just the two of us [closed for ash]

OOC: This takes place directly after this topic.

IC: After giving Stoatstar a confirming nod, the deputy exited the den. Being involved in a serious discussion that required a whole lot of patience, wisdom, and thinking was an experience Minnowfin found himself not exactly looking forward to doing again. Now that the situation had been sorted out, he was determined to take his mind off of things and he offered to escort the Riverclan deputy to the border. "I trust that you are perfectly capable of finding your way back, but I could escort you if you'd like." he proposed, gaze directed at Perchfall. Wait. What if she declines?? Mousebrain- you weren't supposed to offer to, you were supposed to just do it.

Perchfall was tired. On the way over, she had run full speed, filled with a righteous indignity and cold anger that she had not truly felt before. But during the discussion, battling uphill to try and claim even that she spoke the truth, all the past day's events had caught up to her. The moment that she was back in RiverClan, she resolved, she would let herself have a moment to rest. She needed some time to think on what had happened. And yet, how exactly would she go about getting back? Would she just wander until she found the RiverClan border? For once in her life, Perchfall had not thought these actions through at all.

She was about to huff in frustration when a small voice made her realize there was still someone beside her. Minnowfin-- the one cat in ThunderClan who had been kind to her. A fellow deputy, young and probably unsure of his position, but sure-footed and intelligent in his words and actions. An asset to his Clan, and... maybe a potential friend in better times. His offer made Perchfall's features soften slightly. She knew it was likely just a polite gesture, but she could honestly use the help going back home in this tired state. And of all the cats to accompany her... "I would appreciate that," she responded with a nod, letting a note of gratitude suffuse her clear voice.

Relieved by her response, the deputy lead the way, pushing through the leafy tunnel. Purely habit, he motioned with a flick of his tail, a beckon to follow. Once out into the open, he gave his pelt a good shake to rid of clinging leaves. A quick glance back to check if the Riverclan deputy was following, they set off towards the border.

"Is Riverclan doing alright?" he spoke up, the usual small talk an opening for topics of more interest. Keeping the pace at a steady, casual brisk trot, it was neither rushed nor slowed. Secretly, the tom hoped that the conversation would open up into something more meaningful, though he was doubtful of the possibility.

Squeezing through the camp's exit was a little bit of a tighter ordeal than Perchfall had remembered, now that her adrenaline had mostly worn off. However, she managed, and followed behind Minnowfin. There might have been a stray leaf or two on her fur, but she would deal with them later. Now, she mostly wanted to go home. Exhaustion was gradually beginning to seep into her bones. However, all the trees on the territory looked the same to her, so she was very grateful to have a guide. Especially since the guide was the one ThunderClan cat she felt comfortable with. Walking beside him felt nice-- far better than the frantic run from RiverClan had been.

Minnowfin's question was to be expected. Strangely enough, it was the first time another deputy had really asked her that question-- the Gatherings had been too fraught with tension for much small talk. Not that she had necessarily missed the obligatory conversation. "In general. Newleaf has been good to us," she responded neutrally, making eye contact with him for a moment. "Leaf-bare was hard for every Clan, but the extra prey has gone a long way towards fixing the harsh season's damages. But of course, with the Dark Forest--" Perchfall stopped for a moment, glancing hurriedly around to make sure that there were no putrid shadows lurking nearby. Once she felt safe, she continued quieter, "with the Dark Forest, tensions have been high. I am uncertain if any of our Clans are truly 'doing well' in these circumstances."