[Deleted]

We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.

The interaction between her and Nettleheart the night before failed to leave her conscience just by time itself, so Pinewhisker forcibly shut it out. She didn't quite know how to feel, but from the very first moment she met the fiery, snappy she-cat lost in the midst of the Black Woods, Pinewhisker knew she belonged in Nightclan. The ginger she-cat let out a mrrrow of laughter. Nettleheart - no - Scrap, was only shaken when she was faced with what she thought was a ruthless, mad monster of a cat. Despite her fears, the kit proved herself to Pinewhisker - no, Pinestar. She was leader back then, and although she didn't much have a choice with Snakestep, the ginger she-cat made sure that Nettleheart was strong enough mentally to join the clan before welcoming her. She never expected a kit to win against her, but she liked the little she-kit's resilience, feisty attitude, and sharp tongue.

Nightclan didn't just take in any scrap of fur. Not like the other clans. At least Firestar seemed a little more resistant to rogues and loners diluting the honor of the clans. Nightclan has a particular spirit that keeps it strong. Perhaps they were a bit callous towards the other clans, but they were fiercely loyal, and are intent to prosper, to succeed.

At least, they should be in her opinion.

Pinewhisker had decided to linger in camp today a little longer. She felt like mulling a bit and enjoying the warmth, something she didn't quite do often. The ginger she-cat had talked with Echobreeze briefly before visiting the medicine den to see if Shadowchaser needed help at all sorting or attempting to gather herbs. She didn't want to go out into the territory, though anything to spend time with Shadowchaser. Unfortunately, he wasn't in camp.

He was a kind young tom, and a huge reason why her wounds healed so successfully. Maybe she needed some more work accepting her place in the clan now, but maybe... No. I'm too old to pursue that path again. She thought, glancing uncomfortably at the leader's den. It was once her safe space, a place where she consulted her clanmates in their struggles: a place where she contemplated her own hardships and Nightclan's opportunities. What about Briarthroat? Is he too old? Pinewhisker's conscience piped up aggressively. She dropped her gaze, wandering to a corner of camp away from prying ears and eyes.

Pinewhisker missed it, leading the clan.

Maybe... The ginger she-cat sat back on her haunches and began grooming her face. No. I'm here if anyone needs to talk, but I wouldn't wish ill on any cat. I hope Foxstar and Briarthroat both outlive me. She swore, eyes fierce.

Was this her place in Nightclan? A consultant?

Pinewhisker smiled softly, tongue untangling her pelt and flattening it to a shine. She may not have any kits, close friends, or a mate to share her nest, but her altruism and loyalty had all but returned after her conversation with Nettleheart. It wasn't about her. It should always have been about her clan, and she would never lose sight of that again.

Thank you, Nettleheart. The young truly are wise in their own way. Pinwhisker mused, staring into camp, watching cats calmly idle. Most of the warriors were out hunting what they could and didn't leave but an hour's past. Most went hungry yesterday, Pinewhisker included, though perhaps there would be more out and about today?

Just a few more minutes. She begged herself, rolling over on her belly.

When did I get so lazy? She huffed, watching shapes slink too and fro in the darkness of camp. You know, I'm not lazy...I'm energy efficient.

Pinewhisker almost chuckled out loud at the goofy justification for her indolence.

It was good to feel more like her old self again, but the laziness will have to go.

69 Moons - Senior Warrior - NightClan

PInewhiskeR

Tags: williams | Fawn (Shadowchaser and Nettleheart mention) | BlooRey DVD (Echobreeze mention) | @zen (Snakestep mention)
Word Count: 667
Notes: xxx