In the days following Turtleheart's death, the Clan struggled to go about their duties. Mothfreckle was beside herself, of course, and she did not even have the strength to go and get prey for herself, Clearkit, and Rosekit. Flamewing frequently took breaks from his duties, either to sit for a moment and compose himself, or to go check on his family and ensure they were eating the prey he was bringing them. As the days passed and Mothspeckle refused to eat or move from her nest, she began to thin. If someone wasn't right beside her, comforting her, she did not eat at all. It seemed to Cloudpaw that Mothspeckle was in constant need of a reminder that things would be okay in time, despite the anguish she was in now. Cloudpaw couldn't blame her for that. Losing a child was something so horrible that she couldn't bring herself to imagine it. It made her heart ache for Mothspeckle. She wished there was something more she could do for her, but she had a feeling that unless she could bring Turtleheart back from the dead, there was nothing she could do to make Mothspeckle feel better.

Cloudpaw sat tucked near the back of the nursery, building a new nest for a queen that was to move in that evening. Brookleap had not told her who it was, but Cloudpaw couldn't help but feel sorry for her. She couldn't imagine how they must feel, expecting new life when such a young one had been plucked right out of their paws. Or, maybe, the queen was excited to bring such good news after such a harrowing time. She became lost in her thoughts as she put the nest together. She wound ivy around the sides of the nest to keep it stiff and in place. Once the shell was done, she would go fetch moss, grasses, and feathers for it - by the time she was done, it would be the comfiest spot in the entire den.

Soft rustling startled Cloudpaw and brought her back into the real world. It was Sophie. The black and white queen held a piece of prey in her jaws; the darkness of the den made it hard to see what it was, but judging by the scent, Cloupaw found that it was a robin.

Sophie nodded in greeting before making her way to a nest near the bramble wall of the den, where Mothspeckle lay curled up with Rosekit and Clearkit. She sat down behind their nest and set the bird down. Cloudpaw tried not to eavesdrop on their conversation. It would be rude of her, but she did catch on to the fact that Sophie was worried about them not eating, and she was trying to get them to do so.

Next to her, Sophie's kit, Dumpling, sat watching them. "She's been doing that since Turtleki-heart - since he…" Not even the newcomer wanted to say it. "She's been trying to get them to eat, but they never seem hungry…"

Cloudpaw was silent for a moment before speaking. "They probably aren't hungry. Sadness makes cats act weird… But Sophie is kind - to try and get them to eat."

"She says that Turtleheart would want them to keep eating, because he would want them to stay strong and healthy," Dumpling mused. "I think… I think she understands. Mama said there were three of us kits when we were born… But one didn't make it. Got sick. She said she called him Noodle."

Cloudpaw glanced over at Dumpling. She felt for him and his family. He was so young and he had already been through a lifetime of hurt. And poor Sophie? What else had she endured before being thrown away by her twolegs? Was Dumpling's sister, Piper, coping well with everything? Cloudpaw shook her head and decided to change the topic entirely. Talking about all of this would only make her feel more miserable.

"Have you decided if you're going to stay?"

"Yeah! I'm going to stay! And I'm going to be the greatest warrior you've ever seen!"

"Ambitious for a little kittypet," Cloudpaw snickered.

"I wasn't even born in a twoleg den! I was born in a bunch of rocks - at least that's what mama says! Out by a twoleg place on the moor!"

"That's a bad place for kits to come," Cloudpaw said. "It's a good thing we found you."

"I'm surprised it took you so long. Mama says you Clan cats are strong and really good at finding cats that wander onto your territory, but it took you all a quarter moon to know we were there. But that's because mama is smart - she went looking around for mint and catmint, and she stuffed it in every crack around the rocks to make sure you couldn't smell us. She did her best to keep us safe."

"She seems like a clever she-cat. She'd make a great warrior, if she chooses to stay."

"I think she will. She fought so hard to keep us, I don't think she would want to leave us."

Cloudpaw was quiet for a few moments before asking, "have you been thinking about what Petalstar will name you when you become an apprentice?"

"Oh I know what my name's going to be!" Dumpling said with a big grin. "Goldenpaw! Because of my golden eyes!"

Cloudpaw smiled and laughed, but she flicked his ear with her tail. "You won't get to pick your name, mouse-brain. Petalstar chooses it for you."

"She didn't say we didn't get to pick it! She just said we need a proper Clan name."

"No Clan cats get to pick their name, ever. We're given a kit name by our parents, an apprentice name by our leader, and then a warrior name by our leader. We don't choose our own names."

This seemed to distress Dumpling. "But what if she gives me a name I don't like?"

"Then that would be unfortunate, but there's nothing you can do about it. You might get a new name if you accomplish something impressive, but that's really rare."

Dumpling opened his mouth to protest, but he stopped short when he heard pawsteps outside the den.

"Are you sure?" Cloudpaw snapped out of her thoughts when she heard a voice outside the nursery. "It's only been a little more than a moon - I could still do my warrior duties for at least a quarter moon!"

Cloudpaw recognized the voice almost immediately - Berryleaf! Berryleaf was going to be a queen!

"I'm sure," a tom purred. "Don't worry, we'll get on fine while you rest and prepare for our kits. Don't be so afraid to do what's best for yourself for once."

Just a moment later, the two cats entered the den, first Berryleaf, then Ambersight behind her. The image of them was almost comical, with Berryleaf easily being able to slip into the den, while Ambersight was so tall that he had to duck and weave his way into it.

Once they were both inside, Berryleaf pressed herself against Ambersight for comfort. She didn't look like she believed what he had said to her. He gazed down fondly at her and licked her cheek.

"I promise, Berryleaf. There are more than enough warriors to catch prey, mark borders, and fix dens. One less set of paws isn't going to set us back. You have nothing to feel bad about, and no one will think less of you."

Berryleaf looked conflicted. Did she want to continue working, or did she think that she had to?

"Promise?" Berryleaf asked, looking up at her made with sad, round eyes.

Ambersight pressed his forehead to hers. "I promise."

And with that, they turned their attention back to the den and promptly spotted Cloudpaw. Berryleaf brightened immediately and padded over to greet her. Cloudpaw stood up and pressed her cheek to hers. "You're having kits?" She asked excitedly.

"At last," Berryleaf said with a nod and a warm smile. "Is this my nest?" She asked, dropping her head to sniff it.

"Yes! But it isn't done yet! I still have to get moss and feathers and grass! It needs to be soft and cozy for you, it isn't good enough yet."

Berryleaf looked back at Ambersight and then to Cloudpaw again. "Well, maybe I could help you gather what you need?" She suggested. "Two sets of paws would be faster than one, and I do love making my nest just the way I like it."

"Are you sure?" Cloudpaw asked. "You don't have to! I can do it if you'd rather sit and rest."

"I'm sure," Berryleaf affirmed. "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to."

"I'll stay and finish this nest," Ambersight said, striding over to take Cloudpaw's place.

Cloudpaw glanced at the hulking warrior as he passed her, and she couldn't help but feel intimidated, despite him being nothing but neutral to her.

"Can I come!" Called Dumpling, running to catch up with them.

"No, dear, you're not an apprentice yet," Berryleaf said gently. "Kits do not work, at all."

"But it's boring staying in camp! I want to look at the territory! And I want to help make the nest!"

Berryleaf rested her tail on the black-and-white tom's shoulder. "Your time will come - it won't be long before you're apprenticed as well!"

"You can stay and help me finish the nest," Ambersight suggested, "so that when Berryleaf and Cloudpaw come back, they will be able to get to work right away."

Dumpling looked back at the large warrior, and his tail drooped, but he didn't protest, and he joined Ambersight at the other side of the den and began helping him build the nest.

Then, Berryleaf beckoned Cloudpaw with her tail, and the two padded out of the nursery, then out of the tunnel and out onto the territory. Once they were far enough away from the camp, Cloudpaw looked behind her, in front of her, and side to side to make sure no one would hear her when she asked, "so… How are you feeling? About expecting kits after…?" She trailed off, but her question was clear.

"Terrible…" Berryleaf said. "Ambersight has been trying to keep my spirits up, but I can't help but feel guilt. I get to have kits while Mothspeckle mourns hers… It isn't fair."

"Maybe Clearkit and Rosekit will be out of the den before you have your kits?" Cloudpaw suggested, hoping that would encourage her a little.

Berryleaf tipped her head from side to side. "Maybe," she agreed softly.

A few tense moments passed. To try and make the situation lighter, Cloudpaw asked, "have you and Ambersight thought of any names?"

Berryleaf smiled, and Cloudpaw breathed a sigh of relief. "We have!" She said. "Ambersight seems to be in favor of more… Interesting names as of late."

"Like what?" Cloudpaw asked.

"Bushkit? Milk-kit?" The queen shook her head.

"What names do you like?" Cloudpaw asked.

"I love the name Stormkit. It's strong, empowering. Nothing rattles me more than a good, powerful storm. And after they pass, the air is fresh and clean, it smells wonderful. What a perfect name for a kit!"

"I think… Tansykit would be a cute name," Cloudpaw ventured, hoping it wasn't an overstep. "I like the way it sounds! And it's an important herb!"

"That it is!" Berryleaf said with a soft laugh. "What other names do you like?" Berryleaf asked.

"Lilackit would be nice. They're pretty flowers, and they smell nice! If you have a she-kit, it would be such a pretty name for her."

"See, Lilac is nice, but I try to imagine what they'll be given as warriors and see if they'll be a good match for their kit name. Lilactuft would be nice… But lilac doesn't sound nice with a lot of other ones - at least not to me. Lilacfur. Lilac-claw. Lilactail. Lilacheart? They're ok, but they don't catch my attention."

"What other names has Ambersight thought of?"

"Well, he did suggest Rainkit. I can settle for Rainkit, as long as he does not insist on Milk-kit. What an odd thing to name a cat!"

Cloudpaw chuckled with Berryleaf, and the two began to search for moss. There was a little bit of it down by the cave-stream. They also picked some soft, sweet-smelling flowers. Berryleaf chose them, and she told Cloudpaw that she hoped they would make the nursery feel more lively.

Cloudpaw also picked out some reeds. She knew that Mothspeckle's nest needed to be rebuilt, too. Now that she thought about it, Clearkit and Rosekit were so big that they might need their own nests, now. They were nearly apprentice age, and Rosekit was already taller than her mother. Clearkit was a little shorter than his sister, but he was also a little stockier; those two kits and their mother in the same nest must have been quite a tight squeeze. But maybe Mothspeckle thought the close quarters was comforting.

When the cats had picked up all they could carry, they turned back and headed for camp. When they arrived, Mothspeckle was out of her nest, having a quiet conversation with Sophie at the very back of the den, while her kits laid in their nest and groomed each other. Ambersight and Dumpling looked to be putting the final touches on the outer layer of Berryleaf's nest when they walked in, and, surprisingly, Dumpling seemed to be in much brighter spirits than he had been when they left.

Cloudpaw and Berryleaf set down what they had collected, and the four cats began padding out the nest, making sure it would be as plush and soft as they could manage.

Dumpling looked over at Berryleaf, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Do you know when your kits will come?" He asked.

"Hmm," Berryleaf stopped to think, and she tipped her head to one side. "I think there's just under a moon to go," she said.

"Really? You've put off coming to the nursery for a long time," Cloudpaw said, sticking some of the soft feather down she had collected against the sides of the nest base.

"I didn't like the idea of sitting around," Berryleaf admitted. "I wanted to keep hunting and patrolling, at least for a while. I don't want to feel like a burden."

"Queens aren't a burden!" Dumpling protested. "They give the Clan new kits! They should be well taken care of while they watch and care for them!"

Cloudpaw was surprised by how quickly the kit had taken to Clan tradition. She remembered how excited he had seemed to become a warrior, and she supposed that was only right for him to be passionate about the different rules and regulations that came along with being one. But who had taught him this? Mothspeckle? Did Flamewing give him instruction, too, when he came to visit his own kits? Was Piper this passionate about being a Clan cat, too?

"He's right," Cloudpaw agreed. "You wouldn't be a burden. StoneClan is strong, and we've got a lot of warriors! Even if you're not hunting, we have more than enough cats to be able to catch prey for everyone!"

"I've said the same thing," Ambersight purred, seemingly more amused by his mate's fears than anything. He gave her a gentle lick between her ears. "You deserve the rest. You work hard, and you've been working even harder now, carrying those kits around while you do all of your regular work. You've earned a few moons of recovery. And you should be strong and alert for when the kits do come. You'll need all the rest you can get until then."

The four cats finished Berryleaf's nest, and there was more than enough left over for them to fix Mothspeckle's nest a little. Cloudpaw carried the extra materials over to Mothspeckle's nest while Berryleaf tried to settle into her new spot. Ambersight stayed with her and cleaned her fur to try and make her feel more comfortable.

Cloudpaw began gently taking apart the nest, and Clearkit and Rosekit silently got out of the nest to allow her to work. She started with the dirty moss, setting it aside so that she could carry it away when she was done.

Out of nowhere, a sharp pain spiderwebbed across Cloudpaw's neck and shoulders, and before she could register what was happening, she was dropped on the ground, and the pain in her neck went away. She scrambled to her paws, and in front of her was Mothspeckle. The queen's face was twisted with rage, and her tail swished from side to side. A deep, ominous growl emanated from her throat.

"Don't touch my nest!" She snapped. "Who said you could!"

"I'm - I'm sorry, I-" Cloudpaw sputtered helplessly. Her heart was racing, her eyes were wide.

"Fox-hearted mousebrain! Don't touch my nest again!"

And with that, the she-cat turned and stalked back to her nest, leaving Cloudpaw stunned and confused. Fear coursed through her.

She glanced around the nursery, and much to her relief, all of the other cats were just as shocked as she was. Sophie sat at the back of the den, looking like she was considering something, before she stood up and walked over to Mothspeckle.

The black and white queen lowered her head and growled, "I know you are grieving. You're in pain. Your nest smells like Turtleheart, still, and you don't want the scent to fade. But touch another hair on that apprentice's pelt, and I will turn you into crowfood."

Mothspeckle whipped around with a hiss, but she didn't say anything more, and curled back up in her nest.

Sophie then padded over to Cloudpaw and gave her a lick behind her ears, before nodding for the apprentice to follow her. Cloudpaw followed silently behind the black and white she-cat, who led her to the fresh-kill pile. She picked up a small squirrel and brought Cloudpaw over to a quieter part of the camp, a small cavern that was tucked away behind Petalstar's den.

"Share this with me," she said, setting the squirrel down and settling into a more comfortable position.

Cloudpaw did as told, and she laid down beside Sophie. She let the queen eat a little, first, before taking a bite herself.

"I'm sorry," Sophie said softly after she'd had a little to eat.

"Sorry?"

"About Mothspeckle. It is true, she is in pain. She is suffering through the worst thing any mother could imagine. And she is having trouble coming to terms with the fact that Turtleheart is never coming back. That doesn't mean, though, that she should have taken her anger out on you. You didn't deserve that, and you didn't do anything wrong. She owes you an apology, and I'll try to talk her into one."

"She doesn't have to… I know she's suffering. Cats get hysterical when they lose the cats they love."

"That is true," Sophie agreed. "But that's no excuse. There is a reason it happened, but that reason doesn't justify it. Do you understand what I'm getting at?"

"I think so," Cloudpaw murmured, taking another bite.

"Are you injured?" Sophie asked, looking at Cloudpaw's neck. "She bit you pretty hard."

"It does sting…" Cloudpaw admitted.

Sophie raised a paw and gently parted the fur on Cloudpaw's neck. "There's no blood," she said, sounding relieved. "But if it stings, perhaps you should go to Plumpelt and see if she'll give you anything to keep it from getting infected."

"I don't think it's that serious," Cloudpaw said.

"It doesn't hurt to be too cautious," Sophie retorted.

"I suppose not," Cloudpaw agreed. "I'll go see Plumpelt, then." And with that, Cloudpaw stood. She looked at Sophie and pressed her forehead against the queen's. "Thank you."