Vervain is clueless.

Kittens & Kin

The one that would eventually bring Nashia and Vervain closer together again was their sister Phyla after all. She hadn't managed to convince either of her siblings to reconcile but she didn't give up trying and even though it was at times difficult, she kept on being the mediator of the family. Still, the event that eventually began the healing of the rift between Vervain and Nashia was not something she'd planned. Or, well it was, rather she hadn't planned for it to have such a positive side-effect.

Vervain shifted around as he waited for Phyla to get back with Nashia. When she had told him and Thyme she had something to tell all of them, Vervain had thought it bad news at first until he noticed the huge smile on her face. It was more than that even, she was practically glowing. It eased any worries Vervain had had but now he was just really curious. What was taking them so long?

"Settle down, Vervain. Be patient." His mother told him. Her voice was lighter than it had been in days and Vervain had noticed a sparkle in her eyes. "It'll be worth the wait."

"You know what the news is then?"

His mother smiled, "I have an inkling." Vervain's curiosity only increased at the cryptic answer but at the very least he knew the news was making both his sister and mother happy. It would indeed be worth the wait then.

When Phyla finally came back with Nashia, who settled down as far from them as possible, Vervain was practically bursting with anticipation. Phyla smiled at them. "I have amazing news!" She beamed. "I'm expecting kittens!"

"I knew it." Thyme answered as she lovingly snuggled her daughter, "Congratulations, Phyla!"

"You knew?" She answered, a bit disappointed, "How?"

"A mother can tell." Phyla smiled and returned the affection. Vervain simply stared, frozen on the spot. Kittens. Phyla was having kittens. His sister. Kittens. That meant... family. They'd be his family. Kittens. Vervain's mind kept going around and around in circles. The thought of his sister having kittens was so strange, so sudden and unexpected to him that he had no idea how to react. Congratulations, yes, he should congratulate her. But when he finally found his voice again, all that came out was, "So soon?"

Phyla looked amused and Nashia snorted, "How long did you think it would take then?" Her tone was teasing, light, and Vervain was happy to hear it like that again, even if he felt like an utter fool. He looked over at her and saw her eyes were shining with warmth as she hopped over to Phyla. She settled down next to Thyme and touched noses with their sister. "Congratulations. I'm sure they will be beautiful."

Vervain hurried over, settling on the other side of their mother, and nuzzled Phyla as well. "What I meant to say was: congratulations." Phyla laughed, "I figured that's what you meant." Warmth filled Vervain at the sight of his sister's radiant smile, her eyes shining, her pelt glowing. He smiled down at her. When he glanced over at Nashia he saw it all reflected in her eyes as well. She glanced back at him and gave him a small smile. Vervain returned the favour. It wasn't much but it was a start.

Apparently, it was expected of Vervain that he go congratulate Flax on becoming a father. Normally his father would have done that but since he was now the only buck in the family the responsibility fell to him. Vervain thought it a pointless tradition and he was half-convinced they were just making it up. Still, he couldn't disappoint Phyla so he'd gone to look for Flax to offer his congratulations on behalf of them all. He had dreaded the encounter, he still wasn't very partial to Phyla's mate, but luckily the conversation was brief. Flax had other "really important stuff" to go deal with. He was on his way back to tell Thyme he'd done his duty when Campion came hopping over and nearly crashed into him.

"Vervain! There you are!" He exclaimed while Vervain tried to regain his balance. The near-collision had left his friend completely unfazed, of course.

"Indeed, here I am." He replied flatly but Campion seemed unperturbed by that as well. Vervain noticed he was beaming almost as badly as Phyla. Was there some strange happiness disease going around or something? "Are you going to be a father too?" He joked.

"A father? No, of course not- wait, are you?! You never told me you had a mate!" Campion actually sounded hurt and then thoughtful, "But who? I can't imagine any doe that would be your mate..." Vervain felt slightly insulted by that conclusion.

"Why thank you."

"Err... That's not what I meant...! I-" Vervain put up a paw to silence him, "I'm not going to be a father, Flax is." He explained before Campion could unwittingly insult him even more.

"Oh, of course. That makes sense." He didn't seem even the littlest bit surprised by the news.

"It does?" Vervain asked.

"Well, it was about time so." He made it out to be a given. Vervain grumbled. Great. Was he the only one actually surprised by the news? Did he lack some sort of kitten sense that every other rabbit had? Really, how did they know?

"I'll congratulate him later. But first I have great news as well!" Campion looked like a kitten again, eyes sparkling, almost giddy even. It was weird but also slightly contagious. "Oh?"

"Father is letting me lead my first patrol!" An image of Vervain's own father standing proudly on the outcropped rock involuntarily flashed through his mind. His chest felt tight. He knew Campion was expecting a reaction, he wanted to give him one, wanted to congratulate him and tell him he deserved it, because he did, but nothing came. He tried a smile but judging from Campion's guilty face it had come across as anything but reassuring.

"Vervain, I-" Campion started but was interrupted by his father calling him over. He glanced back at the waiting patrol - the one he was going to lead, Vervain guessed- and back at Vervain. Doubt flickered in his eyes. Vervain nodded at the patrol and Campion started hopping away. Vervain swallowed, willing the tightness to go away. Why did this feeling always catch him so unaware? He hated it, he didn't need it, it was nothing but a burden. He growled, annoyed with himself and his lack of control. He couldn't let Campion leave like this.

"Campion!" He called and was relieved it came out steady. Campion stopped and looked back at him. "Make Efrafa proud out there!" Campion gave him a smile, "I will!" before joining his patrol and exiting the warren in the lead. Vervain stared after him, wondering how Nashia would fare leading a patrol. She'd probably be great at it, though maybe a bit too bossy for some officers. They'd make a good team in the Owsla -Campion and Nashia- both were competent fighters, both were brave and both had the wisdom to lead as well. Campion would be the more level-headed one of the two of course. There was that little fact that Nashia hated Campion but she respected him and Vervain guessed that respect had only increased since they were training together. He sighed. Normally he would know this for sure because it was so easy to read his sister when they talked. Campion had looked so thrilled to lead a patrol. Would Nashia be that happy too if she got the chance? Vervain knew the question was obsolete. Of course she would be, she wanted nothing more. Vervain made up his mind then. He would go talk to their mother on Nashia's behalf. He had no idea whether she would even hear him out but he had to try. He owed his sister that much.

Without further delay he went back to their burrow but it seemed Thyme had left it and was sitting atop the outcropped rock. With a few quick hops he joined her and settled down next to her. The warmth in her eyes was still there but she also looked like she was contemplating something. When she noticed him, she smiled at him, "Did you offer our congratulations?"

Vervain blinked. Oh right, he'd forgotten about that. "Yes, I did."

"Well? Did he say something?"

"Not really. He seemed in a hurry." Vervain answered rapidly, wanting to broach the subject of Nashia and the Owsla. "I imagine he is." was her only comment.

"There is something I'd like to ask." He said quickly before his mother could resume her own thinking and send him away.

"Oh? What is it, Vervain?"

Vervain remained silent. He should've probably thought this through a little more. Simply asking wouldn't do much good, she'd just brush him off. He had to convince her somehow that Nashia needed to join the Owsla. An idea struck him.

"I was thinking." He started hesitantly and Thyme nodded to encourage him to go on, "Phyla's kittens will do Efrafa good."

Thyme smiled, "Yes, new life is always a good sign. The warren will gain beautiful new rabbits."

"But something Campion told me is bothering me." He carried on. Thyme's expression changed only a little but he could see she was interested now and slightly worried. "He said the elil are closing in again and the Owsla have got their paws full."

Thyme's expression darkened, "I am aware of that, Vervain." Vervain gulped. His mother's mood had instantly plummeted. Perhaps this hadn't been the best tactic after all. But there was no going back now.

"They could use new officers." He suggested meaningfully. When his mother didn't reply he carefully added, "Nashia would be a great officer." Well, not very subtle but it should get the message across. Thyme stared in front of her, eyes clouded, and Vervain wondered if she'd even heard him. "Mother, something needs to be done." He tried again and this time her ears twitched. She gazed back at the tunnel that lead to their burrow.

"Yes, you're right." She mumbled. Vervain was glad she was agreeing with him but the look in her eyes worried him. "Rest assured. Something will be done." She turned to him with a small smile. It felt fake, like a lie, but not really. She wasn't lying, something would be done, but Vervain got the feeling it wasn't going to be what he'd hoped for. He didn't know what else to say, his mother had clearly made up her mind about something already, so he left her to it.

Well, that hadn't gone nearly as well as he'd hoped...

I made some designs for Nashia, Phyla, Thyme and Basil if you're wondering what they look like. You can see them on my DeviantArt account if you want. :D

Thanks for reading and I hope you're still enjoying it!

Chibiscuit~