( can't wait to be king / open )

THE MAELSTROM

Here you are and you’re all you wished to be
[size=9px]( silver tabby ; one month ; palmclan kitten )
You’re alive and you're not alone[/SIZE]

Among the loose gathering of grains softening the shallow incline the earth formed between open and clustered terrain claws raked, thoughtless and without reason, a taunt draw and subsequent release of muscle. Repetitive pattern, groove worn as it gathered beneath, trickling down to fill empty space. Nothing more than a means to occupy, off the tempo as each paw worked over the heated grains, about flicking ears though incomprehensible each caught thread of conversation. I their own worlds were each wrapped, content with their menial, daily tasks, though some took it upon themself to check the kitten.

"Rhi." Improving his minor grasp upon the constructed sounds that framed the name bestowed upon missing individual, breathy the roll of tongue, narrowed eyes refused to leave the stone. Overtop his abode it lay, a protection as well it was a beacon all may follow when his assistance was necessary, to him it was a challenge.

Fond some that watched on in amusement, the trickle of their laughter muffled by paws lifted to mask their mirth, the determination Foamkit approached the slope bordering right side admirable if futile. Few the steps he was capable of making before tumble once more brought him back to beginning, a running start completed by a rather clumsy leap merely leaving his belly to sting as he fell once more

Again.

It seemed the third time was at least the charm in a certain sense, gentle the guiding touch another offered with a lopsided little smile when he cast a glance over his shoulder. Bolstered by the unexpected assistance forth did he surge, the other forced to keep pace, which was easy with the difference present between length of legs and the distance each step covered. It was alone, however, the kitten stood once his climb had ended, bright the grin that adorned his visage.

Poor imitation the squeaky call he voiced from atop his perch, a comparison between it and that Rhinestone used to initiate a meeting impossible. But it may serve the necessary purpose, those few not looking to him already turning towards the origin of the disturbance, high held the head of the tiny 'leader'.

code by Reggan

Often these days, Rhinestone found Foamkit's presence to be a more than welcome one around camp. Obviously they had other children around in the form of Weepingkit and Hailkit, and he loved both of them as well, but Foamkit's presence was new. The child was so new and enthusiastic, and only just beginning to get a grasp on most of the basics of life. Although no one within the clan could truly be considered the small tom's parent figure, Rhine found that he actually sort of enjoyed the communal nature of taking care of the little one. They could all offer their advice and words of encouragement, and hopefully Foam would be raised right, even after being left so harshly on their beach. The thought of how Foamkit had come to them still sometimes caused Rhine to buzz with anger, and his claws to dig down into whatever was immediately beneath him. However, that was the loss of Foam's parents. After all, they had lost a wonderful and loving child with a good mind, and their loss was certainly Palmclan's gain.

It was difficult for Rhine not to notice the admiration that Foamkit held for him. Or, at the very least, the child's curiosity and excitement around him. It was hardly anything he'd complain about, however. He truly wasn't sure he was that great of a role model for anyone, despite how hard he had been trying as a leader, but it seemed as though Foam had already gotten attached. The rusty furred tom had been out of camp when Foamkit had started their journey towards the top of the meeting rock, but he did arrive just in time to see the kit finally succeed. Wandering into camp with a squirrel gripped within his maw, Rhinestone couldn't help the faint smile that came to his face upon seeing Foam up there. He chuckled, moving to deposit his prey within the new food basket before he joined the crowd that was looking up at Foamkit. Sitting down comfortably, Rhine wrapped his tail around his paws before calling up to the impromptu little leader, "Hello there, Foamstar! What is it that you've got to tell us all about today?" He didn't mind humoring Foamkit, especially since the tom could remember when he had done something similar. Constantly staring up at the meeting rock, imagining oneself to be the person calling everyone together and giving them the news. He didn't think of it quite so glamorously anymore, but he still knew that it was important.

RHINESTONESTAR - PALMCLAN - PENNED BY STILLY

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