First Day!

"No, Sunpaw, no," Heatherpetal assured gently, nuzzling behind his ear gently. "This was your very first battle against a foe that would kill you with no remorse. I was scared, too, and when I was younger I was too scared to battle, too. Fear is a perfectly normal and healthy part of life, and even through your fear you dealt some pretty powerful moves on that owl. I wouldn't have been able to fight it off without your help. I'm glad my very first apprentice was someone as skilled and brave as you." She licked his forehead, then gently licked the now slowly bleeding wound on his face.

Sunpaw winced at Heatherpetal's rough tongue on his wound, but he was incredibly grateful. "Thank you, Heatherpetal..." Sunpaw murmured softly, giving a returning lick to her shoulder. He paused, and then his entire self seemed to brighten. "Heh... I guess I did do pretty okay, didn't I?" Sunpaw looked down at the dead owl, then nodded in resolution. His voice came out stronger. "There is no shame in accepting help." With a new glint in his amber eyes, Sunpaw looked up at his mentor. "I really learned a lot today. Thank you!"