At first, the cream forager had expected other warriors to stop the pair from leaving camp. He had trusted in the watchful eyes of the others to continue grabbing Lavenderkit by the scruff and plop them back in the nursery. Maybe they've gotten tired of it or maybe all of them were busy with other more demanding tasks, which let the kit run out of camp with Boarpaw.
He's getting bigger. Maybe that big size hid Lavenderkit well from the other warriors. The only reason why Gingerflame was able to catch a glance of the kitten bounding happily out of camp was because he was working near the entrance of camp. Now, it wasn't a crime for kittens to be around the entrance of camp, but most would nudge them further into camp. He had expected Boarpaw to wrangle the kit in, only to witness the apprentice following the kit out of camp.
Did Gingerflame wait a few seconds? Yes. Why wouldn't he? He had full faith in Boarpaw bringing back Lavenderkit. Unfortunately, this faith was short-lived when the sound of nearing pawsteps was nowhere to be heard. Whatever task he'd been working on was pushed to the aside as he rose to his paws and began to look for the pair. It wasn't hard to find them to be honest. Boarpaw's massive frame was a dead giveaway, but in moments like these it was welcome. Instead of ruin their fun like a responsible warrior, he opts to trail the two from a distance. Ensuring his scent isn't picked up by them.
Unease grows as the trio make it to the Sunningrocks. He has half the nerve to cuff Boarpaw for bringing a kitten out this far. However, his frustration is eased when he watches as Lavenderkit cheers. Oh, Gingerflame always had a fondness for kits. He'd always known he wanted a family of his own growing up, but... It was hard. He couldn't have kits himself for one. The second issue was that he had no mate. One might say well go out there and try his paw at dating, but it was challenging enough to make friends within the clan. Most were offput by him and kept their distance. Granted, he was a bit pushy so it made sense. Still! It would be nice to have at least one friend.
Apparently, he was a little too lost in his thoughts that he failed to notice Lavenderkit in the river ( a shallow pool). It was by hearing Boarpaw that his soul nearly leapt out of his chest watching the small kitten in the water.
NONE OF US CAN SWIM! Things only get worse when he sees Boarpaw venture deeper into the river. Now, while both were safe for now... Boarpaw should know better. Take your eyes off a kit for even a second and they're already up to no good.
It's at this moment the cream tabby emerges from his hiding spot.
"This is the worst idea you've both ever had." He ignores Boarpaw for now, opting to approach Lavenderkit and block any attempt of going into deeper water. Red eyes never leave the kit.
"You know very well you're not supposed to leave camp, Lavenderkit." A tail flicks in agitation.
"Boarpaw. I may not be your mentor, but you should never keep your eyes off a kit for a second. The sunningrocks may be a nice spot to relax, but its also home to adders. I didn't see you check for any adders before letting Lavenderkit run into the water. You're lucky nothing bad happened." The silence that passes is tense. Boarpaw can hate him after this, but he can't ignore the fact that there is some truth. After all, if Gingerflame hadn't tailed them and an adder attacked Lavenderkit? Or if the kit drowned? What would the apprentice do? How would he live with the decision? And... What would the clan do to him for allowing a kit to go this far.
