just following the job description [o]

Over time, the elders' den had emptied, leaving Wisteriabloom its sole inhabitant. It made sense - she was the youngest by quite a bit - but it was still lonely. She lay alone in a rare spot of winter sun, where the snow had melted enough so that she could see the ground. The last leaf-bare she remembered had been much warmer, even if it had felt like a shock at the time. Her long, thick pelt was fluffed up in a bid to keep the wind away, and she rested her head on her paws, enjoying the sound of movements around camp.

The elder had never expected this to be how her life went. But then again, she was never meant to lose Shrikefrost. She was never meant to spend most of her warriorhood fighting in a rebellion. But at least it meant good stories to tell to wide-eyed kits, and, after all, what else were elders for?

Poppykit needed a break from the nursery. She loved the queens and loved the other kits, but even she grew tired sometimes. Metaphorically, for she wasn't tired enough for a nap. So she took up her time by wandering around the camp, but there didn't seem to be anything exciting to do. No apprentices she knew to bother, and she didn't dare waste a warrior's time by interrupting them. She had all but given up when she passed a lone elder basking in a spot of sun.

Her tail immediately straightened with excitement. She had yet to directly speak to Wisteriabloom, though she had occasionally joined some of the other kits that hounded her for stories. Wisteriabloom was their great elder, and Poppykit's excitement drew her over to where the fluffy cat was lying.

"Hello, Wisteriabloom," she said, trying not to use her usual loud, excited call. The queen's emphasized respect for the elders most of all. "Are you enjoying the day?" She settled down on the ground before her, watching with big, curious eyes.