I need someone to rely on.. Open

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Rhine knew what emotional exhaustion felt like, much to his own disappointment. He had been unable to escape it after the hurricane had struck, and he could feel a similar heavy blanket beginning to drape itself over his shoulders once again. It wasn't that Palmclan was completely doomed – they were far from that, really – but their circumstances at the moment were hardly ideal. And with all the rumors that were swirling around, he couldn't help but feel like it was his fault, even with his friends around him to support him. In addition to that, he wasn't entirely sure how to help Medusa, despite how much he cared dearly about his friend. The hybrid had made it clear that she didn't want false reassurances, but the tom really wasn't sure what else he could offer up. He didn't think of her as a freak, and he knew of plenty others who didn't think of her as one, either. How was he supposed to communicate that to her, when she was so dead set on the fact that she was an outcast? That she was abnormal?

Truthfully, Rhinestone didn't know the answer to that question, but it didn't mean he was going to stay away. He wasn't the type to abandon a friend in need, no matter the circumstances. So, after grabbing a couple of plump mice from the dwindling prey pile, the leader had left camp, reluctantly heading into the Twisted Forest. When he neared the abandoned and crumbling house, he was surprised to see that Medusa wasn't there, but there was a scent trail leading away. Tilting his head to one side, the ruddy feline followed after the scent trail, eventually reaching the stream where Medusa was staring downwards, half mumbling and half singing to herself. Rhine winced as he heard the words that left her, teeth briefly sinking further into the pair of mice that he held. When she began to walk away, he quickly strode after her, clearing his throat beforehand placed his prey down to speak, "Medusa, wait... I came out here to make sure that you got some lunch. I thought maybe we could eat together..." Truthfully, he didn't really want to eat, and take food away from others who needed it more, but it was clear from the rough sound of his voice that his sickness was worsening. If he continued to not eat... well, it could end up killing him.

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

— Reggan