Tigerstorm136

It was this night that Redwood would be sitting alone atop a boulder; still warm beneath his pads from being exposed to the sun all day. His fur would shimmer with a silver tint in the harsh moonlight, and he'd move to lay down to rest against the warm stone. A comforting contrast to the chilly night air. There he would rest; waiting patiently for the curly fur of the trapper, Poppyspark, to peak out above the tall grasses of Summerset fields. The two had been meeting quite regularly since their first encounter; and each interaction with the flirtatious Shadows cat was better than the last. She was interesting. Which is better than what he could say for most of the cats he talked to on a daily basis. She was Charming, playful… relaxing. He found he could escape the world in her company. And escape was exactly what he’s looking for.

The red tom would let out a sigh, casting a lazy glance across the fields towards the Shadow’s end of the border once more and then up towards the cloudless night. Wondering if he’d gotten the date for their meetup right. Where could she be? At least the stars were in full shine tonight. This would offer him a pleasant distraction as he awaited his companion.

* For most of the day a lot of cats have been congratulating the she cat, kept on praising her, and said how wonderful what she was going through was. However, as of right now, it brought her NOTHING but annoyance and distress. She never wanted any of this, she didn't like the idea of this, and many cats kept asking her questions she couldn't answer. However, it wasn't that was the worst part, for the opposite, what the worst part was that she no longer could have the freedom she once had. 

I was once so beautiful. She thought to herself. And now I'm feeling like an old crone. She wasn't even a month in and already she felt heavier and could feel herself wobbling a little. This brought her great annoyance and she couldn't help but constantly curse at herself and the predicament that she was in. 

Even now there was no great comfort, for seeing Redwood would once bring her joy and pleasure, brought new concern because now she had to tell him the news, but how to say it was another. 

Finally, after many hours she came to their secret place, her chest heaving out of exhaustion, and a look of weariness was in her eyes. 

 "S..sorry for being late Redwood dear," she meowed, trying to think of a valid excuse. "I...I got caught up in something," 

Brilliant. She thought to herself angrily. That's a perfectly LAME excuse. However, she wasn't going to let him know her true feelings and would just quickly fix herself up before coming next to him and sitting by his side.

** The red tom would flick his ears when the sound of approaching footsteps drifted to his attention. Orange eyes would turn from the stars and down towards the rustling and breathing below him. It was dark, but the moonlight was enough to illuminate the pelt of Poppyspark as she waddled her way up the rock to his side. Redwood would release a purr and rise to his feet. Rasping a tongue over her ear in greeting.

”Don’t fret darling, I understand. It’s good to see you~” He’d meow, shifting around to sit and angle himself to face the she-cat more directly. The smile on his muzzle faded quickly however. something was wrong. Poppyspark seemed disturbed. If her weary expression was anything to go by. Redwood would inspect the she-cat up and down with narrow eyes, attempting to see if she had been hurt. He was only able to faintly register that it seemed she might have put on a bit of weight. But he hardly paid that any mind. There didn’t seem to be anything physically wrong with her, which only made him worry more.

”You seem distressed tonight, Poppyspark.” He’d rumble, shifting closer and slowly moving his paw over to rest lightly under her chin. ”Is there something troubling you? Did something happen?”

* Well should've figured he would figure it out...mousedung. She thought to herself with slight agitation. However, she knew it was better to tell him the truth now, besides the tom deserved to know. 

    "Well, it's nothing...'bad' or at least not life threatening I can reassure you that," she meowed trying to be somewhat comforting thought she highly doubted it was working. "You see, I went to see our kingdom's medicine cat Raggedmane and Snakelily this morning, and well...they gave me some news," she paused at first, unsure how she should say it until finally she let out a soft meow: "I'm...I'm going to have kits," 

    There should've been some form of relief for her, however the she cat could still feel some tension rising in her stomach and chest. Most of this anxiety was brought upon the fact that she had no idea how Redwood would respond, and worse yet how they would explain this. No we won't tell our clan! She quickly reassured herself. We can think of something. However the anxiety didn't stop and she still felt slightly sick to her stomach.

** The deputy could feel the anxiety radiating from the little she-cat in waves, and it was causing a nervous flutter in his chest. His ears would flick as he listened to her speak, the feeling growing more intense as she went on. The medicine cats… news… The pieces seemed to connect before she even confirmed it, but as soon as the word kits fell from her mouth, Redwood’s head would jerk back and jaws would fall agape. His mind suddenly going blank with shock. The tom would lower his paw and turn his amber eyes to the stone below him. Contemplating what she said and the weight her words held. He’d remain that way for a few tense moments before finally moving to speak again.

”Kits” He’d meow dumbly. Still trying, and failing, to process what was happening. ”Dear starclan… kits? Are they… Are they ours? Mine?” Redwood felt lightheaded, and he’d turn to face Poppyspark again. Orange eyes blown wide and focused intensely on the she-cat’s belly. Why hadn’t he noticed before? He should have caught on as soon as she arrived. Was he truly that blind? It seemed foolish to ask if they were his, the answer was quite obvious, but doubt still sat on the edge of his mind. Could she have been seeing another tom while they were together? He wanted to reach out to her, comfort her, but he needed to know for sure first. Needed to know if these kits could possibly be his.

* In any other instance she would've meowed something sarcastic, something quick witted towards him like something like: "No it was one of the elders" or "no I just MAGICALLY got myself expecting kittens." However she found herself with no energy to make those type of slide of remarks, probably due to how serious the situation was, for the both of them. She finally nodded her head looking at him with a look of exhaustion in her eyes. "Yeah...you're the dad," she meowed. He was the only tom she spent most time with, the only cat who she had been seeing recently, it was of course him. However now, there was the matter of the question of...what they were going to do now? 

** Redwood’s dazed gaze shifted from Poppyspark’s stomach to her eyes as she spoke. A strangled noise crawling out of his throat when she confirmed his suspicions. He was to be a father… again? The wave of different emotions that came over him was jarring. It was too much. The deputy would immediately rise to his feet and begin pacing back and forth across the boulder. 

Kits… more children… He’d never even imagined having any more kits after his little Redpaw. She was his one and only. Or at least, she was. The prospect of having more… A sudden warm feeling would bloom in his chest, but quickly turned cold once more when reality dawned on him. They were from two different kingdoms. He was a deputy. His career, everything he’s worked for was at stake now. And Poppyspark… her reputation could be ruined. Redwood would snarl and lash his tail, the conflicting emotions making him frustrated. ”Poppyspark… what are we going to do?” He’d growl, slowing down his pacing when he reached the edge of the boulder. Redwood would narrow his eyes and face the stars. Silently cursing whatever deity had brought such a thing upon them. He’d stand there for a moment as he pondered the situation.  ”What if… you could move to the Tides or… or we could… Run away...” He knew his ramblings were nonsense, but not having a clear plan was driving him mad. If she simply stayed in the Shadows he may never see his kits... but if their relationship was public, their reputations could be tarnished.

With a sigh, Redwood would slowly turn to face Poppyspark again. Defeated. The tom would pad over to the she-cat and press his head against hers in an attempt to ground himself and comfort her. ”This… is all confusing. “ He’d sigh, feeling a bit dizzy from all the strain. "What do /you/ want?"

"Alright, I think the first thing I want you to do is calm down," she meowed firmly, putting a paw gently on his shoulder in hopes that would help.

   Once he finally calmed down she finally meowed: "I'm going to be very honest...I don't know what we should do. Certainly we can't run away, for one thing you have a kingdom to lead, and if that happened cats would be suspicious of both of us, and I don't think moving to Tides will change anything because if they see me they'll INSTANTLY put two and two together and realize you were in a relationship with me, and you could lose your position," she explained.

The she-cat's response to his foolish ideas was logical, and of course made sense. He knew they couldn’t stay together. It was foolish to believe they could. But Redwood was not a man of logic when it came to matters of the heart. ”What do you propose we do then? We both return to our separate lives as if we’d never met? You will return to your kingdom and bear the weight of motherhood on your own?” He’d growl, flicking his tail in frustration. *He’d never be able to see his offspring.* Never get a second chance to be the father he’d always wanted to be. And Poppyspark, she’d be all alone with their children… A deep unsettling feeling sat in Redwood’s gut. *she’d be alone… just like…* A small croak would release from his throat and he’d shake the thought from his head. It was happening *again*.

”These kits are just as much my responsibility as they are yours. How will I be able to help you if we’re separated?” He'd snap. Redwood could feel he was losing control again, so he'd take a deep breath and release a long sigh before adding on a bit softer- "I don't want you to be alone in this, Poppyspark."

    "I know Red," she meowed sadly. At least they'll be Blue and Pale, so it won't be like I'm completely alone. It still soured her taste however and was slowly beginning to resent having these kits. If it weren't for this...I would still be with him...I'd still be happy. 

    She finally let out a sigh and meowed: "And I don't wish to be alone either," she then thought of something that wouldn't solve anything, but it would at least let their goodbyes be...easier. "I...I just thought of something and...it's okay if you say no but...what...what if I give you some of the kits. You pick how many you want and which one you want," she added. "I'll sneak them out during night time and bring them here, and don't worry I'll just make it look like a fox snuck in the den...no one will suspect a thing," she quickly added.

**”I could- I mean, of course I’d be happy to do so darling. Though, any more than one kit may arouse too many suspicions… If there is more than one kit in the litter, I will take one of them. Any of them; you can choose.”** He’d purr, leaning closer to rasp his tongue across her head. If they had to cut ties, never see eachother again, he would be honored to keep a piece of her beside him. He will not make the same mistake he did with Redpaw. *This kit will adore me, I will be sure of it.*

No matter how thrilled he may be by the prospect of having another child in his life, Redwood needed to make sure Poppyspark was certain about this decision. If a single kit went missing… cats may become suspicious. They didn’t need other paws poking around in their business. “This is incredibly risky. Sneaking out of camp with a litter of kits to meet with me... one going missing... if cats started getting suspicious we could be ruined. You need to be absolutely sure.”

”I’m glad. What a lovely gift you’ve given me tonight.” He’d rumble, turning his fiery gaze towards the sky. Now thanking the same stars he had cursed not moments ago. ”This is going to be burdensome. For us both. But… I don’t regret sharing this experience with you.” He’d sigh, reflecting back on the time they’d spent together. He would miss the lovely Poppyspark dearly. He only hoped that he may have had the same impact on her life as she did on his. Despite how short-lived their romance seemed.”I swear to you we’ll make this work. And even if we may never share a moment like this again, I will never forget it. Or you.”

The pair would remain pressed together for a while, until the red tom finally let out a long sigh. They couldn’t stay there much longer, their kingdoms would be missing them. Slowly, Redwood would begin to untangle himself from Poppyspark’s embrace and take a few steps back. He’d reach forward and rasp his tongue one last time over her head. 

”Duty calls, Poppyspark.” He’d meow at last, a twinge of sadness resting in his chest. ”Please keep yourself safe as you return back to camp. I will make sure to come to this spot as often as I can to try and catch you. I’m... eager to see what comes of this.” He’d promise, finally taking a full step back to turn and face the direction of the Tides camp. ”Until we cross paths again, my dear. Farewell.” And with that, the deputy would pounce down from the rock to quietly slip into the night. Only looking back a few times to admire the she-cat’s fur in the moonlight before finally disappearing from sight.

The pair would remain pressed together for a while, until the red tom finally let out a long sigh. They couldn’t stay there much longer, their kingdoms would be missing them. Slowly, Redwood would begin to untangle himself from Poppyspark’s embrace and take a few steps back. He’d reach forward and rasp his tongue one last time over her head. 

”Duty calls, Poppyspark.” He’d meow at last, a twinge of sadness resting in his chest. ”Please keep yourself safe as you return back to camp. I will make sure to come to this spot as often as I can to try and catch you. I’m... eager to see what comes of this.” He’d promise, finally taking a full step back to turn and face the direction of the Tides camp. ”Until we cross paths again, my dear. Farewell.” And with that, the deputy would pounce down from the rock to quietly slip into the night. Only looking back a few times to admire the she-cat’s fur in the moonlight before finally disappearing from sight.

Thus she decided to go for a little walk around Shadow's border just to enjoy the beautiful view, and maybe find a nice rock to sunbathe herself in. It was such a nice and beautiful fall day, the leaves were now multiple colors, and the cold breeze forced the leaves to begin to fall onto the earth decorating the ground with all sorts of shades of yellow, orange, and red. It just felt so tranquil and relaxing. Ah yes such a wonderful day! Poppyspark thought to herself while purring to herself. 

** Redwood had spent the majority of his morning pacing along the kingdom’s border. He wasn’t… quite sure what he was hoping to find out here. But he needed some kind of distraction. Anything to take his mind off of his little Redpaw. Along with the added stress of his newly appointed deputy position, the red tom was beginning to wear himself thin. Was that a gray fur sticking out of his mane?

It wasn’t often he had time to himself anymore, so he decided to spend this opportunity to admire the beautiful fall weather. Redwood would quit his pacing and leap atop a nearby fallen tree trunk to finally lay down and settle his nerves. He’d sprawl his legs across the thick bark and let his tail fall and dangle off the side. Amber eyes would trail his surroundings, admiring the beautiful red-orange leaves that had begun to litter the ground. It was… peaceful. As a sudden gust of chilly air tossed his fur, Redwood would lift his muzzle to the breeze. He smiled for a moment and took in the crisp air- until something else caught his attention. A sudden strong scent of another cat. Not just any cat, a Shadow’s cat. Redwood would perk his head up immediately, but continue to remain in his comfortable position. Instead he would snap his eyes to and from the different edges of the woods to try and catch sight of who may be near. 

* Poppyspark hummed to herself as she finally got to the edge of the wood and entered what seemed like a meadow. Even in the colder weather there still seemed to be some flowers that clung onto the surface world just to show the world the last remains of their beauty before the harsh cold winter would come to destroy them. 

 It was honestly sad that these flowers would one day whither and day, it made Poppyspark realize the heartache of time and aging, in truth if there was one thing she hated aside from being called "short" WAS the concept that one day she would become old. Just by the fact she was worried that she would lose her beauty and become an ugly old she-cat. However she dared not imagine that, no she should just enjoy the morning, and be happy with her current life. So she just sighed, sat down and allowed the wind to ruffle her curly pelt. The breeze truly felt good against her fur and she was loving it. 

** Redwood remained frozen atop his log, scanning the nearby trees to see if any movement would catch his attention. It was only a few moments of tense silence before a cat would emerge from the undergrowth only a little ways away from where the red tom was lounging. He must have been well protected by the tall grasses of the meadow, since it didn't seem like this mysterious cat could see him. He watched with narrow eyes as the cat moved farther into his territory and sat along the edge of the field, their long fur tossing gently in the breeze. 

Slowly, Redwood would slink down from his perch and stalk closer, eyes never leaving the figure of the intruder. He didn't really know what he was going to do. Attack or talk? He didn't make up his mind until he was only a little ways away. Closer now, the deputy could see this cat was incredibly small. An apprentice? he'd carefully lift himself from his crouch and take a few steps closer, making himself known. "Hello there, friend." His voice would rumble. A small growl would form at the end of his sentence, but he'd lift his tail in greeting. 

* Poppyspark quickly turned around when she heard a rumbling voice approaching her and when she looked at the tom she was instantly taken back by him. He had a darkish brown red fur with tabby markings along his body and a couple of scars across his face. 

   Yet despite these blemishes he seemed very handsome to Poppyspark's eyes, she's always been into large toms, especially ones that had a deep sounding voice. Instantly she was incredibly taken by him but of course she didn't wish for him to know that she wanted it to be a guessing game.

   "Oh hello there," she meowed, straightening herself up, and puffing out her chest. "I didn't know there was a Tide cat around here!" 

** Redwood would freeze when the stranger's eyes finally met his own. Waiting to see what she would do. At this distance he was finally close enough to take the cat in. It was a she-cat, an incredibly small one too. But her face felt more mature than one of an apprentice, though she did seem fairly young. He wouldn't deny that she was beautiful. The mixture of dark, ginger and white markings was quite unique. He'd never seen marking like that before. Her posture also seemed friendly, open. Interesting... 

When the mysterious cat spoke, his amber eyes would fly back up once more to meet her blue ones. At her comment, Redwood would quirk up a brow and smirk. Astonished. "You weren't expecting to see a tides cat here? You are along our border, you know." Despite the subtle warning, his voice was laced with good humor. All thoughts of a fight gone from his head; talking to this cat seemed much more inviting. He'd take a few steps closer, careful to keep his posture non-threatening. "It's a pleasure, as always, to meet a cat from the Shadows kingdom." He'd purr, dipping his head politely. "My name is Redwood, what might yours be my dear?"

* Poppyspark just gave the tom a small smirk when he mentioned how she was pretty close to his own territory, and just let out a purr.  "Well to be fair, I haven't had a break from my duties in such a long while so I thought going for a stroll would be nice for me," she then gave him a wink all the while the smirk still remained on her face.

   "Besides you don't seem to be that mad with me so it doesn't seem to be that bad hmm?" she gave him a flirtatious look, the same look she ALWAYS gave to every tom that came by her, but this one in particular very much interested her. Then he introduced himself and her fascination with him furthered. Redwood. She thought to herself. Such an interesting name. 

"Well it's lovely to meet you sir Redwood," she meowed. "My name is Poppyspark," 

** A small laugh would escape from Redwood's mouth as he listened to the she-cat speak; he was quite amused by this stranger's confidence. He wouldn't complain though. It was rare to find a cat so willing to sit and have a conversation. "I understand. I'm actually doing the same. It isn't often one gets some time to take a break from their duties." He'd meow with a pleasant hum. "How lucky we are to run into each other." With her next comment he'd return a playful grin. Feeling more relaxed, the larger tom would settle down with a tail wrapped around his paws. "Hmm? No. I'm not upset. It seems you aren't either. So I'm just going to assume we're both too friendly for our own good." He really shouldn't still be here, talking to this cat. She was from the rival kingdom for heaven's sake. But... What's the harm in a little playful banter? Surly his duties could wait for a little while~

When the she-cat finally introduced herself as Poppyspark, his brows would shoot up with faint surprise. "Mm, Poppyspark you say?" So she was a warrior. He had to admit he felt a bit relieved. He... probably shouldn't bring up the height thing... Instead he'd meow, "What a beautiful name. Truly fitting for a cat such as yourself~" The red tom would release a purr with a small wink of his own. Poppyspark was interesting, refreshing. He liked her already. 

* "Hmmm why thank you very much," she purred now at this point puffing out her chest at this moment to make herself look even more attractive towards the tom (usually this often worked for other toms but who knows anything could be possible). She then flirtatiously bumped his shoulder with her own giving him the look of a sly fox. "You're name isn't bad yourself Sir Redwood," she purred, her blue eyes looking at him in such an alluring way. "Certainly fits you I can see why that name was chosen for you," she added still smirking towards the tom. 

   He was in truth a very handsome cat and already she liked him very much herself, certainly strong looking too, a fine quality in a tom. 

** After hearing the little warrior praise his own name in return, the red-coated tom would lift up his head pridefully and puff out his own fluffy chest. His name was something he took great pride in, and hearing someone else mention it was quite the stroke to his ego. “Hah! Why thank you! I wasn't born clan cat like the others, but I was always humored that ’redwood’ sounded similar to the their naming structure. ‘Red-wood’” Redwood would chuckle and rasp a tongue over his chest; peaking an amber eye over to the pretty she-cat as he did so. “Because of that, I like to think I was always destined to meet clan cats. And… indirectly...  I suppose I was destined to meet you~” He’d purr at that and turn his head to face his new friend. To his surprise, when his amber eyes landed on hers once more, he was immediately thrown back to the first time he met… Heatherheart... At the thought of the she-cat, Redwood would feel a sudden sharp pain in his chest. His face would fall into a frown before he quickly shoved the thought from his brain. The flirtatious grin gracing his muzzle once more. In an effort to hide his little slip-up, the deputy would direct another question back to her. “Were you a clan cat before the merge, Poppyspark? Or were you originally a kingdom cat like me? What was your life like before everything changed?”

* Poppyspark smiled confidently at the tom and gave the tom an equally flirtatious look. Finally a tom that has manners and knows how to treat ladies. She thought to herself. For most of her young life a lot of toms often teased her about her most notably for her short size and the only tom that seemingly respected her turned out to only acted attracted to her out of pity and nothing more. Just thinking about that tom made her blood boil, she felt just so used, and felt so puny. She never forgave him nor his mate since and most likely never will be.

    However, Poppyspark would notice a quick change in his expression, it was fast, but she was still able to catch it. The expression was something of sadness and though he got it away from his face she still would forever remember that look. I wonder then. She thought to herself. I wonder what that was about. Yet she decided to not ask him and just sat before him all elegant like. 

   Then he asked about Poppyspark's origins whether she was a clan cat or a kingdom cat. She smiled at him and meowed: "Actually, I was a kingdom cat just like you," she then licked her paws and began to wipe the back of her ear. "I lived under the rule of King Sycomore along with the other cats at least until I was an apprentice. That's when our Queen Maskedflame came in and took control of the kingdom. Though I do have high regards for our queen just for her strength and bravery against enemies," she then gave Red another flirtatious look then set her paw down after grooming herself. "Though, I doubt she's as brave as you hmm Redwood?" she purred. 

** A soft ‘ah’ would fall from his jaws when he learned of her origins. A kingdom cat like himself, eh? How interesting. “It was strange having so many strangers make themselves at home in our lands and take over the kingdoms with such ease. Was the transition hard for you?” He’d meow, curious of what it was like when Maskedflame took over the Shadow Kingdom. From what he heard, her takeover of the kingdom was… much more bloody than his own Queen’s.

 He’d listen politely as Poppyspark continued to speak, nodding his head along as she described her thoughts on the queen. When she wrapped the conversation back around to him, he’d give her a playful smile. “Oh of course i’m brave- If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be from the Tides now would I?” He’d allow himself this small boast. He’d lift his head high and give her his best ‘yes, i’m royalty and I know it’ pose before chuckling and turning his attention back to the Shadow’s feline. “Ah, I joke of course. I would assume she’s far braver than many of us. Taking control of a kingdom is no easy feat for the weak-spirited.” He’d humm thoughtfully, glancing at Poppyspark with a glint in his eye. “Ah, I could see you as a queen though, Poppyspark. You’re charming and beautiful, what else would you need?” 

* Poppyspark was mostly smiling to seem more attractive towards the tom, but when he began to make royal looking poses and chuckling the she cat couldn't help but to make a legitimate giggle in return. He's such an odd cat isn't he? She thought to herself now finally holding back her giggling fits. Certainly interesting and quite handsome to add to it. In truth her interest in this tom was growing stronger and the more she wanted to get to know this tom more. 

 Her ears perked when he mentioned about her being queen about how she was charming and beautiful. Obviously she puffed out her chest and held her head high from the praise, to give the facade of already knowing this, but in truth she was extremely flattered he would say this. However she of course would not let this tom know this. 

 "Hmmm well of course," she meowed, looking proud and confident. "My beauty is known far and wide and often a lot of other females grow green with envy," she went on. Then, she would give him a similar glint and then lightly nudged his shoulder with her own. "Though you're not bad looking yourself handsome," she flirted. 

** Redwood would let out a short chuckle at Poppyspark's reaction to his compliment. "Oh, I don't doubt that many of the other she-cat's you've come across were jealous of your beauty. They must have perished from all their jealousy~" He'd purr, lifting his head up high and glancing down at her with a mischievous grin. "Queen Poppyspark! It suits you quite well. All we need now is to find you a kingdom to take over." Redwood would chuckle at that.

At the she-cat’s praises toward himself, Redwood would quirk a brow. “Ah, You think I’m handsome, do you?” He’d tease, swishing his tail confidently around his paws and fluffing up the fur around his neck. “If looks were all that mattered to become royalty, would that make me a king then? Hmm… Queen Poppyspark and King Redwood- My, that does have a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” He’d meow, shooting his new friend a playful wink. The casual banter was fun, but Redwood found he was eager to get to know this she-cat more, and so he’d turn to face her directly. A question leaving his jaws. “What is it you do for the kingdom when you’re not flirting with cats on the border? What rank do you hold?”

*She puffed out her chest in pride when he continued to compliment her and smiled a very confident smile. At this point it was obvious he was winning her with his endless flattering and sweet words and in truth she wouldn't mind if the tom just kept on giving her endless compliments. When he clearly gave her the flirtatious wink she would give him a devious and mischievous look herself an expression that was filled with so much flirtatious attitude and mischievous delight. She really did like this tom a lot, certainly a funny tom to be sure, and he was still as striking as he was. Certainly a handsome tom that's for sure. Then of course, he asked what her rank was, she smiled, and began to groom her beautiful pelt. "I'm a trapper," she meowed bluntly. "I help my clanmates make traps so we can catch enemies and prey," she added finally looking back at him again. "Never like the idea of getting myself hurt if I was a guard nor do I like the idea of running either, so a trapper seemed like the most logical choice," Poppyspark then smiled once again. "How about you big guy? What's YOUR rank?" 

However, she predicted what Kes would probably say and quickly added: "Honestly, I think the only reason why I'm not a warrior yet is that he wants to make