[Luna16]

Hemlockleaf couldn't hold back a purr, a deep rumbling sound. He wasn't sure how Dawnstar knew, but pairing him with Mintpaw was something he'd always be grateful for. She was truly a wonderful apprentice. "I'll be okay." He assured her, touching his nose to her's. "It's my job to worry about you after all! But I do want you to enjoy the Gathering as well." He looked up, waving his tail to gesture to all of the gathered cats in front of them. "This will be a night you'll remember forever." He added, flicking her ear lightly with his tail.

Of course, if she insisted on staying by him, he wouldn't dispute it. But he did want to encourage her to find her own paws in the world too. They're not young forever. She'll be a warrior before I can blink. The thought was bittersweet, but he did his best to keep it from his face. He didn't Mintpaw worried about him after all, that was completely backwards.

[@constellation - Mintpaw]