In the days that followed, something changed in Tigerstar. Whatever it was, it made Hopeflame uneasy. He was more irritable and paced around the camp in an almost paranoid manner. She made sure to steer clear of him and keep her kits far away.

That was proving more difficult as the days went on. They were growing more bold, often trying to sneak out of camp. It took her, Featherstream, Tawnypelt, and Sorreltail to keep all the kits in line. At least Talonkit, Daisykit, and Foxkit were still a bit too young to leave the nursery. Sorreltail just recently moved into the nursery expecting Gorsefur's kits.

Even now, Hopeflame bathed in the sun next to Featherstream and Sorreltail as they kept a close eye on the kits. Shadowkit and Riverkit tumbled in the snow with Stormkit while Windkit talked excitedly with Silverkit. Thunderkit had asked to visit the healer den.

She worried what Tigerstar or even Brambleclaw would say if they knew Thunderkit was showing interest in healing. There was still stigma around being a healer instead of a warrior. It's as if Tigerstar completely ignored how vital healers were to the health and safety of the clan. They saved lives, but Tigerstar only saw it as a soft profession.

Hopeflame doubted that Tigerstar would allow Thunderkit to become a healer.

"So, Sorreltail," Featherstream glanced at the tortoiseshell and white she-cat. "With you in the nursery, who's mentoring Smallpaw?"

It was a valid question. Onewhisker had taken over mentoring Heatherpaw when Tawnypelt joined the nursery.

Sorreltail looked over to where Smallpaw shared a mouse with Leafpaw. A flash of guilt passed across her face. "She'll be made a warrior very soon. Until then, Owlgaze offered." She met Hopeflame's gaze and they shared a knowing look.

It's only been a few days since Ebonypaw's death and Owlgaze seemed to be taking it hard. He rarely spent any time in the camp and was constantly trying to keep himself busy. Hopeflame had tried talking to her brother, but he seemed inconsolable. She imagined that he'd offered to train Smallpaw because she was Ebonypaw's littermate.

Sudden squealing drew her attention to where Stormkit and Shadowkit tussled while Riverkit looked on.

"Pinned you!" Stormkit yowled triumphantly as he pinned Shadowkit beneath his paws.

Shadowkit squirmed. "No fair! You're bigger!"

The two kits began to bicker and Hopeflame sighed. "I've got this." She hauled herself to her paws and ambled over to the pair of young toms. "What's the matter?" She asked them.

"Stormkit pinned me and wouldn't let me up!" Shadowkit whined. His dark tabby pelt bristling with indignation.

Stormkit narrowed his eyes at his playmate. "We were practicing battle moves like real warriors! If I were a real warrior I'd claw you!"

Hopeflame shot Stormkit a warning look. "Well, you're not warriors yet, you're kits. Practicing battle moves is all well, but make sure you let him up once you've pinned him."

The light brown tabby tom lowered his head. "Yes, Hopeflame."

She gave them both an affectionate lick on the ear. "Now, when you're practicing battle moves, make sure that you're practicing your balance."

Riverkit bounced over to join them, excitement glittering in her green eyes. "Show us!" She begged.

Hopeflame's whiskers twitched in amusement at her daughter's antics. "Very well."

Before she could say anything else, Riverkit called out, "Windkit, Silverkit! Hopeflame's going to teach us some battle moves!"

The two she-kits raced over excitedly and Hopeflame realized she had their undivided attention. "One thing that a warrior cannot fight without is balance," She told them. "You'll need to practice that before you perform any extravagant battle moves."

Hopeflame reared onto her hind legs, balancing almost perfectly. She wobbled a little and realized her time in the nursery has made her a little soft. "See? It's all about control. Now you try."

Each of the kits tried balancing on their hind legs. Windkit stuck out her tongue in concentration, but she held the position longer than the others. Stormkit kept trying but tumbled within heartbeats. Riverkit and Silverkit did alright, and Shadowkit got the hang of it after a few tries.

"Good, Windkit," Hopeflame meowed proudly. "You too, Silverkit."

"Ugh, this is stupid!" Stormkit growled with frustration.

Hopeflame padded over to him. "Try again."

He reared on his hind legs and Hopeflame used her forepaws to steady him. "Focus on your core. That's your center of balance."

Stormkit concentrated hard and he soon was able to hold the position longer. "I did it!" He said with a lash of his tail.

Hopeflame spent the rest of the morning teaching the kits to balance. By the time they finished, each of the kits had improved significantly. She puffed her pelt out in pride at helping them accomplish such good balance for their age. Realization dawned on her and her shoulders slumped: she missed being a mentor.

She adored her kits and loved being a mother, but a part of her missed hunting and patrolling. She missed being a mentor. The forest called her and it was frustrating that she couldn't answer it. Brambleclaw got to continue with his warrior and deputy duties!

Hopeflame stopped herself. No, it wasn't fair to be frustrated with Brambleclaw. Kits are what they both wanted. She knew what she was giving up when she became pregnant. Still, she couldn't fight the itch. Perhaps one of these days, the other queens could keep any eye on her kits while she joined a hunt.

As if on cue, Brambleclaw entered the camp with his patrol. He caught sight of her and weaved his way through the camp towards her. His scent washed over her and she felt an immediate calming effect.

Brambleclaw brushed his cheek against hers in greeting. She purred at his touch. He visited her and the kits in the nursery whenever he could, but his deputy duties kept him very busy. Often times he didn't get around to seeing them until twilight when the clan started settling down for the day.

"I've missed you," Brambleclaw whispered in her ear, his breath warm against it.

Hopeflame licked his cheek. "Me too."

By this time, the kits had run off with Featherstream who was helping them pick pieces from the fresh-kill pile. Thunderkit had joined them and was sharing a vole with Riverkit.

"You've been cooped up in camp all day." Brambleclaw touched his tail to her shoulder. "Do you think Featherstream and Tawnypelt would watch the kits so we can go on a walk?"

Hopeflame brightened at the idea. "I'll go ask them!"

She bounded across camp to where Featherstream was grabbing a fish for Silverkit and Stormkit. Her half-sister didn't need much convincing and Hopeflame was soon returning to Brambleclaw's side. "Let's go."

Without another word, Brambleclaw and Hopeflame raced from camp side by side. They didn't say a word, just ran through the forest without a care in the world. The snow kicked up behind them and a breeze wove through the trees. Hopeflame picked up prey scents and itched to stop and hunt. Maybe another time.

"Race you to Sunningrocks!" Brambleclaw yowled.

Hopeflame picked up the pace and veered in the direction of Sunningrocks. She was right on his tail. Brambleclaw swerved to avoid a thicket of snow-covered brush. Hopeflame had to slow down to avoid it, her reflexes a little slow.

She sped up in an attempt to close the gap between her and Brambleclaw. The trees thinned up ahead and she caught a glimpse of Sunningrocks. Within a few heartbeats, she emerged from the tree-line and trotted the rest of the way. Her breathing was a little labored from the run.

"Are you alright?" He brushed his muzzle against hers.

Hopeflame wheezed. "Just a little out of shape."

Brambleclaw beckoned her to follow him and they laid side by side on the Sunningrocks. Despite the descending sun, the rocks still offered her a bit of warmth. She leaned into Brambleclaw and closed her eyes.

"Soon our kits will be apprenticed and you'll return to warrior duties." Brambleclaw reminded her gently. "You'll feel strong again in no time."

Hopeflame felt grateful to Brambleclaw once again. He somehow always knew what to say to ease her worries. They stayed like that until the sun dipped below the horizon. Then they walked back to camp with their fur brushing.