☼WindClan: Home of the Swift and Loyal |☾ ☼ ϟ ≈ ☁| ☼

Ashsong gave a nod of agreement, looking back at Grasslight, “You can bring them to me.” She said, “I’m sure I’ll have plenty of milk for them.”

Cloudkit and Berrykit squeaked as they nursed from their mother, their little paws kneading at Ashsong.

Brownleaf didn't reply to Siltpath. He wasn't so sure that he could trust the other WindClan cats, despite what the code says. His gaze finally shifted as he felt Siltpath's movement, and followed his glance to Grasslight. He stiffened, waiting for her to speak.

Eclipsesky sat back once he had diligently warmed them all up, satisfied that the kits would be fine once they got some milk in them. He frowned when his eyes caught on Clovekit, her fur pattern looked rather familiar... she couldn't be. He looked up, face turning rather grim as he locked eyes with Brownleaf. He got up, joining the crowd. "You can take them out of my den now. They're fine." He mewed firmly, not wanting to dwell on his realization too much. Brownleaf was a good cat, he reminded himself. Without her, these kits would be fine. The voice in his head didn't sound very reassured though.

Sagefoot hurried to tell Swiftstar the news the second Grasslight had mentioned Ashsong's name. She missed Grasslight's second question in her haste. The deputy had not noticed the kits looks on their trek back to camp. 

Siltpath tensed at the abruptness of Eclipsesky’s words, though it was Grasslight’s question and Brownleaf’s answer that really made the young Warrior feel a jolt of sadness for Brownleaf.

Grasslight nodded slowly, eyes unreadable for a moment before she swallowed and mewed. “Okay… Let’s get these kits to the nursery, and go from there. I imagine there’s a reason these kits are being brought here and not staying out with… her.” She flicked her ear, not yet knowing that Meadowbrook had died kitting, assuming instead that Meadowbrook had just abandoned the kits. It wouldn’t surprise her if she did.

Grasslight was stunned into silence at that, and while she held no remorse in her feelings of anger and hatred towards Meadowbrook, she also couldn’t help but feel a tugging at the parts of her that were a mother and a mate. She knew how deeply Brownleaf had loved Meadowbrook. As much as she wanted to question how Brownleaf had known this and why he was out where she had been, she also knew that it wasn’t her interrogation to hold.

Instead, she watched Brownleaf, Siltpath, and Palegaze take the kits, and prayed to Starclan that this meant Meadowbrook’s looming presence was gone for good.

Siltpath picked up another kit quickly, giving the cats in the medicine den a defensive look, before rushing quickly after Brownleaf.

Palegaze's ears flattened at his cousin's harsh words, swallowing a growl. He bore as much love for Meadowbrook as any other cat in the Clan, but these three were kits, nothing more and nothing less. He felt his heart stutter when Brownleaf immediately revealed everything, but also a hint of pride at the bravery his fellow tunneler displayed for the sake of his kits. He scooped the kit into his jaws once more before following into the nursery, gently placing her beside Ashsong, watching as she lifted her into the curve of her belly.

Though the timing wasn't...ideal, Palegaze still dipped his head to the queen and her mate. "Congratulations, Ashsong, Thorndash," he meowed quietly. "Please take care of these three, as well." With that, the albino tom slipped quickly from the nursery and into the sandy clearing of the camp, wondering if he should speak with Eclipsesky.

Eclipseseky watched the warriors take the kits before settling back into his nest with a sigh. He had done his job, he had made sure the kits were warm and now they would be fed. He knew he would have to check in on them later as much as he didn't want to. He flicked his ears, wondering what Swiftstar would say when he found out.

Eclipsesky raised his head, blinking as Palegaze padded in. He looked at the rabbit with a frown, his stomach was still twisting in knots at the thought of her. "Hi." he returned, his voice flat. "Where'd you find them? W-was she there?"

Brownleaf entered the nursery last, the small kit in his jaws letting out a tiny mew as she was lowered onto the soft moss. He glanced up as he saw Thorndash tense, and forced his fur not to bristle at the reaction. He turned his attention to Ashsong, suddenly remembering she was Meadowbrook's sister. These kits were her family too, hopefully she would be accepting of them. "They need to eat." He said simply, knowing she would quickly recognize the scent on the kits' fur. He didn't speak further, waiting for her reaction with a guarded expression.

Eclipsesky's ears flattened, hoping Meadowbrook was trapped forever in the dark forest away from him and the clan. "Brownleaf is a good cat, but he shouldn't have been there with her." he mewed with a small growl. "I'll accept those kits have a place here because of him, but I don't have to like it."

Ashsong’s eyes widened for a split second when she took in the kit’s appearance before she flicked her ear, shaking away the thought like a piece of cobweb. She swept the kits closer to her belly with her tail, looking up at Brownleaf and giving a nod, “Of course. I’ll care for them as if they are my own.” She mewed firmly, giving Thorndash a steely look as if to challenge him to protest against her decision.

Brownleaf flooded with relief at Thorndash and Ashsong's words. "Thank you." His voice was quiet, grateful. "I... I know it's a lot to ask... but I don't know what else I could do." He suddenly admitted, a fraction of his inner fear slipping out. He had no idea how to be a father, how he could learn to act like one. Especially alone, now, without a mate.

Eclipsesky steeled his gaze as Palegaze seemed to call him out, he was not in the mood to talk about anything related to that right now. "Ashsong will care for them I'm sure. I'll do what I need to do and nothing more. Swiftstar hasn't even said they could stay yet. His word is law." 

Eclipsesky scoffed, "Yes, but Swiftstar said he was not accepting any more forbidden relationships in the clan, and as far as I remember Meadowbrook was not a member of Windclan." he spat out. He couldn't remember ever feeling this bitter during a conversation with Palegaze, he was usually a source of comfort for the medicine cat. Eclipsesky shook his head, "Whatever Swiftstar decides, I'll comply with. I'm loyal to our clan and the medicine cat code. You know that Palegaze." he mewed, eyes flashing with challenge.