[h2][center][b][color=917655]Hawkstar[/color] and [color=EB8100]Gingerflame[/color][/b][/center][/h2]

The large tom watched carefully as more and more cats emerged from their dens and made their way around the camp. He was glad that so many of them were up already, although the blame could probably be put on the growing sun instead of just sheer dedication to get going. Nevertheless, letting himself believe the latter wasn’t harmful and always did put him in good spirits. 

[i]Let’s see, who’s up?[/i] Hawkstar instantly spotted Angelfeather, who, momentarily, was sitting at the entrance of the Warrior’s den before leaving to sit somewhere else. She was a good hunter, being quite the agile cat, and thus was a perfect choice to send on that hunting patrol which he’d planned earlier. 

He saw but a blur of greyish fur which seemed to have disappeared within the Elder’s den. Even though he didn’t see the cat clearly, he was more then positive that it was Stonepaw, an eager cat to say the least. He’d been told by Echotail that the little Apprentice was quite keen on hearing their stories. Which was good. Very good. The Elder’s gave himself so much wisdom as a young Warrior and was pleased that the same wisdom would be passed onto the young’uns of the clan. 

Speaking of Apprentices, his attention was caught by the appearance of Snowpaw as she exited the Apprentice’s den. [i]Ah, Snowpaw.[/i] She’d heard some good things about her from her mentor and, realising her strength in climbing, Hawkstar had been wanting to see how much this skill could help her with hunting. Birds tend to lay their eggs high up into the trees and it takes skilled cats to go up and retrieve them. Since, well, he’d have to admit, he does favour an egg or two every now and then and more cats who can climb, means more fresh-kill for the clan. He’d have to speak to her mentor, Tabbyfur, to see whether she feels that Snowpaw would be up to it. New-leaf always brings around new batches of eggs, so it’d be a sound time to train up the young Apprentice’s skills. 

[color=EB8100]“Drifting in thought again, are we?”[/color] The Queen prodded, dragging him away from his train of thought. 

The tom smiled heartily, for a moment there, he had completely forgotten he was sat next to the she-cat. [color=917655]“There’s nothing wrong with letting your mind wonder occasionally.”[/color] He spoke, peering down towards her bulging stomach as she sat there. [color=917655]“Third litter, now, isn’t it?”[/color]

Gingerflame chuckled, apparently, she too was in good spirits today. [color=EB8100]“Oh yes. You’d have thought we’d stop at the first one, but oh no...”[/color] She trailed off, smirking at her Leader like a frolicking kit. [color=EB8100]“He just can’t keep his paws away from me, you see.”[/color]

Hawkstar chuckled along side her, the light-hearted atmosphere bringing a smile to his face. He was pleasantly surprised when he saw Silverstorm walk back into camp, bringing forth quite the bundle of fresh-kill. [i]Thank StarClan the prey was coming back after a tiresome leaf-bare.[/i] Even though the warrior was still young, she had proved herself many times to be a well respected member of ThunderClan. Her diplomatic skills are a sight to behold, especially from a inexperienced cat like her. It normally takes years for a cat to learn such control, well, it did for him anyway. But, what Silverstorm possessed was something which he noticed in her since she was a kit. He knew Ravencoat had a particular fondness for the she-cat, since even though it was Hawkstar who was actually Silverstorm's mentor, Ravencoat used to take her out for little training sessions whenever they were free. He too, like Hawkstar, saw potential and wanted to improve her cross-clan discussion skills. When the time comes for Ravencoat to surpass him and become Leader, he’d bet nine mouses that he’d choose Silverstorm to be Deputy. Hopefully, that won’t happen for a while, since Hawkstar had no desire to let go of his title just yet. 

[color=EB8100]“I like her.”[/color] As if the ginger cat had over-heard his thoughts, she whispered quietly to him. 

He looked at her, slightly surprised, but giving her a banterous grin nonetheless. [color=917655]“Who are you and what have you done to Gingerflame?”[/color]

She chuckled silently, turning her head away, and then back towards the tom. [color=EB8100]“I may not be a diplomat myself...”[/color]

[color=917655]“What, really? I never...”[/color]

[color=EB8100]“But. I’m not blind to see that, sometimes, things may be better resolved, differently...”[/color] Gingerflame announced, nodding to herself as she watched the she-cat bring in more fresh-kill. 

Hawkstar paused, allowing the Queen’s words to sink in. And with a suddenly serious tone, he spoke. [color=917655]“Ravencoat has gotten to you, hasn’t he?”[/color]

Gingerflame turned to look at him, matching his serious tone, she replied, [color=EB8100]“...yes.”[/color] The two cats laughed, allowing themselves to relax in each others company. 

Once they saw Silverstorm near them, they straightened themselves out. Hawkstar nodded respectfully at Silverstorm, thanking her for the fresh-kill she’d brought in that morning. 

[color=EB8100]“Thank you, Silverstorn.”[/color] Gingerflame spoke contently, looking down longingly at the plump vole the slender cat had pushed in front of her. Thinking about it, she was rather hungry. A side effect from being pregnant, your appetite gets big and merciless. Hawkstar was also pleased with the mouse brought to him, happily digging into his meal once he saw the fresh-kill pile was now a nice size. [i]That hunting group can wait till later.[/i]

Before Gingerflame even had time to tuck into her meal, a loud, ginger and black ball of fur scampered towards her.[i] Shadowpaw[/i]. Like always, making an entrance. The Queen looked at him with a loving smile as he licked her on the cheek. Unfortunately though, she couldn’t get a word in edgeways before her son bundled off towards the fresh-kill pile. She sighed, shaking her head as she watched him dart away. [color=EB8100]“He takes after his father...”[/color]