Firestorm (Book Three; Series One)

Chapter 18

Graypaw pounced onto Cricketpaw and turned to Tumbleweed brightly. Silvermoon snickered as she watched Whitepaw and Moonpaw groom each other. They were supposed to be training but they decided to take a break. She always came to watch their training sessions from a far, and today almost every apprentice was out. Cloudtuft was near by, chatting with Thornbush. Silvermoon chuckled as her kits bragged about their skills, which they hardly had. She loved her kits deeply, flicking her tail as Graypaw successfully managed to knock over Tumbleweed. Silvermoon purred blissfully. Everything was perfect.

  Moonpaw missed the pigeon by a landslide, sliding into the soil, but Silvermoon cheered her on anyway. She looked frustrated but was trying to keep her cool. Moonpaw had long fur covering her paws like her father. She'd recently grown into it, but she still sometimes tripped over herself. Silvermoon just comforted her daughter and pressed her nose to her forehead. "Try this," Silvermoon instructed. She slouched far down, her hindquarters high in the air and her arms low to the ground. This position would flatten her paw fur. Silvermoon than sprung upwards and landed on a stick, as if it were prey. Moonpaw nodded, going to find more prey. Silvermoon smiled brightly, before heading back over to the sunny spot. 

 Eventually, the sky started turning orange with the sun retreating to it's den. The training session was rounded up and the kits were free to go back to camp. Graypaw rushed over to her, and smiled up. "Did you see me mom? I beat Cricketpaw!" He purred. "I know, it was amazing, considering you're still in your first week of training!" Silvermoon replied, padding with him. "I'm gonna be a strong warrior mom! Like you!" He purred. She purred herself. "I know you will Graypaw. You're the bravest warrior I know." Silvermoon replied gently. "Mom, can we spar sometime? I feel it'll be super fun." Graypaw purred. She nodded. "Just a warning, I won't go easy on you!" Silvermoon purred.

  Silvermoon watched with joy as Hollyeyes played with her kits lovingly. She sniffled and coughed. She caught a cold suddenly.. and couldn't be near her kits, mostly Graypaw because he hung out with Quailkit often. Branchstalk gave her honey, and sat with her. The two chatted, before Silvermoon fell asleep. 

 Silvermoon was shaken awake by Lilacpaw as she started down at her. "Hello..?" Silvermoon grumbled. "I heard you were sick.. do you have a bellyache? I can give you some parsley." She shook her head. "My throat hurts is all." Silvermoon responded. Lilacpaw nodded, going into the storage. "I'll give you some parsley anyway, encase a bellyache forms, okay?" She purred, dropping it in front of Silvermoon. She ate it, and suddenly felt more ill than before. Silvermoon writhed in pain and cried out. Branchstalk came rushing in. "What did you feed her?" Branchstalk demanded in a angered yowl. "P-Parsley!" Lilacpaw replied, throwing the herb she fed Silvermoon at him. "This is water hemlock! It's poisonous!" Branchstalk hissed, grabbing the yarrow and demanding Silvermoon eat it. She did and turned away the throw up, passing out from the feeling. "I knew you weren't paying attention! I told you to pick parsley!" Branchstalk scolded as Silvermoon drifted into sleep. 

 She twitched as Branchstalk shook her awake. The sun was risen.. Silvermoon turned to him. "I'll be back soon okay? Lilacpaw ran away.. I need to find her. I left out the herbs you need to take today. If you start feeling better by sundown, you can leave.. Okay?" Branchstalk murmured. Silvermoon nodded. "Good luck Branchstalk. I'll be okay I promise."