"Thanks for not eating me, Whistletoe," Owlkit mewled as Nettlefang picked him up. He stared at the large cat in unhidden awe and waved a small paw as he was carried away. The little kit was fascinated by the powerful cat. There was no one like him in the clan—no, in the whole forest! He shivered in excitement. Wait until his mother and siblings heard about this. Speaking of which...

Owlkit grinned when he spotted Willowkit and Sagekit. He scampered to them as soon as he was set down, his fur fluffed with excitement. "You won't believe what happened! I saw something better than a smelly badger. I saw a cat as big as...as the mountain!" It wasn't true, but it wasn't false either. Just something to make the story exciting. "And he almost ate me but I managed to fight him off and he became my friend and it turns out his name was Whistletoe and I got to ride on his back and..." The black kit continued his exaggerated ramblings, oblivious to the hysterical queen behind him.

"What in the name of Starclan were you thinking?!" Ravenfeather dove onto her kit, covering hum with frantic licks. "I told you to never leave camp on your own, and what did you do?!" She sighed and gratefully nodded to Nettlefang. "I'm sorry for this troublesome kit. Thank you so much for bringing him back."
[hr]
Ripplepaw remained light on her feet, her steps nimble as she dodged her mentor's blows. Several times the hits connected, but they were light and quick. [i]Only because this is training,[/i] she chided herself. [i]In a true battle, I would be dead.[/i] Ripplepaw feigned to the left before sharply lunging right towards a small opening. Her small form collided into Nightmist's as she aimed to tackle her mentor.
[hr]
"Kittypet, no," Roseclaw said as she raced through the undergrowth. "Dumb, very much so." Her pace quickened as she heard familiar voices up ahead.

Briar offered a sheepish shrug and nudged the dead bird forward with his paw. "I just wanted to pay a visit and share some news. Sometimes I forget how strict you lot are with your borders."

"Just like you forgot my multiple past warnings." Roseclaw stepped out, scowling at her kin. The two were truly polar opposites in temper, yet outside they were near undistinguishable. The same sandy pale fur, same small frame, even the same stubborn glint in their eyes. The medicine cat flushed as she glanced at the patrol, clearly trying to hide her embarrassment. "Briar, what are you even doing here? I told you before and I'll tell you again: leave!"

The loner smiled crookedly and waved his tail. "Just wanted to pay a visit. And look, I brought a gift!" His smile wavered at Roseclaw's persistent scowl. "I promise I'll leave soon. I really did just want to see you and warn you that there's been some strange scents around your side of the river."