next to you. [open]

She gave small smiles to those she passed by, dipping her head respect but holding his chin high. Sundown around camp was a quite, soothing time in CelestialClan. Titianfoot watched as warriors walked side-by-side into their den, talking in quite and tired voices. They made a hushed jibe here and there, but they were all prepared for a good night's rest. Satisfied with the warriors, she passed by the den she would soon join them in for bed and peeked into the apprentice den. Most were curled up in their nests, noses covered by their tails and eyes covered by heavy lids. Those who were still awake caught their deputy peering in and quickly said their goodnights, ending their hushed conversations. Titianfoot nodded, content with the safety and presence of all the apprentices in their den. She moved on from the apprentices, her bright blue eyes dialated in the gloom to make out both Birchfoot and Thorntail padding into the elder's den. As the flame-point feline made her way towards them, she caught bits of their conversation. "Come now, Thorntail, it was just a mouse!" Birchfoot purred in her warm, honey-sweet voice. The black elder snorted in reply. "The point is it was mine, and that no-good rogue took it! He can't bee trusted! He'll make the Clan starve this leafbare!" Titianfoot ears perked forward at the mention of Conrad, the loner that was caught stealing prey in the forest not long ago and was currently held prisoner - though slowly he was taking on the role of a trusted warrior. "Come off it, old man!" the elder queen snapped as they entered their den. "He's a good tom, you're just miffed that you had to have a vole instead of a mouse."

Titianfoot was unable to hear the rest of their conversation as they both disappeared for sleep. She flicked her tail with a small smile and shook her head, padding by the nursery. She poked her head in, her eyes searching for the new queen of CelestialClan, Fatesong. The deputy smiled and purred lightly when she found her friend curled up in her nest, her three kits tucked in close. The family was sleeping peacefully and happily, warm and full. With a deep breath in a sense of relief at having all safely in camp, she backed out of the den and padded towards the medicine cat den. Quietly, she peered inside and smiled kindly at Fawndance. The kind hearted sorrel she-cat returned the gesture as Titianfoot made sure all was well with the medicine cat for before moving on. After checking on the two gaurds set for the night, she turned towards the warrior's den and paused, contemplating heading to bed. There was nothing left to do, she already had warriors for the morning patrol picked out, and everyone was safe and in camp. All was as it should be in her Clan, and that was all that mattered. Her love for CelestialClan knew no bounds, so why did she feel unsettled? She tried to stop herself, but her eyes locked onto Cometstar's den. Her chest tightened painfully, staring at the currently empty den. The Clan was beginning to become uneasy what with Cometstar being gone so long. Titianfoot assured them that he would return soon, but it was nearing a moon now. She herself was feeling a sense of panic.

Against her will, her paws took her to the mouth of the tom's den. She peered in, a hallow feeling siezing her belly as her chest constricted in a sense of grief at the sigh of the emptiness. She changed his bedding every day, in case he returned, but there had been no sign of him since he left for the moonpool almost a moon ago. The sleek feline breathed in deeply, desperately seeking out any trace of his scent. It was stale, but it was still there. Much of CelestialClan was beginning to question if Cometstar would return at all, and whether Titianfoot admit it to herself or not - she was too. She gulped hard and turned away from the empty den, tears stinging the back of her eyes. She couldn't face the idea of Cometstar being gone. She had so many regrets now that he might never come back. There were so many things she never said, never did, and so many things she wished she had never done. She as deputy and him as leader, she knew the things she never admit to herself weren't possible. But with his disappearance, she was forced to face those feelings she was so terrified of. There was a very good possibility that Cometstar was gone, and she had never told him that she was in love with him.

With that thought that still made her flinch, she quickly strode towards the exit of camp, flicking her tail tot he guards and informing them that she would return soon, and that in the event of an emergency she would be in the forest. She made her way away from camp with quick, determined strides. She'd had to take on the role of leader since Cometstar disappeared, and the regal facade she attempted was becoming more a true persona rather than an act. She understood now why Cometstar always appeared to emitting power, even when they were spending time alone together. This thought brought back the tight feeling in her chest, so she broke into a fast lope until she found herself in the sloped forest. She slowed to a walk until se reached a halt and stood umong the massive trees, feeling even more small now in the forest than she ever had. She'd never felt more alone. She could never tell anyone how she felt about Cometstar. She could never tell anyone how she hardly managing the role of leader and deputy at once. She could never tell anyone what a mess she was. Titianfoot suddenly felt foolish, and weak. Who was she to feel sorry for herself? She had a Clan to take care of. It was her responsibility to lead CelestialClan at all times, especially now.

As she gazed into the moon beams that broke through the trees though, she couldn't help the sense of immense loss she felt. StarClan, watch over him. Titianfoot prayed as she sat down at the base of an ancient tree, her bright blue eyes turned up to the patch of Starpelt she could see through the trees. Bring Cometstar home safe. Bring him back to me.

notes. SORRY FOR THE CRAP! Open to any CelestialClanner. :3