[cherryrose]

The breeze that blew out over the forest was different to normal, it seemed like a stronger wind than the grey cat had felt in awhile, it made her wonder if it was like this up in the mountains, her head was always there these days, never with her Clan, although as a senior warrior it needed to be. She was meant to help them, be there for the leader and deputy when they needed to discuss things. But she was rarely in camp; she usually sat at the Clans border looking out over the loner territory and far into the distance of the mountains. She knew that some of the Clan were becoming suspicious of her now, but none as much as her own brother, he was always close to her until she became pregnant with a loners kits, her fate had changed on that day, but nobody other than herself and the loner, Maverick knew.

Sighing deeply as another gust of wind ruffled her long grey pelt Dawnpelt glanced down at her stomach, when her fur was parted by the wind you could clearly see that she was expecting. An uncomfortable feeling rose to her chest as she thought of what this could mean for her, the kits and her place in the Clan. It would soon have to be done that she told them about it, or else let them find out for themselves, she was thinking the latter.

Following the scent of rabbit closer and closer to a large tree the large brown and white warrior caught another familiar scent on the breeze, his ears pricked as he knew it was Dawnpelt. The rabbit scent forgotten he set off towards the border with loner territory. ’Dawnpelt…’ He mewed as he neared her, ’What are you doing here? The Clan needs you to be hunting not sitting around…’ He added sitting beside her, pelts touching.

Alarm shot through her as she heard her brothers voice, and her heart beat increased as he sat beside her. I hope he can’t feel my belly… she thought realising how close to her he was. ’I… umm…’ she started, ’I was just taking a break, I couldn’t scent anything and my legs were aching.’ She mewed, but immediately wished that she hadn’t, why would a healthy warriors legs be aching on a normal hunt?

Tangleweed studied her expression searching for the truth, because he didn’t know whether to trust her answer, not since she had been slow in saying it, and it sounded so unbelievable. ’Well maybe you should go to see the medicine cat then, your obviously not well.’ he mewed simply. Standing up he looked at her as another gust of wind blew over them, his eyes flicked to his sisters belly, it seemed more swollen, maybe she was bloated and had eaten something bad, there couldn’t be any other reason surely… ’Well, he mewed, ’I am going to go and hunt for the Clan, I suggest you do the same. Then head back to camp, it’s starting to get dark.’ He mewed flicking his sister with his tail before padding off after more prey.

[caracalfang]

*Redhawk jumped out of the tree above the border as Tangleweed left. He had already been there, awaiting an unsuspecting bird to land in it's taller branches, when Dawnpelt had approached under his tree. She seemed troubled. 'Of course she is,' he thought. Most wouldn't have noticed, but Redhawk was more observant than any other cat in the clan, maybe in any clan, and it was clear to him where it would be missed by others. He hoped he didn't scare her too badly, it wouldn't be good for her if he did. The red warrior sat beside her, but gave her space as he too looked out towards the mountains. When he spoke, it was warm and calm.* When do you plan to tell him? Or do you intend to let him find out with the rest of the clan? You know, you don't have to reveal their father. It is a queen's right to choose. And, you really should be in camp. It will be safer for them and you there.

[cherryrose]

Dawnpelt turned to look back to the mountains as her brother left, she couldn’t bare to watch him leave, he knew something was wrong, just not what. The grey she cat sensed another cat approach her, but he sat a little way away, she felt glad that he had but she was still slightly alarmed, and her grey eyes showed that. It seemed that she was nervous of everyone, if her swelling tummy didn’t give it away her nerves would make people wonder what was wrong.

’I didn’t hear you coming,’ she mewed to him truthfully, she was too lost in her own head to have noticed the sight or scent of her fellow warrior in the tree above her. As he spoke shock and the most panic she could remember feeling shot through her heart and her eyes grew wide with alarm, she could feel her legs shaking a little beneath her, and her tail twitching with unease. ’H- How do you know…?’ she whispered, struggling to find the words to speak. ’I know its my choice…’ she mewed, thinking. Redhawk couldn’t know who the father was, could he? Or maybe he had seen them together so often he had put two and two together, surely he would tell the rest of the Clan if he knew. She wanted to ask, but knew that if she did it would surely give it away, or make him suspicious of her.

As another breeze blew strongly over them she turned once again back to the mountains, she couldn’t help herself, she couldn’t stop thinking of Maverick and now she had this dreadful feeling that now one warrior new of her secret the rest would know very soon too. How long would it be until others like Redhawk could tell the change in her too? The warrior had got her thinking now, would it be better to tell her own brother, rather than let him find out just like the others. Dawnpelts head was full of so many thoughts it felt like her head was sure to explode, she was getting cold now as the wind grew stronger, but she didn’t want to leave this spot.

[caracalfang]

*Redhawk could feel the waves of anxiety washing off the pregnant queen in huge swells, but there were more subtle signs too. Like the small glint in her eye, or the way he breathing had changed. He wondered if she even knew they were there. To him, as they always had been, the clues were obvious. It was what made lying to him almost impossible, and let him know how his clanmates truely felt. He had had the gift since kit hood, and it had served him well, especially with any of his apprentices. He gave her a gentile smile.* Dawnpelt, this is me, Redhawk. You of all the clan should know that it's hard to fool me. I can read the signs of your pregnancy like following a fresh trail. *He gave her a conspiritorious wink.* I don't think you'll have to worry about any other cat. As far as I can tell, they suspect nothing. Tangleweed is worried about you, but he doesn't know what he is worrying about. It is your place to tell the clan or let them find out when we have new kits in the nursery; I dare say you could keep it up that long. Your secret is safe with me. *He shrugged.* Personally, I think new kits are to be celibrated no matter where they come from. I won't ask the father. Again, that is your right. I just hope, when the time comes, I get to mentor one. Any kit of your's and whoever you deemed fit to have them with is bound to be a great warrior one day. *He gave her an honest smile, hoping his words would calm her. They really should get back to camp. It was cold out, and not good for her. He decided to catch a few mice for both of them to take back so no cat would wonder at their absence from camp.*

[cherryrose]

Dawnpelt knew that Redhawk was always good at seeing things that others could not, maybe she had overlooked it, thought that he would not be able to tell she was pregnant. It seems she was wrong. ’I should have known that yes Redhawk,’ she mewed, ’You really are a magnificent warrior.’ She added then glanced back at the mountains once more. The light seemed to be dipping behind the mountains now, it seemed that the sun would soon disappear and night would fall on the forest, but she didn’t want to leave this spot.

As Redhawk continued about being loyal to her and not telling others what he knew she began to listen again. When he mentioned that they would be fit to be good warriors because of her and their chosen father her heart jumped. Would he still think that if he knew that their father was a loner? Would she want them to grow up in the Clan, or would she leave to live in the mountains with Maverick, obviously taking her kits with her. She didn’t know what she was planning on doing, but deep down the grey warrior knew that it would have something to do with how the clan reacted. With a sigh she gave a grateful look to the warrior beside her, ’Thank you, it means a lot that you believe in me…’ She mewed not knowing quite what else to say.

[/color]

[[ooc-Sorry, not my best post...]]

[caracalfang]

*Redhawk dipped his head respectfully.* No problem. And thank you for the compliment. From a warrior such as yourself, it means a lot. *He noticed that at first, when he spoke, she had seemed to begin to relax. But about the time he said something about what ever cat she had chosen, her pulse had quickened. And, she kept gazing out past their border. Ah...maybe the cat was outside the clan, perhaps outside any clan. He didn't voice his idea, but turned to look in the same direction as her, relaxed as always. He had already said that kits were to be celibrated, and it was his honest oppinion. It wasn't strict with the warrior code, but he had heard tales of great warriors like the legendary Firestar that had no clan blood at all, so who was to say which kit would and would not make a good warrior. If she chose to tell the clan and he happened to be right, he would defend her postion. He loved kits and apprentices, though he had no children of his own and a whole myriad of apprentices. He looked up to the sky and saw that the sun was beginning to set. He frowned a little as he watched. It would be getting colder, and it was already cold to begin with. He smiled again though as he flicked his abnormally bushy tail. It had been a point of ridicule in the nursery when he was young...until it had turned Leaf-bare and the other kits wanted to be warm. He flicked it again, then wrapped it around her front paws.* Wouldn't want our newest clan-members to freeze before they even get here.

[Fate Admin]

A small white she-cat was hidden within the tangled roots of a tree not far away, her ears pricked to catch the conversation. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, all she had wanted to do was to track her mentor and try and sneak up on him; so far all her attempts had failed, he was too observant. However, now perhaps he was a bit too immersed with Dawnpelt, a senior warrior, and apparently a soon to be mother. After hearing the secrecy of their conversation, she wasn't sure she should show herself and was afraid to move in case Redhawk noticed her. Her white pelt certainly didn't help her hide in the dark browns and greens of the forest.

She didn't quite understand the need for secrecy, kits were good news, weren't they? They meant new Clan members and future warriors. Why wasn't Dawnpelt telling anyone...? Dovepaw's tall white ears twitched curiously, though she stayed crouched and hidden, still afraid as to whether this would get her in big trouble or not. It had started out innocently enough but now it seemed so much bigger....

Uncomfortable in her crouch, she shifted slightly, rustling some dried leaves beneath her. Her pretty jade eyes widened in alarm and her whole body stiffened, her ears flattening against her head, eyes closing tightly as if not being able to see would in turn make her unseeable.

[caracalfang]

*Redhawk was first alerted to an additional presence when a flash of white caught his attention. It was a cat in the bush. She was doing well to stay hidden despite her white fur, even coming from down-wind, until her ears had twitched. He didn't have to wonder who it was. She was always trying to catch him unaware, and so far she had not been successful, but she was getting closer all the time. If she kept up, she might just be the best servailance cat in the clan. That would be indeed valuable for 'checking' on the other clans and scouting ahead. Even though he was worried about what she might have heard, he was proud of her for lasting as long as it seemed she had. Then she made a big blunder. She had moved across some leaves and set them stirring. Mouse dung. He had intended to let her stay hidden and just talk to her later, but with her loud shuffle, Dawnpelt was bound to be aware of her. He sighed and looked toward her bush, gesturing with his tail. His voice was warm and fatherly.* A good try, Dovepaw. But, you have to learn to check around you before you choose a hidding spot. Note anything that might give you away. Dead leaves, for instance. *he smiled and winked.* Still, you must have been there for some time to have gotten tired of the postion you were in. Very good. I assume you heard our conversation and will promise not to tell the clan? It is Dawnpelt's secrete to share, after all.

[Fate Admin]

Her tail flicked once, nervously, as she heard her mentor's voice aimed right at her. He had seen her, of course. Even the tiniest of kit would have noticed her after the mistake she had made. Ears still flat against her ahead, she crawled out from her hiding spot, her head down, ashamed of her eavesdropping. Though Redhawk didn't sound angry, her own morals had her scloding herself since the conversation had begun. She should have showed herself at the very beginning....

Shaking loose debris from her pretty white fur, she glanced over at Dawnpelt before addressing her mentor, "I didn't mean to hear anything...," she looked back to Dawnpelt. She respected the senior warrior quite a lot and there was excitement inside her now that she knew the she-cat would be having kits. She couldn't wait to have her own. She just didn't understand why Dawnpelt didn't seem all that happy about it. If she didn't want the Clan to know who the father was, then it was her right not to tell anyone. Dovepaw just couldn't see the problem.

She dipped her head to older she-cat, "I promise... I won't tell anyone." She sat a little ways from the warriors, her head still down in apology. Though, a moment later, she raised her gaze to Dawnpelt, her pretty jade eyes sparkling, "But I can I play with your kits when you have them!?" Her shame seemed to vanish at the prospect, her ears perked once more as she sat up straight again. She couldn't even begin to grasp Dawnpelt's worry. Afterall, it was against the Warrior Code to harm any kit, no matter what... what could the she-cat possibly have to worry about? Dovepaw was nearly bouncing out of her skin with excitement. It had been a while since there were kits in the nursery....

[caracalfang]

*Redhawk tossed his head and laughed as his apprentice made a rebound of attitude. He had been worried he would have to try and cheer her up, but, ever eager to do anything with kits, she had perked up on her own at the prospect of playing with them. He laided his extra furry tail between her ears, the bushy-ness of it covering almost her whole head.* Have time and energy to play with kits, do you? Perhaps more training sessions? Tree climbing exercise? Night hunting practice? *He chuckled and shook his head again, leaving his tail where it was.* What say you, Dawnpelt? If she has the stuff left, can she play with them? Perhaps she could even help you take care of them. I know she would like that, and it would be good training for her. *He knew his apprentice wanted kits some day. Her eyes sparkled beautifully when she spoke of them. And he couldn't blame her. He wanted to be a father someday, himself.*

[cherryrose]

Dewnpelt was really alarmed when it seemed that yet another cat new her secret, even if it was not the full extent of it. She couldn’t help but wonder how long it would be until the rest of the Clan found out too. She knew that she didn’t have to tell anyone the father, but she couldn’t help but think they would find out one way or another.

As Dovepaw addressed her she snapped back into reality and looked at her carefully. ’Of course you can,’ she mewed calmly, although she had to hold back a sense of dread. What if she decided that she and her kits would be going to live with Maverick in the mountains? Then this apprentice would have no kits to play with and the whole Clan would lose respect for her.

As another cold breeze ruffled her fur she sighed and decided that Maverick was nowhere around and that even if he was he wouldn’t come with these other cats around her, it would be far to risky. Steadily she stood up onto her grey paws, her legs ached with cold as she had been sat there so long and she flicked her tail. ’Maybe it is time to head back…’ she mewed reluctantly throwing a last glance at the mountains before turning around.

[/color]

[[Sorry this is terrible...]]

[caracalfang]

((Naw, it's fine. Much like.))

*Redhawk simply frowned as he looked on. She was still troubled. And the fact that she kept looking at the mountain reassured his theory about the father. He sighed and gazed at her with worry before turning to address his apprentice.* Too right. But, we must cover our tails. In keeping with the spirit of secret-keeping, Dovepaw, we must have something to show for this outing. We need to find at least three pieces of fresh-kill to take back to the clan. Dawnpelt, we can do the hunting, but you should come with us so we can go strait back to the clan. You should be in camp right now anyway. Now, lets get our cover story! *He chuckled and looked at Dovepaw with a sparkle in his eye.* First one to two wins? Go! *And he made like he was going to dash off, hoping his apprentice would go on so he could have one final word with the queen before going to hunt as well.*

[Fate Admin]

Dovepaw's tail curled up happily as Dawnpelt said she could play with her kits. When she mentioned heading back, she shook herself slightly. The walk back to camp would do her cramped muscles good after crouching for so long.... Then Redhawk mentioned hunting. A contest? She would surely beat him at this! She was a horrible fighter, but hunting was something she could do well! She nodded and took no time in racing off. She'd show him, she'd catch all three pieces of prey before he caught one!

[cherryrose]

The grey she cat was so grateful for Redhawk being on her side and understanding part of what she was going through, although it would be impossible for him to hear her thoughts and to understand the aching in her heart. She just wished that she could tell her brother, her own flesh and blood, but how could she when he was so close to the leader and such a loyal senior warrior, unlike herself it seemed.

As Dovepaw raced off in search of the prey that she said she could find better than this amazing warrior that stood beside her she couldn’t help but smile a little, she hoped that no matter what happened her own kits would turn out to be so strong willed, but with a father like Maverick they were bound to. Looking at Redhawk she mewed, ’Looks like you have some competition! Best catch up with her, I will follow behind.’ She wanted to join in with the hunt but knew that if she so much as suggested it Redhawk would shoot her down and deny her doing so. So she didn’t bother…

[/color]

[caracalfang]

*Redhawk gave a quick nod and raised from his crouch. His apprentice, eager to compete, had barrled ahead just like he wanted. He took a deep breath and said * One last thing before I go. I understand if you reject the idea entirely, but it is an offer I want to make and I wish you to hear me out. What ever cat is the father of your kits, it makes you nervous to tell the clan. If you feel they will need some proof of the loyalty I know you posses and will not be satisfied with not knowing what cat sired them... you may tell them that I am the father of your kits. I would be honored to act as their father, and I know I can do it. Again, I understand completly if you don't want to. *He watched her face and hoped that she wouldn't take offense at his offer. After all, he would be putting himself at risk, too.