She snorted and tried to dodge Spruce's paw. "Okay! Okay, ya win ya pushy fishy. I ain't old... happy now?" She then tried to paw back but promptly stopped when she stumbled. Her face had a sheepish expression for a split second before clearing her throat. "You didn't see anythin'..."

❒ The brown tabby warrior raised a delicate brow and gave her former apprentice an amused look. "Did you, now? You must feel very honored to be Brookstone the Great's favorite apprentice," she teased. Her face softened after some moments and she harbored a sincere smile. "I'm glad warriorhood's been treatin' ya well..." She felt her face heat up at his compliment and she shrugged a shoulder bashfully. "Well, trainin' ya was easy with you bein' the great apprentice that ya are..."

❒ After a moment or two of comfortable silence, Spruce's voice cut in and Brook's eyes lit up. She grinned and meowed, "That'd be great! Let's see you show off those skills!" With that, the two made their way over to the river.

❒ Both the warriors settled down into their fishing spots once they arrived and while she waited for a fish to swim to her, she watched Sprucebark hunt his. A grin overtook her face when he swiftly latched onto the scaly creature with his claws—it was effective and a great display.

❒ Brookstone proudly beamed down at her former apprentice. "Look at that! You've got it down well! I'm so proud of my Spruce-ter!" She playfully sniffled for a few moments, as if she was going to cry. She then settled and winked at the multi-colored tom. "Let's see if I've still got it or if I've gone soft."

❒ At that moment, she noticed a shadow making its way under her fishing spot. She was instantly alert and waited for it to come close. She then lifted an unsheathed paw and swiftly brought it down with the intent of scooping the fish. Hopefully, she manages to do so.

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❒ In a blink, the brown-and-white tabby molly had the wriggling fish behind her. It was no longer wriggling, mind you. She laughed and poked the creature with a claw. "Well, well, well, seems like I've still got it! Your former mentor's not lost her spark it looks like." Her blue eyes sparkled. "How many do ya wanna catch? I'll leave that decision up to ya!" Her demeanor softened. "I've missed this, ya know?"