Alderheart watched the sun go down. It was a beautiful sight, the purple, pink and crimson mixed together in a wonderful rainbow. He wished he could share it with his mate, Swan. She was a loner staying just outside of the territories in a makeshift den, surviving off of the scarce prey beyond the clans. Even worse, she was expecting his kits.
Alderheart was so worried about this, that he wasn't aware of Jayfeather calling his name. "ALDERHEART! WAKE UP!" He yowled, finally getting the tom's attention. "I-I'm sorry, Jayfeather." He apologized, averting his gaze in embarrassment. "Go get some herbs for me, will you? We're running low on borage." Jayfeather grumbled, turning his head to gesture at the stock of herbs. "Of course." Alderheart hurried out of camp on light paws. This would be a chance for him to see his mate! ...and kits... Alderheart thought, urging himself to run faster.
Once he was out of Thunder Clan territory he slowed, remembering where Swan's den was. He hurried over to a dip in the ground that hid a dug-out den. It took them both a long time to make, and it was Swan's home now.
"Swan?" Alderheart called into the den. There was no answer for a moment, and Alderheart began to worry. Then a melodic voice called out to him and his heart lifted immediately. "Alderheart..." Swan murmured, her voice filled with love and affection.
Alderheart stepped into the den, his eyes adjusting to the dark. Almost at once he saw Swan's lean white-furred shape at the back of the den. She was laying on a fresh bed of moss. "How are you?" Alderheart asked, walking over to her. "I'm just fine, and so are the kits..." She looked down, to where three bundles of fluff were nestled in the curve of her stomach. Alderheart made a short gasp of joy and nearly felt like jumping.
"What are their names?" He asked. "I hope you like them. They are, Dawn, for the one with white fur and gray on her chest and ears. Night, for the black tom with two white paws. And then lastly, Poppy, for the she-kit with gray and red." Swan finished with a purr and nuzzled her kits gently. "They're beautiful, and they have beautiful names." Alderheart purred, licking the top of Swan's head affectionately.
Then a worried thought crossed Alderheart's mind and concern filled his gaze. "I will try to visit you more often. I hope the kits will be alright this leafall. Will you be okay?" He asked. "I'll be alright, Alderheart. Don't worry. We'll all be fine... I hope..."
(This was for a competition so it will not be continued, sadly. If any of you wish for me to write a little more, I will)