Departed Way [Open]

As her father's tail brushed her back she looked up, tears still made her eyes shine and her fur darker around her eyes. She sat up and shuffled herself next to him, laying her head on the white tom's shoulder. "I'll never forget her." She mumbled, looking up. "I should've talked to her more."

He allowed them to gather and to mumble to one another. Even he wasn't certain what he would say. How did one announce what was obvious, but in an encouraging way? Spottedstar hadn't been built to be encouraging. All his life he tore others down to lift himself up. It had felt right. Now it felt gross and unfair that he had to lead a clan without even knowing what to say to them. "We were victorious on this night." He began, a little surprised at his own powerful vocie as it echoed throughout the camp. "We lost two lives... but Beanheart and Leaftwirl live on, with us, watching over us in StarClan. The elders told me when I was very young that sometimes StarClan allows a valiant warrior to continue to fill his clan with strength even though he has already passed on. I know Leaftwirl's loyalty and Beanheart's courage has inspired me to keep you all safe... to never let this happen again." His harsh amber gaze softened as it traced over the clan. StarClan was supposed to work through him to prevent these kinds of things. Where were they when he needed them? "...consider this my fault. From now on, no patrol is to go near ShadowClan borders without at least two warriors. Now those of you who need healing, see Sagelight. The rest of you prepare for vigil or get sleep. There is work to be done in the morning."

Had that been adequate? Spottedstar didn't know. He wished he didn't have to do this. As a deputy, he merely thought that there would be no struggles as long as he didn't kill any clanmates like his predecessor. It seemed his understanding of leadership had been a shadow at best. He jumped to the ground and turned, walking into his den for rest. He would have his wounds tended after everyone else.