With a subtle grimace, Shattervenom realized that she'd done to Fallownose what she believed he'd done to her: assumed the worst of his character. The deputy's explanation regarding the no-tolerance attitude for punishment made perfect sense; he spoke without malice--no trace of a patronizing tone or lingering irritation--and Shatter's hardened expression gradually thawed.
Oh. Fallownose had moved on because there'd been no evidence of harm befalling their patrol partner; he initiated disciplinary action not out of spite, but to maintain a standard of fairness for the clan. This was not a vendetta against Shattervenom personally, nor was the deputy condemning
her individually.
The black-and-white warrior had leapt to conclusions, pushed by her own hurt feelings. Pathetic. See--
this sort of ineptitude was why she generally avoided social interactions in the first place… and also why she required much more practice.
"Ah… all right." Shatter mumbled her assent, tail swishing awkwardly over the dirt--embarrassed for her childish reaction, even if she'd managed to withhold the emotional aspect of her displeasure.
"I understand. I will do better at reporting any issues or concerns in the future, to close the loop of communication."
A weak smile, equal parts acknowledgement and apology. Then, Cowpaw arrived.
It was nigh impossible to retain anger around the jovial medicine cat. Any prickliness clinging to Shattervenom bled away until her posture was nice and relaxed; she offered Cowpaw a true smile, dutifully observing his gestures.
She remembered
marigold and
cobwebs from her last patrol--though now Shatter learned
poppyseeds, thanks to the visuals Cowpaw brought with him.
"Marigold sounds good. We'll take care of it, Cowpaw." The ivory-and-ebony hunter cast Fallownose a glance--appreciative, respectful--and trotted after him with a lighter heart, more than happy to be "punished" in a way that would help Cowpaw and benefit the clan.