[CANCELED]

As a new dawn started to peek its way into the camp, the new fairly new clan began to stir. Within the leader's den, Leafstar sat, watching the first hints of light peak through the trees in the distance behind the clouds. Pushing herself to her paws, she started out of the den, wanting to check in with her deputy and find out where he had the hunting patrols going today.

Inside the warrior's den, Kitesong was curled up into a tight ball, her tail wrapped over her nose. Behind her were Fernsmoke and Birchmoth, two of the lazier cats in the clan, practically curled around each other despite being in two separate nests. Not far from the entrance to the den was Owlfang, the tom having taken the spot near the entrance in case something happened. This territory was still fairly new after all, only StarClan knew what dangers actually lurked outside the camp.

In the apprentice den, Shadowpaw winced, forced awake by the paw that had suddenly dug into his side from his denmate, Nightpaw. Slowly blinking sleep from his eyes, he sat there in a daze, not sure if he should try to go back to sleep or if he should actually get up.

Spotting Grimstone, Leafstar, flicked an ear, pausing for a moment as she watched him pace outside the warrior's den. Compassion wasn't something she felt she could afford now as leader. She was responsible for these cats now, meaning that one slip-up could very well spell disaster for them all. Padding over to meet her deputy, she gave him a brisk nod in greeting. "I wanted to know what you planned to do with the hunting patrol today." She said, getting straight to the point. "We also still need to explore the western part of the territory more thoroughly." She added, her tail-tip flicking thoughtfully.

Leafstar's ears flattened at that. That wasn't exactly something she wanted to hear right now. They needed to make sure the territory was secured. Her tail flicked once more as her eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "You and I can explore the territory then. Just have a couple of warriors go out to hunt. We can't lose a day of hunting right now." She said curtly. "And go and get Shadowpaw to join us as well. You two might as well start getting used to each other, I plan on having you be his mentor." She added, indicating the apprentice den with a flick of her tail.

Leafstar's eyes narrowed to slits when Grimstone called her by her former name. Before she could say anything, the tom bounded off. Feeling the fur on her spine bristle slightly, she gave her head a firm shake. No, she would make sure he knew not to call her that name again. She was a leader, given this position by the grace of StarClan, she had to honor that faith that their ancestors put in her. Letting out a sharp huff, she stalked to wait by the camp entrance, sitting down and wrapping her tail tightly over her paws.

Shadowpaw blinked, turning his head to see Grimstone at the entrance to the den. Letting out a yawn, he stood and gave his fur a quick shake, scattering a few scraps of moss that had clung to his pelt in the night, before bounding over. Not knowing that he was eventually going to be apprenticed to the deputy, he looked up at the other, a slight awe in his gaze. "Where are we going to explore?" He asked softly, both to not wake his grumpy denmate, and just due to his more shy personality in general.

(Alright, I gotta head off for now. I'll respond once I get home from work.)

Shadowpaw blinked at Grimstone's response, slightly confused. Rather than voice the question, though, he kept quiet, simply nodding as he finally padded fully out of the den to join the deputy.

Leafstar narrowed her eyes further when she saw her deputy's look. As he headed out of camp, she got to her paws, bringing up the rear of the group as she fell in behind Shadowpaw. "We'll head towards the RootClan border first and loop our way around. Take note of any good possible hunting areas as we go." She said, looking at both Shadowpaw and Grimstone.

Shadowpaw jumped slightly, hearing the leader behind him so suddenly had startled him. Blinking with wide eyes, he nodded, still not really able to believe he was actually doing a patrol with both the deputy AND leader. Nightpaw was going to be so jealous when he told him about this tonight!

Leafstar's eyes narrowed once more as she all but glared at the back of Grimstone's head. "I understand there is going to be a bit of an adjustment period with names, Grimstone. Take care to remember that I am Leafstar in the future." She warned, drawing herself up slightly as she walked.

Shadowpaw flinched slightly at hearing his leader's words. Leafstar really had seemed to change lately, as much as he might not want to admit it aloud.

Leafstar stopped when Grimstone whirled to confront her. Her eyes narrowing to mere slits, she stared her deputy down evenly. "I have changed because I needed to change. Any little mistake on my part could easily mean the deaths of those that chose to follow me. Being at our absolute best is the only way to strive for survival out here, especially since we know next to nothing about our new home."

Shadowpaw crouched, pressing his belly against the ground as he slowly crawled backwards so that he was no longer between the two high-ranking cats.

(Work just called and asked me to come in since someone called out. I'm gonna hop off here to get ready and head out. I'll reply to everything later.)

"I care for my cats. That is why I changed. I could not be the same soft-hearted cat I once was." Leafstar said, starting forward once more until she stood beside Grimstone, pausing once more. "I will not allow any more lives to be lost on my watch." She said tightly before padding off, taking the lead this time as they started towards the RootClan border.

As Leafstar left, Shadowpaw slowly managed to get his legs to push himself up once more. Looking between Grimstone and Leafstar, his tail curled against his side nervously as he carefully padded over to stand near the deputy.