Treeleg's first night in the nursery!!

[☼Light of the Sea☼]

Darkstar jumped at the question. Did he ever have a mate or kits? No. He had not. Was there anyone who would love him like that? Darkstar rather doubted it.

"I never had a mate or kits," he answered. "Sometimes I wonder how it would be if I did. And sometimes I wonder if it would destroy my Clan loyalty." He looked at Treeleg. "It has not yours."

[Leopardstar]

Treeleg looked at Darkstar. "Of course it wouldn't! Every cat would respect you just as much!............. I know I would," Treeleg put her head down in embarasment at her last words.

[☼Light of the Sea☼]

Darkstar looked at the queen. "Thank you, Treeleg." he mewed kindly. It occured to him that this may not be the sort of ShadowClan conversation that other Clans would expect. That was ok, though. ShadowClan may want to rule the forest, but that didn't make them unkind, or unloyal.

The ShadowClan leader turned his thoughts back to a mate. He wasn't sure he wanted one. Treeleg said everyone would respect him. But would he respect himself? He was worried about caring too much about one cat, that he wouldn't care for the rest of them. Others may find that sweet in him, but he would probably find it sour.

There is too much to put at stake... he thought. Ones you loved more than anything could be used to manipulate you. If you loved everything, you could fight for everything, and with everyone. You listen to everyone that has an idea, and put each to use. That was part of being a leader.

[Leopardstar]

Treeleg shook her head. "You know.... Tons of leaders who are toms have had mates and kits. Their clans remained strong as ever. It isn't like you would land in the nursery!" the queen purred with amusement.

[☼Light of the Sea☼]

Darkstar nodded. "I know. That's not what I'm worried about. Love is greater than loyalty. Some cats would betray another from their Clan for love. I'm worried about that. My love for my Clan is great enough, but what if I were willing to throw away all that the Clan worked for so I could save a single cat?"

Why did I tell her that? the ShadowClan leader wondered. It's difficult enough, being leader. Why does any cat have to share my burden? Or even know my weakness?

[Leopardstar]

Treeleg nodded. "It is O.K. Not every cat has a mate and kits," she purred. Poor Darkstar. He needed time alone. "I am going to go for a walk," she announced.

[☼Light of the Sea☼]

Darkstar started. "Are you sure? You might need to rest," he said carefully. He looked at the queen. "If you feel alright, though, I guess I can't stop you." He glanced around. "And if you see any warriors, tell them to patrol the borders, and if they notice anything strange, report back to me."

The ShadowClan leader edged out of the nursery so that Treeleg could get out. "And be careful," he murmured quietly. "We can't lose anyone quite yet. First we need to build up strength." He made care that Treeleg did not hear those words, although he wondered if she could.

[Leopardstar]

Treeleg shook her head and purred with amusement. "You act like I am the kit and you are my mother," she playfully made fun of Darkstar's protectiveness. She padded out into the forest.

[☼Light of the Sea☼]

Darkstar looked at the queens retreating back. He turned to go into his den, to sleep, or rest. StarClan give me guidance, he thought.

To: Leader's den

[Leopardstar]

ooc: I am going to pretend that Treeleg went for a walk.
bic: Treeleg padded back to camp. She went back to the nursery. Darkstar had obviously went off to think or sleep. She was glad. He needed to relax more. A mate would do him good. If he didn't want one though, what was she to do? Treeleg curled up in the nest she had claimed. it was still a little warm. her belly was quite swollen. Treeleg knew she would have a large litter.