[Rose]

Mapleface
She/Her | The Red Queen

Mapleface felt so drained. Her limbs trembled where she stood with Crackles slung over her back, the flow of tears running down her cheeks refusing to stop. But for the most part, Mapleface remained silent, because sure, she was ready to take all the risks in the world, but if she spoke out again, Bumblestar would likely take back her words about letting Mapleface bury Cracklekit.

Her fur bristled with rage when Bumblestar addressed Singesmoke so callously, all but telling burn to leave the Clan -- and no, Mapleface would not stand for it if Singesmoke was kicked out. She wasn't going to let someone get kicked out on her behalf, especially when burn was speaking out because of how upset she was.

Exhaling slowly to keep her temper under control, Mapleface shifted her weight to the side, aiming to brush her shoulder against Singesmoke's in silent.. comfort? "I'm sorry." She whispered faintly, unsure of who she was apologizing for. For herself? For Bumblestar? A bitter swell of sadness overtook her mind. No one had said they were sorry for Cracklekit's death. No one was grieving for her little brother, her beloved Crackles. Gazing around at the Clan, Mapleface could make out plenty of cats who either outright were unaffected, or were trying to stifle laughter.

Just like that, the tears were welling again. ThunderClan was barely a skeleton of a Clan. Jaw clenched to keep her lip from wobbling pathetically, Mapleface turned briefly to the only nice voice she'd heard from someone who was just a Clanmate so far. "Thank you." She whispered, voice hoarse, to Brownface, before turning back to Singesmoke -- and Redkit and Eveningdance.

Her family.

Mapleface just hoped Rosekit was sitting safely in the Nursery; she'd have to check on her other kit later. "Redkit..." She hesitated, bending to attempt giving the kitten a lick on the top of her head. "I can't take you so far away from camp, darling. I... I promise, when you and Rosekit are apprentices I'll take you to visit... Crackles. Okay? But for now I need you to stay here, with... I'll find someone to take care of you. Can you do that for me love?"

[ @vampire - Singesmoke / @Hawk_Boi - Brownface Mention / @poppy. - Redkit / @spookywynds - Eveningdance ]