SkyClan Leader's Den

[The Cannibal]

Originally Posted by Charmer

"I would never throw caution to the wind."

Shinefang paused in the middle of his speech, staring at the Skyclan leader in surprise. It was only for a moment, but the way Grousestar had rushed to defend his position and the way his body seemed to tense as he did do...it was alarming. In his seasons of leading Skyclan, Shinefang had seldom seen the brown tabby be anything but calm, collected and confident. Now he seemed downright rattled. Shinefang knew that Grousestar was bothered by all the stress among the clans, but clearly he had not guessed the extent. When the leader seemed to sag in relief after Shinefang offered to relay information from Starclan, the medicine cat swallowed a twinge of pity and fear. It was the same sort of relief he might had expected on the face of a cat in pain for whom he had just promised a helping of poppy seeds. "I'm sure it will," the old tom answered, his voice even. He paused for a breath, then added. "Speaking of your nerves, if you like I can give you some herbs to help you feel a little more relaxed. Nothing too heady," he added hastily, "Just something to help you feel calm but alert as you go about your day today." He made the offer with painted on confidence and concealed reservation. He wasn't sure how the leader would take to an offering of herbs for stress reduction in his current state but as tightly wound as the younger cat seemed now, it was still the level-headed Grousestar he was speaking to after all.

Grousestar had to avert his gaze from the medicine cat as he too caught his sudden burst of defensiveness, his eyes closing and his teeth clenching together momentarily. Taking a slow, deep breath in, he would then slowly exhale before opening his eyes again and relaxing his tensed body, ready to look back at Shinefang. "I'm sorry.. I just. I don't want anyone to think I'm throwing caution to the wind because of this decision. I don't want the clan to think I'm not being cautious and thinking of their safety, because I am. I'm being as cautious and thoughtful as I can be in this time of tension." He tried to explain himself, gaze dropping back to the floor of his den.
Of course he would look back at the older tom as he mentioned herbs for his nerves. Am I really getting that bad? To where I need herbs just to calm my nerves? His mind questioned dully, words not coming to his mouth quite yet.
Shifting in his nest, the leader would look away again, dwelling on the question whether or not he wanted herbs to deal with this. What would the clan think if they saw him taking herbs for stress? To calm down? Would panic set in? Would they think him weak?
"Only... Only if no other cat can see it." Meowed Grousestar quietly, shame evident in his voice.

[Charmer]

Originally Posted by Duskflight

Grousestar had to avert his gaze from the medicine cat as he too caught his sudden burst of defensiveness, his eyes closing and his teeth clenching together momentarily. Taking a slow, deep breath in, he would then slowly exhale before opening his eyes again and relaxing his tensed body, ready to look back at Shinefang. "I'm sorry.. I just. I don't want anyone to think I'm throwing caution to the wind because of this decision. I don't want the clan to think I'm not being cautious and thinking of their safety, because I am. I'm being as cautious and thoughtful as I can be in this time of tension." He tried to explain himself, gaze dropping back to the floor of his den.
Of course he would look back at the older tom as he mentioned herbs for his nerves. Am I really getting that bad? To where I need herbs just to calm my nerves? His mind questioned dully, words not coming to his mouth quite yet.
Shifting in his nest, the leader would look away again, dwelling on the question whether or not he wanted herbs to deal with this. What would the clan think if they saw him taking herbs for stress? To calm down? Would panic set in? Would they think him weak?
"Only... Only if no other cat can see it." Meowed Grousestar quietly, shame evident in his voice.

The medicine cat waited as the leader thought over the offer. At last, the younger tom agreed, reluctantly, and asked that it be kept secret. With a solemn nod Shinefang slipped out into the still and silent clearing, fetched what he wanted, and returned. Gingerly, he placed three small yellow bulb-shaped plants on the ground in front of Grousestar. The small white petals had shriveled some time ago. “Chamomile,” he said softly. “It’s in the traveling herb mixture. It soothes and calms the mind. Plus, it’s good for digestion.” He gave a small, reassurancing smile, then slowly, he went to Grousestar’s side and set the tip of his tail gently on the younger tom’s back. “In case you’re tempted to think yourself weak for taking these, you’re not. You carry the fate of the clan on your shoulders. It’s a heavy burden. One no cat in their right mind would envy. Least of all now. But you’ve led this clan through more difficult days than this. You can do it again. There’s nothing wrong with taking the help others can offer to that end.”

[The Cannibal]

Originally Posted by Charmer

The medicine cat waited as the leader thought over the offer. At last, the younger tom agreed, reluctantly, and asked that it be kept secret. With a solemn nod Shinefang slipped out into the still and silent clearing, fetched what he wanted, and returned. Gingerly, he placed three small yellow bulb-shaped plants on the ground in front of Grousestar. The small white petals had shriveled some time ago. “Chamomile,” he said softly. “It’s in the traveling herb mixture. It soothes and calms the mind. Plus, it’s good for digestion.” He gave a small, reassurancing smile, then slowly, he went to Grousestar’s side and set the tip of his tail gently on the younger tom’s back. “In case you’re tempted to think yourself weak for taking these, you’re not. You carry the fate of the clan on your shoulders. It’s a heavy burden. One no cat in their right mind would envy. Least of all now. But you’ve led this clan through more difficult days than this. You can do it again. There’s nothing wrong with taking the help others can offer to that end.”

For a moment he was left in silence again, his own mind quickly beginning to latch on to the idea that Shinefang now thought him as incapable of dealing with this stress on his own. Laying his head in his paws, he closed his eyes and let the whirlwind of thoughts wildly rampage trough his head before he lifted it again as the medicine cat returned with three bulb-shaped plants. For a moment be would look at them, before looking back at Shinefang as he explained what they were. Even in a time like this, he enjoyed learning, even if he might not remember it the next day. Closing his eyes, he wouldn't bother looking at the slightly shriveled petals of the bulb as he ingested them. He could feel his heart straining with emotions, the weakness he felt at having to take these just to calm down, his own mind who was usually filled with optimism and brightness, screaming at him with hatred and degradation.
His eyes would open to look over at the other tom as he lightly rested his tail tip on his back. Silence ensued as he took the words in, the screaming quieting down to a hushed whisper. 'You've led this clan through more difficult days than this. You can do it again.' That struck him. His head nodding slightly. "They never tell you how hard it is you know. To do this? You might think its just making decisions every now and again, doing ceremonies, being a figurehead but its not.. When I was deputy- even when I was a new leader, I never expected this. None of it. I thought I could lead with unbridled optimism and cheerfulness. I thought I could brave through it and keep my thoughts to my own, or even to a select few but now its wearing.. It's.. It's not working anymore."

[Charmer]

Originally Posted by Duskflight

For a moment he was left in silence again, his own mind quickly beginning to latch on to the idea that Shinefang now thought him as incapable of dealing with this stress on his own. Laying his head in his paws, he closed his eyes and let the whirlwind of thoughts wildly rampage trough his head before he lifted it again as the medicine cat returned with three bulb-shaped plants. For a moment be would look at them, before looking back at Shinefang as he explained what they were. Even in a time like this, he enjoyed learning, even if he might not remember it the next day. Closing his eyes, he wouldn't bother looking at the slightly shriveled petals of the bulb as he ingested them. He could feel his heart straining with emotions, the weakness he felt at having to take these just to calm down, his own mind who was usually filled with optimism and brightness, screaming at him with hatred and degradation.
His eyes would open to look over at the other tom as he lightly rested his tail tip on his back. Silence ensued as he took the words in, the screaming quieting down to a hushed whisper. 'You've led this clan through more difficult days than this. You can do it again.' That struck him. His head nodding slightly. "They never tell you how hard it is you know. To do this? You might think its just making decisions every now and again, doing ceremonies, being a figurehead but its not.. When I was deputy- even when I was a new leader, I never expected this. None of it. I thought I could lead with unbridled optimism and cheerfulness. I thought I could brave through it and keep my thoughts to my own, or even to a select few but now its wearing.. It's.. It's not working anymore."

Without needing to hear much more, the brown tabby ate up the chamomile. Shinefang didn’t know what to expect after what he said. He didn’t suppose the leader would be inclined to speak. But he did, and more than that, he opened up about how these seasons had not only weighed on him but changed him. Now that he was facing these decisions, he was changing in ways he never thought he had. The energy and bright enthusiasm that had carried him so far was failing him. The medicine cat cleared his throat. “That optimism is what makes you a good leader. It’s what’s made every warrior you’ve named proud to serve Skyclan. So I wouldn’t knock it. But you know, even the happiest cat alive is bound to have hard times. You’ll get through it. Trust yourself. Trust your deputy. And trust your warriors when the time comes. You’re not just a figurehead to them. You’re the cat who makes their clan worth serving.” The old tom’s shredded ears gave a flick, and he turned back to Grousestar. “I ought to be going. If you want another dose tomorrow morning, go the bank where we went to get you a drink while you were still getting your strength back. I’ll leave it there at dawn.” He stood up to go, wanting to be back in his den before his apprentice or any warriors stirred.

[The Cannibal]

Originally Posted by Charmer

Without needing to hear much more, the brown tabby ate up the chamomile. Shinefang didn’t know what to expect after what he said. He didn’t suppose the leader would be inclined to speak. But he did, and more than that, he opened up about how these seasons had not only weighed on him but changed him. Now that he was facing these decisions, he was changing in ways he never thought he had. The energy and bright enthusiasm that had carried him so far was failing him. The medicine cat cleared his throat. “That optimism is what makes you a good leader. It’s what’s made every warrior you’ve named proud to serve Skyclan. So I wouldn’t knock it. But you know, even the happiest cat alive is bound to have hard times. You’ll get through it. Trust yourself. Trust your deputy. And trust your warriors when the time comes. You’re not just a figurehead to them. You’re the cat who makes their clan worth serving.” The old tom’s shredded ears gave a flick, and he turned back to Grousestar. “I ought to be going. If you want another dose tomorrow morning, go the bank where we went to get you a drink while you were still getting your strength back. I’ll leave it there at dawn.” He stood up to go, wanting to be back in his den before his apprentice or any warriors stirred.

Grousestar wasn't completely sure why he opened up to the medicine cat, perhaps it was because he trusted him a little more than other cats. Maybe even looked up to him in a way. Or maybe his mind was wearing and he felt he needed to get it off his chest. Regardless, he wasn't even sure if the other tom would respond. Half expecting him to awkwardly nod and say goodbye, leaving him in his thoughts till the chamomile quieted them. But that wasn't what happened. His emerald gaze would look up at Shinefang as he responded. There were several things that stuck with the leader, and the beginnings of his pleasant smile that so many had come to love, touched his muzzle, his own head nodding slightly.
"Thank you.. Shinefang. I really do appreciate you." Slowly the leader would rest his head on his paws again, watching the medicine cat leave. For a moment he was gripped with grief as his mind latched on to the fact that Shinefang was getting up there in age. But slowly he could feel his stress, his fear, and his worry beginning to dull. He just needed to keep his head straight and continue to do what he did best. Smile and lead with brightness and positivity. Closing his eyes, sleep would soon claim him. Starclan knows he probably needs it.

[wren]

@Duskflight
super duper terrible but it'll get better sometime

Treading lightly a cream and ginger she cat made her way through the gorse tunnel of skyclans camp. The scent of riverclan drifting to the skyclanners causing a sort of backlash whereas heads where turned and claws slid out. Although there was no hostility in the gaze of Rowanflower, only an unsettled stare that left her looking through cats as opposed to looking at them.

He is a reasonable leader. He is a reasonable leader. she kept repeating to herself, waking steadily towards the den that loomed forxlengths above the clearing. She understood how risky it was for her and fallenstar's relationship for her to be here, but she needed to be, even if his pride wouldn't let him understand why she was disobeying him directly. The slender feline slunk through the masses of cats treading on unknowing territory being stared at with unknown eyes. Two escorts where by her sides, keeping pace and ensuring she didn't move off or wander to far. She supposed she would've wanted the same thing for a skyclan cat on her territory too, Nothing out of the ordinary. Begin left at the base of the towering rocks as a warrior scrambled up to the leaders den she gracefully sat, keeping her back straightened and eyes level with every cat who gave her a glare as they passed. She wasn't sure how long she was actually sitting there waiting for her escort to either boot her out or send her up but she found herself almost nodding off. The treke here had taken its toll on her, even if it wasn't that long, hiding from all the cats scattered on riverclan territory was hard enough.

[The Cannibal]

Originally Posted by Celestial

@Duskflight
super duper terrible but it'll get better sometime

Treading lightly a cream and ginger she cat made her way through the gorse tunnel of skyclans camp. The scent of riverclan drifting to the skyclanners causing a sort of backlash whereas heads where turned and claws slid out. Although there was no hostility in the gaze of Rowanflower, only an unsettled stare that left her looking through cats as opposed to looking at them.

He is a reasonable leader. He is a reasonable leader. she kept repeating to herself, waking steadily towards the den that loomed forxlengths above the clearing. She understood how risky it was for her and fallenstar's relationship for her to be here, but she needed to be, even if his pride wouldn't let him understand why she was disobeying him directly. The slender feline slunk through the masses of cats treading on unknowing territory being stared at with unknown eyes. Two escorts where by her sides, keeping pace and ensuring she didn't move off or wander to far. She supposed she would've wanted the same thing for a skyclan cat on her territory too, Nothing out of the ordinary. Begin left at the base of the towering rocks as a warrior scrambled up to the leaders den she gracefully sat, keeping her back straightened and eyes level with every cat who gave her a glare as they passed. She wasn't sure how long she was actually sitting there waiting for her escort to either boot her out or send her up but she found herself almost nodding off. The treke here had taken its toll on her, even if it wasn't that long, hiding from all the cats scattered on riverclan territory was hard enough.

{You're fine!!}

I suppose one could say that Rowanflower had some particularly good timing with when she entered the camp. Just a few minutes earlier, Grousestar had been out in the territory, likely hunting, or perhaps he had been on one of his own adventures, more than likely just sitting there, thinking. But regardless of what he was doing, he was back in his den when her escort told her to stop and wait, climbing up to fetch the brown tabby from his den.
He had settled down in his nest and rested his head in his paws, perhaps about to nap- he had a good habit of waking up at dawn. Of course his head would lift, focusing on the warrior that had poked her head in his den, informing him that the deputy of Riverclan was in camp. At the very mention of Riverclan the tom's tail would flick in agitation and apprehension. What would their deputy want with him? Had word gotten out about him and Blazingstar's secret alliance? Was she hear to declare war? Not likely, she wouldn't come alone. And surely he'd announce that at a gathering, in front of everyone. No.. What is she here for.
Slowly he would nod his head. "Bring her up." Previously laying down, the Skyclan leader would sit up in his nest, picking out a few pieces of his bedding that might have stuck to his pelt as he waited.
The long-furred warrior who had escorted Rowanflower to camp would come back down to her and motion for her to climb the rocks to Grousestar's den, taking a seat at the bottom of the rocks just in case she was further needed by her leader.

[Deerlie]

@Duskflight

A black and white tom stepped into the leaders den, his eyes closing slightly and his tail twitching. He had never been so close to the heart of Skyclan, until today. The large tom cleared his throat, "Uh.. G-Grousestar? I would like to speak with you. My name is Badgerpaw.. I'm from Shadowclan, I fought alongside on of your apprentices in the battle that happened a few moons ago." He mewed, his eyes glowing in the dark den.

[North]

| @Duskflight |
Doveflight's pale form glided along the clearing, an aura of relaxing surrounding him; an aura strong enough to cover the sheer anxiety coating his insides. Having been thrown into such a position of importance and influence had not been easy, but the milky tom had been hoping he would get the hang of it quick enough. He had not, unfortunately, and the task was proving rather challenging. It was not to say he was failing as Skyclan's deputy, as many argued he was doing fairly well or at least to a standard high enough for the clan to continue functioning as it normally would. He'd been copying Auroraflame's previous example, for the most part, other times he would look to Grousestar for guidance and inspiration. He only hoped the leader saw his decision to make him deputy as a rightful one, the prospect of him failing his leader making the fluffy tom feel almost sickly. His mind drifted from place to place, olive eyes captivated by the beauty of the setting sun as it painted the sky into a vivid splash of colours. Soon the sky would be alight with stars, and the moon would cast a hazy white glow over Skyclan's camp; the perfect time for Doveflight to think. He'd planned on taking a walk this very evening, but Grousestar had requested to see him. It was apparent to Doveflight that he was not in trouble, but this knowledge was hardly enough to calm his overly stimulated nerves. Even if he was not in immediate trouble, there were other negative reasons as to why Grousestar would want to see him. Relax, Dove. Grousestar probably just wants to talk, its fine. The cloud-resembling tom reminded himself, his olive gaze shifting toward the leader's den as it drew closer and closer with every step he took.

It was not long before Doveflight was standing outside Grousestar's den, a look of awkwardness and hesitation taking over his features and posture as he shifted his weight from paw to paw. Grousestar was his leader, the one cat Doveflight sought out to impress entirely. He could not allow himself to fall below the extremely high standards he'd set for himself, especially not in front of his leader. The silence of Skyclan's camp offered him no comfort, the ambient sound of bugs chirping and buzzing becoming more and more irritable the longer he stood outside the den. An anxious sigh escaped him, as the pale tom took one pawstep into the den before fully immersing himself into the even quieter surroundings. He paused at the entrance, his olive eyes adjusting to the much dimmer lighting as he searched for the familiar form of Grousestar. "Grousestar?" He called, hoping to make his presence known to avoid the impossibly awkward invasion of his leader's privacy. "May I come in?" He further questioned, his tone soft and cautious - his nervousness evident, but partially covered up due to his naturally polite nature. The milky feline corrected his posture, standing more respectfully and maturely; he reminded himself of the importance of looking the part, especially in front of arguably Skyclan's most important member. He stood, awaiting the other tom's responce with as much patience his anxious body would allow him to.

[The Cannibal]

Originally Posted by Killer of Madness

@Duskflight

A black and white tom stepped into the leaders den, his eyes closing slightly and his tail twitching. He had never been so close to the heart of Skyclan, until today. The large tom cleared his throat, "Uh.. G-Grousestar? I would like to speak with you. My name is Badgerpaw.. I'm from Shadowclan, I fought alongside on of your apprentices in the battle that happened a few moons ago." He mewed, his eyes glowing in the dark den.

The brown tabby tom was lightly dozing in his nest, head slightly craned downwards and paws tucked beneath him when the Shadowclan apprentice stepped into his den. Grousestar flinched just slightly at the sudden voice and appearance of another cat, his head jerking up to eye the young tom with little to no emotion aside from a faint look of confusion. To think so many moons ago the leader would have welcomed the young cat with open arms into his den, now though, he didn't like the thought of the young cat just wandering in without warning. Especially after he revealed he was from another clan.
For a moment, Grousestar didn't say anything, he remained laying in his nest, just looking at Badgerpaw, thinking to himself before eventually speaking.
"Did you just wander into camp?" He questioned wearily, not bothering to sit up. He didn't feel threatened by this apprentice, but it did slightly unnerve him that his warriors didn't stop this cat at all. He had just walked right up to his den. What if the apprentice had been a murderous rogue? He could have easily lost his remaining 8 lives. And no cat would have stopped them.
Shaking his head, Grousestar forced out a sigh. "I'm assuming Goldenstar is smart enough not to send an apprentice to try for an alliance, so you must have come here on your own accord. What is it that you would like to speak about?"

Originally Posted by North

| @Duskflight |
Doveflight's pale form glided along the clearing, an aura of relaxing surrounding him; an aura strong enough to cover the sheer anxiety coating his insides. Having been thrown into such a position of importance and influence had not been easy, but the milky tom had been hoping he would get the hang of it quick enough. He had not, unfortunately, and the task was proving rather challenging. It was not to say he was failing as Skyclan's deputy, as many argued he was doing fairly well or at least to a standard high enough for the clan to continue functioning as it normally would. He'd been copying Auroraflame's previous example, for the most part, other times he would look to Grousestar for guidance and inspiration. He only hoped the leader saw his decision to make him deputy as a rightful one, the prospect of him failing his leader making the fluffy tom feel almost sickly. His mind drifted from place to place, olive eyes captivated by the beauty of the setting sun as it painted the sky into a vivid splash of colours. Soon the sky would be alight with stars, and the moon would cast a hazy white glow over Skyclan's camp; the perfect time for Doveflight to think. He'd planned on taking a walk this very evening, but Grousestar had requested to see him. It was apparent to Doveflight that he was not in trouble, but this knowledge was hardly enough to calm his overly stimulated nerves. Even if he was not in immediate trouble, there were other negative reasons as to why Grousestar would want to see him. Relax, Dove. Grousestar probably just wants to talk, its fine. The cloud-resembling tom reminded himself, his olive gaze shifting toward the leader's den as it drew closer and closer with every step he took.

It was not long before Doveflight was standing outside Grousestar's den, a look of awkwardness and hesitation taking over his features and posture as he shifted his weight from paw to paw. Grousestar was his leader, the one cat Doveflight sought out to impress entirely. He could not allow himself to fall below the extremely high standards he'd set for himself, especially not in front of his leader. The silence of Skyclan's camp offered him no comfort, the ambient sound of bugs chirping and buzzing becoming more and more irritable the longer he stood outside the den. An anxious sigh escaped him, as the pale tom took one pawstep into the den before fully immersing himself into the even quieter surroundings. He paused at the entrance, his olive eyes adjusting to the much dimmer lighting as he searched for the familiar form of Grousestar. "Grousestar?" He called, hoping to make his presence known to avoid the impossibly awkward invasion of his leader's privacy. "May I come in?" He further questioned, his tone soft and cautious - his nervousness evident, but partially covered up due to his naturally polite nature. The milky feline corrected his posture, standing more respectfully and maturely; he reminded himself of the importance of looking the part, especially in front of arguably Skyclan's most important member. He stood, awaiting the other tom's responce with as much patience his anxious body would allow him to.

Ever since he had assigned Doveflight as Skyclan's new deputy, Grousestar had yet to have a full, sit down talk with the tom. He had provided assurance and help every now and again, when the milky furred tom seemed to have needed it most, however, it was time he did fully speak to his deputy. And with the time of day, it was best. Everyone should be asleep, there should be no prying eyes or ears and he should be able to speak to the other tom in comfort. The fact that Auroraflame would go against his will and behind his back still haunted him, and quietly the more paranoid side of him wanted to suggest that perhaps other Skyclan cats had went with her to whatever meetings she went to. He hated the fact that he thought this, but in times like these surely it was common? There was also the idea that he had... Made a wrong choice in deciding to agree to Windclan's alliance. Perhaps he was wrong to pick a side, when he could have perhaps stayed out of it. All of these uncertainties and it seemed like there was no one to talk to about them. But there was Doveflight. Perhaps the other tom could provide his own input, help Grousestar steer in the right direction or at least gain back some confidence in his own decisions.

Quietly the brown tabby tom laid in his nest, emerald eyes staring blankly at the floor of his den as he awaited the arrival of the new deputy. It was when he heard the hesitant voice did he look up and fixate his gaze on Doveflight. With a light, almost forced smile, Grousestar would nod his head just slightly but not sit up from his laying position. "You may." Slowly, the leader would inch backwards to allow the other tom room should there not be enough. "Hopefully I'm not keeping you from sleep, but I figured it was time me and you had a true talk as a leader and deputy should. So please, make yourself comfortable."