[Phoenix]

There were many parts of being a leader that he had not even considered. He felt it safe to assume that very few warriors did; after all, these were rather obscure details, some of which had little effect on normal clan life. For example, cats were considerably more respectful about him, and the kits practically worshipped the ground on which he walked. Even warriors his own age watched him with a new look in their eyes. Respect, but also wary. The latter had struck him as odd until he realized that he had felt the same emotion when in the late Deadstar's presense. Wariness, not necessarily of the cat but of the power of his position. He held the ultimate power of the clan, and until he proved himself as a competent, responsible leader - like he was a warrior - that wariness would remain. And probably linger in the back of their minds.

But the twinkling stars at night carried a deeper meaning for him now than they had before; they were a constant reminder of StarClan's watchful gaze. He did not have absolute power in the realm of their ancestors. In fact, the amount of influence he had on them was as much influence as a kit might have on him and the decisions he made. Next to nothing. Like any other mortal, he was vulnerable and completely helpless against them, the supernatural. They could hold his greatest fear against him, manipulate his actions with threats. He wondered how many warriors remembered that.

His golden form sat off to the edge of camp, as he watched RainClan at work. Hunting patrols - few were successful, but the prey pile had remained more or less the same size - constantly entered and exited the camp. As he gazed around, three cats were assigned to a border patrol, and yellow eyes followed their progress out of camp. But the sight of three cats approaching the entrance had him on his paws in an instant. Long strides carried him over the cats, all three of whom he could identify; however, only two belonged. Nodding in greetings, guarded eyes flicked from Tideripple to Vultureback, and finally, to Falconleap. "Vultureback, Tideripple," He meowed evenly to his two warriors, adding, "Falconleap," to the end of it a moment later. "And Tideripple? Brighteyes was looking for you." He gave the other tom a chance to escape the interrogation that would follow. The gray tabby did not look as invested as the his RainClan companion, though he did not doubt the warrior's equally good-intentions. Or were they bad? "I assume you have an explanation for this?" His words, spoken casually, were directed to the group as a whole, though his eyes were focused on Vultureback, who seemed almost protective of StoneClan's deputy.

He flicked his tail, silencing any words that might have started what was no doubt a long story. "I think, however, that a situation of this delicacy requires more privacy than standing in the middle of camp allows." Even as the words left his mouth, RainClan's leader was already turning. "My den should do." In silence, he strode to his den, clearly expecting them to follow. While he walked, he focused acute senses on the cats behind him, and he found himself unconsciously preparing for attack or something similar. One can never be too careful. As he had expected, he made it to his den in one piece, and upon entering the fairly humble area, he turned to face the group, which now numbered two. The RainClan leader sat back slightly, eyes scanning the two cats. Falconleap seemed rather wide for the amount of prey Leaf-Bare had provided. Interesting. For a moment longer, he allowed the silence to stretch on. Then he broke it, his voice as cordial as ever, "I am curious to find out why a StoneClan cat - the deputy, no less - has wandered so deep into RainClan territory, even escorted to camp by two of my warriors."

[Fawn]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,445,bTable][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp256/doggydude24/misc/patternthinggg.jpg); border-top: 3px solid #181718; border-bottom: 3px solid #181718; border-bottom-right-radius: 10px; border-top-right-radius: 10px; border-top-left-radius: 50px; border-bottom-left-radius: 10px;][STYLE=margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 7px; height: 100px; width: 50px; border-bottom-left-radius: 10px; border-top-left-radius: 50px; border: 3px solid #181718; background-image: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Vultureback-Icon.jpg);] [/style][STYLE=margin-left: 60px; margin-top: -106px; height: 100px; width: 60px; border: 3px solid #181718; background-image: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Vultureback-Icon.jpg);] [/style] [STYLE=margin-left: 120px; margin-top: -106px; height: 100px; width: 100px; border-bottom-right-radius: 10px; border-top-right-radius: 10px; border: 3px solid #181718; background-image: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Vultureback-Icon.jpg);] [/style][STYLE=margin-left: 226px; width: 222px; margin-top: -103px; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: georgia; color: #DFDFDF; text-align: center; font-size: 28px; letter-spacing: -1px;]VULTUREBACK[/style][STYLE=margin-left: 236px; width: 180px; background-color: #1F1D1F; text-transform: lowercase; font-family: arial; color: #DFDFDF; padding: 10px; padding-top: 5px; border-top: 4px solid #181718; text-align: justify; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 20px; border-bottom-left-radius: 20px; line-height: 10px;]RAINCLAN - SENIOR WARRIOR - TOM - 43 MOONS[/style] [STYLE=float: right; background-color: #DFDFDF; padding: 12px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; border-top: 4px solid #181718; text-align: justify; margin-right: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 267px; height: 320px; overflow: auto;] "I am curious to find out why a StoneClan cat - the deputy, no less - has wandered so deep into RainClan territory, even escorted to camp by two of my warriors." The bulky mottled warrior shook a scrap of Tumblefur's pelt out of his claws, his pale pale green eyes lifting to meet the benevolent, but imploring stare of Sandstar, leader of RainClan. Vultureback was no coward, and the cat he spoke to now was one he respected and admired, he would give him nothing but the truth. Sandstar deserved as much. Flicking an ear back in Falconleap's direction, the mottled tom was able to see how painfully obvious their situation was; Falconleap was definitely not petite anymore. "Falconleap is carrying my kits," explained Vultureback, tone calm and low, as though he were giving a status report, Vultureback careful to erase his emotions from this conversation - they wouldn't serve him very well. Sandstar didn't make decisions based on emotion, he made them based on cold, hard, irrefutable fact, at least that's what Vultureback had surmised of the sandy-hued warrior. "She has lost her rank as deputy of StoneClan, and her life and the lives of my kits were threatened by the StoneClan tom, Tumblefur, who swore to kill them for being half-Clan." Despite his efforts to remain civil and otherwise inexpressive, the low, murderous growl slipping past his jaws was completely involuntary, a reflex of his total loathing for that worthless creature, Tumblefur. "The StoneClan queen Pyrelight found me, told me what had happened, so I - with Tideripple's help - rescued Falconleap, took care of Tumblefur, and now I'm standing before you." If not for the adrenaline surge Vultureback was still recovering from thanks to his brutal fight with Tumblefur, the warrior-tom refrained from sitting, though his thoughts and his eyes kept darting to the she-cat at his side, the constant worry he felt for her now stronger than ever. He would not ask for Sandstar's forgiveness. He would not apologize, either. He had broken the code, of that there was no mistake, but Vultureback had never been a cat of so little integrity that he would apologize without truly meaning it. Sandstar did not deserve that kind of disrespect from him. Instead, all Vultureback could do was await the punishment befitting the crime - so long as Falconleap's safety was ensured, that is. He was prepared to bargain with everything he had if necessary. [/style][STYLE=float: left; margin-left: 12px; color: #DFDFDF; background-color: #171717; opacity: 0.8; border-bottom-left-radius: 10px; border-top: 4px solid #0C0C0C; padding: 12px; font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 12px; line-height: 11px; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 1px; width: 109px; height: 320px; overflow: auto; margin-top: 10px;]TAGS: Falconleap, RainClan WORDS: 431 NOTES: Consequences. CREDIT: kiwii at btn and gs![/style]

[Hellion]

Falconleap fallowed beside her mate, keeping her eyes down and her stance wide, the weight of her thrashing kits were making her paws sore. From the look of the other leader, it seemed to be a gift that all leaders had, the ability to command respect with a simple tone of voice and body posture.

The sandy she-cat felt awkward, not knowing her place in the world anymore. She wasn't a StoneClan cat anymore, back there she was a target, Pyrelight would have told Fallingstar what happened to her and hopefully the she-cat leader would have exiled Tumblefur so he wouldn't become a threat to anyone again.

Now she was Clan-less allowing her mate to speak for her and Falconleap was never the one to just take it. She was the former deputy of StoneClan for StarClan's sake! She worked long and hard and never rolled over to allow any enemy to attack her.

Looking up she converted from the fragile picture of a mother to a warrior she-cat she was just a few moons ago. "I respect you for being the RainClan leader, no doubt about that Sandstar. However, I won't beg to join your Clan in fact all I ask is to have a safe place for my kits to be born then I will leave." She sighed softly and looked down for a moment, keeping her emotions in check. Her love for Vultureback was powerful but if their actions cost him his clan as well she'd rather go at it alone, be alone for ever for his happiness.

Taking in a deep breathe she thought of what she wanted to say, trying to keep her voice steady. "Vultureback is my mate and no power given to you by StarClan or even StarClan themselves can change it. I was forced to leave StoneClan for the safety of my life. I will not be returning." She stopped again, leaning to the side and slightly toward her mate her kits kicking harder.

"I'd like to be apart of RainClan to be with my mate, to raise our family as respectful RainClan cats. I was born in StoneClan yes,but my heart is with Vultureback and he is in RainClan, therefore my heart is in RainClan." Falconleap exhaled with her last words and winced, the kits growing even more unsettled in her belly, her fear was happening, part of her thought they were coming now, with or without Sandstar's permission for them to stay.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Phoenix]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true]

[atrb=height,221,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=background,http://i49.tinypic.com/15c48m.jpg] As Vultureback began to speak, no doubt blunt and frank as always, the tom leaned back slightly, watching the thick-furred warrior with an even look that betrayed nothing. The first sentence was a solid blow, and while it was not completely unexpected - he had considered the idea in the brief moment of silence he had upon entering the den - it still hit hard and fast. It was a confirmation that he was not wholly sure he wanted to hear. This makes things complicated. A relationship was one thing, but kits? It was a completely different matter. But what did he expect? Almost any unnanounced business involving a high ranking cat of another clan seemed to be unwelcome news or rather unpleasant surprises. At least Vultureback gave him the facts, without any emotions attached. Yellow eyes flicked briefly to Falconleap before locking themselves back on the RainClan cat. He found himself nodding slightly as he listened, acknowledging certain points and storing them away as he sorted through all of the new information that he was receiving. She was no longer welcome in her own clan; honestly, he was not surprised. Though he would not allow personal opinion to impair his own judgement, he could understand the anger and betrayal that StoneClan must have felt at this announcement. For a moment, he sympathized for Fallingstar. What if Razorfang suddenly decided to go to LightningClan for a single she-cat? But Vultureback was continuing, and he could not dwell on that rather disturbing thought. As the tom finished, he found his gaze automatically switching over to StoneClan's former deputy as he gave her a chance to speak her part. She took it gladly, adding her own request to the mix. It was nothing he had not already inferred from Vultureback's summary - though it held more emotion - and he found himself disregarding most of her words. "I see." He spoke it evenly, allowing himself more time to consider his options. The lives of these two cats rested on the decision he was about to make, and he did not take that lightly. Judging by the set of his jaw, Vultureback seemed prepared to do - to accept - any terms to get his mate into RainClan, and if it did not work, Sandstar did not doubt that he would lose a valuable warrior. Falconleap, of course, was the deciding factor. He could chose to not accept her, therefore risking the lives of her kits and losing a warrior, or he could welcome her into RainClan and that would be that. As much as his heart told him to let the she-cat join, his mind and suspicion were directing him down a completely different path. There were multiple, unnecessary risks that would come with letting Falconleap join RainClan. First, it would no doubt incur the wrath of StoneClan. In times like these, where prey was scarce enough and tempers were short, it would be stupid to pick an avoidable fight with a different clan and create a new enemy. While his clan was resiliant and strong, he was very aware of their limitations, and this starved, a battle would only weaken them; if he chose to accept Falconleap, he could only hope that StoneClan was in the same situation as them. Second, rumors would spread and the perception of RainClan would change. It would bring them into the spotlight, a place where they did not belong until they were powerful enough to overcome any threat of any kind. They were not there yet. StoneClan would hold a grudge and the other clans would think them - what, weak? Soft? Whatever they thought, the other clans would pounce on this information like a pack of wolves on a rabbit; they would use it to benefit themselves and find ways to twist it so that RainClan was viewed in a bad light. Third, prey was far from abundant. It was the middle of leaf-bare, and they already had one queen to feed? Could they afford to house another? Falconleap had growing kits in her belly, and he knew that queens required extra food, particuarly pleasant ones. If he let her join, then he might end up risking the lives of loyal RainClan cats for the sake of a she-cat that abandoned her own clan for one tom. Which brought him to his fourth and final argument against allowing her to join. It might have been the most important one as well. How could he be sure of her loyalty to RainClan? Her actions had proven her to be disloyal. Even if she had been chased from StoneClan like they both said, their actions alone - both of their's - spoke for themselves and displayed how much the two thought of clan loyalty. A warrior was supposed to be devoted to his clan, and while he could find a mate and start a family, that particular feline was supposed to be within that particular clan. Even if the most attractive she-cat was in a neighboring clan, he was not supposed to meet with her in secret; it was not only a betrayal of trust, but a betrayal to the clan and the Warrior Code itself. The warriors in the relationship jeopardized the safety of their respective clanmembers. What was to say that it wouldn't happen again? What would prevent Falconleap from turning spy for a different clan? What if she already was? Apart from Vultureback and perhaps Tideripple, who could face his own consequences, she had no emotional bond to anyone in RainClan. Loyalty was formed on those bonds of trust and friendship. None of her family existed in RainClan, none of her childhood friends; she had left all of those behind in StoneClan. "You realize that you have put all of us in a rather delicate position with your actions," He began finally, after his long silence of contemplation. "I hope that you have considered the potential repercussions of your actions should Falconleap be allowed to join RainClan." Briefly, he summarized, "We would increase any animosity from StoneClan and make unnecessary enemies of them. Our prey supply is limited and not nearly as large as it should be to support two queens along with the rest of the clan." He paused before hitting his main argument, eyes on Falconleap. "Most importantly, I cannot be assured of your loyalty should you join RainClan. Apart from Vultureback, you have no friends and no family here. Why would you feel any guilt at betraying cats with whom you share no experiences or fond memories?" Flicking his tail, he silenced the argument that he expected to arise at any moment. Though he turned to Vultureback, he still addressed the two of them. "Your actions have shown your disregard for clan loyalty and those whom you care about. And why should I trust either of you, when you two are obviously more devoted to each other than you are to your respective clans?" Equally blunt. Equally harsh. As much as he would prefer not to lose Vultureback, he also knew that he had to place the safety of his clan before a single cat. Otherwise he would be no better than them and had no place disapproving of their irresponsible actions.

[Fawn]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,445,bTable][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp256/doggydude24/misc/patternthinggg.jpg); border-top: 3px solid #181718; border-bottom: 3px solid #181718; border-bottom-right-radius: 10px; border-top-right-radius: 10px; border-top-left-radius: 50px; border-bottom-left-radius: 10px;][STYLE=margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 7px; height: 100px; width: 50px; border-bottom-left-radius: 10px; border-top-left-radius: 50px; border: 3px solid #181718; background-image: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Vultureback-Icon.jpg);] [/style][STYLE=margin-left: 60px; margin-top: -106px; height: 100px; width: 60px; border: 3px solid #181718; background-image: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Vultureback-Icon.jpg);] [/style] [STYLE=margin-left: 120px; margin-top: -106px; height: 100px; width: 100px; border-bottom-right-radius: 10px; border-top-right-radius: 10px; border: 3px solid #181718; background-image: url(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k258/nuttybuddy5/Warriors/Vultureback-Icon.jpg);] [/style][STYLE=margin-left: 226px; width: 222px; margin-top: -103px; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: georgia; color: #DFDFDF; text-align: center; font-size: 28px; letter-spacing: -1px;]VULTUREBACK[/style][STYLE=margin-left: 236px; width: 180px; background-color: #1F1D1F; text-transform: lowercase; font-family: arial; color: #DFDFDF; padding: 10px; padding-top: 5px; border-top: 4px solid #181718; text-align: justify; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 20px; border-bottom-left-radius: 20px; line-height: 10px;]RAINCLAN - SENIOR WARRIOR - TOM - 43 MOONS[/style] [STYLE=float: right; background-color: #DFDFDF; padding: 12px; font-family: arial; font-size: 10px; color: #2D2014; border-top: 4px solid #181718; text-align: justify; margin-right: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; width: 267px; height: 320px; overflow: auto;] "You realize that you have put all of us in a rather delicate position with your actions," He began finally, after his long silence of contemplation. "I hope that you have considered the potential repercussions of your actions should Falconleap be allowed to join RainClan." Briefly, he summarized, "We would increase any animosity from StoneClan and make unnecessary enemies of them. Our prey supply is limited and not nearly as large as it should be to support two queens along with the rest of the clan." He paused before hitting his main argument, eyes on Falconleap. "Most importantly, I cannot be assured of your loyalty should you join RainClan. Apart from Vultureback, you have no friends and no family here. Why would you feel any guilt at betraying cats with whom you share no experiences or fond memories?" [...]"Your actions have shown your disregard for clan loyalty and those whom you care about. And why should I trust either of you, when you two are obviously more devoted to each other than you are to your respective clans?" Vultureback knew the truth in Sandstar's words; he had expected them. Vultureback had not had the luxury of coming up with an answer beforehand - he wasn't that kind of tom, who thought so far ahead he had already planned out the words he would say to Sandstar when this day finally arrived - so he would be frank, as always. Though the words of RainClan's leader had hardened his resolve, Falconleap's 'deputy tone' and efforts to show emotional strength had made his heart ache as though he were tearing it into two pieces, one that would stay with RainClan, and the other that would follow after Falconleap like a lost puppy... Drawing in a deep breath, the bulky warrior looked over his shoulder to his pregnant mate, expression softening a fraction as he allowed his emotions to rise to the surface. He knew what she was willing to sacrifice for him, and he would do exactly the same if he'd been in her position, if she'd ever asked it of him, but he could not stand by and allow her to leave once everything was said and done. If she left, then so would he. Releasing the drawn breath into a rough exhale, Vultureback's broad, dark head swung back around to face Sandstar, meeting the older, wiser tom's gaze with an even one of his own. "I understand the predicament my relationship with Falconleap has put us in, and I understand that tension between the two Clans will be at an all-time-high." Vultureback let his back legs fold, seating himself to swipe his tail around his paws; as though by some sixth sense, he could tell the kits were giving Falconleap some pain. Though he wanted to hurry this conversation and have a Medicine Cat see to her, he didn't want Sandstar to be given the impression that he only cared for Falconleap and his unborn kits; he loved this Clan, he would die for this Clan, his love for Falconleap had never changed that. "The only solution I can offer you for the problems that I have caused, are to let the blame fall solely on my shoulders. Let StoneClan channel their anger onto me, it is as much as I deserve. I will also accept any punishment you see fit to place on me;" the dark warrior dipped his head in a display of deference, his pride forcibly removed by his overwhelming desire to make Falconleap's situation one of stability and hopefully happiness, for both her and their kits. "Though I have no right to, Sandstar, I ask that you allow Falconleap and our kits to stay here in RainClan, at least until the worst of Leafbare has passed. When Newleaf arrives, Falconleap and I will leave, if you judge us no longer welcome or worthy of this Clan. In the meantime, I will solely hunt for Falconleap and our family, let that be no other warrior's responsibility but mine, so that she will not be a burden on the Clan. I will continue to hunt for the Clan as well, I will not abandon my warrior duties and the code that I still swear by, but never will I abandon my mate or my kits, regardless of what anyone may say or do to me." The words Vultureback spoke were not challenging, yet they carried their own resoluteness that was difficult to dispute; Vultureback was committed to the mess he had made, and he was pledging to be the one to clean it up, to be the cat at the bottom of the totem pole to which all of the blame would fall. He would bear the brunt of StoneClan's ire; he would bear the brunt of his Clan's distrust, he would bear the weight of the responsibilities of fatherhood and supplying for a family. He would do it all and more, even if it killed him. "I have no right to ask for your trust. All I am asking for is a chance." He could never turn his back on Falconleap and his family, but nor could he walk away from RainClan. Though he did not deserve to keep them both, if it could be managed, then Vultureback was quite possibly one of the few cats who could successfully pull it off. [/style][STYLE=float: left; margin-left: 12px; color: #DFDFDF; background-color: #171717; opacity: 0.8; border-bottom-left-radius: 10px; border-top: 4px solid #0C0C0C; padding: 12px; font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 12px; line-height: 11px; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 1px; width: 109px; height: 320px; overflow: auto; margin-top: 10px;]TAGS: Falconleap, RainClan WORDS: 906 NOTES: Consequences. CREDIT: kiwii at btn and gs![/style]

[Hellion]

Sandstar was harsh but his words were true. Fighting her entire being she kept her emotions in check, knowing that if she again expressed them that it would cause problems.

His words hit her heard and deep, knowing that upon breaking the warrior code that she had jeopardize her mate's life and her own kits but she wouldn't regret how she felt for him or the thrashing life inside her belly.

Vultureback said he would take the blame, he would risk his energy and life to take care of her, the queen and lover part of her felt warmer but the deputy and warrior part of her felt annoyance and anger.

Allowing her mate to finish talking she cleared her throat and looked down, flexing her toes and feeling her claws extend into the ground of the leader's den she spoke.

"You don't have to trust me Sandstar but respect my words when I say that I won't return to StoneClan. Yes I don't have many friends in RainClan but I have Yellowbelly and Vultureback, plus his family. I will prove to you not to be a burden on you or my mate. As a leader you must think for the safety of the entire Clan, while me being the former deputy is a surprise no doubt I don't look forward to returning to my Clan. I seek out the rest of my days as a RainClan queen and later warrior. I will protect my family and now my family is the whole of RainClan.

I'm not asking you to trust me right now. I'm asking you give myself and my kits a chance. Falconleap finished her speech with a wince again of pain but kept her breathing and feet steady for a little while longer, until their future was set at least for the moment.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Phoenix]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true]

[atrb=height,221,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=background,http://i49.tinypic.com/15c48m.jpg] Vultureback understood the issues that they had caused. Understanding was important, but it was far more useful before they followed through with their actions. Understanding now would do nothing to change what had happened; they could not jump back in time and alter their previous actions. At least, He found himself thinking rather grimly, I don't have to drill it into their heads that what they did was wrong. No doubt there were other cats who would not be so perceptive. But for such an intelligent pair of cats - he did not doubt that Falconleap had some intelligence of her own - to make such a stupid decision that unnecessarily endangered the lives of others-- He could not understand why, though he was sure that he would receive something about the strength of love should he decide to ask that question. Such a simple, short word for an emotion so complex that it could develop in numerous situations, half of which made life all the more complicated for the bystanders. However, the solution that he offered was one to consider. For the moment, he disregarded the plea to allow Falconleap and their unborn kits to receive shelter in RainClan for the remainder of Leaf-Bare, and he focused his attention on the new information, the sacrifices that Vultureback would make to allow that to happen. Those terms would put a considerable amount of pressure on one cat and cause far more stress than was healthy. At the end of it all, would the tom be a wreck due to all of this? He knew that Vultureback was a fully capable warrior. The resolve behind his voice and his past experience with the tom had shown him that much. But every cat had a breaking point, and once that line was crossed, it was hard to go back and recover. While he wanted the two to reap the consequences of their actions, he did not want those repercussions to come at the cost of losing a very valuable warrior. The sound of Falconleap's voice drew his attention. Yellow eyes shifted over to pin her, and the unsheathed claws did not go unnoticed. Though the golden fur along his shoulders bristled automatically at the perceived threat, he soothed himself with the knowledge that if the she-cat had any desire to be welcomed into RainClan, then she would not attack him. Falconleap made it clear that her loyalty to StoneClan was forgotten, and though it was probably meant to reassure him, it also caused him some anxiety. The sheer ease with which she had left her clan - she seemed to have no regrets - rattled him. At the same time, she all but pledged her loyalty to RainClan. Her words were spoken with the same resolve as Vultureback's, and she finished with the same request. A chance. They both wanted a chance. A chance to prove Falconleap's newfound loyalty to RainClan. A chance for Vultureback to start his own family in RainClan. A chance for their unborn kits to survive this harsh Leaf-Bare that had already claimed too many lives and almost claimed far more. If he did not have to worry about the security of his clan, he would have let Falconleap join and allowed the she-cat to go see Swanfeather for the pain that seemed to be growing. He had no grudge against the she-cat and had no desire to alienate Vultureback. He was not heartless enough to wish death on the unborn kits stirring in the she-cat's belly. But a good leader was not governed by his heart alone. They spoke as if it was that simple, as if that meant RainClan was safe from harm just because he would give them a chance. And what if, at the end of that chance - should he take it - they were not worthy of staying with his clan? They would have knowledge and information, particularly Vultureback, of the inner workings of RainClan, all of the strengths and weaknesses, and that intelligence would be very dangerous should it land in the wrong paws. But what was to say that hadn't already happened? Vultureback did not seem like the kind of cat who would spill clan secrets, but then, he had not expected that this tom, of any of them, would have a relationship with the deputy of another one. Mentally heaving a sigh, the tom banished those ideas from his mind. He was beginning to wander into the realm of the irrelevant, when it came to solving the problem resting in front of him. For the first time, he considered the benefits of letting Falconleap join RainClan. If he wanted to keep tabs on them and make sure whatever information they had would not land in the wrong paws, then keeping them in RainClan was the best way to do so. He would have a chance as well: a chance to gain a new warrior who might potentially give them their own advantage over StoneClan. Though he would not force the she-cat to share the secrets of her former clan, there was always the possibility of her doing so on her own, either unwittingly or willingly, and if a RainClan cat was there to hear them, then the information could be used to their advantage. The intelligence trade can work both ways. Though this would be far in the future, RainClan would also have a new batch of warriors, consisting of both the unborn kits and their mother, and they would keep Vultureback. However, the issue of food was still left unresolved. The gray warrior had volunteered to be the sole hunter for the pregnant she-cat, and while he supported that idea, he still doubted that there was enough prey in RainClan territory for him to do that. They had a hard enough time supporting themselves and one queen; they needed all the prey they could get their paws on. The kits were guaranteed a frigid death without a clan, but if he allowed her to join RainClan, he would be taking valuable prey away from his own clan. A new idea struck him. Had they tried hunting in the mountains, outside of their territory? All of the prey would be land prey - an area in which most RainClan cats did not excel - but it would be something. The creatures would not necessarily be wary of hunters in the same way they were in the clan territories. Of course, it would be dangerous and risky. But it was a chance for the extra prey that was necessary for their survival. If the mountain endeavors resulted in any success, then he believed that the clan would be able to support both themselves and Falconleap. It was a promising idea, and he made a mental note to run it by Razorfang. He made his decision. Giving himself one last chance to back out and reconsider, the tom took a deep breath. After he spoke, he was obligated to stick by his word, and with a decision that could potentially have disasterous repercussions, he wanted to make sure that he would not regret it. It appeared that he, too, would take a chance. "For the time being, I will allow you to remain in RainClan," He spoke steadily, eyes on Falconleap, "On the terms that Vultureback, alone, will hunt for you, and that neither of you will leave camp unattended by one of my warriors." Yellow eyes flicked to Vultureback. No, you are not included in the warriors that can escort Falconleap. "Remember that this is only a temporary arrangement, and it lasts until the end of leaf-bare. I would expect an announcement about this in the near future." It was better to lay out the facts than to let rumor twist and mutate them into something far from the truth. Pausing, his eyes flicked back over to Falconleap, who seemed to have grown increasingly pained over the course of their conversation. He got to his paws, tail gesturing toward the exit. "Vultureback, I suggest that you take Falconleap to see Swanfeather. I will talk with you later."