From the mouth of the nursery - a few kits by her side - Nightshiver quietly listened to the news that came from the leader's maw. Staring up at the leader only was always such an eyestrain and mildly uncomfortable, and often her eyes wandered over the backs of her clan mates as she gauged their reaction to what was being said. She never did fixate on anyone in particular, except for this meeting. Hawkbite. Even from far away, as the news of Vixensnarl's disappearance came, she could see how... Tense he appeared. And after the adorable and gentle display with little Mothkit, she couldn't help but worry. She'd never seen the stoic warrior worried or bothered by any news - not that she knew him very well - but she'd come to... Well, consider him a friend of sorts.

Now, Nightshiver rarely involved herself in another's matters, even if she was concerned about something, she preferred to respect their privacy and not meddle. But seeing him like that, head down and paws clenched, it looked almost familiar. She was unaware of the relationship between Hawkbite and Vixensnarl, but whatever it was - was he hurting? He found the signs of a possible death, could it be that? The forever queen bit her lip as she hesitated, uncertain of what action to take. But try she might, as she ushered some of the sleepy kits back inside, she couldn't get the thought that something might be off out of her mind.

So, she decided to do something she'd rarely dare do. After ensuring no kit or queen needed her, she left the nursery and promptly found herself heading for the warrior's den. The closer it came, the more nervous she got. But the white lady pushed those thoughts aside, reminded of his stance - what he might be going through. Perhaps it was some motherly instinct speaking, but how could she ignore someone who might be in pain? And someone she considered a friend, at that? If anything, she owed this to him, to at least see if he is alright or in need of anything.

Slowing her steps, she took in a deep breath of fresh air before silently coming to stand in the den's opening, to the side should anyone need to pass. From there she'd scan the various nests or resting bodies until she would hopefully find that of Hawkbite - the warrior's den was so much colder than she remembered.
"Hawk..bite. Are... you.. al..right?"
She dared take a step inside, having spotted the form of who she believed must be the warrior she'd come out to see, softly speaking to him.


[ @SuspiciousMindz ]

The den was quiet, most warriors still out from the meeting, a single soft sound reaching the molly's ear, breaking her heart right in two. Her gaze softened as her eyes adjusted to the dim light, settling on Hawkbite covering his face with a paw, to little avail of hiding what was happening. His voice sounded strained, bitter to a point Nightshiver physically took a flinched step back, but her brows knit together.

Tired he said. Tired. Every anxious part of the white queen told her to leave, to let him be in peace, and yet her paws wouldn't budge. She stood there, in the den's entrance, watching the poor tom. Her heart ached for him. Tired, he said. Why couldn't she leave? Maybe... Because she wasn't able to help him before, when he came to the nursery, already dishevelled looking. That had been the first sign. And maybe because this answer sounded so painfully familiar, she could tear up herself just thinking what he might be going through.

If this had anything to do Vixensnarl then she could only assume the stoic feline had been close to her, perhaps closer than anyone had thought and the idea that may be true killed her. Because Vixensnarl was not here now. And truth be told, maybe she could phantom what that was like. To lose your only family, your only friends, to watch them come and go again and again until one day you just have to accept that they're gone and will never come back without ever knowing what truly happened to them. It's a horrible feeling she wouldn't wish upon anyone, and yet here he was, assumingly feeling just that.

Without a second thought, Nightshiver slowly approached the grieving tom, quietly settling herself beside his nest. She hesitated - only for a moment as she bit her inner lip in thought - then carefully placed a gentle paw between his ears should he allow, softly caressing the paw over his head, creating a repeated pattern of gentle brushes. She was unsure why, where it came from, and even feared his reaction. But she didn't quite care. She could only hope it may soothe him as intended, that he wouldn't chase her away for it, speaking not a word in the silent den until her own choked-up throat finally let her speak.

"...When I.. feel... tired..., I look... at.. the moon. It... helps. When... there... is.. no moon.., you... can close... your eyes.... and still... see.. her. It is.. like... a light."
She briefly paused.
"Feeling... tired.. is... difficult. But. it... is.. alright. It... is... okay."
Another pause, her throat was running dry, uncertain. This time, the silence stretched on for a few heartbeats before she hesitantly spoke up again. Briefly, should he have let her continue gently running a paw through his fur, she would lift her paw in thought before resuming the continuous movement.
"You... can feel... tired. "

She wanted to say more - ask him were you close?, tell him I know it's hard,; tell him... He will make it through. But the words weren't spoken, remaining on the tip of her tongue as she silently glanced down at the group. She so wanted to help him, but how? Mind a jumbled mess she took in a quiet breath, refocusing on Hawkbite, his emotions. Offer support. Let him know there's nothing to be ashamed of - to hide. Let him cry, let him feel. And listen if he wished to speak. And yet the only certain was that she felt incapable of leaving him all alone in his grief.


[ @SuspiciousMindz ]