Mistakes [c]

He was anxious to say the least, about talking with Murkystar. There was no avoiding the scolding he was doomed to receive. The tom wanted to curl himself into a ball at the thought, but no way he was taking that risk. He didn't want his leg any worse than it was. Starclan let this heal as soon as possible or.. or I'll go crazy. Loudnose hoped his mother wouldn't keep him at camp any longer than he needed to be, though luckily his leg and tail was feeling better already. Basilbloom really did a good job.

Until then the tabby lay there, mulling over the exact moment when this all started. He tried to dissect the memory for why in Starclan he thought it would be a good idea. It was so brainless. And.. and so immature.. and just so void of thought. How am I going to explain this to her? And Marshmallow got in trouble because of me! I have to convince Murkystar it wasn't her fault. I have to explain to Murkystar that it was fully mine. I need to clean up this mess I made.

Loudnose had finally woken up, and Murkystar had hesitated before going to see him. She didn't want to immediately overwhelm him, and she was honestly terrified to think of what would happen next depending on her son's version of what happened. If Marshmallow had encouraged him onto the path, and stood by while he was hit by a monster..... Then Marshmallow would have to face the clan and accept whatever punishment was deemed suitable. If Loudnose had done it all of his own accord, then he would have to accept the punishment that matched his frog-brainedness. Once a couple days had passed with Loudnose waking up and not feeling too terrible, Murkystar had collected her nerves and padded to the medicine den. Basilbloom had reassured her that Loudnose was awake and waiting, and left the two to have some time alone to speak together, something she was grateful for. As she entered the den that smelled of strong herbs, she blinked as her eyes adjusted and fell on the familiar figure of her son. Her expression hardened as she took in his wounds, taking note of each cobweb and the splint on his leg. She looked as conflicted as she felt, standing in the entrance of the den before raising a paw to step forward, taking each stride at a time before she finally stood before Loudnose. Her throat felt choked up, and she opened her mouth soundlessly once before clearing it, speaking with a soft voice as if afraid to shatter the fragile atmosphere. "Loudnose.... I.... We have a lot to talk about. But first... I'm glad you're okay. I don't know.... If you had... I'm glad you're okay."