The sun sat high in the sky, its warm rays providing a temporary relief from the below-freezing temperatures. Despite being surrounded by water, Fishing Stones was one of the better spots to enjoy a stint of sunlight in Leaf-bare. Moonpaw was glad to be headed that way. His mentor had ordered him to the Stones to see if he could catch any fish in spots where the surface had not frozen over fully. His mentor had also taught him how to recognize ice that was safe to walk on, and how to test the ice with a stone or the end of his tail. But the apprentice was far from worried about any of that. The little blue tom had different ideas--better ideas.
The river entering his view through the willow trees, Moonpaw picked up the pace and bounded towards Fishing Stones. He giggled and purred, excited for a reprieve from Leaf-bare's cold, for some time away from his mentor, and for a nap. His tan-tipped tail was raised high; it was very lucky to find a spot in the Stones where other RiverClanners were not already busy fishing.
Skidding to a halt at the river's edge, a small bunch of snow piled up at his paws. The young rebel shook the white from his paws and ducked into a crouch. With just a few wiggles of his behind, Moonpaw hopped over the ice and landed on a large, flat stone. He had nearly slid off, but managed to grab a flat edge with his forepaws. Letting out a sigh of relief. the striped tom flopped onto his side and stretched out his lazy legs, delighted to find the flat rock had already begun to warm up in the stark sun.