To say she was caught off-guard by the little kits' words was an understatement. Mirehound blinked as Juniperkit came up to her, commenting that she was pretty just like her mama. It struck her, as she had never considered herself that - well, not anytime recently. What had once been unmarked fur was now sporting scars - the one across her eye, the one on her shoulder, and the few along her underbelly. But regardless the Enforcer smiles softly and nodded her head.
"Thank you, Juniperkit. I'm Mirehound." Her name certainly didn't instill visions of pretty meadows like 'Juniperkit' or 'Poppykit' because her mother quite possibly had no idea what that even looked like - no, she had bene given a name to sound tough. Strong. It was nice that all of that was seen through.
Then as Dappledleaf settled next to her, voice sounding much sweeter than she ever recalled her own mothers' sounding, Mirehound gave her a nod.
"They're fine cats of ShadowClan. Daypaw is quite stoic, and Larkfire is one of the smartest cats I've met." It was true, and Mirehound was proud to call them Clanmates. At the forever queen's compliment on her new rank, the shadow chuckled quietly. The young kit who peeked out from the other side wanted to know her name, which Dappledleaf included.
"Ah, thank you. It still feels... odd in a way. But I'm glad that I can serve ShadowClan as more than just a warrior now."
She waved a paw in the air as if to dismiss the 'respect' comment.
"I'm just the same as you," she reassured the young kit as she lowered her head to be level with Ruekit.
"It's nice to meet you, Rue. And your siblings as well."
Something was unfurling within her chest, and the longer the dark rosetted tabby sat with the family the more... warm she felt. It had been ages since such a wholesome moment had fallen into her paws; the shadow didn't want to give it up quite yet. Soon enough she knew her new duties would tear her away from the scene but for now, Mirehound would... enjoy this momentary serendipity while it lasted.
A mischevious flash appeared in them, and she looked back at all of the kits.
"You kits walk pretty good, you know that? Do you want me to show you how to pounce?" They were so young, but maybe it might interest them. Plus, it would give her time to stretch her shoulder a bit and prevent it from getting sore.
[ @
sol. @
effervescent. @
jupiter @
Teddy ]