RiverClan Leader's Den

[Fawn]

Originally Posted by Starfall

His wounds ached. Shoulders burned, lungs burned, head burned. His whole body was sore, fighting off those two deputies were a little more difficult than he originally thought. However, he managed to ... well, Windygale was dead. Of course it was all still nothing more than a blur, like he wasn't the one controlling his own body. One second he was shoving the cream tom away, the next the forest floor was red. Whenever he thought about it his head started pounding.

He had been curled into himself, nestled into his moss littered nest. His whole body felt like it had been crushed by boulders, he wanted to sleep so badly. The whispers of accusation and worry buzzing about kept him from doing so. However, he didn't get any more time to ponder on it, a familiar voice echoing in the empty den. The leader lifted his head, though he could only lift it slightly, a soft shock of pain ripping through his body.He settled for resting his chin on the very edge of his nest. He was too tired to try and process how he felt about his childhood friend suddenly in here once more.

Lapis optics watched as the brown tabby shuffled in, knowing that he needn't be invited in like most others. Save him a few painful breaths. The ebony tom listened as his friend babbled on about thoughtless concerns, mumbling about things he didn't understand. With a sigh, he shifted into a more comfortable position. "Cedarsprint." he mumbled. However the warrior didn't hear the call. "Cedarsprint." this time a little louder. Once again the call went right over the toms head. Fallenstar listened onto his friends babbling, an exhausted look plastered on his face. "Cedarsprint!" he shouted, voice hoarse from all the yelling he had done. "What in the name of Starclan are you talking about? Why would I be angry that you called me by my warrior name?" the question ended in a sigh and a shake of a head. "Nevermind. Whatever it is you're babbling on about, there's something a little more important that I gotta ask." he huffed, ignoring the last point the warrior named. It made his heart ache, he didn't wish to confront it.

The leader picked himself up on wobbly legs, ashamed that it was taking so much effort to just pick himself up. His bones were screaming at him. Muscles wailed. He had been thinking about it for a while now, since he had retrieved ... or more accurately stumbled upon Cedarsprint. He was unphased by what had been happening, he was a fresh face, a fresh outlook on what was happening. All the decisions he made did nothing but bring ruin upon the clan. He allied with Thunderclan, and he got backlash for it. He brought the issue up, and they were driven out of their territory. They fight over the borders, fighting for the pitiful land they were driven to, and a kit gets killed in a raid. Daisyshade died, Heatherfur dissapeared. He was all alone.

"I'm calling a clan meeting. And announcing our new deputy." he huffed, staggering towards the entrance of his den. He refused to look the warrior in the eyes. "So get yourself presentable, there's going to be a lot of eyes on you here pretty soon." he gruffed out. He needed to stop for a second, resting himself against the cold stone. "You're going to be Riverclans new deputy."

At Fallenstar's rumble, Cedarsprint's ears tilted forward in earnest, then lowered toward his head - not a gesture of anger but embarrassment as he realized his rambling had possibly been foolish in hindsight. It may have been well thought-out, but he could have practiced its delivery on a stick or a leaf before coming in here, that may have made for a smoother conversation. If his one-sided suggestions could be called that at all, when Fallenstar hadn't spoken until now. "What do you mean, what am I talking about?" he meowed with intensity, eyes flashing as hurt panged his heart. "When we were out there- fighting that dog with that one tom, you…" He trailed off there and shook his head to recollect his thoughts, unwilling to let this get the better of him.

Rather than digging into the central matter immediately, Cedarsprint chose to focus on his other question, the one that didn't require soul-searching and a confession of feeling like Fallenstar's care toward him was inadequate. "I figured you would prefer Fallenstar, y'know, being a leader. Fallenstream, sure… it flows better, it sounds tough like rapids, but it's still a reminder of a rank that you don't have anymore." Technically, two ranks, and both would be considered below him… though he wondered if that mattered to him, being a strong advocate of giving his warriors say in decisions and genuinely feeling compassionate toward everyone, regardless of status. As long as they weren't Cedarsprint, they were apparently fair-game for Fallenstar's empathy.

No time was allotted to truly organize where he wanted to go with this discussion, as Fallenstar seemed to be moving on without him. Typical, maybe, but he internally scolded himself for thinking like that when it wasn't appropriate right now. "Wait, you have a question for me?" Cedarsprint clarified but it was more of a dubious scoff, blinking in surprise. "But… I came here with questions for you—" There was no chance in finishing that because Fallenstar had dragged himself from the nest, leading him to examine his friend with quiet uncertainty, worry.

At the announcement of calling a clan meeting, he was stunned into a perplexed silence because this wasn't how he'd thought this confrontation would go at all. Slowly, he was starting to wonder if he'd chosen a bad time but it was nearing moonhigh, he hadn't thought Fallenstar would be doing anything but resting. "Okay," he replied evenly. "Do you want me to come back later? Because I'm not sure we were actually done with that discussion. I think after your clan meeting would work." Unless he planned on avoiding him again. However, Cedarsprint refused to let this go, couldn't stand another night of obsessing over whether Fallenstar secretly hated him or not, and he was going to force the truth from him eventually. He couldn't keep calling clan meetings forever.

His world came to a screeching halt at the next bit of information, body going tense as he was wrought with shock. "What?!" he finally exploded, gawking. "Are you crazy? That's— there's no way I'm doing that! Have you met me? I barely became a warrior, so I have no idea why you think I'd be a good deputy." Cedarsprint's heart hammered in his chest as he bounded forward to catch up with Fallenstar. "Look, it's flattering, and I think you're one of the better leaders RiverClan has had, but choosing me would be a mistake. I'm not going to be deputy."

[Fawn]

The sickness sweeping through the Clans had everyone frightened: queens weren't letting their kits play outside the nursery, much less out of their sight; elders were concerned for their own health; warriors and apprentices struggled to keep the Clan afloat among the chaos. With the recent development of sick cats going to the Seastones for treatment and recovery, it'd created a cluster of confusion and panic, no end in sight. Objectively, it was worrying, but Shiverpaw's reaction consisted of little more than a couple somber condolences, and this. Whatever 'this' could be called, the act of being at Fallenstar's den to speak with him.

"Fallenstar," he meowed and stepped inside once invited. "I was thinking about the state of the Clan." Oh, but maybe he shouldn't start with that, maybe that was too forward. He'd always been told he was a little blunt. "Pity about the deputy and ...aftermath. At least that new choice of yours, the peppy she-cat-- Daisyflower? I'm sure she'll be excellent." Hallucinations caused memories to bleed and twist together, creating a shaky reality that was constantly in flux. "Anyway, where were we? Oh, the state of the Clan. I was considering, if you believe it would be appropriate, to lend a paw where it's needed, just until StarClan sends... someone, or a sign, or however that works." A shrug. "Can't say I know much about the coughs, but if a cat is injured, I have picked up a few things about herbs and healing."

Well, no. He did not. Not a single thing, actually, and terrible didn't begin to capture what sort of idea this was. But the same pseudo-reality was working against him once more, tricking him into thinking wounds he'd 'healed' on himself had truly been an act of skill, but they'd never existed at all.

@Starfall

[Starfall]

They had just gotten their territory back, it was supposed to be a time of celebration. Yet they had been swamped with an outbreak. Were they not supposed to get their territory back? Were they just supposed to sit and take it as Windclan drove them out of their home, as Windclan stomped on them and spat in their faces? He would never allow that to happen, he didn't allow it to happen. If Starclan declared that Riverclan were to be wiped out, stepped on, beaten and belittled he would spit in their face and continue to help his clan thrive the best he could. He wouldn't be like Bucknight, he wouldn't be like Thornfrost, he was going to put them first. They ran away with their tail tucked between their legs when the going got rough and when they were needed the most.

Of course he talked tough, but he could feel it, the sluggishness, the thick liquid that was beginning to replace his blood. Make his bones creaky, fragile. Make his mind nothing more than a puddle, a bigger mess than what it already was. He had been infected. He wasn't going anywhere, however, they had no Deputy, no Medicine cat, and the only Medicine cat that was offering their assistance was Oriolestorm. He would have to thank her when he got the chance. Warriors, Apprentices, Queens and Elders were already being escorted to the Seastones in mass amounts, clan already far too empty for his liking. However, he wouldn't leave, not after they just got it back, not after all they had done to get it back. He would continue to lead here, sent patrols with prey when needed, the sick wouldn't be able to hunt.

The ebony tom had been pacing back and fourth by the time a lithe body pushed its way past the fronds into his den, lapis hues locking onto the apprentice the second his name was called. It took a second for him to recognize who it was, he had only seen the apprentice scuttling about here and there. He knew the tom had some...issues regarding mental thinking, but the leader never thought it was this bad. He listened on as the apprentice rambled on, mentally noting how he got Daisyshade's name incorrect...and how he continued to talk about her in present tense.

Once Shiverpaw began to talk about how he would help out, an idea light up in his mind. Cogs slowly began to turn, brows furrowed together. He wouldn't wait for Starclan to send him a sign, he would make the decision himself. Fallenstar began to stride towards the smaller tom, and within a few seconds he was standing right in front of him. "You will be Riverclans new Medicine cat." he stated.

[Fawn]

Originally Posted by Starfall

They had just gotten their territory back, it was supposed to be a time of celebration. Yet they had been swamped with an outbreak. Were they not supposed to get their territory back? Were they just supposed to sit and take it as Windclan drove them out of their home, as Windclan stomped on them and spat in their faces? He would never allow that to happen, he didn't allow it to happen. If Starclan declared that Riverclan were to be wiped out, stepped on, beaten and belittled he would spit in their face and continue to help his clan thrive the best he could. He wouldn't be like Bucknight, he wouldn't be like Thornfrost, he was going to put them first. They ran away with their tail tucked between their legs when the going got rough and when they were needed the most.

Of course he talked tough, but he could feel it, the sluggishness, the thick liquid that was beginning to replace his blood. Make his bones creaky, fragile. Make his mind nothing more than a puddle, a bigger mess than what it already was. He had been infected. He wasn't going anywhere, however, they had no Deputy, no Medicine cat, and the only Medicine cat that was offering their assistance was Oriolestorm. He would have to thank her when he got the chance. Warriors, Apprentices, Queens and Elders were already being escorted to the Seastones in mass amounts, clan already far too empty for his liking. However, he wouldn't leave, not after they just got it back, not after all they had done to get it back. He would continue to lead here, sent patrols with prey when needed, the sick wouldn't be able to hunt.

The ebony tom had been pacing back and fourth by the time a lithe body pushed its way past the fronds into his den, lapis hues locking onto the apprentice the second his name was called. It took a second for him to recognize who it was, he had only seen the apprentice scuttling about here and there. He knew the tom had some...issues regarding mental thinking, but the leader never thought it was this bad. He listened on as the apprentice rambled on, mentally noting how he got Daisyshade's name incorrect...and how he continued to talk about her in present tense.

Once Shiverpaw began to talk about how he would help out, an idea light up in his mind. Cogs slowly began to turn, brows furrowed together. He wouldn't wait for Starclan to send him a sign, he would make the decision himself. Fallenstar began to stride towards the smaller tom, and within a few seconds he was standing right in front of him. "You will be Riverclans new Medicine cat." he stated.

In contrast to the leader, Shiverpaw's thoughts were exceedingly calm in comparison to Fallenstar's internal rage and strife. He had even found a stray bit of nest to nudge with his paws, watching the moss flop along the flooring of the den while he waited for his response. Fallenstar seemed to appear beyond troubled with his pacing and harrowing expression, he'd give him that, so he was fine with waiting for the ebony tom to recollect himself.

When Fallenstar advanced toward him in those long strides, he peered in mild interest as his eyes slimmed, trying to determine what that meant but was met with no answers, at least until he dropped it on him that he was the new medicine cat.

"And cats tell me I get mixed up," Shiverpaw meowed casually, flicking the tiny piece of moss away from them. "I offered to help, I didn't offer to be the medicine cat." It wasn't said with any particular inflection or alarm, he was relatively unfazed. Genuinely confused, definitely concerned for the state of the leader's mind. A yawn erupting from his muzzle, he wasn't about to challenge Fallenstar on this since he seemed a mouse-tail or two away from an explosion of stress and anxiety, the elements that composed him. No wonder he was so huge. Curious and flippant, he added, "But whatever you say, you're the leader."

Shiverpaw didn't know if this was a temporary arrangement or not but from how he spoke of it, Fallenstar didn't seem to think it was short-term. "Hey," he started, musing with a wrinkle of his nose, "being the new medicine cat and all, it'd be real rad to have a fancy warrior name." That fell somewhere between joking and serious with Shiverpaw testing out the waters of this supposed new position, but he didn't fret over it. A warrior name didn't mean much to him, ironic considering he was a sixteen-moon-old apprentice.

[Starfall]

Originally Posted by Dipper

In contrast to the leader, Shiverpaw's thoughts were exceedingly calm in comparison to Fallenstar's internal rage and strife. He had even found a stray bit of nest to nudge with his paws, watching the moss flop along the flooring of the den while he waited for his response. Fallenstar seemed to appear beyond troubled with his pacing and harrowing expression, he'd give him that, so he was fine with waiting for the ebony tom to recollect himself.

When Fallenstar advanced toward him in those long strides, he peered in mild interest as his eyes slimmed, trying to determine what that meant but was met with no answers, at least until he dropped it on him that he was the new medicine cat.

"And cats tell me I get mixed up," Shiverpaw meowed casually, flicking the tiny piece of moss away from them. "I offered to help, I didn't offer to be the medicine cat." It wasn't said with any particular inflection or alarm, he was relatively unfazed. Genuinely confused, definitely concerned for the state of the leader's mind. A yawn erupting from his muzzle, he wasn't about to challenge Fallenstar on this since he seemed a mouse-tail or two away from an explosion of stress and anxiety, the elements that composed him. No wonder he was so huge. Curious and flippant, he added, "But whatever you say, you're the leader."

Shiverpaw didn't know if this was a temporary arrangement or not but from how he spoke of it, Fallenstar didn't seem to think it was short-term. "Hey," he started, musing with a wrinkle of his nose, "being the new medicine cat and all, it'd be real rad to have a fancy warrior name." That fell somewhere between joking and serious with Shiverpaw testing out the waters of this supposed new position, but he didn't fret over it. A warrior name didn't mean much to him, ironic considering he was a sixteen-moon-old apprentice.

He was expecting...something, something more than what he was given. An excited gasp or an excited flurry of ‘thank you’s’ but all he got was a yawn and a half hearted acceptance. Laid back...he wasn’t sure about his decision, but Riverclan didn’t have time for the burly feline to second guess himself, they needed a medic and they needed a medic now. “Good. You start now. I’ll be announcing a clan meeting and i’ll Be escorting you to the Moonpool. Last think you and the clan needs is to be jumped by those Windclanners.” he huffed. With this he pulled himself forwards, paws thundering against the ground as he strode past the apprentice. They needed to begin the ceremony, let everyone know that they had a medicine cat, that they were going to be safe, or so he hoped. The ebony feline still wasn’t sure about the smaller Tom sitting before him. Of course he didn’t have long to dwaddle on that, ear flicking at the word ‘rad’ as he began to ramble on about his full name.

The topic made Fallenstar stop and swivel on his paws, gaze once again resting on the apprentice in front of him. He cocked his head to the side and truly began to think about the question, voices murmuring and whispering their opinions on their new task. They never agreed, the voices, each was unique, said different things at different times at different octaves. Unless they were screaming, when one screamed, they all screamed. They muddled his thinking, blotted out his thoughts and memories as he dwelled on important decisions. This was one of those times. Would he give Shiverpaw his warrior name? He definitely earned it for stepping up, and for rolling wit the punches, that’s what Fallenstar was going to call it anyways. “I suppose... for accepting the position gracefully, you have earned your full name. I will meet you outside, don’t bother climbing down you will be on the Streamstone with me.” he said as he leaned forwards, gently patting down a tuft of fur that stuck up on the top of the apprentices head. After that he once again began to make his way outside.

[Starfall]

@Dipper
A sigh escaped the toms maw as he strode into his den, worn out, leaning up against the mossy wall. He didn't realize holding contests would be so exausting. He wasn't even participating in any of them. Why was he exhausted? Of course he had go go and swim for a moment to drag a certian someone out of the water after they got conked on the back of the head with a stick. He'd have to scold Minnowscreech for that later. Of course, he'd also have to make sure Lionstorm and the other warrior he hit don't kill him first.

They all looked happy though. Happier than they had been in a long time. He hadn't seen so many smiling faces since...since Russetstar became leader. The kits running around trying to find shells, apprentices trying to out do each other, the warriors swimming as hard as their hearts would let them. Laughing, smiling and joking. It made the leader smile softly to himself, gaze lowered, as if he was looking at his paws. The fact that he could make them smile like that again, told him that maybe he could fix everything. It started off rocky, his leadership. With Honeypool dissapearing, him still coming to terms with his new...position, all of it. He made wrong decisions, many wrong decisions. Yet here they were. His clanmates, smiling, playing in the water together. Kits giggling as they tumbled over each other and raced to snatch the shells first. He wouldn't forget this day.

Fallenstar slowly sat himself down, gaze still angled downwards. Everything that's happened in the past moons began to wash over him, like a tidal wave of raw emotion. All the anger, hatred, confusion, sadness, depression. All of hit him at once. Maybe he was hiding it away, he wasn't sure why it all came crashing down at once. But he would be lying if he said he wasn't happy it did. To be able to feel again, to know what happiness felt like, what sadness and worry felt like. These thick beings swirling and glowing inside his soul. It felt nice, knowing that there was something there. He watched as they laughed and smiled, joked and poked around. He did that, he brought them joy. Not Russetstar, not Starclan. Him. With the help of others, and with the compliance of his clan, he brightened their hearts.

One tear turned into two, than two into 8. Soon they came pooling over his cheeks. He made a decision, and it didn't make his clanmates cry. Didn't bring them despair or death. No need to worry about their well beings nor the well being of their family or mates. No Queen had to pray to Starclan that their son would come back safe. His choice didn't hurt anyone. Didn't kill anyone. They were smiling because of something he did.

[Fawn]

Originally Posted by Starfall

@Dipper
A sigh escaped the toms maw as he strode into his den, worn out, leaning up against the mossy wall. He didn't realize holding contests would be so exausting. He wasn't even participating in any of them. Why was he exhausted? Of course he had go go and swim for a moment to drag a certian someone out of the water after they got conked on the back of the head with a stick. He'd have to scold Minnowscreech for that later. Of course, he'd also have to make sure Lionstorm and the other warrior he hit don't kill him first.

They all looked happy though. Happier than they had been in a long time. He hadn't seen so many smiling faces since...since Russetstar became leader. The kits running around trying to find shells, apprentices trying to out do each other, the warriors swimming as hard as their hearts would let them. Laughing, smiling and joking. It made the leader smile softly to himself, gaze lowered, as if he was looking at his paws. The fact that he could make them smile like that again, told him that maybe he could fix everything. It started off rocky, his leadership. With Honeypool dissapearing, him still coming to terms with his new...position, all of it. He made wrong decisions, many wrong decisions. Yet here they were. His clanmates, smiling, playing in the water together. Kits giggling as they tumbled over each other and raced to snatch the shells first. He wouldn't forget this day.

Fallenstar slowly sat himself down, gaze still angled downwards. Everything that's happened in the past moons began to wash over him, like a tidal wave of raw emotion. All the anger, hatred, confusion, sadness, depression. All of hit him at once. Maybe he was hiding it away, he wasn't sure why it all came crashing down at once. But he would be lying if he said he wasn't happy it did. To be able to feel again, to know what happiness felt like, what sadness and worry felt like. These thick beings swirling and glowing inside his soul. It felt nice, knowing that there was something there. He watched as they laughed and smiled, joked and poked around. He did that, he brought them joy. Not Russetstar, not Starclan. Him. With the help of others, and with the compliance of his clan, he brightened their hearts.

One tear turned into two, than two into 8. Soon they came pooling over his cheeks. He made a decision, and it didn't make his clanmates cry. Didn't bring them despair or death. No need to worry about their well beings nor the well being of their family or mates. No Queen had to pray to Starclan that their son would come back safe. His choice didn't hurt anyone. Didn't kill anyone. They were smiling because of something he did.

Well… this was unusual. Cedarsprint was padding into camp from a patrol, and that alone wasn't the unusual bit but rather… the part about how he was engaging in clan activities, actually present around RiverClan. He wasn't off adventuring, exploring some new horizon, he wasn't even thinking about doing that much anymore when the days of feeling like a stranger among his clanmates were becoming less everyday. It was a strange paradox that he'd felt alienated and alone in his own home Clan, but it was gradually shifting, like a new take on something that'd been here all along.

He supposed some of that could be attributed to Fallenstar making RiverClan feel like the place he belonged once more, a genuine internal warmth that'd eluded him for moons but was rising like a steadily-growing flame, his passion for serving his clan reignited. Cedarsprint's loyalty may have wavered over the past several moons of his life, but now, he was feeling the dedication for RiverClan prevailing. Along with the sense of accomplishment, he wondered… maybe, if Fallenstar had noticed, or if it was 'another clanmate' to him. It was a point of intrigue since Fallenstar himself had been adamant about this and expressed his desire to have him around, but Cedarsprint wasn't sure if that extended beyond his authority, his sense of duty that forced him to care for his clanmates and ensure his clan was thriving above the others. And if that was the case, he really didn't blame him and figured Fallenstar had every right to be proud of that considering RiverClan was thriving these days — it seemed like the old times, when RiverClan wasn't being chased from their territory. It was the perfect promise of a smooth greenleaf and better moons to come, and he was glad he could be around for it instead of on a never-ending, wanderer's trail.

Shifting his attention to the camp, it was alive as ever and seemingly in good spirits, a vast difference from when he'd first returned and everybody was on edge. This felt more… normal, definitely like home — and that itch to leave? It was silent for once as Cedarsprint felt a smile touch his muzzle. Maybe things weren't perfect, but they were better than they had been in what felt like forever, and that was a rejuvenating feeling that he couldn't get enough of. And, upon spotting Fallenstar trekking into his den, a burst of joy exploded in his heart as it appeared he was experiencing the same delight. Not that Cedarsprint would pretend for a second that he truly grasped what his perception of this, it had to be a huge relief after everything he'd been through at the helm of leading them through the disasters.

As if on autopilot, his paws were carrying him closer to the mouth of the den until he determined it would be strange to walk away again without saying a word. It would be weird to look into the den, stare, then leave. Fallenstar would realize his scent was here anyway, so there was no use in trying to slip away. "Hey," he meowed in greeting, blurting it out before he'd even thought about what a private moment he could be interrupting. The amendment was brief and almost sheepish, but the faintest traces of a grin were still apparent on his expression. "Sorry if you were busy. It's a pretty nice day though, huh?" Maybe not to where Fallenstar would be emotional over it, but that was pretty much the best excuse he could think of. In a playful murmur, he added, "But then again… if it wasn't, I'm not sure you would've been out there in the camp showing off your pelt in the sunlight. Looks good on you, by the way." Cedarsprint couldn't deliver that without the smallest of chuckles, brushing his tail over Fallenstar's shoulder to demonstrate the jesting nature of the remark.

[Starfall]

Originally Posted by Dipper

Well… this was unusual. Cedarsprint was padding into camp from a patrol, and that alone wasn't the unusual bit but rather… the part about how he was engaging in clan activities, actually present around RiverClan. He wasn't off adventuring, exploring some new horizon, he wasn't even thinking about doing that much anymore when the days of feeling like a stranger among his clanmates were becoming less everyday. It was a strange paradox that he'd felt alienated and alone in his own home Clan, but it was gradually shifting, like a new take on something that'd been here all along.

He supposed some of that could be attributed to Fallenstar making RiverClan feel like the place he belonged once more, a genuine internal warmth that'd eluded him for moons but was rising like a steadily-growing flame, his passion for serving his clan reignited. Cedarsprint's loyalty may have wavered over the past several moons of his life, but now, he was feeling the dedication for RiverClan prevailing. Along with the sense of accomplishment, he wondered… maybe, if Fallenstar had noticed, or if it was 'another clanmate' to him. It was a point of intrigue since Fallenstar himself had been adamant about this and expressed his desire to have him around, but Cedarsprint wasn't sure if that extended beyond his authority, his sense of duty that forced him to care for his clanmates and ensure his clan was thriving above the others. And if that was the case, he really didn't blame him and figured Fallenstar had every right to be proud of that considering RiverClan was thriving these days — it seemed like the old times, when RiverClan wasn't being chased from their territory. It was the perfect promise of a smooth greenleaf and better moons to come, and he was glad he could be around for it instead of on a never-ending, wanderer's trail.

Shifting his attention to the camp, it was alive as ever and seemingly in good spirits, a vast difference from when he'd first returned and everybody was on edge. This felt more… normal, definitely like home — and that itch to leave? It was silent for once as Cedarsprint felt a smile touch his muzzle. Maybe things weren't perfect, but they were better than they had been in what felt like forever, and that was a rejuvenating feeling that he couldn't get enough of. And, upon spotting Fallenstar trekking into his den, a burst of joy exploded in his heart as it appeared he was experiencing the same delight. Not that Cedarsprint would pretend for a second that he truly grasped what his perception of this, it had to be a huge relief after everything he'd been through at the helm of leading them through the disasters.

As if on autopilot, his paws were carrying him closer to the mouth of the den until he determined it would be strange to walk away again without saying a word. It would be weird to look into the den, stare, then leave. Fallenstar would realize his scent was here anyway, so there was no use in trying to slip away. "Hey," he meowed in greeting, blurting it out before he'd even thought about what a private moment he could be interrupting. The amendment was brief and almost sheepish, but the faintest traces of a grin were still apparent on his expression. "Sorry if you were busy. It's a pretty nice day though, huh?" Maybe not to where Fallenstar would be emotional over it, but that was pretty much the best excuse he could think of. In a playful murmur, he added, "But then again… if it wasn't, I'm not sure you would've been out there in the camp showing off your pelt in the sunlight. Looks good on you, by the way." Cedarsprint couldn't deliver that without the smallest of chuckles, brushing his tail over Fallenstar's shoulder to demonstrate the jesting nature of the remark.

His ears swiveled as he heard the faint pattering of pawsteps approaching his den, with that he quickly rubbed his eyes. Once he realized who it was, he visibly relaxed, shoulders dropping, exhaling through his nose. He gave the warrior a flash of a smile as a hello, than began to lick his chest fur, making himself somewhat presentable. He didn't realize just how messy his fur was. It was sticking up in so many spots, bits of moss and twigs tangled up in the thick fur. "I wasn't...really I suppose." he said, pausing his cleaning as the brown tom continued.
It didn't register at first, what Cedarsprint had said. But after a moment he felt his pelt grow hot, ears folded back and a rather flabbergasted expression blossomed on his face. What was he supposed to say? Was he supposed to compliment back? He'd never been...complimented before. Of course maybe it wasn't a compliment, maybe he was just poking fun? It was Cedarsprint after all. After a minute or so of fumbling over his words, and hissing after biting his tongue in the confusion, "The sun looks much better on brown than black." he managed to fumble out. It was a poor attempt at a compliment. Throughout the whole ordeal the leaders tail had been thumping against the stone ground beneath him. Nervousness? Most likely. He wasn't used to ... this. Wasn't used to holding a conversation, not as long as he held one with the warrior. He wasn't used to sleeping right next to someone. Wasn't used to listening to a heartbeat as he fell asleep nightmare free for that night, actually getting a good nights rest.
Clearing his throat, Fallenstar rested his shoulder against the brown warrior's "I don't think I saw you in the swimming competition. Did you participate?" he asked. Of course it was hard to watch all the other's with Lionstorm's little hissy fit in the middle of it all. Thinking about it made the ebony tom roll his shoulders back n let out a long sigh, eyes closed and brows knit together. That was a long, long competition.

[Fawn]

Originally Posted by Starfall

His ears swiveled as he heard the faint pattering of pawsteps approaching his den, with that he quickly rubbed his eyes. Once he realized who it was, he visibly relaxed, shoulders dropping, exhaling through his nose. He gave the warrior a flash of a smile as a hello, than began to lick his chest fur, making himself somewhat presentable. He didn't realize just how messy his fur was. It was sticking up in so many spots, bits of moss and twigs tangled up in the thick fur. "I wasn't...really I suppose." he said, pausing his cleaning as the brown tom continued.
It didn't register at first, what Cedarsprint had said. But after a moment he felt his pelt grow hot, ears folded back and a rather flabbergasted expression blossomed on his face. What was he supposed to say? Was he supposed to compliment back? He'd never been...complimented before. Of course maybe it wasn't a compliment, maybe he was just poking fun? It was Cedarsprint after all. After a minute or so of fumbling over his words, and hissing after biting his tongue in the confusion, "The sun looks much better on brown than black." he managed to fumble out. It was a poor attempt at a compliment. Throughout the whole ordeal the leaders tail had been thumping against the stone ground beneath him. Nervousness? Most likely. He wasn't used to ... this. Wasn't used to holding a conversation, not as long as he held one with the warrior. He wasn't used to sleeping right next to someone. Wasn't used to listening to a heartbeat as he fell asleep nightmare free for that night, actually getting a good nights rest.
Clearing his throat, Fallenstar rested his shoulder against the brown warrior's "I don't think I saw you in the swimming competition. Did you participate?" he asked. Of course it was hard to watch all the other's with Lionstorm's little hissy fit in the middle of it all. Thinking about it made the ebony tom roll his shoulders back n let out a long sigh, eyes closed and brows knit together. That was a long, long competition.

If he wasn't busy before, Fallenstar seemed like he was intent on being busy now as he groomed himself, and Cedarsprint looked down at himself, inwardly wondering if he needed to bathe as well. "You know," he said easily, slightly amused, "you don't have to do that. I didn't come in here to make sure your chest fur was licked down in every spot." He might not have noticed anything was amiss if attention hadn't been drawn to it, yet he was still more concerned over the fact that all of his fur was having a bad hair day. "If you need help going through it..." the offer dwindled until he was trailing off, but made it no less valid as he thought Fallenstar just might not have enough hours in the day to deal with his luscious locks.

"Huh," he commented in mild intrigue at the returned compliment, though it went over Cedarsprint's head that Fallenstar could be referring to him. "I guess I haven't noticed. Can't say I spend my time looking at that many brown-furred cats." There was a hanging implication attached to the statement that he didn't elaborate on since he assumed it'd be caught anyway, Fallenstar rarely let things like that slide through his cognitions aloofly.

Cedarsprint shook his head but was careful to avoid dislodging Fallenstar from his place of choice on his shoulder; he'd be lying if he claimed he didn't like it as well, so he was extra diligent in ensuring it didn't end a moment too soon. "Nah, I thought I'd just spectate. I couldn't have to see me flailing around in the water like a drowning ThunderClanner, after all." Not that his swimming ability was bad in any aspect, but he liked the idea of striking humility. "You'd probably have to jump in and save me."

As their topics of grooming, pelts in the sunlight, and swimming competitions swirled in his mind, he came to a rather chortle-worthy conclusion that had him snickering under his breath and probably causing Fallenstar to wonder why he was making that noise. Entertained at the mere notion, he announced, "Maybe it's time for RiverClan to have a beauty contest."

[Starfall]

Originally Posted by Dipper

If he wasn't busy before, Fallenstar seemed like he was intent on being busy now as he groomed himself, and Cedarsprint looked down at himself, inwardly wondering if he needed to bathe as well. "You know," he said easily, slightly amused, "you don't have to do that. I didn't come in here to make sure your chest fur was licked down in every spot." He might not have noticed anything was amiss if attention hadn't been drawn to it, yet he was still more concerned over the fact that all of his fur was having a bad hair day. "If you need help going through it..." the offer dwindled until he was trailing off, but made it no less valid as he thought Fallenstar just might not have enough hours in the day to deal with his luscious locks.

"Huh," he commented in mild intrigue at the returned compliment, though it went over Cedarsprint's head that Fallenstar could be referring to him. "I guess I haven't noticed. Can't say I spend my time looking at that many brown-furred cats." There was a hanging implication attached to the statement that he didn't elaborate on since he assumed it'd be caught anyway, Fallenstar rarely let things like that slide through his cognitions aloofly.

Cedarsprint shook his head but was careful to avoid dislodging Fallenstar from his place of choice on his shoulder; he'd be lying if he claimed he didn't like it as well, so he was extra diligent in ensuring it didn't end a moment too soon. "Nah, I thought I'd just spectate. I couldn't have to see me flailing around in the water like a drowning ThunderClanner, after all." Not that his swimming ability was bad in any aspect, but he liked the idea of striking humility. "You'd probably have to jump in and save me."

As their topics of grooming, pelts in the sunlight, and swimming competitions swirled in his mind, he came to a rather chortle-worthy conclusion that had him snickering under his breath and probably causing Fallenstar to wonder why he was making that noise. Entertained at the mere notion, he announced, "Maybe it's time for RiverClan to have a beauty contest."

(woa color change uwu )
He continued to attempt at taming his fur, giving the warrior a glace before lifting his head. "If you'd like." he mumbled. He wouldn't say 'yes please.' Or anything of the sort, his pelt was a mess, even he didn't want to work on it. He didn't even notice it was so messy up until he heard Cedarsprint walk in, now it was like he could spot every single thing that was wrong. The tangles, the knots, tufts sticking up. Why so sudden? He had never really cared about how he looked, unless he was going to the gathering or making an announcement. Now, apparently, he can add something else to that list.

He didn't get it. Well of course he wouldn't get it he didn't deliver it well. Of course, that didn't mean it made it any less embarassing. He hid his face in the warriors shoulder, fur fluffing out a bit. Maybe he just did it wrong, he'd never complimented back really before. "Just happen to catch my eye." he mumbled out. What was he supposed to say? This wasn't good for his health, he could hear his heart pounding in his ears. Why was this so nerve wracking? They were just talking about pelts and sun and swimming. It wasn't like he was swimming up stream or anything. Why was he so out of breath?

As he began to give his reasons for the lack of participation during the New Leaf Celebration Fallenstar looked up at him, amusement danced across his features. "I'm sure you swim just fine. Drowning, on the other hand, I would rather you not do. Ended up saving Lionstorm because Minnowscreech thought it'd be funny to throw a stick." he sighed, leaning more into Cedarsprint. He may have been exaggerating right there, he didn't really hop in and save the, at the time, warrior. "But...I wouldn't mind going in again." his words got quieter and quieter, mashed together as he shifted to look down at his paws. Maybe this one would work? Did he say it...clear enough? He couldn't tell his mind was going a million miles a minute. Of course he'd experianced something similar...sleepless nights and buzzing voices. This was different, it was warmer.

By the second time his head bumped, rather harshly, against the brown felines shoulder he looked back up, giving him a confused look. What was so funny? Was it something he said? Maybe it was how he said it? The leader narrowed his eyes and flattened his ears. It wasn't that funny, what he said. But than the tabby finally said what was on his mind. He took a second to register just what exactly he had said. After a solid minute a smile tugged at his lips. "Beauty contest?" he echoed, a hint of laughter in his voice. "Like, who can bring the prettiest shell?"