So it was that simple, then. Direstar's wish was granted, and by their own words was his new leader chosen.
Needle's nose scrunched into a scowl. At least it was Shadowsong. She had thought earlier that the she-cat had values worthy of respect, and a level-headedness that would prove vital at soothing the wounds left by all that had occurred tonight. Even now, she was quick to lay on the diplomacy. All would be held as former friends, indeed. All equal, regardless of the code of her clan. Needle found herself squinting at the dark female's speech. How could she, or anyone, but anything but uncertain of those words? How long would she hold on to those values, now that Direstar had the run of her and hers? 'Twas more than apparent that the starry little leader had ambitions... Needle was unable to keep her eyes from drifting to him a moment, pale green gaze alight with accusations, before returning to the newly-appointed leader.
Oh, he had set her on the throne, a'right. Bathed in Jaggedstar's blood to do it, washed her ascendancy indirectly in Hollowstep's and that deputy's. All, seemingly, without a lick of remorse. How long would it be before he asked that blood debt to be repaid? More importantly, what might Shadowsong's virtues matter when he did?
Needlewhisker couldn't let that question go unanswered. As the Riverclan leader named her new deputy, her terms, and made to gather her clan - the she-cat stepped forward first. "Shadowsong," Needle called, gruff entreaty in her tone. It surprised her, how even her voice sounded. "A moment, if you please." Perhaps seeing the brindled warrior bounding after the new leader would raise some questions. Then again, perhaps not. Surely some would have seen her fighting Direstar's twin bodyguards, and thus know her heart. True too that now was a time when loyalty was mutable, and cats changed sides without question. The real truth was, it didn't matter. There would be time later to lay any arisen fears to rest. For the moment, Needle was far more preoccupied with assuaging her own.
EvilSilverDragon
