RiverClan Leader's Den

[Quasar]

Originally Posted by spade

Guilt. That was the one emotion that poured down over Kestrelstar's head. Between the cats that had just walked out of the meeting and his own sadness over the death of two of RiverClan's finest, the tabby felt as though his leadership was crumbling before it even had the chance to begin. Why was it so hard for his Clanmates to see that ThunderClan had a paw in this? Why did they resist to see the truth? The scent was all there, the marks, the wounds, the blood... Anger reared up to clash with the guilt and Kestrelstar let out a snarl, accompanied by a rather startling lash of his tail.

Hearing a voice at the entrance of his den the leader swung his head over to see Minnowpaw, and forced himself to relax. She was scared. Nervous. The fear in her eyes made the guilt beat down that much more, and Kestrelstar sighed a bit. "Yes, everything will be fine," he replied, forcing his legs to seat himself in front of her. Yellow gaze watching her closely, he blinked once. "Minnowpaw..." Was it even right of him to ask this? The temptation was too much. "What... Do you... Am I doing a good job?"

Stars he hated how weak his voice sounded. How pathetic it was. Was he really seeking validation from his apprentice???

// @Jackpot

Minnowpaw
____________

The young she-cats eyes only teared up even more at the question, a nod immediately following in response to his words. How could he question something like that? He was great! Absolutely amazing! "Of course you are! I said that you were gonna be the best leader ever, and I meant it!" she mewed, her voice more steady than just moments ago.

A sniffle escaped her as she lifted a paw to wipe at her watery eyes. Her gaze dropped to the ground, small paws shifting under her. "You dont need to hide your grief, yknow" she quietly mewed, "Kessy, I think I understand, how youre feeling right now. You feel sad, alone, and you want to do anything you can to avenge them, right? I do too, but... Im scared. Im so scared" the young apprentices voice caught in her throat at the end, a small sob sounding after she finished speaking.

[Kunaisoul]

Originally Posted by spade

It wasn't like with him stating it, it made Kestrelstar any less cautious of the questions Stormtalon planned to pose. He knew the older warrior to be rather quiet and observant, so the leader was certain that whatever he planned to say would capture his interest.

Lionstorm. Fawnsqueak. Firehawk. The whoosh of the three names was beginning to almost be expected at this point, and Kestrelstar just closed his eyes for a brief moment to rid his mind of it. Coming and going, knocking out every other train of thought in their way. "Very well," he agreed, taking a seat once more. So much for his solo walk.

When Stormtalon motions towards the entrance, the leader just shook his head, indicating that he was fine in the den. Less ears to pry and eavesdrop in his mind. "Snakeheart and I - we found them coming back from my leader ceremony," he began, narrowing his eyes as he recalled the tragic events of that night. "It appeared... that Fawnsqueak must've bene hit over the head with a rock of sorts, while Lionstorm's body was mutilated by many sets of claws." Each cut seemed deeper than the rest... "Both were laced heavy with ThunderClan scent, and there was... so much blood." The river bank, where their final resting place had been, had been stained with blood, marked over with ThunderClan scent coming from mainly Lionstorm, but a bit from Fawnsqueak as well.

Returning his gaze to Stormtalon, Kestrelstar let out a sigh. "We didn't check to see if there were any ThunderClan cats in the area, though. We... couldn't." Did he really want to elaborate on that? Not really. Telling a Clanmate he had collapsed under the weight of grief? Of sorrow? No, he'd never allow himself to be seen that weak.

"By the time we got... collected, we immediately brought them back to camp."

Twisting around in his chest from where he'd been fixing a rather stubborn piece of moss, Kestrelstar blinked. "Firetail, to what do I owe the pleasure," he muttered sarcastically, though it was under his breath. She was known to be a bit of a grouch, as was obvious by her demands. Kestrelstar wasn't a big fan of elder duty himself - he'd much rather have apprentices out and training - but restrained himself from saying so here.

"There are plenty of apprentices in the Clan, all you have to do is call for one," the leader informed her, stepping past to the entrance of the den. "Nightpaw!" [ @Kunaiskrill ] he called, spotting his apprentice in the clearing. "Come here."

Stepping back inside he shot a glance to Firetail. "I'll have my apprentice take care of it for you," he told her, turning again to wait for Nightpaw.

Nightpaw froze. At tick?! “A-alright” She grabbed the tick by the top of it’s head so it would let go. “Phew..”
@Oakpaw1

[Galaxy_]

Originally Posted by Kunaiskrill

Nightpaw froze. At tick?! “A-alright” She grabbed the tick by the top of it’s head so it would let go. “Phew..”
@Oakpaw1

Thank you Nightpaw you deserve a story when your free go to the elders den and I will tell you one. Fireplet said

[spade]

Originally Posted by Jackpot

Minnowpaw
____________

The young she-cats eyes only teared up even more at the question, a nod immediately following in response to his words. How could he question something like that? He was great! Absolutely amazing! "Of course you are! I said that you were gonna be the best leader ever, and I meant it!" she mewed, her voice more steady than just moments ago.

A sniffle escaped her as she lifted a paw to wipe at her watery eyes. Her gaze dropped to the ground, small paws shifting under her. "You dont need to hide your grief, yknow" she quietly mewed, "Kessy, I think I understand, how youre feeling right now. You feel sad, alone, and you want to do anything you can to avenge them, right? I do too, but... Im scared. Im so scared" the young apprentices voice caught in her throat at the end, a small sob sounding after she finished speaking.

This was not how a leader was. A leader was someone who comforted his cats, not the other way around. Immediately snapping back to reality, Kestrelstar blinked away the momentary grief and sorrow in exchange for scooting over to his apprentice. He was never good at the touchy stuff, but bent down to swipe his tongue atop her forehead. "You're going to make an excellent warrior," he admitted, hoping that he wouldn't regret giving such a new apprentice that big of a compliment. Usually, he was one to wait until their warrior ceremony to say anything.

"Their deaths... cannot go without proper justice. However I must separate my own feelings from what's best for RiverClan - and that means avoiding unnecessary blood spill." Did he even agree with that? The words sounded fake as they rolled off his tongue. He was still mad, and hurt, and stars recent events had not helped. "But you don't need to worry. As long as I lead RiverClan, you're safe. You will be able to defend yourself. Which, speaking of, we should get started on bulking up your training." Yes, that would help both of them. He glanced down at her. "Would you be up for some right now?"

Originally Posted by Kunaiskrill

Nightpaw froze. At tick?! “A-alright” She grabbed the tick by the top of it’s head so it would let go. “Phew..”
@Oakpaw1

Originally Posted by Oakpaw1

Thank you Nightpaw you deserve a story when your free go to the elders den and I will tell you one. Fireplet said

Watching the exchange between his apprentice and the elder calmed his anxiety a bit. Kestrelstar didn't necessarily agree with apprentices spending all their time in the elders' den, but he figured this would be alright. "Thank you, Nightpaw. You can go ahead and follow Firetail back to the elders den if you wish," he informed both of them, giving a flick of his tail to dismiss them.

[Kunaisoul]

Originally Posted by spade

This was not how a leader was. A leader was someone who comforted his cats, not the other way around. Immediately snapping back to reality, Kestrelstar blinked away the momentary grief and sorrow in exchange for scooting over to his apprentice. He was never good at the touchy stuff, but bent down to swipe his tongue atop her forehead. "You're going to make an excellent warrior," he admitted, hoping that he wouldn't regret giving such a new apprentice that big of a compliment. Usually, he was one to wait until their warrior ceremony to say anything.

"Their deaths... cannot go without proper justice. However I must separate my own feelings from what's best for RiverClan - and that means avoiding unnecessary blood spill." Did he even agree with that? The words sounded fake as they rolled off his tongue. He was still mad, and hurt, and stars recent events had not helped. "But you don't need to worry. As long as I lead RiverClan, you're safe. You will be able to defend yourself. Which, speaking of, we should get started on bulking up your training." Yes, that would help both of them. He glanced down at her. "Would you be up for some right now?"

Watching the exchange between his apprentice and the elder calmed his anxiety a bit. Kestrelstar didn't necessarily agree with apprentices spending all their time in the elders' den, but he figured this would be alright. "Thank you, Nightpaw. You can go ahead and follow Firetail back to the elders den if you wish," he informed both of them, giving a flick of his tail to dismiss them.

She smiled and walked away.
@Oakpaw1

[Frozen Reign]

Originally Posted by spade

Another attack. Another deceased kit. And it appeared Splashleap had been apart of it. Rogues on RiverClan territory would not fly with him - he easily recalled the last day his mother was alive... - and in a blind moment of fury the leader swiped at the ground, claws making an indent. "Where did you last see this rogue?" Kestrelstar demanded, yellow eyes shooting up to meet Flamedrop's. He'd have to call in Splashleap later to get her side of the story.

¨j-just at the edge of riverclan territory,¨ she mewed. she was a bit unnerved at her leader´s ferocity, but she knew it was for good.

[Ziera]

Originally Posted by spade

It wasn't like with him stating it, it made Kestrelstar any less cautious of the questions Stormtalon planned to pose. He knew the older warrior to be rather quiet and observant, so the leader was certain that whatever he planned to say would capture his interest.

Lionstorm. Fawnsqueak. Firehawk. The whoosh of the three names was beginning to almost be expected at this point, and Kestrelstar just closed his eyes for a brief moment to rid his mind of it. Coming and going, knocking out every other train of thought in their way. "Very well," he agreed, taking a seat once more. So much for his solo walk.

When Stormtalon motions towards the entrance, the leader just shook his head, indicating that he was fine in the den. Less ears to pry and eavesdrop in his mind. "Snakeheart and I - we found them coming back from my leader ceremony," he began, narrowing his eyes as he recalled the tragic events of that night. "It appeared... that Fawnsqueak must've bene hit over the head with a rock of sorts, while Lionstorm's body was mutilated by many sets of claws." Each cut seemed deeper than the rest... "Both were laced heavy with ThunderClan scent, and there was... so much blood." The river bank, where their final resting place had been, had been stained with blood, marked over with ThunderClan scent coming from mainly Lionstorm, but a bit from Fawnsqueak as well.

Returning his gaze to Stormtalon, Kestrelstar let out a sigh. "We didn't check to see if there were any ThunderClan cats in the area, though. We... couldn't." Did he really want to elaborate on that? Not really. Telling a Clanmate he had collapsed under the weight of grief? Of sorrow? No, he'd never allow himself to be seen that weak.

"By the time we got... collected, we immediately brought them back to camp."

// Stormtalon

Everything Kestrelstar said he already knew since the bodies were all but flaunted at the clan meeting. It was hard to forget the state of them, harder still to get that wretched ThunderClan odor out of his nose.

Stormtalon restrained his tongue—too sharp for delicate moments like these—from urging his leader to hurry up and get to the new information. Even he knew that would be insensitive. Just from looking at him…the narrowed golden eyes into pinprick slits, the frequent pauses, as if mentally preparing himself to speak the truth out loud.

What a terrible place it must be inside Kestrel’s mind.

Still- such was the cost of leadership. While Stormtalon was thankful to have no title, no sea of judgmental eyes critiquing the moves he made—Kestrelstar wanted this. At the very least, he accepted the burden to shoulder.

“What about the scene?” Stormtalon asked, trying to steer the conversation without seeming callous. It was unfortunate neither Kestrel nor Snakeheart thought to check the area for thundercats, although in light of their personal connection with Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak, Storm suspected all rationality fled from their minds. They must have been plunged into the icy waters of shock. “You found their bodies where—on the border, together? Was the ground disturbed?” Aside from the…blood.

[spade]

Originally Posted by Ella_heart

¨j-just at the edge of riverclan territory,¨ she mewed. she was a bit unnerved at her leader´s ferocity, but she knew it was for good.

His tail lashed once, then again, as Kestrelstar barred his fangs. Rogues circling their borders? His mind flashed back to the fateful evening that Duskfall's life had been taken from him, from all of RiverClan, by the actions of some undignified rogues. If they were back and killing kits... "I'll lead a patrol out to make sure they're gone. For now," he replied, yellow gaze landing on the deceased body of Barkkit. A young cat, taken too soon. "We will hold a vigil for her tonight, then I will go with you to bury her in Sleepy Thicket."

This was getting worse - the rogues seemed to be testing their luck with all the trouble they were beginning to stir up on the borders. If Splashleap had been part of this, he'd need her to come with him. "I'm... sorry for your loss, Flamedrop," he added more quietly, reaching forward to offer a swift lick across the deceased kits head.

Originally Posted by Redtalon

[FONT="Times New Roman"]

// Stormtalon

Everything Kestrelstar said he already knew since the bodies were all but flaunted at the clan meeting. It was hard to forget the state of them, harder still to get that wretched ThunderClan odor out of his nose.

Stormtalon restrained his tongue—too sharp for delicate moments like these—from urging his leader to hurry up and get to the new information. Even he knew that would be insensitive. Just from looking at him…the narrowed green eyes into pinprick slits, the frequent pauses, as if mentally preparing himself to speak the truth out loud.

What a terrible place it must be inside Kestrel’s mind.

Still- such was the cost of leadership. While Stormtalon was thankful to have no title, no sea of judgmental eyes critiquing the moves he made—Kestrelstar wanted this. At the very least, he accepted the burden to shoulder.

“What about the scene?” Stormtalon asked, trying to steer the conversation without seeming callous. It was unfortunate neither Kestrel nor Snakeheart thought to check the area for thundercats, although in light of their personal connection with Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak, Storm suspected all rationality fled from their minds. They must have been plunged into the icy waters of shock. “You found their bodies where—on the border, together? Was the ground disturbed?” Aside from the…blood.

It appeared the answer hadn't been good enough for Stormtalon, hench the digging deeper as if to get to the root of the mysterious death. The terrifying scene played out once more; Snakeheart catching the scent of blood in the air, Kestrelstar racing forward to discover both Lionstorm and Fawsqueak together, dead on the riverbank. It sent shivers down his spine and curled his tail in displeasure as such horrific memories.

"They were on the riverbank, on RiverClan's side. Fawnsqueak was... more splayed out while Lionstorm was close against him. There was blood - both on our side of the border and Thunderclans." That was what stuck out the most to him - the blood that scattered around them, as if it had been dripping from its source before pooling around Lionstorm's golden pelt.

Meeting Stormtalon's gaze with sunken yellow eyes, Kestrelstar let out a small growl. "The ground was a bit... torn up, as if there had been a fight a bit upwards a way from where they'd fallen." The only proof Kestrelstar needed was the scent on the bodies and the myriad of wound markings that had ultimately lead to Lionstorm's demise - but apparently his Clanmates wanted everything. Yellow eyes watched his warrior, wondering what other questions he would press forward with.

[Ziera]

Originally Posted by spade

It appeared the answer hadn't been good enough for Stormtalon, hench the digging deeper as if to get to the root of the mysterious death. The terrifying scene played out once more; Snakeheart catching the scent of blood in the air, Kestrelstar racing forward to discover both Lionstorm and Fawsqueak together, dead on the riverbank. It sent shivers down his spine and curled his tail in displeasure as such horrific memories.

"They were on the riverbank, on RiverClan's side. Fawnsqueak was... more splayed out while Lionstorm was close against him. There was blood - both on our side of the border and Thunderclans." That was what stuck out the most to him - the blood that scattered around them, as if it had been dripping from its source before pooling around Lionstorm's golden pelt.

Meeting Stormtalon's gaze with sunken yellow eyes, Kestrelstar let out a small growl. "The ground was a bit... torn up, as if there had been a fight a bit upwards a way from where they'd fallen." The only proof Kestrelstar needed was the scent on the bodies and the myriad of wound markings that had ultimately lead to Lionstorm's demise - but apparently his Clanmates wanted everything. Yellow eyes watched his warrior, wondering what other questions he would press forward with.

// Stormtalon

He knew it was a steep request, prompting Kestrelstar to paint this picture in all its vivid and horrifying detail, like asking him to shove his claws into an open wound. Normally Stormtalon wouldn't press a line of questioning like this. He'd let it go--but now was different. Storm wasn't sure why knowing mattered, but it did. He wanted to know the circumstances of their deaths because he wanted someone to know the truth, even if just one cat, regardless if that cat was him.

Stormtalon's thoughts drifted to a russet-furred tom whose tongue was as sharp as his mind. He had no bloody idea why Fawn made any impression on him at all, what with their ShadowClan investigation mainly consisting of traded insults. The more honest part of him said that it wasn't the cat but rather his call to action offending Stormtalon's pride that stuck with him; the way Fawn did something about his circumstances rather than letting them play out. Storm remembered criticizing him for wasted efforts. It all taunted him now.

After watching that haunted face and listening, considering the facts, eventually Storm knew this was all the leader had to share. At least...it was all Storm need press him for.

"Thank you," he murmured. The words sounded hollow but Stormtalon found no better alternative.

Before turning to leave, the tabby hesitated a moment, seeming to debate with himself. "I didn't come here looking to fit your answers into my own agenda." Somehow it was important for Kestrel to know. Not because he wanted to protect any reputation he might have--he already knew that was shot to hell--but rather for the sake of Kestrel's outlook on what support from his clan meant.

Storm's clear green eyes met weary yellow ones when he continued: "I'm not going to pretend you care what I think. If I were you, I wouldn't either--so I'll spare you lectures. I just thought someone should tell you that you're doing the right thing. Your reasoning is sound." Remember there are cats behind you.

That was enough, wasn't it? It probably wasn't even necessary in the first place. His words would roll off of Kestrel's back like rainwater. Then again...Storm never was good at assessing these kinds of things.

"I'll leave you to it, then." Stormtalon moved to exit the den, mind weighed down more than before.

[gs29513]

@spade
Oh, this was going to be rough. It had been tempting to see Snakeheart before seeing the leader, but Splashleap didn't want him getting a secondhand account of what had happened. And her ear wasn't dripping blood anymore at least, it had stopped while they were marking the border. Still, when she turned her head a bit more sharply than was necessary to look into his den, it sent a jab of pain through her head.

For a moment she debated asking before entering, but this was really too important. The main goal of the patrol, at least in her estimation, had been to take another look at the place Lionstorm and Fawnsqueak had been found. But they hadn't made it there before being attacked, and then they had to mark the border.....everything had gone downhill very quickly. She still had no idea what the tom had been doing in their territory, but it certainly wasn't anything good if he was that aggressive.

Kestrelstar. Sorry to barge in uninvited. Splashleap mewed, prefacing her entrance with a quick mew. But it wasn't pleasantries time. I took a patrol to the Thunderclan border, and I think you should know what we found. Padding in, the molly remained near the entrance of the den, looking intently at the leader. It was probably fairly plain that they had been in a fight of some kind, she was still a bit bloody after all.

As we were moving along the Thunderclan border, we found a trespasser. A Thunderclan tom. When Rainstorm spotted him he attacked, and ran when the rest of the patrol arrived to fend him off. She could go a bit more in depth about the battle if necessary, but the important part was an aggressive Thunderclan cat on Riverclan territory.

After he retreated we marked the border, and then came back to camp. There was no sign of any other cats, he seemed to be acting alone. Not that there was much comfort in that. He had clearly been thinking ahead, it wasn't an accident that he had rolled in fox dung in an attempt to disguise his scent before crossing the border. Not that he could disguise where he was from, especially not when he immediately fled back to Thunderclan territory.