Quote:
Originally Posted by Dust
"Really? I can do all that?" It was easy to see the surprise light up on his face as he half-mumbled the question to himself. Though as he absorbed the information from Grousestar, Frostflight's demeanor seemed to change completely. His muscles relaxed from their tensed position as he met the other's gaze with a nervous smile. There was something scary about how comforting Grouse was, but he wouldn't complain at all. With all the chaos of the move, Lion snapping at every turn, and Fallen's complete silence towards him... Frostflight felt validated. It felt good to know others shared his confusion, his worry. The interpretation Grousestar shared with him made sense and for a moment his belly swirled with guilt at the thought of his friends in Riverclan... Snowybreeze, Mintflower, Fawnpaw and even Lionstorm. Would he have to renounce his relationships to preserve the Skyclan name? It was silly, but the feline found himself choked up at the thought.. He didn't want to leave them behind so easily, especially not Snowybreeze...
"I suppose it would have been easier if I was originally from Skyclan," he commented in amusement, though his ear flattened against his head, giving away his disappointment. "I feel like I'm on the fence right now... Riverclan doesn't like me because I betrayed them and Skyclan is wary of me because I'm originally from Riverclan..." Frostflight gave an awkward lick of his chest fur before letting out a quiet sigh. There was no use worrying about it for now. He was here to learn from Grousestar, they could chat about their problems later! "So," his words were slow with thought, "I know that it's my duty to perform ceremonies, conduct patrols and make announcements, but is there anything else I should know? Er... any other responsibilities?" |
Grousestar would smile a little brighter upon hearing the mumbled question, glad to hear that it helped to clarify something for his deputy. And he couldn't help but notice the change in demeanor, which was another good sign. It must have been something that was really bothering the younger tom, and for a moment, Grousestar felt guilt again. He should have had this talk sooner instead of letting a whole moon go by of Frostflight wandering around blindly, unsure of what he was to be doing, unsure of where the clan stood, and unsure about himself. The leader let the guilt fade, because at the very least he was answering the question now, and he had already apologized, it would be of no use to apologize again. Remaining quiet, the brown tabby allowed the information to sink in for his deputy, gave him time to let it process.
"I... Suppose yes, it would have been easier but.. I had, and still do have a good feeling about you Frostflight. You are a goodhearted cat that will be ready when the time comes, to take my place. I will do my best to pass on all of my knowledge before you do have to step up, but never be afraid to ask me questions," though the comment was meant to be in amusement, Grousestar found it hard, at the moment, to laugh. "It will probably be like that for a little while, the best advice I can offer you is to prove to them what you proved to me. They will come to respect you and see you as deputy, just give it time."
Stretching his back legs out slightly in his nest, Grousestar allowed himself to get a bit more comfortable, his eyes clenching shut momentarily as he forced back a yawn of contentment. "Get to know your clanmates. Try to be an active part of their lives. When I was younger, I always did my best to talk to as many cats as possible, to see what ailed them, to see how they were feeling. While you do rank above them, don't treat them as if you do. Treat them as if they were your equals."