[Cove]

Originally Posted by marni

Cinderstar
Just as soon as it started, the anger that pulsated from Spiderthroat gave way to anguish, and Cinderstar was ready for when his arms went from slashing to wrapping themselves around her. She pulled him as close as she could, resting her chin on the top of his head. It was easy to feel the thud of his heart, the way it was quick and darted around. Sobs soaked into her fur, but she paid no mind to it. The sliced flesh and fur was not deep enough to warrant any visit to Sundust thankfully, but the leader wouldn't have cared if it had. Spiderthroat had needed her in that moment. He had needed her to be something to take his anger out on. His pain.

After a moment or two, she pressed her nose onto the top of his head. Eyes closed, she sent a silent prayer for StarClan to give him the strength he would need to carry himself through what would be a difficult time ahead. Losing a sibling, even if not related by blood, tore out pieces of ones heart that they might not have even been aware were present.

"They died fighting - that much was clear. But I will not let those beasts take anymore lives." Her words where a mere murmur to Spiderthroat, a sign of comfort, but as she spoke them she felt her blood boil in her veins. After making sure that Spiderthroat would be alright, she carefully untangled himself and, if he accepted, guided him over to where Lotuspaw's body lay. He deserved the spot closest to the fallen feline.

Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Bluepaw leaping towards her, and shock and confusion crossed her face. She quickly stepped out of the way incase her true trajectory was to say farewell to the apprentice. It was a rather odd sight to see, but grief showed itself in odd ways.

Lifting her head to those who had gathered around, any cat that looked at Cinderstar could see the fury that burned in her blue gaze. "Lotuspaw died fighting what appeared to be a rather vicious coyote. They have taken so many ThunderClan lives, but that ends tonight. The den we found Lotuspaw in appeared to be empty, but I won't feel as though you all are safe until our territory is scoured for any remaining signs. Come dawn, once Lotuspaw has been buried, I will be taking a patrol of warriors with me to ensure our forests are rid of these beasts." Her voice carried across the crowd, a certain firmness to it. If cats wished to step up to volunteer, she would not stop them from doing so.

For now, the anger diminished from her gaze and Cinderstar let her gaze fall to the young cat who's life had been snuffed out way before their time. "Your death will not be in vain, Lotuspaw. I promise you."

[ @Starfall @Cardboard box - I'm not sure why Bluepaw was leaping at Cinderstar, but I had her move of of the way ]

[ Any warriors who wish to volunteer for the coyote patrol are welcome to step up. I will be getting a private thread up shortly. This little expedition may or may not feed into a bigger future Clan-wide plot ]

Bluepaw landed In front of Cinderstar. “What do the travelling herbs tast like?” she mewed.