Dawnpaw sat on the edge of the river bank, waiting patiently. Her heart skipped at every little sound, sending her standing. The few pieces of prey she had found was piled next to her. Two birds, three mice, and a rabbit. The bushes and trees rustled at every little brush of wind. She glanced around, eyes wide, ears perked.

"Hello?" He heard a small voice. She stood, and turned around. She was pleased to see Bluewhisker standing on the opposite bank. Without hesitating, he slipped into the water and paddled over. When he emerged, water dripped off his pelt. He shook, sending water flying.

"Bluewhisker!" Dawnpaw sighed. She turned away from the water spray. He tilted his head.

"I didn't get your name last time." He realized. Dawnpaw looked down.

"My name's Dawnpaw." She answered. He nodded, and sat down. His fur was still wet.

"Nice to properly meet you." He purred. She glanced at him, seeing his ribs again. She gently picked up a piece of prey, a Mouse, and dropped it in front of him.

"Eat." She told him. He flinched, surprised. Dawnpaw heard his stomach grumble quietly. She nosed it towards him. Finally, he leaned down and ripped a bite off. He chewed slowly, then finished the small Mouse in a few swift bites.

"Why are you helping me?" Bluewhisker questioned after another Mouse. Dawnpaw looked away quickly. Her ears burned.

"I trained as a medicine cat for a few moons, so I can't stand to see a cat in pain. You are starving, so I am helping." Dawnpaw explained. He took a quick peek at the night sky. Bright white stars littered the dark sky, as if guarding the moon from light.

"I see." He sniffed. Dawnpaw set the rabbit in front of them both, and curled her front paws under her, taking a small, delicate bite. He took a bigger bite.

"Aren't you worried about being caught?" He asked. Dawnpaw thought for a moment before replying.

"Are you scared of being caught?" She shot back. He paused. "There's no reason to be afraid unless you are doing something wrong. I'm showing compassion, and yet it would be called wrong. I do not count it as wrong, so I will not be afraid."

"Well put." He closed his eyes. Dawnpaw nodded once before eating some more.

~•~
"We should do this again." Dawnpaw blurted. Bluewhisker, surprised, nodded. The small motion sent Dawnpaw soaring.

"Next time, I will provide the prey. Even if it means I go hungry." He promised. Dawnpaw shook her head.
"No. Don't go hungry for me. We each provide two pieces?" She offered. He tilted his head, then nodded. Dawnpaw looked at the sky, surprised to see orange appearing at the horizon. "Two nights from tonight?"

"Sure." Bluewhisker agreed. Dawnpaw shuffled her paws. Bluewhisker didn't say anything more, he turned around and kept in the river. Dawnpaw watched him leave, something running through her mind that she couldn't tell what it was.