slowly, through a vector [O]

The stars in the sky seemed dimmer tonight, somehow.

There were no clouds, every heavenly body shining just as brightly as usual. But when Webshadow twisted his neck– and grimaced, hissed against the tension –to look skyward, as he often did, everything seemed paler. Distant. It didn't feel at all like he was looking up at his ancestors.

Or maybe it was more like they weren't looking down at him.

Webshadow's tail twitched, tapping arhythmically against the earth. He stretched out his forelegs (and that simple action made him wince, too), paws stretching absently towards the fresh-kill pile before settling back against his chest. He had spent most of his time here, in the short time following the battle. Unable to convince himself his wounds were important enough to take up space in the medicine den, even if he spent his time lurking there alongside Frostgaze, and too worn to gather himself for more than one patrol, he lingered near the fresh-kill pile. He drifted absently, silently, between there and his own den; there to the medicine den, to loom and watch; between the apprentice's den and the nursery. True to his name, a shadow passing between camp.

He made no effort to talk where it wasn't asked, where it wasn't needed. It took too much effort from him, and he'd found most recovering cats weren't eager for conversation, anyway. He missed it though, almost; finally, he'd found himself settling into a routine that opened itself to talk more with others. He didn't hate it as much as he thought; in these silent moments where he was left to sit as comfortably as he could, he missed the talk dearly.

It was just as well. It saved him from breathing too much, and it kept his ribs in place. He was sure that little rogue had dislocated something.

Still, he missed it. Webshadow's tail stopped it's incessant tapping, and stiffly, he stretched forward to rest his chin on his paws. Maybe someone eager for the same lonely company would approach him, first.

There was the sound of heavy, uneven pawsteps that broke the silence as Flintshard limped his way from the elder's den, eyes fixed on the silent tom that laid stretched out in the crisp, night air. He came to a stop a tail-length away, gaze falling to the ground as a huff escaped him and he started the awkward process of laying down - trying to be careful to keep his lame leg from being trapped beneath him which was far easier said than done. But finally, the elder managed to settle into a comfortable position, his lame leg stretched out as he tucked his working leg beneath him in a half-loaf. His ears twitched as he closed his eyes, resting his chin against his chest - content to simply provide a silent companion to Webshadow unless the warrior felt like sharing words...

Either would be fine to the elder.

Swiftheart awoke from a nap in the warriors den, she refused to go to the medicine den... others had it worse than she did. Still, her wounds from battle stung and her whole body ached something wicked. Sighing she got up slowly and painfully.

Limping over to the warrior den exit she looked out at the camp clearing seeing only webshadow and flintshard around... the camp was dead quiet... too quiet. She shuddered, she was always a really talkative cat actually the only one in the clan more so that way was her brother loudnose... she was probaly second ... but not even a close second... Loudnose was just that talky.

(^^^^ bit of a rabbit trail there XD)

She went over to go at least sit with her clanmates... she didnt know how they could do it... stay so quiet with just their thoughts to distract them from all of what had happened.

How could they just think right now? the only things to think about were all pretty sad. The look on their faces confirmed it... Swiftheart was usually a very positive upbeat cat who had tons of energy and drive.

Right now however she felt about how they looked, run down, sad and exhausted. She sat next to Webshadow on his other side from where Flint had settled in.

She nodded in respect to both of them, Webshadow was an older more experienced warrior than herself and Flint was an elder both demanded her to be mindful and respectful. Webshadow and her had been the last 2 warriors standing during the battle... (not counting frost and murky I mean "warriors" as the class not in the more general phrase)
and she had to leave him... she felt bad about it but there was no way she could have done any more... she was sure that her opponent had then been set free on him and she felt terrible about that.

She sat with them in silence but only for a few moments (to her it seemed like forever)... before she could not take it anymore... someone had to talk right? the silence was honestly unbearable to her especially being so used to conversing with others. She wished it could go back to that, cats sitting around swapping stories or eating a lunch together while talking of the latest news developments.

She sighed taking a deep breath thinking of something to say... anything to say would be better than this

hmm nice night out
she began looking up at the stars. It was something... okay so maybe it was a bit... dull of a conversation starter but again... anything to her was better than letting this silence just linger over them.

She gave a weak smile to webshadow.
I heard that Frostgaze is doing better now. she informed him
it was true, however Frostgaze still seemed pretty beat up even if he was slowly recovering.

Mom says we should be careful about going out alone or in small groups... and with Frostgaze out for awhile.... Webshadow at some point we might want to think about a hunting patrol gathered? Im still sore but I think I could still manage she glanced at Flint

wanna try your luck? she asked grinning at the elder. It was in a soft friendly tone not at all a challenge more so a question of if he felt cooped up in his den all day and wanted to give it a go... she often felt like elders were treated too much like kittens ... if they wanted to get out and try she would be all for it. However she also understood if he did not want to go out and try that.

You and Frost are really good together you know she told webshadow.

She paused... she had recently told Webshadow's former apprentice (Ratrunner) about how she felt about him and he had rejected her... it hurt quite a bit but she understood and wanted him to be happy.

How... How did you know he was right? she asked meeting his eyes. It was an earnest question, she felt like Webshadow had everything figured out and seeing them together was heartwarming. She gave him a grin


Honestly she was just trying to get some form of conversation going... it didnt really matter to her if they responded to the weather statement or the work task of hunting or about the love questions just something to get their minds off the battle and bitter defeat they just suffered. She had given alot of different routes to choose from so they could pick up whatever conversation they wanted... or start something completly different but she would not tolerate this silence of hanging depression lingering around the camp where it had no business being any longer.

From his side, pawsteps slowly made their approach. Ears flicking, Webshadow was pleased to see Flintshard chose to settle behind him. It looked like a hassle for the older tom, and Webshadow winced a bit as he watched. But then Flintshard relxed, leg half-stretched, and promptly closed his eyes. The dark tabby smiled softly, rasping out,"Hello, Flintshard. It's nice to see you." Beyond the greeting, he offered little else for conversation. Words came to him– how had Flintshard been faring these last few days? since stepping down in general?, less questions and more soft thank you's for the company. Despite whatever ideas he might have had, Webshadow couldn't find his voice. The quiet was less oppressive when it was shared, anyhow. The presence was eagerly welcome.

He would have been content to pass the evening that way, periodically dozing beside Flintshard, but another cat quietly joined them: Swiftheart. He didn't know the she-cat particularly well, but she was close with Ratrunner, and that was enough for him to regard her with a polite nod. He considered offering her the same greeting, or commenting on the battle, but his words failed him still. The tabby shrugged, and with a mild huff of effort, resituated to lay on his side.

If he knew nothing else about her, Swiftheart carried a reputation for chatter, and the brief beats of silence between them were quickly interrupted by an attempt at small talk. "He is alive," Webshadow commented dryly in response to Frostgaze's health. He wanted to say well, but he couldn't convince himself of that just yet; as much as it pained him, he would settle on just alive for now. He hoped the white warrior would make as swift a recovery as possible; he didn't want to fret over him in the medicine den anymore. It hurt him, to see Frostgaze so wounded. Just as quickly as the deputy was brought up, he was dismissed in favor of hunting.

"Maybe tomorrow night," Webshadow offered, gaze sliding slowly back towards his former leader. "Though I don't know if Flintshard would be ioining us. I wouldn't mind a walk, though." His whiskers twitched, as if there was some question under the words, if Flintshard would take them up on the offer for a walk, at least. I should see Shira. An ear flicked. Maybe both elders would join them; in fairer weather, it would have been nice.

Swiftheart kept the conversation rolling, and her next subject startled Webshadow into jolting upright. The tabby sputtered a cough, biting against his tongue from the pain that rocked through his ribs at the sudden movement. As he recovered himself, the warrior's expression of shock and pain turned into dazed confusion. "Good together?" He echoed distantly. His tail had started twitching again. "Frostgaze is... merely my friend. We are close friends." Was Frostgaze only a friend? Webshadow considered.

He wasn't entirely sure. Truthfully, he'd never been able to tell how cats drew the lines between friends and something more. He'd never thought he would find himself to be in a position to care, either. "Regardless of our... standing," Webshadow muttered into a cough, "to answer... I suppose I enjoy Frostgaze's company. I appreciate that he is quiet, and intelligent, and driven in all things. He is also very kind, and not so cold once you talk to him." A soft beat. "Frostgaze says things in interesting ways. I do, too. I appreciate that he is like me. I do not feel any expectations to act any one way; I assume he knows I do not have expectations for him, either. It is peaceful, to exist beside someone like that, and I am grateful for it. Frostgaze is a good friend to have." Another cough. Idly, Webshadow wondered if cats had asked Frostgaze the same thing.

He wondered what he would have said.

Looking back to Flintshard for help, Webshadow shook his head and let out a soft sigh. "Thank you for joining us. Your presence is appreciated, Swiftheart." Even if you ask me strange things.

Flintshard's ears twitched in acknowldgement as Webshadow greeted him, dipping his head in a quick nod as he contuined to silent loaf. One eye flickered open at the sound of pawsteps, watching as Swiftheart - a younger warrior that he didn't know that well, having gained her name since he had retired to the elder's den. He simply gave her a nod as well, allowing the silence to settle between them...Before the new arrival suddenly broke it, causing both of his eyes to open as he turned to give her his standard level stare. His eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly when Swiftheart turned her gaze to him, throwing out an offer to go hunting. A huff escaped him, gaze turning away but luckily Webshadow spoke up, turning down the invitation on his behalf. "Correct," he spoke, giving a nod toward his outstretched lame leg. "Traversing the marsh in my state is a...Poor idea," he meowed, whiskers twitching. "Hunting with this leg is even a poorer one."

There was a long silence, before his tail flickered as he glanced at his paws. "...Ah, thank you for the offer thought," he muttered, knowing it was the polite thing. He doubted she knew much about his state -  he hadn't left the elder's den much other than to let Basilbloom tend to the long-healing scar. He wasn't great at picking up things, but he could at least take a guess that it had meant to be a nice gesture to give him the offer to go out with them. He was relieved through as the conversation shifted back onto Webshadow.

The ex-leader watched with a flicker of amusement as the tom was put on the spot, thought he was confused on what was putting him on the spot like that. The conversation was of Frostgaze, the fine deputy. The two were close friends, and as Swiftheart pointed out - they were a good pair. It was good when cats had somebody they could trust to watch their back. The elder tilted his head, saying nothing as he tried to make sense of whatever was going on... And simply giving Webshadow a flat - but barely revealing his confusion at whatever was transpiring - look as the tom glanced at him for...Some reason? He simply glanced between the two warriors, before he gave a slight shrug. "Indeed, its been a while since I've had..." he drifted off for a second, a slight wince escaping him. "...Proper company." He truly had been in the elder's den for too long - he had mourned Freckleface for long enough, perhaps it was time to help the Clan rebuild after that disastrous fight with those rogues.

Swiftheart was relived that she had gotten them to talk even if just a little.

She nodded understandingly when Flint said he did not want to hunt with such a bad leg. She had not known that it was that bad and she gave him a soft gently sympathetic smile.

Oh sorry! she stammered.
I had not realized how sore your leg was... I meant no disrepect she assured him she just wanted him to feel included but now she probably made him upset ... oops ... way to go swiftheart she told herself in a punishing sarcasim in her head.

.... "Ah thanks for the offer though" the elder had said... well at least he hopefully saw it as a nice invite which was good.


She grinned at Webshadow's answer... nodding encouragingly That is really good! It is important to have someone as a close friend. Ratrunner is a close friend of mine she replied

She wished desperately that her and ratrunner could be more than just friends but Rat did not feel the same.

You trained him really well Webshadow! she complimented the older warrior (OOC: not old but like older than her XD).

She was starting to feel more energetic the talking and sharing of ideas was helping her get back to her positive energetic state of mind even if her body felt like it could sleep for a couple moons of rest.

She heard Flints answer of being stuck in the elders den for to long and lacking any sort of companionship... she felt so sorry for him. She gave him a quick hug, emotions more than though driving her at this point (well not just this point but yeah). Letting him go she sat in between the two introverts this time. Sandwitching between them her need for others support clearly showing she purred loudly.


"Thank you for joining us. Your presence is appreciated, Swiftheart." Webshadow had said

"ahh thank you! that means alot to hear she responded bubbly full of energy now. She was back more so to her old self the companionship doing alot of good for her

OOC: Basilbloom is off on a trip to gather a flower from her dreams shadowclan would know this as common knowledge its just so everyone is on same page I mention it

When Basilbloom gets home we will have so many stories for her to hear about.
I hope her trip is going well I miss her so much. She is such a good older sister. I hope she is doing okay out there.... hmm maybe she is already on her way back she purrs talking a mile a minute as she started rambling on

Hmm I wonder if Loudnose will be able to come out of the med den when she gets back as well? He has been cooped up for so long from that monster accident of his oh I feel so bad for him. He is such a caring older brother. I think he is actually the only one here who talks more than
do really she continued rambling on talking and talking she giggled at the last part.

hmm then there is Nightstalker my other brother he is more quite than I am but he is a natural leader I think... he also doesnt show emotion as clearly as I do... well probably no one shows it as much as I do she explained to her two companions....

It truly is a wonder how Loudnose and I are related to our dad mistyfalcon... He is so quite all the time. I look up to Misty so much he was my mentor too and I love him soooo much she squeeled continuing on her rambling non stop energy of extravertedness ... enregy that had beeen cooped up for days on end with no one to talk with....

In fact Misty is like my personal hero... He has saved my life she counted quickly on her paws scratching her head with her tail thinking...

3 times! Once from a snake when I was a kit, once from an Owl as an apprentice and finally from a hungry fox as a warrior she rattled off speaking nonstop continuing a mile a minute.

hmm well if they (Web and Flint) didnt like talking perhaps they were more listeners she figured, that was fine with her.
They didnt have to respond to everything or anything but having others around was really comforting ... she had been beaten pretty bad in battle and it was pretty humiliating, this was a way to get her mind off her devestating loss and the loss of the clan...

ackk but poor dad... those awful rouges beat him so badly she sniffled thinking about how bad her father's legs had been from them all scratching at him. She was so happy he was still alive but her heart was heavy seeing her champion beaten so badly... she had always looked up to him so much and considered him undefeatable so seeing him like this was for sure hard.

Hmm why did she steer the conversation towards that?? hmmfff time to get back to the positive ... hmm ...

well anyways! I have been training my apprentice Deerpaw she explained to her listeners...

she is doing so well! She is going to be such a good warrior she talked on and on.

She glanced at the two... hmm Flint still had his same unfazed expression and it was hard to read what webshadow was thinking.