Everything was so peaceful as they returned to camp, she following after Hawkbite. Warriors and apprentices were gradually returning from their daily duties, and turning in for the night as the sky grew dark and chipper of bird turned into the creaking of crickets. Without a word the forever queen carefully placed the little critter she’d caught on the preypile, following behind Hawkbite as he swiftly turned towards the stream. She allowed herself to sit besides him, tail tightly wrapping around her paws. For a few moments the white lady took in the peace of night, breathing in the fresh air as her eyes fell closed and for second, she was without worry.

Her reverie was gently halted at the sound of something being pushed towards her, and to some surprise, she found half a wren at her paws. Though a crooked smile drew on her maw at the gesture, Nightshiver found herself appreciating it. She had been doing better in that regard by all means; with the preypile once stocked and the kittens and queens well fed for the past few moons, her worries had largely subsided. Though sometimes she still found herself slipping up and missing a meal, simply due to the day’s demanding presence. But tonight, she would have a wren, shared in the company of someone she could now call a friend.

Tentatively she nudged the piece a little closer, easier to reach. Though she daren’t yet eat, firstly consumed by the soft voice of Hawkbite speaking of the stars. At his words, her eyes lifted to the vast and open sky, sight only slightly obstructed by some trees at the edges of her vision. First the mismatched hues found the moon, welcoming and gentle as always, next they moved to look at the stars. Nightshiver hummed in agreement.
“They’re… the only… constant”
She whispered, thinking back to the moons she’d spend looking up at this familiar dark sky, wishing those she’d lost to be well. What was Hawkbite’s reason for loving the night sky so, or was it just that? The careless way in which they shimmer while the world is consumed in chaos… It had something poetic to it, all the while being true. She never looked at it that way, not consciously, at least; all she ever found in the moon and it’s children stars was comfort, a second home. One full of peace and quiet, while the world went up in flames.

Hawkbite continued speaking, mentioning the youngling that was Starrypaw. The apprentice was familiar to Nightshiver only in passing, though she picture her clanmate’s face. A light though genuine smile drew on her maw as she heard Hawkbite speak of the apprentice, a slight ache deep in her heart covered by the warmth of hearing someone speak so fondly of another. It was beautiful. Her eyes came to find Hawkbite’s profile, a certain gentleness overcoming the air.
“That’s… beautiful”
She couldn’t help but say before, rather shyly, looking down at the wren still laying limply between her paws. The smile couldn’t be taken off her face, though.
“It sounds… like.. you… care a.. lot… about… her”
She went on lightly, fondness filling her eyes.

“Cherish.. it”
After a slight pause, eyes turning back up to the sky, the two words left her maw barely a whisper themselves. Perhaps there was a twinge a sadness as she looked up to the sky, a part of her that longed for the time she cherished one so dearly. A part of her that regretted the many felines she’d seen come and go. The feeling of caring for someone that much she could only describe as magical. She wished for Hawkbite to remember it, even if someday Starrypaw may be gone, to carry it with him regardless. And in turn, cherish his apprentice all the more. Perhaps it made little sense to another’s mind, but this is what she believed could keep a cat going in the worst of times.

With a small bite to her wren, distracting herself before her thoughts took reign once more, the feline savoured the familiar taste. She’d almost forgotten its presence until a wiff of it carried by the light breeze tickled her nose.
“Thank.. you.”
She finally mew, looking back at Hawkbite and lightly gesturing the bird as she remembered she hadn’t thanked him yet. Nor had she thanked him for his time, for giving her a peaceful evening of calmly watching the moon in pleasant company. If only all nights could be like this.

It was strange. Despite the threat of war looming on the horizon and her mind plaguing her, the young queen was feeling... Not too bad. Perhaps it was because of the recent good news of Nighthound and Hawkbite's promotions, or perhaps it was that evening she'd spend with Hawkbite watching the night sky. Whichever it was, Nightshiver was feeling particularly light as she ducked out of the nursery and entered the clearing, the corners of her maw lightly pointed upwards. She took a deep breath of the fresh air, and for a moment, it felt like things were right.

As she padded quietly across the clearing, the feline's gaze happened upon a familiar pelt. One she'd recognise from fox lengths away as belonging to Cougarbite, one of Brackenfire's kits. Oh hopefully her dear friend was doing okay. She hadn't spoken to the younger warrior in some time, not since he was an apprentice and Nightshiver regretted that so. Their last meeting interrupted by rain, she felt she hadn't kept up on her promise to be there for him whatever might happen. She regretted that.

It was tentatively that she began to approach Cougarbite, the slight knit in her brows long hidden away. She felt guilty for not having done enough, doubting whether he'd even want to see her, still a part of her wanted to speak to Cougarbite again. As such she quietly stepped forward, coming up from behind the warrior to stand next to him at a safe distance. A light smile drew on her maw in greeting, feeling just a little bit sheepish.
"Cougar..bite,"

She spoke gently as to not risk startling the warrior, even though he undoubtedly could have heard someone approach. She flicked an ear in light greeting, allowing herself to sit down with her tail wrapping safely around her paws. Her gaze was gentle as she looked over the warrior, briefly looking for any new scars or nicks, worried for his well-being.
"How... have you... been?"


[ @JackHunt_17 ]