Birdcry focused on the vole, whiskers twitching as she inhaled its scent.
"Birdcry!" a familiar voice screeched. Birdcry sighed as her prey escaped and straghtened up, turning towards the voice.
"Birdcry, guess what? I caught a whole squirrel, and by myself too!" Birdcry tensed and sank her claws into the soft earth. Is it so important to tell her about one, measly catch?
"Very good, Mistkit. But you know you're supposed to stay in the nursery."
As Birdcry took long, smooth strides back to camp, Mistkit bounced happily along. Prey clenched prodly in her jaws.
When they entered the clearing, an eerie silence blanketed the Clan.
"Birdcry, Mistkit?!" Mothstar stepped forward, the words rolling sharply off the tip of her tongue.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Mistkit cowered under Birdcry. I'll protect you, Mistkit.
"She came with me to help carry the prey back."
"She's a kit." Mothstar snarled. "She must stay in camp!"
Birdcry's father, Gingerflame, looked up at his mate.
"Hush, my Mothstar. They have learned their lesson."
"Fine. But as punishment, Birdcry," Her mother bristled. "You will sleep in the nursery and raise this little-this little orphan as your own." Mothstar stalked away, tail held high. Mistkit whimpered.
"Birdcry?"
"Yes, dear?"
"Whats an orphan?" Birdcry looked down at the kit and her heart swelled with love. She needs me.
"You'll find out when your older." She scooted the little kit into the nursery. "Nowits off to bed with us!" Mistkit yawned and curled up next to Birdcry, her little pink paws kneading Birdcry's flank.
"Okay." She paused and then added- "Mom."
Birdcry purred and began grooming the little kits ears. Eventually, Mistkit fell asleep.
Birdcry blinked down ot the little bundle. I'm a mother. Four light pawsteps sounde outside the nursery and a grey tabby tom poked his head in.
"Hey, preggers!"
Birdcry rolled hr eyes. "I'm not pregnant, Pebblestep."
"Well, I know someone who wants you to be." he looked at he and she looked back, staring into his amber eyes.