Note: first attempt I've made at this story in a while.
Cika tested her injured paw. Almost at full strength, she noted with satisfaction.
Tomorrow I'll ask Bracken if I can go hunting.
Well. Cyla would be pleased.
She shook her head. It was foolish, always looking up to Cyla.
"Cika! Isn't it time you turned in?"
Drat. "I'm coming. Keep your fur on." She could swear
she heard somecat snicker. A pox on tomcats!
**
The next day dawned misty. Cika yawned widely as she climbed
out of her nest. What I wouldn't give for some of that moss
they use in Sky, she thought.
Stretching each leg, she was delighted when the injured one
didn't even twinge. I bet it's recovered now.
"Morning, Cika." It was a tom, a wiry brown tabby she didn't know.
"G'morning. Am I allowed to chase mice today?"
He chuckled. "Yes, you overgrown kitten. Go tire yourself out."
"Ha! No one calls me 'kitten' and lives to regret it!"
They wrestled, Cika eventually gaining the upper paw.
"Truce. Don't kill me, please." He rolled belly-up, staring at her with
mock apprehension.
Enjoying her moment of triumph, Cika prodded his thin stomach.
"You're too skinny to eat. I'll let you go."
"Who's skinny?" Indignant, the tom rolled onto his side.
"I just might consider giving you a mouse to fatten you up."
He flipped onto his feet. "Don't trouble yourself."
"What's your name?"
"Jesse."
"I'm Cika. Pleased to meet you."
They spent a profitable day hunting; she found she enjoyed
Jesse's company. He was mild-mannered and seemed not to mind
letting her chatter.
"Well." He straightened from his latest kill. "I reckon
this ought to stop a few bellies from rumbling."
"Including ours, I trust?"
"But of course." He slid the still-warm body towards her.
"Go on. Queens should eat first."
She laughed. "I'm not a queen yet."
"Oh. Looking for love, then?"
"Maybe."
