Whispers in the Wind[C]

It had been some sunrises since Whisperear and Brackenwing returned. Sootstorm could still feel the wariness of his clanmates towards the returning elders, and though he knew it was to be expected, he couldn't help but feel bad. He had promised the two cats a home to come back to, but their welcome was hardly grand or extremely warm. He hoped that the more outgoing, younger warriors would warm up to them soon, and in time the whole Clan would see them as he saw them; his clanmates, who he would lay down his life for.

And despite all that, he had never spoken privately with Whisperear before. No, it was always when Brackenwing was around, and it struck him odd, or perhaps even rude, now that he'd travel such a distance to beg for them to come back only to not speak to them as he did before. That would soon change. As Brackenwing was preoccupied elsewhere, the deputy approached the elder, dipping his head in greeting. "Hello, Whispearear. How has everything been?" He prompted, trying to seem friendly despite the nervousness that churned within him. Whisperear had always scared him, even just a little.

Sootstorm laughed nervously, unsure of what to say in response. Quieter... well, not exactly. "There'll always be something wrong going on, regardless of what the leadership or the Clan does. Sometimes, it's the fault of us or other Clans, and sometimes... sometimes it's the fault of the predators, or the season," He commented quietly. He couldn't help but remember the barren land that the territories had become that eventually drove all five Clans out of the forest, and the sudden attack by the wolves at the lake. Nothing anyone did could have changed the outcome... he shook the thoughts away and focused back on Whisperear. "I just wanted to check in on you. I did invite you and Brackenwing back to WindClan, afterall, and I want to make sure you're comfortable," He explained. "How has WindClan been treating you? Met any new faces that you find yourself growing fond of?" He prompted.