hope for the future [open]

With the continued string of disappearances and the harsh reality of the trap-filled terrain that formed Highstones, Leopardsun had struggled to find some scrap of hope for ShadowClan to cling to; but in a sudden an unexpected shift, exactly what she needed had arrived in the form of Nightstar- newly returned home. She herself had been freshly revitalized, and hoped that the rest of her clanmates would be just as relieved, but they were still going through a series of troubling experiences. One followed the next, without a moment to breathe.

Not tonight.

"ShadowClan," she greeted; not seeing any point in calling a formal meeting about this when most of her clanmates were nearby and the rest wouldn't hear her call. "We have suffered tremendously in recent times, and I cannot blame any cat for being in low spirits considering our circumstances. However, our leader has returned to us- this is a cause for celebration. For tonight, let us all forget our troubles and rejoice; for Nightstar's return gives us hope that the rest of our lost clanmates will return to us soon enough."

She looked around, counting names and faces- it had become a habit since they arrived here- and took a moment to remember those that were missing. Harrierpaw was still gone, there had been no sign of Thalia; Cinderkit was still missing as well. Newly vanished were Sablestrike and Honeylight, and with the latter's disappearance she felt herself both relieved that Nightstar had returned at last and newly devastated at the loss of one of her closest friends.

But tonight was not a time to think of tragedy. They would come back, she would see to that any way she could; and with Nightstar returned she could focus on that goal.

"We cannot afford to lose that hope," she said at last. "Or our sense of community. In times like these, we have to support one another- that is all I ask of you."

Done with her speech, she retrieved a frog from the fresh-kill pile and settled nearby; gesturing with her tail for her clanmates to join her.