Blood and Snow

Nettle's Secret ~Exclusive~

This takes place before the ceremony

        Nettle pushed her way past the moss that led to the outside. She looked back to see Tala, her dearest friend and little Snow who slept in blissful peace. Guilt tugged at her, but she had to go or he might think that she was not coming. A smile was brought to her face as she trudged forward and thought of him. Handsome, kind, loyal... It made jitters go through her spine and temptation yearned at her heart. The entire way there made her feel light and airy. She made her way through the forest, weaving passed familiar landmarks.

She climbed a steep hill that was blooming with new leaf flowers. The moon shone down on her, making her pelt illuminated. When she reached the top, she saw him. Her legs seemed to turn into water and her cheeks felt as if they were on fire. A fluffy brown tabby and white tom stood beside a crooked oak tree. He made eye contact with her and purred. Both of them walked toward each other. Nettle dug her face into his chest as a greeting and he placed his head on top of hers and licked Nettle's ears.

"How are you, Astrid?" Nettle asked, purring loudly.

"Great now that you're here," he replied. Nettle chuckled and broke apart from him and walked to the crooked tree, her tail brushing against his pelt as she walked. Astrid turned and followed her. They both settled down and snuggled.

"Have you thought about my offer yet?" Nettle asked, breaking the silence. He looked at her sleepily and shrugged.

"I just don't know if other cats would like me. You said it yourself." he sighed.

"But just because you are from the other group doesn't mean they'll never like you, love." Nettle pressed. She looked dead into his eyes. "You don't even like where you are now. If you join you will have a place, you will have a home, you will have me, and well, a family. Our kits will come eventually and I couldn't bare myself to lie. Tala would know even if I did and figured it out. Then tell everyone because she is under the oath. Astrid looked conflicted.

"I will only do if you tell everyone before I come. I want them to know and believe that I am not a spy or anything that poses a threat to them. Because I don't want to get killed before I can see my kits." he told her and pressed his nose against hers. Nettle smiled, pleased. Though some doubt racked through her brain. What if I tell them and get thrown out myself? I don't want anyone to get mad at me. After all the Horizon's are my home and has been for so very long.

"Of course my dear," Nettle replied. "I will make them understand that you are safe and lovely." She looked into his eyes deeply for a couple of heartbeats neither of them spoke.

"Fine, if you do these things and make sure they trust me before I even come, then I will join the Horizons." Astrid purred. Nettle rubbed her head on his cheek.

"Oh thank you, my love!" She exclaimed excitedly. Nettle bounced up and pranced around the hillside. Astrid laughed and chased after. A sense of well-being rushed through her. Everything seemed to fall together in a rhythm. Inside she felt everything would be okay.