Ryefield || She-Cat || ShadowClan Deputy
The Murky Swamp was quiet in the early morning, vision shrouded in a delicate layer of fog, the damp air heavy with the earthy scent of mud and waterlogged grass. It was unusual for both of these pelts to be out of camp at the same time, but when it happened, it was luckily to hunt together, and not for more serious matters. Ryefield had guided the pair to her favorite solo hunting ground.
Shadows stretched long under the dim light of the dawn sky, seeping through the thick mist in the air. Despite her distaste for getting dirty, her tabby calico pelt blended almost seamlessly with the dappled shadows cast by the overhanging reeds an the swamp logged trees that clung to life here. Even with some of her brighter colors, she was able to hide amongst the marshlands, and her whisper-like movements helped conceal her within.
Ryefields every step with deliberate to avoid squishing into the mud, and she took in a deep breath of the fond scent of earthy mud. They were almost upon her favorite spot when the deputy peered towards Ravenstar, mashed colored eyes of purple, blue, and a fleck of green scanning the leader for any sort of emotion, to try and gauge how she should act. “This spot always yields something,” she remarked in a smooth attempt with small talk.
Ryefield || She-Cat || ShadowClan Deputy
The swamp stretched out before them, a vast expanse of mist and murky water. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the occasional buzz of dragonflies skimming the surface of the shallow pools. Ryefield came to a stop as Ravenstar pulled ahead, an ear flicking at the snort of his words. Everything seemed still for a moment, outside of the sounds of their surroundings, and the conversation between th two. She watched the tall reeds sway in the breeze, and she could feel the weight of Ravenstar’s words settling in the air between them, like the fog rolling over the land.
She decided not to point out that while he hadn’t needed to make a point to anyone, he had still formed and stated some form of a point by choosing her, even if it was for himself. The deputy remained still to her spot, listening to his words. She didn’t know of his past, too young to have lived to see it, unsocial enough to have not heard rumors or stories. Ryefield shifted slightly, her calico coat ruffling as she looked towards him. The she-cat had never been one for grand speeches or the praise that accompanied leadership, but the more that he spoke, the more she supposed it made sense.
The reason for choosing her aside, what he wanted dwindled down to what Ryefield was out here with him seeking out herself. Friendship, to go along their professional relationship.
The murky swamp seemed to grow quieter, as if nature itself was listening to their exchange. Ryefield could feel her emotions swelling, not pride, but with a sense of responsibility. It wasn’t just the title of deputy that mattered, it was the role itself. It was the trust Ravenstar had placed in her, and the weight of it all. If there was one thing she was glad he picked up on, it was her devotion to ShadowClan and its longevity, its future. “I hope for that, aswell, Ravenstar.” Ryefield states with a dip of her head.
Ravenstar
Shadowclan Leader
The Shadowclan leader had stopped for a moment listening to Ryefield’s words, eyebrows furrowed for a moment. It wasn’t until a moment later, his golden gaze narrowed and released a small snort before shaking his head slightly “I don’t need to make a point to anyone about my choices.. I’m not here for any popularity contests.” Ravenstar said bluntly, padding ahead of his deputy.
The black tom didn’t come off as rude, he was just extremely blunt at times.
Stopping for a moment, the huge leader let out a sigh through his nose before waiting for his deputy to catch up. “I’ve never been the one to follow tradition, from the moment I was born.. I had been the opposite of it.” Ravenstar explained, thinking about his relationship with his parents and many siblings in Thunderclan.. While it had been a challenge growing up as the only child in Shadowclan, he didn’t have a lonely childhood compared to other single children. Growing up with four parents, over ten siblings and many cousins didn’t cause any loneliness in his life.
“I don’t want anyone to agree with my decisions at every chance I give, a yes-feline, nor didn’t want a senior warrior to feel like I challenged tradition.. I need someone honest, as you are.” Ravenstar said, turning to look back at her with an arched eyebrow and sat for a moment to think clearly about his choice of words. “I need someone who isn’t afraid of being honest with me, to ensure that Shadowclan is their first priority as it’s mine.”
“We’re both young, which I know isn’t the easiest thing for some of our clan-mates to understand when Mercuryrose named me leader and I named you deputy.. But we both have the common goal of making sure that Shadowclan thrives, and everyone living there in content.” Ravenstar said softly before looking at Ryefield for a moment before his ears twitched at the sound of the leaves rustling through the wind
“My mother and uncle had a great relationship while they were leader and deputy.. I hope that we can have a relationship that while we are professional, we have each other’s shoulders to lean on and be… Friends.”
Ryefield || She-Cat || ShadowClan Deputy
There was a faint rustling of reeds in the breeze and the distant croak of frogs filled the early morning air. She could feel the weight of Ravenstar's question settling between them, like the thick fog around them, it was impossible to ignore.
Why had he chosen her? She was not the most ruthless or the most charismatic warrior. In fact, there were others more popular than she was. Not to mention she’d been made a warrior mere days before he had picked her. The question was one she thought about often but never allowed herself to dwell on, as she never had a good answer for it.
Her gaze lingered over him for a moment, before she bats her lashes. “I’m actually not really sure,” she began, considering her next words more carefully. “I have a hunch it was to prove some sort of point to someone, but, it wouldn’t have been a decision I made myself… so I can’t say for certain,” she admitted to him, before averting her gaze from the leader to observe their surroundings instead.
Ravenstar
Shadowclan Leader
A pair of golden eyes were narrowed slightly as the black tom followed after Ryefield, his gaze scanning the murky swamps. These days, Ravenstar wasn’t entirely sure who would be listening or not.. Call him a bit paranoid, but he had allowed Skyclan to hunt with the Shadowclan hunting patrols in order for both clans to be fed. Letting out a soft sigh through his nose, the leader began to follow after his deputy. He was slightly surprised when Ryefield had asked for him to join a solo hunting patrol, as it was extremely rare that both felines managed to step out of camp at the same time.
It was slightly awkward between the two, they were two opposites at best. Listening to her words, Ravenstar looked at her for a moment before nodding. He could tell that Ryefield was trying to establish a friendship that wasn’t professional. The black tom was usually standoffish, keeping to himself. Ravenstar knew that establishing a friendship between himself and Ryefield would not only benefit their relationship but Shadowclan’s as well.
Since growing up as the only kit in his litter, with all of his siblings in Thunderclan with his other family members.. It was a bit challenging. Of course, Aspenwood was in the nursery at the same time.. But he wouldn’t call the dark gray tabby Tom a friend.. More of an annoying cousin. Shaking his head slightly, Ravenstar knew that he had to be more outgoing with his fellow ranks as they were there to help him “Do you wanna know the reason why I chose you as my deputy?” Ravenstar suddenly asked his deputy.