[Dust]

Originally Posted by The Cannibal

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."

There it was. That feeling again. The warmth rising in his chest that made everything wrong in the world melt away. Knowing that someone had faith in him, someone believed he could do more than menial work. Frostflight hadn't felt alright for a long time, but in this moment he felt... ok. "Prove to them? Get to know them?" He mirrored the other's words in thought, meeting his gaze. " Should I do something with them then? I've been wanting to try to get to know everyone," admittedly, Frostflight still didn't everyone's names. With all the confusion and lack of understanding of his role, he'd been playing it low. But... being able to make announcements? Give clan-mates their warrior names and the like? He'd have to make up for all this lost time!

"I don't think I've thought myself better than anyone else," Frostflight gave a soft laugh, nodding his head. "but, I understand what you mean." As much as he hated Lionstorm right now, he seemed to be very involved in literally all aspects of Riverclan - even skyclan-, but he was definitely not personable. Granted, Frost had no room to talk. Just ten moons ago, he would have bitten the head off of anyone who tried to tell him what was what. The silver tabby leaned forward, lifting his paw to give it a few rough licks, dragging it over his ear a few times with ease. The next question that he had... was a nervewracking one... and with Shinefang's death it felt uncomfortable, but it had to be discussed. "So," nudging his paw into the floor of the den, the deputy met Grousestar with a hesitant glance, "...will you be appointing a new medicine cat with Shinefang's passing? I know it's not urgent since we have Shiverpetal in camp, but... do you think Skyclan would feel more comfortable having a feline they trust giving them aid?"