Private Leader's Den Don't Take Off My Mask ¤ Pike

[Russetfall]

FALLING FOR THE PROMISE OF THE

EMPTINESS MACHINE

.

She was probably wearing a small path in Pikestar's den by now with her pacing. "I don't trust it." Russetfall finally growls out, briefly stopping her endless march to flick her tail in agitation before she finds herself moving again. Step stepstepstep- turn. Step. Stepstepstepstep- STOP. Green meets green. "I can understand a little why you let them in, but Dark and Umber aren't cats anyone should trust." Willowburn had seen firsthand how little she trusted her siblings, so she trusted her friend to hopefully do the same. Bayhowl hadn't been present but he also seemed unlikely to be fooled, and would hopefully keep Pike from being so as well.

...But mostly she was... Afraid. She'd tried so hard, so hard to put her past behind her and here her siblings were waltzing in out of nowhere and bringing it all up front and center for the clan to see. She was sure that once friendly eyes burned into her pelt now whenever she passed by. Any low conversation very well could be about Rust the rogue rather than Russetfall the life guard.

There's a pause as the chocolate molly searches for the right words, finally sitting to wrap her tail around her paws. "I don't know if you're trying to protect me or what by not having me keep an eye on them..." But thank you. Another beat, Russetfall finds herself suddenly interested in the ceiling rather than looking her leader in the eye. "And what you said about me to them back there, it was nice."

Finally she looks back down to catch Pikestar's eye, smiles somewhat. "...Even if none of it's true."

25 moons

◆

Life Guard of Riverclan

◆

she/her

◆

tags

it's been decided how we lose

RUSSETFALL

— Life Guard of Riverclan
— She/Her
"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
— A Green-eyed Chocolate Mackerel Tabby With Low White
#8a2c55

 

[PIKESTAR PIKESTAR]

Russetfall entering his den after a few days of her siblings joining their clan is to be expected. What he is woefully unprepared for is her pacing. He's seen her rattled before, but never like this. Wow, she's really... Maybe I should add more dirt there when she's gone. I think this is the first time I feel older than her. Normally she's so composed. With Umber and Dark... His gaze trails from the worn ground to the Life Guard. He can't help but frown as she continued to pace within his den. I guess, I was the same when it came to Kuhli and Brook. I spent the night walking around my den, trying to make sense of things. Whelp. Better make myself comfortable. With a sigh, he lays in his nest. Propping his face upon a paw. Before he can truly get himself comfortable, Russetfall seems to remember his presence. If he were quick to anger, he would've snapped at her for growling. However, he understands that her frustrations don't lie with him, but with her family.

As much as he wants to interrupt and respond, he forces himself to bite his tongue and listen. It does amuse him only a little that she assumes that he trusts Umber and Dark. I don't think you understand how you looked that day. Why would I trust someone who makes you look like that? A flare of anger bubbles in his stomach, an anger that he knows will swallow him if he allows it to. Thankfully, he isn't allowed to dwell on his anger for too long as Russetfall continues to speak. However, this time she does speak of him and his actions. Nothing terrible. As a matter of fact, she stated that she was pleased with his words. Until she quickly amends that it was a nice lie.

The comment bothers him more than it should.

"Some of it may not be entirely true, but I mean it when I say you are hardworking and compassionate."

There was no denying that there was a kernel of deceit in his words. He had to lie to those on the patrol. We made a promise.

"The others... I haven't said anything about your past, and I never will."

She must understand now. What was a lie and what was truth.

"When we first met, you hid the truth. Anyone would feel betrayed at learning what you used to be. But I never saw a rogue in front of me. All I see is a friend who wants the best for this clan. Not once have you tried to kill me or hurt anyone here."

I will stand beside you no matter what happens. You're my friend, after all. As for the others... I'm sure you're already well aware some might feel a certain way when the truth comes out. I won't bring that up, since you're here for another reason. You're worried, aren't you? About this clan, about me. With having them here.

"I don't trust Umber or Dark, Russetfall. The only reason why they're here is because I'm worried about the trouble they'll cause for us if they're allowed to roam free. About either of them getting into a fight with the other clans and then saying they're part of RiverClan. How they'll describe the leader perfectly. The other clans wouldn't bother to confirm. You've seen how agitated ThunderClan is these days. Ultimately it's safer to have them here. Where we can keep a close eye on them."

Was his reasoning sound? Even now he wasn't sure. It's true that he's throwing his clan into danger by having Dark and Umber residing among them, but he dreads to think about allowing them to run free within a forest full of clans. Some might say this could be an ideal opportunity for reform, but he wasn't too sure about it. While Umber gave a speech about how it was essentially unfair about Russetfall getting a second chance and by extension they should receive the same chance. What they didn't know was that no one knew about her past. There was no second chance so to speak. Everyone assumed she was a loner. Rogue? Unheard of. With the Russetfall they knew now... It would be hard for them to believe.

"And yes. You aren't in charge of them because I want to protect you. Your... Siblings seem dangerous to me. Bayhowl and Willowburn wouldn't be swayed by their charm, you know this. I offered myself to them to see what kind of tricks they'll play. I want them to think I am pathetic. That they're the hunter."

A smirk curls from his lips.

"Or do you think that's too cruel?"

𝐨𝐨𝐜 𓆩♱𓆪 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭

• PIKESTAR

  — leader of riverclan, former shipyard cat
  ♱ 43 moons — he/him — ages realistically on the 1st
  ♱ speech is

  "#36D9AB"

  — thoughts are italics — attacks are underlined
  ♱ short haired silver mackerel tabby with green eyes
  ♱ peaceful & healing powerplay permitted — underline & tag when attacking
  ♱ penned by velou — kasaven on discord — open to plots & dms