-The Mark of the King- Paws padded on the forest floor. Heavy breaths froze in the air, creating a cloud of white in the frosty air. A black cape fluttered in the wind hen suddenly snagged on a branch. The cat beneath it stopped, but only for a moment. The air was still, but then came the clang of metal and the yelling of the king's guard. They could make out the symbol of the king. The cat took off again, sprinting through the forest. They hugged a small bundle of bright green to their chest as they disappeared in the the dark forest. ~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~ Emerald yawned. She stood up, and blinked her eyes again to take in the intense sun that was shining in through the small window. She grabbed he bright green scarf of the side of her bed, wrapping it around her neck. She padded out of the house, bumping into Onyx on her way out. "Oh, hi Onyx!" She said as she smiled happily. Onyx nodded and smiled back. "Did you sleep well Mint?" They asked "Yes!" Mint replied with a smiled. "I'm gonna go outside for a bit!" She said, bounding to the door. "Okay.." Onyx replied, then added "don't go to far... And don't trust any cat you meet... We don't know who follows the king." Mint looked back, then nodded. "I'll be careful!" Mint bounded out, letting her grey fur soak in the sunlight. Her emerald eyes scanned her surroundings as she padded into the forest. Suddenly, a rustle came from a few yard to her side. Mint quickly turned, her eyes scanning the forest. A small brown tabby cat with a purple cloak stepped out. "H-hi..." She said softly. Mint smiled "Hi!" Miint replied with a smile. "What your name? I'm Mint!" The tabby smiled a tiny bit "I-i'm Speckle" She smiled. "Nice to meet you" Mint repled, trying to ignore the small, warm, tingling feeling in her belly. Speckle smiled, then said, "Wanna come with me? I have a small cottage a little bit into the forest..." "Oh, yes!" Mint replied quickly, completely ignoring the words of advice Onyx had given her. Speckle smiled, and lead the way. Her purple cloak fluttered in the wind as she lead the way through the forest. Mint eagerly followed. A hint of gold peaked out from the edge of Speckle's cloak. The mark of the king.
