The Sun Shines for You

Bright new-leaf sunbeams shone down on his sleek pelt as Leopardclaw grabbed a fat dove from the top of the fresh-kill pile and headed towards the nursery, a slight bounce in his step. Hazel eyes gleaming happily, the large tom ducked down and entered the cozy den, quickly catching sight of his beautiful mate laying in her nest. Setting the dove down at her paws, the golden spotted tabby tom nuzzled her and swept a loving lick over her cheek before meowing; "Here's for you and the kits." Turning, he gazed around to greet his three children; now that they were old enough he wanted to spend some time with them.

The pale golden kit glanced at his father and he smiled happily to him. Reedkit stood up and approached him with clumsy and excited steps. "Dad! It's so good to see you!" He meowed with a gleam on his green eyes. Then, he looked back at the dove and turned his attention to the bigger cat "Did you catch that, dad? You must be a great hunter! Once I'm an apprentice, can we hunt together?" The little tom admired his father with all his heart. One day, he wanted to be a good warrior like him or her mother.

Cherrykit came bouncing from the back of the nursery, pressing up against her father's side with a loud purr. "Dad's the greatest hunter ever!" She cheered, leaning over him to get a look at the dove he'd brought in. "I want all of us to hunt together!" She added on, her eyes gleaming.

Leopardclaw gazed down and purred a greeting to Reedkit, his only son. Looking at his kit's own golden spotted pelt, he could help but feel a tinge of amazement and pride at his very existence. Bending down, Leopardclaw nuzzled Reedkit before purring a reply. "I didn't catch this one this time, that glory belongs to another warrior, but believe me I've caught doves twice as large as this guy." Nudging the fat bird with his back paw, he sat down and flashed Reedkit a proud smile. He was about to reply, when he felt another warm pelt press against his side. Looking down, he came nose to nose with little Cherrykit. Nuzzling her as well, Leopardclaw gave her a quick lick on the ear before speaking. "Someday, I'll teach both of you how to catch doves, and Honeykit too! We can all go hunting together, as a family."

's wars pricked as She heard a name. She lifted her head and opened her mossy colored eyes. She looked at her father and tilted her head slightly. "Oh hi daddy"she said and got to her paws stubby fluffy tail standing straight up.

Lichenfang was resting quietly unaware that her kits had stirred and left her side. She had been relaxing fast asleep for the moment up until she caught the lingering scent of dove. She blinked her moss green eyes opened and lifted her head. She smiled as she seen Leopardclaw."thank you Leopardclaw"she purred adjusting herself into a comfortable half sitting up

Reedkit turned back his gaze to his mother with a bright smile. The tom trotted to her happily and started jumping excited next to her in the nest. "Good morning mommy!" He meowed. "Do you also catch birds like this when you're doing your warrior duties? Will you accompany us with daddy to hunt together once we are apprentices? Please, mommy!" The kit was so excited about being one day an apprentice of a warrior and he wanted to make his parents proud so he wanted to prove Leopardclaw and Lichenfang that he could be a great hunter and fighter just like them.

Cherrykit remained at her spot laying on Leopardclaw, watching her brother bounce and purring loudly in response. "I'm sososo excited to hunt with you mommy!" The little kitten squealed, her eyes glittering. "Me and you and daddy and Honeykit and Reedkit!" She added on excitedly, grinning merrily.

Leopardclaw blinked softly at Honeykit as she crawled out of Lichenfang's nest, glad to see all three of his kits up and about.  As they began to ask and badger their mother about the hunting trip, Leopardclaw laid down on the mossy nursery floor to let Cherrykit crawl over him, laughing at her enthusiasm.  "How about it love?  Think we can handle all three of these little hunters on our own?"  Gazing at his mate with a lovingly amused expression, he watched as the kits continued to bounce around and chatter away.

Lichenfang purred happily"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea"she mewed smiling some."I think it would be a great family experience"she mewed.