Spring's Shine [C]

Maplespring had dozed off earlier in the afternoon, just as the sun had began setting. It was so easy to fall asleep these days, especially given the fact she was following after five kits at once. Well, more like four, given Sleepykit had been so, so much more timid than the rest. Her tendencies to do nothing but sleep worried the queen from time to time, but, she kept going every single day. Just like Maplespring did. She herself could feel weariness of a different type tugging at her bones, and even noticed in the reflection of the ponds near the edges of camp that her fur didn't look as full as it used to. She looked much more... dull. Like leaf-fall.

Nevertheless, her head rose at the call of the deputy. Her green eyes even seemed more dull than usual, and it took effort to heave herself upwards. Her kits were probably off playing, given that they were old enough to do such. She trusted them enough to play, and trusted her instincts to drag her outside should they be causing too much trouble. "Evening, Poppyshine." She greeted back, dipping her head as she pawed the moss closer to her. Instinctually she began kneading it into her bed, her claws tearing away the old bits. It took... so much energy. But she managed. "Oh, same as always." Maplespring acknowledged. "How about you? Still getting around just fine?" She knew the deputy was an expecting mother herself, and perhaps that was why it was so easy to get along with her.

Maplespring couldn't help but chuckle at the idea of Poppyshine tirelessly working, even while she was practically waddling across camp. "Trust me, I would've been the same way." Actually carrying kits was strangely easier and harder at the same time than actually attempting to herd them once they were in the world. At the very least, they stayed all in one place, even if it sometimes had felt like she was dragging a fox across her back when walking. Even with all that said, the queen knew she wouldn't trade motherhood for anything else in the world.

"I'm alright, but I appreciate it. Truly, Poppyshine, your kits are going to have an amazing mother if you have such a big heart for even me of all cats." She complimented the calico molly, headbutting her shoulder playfully as they both worked to settle Maplespring's refreshed nest. Once it was, she instantly settled back down, and it was like a big wave of relief settling over her. "I'm really thankful that Riverclan was graceful enough to take me in. After how upset Shrikestar was... I'm very thankful." She rambled a bit. It seemed about every other time Poppyshine came around, she said thank you in some way. It was practically an old drone at this point, but it was one that she made a point to make.

Maplespring looked down at her paws, bashful at the compliment the deputy offered her way. Foolish to get rid of her? She'd broken the code, it almost surprised the golden tabby she hadn't been banished sooner. After all, it wasn't just the litter of kits between Owlshriek and herself that she had technically broken the code for. She had let him rest on Windclan territory, and even brought Riverclan prey.

"He is a rather charming cat, isn't he?

Oh, stars. That barely scratched the surface.

"Owlshriek is... certainly charming, to say the least." She chuckled. "It's kind of hard not to fall head-over-paws for a tom who saved your life... twice. Especially with that striking dark pelt... He never hesitated to help me, either. He's got a good heart." Maplespring continued. It felt so easy to talk to Poppyshine, as if she was a sister. "Even if he's full of pride. That pride is in the right places."

Maplespring couldn't help but look awkwardly down at her paws as Poppyshine spoke about how her mate had broken the code for her. It was hard not to feel some type of second-paw embarrassment, especially when she herself was the cat in question. The exact statement had applied to her, too. After all, she had had a mate back in Windclan, and a kit. The disappearance of both surely had left a rather large wound in her heart, but it wasn't an excuse to go breaking the code to fill her sorrows. A small smile rested on her features, but it was much more friendly than anything. "Yeah, I don't quite understand why it's so rigid." She nodded. But it was a much larger bashfulness that brought heat to her ears at Poppyshine's compliment. "Oh... Thank you, Poppyshine. Riverclan has been quite lovely, I'm very glad you all gave me a place to stay." It was the truth. Shrikestar had wanted nothing to do with her, and if anything, she was glad that she had told him sooner rather than later. The image of having to somehow carry all five of her kits out of Windclan to hopefully find a home flashed in her mind, especially somehow crossing the Gorge with them all. It wasn't a great picture, and so she shook it from her mind. No, the present was much, much better. "I have no doubt I made the right choice bringing my kits here. They certainly much more fit in here with Riverclan."

Maplespring gave a solid nod. "I'm quite excited as well. Truly, I don't worry about any of them. Even if Sleepypaw is a bit less energetic than the rest, I know she still works really hard." She commented. All of her kits had their own vibrant personalities to them, none of them brought any dull moments. Mimicking the movements of the deputy, she settled onto her own paws, purring with content. "It's certainly a different game when they're your own kits. I truly appreciate all of the help you've been, it's nice to not be the only one they constantly ask everything to." She gave a gentle laugh, her eyes sleepily half-closing. "I Have no doubt about it you'll be a wonderful mother, though. Your kits certainly are lucky."