#kittendark

Jaggedstripe and Ambereyes actually seemed excited about the move this year. But Meadowleap knew why. Ambereyes had her kitten, Peach, just a few months ago and Jaggedstripe was planning on having kittens this spring, so all their attention was focused on making the North and East Base’s nursery it’s best. It was Ambereyes’ second litter and little Peach had put a twinkle in her mother’s eye. She no doubt wanted to get Peach into the much safer North Base, even if the journey there would be a tad harrowing. Jaggedstripe was over the moon. Meadowleap tried not to give him a pity smile whenever he talked about how Fernface had actually said she wanted to have kittens with him. That’s none of your business, Meadowleap. She told herself. She was happy that Jaggedstripe was happy, at least.

Meadowleap couldn’t blame them for being excited. She was excited about her litter coming soon as well. This would be her last one. Mudnose and her had only been together for a few years now, and they both wanted kittens, but were getting on in years. Their first litter, Clay and Thrush, were halfway along into their New-Claw training and would no doubt finish by the end of Spring. Mudnose and Meadowleap proudly watched them grow up and Meadowleap couldn’t have been happier to know that after their base training with her, Mudnose could continue having a watchful eye over them as a Mentor during their Field training. 

But two kittens wasn’t enough. Meadowleap had raised many kittens in her time as a Keeper, but she wanted a few more to call her own. Just one more before Mudnose and I retire and join the Council. She liked the sound of that. This time next year, Mudnose and I can relax at the North Base and let the others take care of us.

Today they were cleaning out the storage of the South Base. Field Colony’s South Base had a very convenient tunnel that was big enough and wide enough to fit the whole Colony in when the weather got stormy. Last night a surprise storm had woken them in the middle of night and everyone rushed into the tunnel, which meant that the next day things had to be cleaned up.

“Spirits, I already thought this place could use some work, but everyone dragged all the rain from out there, in here!” Complained Jaggedstripe, poking at the pile of now soggy grasses and moss. He sighed. “I was hoping we’d get some things moved over to the North Base today.”

Meadowleap could hear a pout from Jaggedstripe even without turning around to look at him. She worked on reorganizing the extra vine they gathered for weaving grass walls.

“This should only take us this morning if we work hard.” Ambereyes said. Jaggedstripe sighed again.

“Could you use some help?” a voice from the tunnel entrance called.

Meadowleap turned to see Clay and Thrush walking into the tunnel. Clay was beaming, like always. My little ray of sunshine. Meadowleap thought. Thrush seemed less happy. Meadowleap wondered if Clay had begged Thrush to come along. 

“Well, look who it is!” Meadowleap purred. She gave both of her kittens a lick on the head. “You're not wandering off from the Mentors, are you?”

“Nah,” Clay responded. “I asked Dad if we could come. He thought it was a good idea.”

“He was going to show us the North Base’s hunting grounds,” Thrush complained. Then she gave Clay a nudge, “But this idiot had to open his big mouth.”

“We’ll see it eventually, Thrush!” He pushed her back. “Besides, I thought you were scared of getting close to the Shadow Forest?” 

“Am not!” She scoffed. She put a paw on his head and messed up the fur there while smearing mud on his face. “Whatever, Momma’s boy.”

Clay shook it off and laughed. He turned his attention back to the Keepers. “So what do you need?”

Meadowleap purred. With Clay and Thrush’s help, things should get done much faster. Meadowleap couldn’t ask for two better kittens.

Jaggedstripe has always admired Fernface more than any other cat, except perhaps Goldenpelt. When she came to Field Colony as a kitten, she was so brave and helped her brother no matter what. Jaggedstripe knew she just needed a friend to show her how great Field Colony is! Fernface was always ready to do what no one else was willing to. He knows she’s a little rough around the edges, but he’s willing to compromise to make things work for her. He was delighted when Fernface agreed to be his mate, and he couldn’t love their kittens more. He sees so much of Fernface in both of them: Dawn’s bravery and humor, and Dark’s stubbornness and loyalty. 

Jaggedstripe doesn’t have much confidence in himself, but if Fernface, Goldenpelt, and his kittens like him, then he’s alright just the way he is.