Of Daughters and Herbs [Featherpaw!]

[Moli]

Maybe she wouldn't want to see him.

Why wouldn't she was to see you? She's your daughter!

But she was a medicine cat now. She might be busy. Organizing herbs. Talking with StarClan. Doing, you know, medicine cat things.

Are you a warrior, or a mouse? Get in there! You just want to say hello, right?

Well, that was part of Graystripe's intent. He was outside of the medicine cat's den, doing his best to look as casual as possible while also looking inside to see if his daughter, Featherpaw, was inside. Just a few moments ago, he had caught sight of her silver fur and the scent of her through the aroma of herbs. She was inside, and now he just had to go inside and say hello. He wanted to talk to her, see if she was happy. Did she really want to be a medicine cat apprentice? She hadn't seemed to protest, but he wanted to be sure. He only wanted the best for his daughter, and Silverstream's.

I won't know unless I ask! He told himself, and walked inside.

"Featherpaw?" He called. Might as well try to see slightly inconspicuous. Even if it was with good intentions, his lurking outside could be seen as odd.

[willow]

Featherpaw was certainly busy with her duties, so much so that she hadn't noticed her father standing right outside of the medicine cat's den. Mudfur was out at the moment, probably gathering herbs, and had asked his apprentice to organize the herbs and count to make sure that they weren't low on any of the herb stores. So that was what she was doing.

"Okay so good on marigold. Watermint is a bit down but we shouldn't need that too badly. Cobwebs are great..." The silver tabby stepped back and waved her tail in thought, blue eyes scanning over the many items stacked within the crevices of the stones at the back of the open den. There was very little horsetail left and the yarrow needed to be replaced. She could understand the horsetail being low. Riverclan was using the Tallpines and with having to hunt more often than usual, their paws were getting sore or even pierced by sharp stones.

"Featherpaw?

Featherpaw whipped her head around and her tail curled in delight as she immediately knew who was walking through the sedge and into the clearing where the medicine cat's worked. "Dad!" She mewed in surprise, turning around and bounding up to him, touching his nose lightly. "What brings you here?...Your not hurt are you?" The silver tabby peered around her father's body, sniffing for blood or open wounds, feeling relieved when she found none. It had been awhile since the two of them had been able to be with each other, with her new apprenticeship and his duties and all. It was a pleasant surprise to have him pop him, regardless of the reason. The brightness in her blue eyes showed it.

[Moli]

He purred in relief and delight as his daughter approached him, clearly glad to see him. He shook his wide head. "No, no, I just wanted to check on you. How have you been?" He asked her gently.

He was tempted to give her an affectionate lick between the ears, as he used to when she and her brother were kits, but he didn't want to embarrass her, either. He missed her int he nursery. Without his kits, there was so little that the RiverClanners respected him for. At least, that was how he felt. Whether or not it was true or if it was just in his head was uncertain.

[willow]

Featherpaw felt a purr rise to rumble loudly in her chest, grinning softly from the concern her father still had to her. It had been moons since she had taken leave from the nursery, but it felt like seasons she had been able to speak with her father. It was well known he was from Thunderclan, but he was doing more than enough to try and fit into Riverclan. With him being so concerned with the duties he felt obligated to do, there was little time or energy left to just sit down and talk. So silver-tabby apprentice was going to make the most of this time.

"I've been great! Everythings been great." She replied with enthusiasm, nodding her head in assurance as she looked up at her father. Yes, she still did have some growing to do.

Her mind suddenly veered off track of the conversation and settled onto the grumbling of her stomach, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since she woke and now it was nearly sun-high. She smiled sheepishly at the gray warrior, assuming he heard it's protests, and then perked up as an idea struck her.

Padding over towards the entrance/exit of the den, she looked back and motioned with her plumy tail for her father to follow her. "Do you mind if we eat? It'd be easier to talk more if my belly isn't interrupting." Featherpaw mused, though seeming a bit embarrassed to suggest the thought at this time. But there was so much more to tell him...once she could actually concentrate on a conversation.

[Moli]

"I'm glad." He purred at her reply. She looked so happy to see him. It made his heart soar with delight.

"Oh, of course. I just got off hunting duty, so that sounds great. I could eat a badger!" Graystripe's whiskers twitched in amusement as he followed her to the fresh-kill pile.

"Has Mudfur been treating you well?" He asked as they picked out their prey.