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Literature Text
Flat against the ground she laid, her head slightly poking out of the entrance to the nursery while her eyes searched through the small crowd outside. He wasn’t there, the gray, big, fluffy cat she loved to curl up against. Lily knew her father didn’t live there, for some reason, and she knew he visited as often as he could. That didn’t mean she didn’t miss him a whole lot! And that very day she really wanted to see him. She wanted to ask him about things, to cuddle up in his fur, but he wasn’t there. So what was she to do?
Ears perked up as an idea came to her mind. She had already got the edge of the camp a few times, what if she went further? When her dad left he always went the same way, and he had told her that Water-Tribe wasn’t that very far away. She could get there... right? Water-Tribe, it was just to follow the water, wasn’t it? The big, big puddle of water that was near, yes! She could do it. Lily was about to head forward but hesitated for a moment and glanced back, maybe she should ask May or Caydin to tag along or- Oh! A big smile grew on her maw as her eyes locked on to the colourful kitten. Lee! She could ask him! Slowly the girl crawled over to the nest and peered over the edge of the grass and moss. ”Lee!” she whispered eagerly. ”Wanna go to Water-Tribe?”
Some things were a lot more interesting than others. Learning what was in those herby smelling den was really, really interesting. Helping cats do things was too! They made him feel all big and grown-up and not so scared anymore. Still a little scared, though. More than he knew he should be, but the kitten couldn’t help it! There were so many strange, new things, he didn’t know which one of them wanted to hurt him! He didn’t want to be hurt. The leaf he was playing with wasn’t very interesting though. It didn’t have any special smell or power, he didn’t think!
The sound of Lily’s voice drew him to attention though, and the little kit bounded over to the side of the empty nest, his ears eager. ”W-water-t-tribe?” His eyes grew wide. An adventure! But they could get in trouble! Trouble was scary, he didn’t really like trouble. But… there was a temptation! The natural Kit-curiosity, and the knowledge that Lily would be there too made it a little less scare. Plus, if he got to Water-Tribe now, maybe it wouldn’t be as frightening when he went with Momma and Papa and Remmy and Lyre. Momma had told him they’d be going soon. His paws twitched nervously as he clambered out of the nest, watching the larger kitten with nervous eyes. ”M-Maybe?” He offered, anxiety making his tail twitch rapidly. It could be fun! But Scary Momma.
She peaked over her shoulder to make sure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation while waiting for Lee to come over. She didn’t want to be cought before she had even left the nursery! Maybe they would get in trouble, but her father was kind and she was certain that he would be happy to see them; he always was when he visited. Besides, everyone always talked about how she would get to see the world outside of camp as soon as she got her tattoo. So it couldn’t be that dangerous, could it? They would be fine, the little kit thought.
When Lee gave her an uncertain answer, she pawed lightly at his chest and smiled. ”Come on! Your dad is there too, right? It will be fun!” Lee’s mom and dad had a swirly tattoo just like her dad, she knew that now, and that meant they all lived in Water-Tribe. It made her wonder a little why her parents had different and why they didn’t live together, though she decided not to think too much about it. Lily lowered her head a little and looked at Lee with pleading eyes. ”Please? I really want to go and see my dad...” And what better way to go on this little adventure than with her friend?
Lee watched his green-eyed friend, chewing on his lip a little bit. It would be fun, maybe! If they didn’t get caught. It would also be very scary while they did it because they could get caught! His brown eyes shifted a little bit, flicking around the nursery to see who was still in there, who could catch them or tell on them if they did go. One of the other kittens maybe? Or the other mamas? Momma had gone back to Water-Tribe for a little bit of the day, like she sometimes did now. Lee was okay with that; he had lots of babysitters! There were the other two mommas, the papas’ when they came to visit. Even some of the Healers!
Papa had been staying in Light-Tribe a lot, he knew. For him and momma and Remmy and Lyre. He still had to go back sometimes, too though! Was he here now? Lee couldn’t see him; but maybe he was just sitting out in the camp or with Lyre or Remmy or something. He couldn’t see his siblings either, but Lee was pretty sure he could hear them! Brow knitting into a slight frown, the kitten nodded slowly. ”O-Okay.” He mewed carefully, ears twitching. ”B-but we have t-to be r-r-really careful-l!” He really, really didn’t want to get caught!
"Yeah!" She said in a hushed voice and nodded agreeing. They had to be careful, yes. Very, very careful. With that she got up on all four again and padded quietly over to the entrance, eyes flickering back and forth around the area to make sure no one would notice them and put an end to their adventure. First casting a glance back to make sure Lee was with her, Lily peaked her head out and began heading left, keeping her body low and using whatever foliage on her path as cover. She and her sisters had become really good at that, getting past other without getting noticed, though with the majority of times they still got caught. "We should go to that big puddle of water that's really close! Dad always come from that place when he visits." The kit whispered eagerly to her friend, her steps increasing a little in speed at the thought of her father. This would be really fun! Not just because she would get to see her dad, but because she would go exploring with Lee!
Keeping his wide eyes peeled, the tom inched forwards behind his friend, paws hardly making a sound as his gaze flitted around. He hadn’t tried sneaking out before! It was exciting! And very scary. Trembling a little as he crawled after his friend, the thought of walking as if everything was normal crossed his mind. But if we walk like normal cats are gonna watch us! We’re only kits! Maybe if we were older… For now, Lee decided, Lily’s idea was probably the best. The big puddle of water? Brown-hued gaze turning to look at the rippling of waves that stretched behind the camp, the kit nodded hesitantly, a big gulp in his throat. I don’t know how to swim! Momma had said she’d teach them, when they got to Water-Tribe, but they weren’t going there for ages yet. Paws moving faster after his friend, Lee slipped between the dappled shadows of camp, nervously heading to the lake and growing more and more intimidated as it grew bigger.
She hesitated only once in her quiet walk when an older cat walked close by, hiding behind tufts of grass, but the cat seemed distracted by something else and the kit continued on. Her steps became less careful and much faster the nearer they got to the lake, by the end she was pratically running with a giggle in her throat the last stretch towards the shore. For a moment, the reason why they left camp was gone and all she could think about was the oh-so-interesting water. She stopped to stare at it, still making sure she was at a distance where the waves couldn't reach her, as fascinating as it was, it was a little intimidating. Lily glanced back at Lee with a wide smile. "Isn't it weird how all the older cats can swim in it? How they don't just... fall down!" The kit looked to her right, where the lake and shore continued on and where she knew her father always came from, and began running in that direction. "Come on, Lee! This way!"
The water was terrifying. He could feel his legs shaking under him as he stared at it, the swirling current rushing by the two of them. Momma likes this?! It was far too easy for him to imagine himself getting swallowed by the waves and the current, and with a gulp he turned back to looking at Lily. She was so brave! He wanted to be brave like her, too. Nodding in response to her question, the little tabby padded forwards after his friend, his brown eyes trying to ignore the river that coursed along beside them as they padded onwards.
A familiar scent tickled the little tom’s nostrils, and he let out a sneeze, stopping in his tracks. ”W-Wait, Lilee!” He mewed, eyes widening as his nose twitched furiously. ”L-Lilee I smell-l Momma!” There! It didn’t smell like it did when it was in camp, when she was there, It wasn’t so.. strong? Fresh? It smelled old. Not faint just older. Like when Momma had been gone for a while, it smelled like that. ”I th-think it’s this w-way!”
Skidding to an halt, Lily turned around and watched her friend sniff in the air before doing so as well. He could smell his mom? There was something around them, yeah, but she had troubled to distinguish it between all the other scents. Perhaps Lee had a better nose than she did, she thought as she wiggled her nose. "You lead, Lee!" Lily called out and let the colourful kitten run at the front instead, trusting him with every fiber of her body. "You're better at smelling-! Eh, you got a pretty nose... I mean-! Your nose is better than mine!" The plump kitten bristled her fur slightly in embarrassment as she fumbled with her words, though she still found it funny and couldn't help but giggle a little. Sometimes, not always, it was so hard to find the correct words. Sometimes she wanted to sound like the adults did but it seemed almost impossible, Parsley was definietly better at it than her.
Lead the way? Him? The kitten’s eyes widened but he smiled at her words. She wasn’t telling an un-truth! He could smell his Momma’s scent! ”Y-You can’t smell it-t?” He questioned softly, his head tilting a little bit as the kitten dutifully padded forwards. There were so many smells! He just knew his momma’s smell best of them all, even better than he knew Remmy and Lyre and his Papa’s! eyes crossing faintly, Lee tried to look at his nose. Was his nose pretty? It did a good job, he thought! Better than his legs which still shook with every step he took. Purring a little bit in an effort to calm his nerves, the small kit looked over at his larger friend. ”Wh-what do you think W-Water-tribe is Like-ke?” Momma had said there was roovers and steems and something else he couldn’t remember. She said the cats were the best too, the nicest and the best! Lily will get a tattoo like Momma! He thought. She was nice and she was great, so why not? Maybe I will too…? He found herbs and helping cats really interesting, but Lee didn’t think he’d mind being with his parents. Especially if Lily was there too.
"Mm... yes, or no... it all sort of mix together! It's hard to tell," she said as she ran along side of him. For a moment she wondered if it was her nose that wasn't good, maybe she could smell less than others? The thought had her a little worried but she quickly shook it away. She was just young, like her parents would say, that was all. At his question she perked up. "Water! Dad says there's a lot of water there. And... and-!" A smile grew wide as she remembered. "FLOWERS!" The kit pratically shout it out in a gleeful squeal. "Dad says they have this place where there is lots and lots of flowers! I hope I get to see it," she giggled and was for a moment completely lost in thought, picturing the wonderful place her father had described to her. The two young cats continued on, walking along the river and ended up crossing a big tree- which was both exciting and scary to Lily. When they entered the forest on the other side though, Lily's excitement over getting to see Water-Tribe started to dwindle. She had always loved the thought of exploring the whole land, but now that she was, it seemed a bit intimidating without any adults around her. The trees were awfully big...
Lee tilted his head and sniffed the air again. There were a lot of smells! The rest were a puzzle he couldn’t quite figure out, but he knew his momma’s! Padding along he listened to Lily’s words, eyes growing wide at the descriptions she gave. ”F-flowers?!” He mewed, finally. Lee liked flowers! They made him sneeze though. Then again, most of the dens in Light-Tribe made him sneeze, so maybe flowers wouldn’t be much of a problem. The little kitten’s legs were shaking a little from the long journey and the effort of not falling off of the tree-thing they’d come across. The water underneath had made him very scared, but he was on this adventure with Lily, and Lee wanted to be brave! The trees that surrounded them now, though, were really scary. A sudden panic flared up in his chest as Lyra’s scent began to fade away, intermingling with others and fading, growing staler until he couldn’t find it anymore. The kittens eyes grew wide and a faint keening sound began to echo out of him as he stood there, shaking violently in the forest. We’re Lost!
Due to looking up at the tall trees with worried eyes, Lily didn't notice that Lee had stopped at first. Only when turning her gaze down, and suddenly not have him in her view, did she stop to look back. Seeing him stand there, shaking, with a frightened expression didn't really ease her own fear that had been growing. "Lee...?" she mewed with a tiny voice and felt her fur bristle as she heard the sound coming from him. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea... The strong longing she had felt for her father before was nothing compared to what she was feeling now. Looking around at the creepy forest, Lily suddenly felt so little, so helpness. This wasn't how she had picture exploring would be like, no, not at all! It was all wrong! "L-Lee..?" she mumbled again, her voice now trembling, while taking a few steps closer to her friend. "Wh... w-hat's wrong?"
Lily was stuttering like he did! Tripping over her words. The realization that she might be scared to made him shake more, crouching down to the ground to try and keep his legs from showing how much he was shivering. ”I - I can’t am-smell her anym-more.” He mewed, in a tiny voice his eyes glued to the ground in shame, a single word echoing through his mind and making him want to break down and cry. Lost, lost, lost. Rasing watery eyes to look at the beige/grey hued kitten Lee sniffled a little, pulling his tail closer to him. ”I-I’sm s-sorry, L-L-Lileee.” He mewed in a slightly louder voice, voice hitching in fear. W-what if we never get home? What if we die out here>! N-no! We’d - we’d have to live. I d-don’t wanna die! Burying his face in his chest fur, the kittens ears pressed themselves to the back of his head in fright. Lost, lost, lost.
Though she had begun shaking a little herself, Lily still tried to give Lee a reassuring smile. "I-it's okay, L-ee," she said, trying to muster up all the strength she had in her body to make her voice sound steady and believable. But Lily was as transparent as water, hiding her emotions was something she had rarely succeded on. Still, seeing her friend scared made her want to be brave. She had to be brave! She had to, for Lee, but the more she tried to tell her that, the less certain she became. "We'll... we'll just go b-ack." Her green eyes flickered between the many trees and once in a while she would take a few steps one way, only to stop and walk the other. Go back... but which way was back? They were lost, she realized it now, and no longer could the little kitten keep her emotions in check. Sitting down infront of Lee, tears began to roll down her cheeks and she trembled. "Mom," she whimpered quietly, before crying out "Dad!" a little louder and then, finally, she let out a loud wail that echoed in the forest.
The way back? Lee shook worriedly. He hadn’t been paying attention to the trees. Shifting slightly so that his paws covered his face, the kitten let out a muffled sob. How? The word didn’t quite make it out of his jaws before she was closer, and he scooted to her side and pressed against the larger kitten for warmth. I got us lost! I’m so s-sorry, Lily. Burying his face deeper into his paws, the smaller kitten’s own quiet sobbing echoing his friend’s louder wail. M-maybe if she wails they’ll find us. The thought was optimistic, but he didn’t know! Were cats even around? They could be left out here, lost, forever…Lost, lost lost. The forest was a really scary place! The shakes continued to rack his small form the longer they were their, sobbing not wavering, heart hammering in his ears and clouding his thoughts, fear effectively shutting down the young kitten and erasing all thought other than of it and the one word. Lost, lost, lost.
Trudging through the forest with a dead bird dangling from his mouth, the Silver-Water glanced to his side where Lyra walked with her own. The sight of the two must surely be a comical one. His own size made the bird look dwarfed while in Lyra's case it was quite the opposite. Tuari had been shorter than him as well but Lyra probably took the prize, not that he minded of course, not at all. Lyra was someone he valued a lot, both as a friend and deputy, height didn't matter at all. The tom halted for a moment and dropped the prey on the ground, prey that was intended for Light-Tribe as a small gift for good hospitality. He shook his head as he spitted out tiny feathers from his mouth. "I forgot how annoying these are to carry, guess I've been hunting for fish and land critters a bit much lately," he laughed and poked lightly at the dead bird before looking back at the Yellow-Water. She had been his friend before becoming deputy and while they had become closer after he had promoted her, he felt they had grown even more after having kits at the same time and keeping them at the same place.
It was quite refreshing to be allowed to return to her tribe. Siting in Light-Tribe camp was well and good, but the petite feline found herself so disquieted while she was there. She enjoyed having her paws busy, and while she loved her kits dearly, it was awfully difficult to remain so situated in the camp until they were old enough to leave. Soon, she knew. Soon the anxiety she felt when leaving them to return to her duties for however brief a span would be vanished as well. Light-Tribe has plenty of good caretakers, and Leviathan often watch the kits when she took her trips, but it did not still her worries.
A small chuckle escaped the Yellow-water as a fury of feathers twisted in the air, her paws stilling and amusement glinting in her eyes as she watched them float to the ground. ”I never truly acquired a rase for feathers.” He mewed after dropping the squirrel on the ground before her paws. ”Or fur for that matter.” Wrinkling her nose the petite feline attempted to rid herself of some clumps of hair that the furry creature seemed to have shed in her mouth when a sound caught her ears and immediately, the Yellow-Water’s posture changed to more alert. ”Lully. What is that? It sounds almost like - like kits!”
The sounded had reached him as well and, just like his friend, he changed his stance in an instant. With ears perked and his head kept high, the tom kept his eyes set on distant trees as he listened intently. "Kits," he echoed her words and then, in a second, he had sprung off in the direction of the noise. He was so engulfed by his fatherly feelings to help that he didn't even check to see if Lyra was following or not, he doubted that she had stayed behind though. But there was no way he could mistake it, the sound, it was the cry from kits they could hear. Whether or not he knew them didn't matter, he was not going to ignore the calls for help. However, the closer he got, the more he recognized the cries, one of them at least. He had heard it so many times, especially when leaving Light-Tribe to head home... Lully pushed on, faster, and then finally caught sight of the tiny duo. "Lily," he huffed out between his heavy breaths as he finally arrived to where they were. With both worry, surprise and anger in his eyes he stared at his crying daughter and occasionally shifted his glance to the trembling son of his deputy.
In seconds, the petite feline had gotten to her paws and raced off, cursing her shorter legs for allowing her to trail behind the Silver-water with the smallest part of her mind, her heart hammering through her thoughts. Kits. It had to be. She was certain of it. Hers? No… wait. As she drew closer the smaller sounds of a more muffled cry confused her. Lee? Instinct made her paws speed up, reaching the tiny pair just after the larger tom. ”Lee! She cried, recognizing his tiny form curled up beside Lully’s daughter. ”Lily!” Her brow furrowed an in an instant the Yellow-Water stopped beside the pair and began to rasp her tongue over their ears, a still newly realized mothering instinct taking over. ”What in the name of the spirits convinced the pair of you that wandering about would be a sane notion?!” Safe. They were safe. Neither of the kits seemed harm, but Lyra decided it was a good plan that they were heading to Light-Tribe anyways; the healers could certainly ensure their well-being and still Lyra’s panicked heart. ”You could have been injured, or far, far worse! Lee, I am disappointed.” Fear was making her angry, but the relief was making her express it.
He wanted to concur with Lyra, continue from what she had said, but words seemed hard to form suddenly. All he could think of was that he had almost lost another daughter and though they were safe, fear still held a strong grip around him. His heart pounded hard in his chest as he went closer to the kits, following Lyra. They didn't seem hurt at least, thankfully, spirits know what could have happened to them. The Silver-Water bent down to comfort his daughter, who had barely noticed them coming. Only when she felt their touch did she momentarily stop crying before calling out "Dad!" with a loud wail and burrowed herself into him. Frowning, he took a shaky breath, trying to keep his emotions in check, while looking down at her. "For spirits' sake Lily, we've told you so many times, how could you even think this was a good idea?!" The tom glanced between the two. "What were you two thinking?" Talking while crying was not something Lily could do, all the tom could hear from her mumbling between her sobs were incoherent words and with a sigh he looked over to the Yellow-Water. "I'm fairly certain this whole thing was my daughters idea, Lyra. She probably got Lee to tag along."
Feeling her own kit’s small form press into her, his quiet sobbing easing and his large eyes staring up at her in relief, Lyra drew her paw over the kit and pulled him closer to her. ”W-we just w-wanted to vi-visit you and P-Papa L-lully and Papa.” The kitten’s small mew reached her ear and she rasped her tongue over his head once more, trying to calm him though her eyes were trained on the Silver-Water. His daughter’s idea? That would make far more sense than it having stemmed from Lee’s cautious brain. ”It was a reckless idea, from whomever’s mind it stemmed.” She mewed, more so to the kits than to the large tom. Scolding Lee will only frighten him. He ought to be frightened! Are you truly going to scare him the first time he finds himself confident enough to break a rule? He should not be allowed to get away with this! Her golden eyes turned down to stare at her kit once more. ”That was foolish, Lee.” Her voice was stern. ”I have not been gone that long, and you know your father is going to return tonight.”
Just wanted to visit... With green eyes set on the colorful bundle at his tribemates side, he listened to them. This was definitely Lily's idea and he knew why, and that fact made him feel distraught inside. The anger caused by her disobedience had all but disappeared and instead, all he could feel was sad and worried. He hated having to leave his kits, but probably not as much as how Lily hated it. He worried for her future, her clingy personality could be cute and endearing, but troublesome as well. How would she handle the gathering? Chances are she wouldn't get to stay with either of them. "I'm s-orry," came the sudden whimper from Lily and when he looked down, saw the small shivering body of his daughter, any energy he had left to stay rigid and stern vanquished. "Don't you ever do that again," he sighed while giving her a comforting nuzzle before shifting his gaze back to Lee. "Neither of you." Goodness... she had even put him in danger. What if they both had- No, he didn't want to think about that, they were safe, that's what mattered. "Lyra is right, this was nothing be reckless and dangerous."
Lee felt bad. Scared and guilty and sad and really scared of his Momma. She was mad and he didn’t like her being mad — especially when she was mad at him! And Papa Lully seemed almost mad too that was even scarier - he looked scarier! Like he could squish Lee if he got too mad, and the thought made the kitten start shaking again, quiet sobs making his momma’s tail-fur all wet. ”I’m s-s-s-sorry.” He echoed his friend, the hushing noises that the yellow-water was making not doing anything to ease his emotions. ”Pl-please don’t b-be mad at L-Lill-lee.” His friend had only wanted to see her father, there wasn’t any reason for her to get in trouble for it, right! If he hadn’t gone along, maybe she wouldn’t have gone at all, Lee reasoned, so it was his fault more than hers. ”I am furious with the both of you.” His mother’s voice reached his ears, though her tone was gentle. ”But lee, it is only because I am worried - was worried. You are safe, but what if you had gotten eaten?” Her words were repetitive he knew, but they were still scary. ”You must never do that again. Do you promise me that?” Nodding a little, the kitten buried himself in his mother’s fur some more, her voice muffled by the quiet noises that he emitted. ”We ought to take them back. Basil must be worried sick.”
Guilt was something that pulsed through Lily as well. Hearing her friend apologize and ask them no to be mad at her didn't seem right. It had been her idea, she had asked him to come along. It could have been one of her sisters instead or she could have walked alone, but it just happend to be Lee, because she had seen him, because she liked him. She could have made him hurt, could have lost her friend, and it would have been her fault. She felt so bad, so terribly, terribly bad.
But no matter how much she wanted to turn around, cling onto Lee and ask him to forgive her, all words were stuck in her throat. She could only cry, pressed against her father's comforting body. Crying because she felt bad and still scared, because she didn't want them to be mad at her. Everything had turned out wrong, this was not how she had wanted to see her father. "Yeah, let's go, before the whole tribe is out looking," she could feel his body hum as her father replied to Lee's mom and soon after felt herself getting grabbed by the scruff of her neck, lifted up in the air where she continued to sob.
The sounds Lily was making were making Lee even more sad. He wanted to reach over to his friend and snuggle up against her fur and make her happy again, but before he knew it, his Momma’s teeth were around the scruff of his neck and the little kitten went limp as the Yellow-Water began to pad through the forest, quiet sniffles occasionally making their way out of him as he swing back and forth, occasionally bumping up against his mother’s fluffy chest as her paws moved forward at a brisk pace. She smelled the food, like the pile of prey Morton had taken him to once. ”M-mama?” He managed to croak out as the trees began to thin. ”Wh-were you eating?” No- he frowned. That was the wrong word but he could feel the pale feline huff against his fur. ”I m-mean, hunting?”
She couldn’t answer him while she was carrying him, he realized, and a quiet whimper escaped the little tom. He didn’t want his momma or Lily’s papa to be mad at them! Or his papa and Lily’s mama! Twisting his head a little, the kitten tried to turn his gaze to his paler-furred friend. Was she still sad, too?
The walk calmed the kitten down. Watching tree upon tree pass them by and with nothing but sniffles and footsteps in her ears, her heart began to slow down as well as her thoughts, and soon the loud sobs had become nothing but small whimpers. She could hear Lee talk too, eventually, about eating? Normal stuff, yeah, it made the whole situation less tense and she found herself slowly drifting out of her highly emotional state. After a while, when they had passed the exciting but terrifying bridge again, she craned her head in an attempt to get Lee in her view. Seeing him made the guilt well up again, what if he had been hurt! She didn't want to lose her friend! Her best friend... She tried to speak, to apologize, but all that came out were sobs and a muddle of words. Taking a deep breath, Lily collected herself so she could at least say those few words, that was all she wanted. <b"I'm s-orry, Lee-e."</b> Finally, it was a whimper but at least she got it out. She hoped with all her heart that he wasn't mad at her. I'm really, really sorry, Lee.
She seemed better. That was good. He was still going to try and snuggle with her when they got back, though, or maybe get her to play a game! Yeah! She liked playing games, Lee remembered. Maybe if they did that, she would cheer up a bit. That would be good, the brightly colored kit decided. He wanted his friend to be happy.
The kitten’s little ears flickered as he caught the sound of her apology and Lee tried to twist his head around again to give the silver’s daughter a smile. He didn’t think she should be sorry, not really! They’d had fun, and it was his fault they’d gotten lost, but the kitten didn’t think his voice was loud enough to carry over the short distance that stretched between them. ”I’m s-sorry too, L-Lily.” He mewed quietly, ears flattening a little as the sights and smells of Light-Tribe camp reached his senses again. Now everyone’s gonna know we got in trouble! The kitten took a big gulp. I really hope Mama Basil isn’t too mad.
He gave her a smile! So he wasn't angry at her then, that was good! Very good, so good that Lily finally felt herself smile, even if it was a small one. She really wanted to give him a better apology though, maybe when they got back they could really talk, when their parents wouldn't be right by their sides. Of course, getting back the camp made her stomach feel all weird. As they entered the area and walked through, others were looking at them and the plump kit felt her cheeks burn in embarrassment. Stupid idea, stupid, stupid, stupid! She regretted that she had even had the thought of sneaking out. It felt a bit better to be brought inside the nursery, but then was all those cats' turn to stare, all the ones inside. She just wanted to burrow herself in her nest, to hide from them all. Maybe hide in the fur of her mom or dad, anything to not feel so... exposed.
The moment his momma dropped him on the soft green moss that was his nest Lee tried to scramble away, to crawl over to Lily and snuggle into her fur, trying to make himself invisible. Something stepped on his tail though, and with a squeak of surprise the little kitten fell forwards, his paws splayed out and embarrassment flooding his body with heat and pressing his ears back against his head. Whyyyyyy With nervous eyes the little kitten turned around to meet the stern gaze of his mother, and slowly slunk back into the nest she’d placed him in, with shaky steps and quiet sniffles working up again. She was still mad. ”S-sorry, Lilee” He mumbled again, burying his face in his tail and trying to make himself as small and invisible as ever. I r-really hope no one else is l-looking.
Ears perked up as an idea came to her mind. She had already got the edge of the camp a few times, what if she went further? When her dad left he always went the same way, and he had told her that Water-Tribe wasn’t that very far away. She could get there... right? Water-Tribe, it was just to follow the water, wasn’t it? The big, big puddle of water that was near, yes! She could do it. Lily was about to head forward but hesitated for a moment and glanced back, maybe she should ask May or Caydin to tag along or- Oh! A big smile grew on her maw as her eyes locked on to the colourful kitten. Lee! She could ask him! Slowly the girl crawled over to the nest and peered over the edge of the grass and moss. ”Lee!” she whispered eagerly. ”Wanna go to Water-Tribe?”
Some things were a lot more interesting than others. Learning what was in those herby smelling den was really, really interesting. Helping cats do things was too! They made him feel all big and grown-up and not so scared anymore. Still a little scared, though. More than he knew he should be, but the kitten couldn’t help it! There were so many strange, new things, he didn’t know which one of them wanted to hurt him! He didn’t want to be hurt. The leaf he was playing with wasn’t very interesting though. It didn’t have any special smell or power, he didn’t think!
The sound of Lily’s voice drew him to attention though, and the little kit bounded over to the side of the empty nest, his ears eager. ”W-water-t-tribe?” His eyes grew wide. An adventure! But they could get in trouble! Trouble was scary, he didn’t really like trouble. But… there was a temptation! The natural Kit-curiosity, and the knowledge that Lily would be there too made it a little less scare. Plus, if he got to Water-Tribe now, maybe it wouldn’t be as frightening when he went with Momma and Papa and Remmy and Lyre. Momma had told him they’d be going soon. His paws twitched nervously as he clambered out of the nest, watching the larger kitten with nervous eyes. ”M-Maybe?” He offered, anxiety making his tail twitch rapidly. It could be fun! But Scary Momma.
She peaked over her shoulder to make sure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation while waiting for Lee to come over. She didn’t want to be cought before she had even left the nursery! Maybe they would get in trouble, but her father was kind and she was certain that he would be happy to see them; he always was when he visited. Besides, everyone always talked about how she would get to see the world outside of camp as soon as she got her tattoo. So it couldn’t be that dangerous, could it? They would be fine, the little kit thought.
When Lee gave her an uncertain answer, she pawed lightly at his chest and smiled. ”Come on! Your dad is there too, right? It will be fun!” Lee’s mom and dad had a swirly tattoo just like her dad, she knew that now, and that meant they all lived in Water-Tribe. It made her wonder a little why her parents had different and why they didn’t live together, though she decided not to think too much about it. Lily lowered her head a little and looked at Lee with pleading eyes. ”Please? I really want to go and see my dad...” And what better way to go on this little adventure than with her friend?
Lee watched his green-eyed friend, chewing on his lip a little bit. It would be fun, maybe! If they didn’t get caught. It would also be very scary while they did it because they could get caught! His brown eyes shifted a little bit, flicking around the nursery to see who was still in there, who could catch them or tell on them if they did go. One of the other kittens maybe? Or the other mamas? Momma had gone back to Water-Tribe for a little bit of the day, like she sometimes did now. Lee was okay with that; he had lots of babysitters! There were the other two mommas, the papas’ when they came to visit. Even some of the Healers!
Papa had been staying in Light-Tribe a lot, he knew. For him and momma and Remmy and Lyre. He still had to go back sometimes, too though! Was he here now? Lee couldn’t see him; but maybe he was just sitting out in the camp or with Lyre or Remmy or something. He couldn’t see his siblings either, but Lee was pretty sure he could hear them! Brow knitting into a slight frown, the kitten nodded slowly. ”O-Okay.” He mewed carefully, ears twitching. ”B-but we have t-to be r-r-really careful-l!” He really, really didn’t want to get caught!
"Yeah!" She said in a hushed voice and nodded agreeing. They had to be careful, yes. Very, very careful. With that she got up on all four again and padded quietly over to the entrance, eyes flickering back and forth around the area to make sure no one would notice them and put an end to their adventure. First casting a glance back to make sure Lee was with her, Lily peaked her head out and began heading left, keeping her body low and using whatever foliage on her path as cover. She and her sisters had become really good at that, getting past other without getting noticed, though with the majority of times they still got caught. "We should go to that big puddle of water that's really close! Dad always come from that place when he visits." The kit whispered eagerly to her friend, her steps increasing a little in speed at the thought of her father. This would be really fun! Not just because she would get to see her dad, but because she would go exploring with Lee!
Keeping his wide eyes peeled, the tom inched forwards behind his friend, paws hardly making a sound as his gaze flitted around. He hadn’t tried sneaking out before! It was exciting! And very scary. Trembling a little as he crawled after his friend, the thought of walking as if everything was normal crossed his mind. But if we walk like normal cats are gonna watch us! We’re only kits! Maybe if we were older… For now, Lee decided, Lily’s idea was probably the best. The big puddle of water? Brown-hued gaze turning to look at the rippling of waves that stretched behind the camp, the kit nodded hesitantly, a big gulp in his throat. I don’t know how to swim! Momma had said she’d teach them, when they got to Water-Tribe, but they weren’t going there for ages yet. Paws moving faster after his friend, Lee slipped between the dappled shadows of camp, nervously heading to the lake and growing more and more intimidated as it grew bigger.
She hesitated only once in her quiet walk when an older cat walked close by, hiding behind tufts of grass, but the cat seemed distracted by something else and the kit continued on. Her steps became less careful and much faster the nearer they got to the lake, by the end she was pratically running with a giggle in her throat the last stretch towards the shore. For a moment, the reason why they left camp was gone and all she could think about was the oh-so-interesting water. She stopped to stare at it, still making sure she was at a distance where the waves couldn't reach her, as fascinating as it was, it was a little intimidating. Lily glanced back at Lee with a wide smile. "Isn't it weird how all the older cats can swim in it? How they don't just... fall down!" The kit looked to her right, where the lake and shore continued on and where she knew her father always came from, and began running in that direction. "Come on, Lee! This way!"
The water was terrifying. He could feel his legs shaking under him as he stared at it, the swirling current rushing by the two of them. Momma likes this?! It was far too easy for him to imagine himself getting swallowed by the waves and the current, and with a gulp he turned back to looking at Lily. She was so brave! He wanted to be brave like her, too. Nodding in response to her question, the little tabby padded forwards after his friend, his brown eyes trying to ignore the river that coursed along beside them as they padded onwards.
A familiar scent tickled the little tom’s nostrils, and he let out a sneeze, stopping in his tracks. ”W-Wait, Lilee!” He mewed, eyes widening as his nose twitched furiously. ”L-Lilee I smell-l Momma!” There! It didn’t smell like it did when it was in camp, when she was there, It wasn’t so.. strong? Fresh? It smelled old. Not faint just older. Like when Momma had been gone for a while, it smelled like that. ”I th-think it’s this w-way!”
Skidding to an halt, Lily turned around and watched her friend sniff in the air before doing so as well. He could smell his mom? There was something around them, yeah, but she had troubled to distinguish it between all the other scents. Perhaps Lee had a better nose than she did, she thought as she wiggled her nose. "You lead, Lee!" Lily called out and let the colourful kitten run at the front instead, trusting him with every fiber of her body. "You're better at smelling-! Eh, you got a pretty nose... I mean-! Your nose is better than mine!" The plump kitten bristled her fur slightly in embarrassment as she fumbled with her words, though she still found it funny and couldn't help but giggle a little. Sometimes, not always, it was so hard to find the correct words. Sometimes she wanted to sound like the adults did but it seemed almost impossible, Parsley was definietly better at it than her.
Lead the way? Him? The kitten’s eyes widened but he smiled at her words. She wasn’t telling an un-truth! He could smell his Momma’s scent! ”Y-You can’t smell it-t?” He questioned softly, his head tilting a little bit as the kitten dutifully padded forwards. There were so many smells! He just knew his momma’s smell best of them all, even better than he knew Remmy and Lyre and his Papa’s! eyes crossing faintly, Lee tried to look at his nose. Was his nose pretty? It did a good job, he thought! Better than his legs which still shook with every step he took. Purring a little bit in an effort to calm his nerves, the small kit looked over at his larger friend. ”Wh-what do you think W-Water-tribe is Like-ke?” Momma had said there was roovers and steems and something else he couldn’t remember. She said the cats were the best too, the nicest and the best! Lily will get a tattoo like Momma! He thought. She was nice and she was great, so why not? Maybe I will too…? He found herbs and helping cats really interesting, but Lee didn’t think he’d mind being with his parents. Especially if Lily was there too.
"Mm... yes, or no... it all sort of mix together! It's hard to tell," she said as she ran along side of him. For a moment she wondered if it was her nose that wasn't good, maybe she could smell less than others? The thought had her a little worried but she quickly shook it away. She was just young, like her parents would say, that was all. At his question she perked up. "Water! Dad says there's a lot of water there. And... and-!" A smile grew wide as she remembered. "FLOWERS!" The kit pratically shout it out in a gleeful squeal. "Dad says they have this place where there is lots and lots of flowers! I hope I get to see it," she giggled and was for a moment completely lost in thought, picturing the wonderful place her father had described to her. The two young cats continued on, walking along the river and ended up crossing a big tree- which was both exciting and scary to Lily. When they entered the forest on the other side though, Lily's excitement over getting to see Water-Tribe started to dwindle. She had always loved the thought of exploring the whole land, but now that she was, it seemed a bit intimidating without any adults around her. The trees were awfully big...
Lee tilted his head and sniffed the air again. There were a lot of smells! The rest were a puzzle he couldn’t quite figure out, but he knew his momma’s! Padding along he listened to Lily’s words, eyes growing wide at the descriptions she gave. ”F-flowers?!” He mewed, finally. Lee liked flowers! They made him sneeze though. Then again, most of the dens in Light-Tribe made him sneeze, so maybe flowers wouldn’t be much of a problem. The little kitten’s legs were shaking a little from the long journey and the effort of not falling off of the tree-thing they’d come across. The water underneath had made him very scared, but he was on this adventure with Lily, and Lee wanted to be brave! The trees that surrounded them now, though, were really scary. A sudden panic flared up in his chest as Lyra’s scent began to fade away, intermingling with others and fading, growing staler until he couldn’t find it anymore. The kittens eyes grew wide and a faint keening sound began to echo out of him as he stood there, shaking violently in the forest. We’re Lost!
Due to looking up at the tall trees with worried eyes, Lily didn't notice that Lee had stopped at first. Only when turning her gaze down, and suddenly not have him in her view, did she stop to look back. Seeing him stand there, shaking, with a frightened expression didn't really ease her own fear that had been growing. "Lee...?" she mewed with a tiny voice and felt her fur bristle as she heard the sound coming from him. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea... The strong longing she had felt for her father before was nothing compared to what she was feeling now. Looking around at the creepy forest, Lily suddenly felt so little, so helpness. This wasn't how she had picture exploring would be like, no, not at all! It was all wrong! "L-Lee..?" she mumbled again, her voice now trembling, while taking a few steps closer to her friend. "Wh... w-hat's wrong?"
Lily was stuttering like he did! Tripping over her words. The realization that she might be scared to made him shake more, crouching down to the ground to try and keep his legs from showing how much he was shivering. ”I - I can’t am-smell her anym-more.” He mewed, in a tiny voice his eyes glued to the ground in shame, a single word echoing through his mind and making him want to break down and cry. Lost, lost, lost. Rasing watery eyes to look at the beige/grey hued kitten Lee sniffled a little, pulling his tail closer to him. ”I-I’sm s-sorry, L-L-Lileee.” He mewed in a slightly louder voice, voice hitching in fear. W-what if we never get home? What if we die out here>! N-no! We’d - we’d have to live. I d-don’t wanna die! Burying his face in his chest fur, the kittens ears pressed themselves to the back of his head in fright. Lost, lost, lost.
Though she had begun shaking a little herself, Lily still tried to give Lee a reassuring smile. "I-it's okay, L-ee," she said, trying to muster up all the strength she had in her body to make her voice sound steady and believable. But Lily was as transparent as water, hiding her emotions was something she had rarely succeded on. Still, seeing her friend scared made her want to be brave. She had to be brave! She had to, for Lee, but the more she tried to tell her that, the less certain she became. "We'll... we'll just go b-ack." Her green eyes flickered between the many trees and once in a while she would take a few steps one way, only to stop and walk the other. Go back... but which way was back? They were lost, she realized it now, and no longer could the little kitten keep her emotions in check. Sitting down infront of Lee, tears began to roll down her cheeks and she trembled. "Mom," she whimpered quietly, before crying out "Dad!" a little louder and then, finally, she let out a loud wail that echoed in the forest.
The way back? Lee shook worriedly. He hadn’t been paying attention to the trees. Shifting slightly so that his paws covered his face, the kitten let out a muffled sob. How? The word didn’t quite make it out of his jaws before she was closer, and he scooted to her side and pressed against the larger kitten for warmth. I got us lost! I’m so s-sorry, Lily. Burying his face deeper into his paws, the smaller kitten’s own quiet sobbing echoing his friend’s louder wail. M-maybe if she wails they’ll find us. The thought was optimistic, but he didn’t know! Were cats even around? They could be left out here, lost, forever…Lost, lost lost. The forest was a really scary place! The shakes continued to rack his small form the longer they were their, sobbing not wavering, heart hammering in his ears and clouding his thoughts, fear effectively shutting down the young kitten and erasing all thought other than of it and the one word. Lost, lost, lost.
Trudging through the forest with a dead bird dangling from his mouth, the Silver-Water glanced to his side where Lyra walked with her own. The sight of the two must surely be a comical one. His own size made the bird look dwarfed while in Lyra's case it was quite the opposite. Tuari had been shorter than him as well but Lyra probably took the prize, not that he minded of course, not at all. Lyra was someone he valued a lot, both as a friend and deputy, height didn't matter at all. The tom halted for a moment and dropped the prey on the ground, prey that was intended for Light-Tribe as a small gift for good hospitality. He shook his head as he spitted out tiny feathers from his mouth. "I forgot how annoying these are to carry, guess I've been hunting for fish and land critters a bit much lately," he laughed and poked lightly at the dead bird before looking back at the Yellow-Water. She had been his friend before becoming deputy and while they had become closer after he had promoted her, he felt they had grown even more after having kits at the same time and keeping them at the same place.
It was quite refreshing to be allowed to return to her tribe. Siting in Light-Tribe camp was well and good, but the petite feline found herself so disquieted while she was there. She enjoyed having her paws busy, and while she loved her kits dearly, it was awfully difficult to remain so situated in the camp until they were old enough to leave. Soon, she knew. Soon the anxiety she felt when leaving them to return to her duties for however brief a span would be vanished as well. Light-Tribe has plenty of good caretakers, and Leviathan often watch the kits when she took her trips, but it did not still her worries.
A small chuckle escaped the Yellow-water as a fury of feathers twisted in the air, her paws stilling and amusement glinting in her eyes as she watched them float to the ground. ”I never truly acquired a rase for feathers.” He mewed after dropping the squirrel on the ground before her paws. ”Or fur for that matter.” Wrinkling her nose the petite feline attempted to rid herself of some clumps of hair that the furry creature seemed to have shed in her mouth when a sound caught her ears and immediately, the Yellow-Water’s posture changed to more alert. ”Lully. What is that? It sounds almost like - like kits!”
The sounded had reached him as well and, just like his friend, he changed his stance in an instant. With ears perked and his head kept high, the tom kept his eyes set on distant trees as he listened intently. "Kits," he echoed her words and then, in a second, he had sprung off in the direction of the noise. He was so engulfed by his fatherly feelings to help that he didn't even check to see if Lyra was following or not, he doubted that she had stayed behind though. But there was no way he could mistake it, the sound, it was the cry from kits they could hear. Whether or not he knew them didn't matter, he was not going to ignore the calls for help. However, the closer he got, the more he recognized the cries, one of them at least. He had heard it so many times, especially when leaving Light-Tribe to head home... Lully pushed on, faster, and then finally caught sight of the tiny duo. "Lily," he huffed out between his heavy breaths as he finally arrived to where they were. With both worry, surprise and anger in his eyes he stared at his crying daughter and occasionally shifted his glance to the trembling son of his deputy.
In seconds, the petite feline had gotten to her paws and raced off, cursing her shorter legs for allowing her to trail behind the Silver-water with the smallest part of her mind, her heart hammering through her thoughts. Kits. It had to be. She was certain of it. Hers? No… wait. As she drew closer the smaller sounds of a more muffled cry confused her. Lee? Instinct made her paws speed up, reaching the tiny pair just after the larger tom. ”Lee! She cried, recognizing his tiny form curled up beside Lully’s daughter. ”Lily!” Her brow furrowed an in an instant the Yellow-Water stopped beside the pair and began to rasp her tongue over their ears, a still newly realized mothering instinct taking over. ”What in the name of the spirits convinced the pair of you that wandering about would be a sane notion?!” Safe. They were safe. Neither of the kits seemed harm, but Lyra decided it was a good plan that they were heading to Light-Tribe anyways; the healers could certainly ensure their well-being and still Lyra’s panicked heart. ”You could have been injured, or far, far worse! Lee, I am disappointed.” Fear was making her angry, but the relief was making her express it.
He wanted to concur with Lyra, continue from what she had said, but words seemed hard to form suddenly. All he could think of was that he had almost lost another daughter and though they were safe, fear still held a strong grip around him. His heart pounded hard in his chest as he went closer to the kits, following Lyra. They didn't seem hurt at least, thankfully, spirits know what could have happened to them. The Silver-Water bent down to comfort his daughter, who had barely noticed them coming. Only when she felt their touch did she momentarily stop crying before calling out "Dad!" with a loud wail and burrowed herself into him. Frowning, he took a shaky breath, trying to keep his emotions in check, while looking down at her. "For spirits' sake Lily, we've told you so many times, how could you even think this was a good idea?!" The tom glanced between the two. "What were you two thinking?" Talking while crying was not something Lily could do, all the tom could hear from her mumbling between her sobs were incoherent words and with a sigh he looked over to the Yellow-Water. "I'm fairly certain this whole thing was my daughters idea, Lyra. She probably got Lee to tag along."
Feeling her own kit’s small form press into her, his quiet sobbing easing and his large eyes staring up at her in relief, Lyra drew her paw over the kit and pulled him closer to her. ”W-we just w-wanted to vi-visit you and P-Papa L-lully and Papa.” The kitten’s small mew reached her ear and she rasped her tongue over his head once more, trying to calm him though her eyes were trained on the Silver-Water. His daughter’s idea? That would make far more sense than it having stemmed from Lee’s cautious brain. ”It was a reckless idea, from whomever’s mind it stemmed.” She mewed, more so to the kits than to the large tom. Scolding Lee will only frighten him. He ought to be frightened! Are you truly going to scare him the first time he finds himself confident enough to break a rule? He should not be allowed to get away with this! Her golden eyes turned down to stare at her kit once more. ”That was foolish, Lee.” Her voice was stern. ”I have not been gone that long, and you know your father is going to return tonight.”
Just wanted to visit... With green eyes set on the colorful bundle at his tribemates side, he listened to them. This was definitely Lily's idea and he knew why, and that fact made him feel distraught inside. The anger caused by her disobedience had all but disappeared and instead, all he could feel was sad and worried. He hated having to leave his kits, but probably not as much as how Lily hated it. He worried for her future, her clingy personality could be cute and endearing, but troublesome as well. How would she handle the gathering? Chances are she wouldn't get to stay with either of them. "I'm s-orry," came the sudden whimper from Lily and when he looked down, saw the small shivering body of his daughter, any energy he had left to stay rigid and stern vanquished. "Don't you ever do that again," he sighed while giving her a comforting nuzzle before shifting his gaze back to Lee. "Neither of you." Goodness... she had even put him in danger. What if they both had- No, he didn't want to think about that, they were safe, that's what mattered. "Lyra is right, this was nothing be reckless and dangerous."
Lee felt bad. Scared and guilty and sad and really scared of his Momma. She was mad and he didn’t like her being mad — especially when she was mad at him! And Papa Lully seemed almost mad too that was even scarier - he looked scarier! Like he could squish Lee if he got too mad, and the thought made the kitten start shaking again, quiet sobs making his momma’s tail-fur all wet. ”I’m s-s-s-sorry.” He echoed his friend, the hushing noises that the yellow-water was making not doing anything to ease his emotions. ”Pl-please don’t b-be mad at L-Lill-lee.” His friend had only wanted to see her father, there wasn’t any reason for her to get in trouble for it, right! If he hadn’t gone along, maybe she wouldn’t have gone at all, Lee reasoned, so it was his fault more than hers. ”I am furious with the both of you.” His mother’s voice reached his ears, though her tone was gentle. ”But lee, it is only because I am worried - was worried. You are safe, but what if you had gotten eaten?” Her words were repetitive he knew, but they were still scary. ”You must never do that again. Do you promise me that?” Nodding a little, the kitten buried himself in his mother’s fur some more, her voice muffled by the quiet noises that he emitted. ”We ought to take them back. Basil must be worried sick.”
Guilt was something that pulsed through Lily as well. Hearing her friend apologize and ask them no to be mad at her didn't seem right. It had been her idea, she had asked him to come along. It could have been one of her sisters instead or she could have walked alone, but it just happend to be Lee, because she had seen him, because she liked him. She could have made him hurt, could have lost her friend, and it would have been her fault. She felt so bad, so terribly, terribly bad.
But no matter how much she wanted to turn around, cling onto Lee and ask him to forgive her, all words were stuck in her throat. She could only cry, pressed against her father's comforting body. Crying because she felt bad and still scared, because she didn't want them to be mad at her. Everything had turned out wrong, this was not how she had wanted to see her father. "Yeah, let's go, before the whole tribe is out looking," she could feel his body hum as her father replied to Lee's mom and soon after felt herself getting grabbed by the scruff of her neck, lifted up in the air where she continued to sob.
The sounds Lily was making were making Lee even more sad. He wanted to reach over to his friend and snuggle up against her fur and make her happy again, but before he knew it, his Momma’s teeth were around the scruff of his neck and the little kitten went limp as the Yellow-Water began to pad through the forest, quiet sniffles occasionally making their way out of him as he swing back and forth, occasionally bumping up against his mother’s fluffy chest as her paws moved forward at a brisk pace. She smelled the food, like the pile of prey Morton had taken him to once. ”M-mama?” He managed to croak out as the trees began to thin. ”Wh-were you eating?” No- he frowned. That was the wrong word but he could feel the pale feline huff against his fur. ”I m-mean, hunting?”
She couldn’t answer him while she was carrying him, he realized, and a quiet whimper escaped the little tom. He didn’t want his momma or Lily’s papa to be mad at them! Or his papa and Lily’s mama! Twisting his head a little, the kitten tried to turn his gaze to his paler-furred friend. Was she still sad, too?
The walk calmed the kitten down. Watching tree upon tree pass them by and with nothing but sniffles and footsteps in her ears, her heart began to slow down as well as her thoughts, and soon the loud sobs had become nothing but small whimpers. She could hear Lee talk too, eventually, about eating? Normal stuff, yeah, it made the whole situation less tense and she found herself slowly drifting out of her highly emotional state. After a while, when they had passed the exciting but terrifying bridge again, she craned her head in an attempt to get Lee in her view. Seeing him made the guilt well up again, what if he had been hurt! She didn't want to lose her friend! Her best friend... She tried to speak, to apologize, but all that came out were sobs and a muddle of words. Taking a deep breath, Lily collected herself so she could at least say those few words, that was all she wanted. <b"I'm s-orry, Lee-e."</b> Finally, it was a whimper but at least she got it out. She hoped with all her heart that he wasn't mad at her. I'm really, really sorry, Lee.
She seemed better. That was good. He was still going to try and snuggle with her when they got back, though, or maybe get her to play a game! Yeah! She liked playing games, Lee remembered. Maybe if they did that, she would cheer up a bit. That would be good, the brightly colored kit decided. He wanted his friend to be happy.
The kitten’s little ears flickered as he caught the sound of her apology and Lee tried to twist his head around again to give the silver’s daughter a smile. He didn’t think she should be sorry, not really! They’d had fun, and it was his fault they’d gotten lost, but the kitten didn’t think his voice was loud enough to carry over the short distance that stretched between them. ”I’m s-sorry too, L-Lily.” He mewed quietly, ears flattening a little as the sights and smells of Light-Tribe camp reached his senses again. Now everyone’s gonna know we got in trouble! The kitten took a big gulp. I really hope Mama Basil isn’t too mad.
He gave her a smile! So he wasn't angry at her then, that was good! Very good, so good that Lily finally felt herself smile, even if it was a small one. She really wanted to give him a better apology though, maybe when they got back they could really talk, when their parents wouldn't be right by their sides. Of course, getting back the camp made her stomach feel all weird. As they entered the area and walked through, others were looking at them and the plump kit felt her cheeks burn in embarrassment. Stupid idea, stupid, stupid, stupid! She regretted that she had even had the thought of sneaking out. It felt a bit better to be brought inside the nursery, but then was all those cats' turn to stare, all the ones inside. She just wanted to burrow herself in her nest, to hide from them all. Maybe hide in the fur of her mom or dad, anything to not feel so... exposed.
The moment his momma dropped him on the soft green moss that was his nest Lee tried to scramble away, to crawl over to Lily and snuggle into her fur, trying to make himself invisible. Something stepped on his tail though, and with a squeak of surprise the little kitten fell forwards, his paws splayed out and embarrassment flooding his body with heat and pressing his ears back against his head. Whyyyyyy With nervous eyes the little kitten turned around to meet the stern gaze of his mother, and slowly slunk back into the nest she’d placed him in, with shaky steps and quiet sniffles working up again. She was still mad. ”S-sorry, Lilee” He mumbled again, burying his face in his tail and trying to make himself as small and invisible as ever. I r-really hope no one else is l-looking.
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Babs.
Wow, this made me realize the benefits of RPing both a kit and one of their parents.
Wow, this made me realize the benefits of RPing both a kit and one of their parents.