I'm Just Trying To Help... (closed for Ash)

Beetlekit stared at his paws, pondering with a hurt soul over what he was doing. He spat out the few goatweed leaves he had hidden in his mouth, which landed gracefully over the small sparrow he had picked from the fresh-kill pile to give Ashstar. After a few minutes in which be felt tears over-coming him, he cut a small gash in the prey's body and put the goatweed leaves in, before pulling his frustration back and taking in a deep breath.

"Ashstar? Kestrelcloud said I should bring you some fresh prey." he meowed, leaving the sparrow at her paws, looking awkward. He eyed the sparrow nervously. It should be small enough that it's guarranted she will eat some leaves... he hoped.

Ashstar lay lethargically in her den, stretched out across the floor, staring into space. She knew she should sleep, but she feared the inevitable nightmares. She knew she should eat, but she couldn't bring herself to. Not while her son was suffering like this. Not while RiverClan grew fat on their bloodlust and pride. Beetlekit's voice woke her up, though she barely twitched an ear to acknowledge the tom. Kestrelcloud.... Where has she been lately? The scrawny gray she-cat's mouth watered at the piece of prey the kit dragged in. Though she didn't want to eat while her Clan starved, the sparrow smelled so juicy.... And she hadn't eaten in two sunrises.... The leader's body yearned for the fresh, woodsy taste of fresh-kill. Almost against her will, Ashstar sat up and began to devour the sparrow. It tasted a little strange, but that was probably just because she was so starving. She couldn't place the flavor. Just eating half the bird made her feel a lot better, and strangely happier. She smiled kindly at the young tom and pushed the remains towards him. "Would you like some, Beetlekit? You look like you could use some fattening up before the hardest part of leaf-bare kicks in."

Beetlekit sat down, his dark fur brushing the dusty ground. At the suggestion of Ashstar, he shook his head slighty. "Aye, no thanks, miss. I've had my full." he refused the prey, not wanting to do such thing as eat the herbs he had stocked for the leader. Every bite he would take would mean on less day in which the herbs would be enough for her.

Ashstar nodded, though she was a little concerned. The kit looked rather thin, for a kit. "Why don't you give it to Cedarfur, then?" she suggested kindly. "Or maybe Smokepelt? I'm sure he could use food, definitely. You may have to help him eat it, though." What was this... strange feeling? She  felt relaxed, kind of loose-limbed.Why wasn't she angry at Fishstar anymore? She was, but she wasn't. Something about that was concerning. Her head felt fuzzy. "Here, I-I'll come with you." The gray she-cat tried to stand up,  but she was so drowsy she couldn't really move. "Oops." The leader giggled. Wait, giggled? What was wrong with her? What was... what was in that sparrow? As suddenly as the thoughts came, they were gone, and Ashstar lay limp on the floor. She felt oddly relaxed as her body finally made her sleep. Her eyes were filled with confusion and a bit of fear before they drooped shut, leaving an unnaturally peaceful look on her weary face.

Beetlekit smiled softly as the keader fell asleep onnthe ground, pea efully. He pushed away the rest of the sparrow, taking care to not forget it upon leaving the den. He layed down and curled next to the leader, sleepy himself. It will be fine. You did the right thing to do... Ashstar will be more calm and happy now, and we will survive this harsh leaf-bare...