wake up, we never spoke (open)

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is dark amber eyes seemed to gleam in the gloom of early morning. Though the thoughts continued to assault his mind, it was easier to sort through the complicated mess when Littleflame was near. It was the sharpness of his deputy, Swiftstar suspected, that kept him from outright abandoning his duties. And yet even as that thought emerged, the heavy stone of the clan's belief in him pressed down upon his skinny shoulders. And yet the weight of it seemed lighter now, as if perhaps his deputy shared in his strain - as his warrior ancestors shared in his burden. Because he was not alone, was he? How silly to think he could ever be alone, with the lives of nine cats nestled within his chest.

"I could go into detail on just how terrible you look, if you'd like. You don't seemed thrilled to hear about it, though. Perhaps later."

Swiftstar smirked. Of course he shouldn't expect his harassed deputy to be any less cruel. Not that he truly believed Littleflame was being unkind - in fact, he might almost call the other cat concerned, if not for the response he might receive. And it was too early for his deputy's abusive squalling to wake the camp up. Let the apprentices sleep a few moments longer; let the elders continue to run as young warriors through their dreams. Instead, he tilted his chin and answered, just as sweetly, "I can see why no cat has ever given you a second look.

It was meant in jest, and he flicked his tail in a friendly way, further dampening the sting it might possess. He had learned in his scant moon of leadership that being leader did not afford him the luxury of rivals within the clan. And though he felt certain Littleflame could withstand the barb, he knew others were quick to injure. In a way, his forced kindness made him feel old - and if this was what being a senior warrior was like, forever trying to keep peace in the clan, then StarClan curse Doestar for picking him: grown old long before his time.

"I suppose you could try. If you're sure you can afford to let yourself get outshone by your deputy."

Swiftstar purred softly, a soft chirrup of approval escaping. "Then would you meet me upon the moor once you've sorted out today's duties?" In truth, Swiftstar would love to leave immediately, but he knew the clan came first. Always the clan, but for once "the clan" was not sour on his tongue - perhaps because for once he was not the one constrained by it? Instead he watched it entangle Littleflame, and the sight was gratifying - shared pain and a shared burden.

And he found it was easier to think of his clan as a gift then, given to him to protect and nurture.

"A few suns ago I happened to spy a white rabbit. A bit strange, considering the season. I was thinking we could see who's best at hunting it down?"

And there was his offer, laid out at last. He felt it might do the clan some good, to see such a good omen from StarClan - and though he knew it was meant to be Antnose who saw such things, he did not see any reason he could not simply create hope. It was his duty as leader to encourage the clan, and a snow-white rabbit was a rarity in the blaze of Greenleaf. Perhaps it might bring some joy to his wearied clan. If nothing else, its capture would certainly lift his heart.