Lemurstar's Prophecy (book two)

Chapter 16

"Shh, shh. Wake up, Lemurpaw," a voice was coaxing. Lemurpaw groaned. Her whole chest ached, and she couldn't move it, there was a wrap around it, immobilizing her.

Splashflight's scent wreathed her nose, and she smelled herbs all around her. She tried to sit up, but immediately sank back down with a yelp through gritted teeth. "Ah..."

Splashflight placed his paw on her shoulder. "You have three broken ribs and a lot of infected cuts. Just rest, I'll be back later to give you water," he soothed, nosing two tiny round seeds to the tip of her nose. His gentleness soothed her. The way he made sure he was talking before he touched her, the way he showed her where the poppy seeds were...  So nice to have someone finally be considerate of the blind... Lemurpaw thought groggily as she was pulled back into the comforting blanket of sleep.

*****

Lemurpaw woke, and, feeling too tired to even try to open her eyes, kept them closed. She heard the rustle of leaves outside, and Snowtip came in.

"Splashflight, can you check the kits?" She asked wearily. She sank down with a flop into a nearby nest. Splashflight came crunching in, stepping on the dead herbs that laced the floor.

"Coming! Hold on, one second," he ducked into the store and came back with foul smelling leaves. "Eat it, its chervil. For your milk and strength." He bent down to examine her belly, the sound of fur against fur rustled Lemurpaw's ears. After a long while, he sat down.

"Should be born any day now, Snowtip."

Snowtip got up with a groan. "Thanks, Splashflight. You're a miracle." Snowtip said sweetly. She hobbled away.

"Feeling better, Lemurpaw?" Splashflight finally said. Lemurpaw smiled.

"Yes. Thank you... Dad," she lowered her voice. A crisp silence suddenly filled the air.

"Y-You knew?" Splashflight choked. "Is that why you did it?" He whispered, voice breaking. Lemurpaw nodded.

"Yes. I knew when I was four moons," she said quietly.

Splashflight leaned in closer to Lemurpaw, sobs escaping him. "Oh, my baby... You're perfect, do you know that? Perfect, no matter what the rules are." Tears fell onto Lemurpaw's cheek. "I love you," he whispered, holding Lemurpaw close. "I love you..."

Lemurpaw smiled. "I love you too, dad." She whispered. Sleep threatened to tug her again. No... Its too soon! Her mind wailed. I finally have a father... She yawned, and pulled away, letting the sleep engulf her.