Wolfstar gazed past the entrance to his den, still slightly fuming. He was angry at StoneClan. It wasn't like the cool, calm silvery tom to get worked up, but after Birdfall's death something seemed to change in him. Now he dragged his claws across the hard stone ground, wishing he had something, or someone, to take his anger out on.

~

Limefeather looked up, realizing it must be morning. She hadn't slept, just as she'd promised, but after all that time she still wasn't ready to let him go. It seemed like just yesterday they were wrestling together, or hunting. The pain was numbing, making every movement feel like something of a nightmare. 

Slowly but surely, Limefeather got to her paws.  

~

Oakfeather wanted to go hunting, or something similar, but Dreamsplash said he had to stay in her den. How... awful. He was almost tempted to get up and leave, as she was nowhere to be seen, but knowing his luck she'd probably show up soon anyhow.

~

Snakepaw padded back into camp, body covered in fresh claws marks. Blood dripped off of his pelt and onto the ground with each step. His eyes were guarded, as if he were hiding something. But it wasn't his fault he'd gotten into a skirmish with the StoneClan patrol. They'd been in StrikeClan territory; he was just defending what was rightfully his. Luckily for him there had only been one warrior and two apprentices, but he didn't make it out untouched. 

Sitting by the entrance he hoped nobody would ask about his new wounds and began cleaning himself. 

~

Poppypaw was sitting by the fresh-kill pile, purring softly. The sun was warm on her pelt, her stomach full and her body nearly fully recovered. It would have been completely perfect, if not for the fact that Adderstrike was dead.

~

Sabletail was still seething when she woke up, not realising she'd fallen asleep in the nursery. She wondered faintly if Feralwind had come to visit, but she knew he hadn't. She didn't bother getting up, though, instead setting her head on her paws, thinking about names for her kits.

~

Lionfur wasn't feeling well, and her weight gain was bothering her. She'd always been an active cat, and nothing had changed when she came to StrikeClan. Perhaps it was just from being so well-fed. She stretched out, trying not to notice how many cats were missing from the warriors den. One empty nest in particular bothered.

Wolfstar had to convince himself that he could trust Moonsong; she wouldn't laugh in his face if he told her how he felt. "I feel like StoneClan's got us backed into a corner, Moonsong. I just... I just don't know what to do anymore." He didn't look at her, ashamed to have to see his failure reflected in her sightless eyes.

~

Poppypaw smiled back, dipping her head to Feralwind respectively. She knew he must be hurting, but decided to leave the words in her head. There was nothing she could say, really, to make him feel better. She suspected she'd feel the same, or similar, if she lost Snakepaw. 

~

"I feel better than ever," Oakfeather lied, ignoring his stiffness so he could devour the mouse. He was famished. "Thanks. I thought you were going to starve me to death." He blinked lazily at her, putting on a charming smile. "So can I go back to my duties now?" 

~

Snakepaw pretended not to notice her eyes stray to his new claw marks. "Good morning, sleepy head. It's about time you got up." He smirked, eyes shifting to a more playful ex
pression.

~

"I like to sleep in as well, so that shouldn't be a problem," Sabletail replied with a chuckle, ridding her mind of Feralwind. "And congratulations, Cougarfeather. I hope its' not rude to assume the kits are Oakfeather's?"

 ~

"Yup," Lionfur replied, unable to keep from cracking a smile. "You've been sleeping for ages, silly. But that's alright. Nobody's really doing anything anyways."

"But with 3 she-cats expecting kits, Moonsong? Without Adderstrike? With Oakfeather out of commission?" Wolfstar's voice grew thick, but he continued, "We're far too few, and what cats we do have are injured. I don't want to have to bury another friend." He glanced towards Adderstrike's body, surprised to see that Limefeather was no longer there.

__

Oakfeather let out an irritated hiss. "Fine then, I guess you'll have to deal with me being in here then." He secretly believed she didn't mind, as it seemed awfully lonely since Limefeather moved out, but cared not to voice this opinion. "Just so you know, when I get bored, I get hyperactive." 

__

"I just got back," Snakepaw teased, "So I guess you'll have to go hunting by yourself." He paused, and added with a mischievious grin, "Unless you're going to order me to go with you. I've got to follow my mentor's commands, after all." 

__

Feralwind. Hearing his name sent a jolt through her. "Of course," Sabletail replied, burning under her pelt. "And I couldn't be more thrilled. Well, thrilled, scared and nervous, but I suppose that's rather normal, for expecting my first litter and all."

__

Lionfur swept her long, furry tail over his eyes. "Better?" she teased, settling back down next to him. As usual, this was more tempting than getting up to do her duties.  

Wolfstar paused for a moment to absorb this, seeming to take the information well. "Do you think I should make Poppypaw and Snakepaw warriors yet? I know Poppypaw's ready. Snakepaw even more so. I just... It doesn't feel like the right time."

_

"You should have thought about that sooner," Oakfeather replied grumpily, rolling over so he wasn't facing her. He had no desire to help sort herbs; that was a job for medicine cats. He couldn't tell the difference between juniper and nightshade. 

_

Snakepaw smirked, not feeling inclined to share his story. "I've got two fish, a mouse, and a rabbit buried in the forest."

_

"Yeah. Patient." Sabletail repeated numbly, her sightless eyes cast downwards. "I think you'll be a great mother too- and I can't imagine a better father for your kits than Oakfeather. By the way, how is he?"

__

"Alright, sounds like a plan." Lionfur cuddled close to him, long tail still over his eyes. She let her eyelids droop, the warmth and comfort of her nest inviting her to sleep. 

"Alright. Thank you, Moonsong. You've been charming, and helpful, as usual." Wolfstar replied softly, letting a small sigh escape him. "Perhaps tonight I will make them warriors then." He curled his tail with pleasure, touching his nose to her fur tenderly. "I'm sorry for upsetting you."

__

Oakfeather snorted. "I'm hungry, and bored, and there's nothing to do. It smells like herbs and bitter leaves, and I have a headache." He didn't add that he missed his mate, as he figured that was none of her business.

__

"I'm always up to it," Snakepaw said, eyes glimmering like he'd just accepted a challenge. He turned and began to pad out of camp, not waiting for her. Most of his cuts had stopped bleeding now, though he was still slightly sore. "Hurry up, then."

__

Sabletail inhaled sharply, listening carefully as he sat down. "Hello," she said stiffly, ignoring the fact that he hadn't said hello first. She thought it would be petty to let that bother her. So, instead she added, "How are you?"

Wolfstar looked her over fondly, holding his head high with pride. "You're getting bigger," he commented. "It won't be long now until the kits are here." Flicking his ears, he added, "I'm a bit worried, actually." He wondered, distantly, who he would have fill in Cougarfeather's place while she was in the nursery.

___

"I'm bored," Oakfeather replied, turning to look at her. He ignored Dreamsplash completely. "How're you?" He couldn't help but notice how large her stomach was getting. "Have you picked out a spot in the nursery yet?" 

__

Snakepaw smirked, and replied, "By the stream." He trotted in that direction, inhaling deeply. There was nothing he loved more than walking through the forest... well, maybe there was one thing.

__

"I've been better," Sabletail answered, tail tip flicking back and forth. "I was having a lovely chat with Cougarfeather a minute ago, actually. She seemed happy to talk with me." 

"Everything," Wolfstar replied simply. "Nothing. I don't know; I think I'm just flat out worried." 

__

"That'd be a good idea," Oakfeather said, chuckling lightly. "Do you have any idea who's going to fill in your place while you're in the nursery though?" 

__

Sabletail nodded lightly, and said, "You're becoming quite observant, aren't you." Flicking her ears, she began to groom the fur on her chest to keep from continuing the conversation.

__

"I think it's already getting a little gray," Snakepaw teased. "Next thing you know you're going to look like Wolfstar!" He was kidding, of course; the older silver tom was hardly past his prime. Nevertheless he started to move faster, short legs carrying him at a surprising rate. "Keep up now, Wishcomet."

LOL I FORGOT WOLFSTAR

Wolfstar sighed gently, looking over his clan. "Do you want to run patrol with me? One last time before you get too far into your pregnancy?" 

__

"Feralwind sounds like a good choice," Oakfeather agreed cheerfully. "Even if I was well enough, though, Wolfstar wouldn't pick me; he wouldn't want it to look like he was favouring me because we're brothers and all." Yawning, the brown tom stretched out as best as he could. "Everyone's growing up so fast now: Snakepaw, Poppypaw, Sabletail too. It's hard to believe she's going to be a mother. It feels like just yesterday she was an apprentice, along with Windrush." 

__

"She's grumpy most of the time," Sabletail corrected, "But she has full reason to be. Besides, she'll be moving in here soon as well." Sighing, she set her head on her paws. "It seems so crowded already; I can't imagine it with all our kits in one small space..." 

__

"Why would you even want to see your reflection now?" Snakepaw said, laughing, his jog turning into a sprint. The small black tom picked his way through the trees, heading towards his stream. He called behind him, "Come on, slowpoke!"