#s://i~ibb~co/G2gWhXV/heronpaw~jpg

Heronpaw fell to the unkempt dirt of the sparring grounds with a muffled humph. It wasn't often he was beaten these days, save for when he sparred with warriors or Bluepaw, but every now and then Pigeonpaw managed to surprise him. This morning was one of those times. Normally, he would be back on his paws in an instant, ready to challenge the other apprentice to another friendly round. But today he was hyperaware of how recently he'd been released from the medicine cat den. Maplefrost had just barely given him permission to spar again. So, in an attempt to be obliging, he did not rush to stand.

"It feels good to spar again," he said once the dust settled, revealing his friend just a few tail lengths away. It pleased him to see Pigeonpaw disheveled from their spar, their scruffy fur even more a mess after the two tussled in the dirt. Heronpaw could only assume he was just as in need of a bath. "My leg is a little stiff, though." Since the previous moon, he'd followed Maplefrost's instructions perfectly — stretching several times a day, taking walks to stay limber, applying poultices meant to reduce inflammation. Coyotepaw had been more than helpful in making up for his mistake. And still, Heronpaw didn't feel fully recovered. The fear of being held back for this injury nagged at him. He didn't need to give his mentor or Cinderstar any other reason to think he wasn't ready for his assessment.

"Walk with me?" He pulled himself from his concerns to instead focus his attention back on Pigeonpaw. "We could walk down to the river." It was an easy walk, now that the snows had all thawed. Plus, the idea of dipping his aching muscles into cool, running water had his tail twitching in excitement. Even better, they could both wash off any grime from sparring. "And maybe hunt on the way back?"