[~dust~]

Originally Posted by spade

Kestrelstar had been about to head out, having finally decided on doing a bit of solo hunting, when a familiar scent caught his attention by the entrance. Quickly the gray tabby was on his paws and headed over, yellow gaze already narrowed. It was RiverClan, so at least there was nothing to worry about, but a different, unfamiliar scent lingered on the cat who was approaching - and that caused a bit of unease for him.

"Birchclaw," he finally breathed, letting his fur lie flat as he greeted the molly with an annoyed flick of his tail. Where had she been? He hadn't seen her for quite some time... "I thought ThunderClan had taken another one of our warriors," the leader muttered under his breath, though he supposed he was glad that wasn't the case. "Where have you been?"

The territory provided nothing of any substantial gains (or loses, thankfully) so Kestrelstar turned to head back to camp. Only, there appeared to be a vaguely familiar cat in his midst. Smokepaw... hadn't he been missing for awhile? "I'm surprised a seagull didn't get you," the leader scoffed, taking a seat in front of the younger tom. "Why did you leave camp without a warrior in the first place? Seashell hunting is not a good excuse," he quipped, yellow gaze narrowing.

Solo walks had become quite a daily ritual for Kestrelstar now as the gray tabby slunk through the reeds, ears alert for any sound. While he had some trust in the patrols Splashleap sent out, he'd always have the urge to take matters into his own paws - regardless of how much yelling he received from Snakeheart. Sore pawpads were just part of life - he could still walk, so in his mind he was just dandy.

A voice off to the side though caught his attention, and Kestrelstar froze. Lionstorm? Fishspeckle? Who was calling such names? Fishspeckle was still alive and well but Lionstorm... Kestrelstar couldn't help but shudder every time he heard the fallen tom's name now, grief momentarily taking over. He hadn't so much as heard or seen anything to suggest that Lionstorm or Fawnsqueak had made it to the Great Stars Above, and while he was surprised it did irritate him.

Rounding a patch of springy fronds, Kestrelstar's gaze settled on a familiar young tom. Wasn't this the outsider that Lionstorm had welcomed into the Clan not long ago? What was his name... "Saltpaw!" he called, trotting over. "What in the stars are you doing? Where have you been?"

smokepaws stubby tail shook as he said

kestrelstar I’m being completely honest. My parents are always saying I’m to aloof. They always say I never pay attention! I’m really sorry I lost track and got lost. I found some really cool things on the way though! Look

he pushed a little scallop with a blue stripe down the middle.

I was gonna be this to morningpaw because the ridge in the middle reminded me of her. But I think you should have it. Keep it and when you get sad or nervous you should just look at it. If you want i havw more things that can help you calm down. Being leader must be stressful

He smiled at his leader a,her eyes glowing