Thistlestar laid quietly in his moss bed, his body rising and falling softly with each slow and shallow breath he took. The last few days had come and gone with a great deal of restlessness. Beedust made great work of bringing their kits into the world and Thistlestar made it a greater deal to spend as much time as he could to check in on her, but with the light showers washing away scent markers at borders, Thistlestar and the other warriors had to work over time to keep remarking the territory. The only times Thistlestar had to spend some time with his family was largely in the nights when the kits were in deep slumber. Last night, he didn't get a chance to visit too long, just briefly enough to check on his mate but exhaustion lulled him to retire to his den.

He hadn't realized he slept in so long. Normally, the sounds of a bustling camp woke him up before he could sleep in too long, but the rain did a great job of masking the sounds of an active camp leaving him captive to a peaceful sleep.

Add deep in his sleep as he was, Thistlestar had trained his body to wake at sudden and intrusive sounds. The small sneeze was enough to snap the Leader out of his peaceful sleep. He stirred slightly for a small moment before lifting his gaze and eyes towards the den entrance only to spot the small body. The leader's brows furrowed in a moment of confusion before it hit him. The small kit was a spitting image of him, a dusty Siamese with deep spring green eyes. Thistlestar couldn't help but stare in silence, feeling his body tense up. This had been the first time he was alone with any of his kits. He was always in the safety of Beedust's presence but now it was just him.

"Juniperkit." He meowed, his deep voice bouncing off the bare den. The leader's brows furrowed deeply as he began to take in the situation "You are far from the Nursery and your mother." Thistlestar started as he took in the small kit with immense curiosity, though it didn't register past his naturally stern face. It was a complete replica of him. It was an odd feeling to see essentially another him standing just tail lengths away. 

The sight of the frightened kit made Thistlestar's heart drop, bringing him to his paws quickly. "Oh no, Juniperkit, that is not what I meant." He spoke, his tone softening with guilt at the realization that he was responsible for the kit's sudden fear. "I just meant- well- your mother is careful about keep a close eye on you and your siblings." He went on stepping forward a bit but stopped, fearful of striking more fear into the small kit. "You are not in trouble Juniperkit."

Thistlestar's ears perked at Juniper's words. His spring green orbs stared out at the bustling camp, thinking for a moment as he arranged his day's work. "Well... I had planned to make a trip to the story-teller's den to check up on Sapphiresmoke, would you like to join me?" He offered thoughtfully, a small smile inched at the corners of his muzzle. It wasn't the most elegant nor exciting trip, especially since the reason for the visit was to investigate some complaints the story-teller had in regards to the apprentices and their work, but it was an opportunity none the less for the two to get better acquainted and a chance for the kit to explore more in depth.

The sight of Juniperkit's smiled brought a brighter smile across the leader's expression, his sharp gaze softening as he stepped forward towards Juniperkit before stepping past him. Being that close next to him made Thistlestar feel like a giant. The leader nodded his head forward, stepping out of the hollowed tree that was the leader's den. The dull sky was gloomy, creating a overcast on the busy camp. As per habit, Thistlestar paused and stared out at the cats that passed in and out of camp, noting each individual who looked with a small nod. It would be only a few moments before he continued on his way, turning back to Juniperkit, a look of expectancy on his expression "Come Juniperkit."

The walk from the leader''s den to the Story-Tellers' den was short but eventful as Thistlestar took time to acknowledge the cats he passed by. He always made a habit of acknowledging cats, a habit grilled in him by his mother. It was the least he could do to show his respect.

The two reached the Story-Teller's den which was currently only occupied by one cat, a russian blue short-haired tom that laid quietly by himself. Despite being rather old, the Russian blue's eyes snapped open immediately at the entrance of the leader and the kit, instinctively rising to his paws and bowing his head in a show of respect. "Thistlestar." Sapphiresmoke started, the scowl across his expression was like a warning sign for the impending wave of complaints that was to come.

Thistlestar bowed his head in return, swallowing hard as he mentally prepared to hear the barrage of complaints from the elder, but to his surprise, the elder's scowl melted away immediately as he stared down at the direction of Thistlestar's side. "I hope you don't mind, I thought it would be a good idea to show Juniperkit around camp now that he and his siblings are old enough to leave the nursery den."

Sapphiresmoke shook his head, the annoyed expression disappeared and he seemed a bit more friendly, though tired. " Well it's very nice to meet you Juniperkit." Sapphiresmoke sighed, offering a small smile, staring at him for a few, long moments of silence before speaking up again "It's so interesting. You are an exact replica of your father."

Sapphiresmoke looked from Juniperkit to Thistlestar a smug smile gracing his expression "Well, I wouldn't want to ruin this tour with some minor complaints I have." The elder spoke on roughly, staring intently at the Springclan leader "Maybe we can have that conversation another time Thistlestar."

Relief flooded within the Springclan leader, though his expression remained still "Of course Sapphiresmoke, I will make sure to save some time later for that conversation." He gave the leader a small head bow.

Sapphiresmoke nodded at Thistlestar before turning back to Juniperkit "Is this your first time in the Story-Tellers den?"

The Russian blue elder grinned, stepped back slightly as his tail whisked out in a large show "Well this is den is where all the warriors that served out their life long duties retire." Sapphiresmoke spoke, a hint of pride welled as he took in the small kit "When you become an apprentice, you'll be really familiar with this den since apprentice are responsible for helping to maintain and upkeep the dens-" His smile faltered slightly as he looked back at Thistlestar, holding the Leader's gaze "Maybe you'll do a better job than the current apprentices and set the example of how well young cat's should treat their elders.."

Thistlestar maintained eye contact with the Story-teller, his expression still and calm as he had already anticipated some sort of snide comment from the elder. He mentally noted to visit the apprentice's den in the late afternoon, when the warrior trainings should be over and done with to consult with them.

Sapphiresmoke turned back down to the kit, his grin growing once again "But I have no doubt that you will do much better, won't you?" He asked, seemingly innocently, but there was a air of intimidation and pushiness to the words.

His son's response brought a smile to the Leader's expression and he met Sapphiresmoke's expectant look with a small nod "I would love to stay and chat more, but I'd like to give my son a visit to all the den. I would love to come back and continue that conversation you wanted to have later on?"

Sapphiresmoke shook his head, waving off Thistlestar's offer with his thin, grey tail "Don't bother, take your time with your son and enjoy the rest of the day!" The words were said with good spirit, a much different attitude than when the two cat entered the den initially.

Relief flooded within Thistlestar and he couldn't help but smile down at his son. It the Leader would have known conversations would be much more smoother with his kits at his side, he would have brought them with him ages ago.

"Come on Juniperkit, let's go get something to eat before we continue." He spoke softly, bowing his head to Sapphiresmoke before turning on his paws and heading back towards the camp.