Fear and Pride -Open-

[Russetleaf]

Under the clear night sky, dark blue eyes gazed up through the thick pines and mucky swamp fog. There was gossip going around that the deputy was going to retire and of course that meant that someone would be chosen to become the new deputy. Because she was bossy and very authority in her apprentice year and early warrior moons, many saw Russetleaf as a power hungry cat that would do anything to see her leader fall so she could take his place. No, this was not what the brown she-cat wanted. Since she was but a small kit, her father never gave her much attention, her mother was never around, and her siblings always seemed to be gone. She had her best friend Frostpool, but Russetleaf wanted the love of a family. So, she became a trouble maker talking back to adults and breaking rules. That only got her in trouble with everyone and her father didn't even give her a side glance. So, when she turned into an apprentice she worked, putting more effort then needed. Trying to boss other around showing that she was a leader's daughter, but in the end she only made other mad and their view on her become dark. It was only when she lead the party of Shadeclan to war did he really seem to care about her. When they returned, her father showered her in attention and Russetleaf finally felt pleased. Now, her father saw her as a responable cat who would be good for the clan and it's leadership. Russetleaf didn't want to become leader, let alone deputy. With the clan against her, she would never be a good leader. "Oh Skyclan, help me. Don't let my father pick me. The clan is against me and Shadeclan will fall into ruin if I become deputy. Please.... someone help me."

---

Russet is going to be deputy in the end, Mil has asked her to become deputy and I said yes. Just a little build up.

[Silverfrost]

Silverfrost heard the gossip that was happening but she paid no mind to it. She knew she would never become a deputy or anything important of that sort because one of her family history and two because of her snippy and sassy personality. But that wasn't really on her mind. Softkit was on her mind. What was Deathclaw planning now? Did he send her those visions or was it really Softstep that sent her those visions? She didn't know but she needed to find out. The only ones that knew about this were her Silenthope and Badgertail. No one else knew. At least one thing was good, she made up with Badgertail and that's what kept her spirits alive nowadays it seemed. Now she seemed distant and always in deep thought. She was just thinking about the horrors that Deathclaw could bring. She felt an uncomfortable balance in the clan. Something was wrong. Something was going to happen. She didn't know from what or who all she knew was that it couldn't be good.

She heard a voice not directed to her but near her and she was out of her deep thoughts. She turned her head to see Russetleaf. Yes, in the past the two she-cats didn't get along well at all. Even though she was much older than this brown she-cat she never got respect from her until recently after the war it seemed. Was it pity for the loss of her sister or was it that Russetleaf was finally starting to learn that the only way you get respect is if you give it? She didn't know. There were a lot of things Silverfrost didn't know. Though she got up and padded over to her. Something bothering you? she asked looking down at her.

[Russetleaf]

Russetleaf let out a gasp as Silverfrost's voice entered her ears and gave her a fright. Turning her head towards the older she-cat, the brown she-cat calmed herself and regained her composure. "Oh, yes. Just out and about taking in the fresh muggy air." The she-cat with the pelt of her mother and the eyes of her father turned away from the approacher. It was obvious that Russetleaf was lying. Normally, she could handle this with no problem, but she was caught off-guard and was not ready to handle this situation.

[Silverfrost]

Silverfrost sighed. You know you're a horrible liar, she meowed shaking her head. Much like herself in that way. Now are you ready to tell me the truth? she asked raising an eyebrow. She had still overheard her so if she wouldn't talk she would just make her listen to what she had to say on that matter.

[Russetleaf]

Russetleaf let out a sigh and turned her dark blue eyes to Silverfrost. "What would you think if I became deputy?" This was what she wanted to know, what her clan would think if she did become deputy. Depending on Silverfrost response she would explain her situation further.