Blossomfall and Toadstep

Blossomfall lifted her head. Sunlight was gently streaming through the cracks in the warriors den roof. In the nest beside her, Bumblestripe was snoring gently. She arched her back in a luxurious stretch, and padded out into the clearing. The camp was buzzing with activity. Graystripe stumbled past with what looked like half a bramble bush, to mend the broken nursery. Cherrypaw and Molepaw were being sent on countless errands for herbs, and Lilykit and Seedkit were annoying Birchfall. Spiderleg was complaining about having to become an elder, quite loudly to: "I don't want to be an old cat! I've got enough left in me to still become a warrior! No!"

Blossomfall purred in amusement. "Ah! Blossomfall! I was wondering if you could lead a hunting patrol" Squirrelflight's mew startled her "Uhhh... Okay!" She replied. "Sandstorm, will you come, and Lionblaze? And Dovewing, and Toadstep?" She gathered her patrol and headed off. Lionblaze disappeared and came back with two voles, and Dovewing and Sandstorm caught a fat young rabbit, whilst she and Toadstep caught a squirrel. As they carried the prey back to camp Toadstep meowed "Uhhh, Blossomfall?" "Yes?" "Meet me at the lake tonight, I need to show you something" "Okay, Toadstep?" "Uh huh?" "I love you" she whispered "I love you too" was his reply.

The moon was high as Blossomfall raced through the forest. Her paws pounded against the soft soil and she ran. The ground beneath turned to pebbles and she saw the glittering lake, and an outline of a cat silhouetted against the moonlight. "Toadstep!" she gasped "You came!" his thrilled mew wade a rush of pleasure run down her spine. He twined his tail in hers "I love you, Blossomfall, that's what I wanted to tell you" Toadstep whispered, his warm breath ruffling her ear fur "Mouse-brain," she teased "I know that already, you told me this morning! I love you too" She looked directly into his eyes "I have news too" "What?" he asked lovingly "I'm having kits, Toadstep, your kits" she whispered "Tiny versions of you and me. I'm so proud of you" he purred. Blossomfall felt content and peaceful. She thought of her kits in her belly, and she felt a sense of fierce protection for the tiny cats.

Three moons later...

"Is it done yet?" Blossomfall gasped as another ripple passed through her. "Almost, one more to go" Jayfeather soothed her. Blossomfall shrieked, and a tiny wet bundle dropped out. Blossomfall relaxed as the pain eased. She gathered up her kits and smothered them with licks. "Toadstep, come and meet your two daughters!" she yowled. Toadstep poked his head in. "Their beautiful! I'm son proud of you, my love" "What will we name them?" "Well, this little pale ginger rascal could be Peachkit..." "and can I call the tiny tortoiseshell Splashkit?" she asked "Of course. Perfect names for our perfect kits" Toadstep mewed. They purred in unison as they watched the kits squirm in their nest...