and i never really knew [astrid]

Dawn light was beginning to leak in through the reeds—soft and pink. Duckstep lifted her head and stretched as best as she could with her bad leg, a gesture that required her to put most of her weight on her left foreleg. The brown-and-white tabby’s jaws split in a yawn, she never slept as well during the rainy season as she did any other. The only thing worse was the cold, which seemed to dig into her old injury and made sleep an elusive thing at best. She could smell the promise of a warm day on the wind, however, and she pushed her way out of the den with a decisive shake of her pelt.

For a moment Duckstep considered waking Sharpfrost, but thought that her friend would appreciate slumber more than traipsing through the early morning with Duckstep and Larkpaw. The tabby felt her heart beat faster, and she peered in the direction of the apprentice’s den. Three moons ago Magpiestar had asked if she’d be willing to appreciate Larkpaw, and she was still stunned by the decision to bequeath her with the young she-cat. Not that she would ever directly contradict her leader’s decisions, but Duckstep always worried that Larkpaw’s training was going to be a failure on her part… due to her leg.

Enough! If she thinks you doubt yourself then you’ll never hear the end of it, Duckstep’s ears flicked and she stood a little taller as she limped across the clearing. This was proof after all, that she was not only a full warrior of her Clan but also suited to pass her knowledge down to Larkpaw. If Duckstep ever thought her leg hampered her in a demonstration she wouldn’t hesitate to ask Sharpfrost to show Larkpaw the proper method and not her own. Larkpaw would be a fine warrior, Duckstep had faith in her.

“Larkpaw!” Duckstep called softly, standing at the mouth of the den and glancing over her shoulder. The Dawn Patrol was heading off—likely to check for any of SkyClan’s ruffians again. She made a mental note to make sure she and Larkpaw didn’t take that route today, “Up-and-at-em! It’s time we practiced some river fighting moves, the water will be cold but I think the sun’s going to be out later this afternoon. We can dry off in the sun later.”

Her call wasn’t stern so much as friendly. Duckstep could be a persistent cat, but she was a loving one above all else and she took her place as mentor very seriously with Larkpaw. She knew what it was like to be abandoned when someone thought you weren’t going to make it—and she swore to herself Larkpaw would never feel this about her. Duckstep would see her through to her days as a warrior, and she would be one of the proudest cats in the Clan the day she watched her get her name.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Duckstep thought, backing away from the entrance of the apprentice’s den and waiting for the young cat with warm eyes. It was going to be a good day! She’d make sure of it.