Snow swirled through the air, pelting the raven-furred queen as she led three kits into the icy fray. A gray tom gave a plantiful whimper as he sunk into a snow drift.

"Its alright." The queen murmered, hauling him out. The tom shivered, his pelt dappled with snow, but bravely continued after his mother. A black tom gave a soft mewl, unheard by the she-cat. A gray she-kit stopped and nudged him encouragingly before turning and squinting her eyes against the icy flakes.

"Mama s-said we're alm-most there." The gray tom called, his voice shaking. Finally, they reached a forest, their mother curling up on the roots of an oak tree. "Come, kits." She said wearily, sweeping them close to her. "Are we s-safe now?" The black tom asked, his eyes half-closed. "Of course." The gray tom replied, snuggling close to his brother. The tom gave a yawn and his breathing slowed, showing he was asleep.

"What if some hungry foxes find us?" The black tom whimpered. "Don't worry." The gray she-kit said, snuggling closer to her litter-brother. "I'll protect you from the foxes." And the two kits fell asleep.