Quote:
Originally Posted by Dust
Their initial departure during Shinefang's vigil had given Frostflight an inkling of clarity, anxious excitement churning in his belly as he made his way towards the leader's den. He had so many questions to ask, so many things he wanted to learn... but as Grousestar came into sight, his thoughts began to jumble and his gut twisted with unfamiliarity. Silently, Frostflight followed Grousestar into the den. It felt wrong... unnatural even for him to be in here. Like he was breaking some unspoken rule. Wait, would he have to share this den with Lionstorm in the event they were both leaders? A silly thought, he'd probably be chased out of camp before then. Frostflight mirrored Grousestar's sigh with his own, watching as the older tabby settled comfortably into his nest. Steadily gazing at his paws, the deputy listened quietly as Grousestar spoke, lingering on each sentence like his life depended on it. He wasn't scared... wasn't intimidated... he just felt lost. Lost like he had felt as a kitten and apprentice and the thought of Grousestar becoming a parental figurehead scared him. What if his leader died as well because of his mistakes or wrongdoings? What if he brought shame to Skyclan?
"I-" He started, icy eyes rising to meet Grouse's emerald gaze. His smile was comforting. "I had everything planned out in my head... but now I'm not sure what to ask." Frostflight admitted, turning his gaze downwards once more. Could he even speak about these thoughts to Grousestar? Would it be professional of him to become so vulnerable in front of him... " I suppose I want to know what my purpose is now that Skyclan is merged with Riverclan. I see Lionstorm doing announcements... patrols and ceremonies. Am I allowed to do that?" One question at a time for now. |
Silence settled into the brown tabby as he waited for his deputy to speak, his gaze easy and unwavering, and his smile unfaltering. Being the social cat he once was, he understood that sometimes silence and direct eye contact could make others nervous, and if Frostflight gave off that impression he would be sure to divert his gaze at varying intervals. But for now, it just appeared as if the other tom was trying to get his thoughts together, try and decide how he wanted to start. Frostflight started, met his gaze and then faltered, admitting that he wasn't sure what he wanted to ask. The leader would nod his head in understanding, remaining silent though. He wasn't going to pressure the tom into asking a question, it wouldn't be the same. Looking away as his deputy did, Grousestar tried to prep himself for possible questions, so that he wouldn't appear so unsure or surprised by them. After all, he was setting an example for Frostflight, he was Frostflight's guideline for when he became leader. A leader needed to be relaxed, sure of his answer and ready to provide answers when they were asked. So when the question was finally asked, Grousestar returned his gaze to the tom.
"You certainly are. Though we are joined in territory and living quarters, you still have all of the duties and permissions as any other deputy. You're no longer responsible for Riverclan, but Skyclan instead. Your announcements will be for Skyclan cats, ceremonies for Skyclan cats, patrols for Skyclan cats. It is a good question though, I feel others may share your confusion.
Clans are normally separated by territory, so what happens when you have two together? Nothing really, I am still leader, I still lead Skyclan, and you are their deputy, you still perform your duties. Essentially we are separate but together, Riverclan and Skyclan." The answer came easily, he had time to think this over. Because even he, when making the final decision to join Riverclan in territory, had questions about how they would be separated. And he came to realize that territory meant nothing, it was who you were lead by, who you lived with, it was the cats that made the clan, not the land. They didn't stop being Skyclan when they moved here from the mountains, they were still the clan they were, and it was no different when they moved in with Riverclan.