Crusades to Adore Her (c)

The fluffy tabby and white she-cat gently nudged her sister awake as the morning light shone into the apprentice den. Yewpaw was out training, and Honeypaw was probably out being useful. Cricketpaw felt no such drive. SkyClan was simply a protective buffer for her and her siblings. She owned no loyalty to anyone but her littermates. Everything else was neatly slotted into survival. It made her life simple, and eased the raging, snarling beast that prowled uneasily in her gut. Make connections, wear the right mask, and she was left to love and protect her littermates, and in turn, they loved and protected her.

“C’mon Myrtlepaw, I want to show you something.” She whispered. Cricketpaw stuck to her sister’s side as they made their way out of camp, glancing shyly at the passing warriors. Finally free in the forest, tall towering trees and away from the prying eyes of the clan, the tabby and white she-cat beamed up at her sibling, excitement clear in the pointed interest of her ears and the confident way her tail swayed as she bounded through the snow. “Look.” She said quietly, glancing up at a tall tree, its bark twisted in an intricate spiral. “Stoatclaw told me this tree was struck by lightning and that’s why the bark looks like that.” She flicked her fluffy tail, and pushed through the undergrowth surrounding the tree.

“It’s a good hiding spot back here. I showed because I know you’ll keep it between us.” Cricketpaw’s mismatched eyes glittered with warmth. “It can be our secret meeting place.” The tabby and white she-cat tucked her paws under her chest as she settled down, looking very pleased with her discovery.