Special task
The sea is frightening. Powerful waves, large rocks and cliffs anywhere and especially out of sight. And elephant seals.. He knew they were allies, but each one was so huge and frightening. They were so hard to read. Once during swimming practice, a stray current had swept him up and suddenly he's slammed against a rough sack of lard that's moving into whichever direction it decides while Herringpaw holds on for dear life.
Well, in all honesty just the water itself was problem enough. Despite being streamlined and agile, Herringpaw was more like a tiny seaweed than a cat.
"He's too skinny, there's absolutely no muscle on this twig! He's named after a fish that, all things considered, he couldn't even catch if his life depended on it! Good thing he's too hairy to look like one or he'd already be in the stomach of a seal.." Walrusroar's words simmered in the back of his mind. He'd been the one to save Herringpaw after he got trapped in a water spiral, and despite Swimmerpaws efforts, dragged them both down.
At this point he was convinced Walrusroar cared more about the elephant seals than his own clan. Own species.
He hanged his head low and sniffled. The pity in everyone's eyes was hurtful at this point. Well except for maybe Swimmerpaw. They were empathetic for sure, but didn't pity him. It was refreshing. He considered them his best friend.
Speak of the apprentice
"What's up?"
They appeared beside him, tapping his back with their tail. Herringpaw lifted his head miserably. "I don't wanna do swimming practice today.. I'll just end up humiliating myself like every other time." he curled his tail over his paws, withdrawing into himself. Swimmerpaw leaned their shoulder on him as comfort. "Well you can totally do something else today." Herringpaw looked at them doubtfully. "Like what?"
"Like anything! You're super helpful bro, it'll get you some valuable experience to do different stuff with different people." Swimmerpaw pat their tail on Herringpaw's back a few times more as encouragement. He thought about it for a moment, but decided he would really rather do anything else than swim today. "Well. Sure!" he tried to seem more confident, despite all the doubts nibbling in the pit of his stomach.
He wandered the camp opening, looking at everyone present. Laughterpaw was painting murals with Swansong.. With fish blood seemingly. He winced and looked away. Swansong didn't seem too happy about it either. But he definitely couldn't stomach fish guts. He wandered around, not really daring to approach anyone first.
"Why, Herringpaw. How are we doing? You don't seem to be training right now." Roebeard greeted him with a swing of his frizzy tail. Herringpaw awkwardly drew on the gravely ground with his paw. "Yeah I'm.. Wondering if I could do something else for a change.." Roebeard smiled. "Well aren't I in luck. I could use the help of someone young and nimble". Herringpaw looked at his smile. It was genuine. Although he wondered if this too, was just pity. Herringpaw was a frequent at the medical den due to his many accidents, and had thus gotten in good graces with the old medic. He gave a little smile back. "Sure thing Roebeard. Herringpaw the nimble always at your service!" he perked up a little bit. "That's my boy. Come, follow me." Roe turned to leave the opening. Herringpaw felt a twinkle of warmth in his chest.
They climbed up one of the little tunnels leading to the top of the ledge. Herringpaw made sure to look out for the elder cat, since due to these tunnels, many had slipped and broken their legs or tails or.. Worse. There was fortunately another way up the ledge, rough and rocky with occasional little trees and roots sticking out, but it was alot farther away. It would also be infinitely less convenient to circle the coastline until the great cliff ended.
At the top, Roebeard stopped to catch his breath, looking at the scenery opening below them. Herringpaw sat by him, though more on the side where the great cliff gradually turns to serene grassy fields. The diving spot was nearby, but he didn't like to think about it. He felt lucky he would never be qualified to become a Guardian. The seaside wind made Herringpaw's long ears and Roebeard's curly beard flutter. "It's really beautiful up here isn't it.." he murmured. Herringpaw leaned over, closer to the edge to take a peek.
The heights made him feel queasy. He leaned back away. "It's.. A view.." he mumbled. "What.. Did you need me to help with?"
Roebeard turned to him again. "Ah yes, we're going to collect herbs. Come now". He began walking among the cliff, adjacent to the ledge. Herringpaw's fur was prickled, and he felt cold as he kept glancing to the direction of the sea, careful not to walk too close to it. They reached another rocky climbing wall, leading down to the waters below. Roebeard stopped where the steady land turned to scruffy rocks. "Look closely now." he gestured with his tail, and Herringpaw followed. "Those roots over there are important. But I don't trust my step as much. Now, there is safe footing, but only right up until that little gap there. I'm not as versatile, and I thought who better to slink over there to chew them off than you?". Herringpaw looked at the mentioned rocks. It didn't look.. Too bad. He was probably agile enough to reach the roots. He looked to Roebeard and nodded, gaining a little more energy. "I'll get them for you." he affirmed as he started descending towards the roots. "Be careful my boy!" Roebeard responded.
Herringpaw made his way carefully down the various rocks. He was a surprisingly alright climber. His gaze darted between the roots and wherever he was going to step next. Sweat formed at his ears. Eventually he made it to the gap separating the cluster of roots and the rest of the path. He quickly glanced at Roebeard, who was observing the apprentice with a nervousness, tail tip flicking back and forth. Herringpaw tried to give a reassuring smile but it probably looked doofy and forced. He gently pawed the rock beneath the roots, seeing if he could set one down on it. It seemed meh at best. He set his front paw down on it carefully, claws extended for grip. Mouth open he grabbed the roots, trying to chew at least one off.
"Try to get as much of one as possible!" Roebeard said from higher up. Herringpaw let out a squeak as confirmation he'd heard. He grabbed a mouthful more roots and began gnawing them in half. They tasted extremely bitter. His tail was stiff as a stick, trying desperately to keep him balanced while he tried to rip at the plant. Spit pooled down his chin as he tried not to gag at the stinging bitterness.
Eventually, one root broke. Then another, and another. His tension eased for a moment. He chewed the last one off and swung his head back from the small standing, huffing and drooling with a bunch of dirty roots in his Jaws. "Examplary work Herringpaw! I knew you could do this!" Roebeard commended. Relief spread through each limb as Herringpaw made his way back up safely. He wasn't complimented alot. Except by Swimmerpaw. Kinda. He spit the roots on the ground to wipe his chin and mouth. Roebeard wiped the slimy roots with his tail and picked them up himself.
"No biggie. No biggie. I got it.." Herringpaw blabbered to himself in relief and victorious pride. ".. I can't believe I did". Roebeard chuckled, brushing against the small Tom's side as he turned to return to camp "Of course you did. Swimming is only one skill, and fishing a whole other. You have resilience and agility my boy, just harness it." he muffled between the roots in his mouth as they headed back. ".. Thanks, Roebeard." Herringpaw mewed. He was touched by the elders words.
They slid and waddled down the same tunnel, back to camp. Herringpaw followed Roebeard to the medic hole. After setting everything in place, Roebeard turned to look at him. There was warmth in his eyes, as he looked at Herringpaw for a quiet moment. Something seemed to swim through his thoughts. Herringpaw cleared his throat. "So um, you're welcome! Is.. There anything else?" he asked carefully.
Roebeard blinked a few times, as if about to say something. Herringpaw waited patiently.
"No, I think we're good for today." he finally answered. Herringpaw nodded. "Oh, alright then."
"But.. Do see me tomorrow again, I can show you where I get the best seaweed, eh? You best go off now, it must be dinner time already." Roebeard continued, retreating into the depths of the medic cave.
