Rain cascaded slowly down through the canopy of pine as the small ThunderClan patrol wove and ducked through the fallow mire that was ShadowClan territory. Hawkstar had lost sight of their guide, but could still distinguish their fresh scent trail among the damp leafbed. All around him was dense, dark woodland. Pine trees with branches that began much further up the tree than an oak or aspen. This created an eerie wall of bare and skinny trunks that overlapped until no light could penetrate the forest floor. Any cat who tried to argue that there was little difference between this and Thunderclan’s land had never trod between these claustrophobic trees. It was a maddening maze, and Hawkstar was elated when they drew near to what had to be the camp. Lined with thorns and bracken, he knew it was a sign of trust to be admitted inside and privy to its location.
Once inside, Hawkstar signaled with his tail for the rest of the patrol to wait while he went in to pay thanks to Waspsight for the extra provisions. The rest of the patrol, in the meantime, was permitted to mingle amicably with ShadowClan in something like a miniature gathering. Ospreyshadow, who had joined them, wasted no time in disappearing inside the ShadowClan nursery of all things. If any cat took notice, they did not stop him.
After a few minutes had passed Hawkstar padded out with a bundle of catmint that he passed to one of the apprentices in their party. Upon Juncostar’s arrival, he opened his mouth to bid farewell, but was intercepted by Ospreyshadow who had materialized at his side soundlessly.
“Juncostar,” Ospreyshadow gave a cursory dip of his head that was more of a jerky nod than an actual bow. “You do not know me, so I’ll make this quick. I would like to express my condolences for Nightsong’s death.”
“We were close, you see. And I believe, no I know- that those kits are mine.” His twin gaze shimmered defiantly. Beside him, Hawkstar’s jaw had fallen open in mute shock.
“I request that you allow me to bring them home and raise them. They are my kits, and they have no mother here.”
Owlkit
Even at their young age Owl could tell there was quite a commotion outside of the safety of their nursery. It was clear to the young molly that she was correct when her sibling, Acornkit, pushed his way out of the nursery to confront the intruder who had intentionally pushed his way into the nursery claiming to be their father. He looked just like she did, but was the proof enough for the kitten to believe him? Thoughts like that were too advanced for Owlkit to ponder on, rather she poked her small head outside of the nursery walls. Her twin colored gaze shining as the one they continuously addressed as Ospreyshadow showed his passion for her littermates. You’re leaving why? To her knowledge he wanted to take them with him so why now were they leaving them behind? The change in direction confused Owlkit more than anything, Was he not even going to say bye to them? Pushing her way through the nursery opening Owlkit forced her way past Juncostar, Acornkit and the rest of Shadowclan who ‘gaurded’ the nursery.
Finding her voice, the small she cats voice roars….well for her size anyways. “Bye Daddy!”