[BEAR.]

Fernpaw wasn't convinced StarClan had anything to do with this. Why not do it sooner, or.. tell him what was going on .. he was still deeply unsettled by his last death, being in the unknown with StarClan strangers that couldn't explain anything to him.

Even so, there was comfort in Wolffang's words. Having someone listen to him and assuage his concerns and fears was.. beyond therapeutic, even if he didn't find himself quite deserving of Wolffang's kindness.

You just need to keep moving forward. He would try. In the moment it felt almost impossible, like a giant mountain he needed to climb, but he would try. If not for himself, then for others: Eldersky, Wolffang .. Nettlespark, his patrol.

Fernpaw couldn't formulate the words he wanted. It was like his mind was muddled, distorted by a combination of relief and the need to cry. He didn't understand it, like many things, but tried to work through it with a choked cry. For a second, he almost collapsed into Wolffang's side, wanting to breathe in his scent for just a moment while he collected himself. "Thank you." Simple, but he couldn't get much more genuine than that. He needed that.

Mentally, he was exhausted. Physically he was too, but it seemed insignificant when they still had a journey ahead of them.

After that much needed lapse in stature, Fernpaw drew himself away. "Yeah, we should.." For the first time in a while, excitement sparked through his pelt. "It won't take long, she's not too far from here." Wolffang was with him, and they were going home, and things were going to be okay.

Feeling optimistic, he resumed making his way toward Eldersky.

[ @TheNyanCatMinecart ]