Blessings and Curses [Open]

The past couple moons had been a whirlwind. One moment he was deputy, the next his closest friend was laying in a pool of blood and in turn, he was being pronounced the leader of Skyclan. Then rogues and death and threats from Windclan and his time away from the clan and tensions and... in thinking about all of it he took a deep breath. There was no time for dwelling on the past and letting such thoughts cloud his mind. Rippedstar had a duty to the clan and now a duty to his kits. At some point in the midst of all of this, he had become a father. Silverstripe npc mate #2 was a good warrior, and despite never actually being mates, he had used spending time with her as a way to offer some relief from the constant pressure. However, as his job became more demanding, the warrior had all but abandoned their friendship not long before disappearing into twolegplace. To his surprise, upon returning, there were kits that were undeniably his. Several of them bore markings reminiscent of his own.

Now, as he watched them play, a prickle of guilt broke through his normally unfeeling facade. These days he was about little more than striving to lead the clan, to make them strong. Rippedstar spent little time actually connecting with the members of his clan and more burying himself in tasks since snapping out of the period of time in which he never left his den. For his many flaws, Sedgestrike had helped with that. Although he had tried to push away the unpleasant thoughts creeping into his mind, the tom could not help but consider how he had unintentionally brought more innocent kits into a cruel world. So many of his previous kits had been lost to battles and disease. The forest had not changed much since then. And now, there were dangers lurking out there. He'd already failed to protect his kin in the past, why did he deserve to be a father again?

As he looked over the kits, his blue eyes were icy and not betraying of the emotions swarming life a hive of bees from within. When one tiny paw touched his pelt, the leader had to stop himself from flinching as his gaze snapped down to look at the little kit.

Mosskit stared up at her father with wide eyes, her tiny black and white head tilted in one direction. "Papa? You look sad," She squeaked,  affectionately rubbing against him. She hated when her father seemed upset; she could tell when he was. He just seemed less enthusiastic to be with them. Sometimes, she wondered, if it was their fault. She didn't want him upset, though! The kitten blinked her green eyes and sat down at her father's massive paws, huge compared to her own. 

OOC: YES IT'S HE RE

Rising onto his paws without a word, Sootkit took a moment to let his eyes adjust to the new supply of light and let his muscles get prepared for the day by stretching each limb individually. Sitting back down, he started to give himself brisk licks on his pelt here and there, until he saw his father's expression. Sootkit halted his washing and looked up at Rippedstar, expressionless. He didn't want his father to think that he was worried about him. Not that he was, just that he wanted to show his father that he was a strong and brave cat, like him. Still, the black tom got to his feet and padded over to Rippedstar, giving him a quick lick on his lower shoulder. (if rippedstar isn't laying down, then it's a lick on the paw or smthn.)

Darkkit eyed her father as he sat down in the nursery. The she-cat cocked her head as she watched him, curiosity clouding her young mind. The black she-cat rose shakily to her paws and joined her family. Darkkit purred as she looked up at her father. He seemed so sad. Was it her fault? Darkkit placed a paw gingerly on Rippedstar. "Are you okay father?" she mewed softly.

Lilykit, who had been watching everyone else play with a wide grin, followed Darkkit with a curious purr. Why was she going over to dad? There was plenty to do here... Uh oh. She looked unhappy. She should've asked Darkkit to play. That was probably what was wrong.
With that in mind, the young she-cat tumbled forward, a childishly concerned expression on her face. "Are you okay?" She squeaked, nudging Darkkit. Why was she playing with dad? The little kit looked up and furrowed her eyebrows. Oh no! Dad looked even sadder. She'd have to make Darkkit feel better another time. "What's wrong, dad? I'm sorry I didn't asked you to play..." She squeaked empathetically.

"Sadness has two types. The kind the disappears as fast as it comes, the moment a happier distraction is provided. There is also the longer, more brutal kind. Stays for a long time, destroying happiness, nearly un-healable. What kind do you have, Dad?" Clearkit's gentle voice spoke softly, as the gray and white kit padded over to Rippedstar. Letting out the tiniest yawn, he snuggled into his father's fur, letting himself relax. His gaze fell onto the greenery above him, his eyes widening in wonder. A small robin hopped from branch to branch, swaying the leaves and sending the scent of prey and open blossoms to him. A butterfly flew over a patch of dandelions, gently landing on the yellow flower's head. Sighing with pure amazement, he looked up at the leader's face. How did he not realize the beauty all around him? Was he really so sad that he didn't notice? That was probably the saddest fact of all. But he realized with a jolt that he wasn't able to do anything. "I would try to cheer you up, but I know that I cannot. If the beauty of an entire forest does nothing, why would the words of a kit?"