Smokethroat’s paws make no sound on the misty forest floor. Every step feels as if she is stepping on air. As she passes the Twolegplace, crossing the border back into LaurelClan, she hears a muffled scream. she runs to the noise, to see a strange cat has cornered Laurelstar and has their claws above his throat. they stink of Thornclan. She hears Laurelstar scream once more, then jolts awake. “Smokethroat? are you ok? you were fighting the moss in your nest!” says her apprentice, Warrenpaw. “Y-yeah. always 100%, kit.” she says. Warrenpaws eyes flit to the door. “Uhh… sure. just checking.” he says. He nuzzles her neck, and bounds out the door. “So happy. I’d better tell Laurelstar what I saw…, “ she thinks. Smokethroat exits the den. She is startled to see Bramblefox waiting for her when she does. “Hey. Were you ok? I heard a lot of thrashing.” he says. * oh god did EVERY cat hear that* Smokethroat thinks. “yeah, I’m ok. just one of those days, you know?” she says. “Yeah, totally. Anyway, seems like Warrenpaws eager for training today.” he responds. “I have some business first.” Smokethroat states. Smokethroat goes to the leaders den. when she enters, Laurelstar’s voice makes her jump, as he speaks from behind her. “And what was it you wanted to talk about?” He twines his tail around hers. She says, “Um.. I had a dream….” The two talk for a while, then she steps out, mentally begging for sleep, but keeps out a strong front. She finishes the day, and falls asleep quickly. The clutches of sleep slowly take her away…. she enters a starry sky, feeling lush grass beneath her feet, and smelling a sweet scent. a familiar tabby walks up to her and says “Danger crawls beneath the surface, Smokethroat. Watch the warren, or the shadows will claim the Clan.” Smokethroat says, “Momma?” Chapter 2. Smokethroat wakes with a gasp. "A warren? The rabbit burrows near the ThornClan border! That's where they are going to ambush Laurelstar!" She thinks. “I’ve finally got it!” She bounds out the door almost not noticing Bramblefox leaning against the side, rolling his eyes. “Got somewhere to be, huh?” he says. “Going to *talk* with Laurelstar again?” She pads past him, saying “oh give up, Bramblefox. You have a thing for Jadewhisker anyway, why does it matter?” (BURN) A wave of peace hits her when she smells the scent of kits, “aww. Russetfern must’ve had her kits last night.” she thinks. She heads to the nursery. When she entered the nursery, memories flood back to her. her late sister, her mother, her dad, everyone in her life flashes in her head. She holds the kits, full of joy, but one tear escapes from her eyes. one tear, for one sister.
