~The Kitten and the Wolf~

River mewed and whined quietly when she felt his breathing stopping, starting to cry quietly as she stood up and tried nudging him a bit since she still didn't want him to go all of the sudden.

Brambletail doesn't move or speak when River nudges him. His breathing finally ceases soon after that and he finally lies still, a proud smile on his muzzle and a tear falling from his eyes.

Brambletail was dead.

River couldn't help it and ended up wailing when she noticed he finally died, ending up flopping on the ground next to him as she cried and curled up. She wasn't even sure what to do now as she just cried and wailed loudly. She tried to stop after a bit though as she shivered, trying to lick her fur dry since she was cold and knew he wanted her to take control of what he left.

River hears something then as she cleans her fur. It sounded like a tiny mewling in the distance. It sounded very distressed.

River sniffled quietly when she heard the mewling, confused since she hadn't heard anything before. It took her a second before she could get herself up and follow the sound, not wanting to leave Bramble's body behind in case something happened. She hurried when she noticed the mewing was distressed though and looked around as she listened.

It doesn't take River very long to find the source of the mewling. Out in the clearing with all of the wooden carvings is a small wolf puppy, one with amber eyes and mottled grey fur. He was crying and lost in front of the carving that had smelled like Brambletail, the scent of it drawing him to it as if it were his mother. He looked up as he spotted River coming towards him, sniffling a little bit.

L-little miss kitten....I-I'm lost....can you help me?

He asks her, his voice sounding like a younger and much squeakier Brambletail.

River looked at the little wolf puppy surprised, hesitant some since she wasn't sure about what was going on with this little pup that looked so much like her best friend. She heard him though and padded over quickly, nudging his side lightly as she gave a little purr to calm him.

Of course I can help you, where are you trying to go little pup?

She asked and tilted her head as she sat with her side against his, seeing if it would help him relax.

The tiny wolf pup relaxes greatly as River purrs to him and puts her side against his, making him smile up at her.

I was trying to find somewhere that I could be safe from those big, scary animals.

He sighs quietly as he leans back up against River, closing his eyes and breathing calmly.

You smell like my momma little miss kitten.  Can I stay with you?  I don't wanna be alone....

He asks her.  As River talks to the young wolf pup, she can feel Brambletail's presence near her as as his voice echoes into her head.

Protect this forest River.  Nurture the life here and it will give you all that you need in return.  Never give up hope.  Always look towards the future....