"Yeah. Then it'll halt the journey for a moon at least while they grow enough to walk a little. Warriors will have to take turns carrying them, and if they come in a place with little to no prey that makes our job harder." Another thought occurred. "And also, seeing our medicine cat has no apprentice, where will they head? It makes me certain, more than ever, that we need to go together! But as Birdclaw said, everyone should have the right to make their own choice..."
Dewfang sighed. Why does she have kits now? he thought a bit angrily
Lichenstep saw the look in his eyes. "It's not her fault," she mewed gently. "These things happen."
"Maybe we should just wait until they're born before heading out..." He suggested hopefully
"Two moons of waiting? And then another few moons while they grow? We're starting to starve already," she pointed out. "We can't wait a whole season."
"I know. I knew it wouldn't work when I said it." He mewed, looking at his paws
"There really is no simple answer, I guess. The best thing we can do is to go as soon as possible so we can get a head start and make up for the lost time we'll have."
Dewfang nodded in agreement. "Want to go see if there's anything on the freshkill pile?" He offered, feeling and hearing his belly complain loudly
"That sounds delightful," she said, standing up again. Lichenstep hadn't eaten anything since yesterday morning.
He led the way out of the den and to what little scraps of fur the pile was. "Help yourself, there's plenty." He joked
