How long has it been since the war, since her life has fallen apart? It can't have been too long, but Twilight feels she has aged a century. When she gazes into the stagnant, murky pools of water littered throughout ShadowClan's territory, she imagines her reflection to be melting away, silvered and starry.
One day, she promises herself, promises Ash in StarClan. One day, she will finish her duties in this world and be able to move on to the next, the one she really wants to be in.
But Sandra is here in this one. Her closest friend, her ally. Sandra and her children, her beautiful children who shine despite the evil their father has done. Twilight will stay for here, she reasons. For her, for Briarstar who remains a steadfast leader, for ShadowClan itself. She will stay until she is no longer needed. Until the stars decide it is time for her to leave this Clan and join a more eternal one.
The black and white queen leaves the nursery on cramping legs. She's spent the entire day in there, and this is her first breath of fresh air in hours. She exhales softly, pale green eyes fixated on the sky. Imagines one little star shining just a bit brighter than the others.
"Oh, I'm sorry, dear. I almost didn't see you there." A shift of air is all that alerts Twilight to the young cat's presence. A cat the age her son had been, a young she-cat fairly new to ShadowClan. "Mind if I join you? I've been in the nursery all day. I need a break." She smiles faintly, and settles beside the other cat.
There's quiet between them, in camp at night, and Twilight gives the younger girl a curious look. She does not remember coming across her on patrol, but she has seen her around off and on. Her time is quite preoccupied helping with other queens' kits now. "Remind me... your name, dear? Forgive me. I'm really not out and about much anymore." She flicks her tail, a friendly gesture. "How are you liking ShadowClan? Are you settling in?"
PENNED BY MARQUETTE
