Passing the Line [C]

The last two days had seen Perchstar mired in an emotional slump that was all too familiar. She had been foolish to think that anything could be solved at the Gathering, foolish to think that other leaders would even bother to listen to what she said. No matter that she was one of the more experienced cats on that rock, compared to the other three who had been previously at the deputy spot. No matter all the blood, sweat, and even tears that had gone into making sure her Clan did not fall to the paws of the Dark Forest, after Jaystar had delivered them right into the grasp of darkness. Apparently, none of that mattered. What was she going to do? How was she going to avenge Cloverheart? Did she really have to shed more innocent blood, just because Bloodstar couldn't get his head out of his tail? She had originally planned to go into SkyClan the next day with a small patrol and try getting a response out of the condescending tom, but the reminder of his insults and the dismissive way he'd rejected her claims always stopped her from putting a paw in their direction. Beechfang... the murderer. If she knew what she had done was wrong, why would she do it? Did SkyClan seriously intend to harbor a murderer, even after what had happened with Dawnhawk?

All these thoughts and more swirled around her head as she sat in the corner of the leaders' den, resting one side of her head against the reeds. Aside from dragging herself out to hunt once or twice, she had barely left the den. She had just become leader, and now this?... It was all too much to deal with at once. And yet, she had to. Perchstar's eyes were noticeably downcast, her tail curled tightly around her paws, as she attempted to draw herself out of the pit of her mind once again. It's nothing. You should be doing something, not sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. Cloverheart wouldn't want that. And yet, despite that knowledge, the pit of her stomach still churned, remembering the terrible scene she had come across. A familiar body suspended in the river, choked with the scents of river silt and SkyClan and death.

Another voice momentarily invaded her senses. Another, familiar voice. Perchstar stood up quickly, straightening her shoulders and turning her head to the den's entrance. Poppyshine-- her deputy. It seemed, at least, that the calico was not drawn into the same dark thoughts that the leader was. Thank StarClan. That, at least, was something good. In fact, her sparkling green eyes were even brighter and happier than usual. A little of the emotional cloud was swept away in her sunshine. Perchstar's features softened slightly. "I am all right. I was just thinking." What could make her friend be buzzing with such excitement. "Did you have something you wanted to tell me?"

Glad to have something to distract her from herself, and hopefully offer a little bit more clarity into the awful situation haunting her pawsteps, Perchstar leaned forward with interest. No matter what Poppyshine had to say, she would listen. And say something Poppyshine did. Kits? The leader's eyes widened. Whatever news she had been expecting, it was not that. However, a quick glance down to the normally slim calico's somewhat rounded form confirmed her words. It certainly seemed true. After she got over her momentary shock, a small smile crept onto Perchstar's face. "Congratulations," she meowed sincerely. "That is wonderful news." And it was. Unexpected, but wonderful just the same. Honestly, with the amount of cats who looked at Poppyshine as if she were the very sun itself, Perchstar should not have been surprised that kits would eventually result from one of those many deep friendships.

The rest of the words that the deputy had said caught up to her. Dovesight noticed... and, they were Rushtalon's? Well, that was both good and bad. The young tom was very nice, and he and Poppyshine had seemed to get along, but... well. He had been missing recently. Still, the soft smile remained. "I believe her; I have seen pregnancy in queens before, and you seem to follow the general symptoms. However, you should know that with pregnancy comes decreased mobility and sometimes aches and pains. If you should need any more help with your duties, do not hesitate to let me know. I can always help, or have other cats do so." Her tail-tip flicked slightly as she thought. If they were still to go to SkyClan camp... it would be best if Poppyshine stayed back, then. She would not trust a pregnant queen's safety among cats who had, so far, refused to judge a murderer. But now was not the time for such thoughts. Perchstar's head lolled thoughtfully to one side. "It is a good thing Dovesight noticed. She has a remarkably good eye for that sort of thing, as you mentioned... and we are at a current deficit of medicine cats. Do you think she would be able to fill Cloverheart's position?"