THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT ☆ o, RETURN TO CAMP

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Rhine knew that it would most likely be some time before he and Toadwhisker could truly reconcile things. It had been some time since his brother had left, and although Rhinestone was unbearably forgiving, he knew there was a layer of bitterness still lingering on both sides. Despite this, he didn't try to stop the smile that pulled at his muzzle, a soft rumbling purr leaving him as he watched Toad brush himself off, "Oh trust me, I'm well aware of where your head is at. Do try to keep it in the sand a little bit more, though. We could use you." He then offered Toad a slightly more personal smile, although trying to communicate all of the emotions that laid dormant within his chest for the moment. He knew it was impossible to communicate just how much he had missed his brother while he was gone, but the little look did at least make a valiant effort.

The tom did have his attention ripped away, however, by the arrival of Vaas not too long after him, the two of them having been walking in tandem most of the way back to camp. Rhinestone could already see the uneasy looks thrown in the tiger's direction, as well as the way Vaas held himself confidently, trying to seem as mild as possible while still being respected. Clearing his throat, Rhine shot a look at those who were staring, his voice soft as he reminded, "Play nice, everyone. Vaas is the whole reason that we got out of the boardwalk." Much like his relationship with his brother, Rhine knew that it would take a while before the large feline was fully integrated into the group, or at least recognized. However, he could still make an effort to make the process slightly less painful for those involved. The leader then let his gaze dart back to Vaas himself when the other spoke, telling him to get some rest. Rhinestone let out another soft chuckle, knowing that the other was probably right about what he should do. He still felt as though he was swaying on his paws, and he said as such, "Don't worry, I plan on it... I need to recharge my batteries a bit." It would probably be a while until he could fully rest as much as he needed to, but he could deal with that.

When Foamkit turned from him, Rhine found himself glancing down curiously, wondering what had so thoroughly grabbed the child's attention. Soft laughter left the leader as he spotted Foam's battle stance, and the withering glare that the boy had directed at Vaas, clearly protective over Palmclan as a whole, as well as Rhinestone. Gently touching Foam's side with his paw, the flame colored tom said reassuringly, trying to ease the child's worries, "There's no need to get so aggressive, Foamkit. He's a new friend of the clan, I promise. Friend." As soon as he finished his examation, Rhinestone felt a yawn pulling at his jaw, causing his muzzle to open and a flash of teeth to be shown as he very nearly fell over from the force of it. Hastily scrubbing a paw against one of his eyes, Rhinestone then glanced down at Foamkit, questioning the child with a little smile, "You think you'll be alright introducing yourself to our new friends if I get some sleep? I think I really need some rest..." He didn't know how much Foam would be able to understand, but he was fairly confident the kit knew the meaning of the word rest.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan