An odd Request (Riverstar)

Old Talonstrike
^{I'll give you a tale to blow the man down.}

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Talonstrike leapt onto the highledge, then padded towards the leader's den.
"Riverstar?" He mewed, looking for the leader.

The tom was sick of being an elder, two moons ago he had made the mouse-brained mistake of giving up his warrior title. Now, he wanted it back. He realised, that despite his advanced age, he could still hunt and fight with the best of them. [/center]

<sup>Riverstar
No matter how hard I try, I can never be perfect

Riverstar restlessly fidgeted in her nest, not being able to get to sleep. She had a few worries on her mind that she felt foolish for worrying about. Why would this keep her awake? Was it because she had all the rest she needed? But she felt so tired...

All these thoughts swarmed in her head like enraged bees, protected the nest that was disturbed. First, the ceremonies that she still had to complete. Second, Skunk-kit's death and the angry queen. Willshe ever forgive those kits...? I don't want them to feel hated for the rest of their lives because of her...maybe I should talk to her...

She also had this really bad feeling. Like there was something bad going to happen. But StarClan knows what. She just hoped the bad feeling was wrong and it would go away in time. Or she would probably never sleep again.

A call summoning her presence made a wave of relief wash over her, having an excuse to slip away from her worries for a moment. But what in StarClan's name did Talonstrike want?

"Enter."</sup>

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Old Talonstrike
^{I'll give you a tale to blow the man down.}

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He slipped into the den.
"I made a mistake, I don't want to be an elder any more." He mewed. "I realise that I can still be a warrior. I am wasting away here..." he sighed. "Even if I have reduced duties, I need something to do."

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<sup>Riverstar
No matter how hard I try, I can never be perfect

Riverstar couldn't help but let an amused smile creep up her features. I knew he'd ask me that sooner or later... Riverstar thought. He always seemed to have a desired gleam in his eye whenever he's off telling stories to kits.

But, he was old. Would she be willing to risk an ancient tom, no matter how strong he was, to be a warrior again? She felt sorry for him to be denied of having his rank back, but it would put him into risk. He was old, and he had his time as a warrior.

"Talonstrike," Riverstar started out carefully, "You know how much risk you are putting yourself in, right? You are strong, no doubt. But you are also old, too. You are putting much risk to yourself. Are you truly willing to put yourself through that risk?"</sup>

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Old Talonstrike
^{I'll give you a tale to blow the man down}

"Of course I am. I can't die an elder." He mewed. "Even if I serve, under the rank of warrior... as more of an advisor. A planner. I know things that no other cat knows. I know stratigy that no other cats know. I can be useful, and I am willing to take the risk. I would rather die in battle than anything else.
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<sup>Riverstar
No matter how hard I try, I can never be perfect

Riverstar took a moment after Talonstrike's speech to think about it. He was very determined to take back the rank as warrior, and to be fair, he was right. He took his risk seriously and it was going to be an honorable death if he did die in battle.

But that wasn't the point. He was just too old for his rank back. Anyone could tell that. Riverstar was personally not willing to give up the already honorable elder just because he wanted to be a warrior again. Every elder has his or her moments about wishing to be in the olden days.

Though he had strong muscles, his old heart and body wouldn't be able to take much strain anymore. It didn't worry Riverstar that he wouldn't be able to fight for himself, but rather how his age would react. He could easily risk himself from doing too much, and get himself killed.

"You are old." Riverstar reminded him gently again. "I know your mind might be wanting to be in the ranks of warriors again, but your heart might not be fit enough. You could easily die if you put too much strain." Sighing, she went on.

"I understand that you wish to change, but you made a promise to step down as an elder. A lot of elders wish to be warriors again, but in reality, they just don't. They know their time is done. Please, just let the new generation take over. I don't want to loose a memorable elder."</sup>

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