Gingerkit

Dapplefoot

Sure enough, when Gingerkit poked her head inside, she found herself nose to nose with an old she-cat.

"Hello there, little one." The senior meowed croakily.

"Hi," Gingerkit mewed. "Is this the seniors den?"

"It sure is." came the reply. "And who might you be?"

"I'm Gingerkit, Thrushtail and Cloudpelt's kit."

"So you are! I recognise you now. Where's your little sister?"

"Smallkit hasn't opened her eyes yet so she can't leave the nursery."

"Oh," the senior croaked. "She will when she feels ready. I'm Dapplefoot."

"Hi, Dapplefoot."

Dapplefoot purred in amusement. "Hello, Gingerkit. Come inside; would you like to meet my friends?

Gingerkit felt overjoyed that she was making friends so fast. "Yes please!" She mewed. But at the same moment Thrushtail yowled, "Gingerkit! Lionkit! Come here."

Gingerkit looked back over her shoulder and her face fell.

"Sorry," she told Dapplefoot. "That was my mother. Maybe tomorrow?"

"Of course, little one. I'm not going anywhere on these legs."

"Thanks!"

She raced to her mother's side and followed her and Lionkit into the nursery. She batted at Lionkit's tail as he padded in front of her. He growled playfully before settling down in his nest.

Gingerkit nudged Smallkit gently. "Hurry up and open your eyes. You'll never believe how big the camp is!"

Smallkit mewled in protest. "Let me sleep, Gingerkit!"

Gingerkit let out a frustrated hmph. "All you ever do is sleep and eat." she grumbled, curling up beside he mother and sister. Gingerkit felt her eyes slide closed, mesmerised by the dim light that made Lionkit's golden pelt shine.