Where Home Is {Closed}

Scorchclaw was now more or less settled into his role as deputy. While it had seemed unnatural to be the one organizing patrols at first, the fluffy brown tom had quickly gotten used to the task. It was a job that required a keen sense of observation and a good memory, both of which he happened to have. He had received a disgruntled huff here and there, but the majority of RiverClan had either accepted him or were just more skilled at hiding their displeasure. He was well aware of the fact that he was young for a deputy, but he had also meant his words when he promised not to disappoint Jaystar. If anycat were bold enough to disregard their leader and challenge the deputy, he would not hesitate to mercilessly put them in their place. While not as bloodthirsty as a certain clanmate of his, he was still a far cry from being a pushover. At this moment, however, none of such trouble seemed to have shown itself yet. That morning, Scorchclaw had seen to it that all the patrols were taken care of before leaving camp.

Gravel shifted softly beneath the deputy's furry paws. Even from some distance away, the murmuring of flowing water had been audible. The surface of the stream was adorned with gently dancing glitter. "This should be a good enough spot." The serious tom mewed. In tow behind Scorchclaw was Swanpetal. The two of them were currently on a hunting patrol. Since they were here to fish, maybe 'fishing patrol' would have been a more exact name. Quite a span of time had passed since Swanpetal's second return to RiverClan. Although she seemed to have fit right back in, the tom still did not quite trust her yet. As he settled down into a comfortable position by the lapping waves, the large tabby watched the gray and white she-cat out of the corner of his eye.

Following behind the deputy, Swanpetal was uncharacteristically quiet - she didn't have much to say at the moment, she supposed, not wanting to make herself look worse in the eyes of the deputy of her Clan. She settled into a fishing position, and allowed a sigh to escape her. "It's... A nice day, isn't it?" she ventured, uncertain. She remembered how to hunt and fish, but the ability to speak casually to her Clanmates continued to evade her. "Especially a nice day to catch fish?"

The large brown tom could feel the warmth of the gravelly ground seeping through his thick fur. For a minute or two, wordless silence hung over the two cats. Scorchclaw watched the rippling waters of the stream closely, as if his green gaze could pierce the depths. His keen stare and still posture told easily of his concentration. Then Swanpetal spoke up. The fluffy tabby twitched one ear at her words, but he did not turn to look at her. "I suppose." The answer came curtly, and was then followed by silence again. He could tell that the other warrior was trying to strike up a conversation, but he had never been one for casual chitchat with other cats. If anything, apart from occasional exceptions, he preferred to keep his mouth shut when there was no need to open it.

The unnatural glint of silver scales did not escape Scorchclaw's eye. In a flash, he had thrust his paw into the water. A good-sized fish was flung unto the ground a short distance away, and the deputy speedily finished it off before it could struggle too much. "What do you think of your current life in RiverClan?" He suddenly asked. With one paw on the limp body of the fish, he twisted to face Swanpetal. His expression was guarded, unreadable.


ooc: so sorry for the delay!!