The story of Winter Rose and Autumn Leaves goes way back. Winter, who was just a kit when she wandered off from her parents, found herself lost in the dark and eerie forest. Even the slightest movement of a rabbit made her jump out of her fur. Without survival skills, she hid in a hole next to a tree. The light sway of the trees and the sound of the wind lulled her into a blissful sleep. As Autumn returned from hunting with a plump mouse in her jaws, she noticed the sleeping kit, about the same age as her, maybe older, in her den. Her body filled with excitement at the thought of a new visitor, and she dropped the mouse at her paws for her to eat when she woke up. A few minutes later, Winter woke up to a not-so-freshly caught mouse laying motionless at her paws. Her stomach ached for food, and despite her parents' warnings about forest food, she dug her muzzle into the mouse and ate happily. Autumn watched from afar, practically vibrating with excitement. "HI NEW GIRL!!" She blurted out. Winter jumped out of her fur. Her tiny body trembled at the sound of the kit's voice, but what scared her even more was the snake-like tongue hanging from her mouth. She let out a pitiful hiss and swatted at the kit, drawing her closer. Winter noticed how the kit began to paw back at her in a playful manner. It brought out a weird feeling inside her, and yet not an unwelcome one. She lunged at the kit and wrestled with her like she would her brothers. Unfortunately, she did not win the match and landed flat on her back. Fortunately, she did not seem like a threat. "You're not from here!" The kit blurted out as she let Winter get up. She seemed like the loud type. "I'm Autumn Leaves! What's your name?" Winter hesitated, getting up from her spot. "It's Winter. Winter Rose," "OOH!!!! You're one of those royal cats!" "Uh- regal cats, actually. You must be a forest cat?" Autumn puffed up her tiny chest. "Yup! Born and raised!" Winter felt herself cheer internally. She could actually find a way home! "Do you know where the border is? Me and my parents were walking along it to get home and I got lost.." "Yes! Just follow me!" The kit led Winter out of the hole and sped through the forest. Winter marveled at Autumn's remarkable swiftness, yet she couldn't remain idle. It was time for her to return home! After many unbearable minutes of running (at least for Winter), they both finally reached the border. "Well, there's the border! We should meet up again sometime!" Winter nodded. She had grown fond of the kit. "Yes, of course,"
