below the rising sun [o]

This wasn't Leopardsun's first time as acting leader of ShadowClan, but it never got easier. That she had willingly taken it upon herself this time didn't do anything to ease the weight on her shoulders, that Nightstar- Nightpaw- was still present and accounted for did nothing to reassure her. It was only temporary, she knew, and the cats around her did too-

But still, it never got any easier.

The leaf-bare snow that marked their time at Highstones had long since melted, new growth all around them in the marshland they called home. At least there was that: the familiarity of dens she'd helped rebuild more than once, the territory she knew as well as her own reflection.

Now she had finally taken a moment to rest, eyes closed for just a moment as the sun began to rise.

There was so much to do, but so little she could manage at a time. There was Nightpaw, and WindClan, and keeping things running smoothly for her Clan and ensuring that Badgermask wasn't overwhelmed with the responsibility she had so suddenly burdened her with (and oh, a part of her resented herself for it; because no one had ever asked her, either, and how cruel was it of her to make someone else shoulder that same weight so young- never mind that it wasn't meant to last).

It hadn't been a split second decision. But it was one she'd been second-guessing since she made it, temporary or otherwise.

Sometimes she thought resting might be easier if she could turn off her thoughts: her mind was always racing, especially whenever she tried to slow down.

It was late for ShadowClan, early for anyone else, and only a brief moment of respite for Leopardsun.

The idea of sleeping wasn't something that Badgermask was currently thrilled with. While she was honored by her mother's choice to name her acting deputy but there was no denying that she didn't feel...Quite up to snuff for it. It was a social position for one - she was expected to know her Clanmates, know who would work best on what patrol and with who. Know who would be good mentors to what kits. Its... She frowned, her snaggle tooth digging into her lip as she pushed herself from the warrior's den - she had laid in her nest for a few moments before she realized that she wasn't in the mood to sleep.

Her eyes however lit up at the sight of her mother and after a moment of hesitation, she padded over. There were plenty of words - questions - that came to mind that she wanted to ask but...She felt it was something best done in private, once they both had time to breathe and settle with the new responsibilities put on the both of them. She came to a stop a tail-length away from where Leopardsun was resting, before she plopped down.

For a few heartbeats, she sat there...Before her ear twitched as she wiggled, scooting closer to Leopardsun's side with a gentle purr rising up in her chest. She wasn't sure how to feel about her new position, as temporary as it may be...But she knew she had to make her mom proud. She could do that much, at least, no matter how unfit she felt in some senses.

She didn't have any words to say to her mom - not yet, at least, so she was content to simply enjoy her presence for as little quiet time they had.