hold on to [open/intro] your heart

[RHINESTONE.]

[glow=#b8dcf8,2,300]▶ NATURE'S CORRUPTED IN FACTORIES FAR AWAY ◀[/glow]

Rhinestoneeyes. It was strange, hearing his old warrior name, even if hadn't been long since he had shed it in favor of the star suffix that came with being a leader. Still, it was also a sort of relief to hear someone using it again, because it reminded him that there might still be those out there who had known him before his ascension. Cats that, like Featherear, had survived the hurricane, and had simply been ripped away from the clan that they called home. He knew it was a mere fever dream to hope that everyone who had been swept away in the storm would end up coming back, but it never hurt to have a bit of hope, especially in such a dire time. He smiled genuinely as Featherear pressed into his shoulder, touching his nose affectionately and soothingly to the top of her rather fluffy ear. Although the smile was soon to vanish when he noticed the tears in her eyes, he couldn't help the genuine joy he felt at hearing her familiar voice – especially after having thought she was lost to the waves, forever. Taking a deep breath, he muttered softly, "It's... it's Rhinestonestar, actually. The leader didn't make it, and I was the last senior warrior around, so I had to step up..." He realized quickly that made the situation sound even more dire than it really was, so he hastily followed it up, "There... there are still plenty of us, though. We're still alive, just a little shaken, don't worry." Not everyone would be around to see them recover, but those who could, would hopefully be happy about it.

It was not long after that Featherear's panic began to grow, and Rhine felt his ears flatten against his skull in response, worry gleaming in his eyes. He lifted a paw to gently rub at her spine, trying to provide her with some comfort to get her through the anxieties bubbling up from her in waves. He opened his muzzle to respond, but Vixenvenom beat him to it, causing him to jump slightly. Turning, the crimson feline nodded in greeting to Vixrn before he spoke, a frown curled on his muzzle, "As Vixenvenom said, Sanguine and Sunpaw are alright... the kits are doing fine, if a bit shaken up." He then felt his heart sink a little, briefly biting down on the inside of his cheek. It took a long moment before he continued, his tone seeming dour, "As for Haystripe... I'm afraid I haven't seen him, Featherear. I'm sorry... there is a possibility that he's out there somewhere, just as you were, but I don't believe he's here, at camp." He had taken a rather comprehensive role call after the camp had finally been cleared of water, and he didn't remember seeing the shecat's brother anywhere.