[taillow]

 

Originally Posted by squidz

 

— STAGHEART —

very large, muscular, & scarred light brown tabby tom with stark blue eyes and a torn ear; killer aptitude 3 | just a scratch

[ riverclan warrior | tomcat | 53 moons | gruff & battle-hardened, yet thoughtful; loyal to a fault ]

—

Stagheart was relieved to hear Stormstar sounding alright, though he simply nodded and ducked through the lichen and into the den. He took a glance around, noting the mostly-empty rock walls with a few scratches here or there and the sandy floor. A nice little serene and dark space, though it was a tad eerie when it wasn't used to any life yet. But he was sure Stormstar would make it her own space in no time.

The stark blue eyes of the battle-hardened tom then focused back on his leader, giving her a respectful dip of his head in greeting. Should he offer direct condolences for Fadingstar...? Ah, he was sure she'd heard enough already. Besides, she'd been aware of how loyal Stag was to any of his superiors, he presumed; it was clear the toll that the disappearance of her brother had taken on many of them. It went unsaid. He decided it'd be best to just let his actions speak for that part and continued firstly with what he'd come here for.

"Ah, I was just comin' to ask ya what y'might wanna do 'bout Daisypaw's trainin'. I was 'sposed to go over it with Fadin'star, but, well..." He cleared his throat; if the situation weren't heavy, it might've been a comical moment. "...Anyway, he mentioned somethin' 'bout her bein' this sort of new role. A Caretaker, I believe. Just wanted to see if y'still wanted to go with that, 'n if so... what trainin' might look like."

The senior warrior was more used to regular apprentice training and had already raised up two warriors (and Baneberry in the process). But Daisypaw, as much as he cared for the young cat, was a whole special case that was like dragging his paws into unfamiliar territory.

Oh, but he might as well congratulate Storm while he was here; he'd already had his moment with Berryshine, still feeling a proud glow in his chest after the meeting — and a rejuvenated faith in his Clan. It made his low, gruff voice soften ever so slightly when he spoke again. "Oh, and, ah... congratulations, Stormstar. On your name 'n the extra life from StarClan. You've more than earned all this. I'm... proud to call ya my leader now." And as awkward as he could be when saying more 'sentimental' things, he meant that; he had no doubt Stormstar would be just what RiverClan needed to reset after all this. He'd stood by the former deputy's side before, and he'd do it again now.

Stormstar - RiverClan Leader

Ears twitching in gratitude, Stormstar offered Stags a warm smile. "Thanks. It feels... good, to be seen by the stars 'n recognized as this Clan's leader." She didn't mention the part about Mr. Whateverhisnamewas simply because she didn't want to bring up any doubts.

Ah, Daisypaw. If she were being honest, the new leader hadn't tried to think about the kid in awhile, mainly because of her... slight disagreement with her brother in this new rank. She felt terrible for thinking it, but the dangers that could threaten the kid with such a fragile sense of life... one mishap and it could all be over... There was a risk to even keeping her in the Clan. "Ah, yeah... To be honest, Stags, 'm... I don't know if that role is the right choice for Daisy - or to implement into RiverClan in general." She would soon grow older, more capable, and having a cat not trained in the ways of fighting, or being unable to defend herself, could be a liability.

Brows furrowed, the leader glanced over at the wall. This was a difficult decision. "...'M just worried what her future looks like. If she's... out collectin' herbs, or huntin'... what if she gets cornered by an enemy? Or gets into a tough spot that she can't get herself out of? Life out here... it's tough... 'n I don't want... a cat who's unable to defend themselves out here. It's... it's a liability." Yeah, she hated saying that almost as much as she was sure Stags hated hearing it. Whatever her brother had been thinking about this... she wasn't sure.

Looking back up to the tom, the confliction about what to do was clear in her eyes. "...What do you think is best?" This was a new situation, and even though her mind was telling her the best option forward, Stormstar didn't want to say it, because that would mean ripping Daisypaw from the only life she had known...