[Taxx]

Teller of the Mountain Sky

The visit with StoneClan had gone quite well, and with the suggestion to visit TreeClan, to attempt to form another alliance with another Clan, Skyteller had decided to head straight there. Dusk had guided them, leading them through what he’d called StarClan’s Claws, where the Clans met every full moon, and the ginger Healer had paused for a moment to take in the sight of the five pointed rocks. Their arrival at TreeClan’s border was met with the sight of the river, and Skyteller’s gaze slid to Dusk, the thought of wading through sending a prickle of apprehension through him. But there were no other ways, and they were already here, so he kept the objections to himself and tried not to grimace too hard as he stepped into the river, Dusk just ahead and Hail behind. He was halfway across when a stone underpaw turned over and he lost his balance, landing on his side with a huge splash and feeling the cold surge of water over his pelt. He barely kept his head up, but the water was shallow enough to keep him from getting pulled by the current and he found his footing again after a short flounder. Absolutely drenched, water streaming from his fur, Skyteller narrowed his eyes at the uncomfortable heaviness and padded onward, more carefully now until he reached the opposite bank. A heavy shake managed to remove some of the water from his pelt, but he still dripped and his fur was spiked in some places, slicked flat in others. “Hawkdung,” he cursed; certainly not how he wanted to appear in front of leaders- but what choice did he have now? “We’ll wait here until…” The appearance of four warriors interrupted him, and Skyteller made another attempt at drying his coat as the patrol approached, a younger tom breaking away to approach the group at a run; Skyteller tensed, but the look in the tom’s eyes was half-amused, half-concerned. “We saw you fall! Are you okay?” “Uh- yes, I’m fine. Thank you. Are you TreeClan?” Skyteller asked, his gaze flicking over the others standing back a short way. “Yup!” the tom replied, as cheery as ever. “I’m Finchcloud, and that’s my dad, Zephyrfang, and they’re Oakwind and Silverwind. Are you from a Clan? You don’t look familiar.” “No,” Skyteller answered, relaxing at the open friendliness in the Clan cat’s manner; it was a warmer reception than he’d got from StoneClan, and he hoped it would last when he met Lionstar and his deputy. “I’m from the Tribe, and I came to…” “Oh, I’ve heard of you! You live in the mountains, right, and you hunt birds- like huge birds, eagles and hawks, right? That must be exciting, but dangerous, right? Do you ever…” The ramble broke off as the older tom, Zephyrfang, padded forward and flicked his tail at his son’s shoulder, and Finchcloud seemed to remember more than his own enthusiastic questions, ears flattening with embarrassment. “Oh-uh- right. Why are you here?” “To speak to Lionstar. And Gorsetail, if he will join us. Will you take me, and my companions, to your camp?” Skyteller flashed an amused glance at Zephyrfang, still cheered by the young tom’s amiable nature, by the thrill of excitement in his eyes even as he curbed it. “My name is Skyteller, and these are cats of my Tribe, Dusk that Shrouds the Forest and Hail from Storm-Dark Sky.” Finchcloud blinked at the two, whisking his tail in greeting, but he subsided when Oakwind stepped forward, agreeing to the request and beckoning to the Tribe cats to follow him. Finchcloud faltered for a moment and then joined the group, falling in at Hail’s side. For a moment he was quiet, sneaking looks at her from time to time, but the urge to just ask was building and he finally just let it out. “What happened to you? Your- your ears, I mean. What happened to your ears?” He flinched when Silverwind turned to hiss at him. “Mouse-brain! You don’t ask things like that! Honestly, Finchcloud!” Fawn williams Phoenix

made by redox of gs

[williams]

Hail kept pace easily across the valley, her only pause was when they hit the stones. They were beautiful, stretching to reach the sky above them. She smiled up at their large surfaces, wondering if the clan cats felt safe here as she did when Skyteller brought them news from their ancestors. They were properly named, the Cave-guard decided, returning to her position as watcher as Skyteller with Dusk's assistance led them to the next territory. The group didn't have to wait long before adventure came to them, mostly due to Skyteller's own paws. 

Her heart surged, but she didn't need to jump in after him. The tom got easily to the other side, cursing at his now sopping pelt. Hail leapt to the other side, giving some assistance once the worst of the water had been shaken out. "I am glad it didn't take you further downstream." She said, rubbing a paw across his side. Before she could agree to his suggestion, four clan cats appeared. Hail stood back up, a protective guard to Skyteller's back. They must be the cats they were seeking, though the cave-guard did wish they had gotten to rest more before being spotted. She knew how important Skyteller found these connections, and appearances sometimes made a difference on the outcome. Nonetheless, they seemed friendly, and willing to lead them to camp. 

A different cat than the main speaker led the way, Hail finding her way to the back. She watched his reactions out of the corner of her eye, her head slightly tilted to catch all of them. This clan as the she-cat was realizing quickly, was different in size than those of their last visit. These cats were taller and broader, which appeared to be an advantage of the envrionment they settled in. As she cataloged this information, he spoke, the words immediately followed by one of their companions. 

“What happened to you? Your- your ears, I mean. What happened to your ears?” 
“Mouse-brain! You don’t ask things like that! Honestly, Finchcloud!”

Despite the feeling it brought back to Hail's heart (the icy plunge caused by a hawk's screech, the warmth of her brother's side and the coldness of her head without the cobwebs, the way her shadow appeared differently, her fierceness to defend out-weighing the unknown pleasure of looking normal), she laughed. It was a short and rough sound that at some point had been followed by tears. Instead, Hail glanced over at the tom, raising one brow at him in amusement. "I believe you called our way of life dangerous earlier, I'm sure you can guess. Perhaps after the talk I can share the tale with you and the other youngsters of your clan."

--
Taxx Fawn Phoenix

[Phoenix]

Gorsetail

Deputy of TreeClan

i wish everyone was loved tonight
and somehow stop this endless fight

“Gorsetail.” The sound of his name, spoken with some measure of urgency, had the tabby tom turning from where he had just finished burying a rather plump squirrel. Nearly hidden in the shadow of a tall tree, a young warrior with dark gray fur lingered off to the side. Piercing gold eyes tinged with wariness met yellow-green, and Gorsetail felt a small frown beginning to tug at the corners of his lips. “Owlstrike,” He greeted the other tom, patting dirt over the shallow hole and moving to stand before the newcomer. Hoping to take advantage of the prey that returned with the changing of the seasons, TreeClan’s deputy had requested that Owlstrike and Almondback join him on a mid-day hunting patrol. As skilled hunters, both knew the importance of maintaining the silence between their hunting partners unless an interruption was necessary. “Is something wrong?”

Earnest apprehension colored Owlstrike’s answer. “I heard voices not far away,” He explained, tail tip twitching. “Finchcloud and another tom - I don’t know who. Gorsetail, it sounded like they were headed toward camp.” At those words, the tabby tom couldn’t help the instinctive alarm that jolted through him – strangers going to the heart of the clan? – even as he recognized that his former apprentice would do nothing to intentionally harm TreeClan. Though still as friendly as ever, the younger tom had matured into one of the clan’s kinder and more valuable warriors; he could and would defend both himself and the clan, if necessary. Trying to slow his heartbeat to something less than a sprint, Gorsetail reminded himself that he could trust Finchcloud’s judgement, and, he remembered, the warrior, who was supposed to be out on patrol, would not have encountered this strange cat by himself. Still, the reassurances that he used to comfort himself didn’t stop him from sending Owlstrike to alert Almondback of the new situation and tell her to catch up with him. Once he had done that, Owlstrike was to find Lionstar; apparently friendly or not, strangers on their territory was something that their leader would need to know about.

Concern for both Finchcloud and his companions (Zephyrfang, he remembered with some relief, who would die before he let something untoward happen to his son, and Oakwind and Silverwind) as well as the safety of the clan (who was this non-clan stranger and what did he want?) propelled Gorsetail forward as he followed a fresh scent trail and then voices. Familiar TreeClan scents mingled with Finchcloud’s – a grateful thanks to StarClan that he’s not alone – and multiple scents that he did not recognize. Had an entire patrol of loners wandered onto their land? As he drew nearer, circling around the group so that he wouldn’t approach from the rear, he picked up on voices and arrived just in time to hear his former apprentice ask someone about their ears. Gorsetail’s own flicked in sympathy as he stepped around the nearby tree and caught sight of first the young tom and then the distinctive she-cat in question. Nodding to acknowledge his warriors, the deputy’s gaze traveled over the rest of the party before finally resting on a large, soaking wet ginger tom at the head of the group. Understanding amusement flickered through him; it had been quite a while since he had fallen into the stream himself, but it was an experience he would never forget.

None of the strangers – scratch that, he recognized the darker tom at the wet cat’s side from somewhere (NightClan, perhaps?) – looked familiar. Yellow-green eyes rested on the dark-furred feline for a moment before returning to the dripping feline. With his long fur matted down, he really did look rather bedraggled. “Happens to the best of us,” Gorsetail offered his sympathy before addressing his next questions to anyone who wanted to answer: “Who are you?” Though neither hostile or testy, his tone remained guarded as he assessed the threat posed by the two strangers and – former? – NightClan warrior. There were no unsheathed claws and the other warriors on patrol seemed relaxed enough, which was a good sign. Much like his son, Zephyrfang would let not lead danger into the heart of the clan, even if it was more out of love for his family than loyalty to TreeClan. Nevertheless, Gorsetail wanted answers. “What’s happening here?”

Taxx williams Fawn

better days | background image

[Taxx]

Finchcloud

So many times it happens too fast
You trade your passion for glory

Padding on at the white she-cat’s side, Finchcloud half expected her to use Silverwind’s scolding as a way to get out of answering, but after a moment she gave a harsh sort of laugh, the sound grating in her throat, and then replied. The answer, more hint than straightforward, still had Finchcloud’s eyes rounding in awe. Had she been hurt by one of the birds she hunted, and come through it just missing her ears? How many Clan cats could boast the same? No one Finchcloud knew- not even his father. “I’d like to hear,” he answered, pitching his voice softer in an attempt to keep Silverwind from hearing.

Any further conversation was disrupted by Gorsetail’s appearance, and Finchcloud sprang forward, already chirping without realizing that Oakwind had begun to speak in explanation, and completely unaware of Silverwind’s eyeroll in exasperation at his excitement. “Hi, Gorsetail! Look, they’re from the Tribe.” Emphasis on the word, expressing all of the young tom’s admiration for the cats who hunted eagles and lived outside of the Clans’ own code. “That’s… Starteller? And that's…”

“Skyteller,” the Tribe Healer interjected, stepping forward and whisking his tail in greeting, one ear twitching at a muttered comment about the water that spun off his dripping tail and spattered against Silverwind’s face. “As your young warrior said, we’re of the Tribe. This is Dusk that Shrouds the…”

“Lionstar!” Finchcloud interrupted once more, drawing the attention of the rest to the tom padding toward them, and gave a single bounce in his leader’s direction. “We met them at the border, they want to talk to you and Gorsetail. They’re Tribe cats!”

Fawn Phoenix williams

Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must FIGHT just to keep them ALIVE

[Fawn]

Lionstar

The crown is getting heavy
But they've written my name in the stars

Owlstrike did not have far to go to find Lionstar. The large tom had stopped by the sparkling brook to relieve some of the greenleaf heat, lapping up the cool, clear water until the parched scratch in his throat was gone. As he swiped his tongue across his lips to lap up any excess moisture, he caught the rippled reflection of a golden-eyed, gray-pelted cat. A gust of frost swept across his heart, and then thawed almost instantly by searing anger. Grayowl.

No, not quite.

Smaller. Younger. And wearing a serious expression, this time looking entirely sincere. Lionstar gave himself a shake, letting loose droplets of water fly off the dark ends of his mane.

Owlstrike repeated the same message he'd told Gorsetail, when they were properly eye-to-eye. Strangers headed towards our camp. It was an unexpected statement, but one Lionstar intended to meet head on, square-shouldered, to greet or grapple with these intruders. Almondnose stood just behind Owlstrike, looking eagerly at him for instructions.

"Both of you return to camp. Find Skyfall, tell him I want him on standby should anything violent come of this." Lionstar sent both younger warriors off, waiting until they were out of sight before he walked a wide path along the brookbanks. If these strangers were heading for TreeClan's heart, then they would need to cross the brook first. Lionstar's ears pricked, and his pace quickened as he caught the enthusiastic tones of a familiar young warrior - Finchcloud - somewhere just ahead.

As Lionstar stepped from the shadows, the faint shapes before him materialized into the familiar and the unfamiliar. Showing a united front, TreeClan's figurehead finally stopped moving when he drew parallel with his deputy, regarding the unknown group with reserved curiosity. Lionstar gazed at the large, sodden tom in particular, who seemed to be at the head of the group.

The subtle twitch of long whiskers betrayed a tinge of amusement.
"Tribe cats? This is unexpected. Please, tell us in your own words why you've come." Golden eyes, as piercingly bright as sunlit amber, flicked to Finchcloud, and he gave a small nod to praise Finchcloud's decision. The group did not seem hostile, and numbered only three to their five.

That said, Lionstar was not so quick to graciously invite them into TreeClan's heart. Not without a little clarity first.

Finchcloud wasn't the only cat who caught Lionstar's eye; the tortoiseshell tom, familiar, despite the unfamiliar name, bore the brunt of Lionstar's questioning gaze for a few long seconds. Haze...heart? It was Haze, at the very least. Lionstar spoke up. "Former NightClan?"

Dusk looked surprised that the leader recognized him at all. He nodded. "I am Dusk that Shrouds the Forest, now." He cast an awkward glance at Hail and Skyteller, wondering if this meeting would go more smoothly if he (and the bad associations TreeClan had with his old home) waited near StarClan's Claws.

Instead, Lionstar seemed to accept that answer.
"We've met one other Tribe cat in the past. Frost, his name was. Well into his moons. The last time a Tribe cat was in TreeClan's camp, they tried to convince a pawful of our Clanmates to join him in the mountains." Lichenfrost had not been the only cat Frost had spoken to, though he was the only cat who had any right to coax her to join him.

There were other starry-eyed youngsters who had been curious about the world Frost was apart of. Curious enough, tempted enough, to consider going with him. Fortunately reality set in, and TreeClan's numbers held steady; even Lichenfrost returned after a while, thanks to a rescue party.

"Provided that is not your objective here," said Lionstar, his tone becoming more cordial. "We are not opposed to hearing what the Tribe has to say."

I've been building up all these kingdoms for so long
It's good to be king

87 Moons || TreeClan || 629 Words || Phoenix Taxx williams

OOC: Posting order is weird, sorry!
Lionstar is referring to Frost that Clings to Branches, who showed up in TC last greenleaf, to convince his kits Lichenfrost, Appleshade and Sprucefur to join him at the Tribe.

I assumed Frost died during leafbare, bitter and alone.

[williams]

PAINT MY SPIRIT GOLD

Hail dipped her head at Finchcloud's words, recognizing the quiet tone as a hope for a secret to be shared without being scolded again. Her nonverbal response hopefully satisfied him for now. It had been awhile since she taught the dangers of the hawks, and perhaps it could be useful for those in the valley.

Padding protectively after her leader and Dusk, Hail watched the cats gather, the surprise they were met with and the strength of those watching. They were a formidable group by appearance alone, and she felt reminded of the differences between tribe and clan. Skyteller and Hail were tribe born, and their weight fell to the earth differently. Still stocky and strong, but with more emphasis on climbing steep lands and using their strength to pull their prey from the skies. Even Dusk was starting to gain these muscles, his clan strengths being shifted for the new way of life. Then they were met with the leader, a large tom that seemed to tower over all by appearance alone, with an equally broad spirit to match.

She knew each clan would react differently, but hearing that this was the home of Lichen threw her through a loop. She hoped all the clans would accept her leader's offer, or at least hear him out. This could make gaining Treeclan's favor difficult, especially if the warriors in question were present for this chat. Her eyes scanned the crowd slowly, stance strong and protective of Skyteller and Dusk. Hail didn't want to fight their way out, and assumed Treeclan's leader would let them pass if he disagreed, but she felt her urge to protect rise and heat her pelt. She held a silent prayer in her heart, let the talks commence peacefully.

HAIL FROM STORM-DARK SKY

316 || posted in order: Phoenix Taxx Fawn || hail just wants to protect lol

MADE BY ★MEULK OF THQ

[Phoenix]

Gorsetail

Deputy of TreeClan

i wish everyone was loved tonight
and somehow stop this endless fight

The Tribe? Inexplicably, Gorsetail thought of the silver-furred tom who he had welcomed back to camp in a manner so similar to his former apprentice, only to find that he had caused trouble rather than a nice family reunion. A sour taste still colored the memories, and though it was aimed more toward himself than the Tribe as a whole, he still couldn’t find Finchcloud’s excitement as infectious as he usually did. Ears flicked as Skyteller stepped forward to introduce himself and the familiar tortoiseshell tom at his side, but before he could finish, both Finchcloud’s exclamation and the appearance of a large golden tom had them all turning to watch Lionstar’s approach. TreeClan’s leader paced forward until he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his deputy; together, they formed united front with a presumably impressive effect the latter hoped he wouldn’t ruin by looking too relieved by the fact that his friend and former mentor had arrived. Diplomacy, he felt, was one of Lionstar’s strong suits.

The other tom’s question toward the former NightClan warrior had the tabby cat turn his attention toward Dusk that Shrouds the Forest curiously. Again, he was reminded of Lichenfrost, but where she had eventually returned to the forest, it seemed as though this clan-turned-Tribe cat was happy where he was. When Frost had entertained the clan with stories of his time in the mountains, Gorsetail had noticed bright eyes particularly among the kits and apprentices as they were caught up in the excitement of adventures. But to truly leave one’s clan, one’s family and friends, behind for the cold unknown? The mere idea had a shiver traveling down the deputy’s spine. To trade loved ones for strangers was, at best, unthinkable. But perhaps the tortoiseshell tom was a stronger cat than he… His tail twitched as he made note of the implications behind his former allegiance to their neighbors. “If you have a former NightClan cat among you,” He observed evenly, “Then you or your Tribe members must have visited other clans as well.”

Green eyes glanced toward Lionstar. Frost had had a familial connection to TreeClan, but he would have had no such reason to visit NightClan. The Tribe had to be large enough to recruit from different clans but small enough to still need the numbers; either way, they were becoming a presence in the valley. Perhaps, Gorsetail speculated as he surveyed the stocky Tribe cats before them, this patrol was to officially establish themselves among the clans rather than trying to steal their warriors away like a thief in the night. As a patrol of two was dangerously small for a foray into unfamiliar territory, three cats made for better protection should they face hostility– and indeed, the white she-cat positioning herself deliberately beside Skyteller and Dusk that Shrouds the Forest seemed the most defensive of the trio – while not seeming overly threatening. Furthermore, they had their former clan cat as a liaison, though he seemed understandably uncomfortable about visiting his former rival. Gorsetail offered him a small smile, wondering if they had stopped by NightClan on the way. While the incident with the silver-furred tom had been unfortunate, none of the Tribe members before him seemed particularly antagonistic, and as Lionstar said, as long as they weren’t there to increase their numbers, TreeClan had no reason to turn them away without hearing them out.

Taxx Fawn williams

better days | background image

[Taxx]

Teller of the Mountain Sky

It was honestly amusing to see the young tom swell with pride at the nod given him by the golden tom padding closer: Lionstar, the Clan's leader. But Finchcloud kept his peace now, side by side with the tom he had named as his father, watching every move made and listening to every word said. But Skyteller switched his focus to the deputy and leader of the Clan, and the talk turned to deeper subjects. The ginger tom's ears flicked at the reminder of Frost; the old male had disappeared without warning one day in the Time of Frozen Water, and some had thought him dead- until he had returned again with a she-cat in tow. His daughter, he'd explained, who had been part of a Clan but had now returned to her rightful home. Lichenfrost had not seemed to have been forced to come, her manner a bit unsure but not nervous, and she had settled in among them. The plan had been to begin teaching her to be a prey-hunter, but before she'd gone far in that instruction, two more Clan cats had arrived in search of her, and they had ultimately convinced her to turn to their Clan with them. Frost had been quite upset, but none of the Tribe had done anything to try to make Lichenfrost stay. Her home was where she decided it was, and so she had left them. Frost had never offered an explanation for any of it, turning inward and spending the last of his days in bitter silence. "Such is not my intention," Skyteller assured Lionstar. "I hope you believe when I say I had no idea what Frost had done; the young she-cat seemed willing to come, and then, when she made it clear she wished to go, we did not try to keep her. There will be no more such attempts as that, I assure you." "I wouldn't have gone," Finchcloud muttered into the brief silence that followed, glancing toward his father with an open look of adoration; the Tribe Healer swallowed against the sudden squeeze in his chest and rushed on. "Since we were so close to other cats, I had thought it would be worth attempting to become familiar with the Clans. We just came from StoneClan, where they have agreed to an alliance based on the condition that we gain another Clan's approval as well. They recommended you, and we decided to try here on their word. I am Teller of the Mountain Sky, Healer of the Tribe. You seem to already know Dusk, since he was indeed a cat of NightClan before he came to us and became one of our prey-hunters. And this is Hail from Storm-Dark Sky, a cave-guard. We call ourselves Skyteller, Dusk and Hail in short." Fawn williams Phoenix

made by redox of gs

[Fawn]

Lionstar

The crown is getting heavy
But they've written my name in the stars

"Thank you for being upfront with us," Lionstar returned the formal introductions with a curt dip of his golden jaw, meeting Skyteller's gaze fully. "My deputy and I have little reason to believe you pose a threat to our Clan, so allow me to extend a proper welcome. Come, we can begin talks of an alliance in my den, there's room enough for you and one of your guards."

Lionstar could surmise the reason for Dusk's presence. The former NightClan cat may act as a go-between if the Tribe intended to make NightClan their next stop, though Lionstar would have snorted aloud if anyone suggested their marshland-dwelling neighbors would be welcoming. In the eyes of the old, tyrannical matriarch of NightClan, a roving pack of loners were still loners.

"I'll wait outside," spoke the tortoiseshell tom to the she-cat with heavily scarred ears. Her rank as a cave-guard likely gave her more than enough incentive to stay by Skyteller's side, and the prey-hunter was quick to acknowledge this.

Lionstar flicked an ear, listening to the interactions. They were peaceable thus far, though it was hard to feel threatened by a tom with soaked fur.

Zephyrfang was praising his son's curiosity, the loner-born tom seemingly perfectly at ease in the presence of strange cats. The Clan leader addressed the tawny warrior, sending him back to his duties.

"Continue your patrol, if you bump into any hunting parties, let them know about the Tribe's presence and that they are to be treated as guests while in our territory."

Zephyrfang nodded, sauntering away with a light tap to his son's shoulder.

"I should warn you," said Lionstar as the massive fallen tree that made up their camp came to life upon their approach. "You're going to be the talk of the Clan for a few days. Mind the kits, they like to get under paw." He spoke with evident fondness, and led the way to the Ancient Stump that guarded the entrance to TreeClan's camp. Cats were approaching, curious, and Lionstar waved them away.

They would hear about everything in due time.

Entering first, he moved aside the nest he shared with his mate to make room for Skyteller, Gorsetail and Hail. Dusk looked out of place and at the mercy of a whispering, intrigued Clan as he waited outside, but the den could only hold so many full grown cats. Even with Dusk's NightClan heritage coming up, Lionstar had full faith in his Clan that they would remain respectful while the Tribe visited.

Once everyone appeared settle, Lionstar gestured to Skyteller, letting the Tribe's healer know he had the floor.

I've been building up all these kingdoms for so long
It's good to be king

87 Moons || TreeClan || 438 Words || williams Phoenix Taxx

[williams]

PAINT MY SPIRIT GOLD

Hail's mind focused on the world of the camp as the two leaders talked, her position close but not stiffling. As Lionstar suggested they move to a quieter area, she nodded at Dusk's choice. "I appreciate that, stay close." She replied, warmth clear in her voice.

Hail gave a small laugh at the mention of kits, a mere huff of breath breaking her stony exterior. All kits seemed to behave the same, endlessly curious for situations they had yet to experience. She noted the mothers of this group were equally as protective, the small mews of the young barely heard through the brambles of what she presumed was the nursery.

She glanced around as they entered the den, then gave Dusk a supportive nod as she passed. "Let me know if we need to switch." She said. "I do not mind the stares." The cave-guard let Skyteller enter first, willing to chose a more uncomfortable position so her leader could settle despite his damp fur. I hope it dries soon, this leader needs to take this request seriously and I can tell the water is not helping our case. Hail thought as she sat.

HAIL FROM STORM-DARK SKY

212 || Phoenix Taxx Fawn || notes

MADE BY ★MEULK OF THQ

[Taxx]

Teller of the Mountain Sky

Giving a nod of acknowledgement, Skyteller padded along after the Clan leader, pausing just once outside of the camp and giving a last shake of his fur to get rid of as much water as possible; the four cats who had taken them this far turned to continue their patrol as Lionstar had ordered. He saw Finchcloud glance at Hail, a look of disappointment crossing his face over that he wouldn't be able to hear her tale just yet. Perhaps Skyteller could delay the talk just a bit? He wanted to be back at the Tribe before night fell, though, and the sun was already directly overhead. Maybe another time. Slipping into the camp after the two toms who were the joint leadership of the Clan, Skyteller gave a rumble of amusement. "Don't most?" he asked, thinking of their youngest kits, Light's litter, who had just recently begun to show an interest in more than just eating and sleeping. As before, in StoneClan, they were instantly the center of attention; the gazes that flicked to Lionstar and Gorsetail were wary, but they seemed to take heart in the fact that their leader was calm about the strangers following him. Nobody challenged them; before slipping into the den after Lionstar, Skyteller gave Dusk a nod- a rather belated response to his offer. "If you want to switch places with Hail, say so. We're safe enough here, I believe." It was a touch more open this time, with the lack of a fifth body, and Skyteller settled with Hail at his side. Accepting the gesture given by the Clan's leader, he began, picking up the talk as it had been left. "My hope is for the Clans and my Tribe to be peaceful with each other. An alliance, between our groups. We aren't looking for more than that; we have our home in the mountains and we will stay there. StoneClan was willing to accept the offer, on the grounds of another Clan's acceptance as well." He hesitated for a moment, gaze flicking outside and softening with amusement at the sight of the tortoiseshell kitten sitting close to Dusk, staring up at him; turning back to Lionstar and Gorsetail, he added, “It’s hard to know what the future holds. Having an alliance with others- knowing that if you need it, there are cats who can help. This is why I’ve come.” Fawn williams Phoenix

made by redox of gs

[Fawn]

Lionstar

The crown is getting heavy
But they've written my name in the stars

It was a straight-forward arrangement, and Lionstar was pleased by the honest nature of Skyteller's request. Politics could be a headache - especially if moons upon moons of hostility and petty squabbling lurked under each negotiation like a snake in this grass. This proposed alliance with the Tribe, however, was an opportunity to get off on the right foot; to open with a clean slate, and Lionstar felt himself the fool if he didn't take it.

"It is a good offer," Lionstar admitted freely, his gaze flicking to Gorsetail should the deputy wish to interject before he continued. "One that seems beneficial for both of our families. As part of the alliance, I propose we make a pact to keep us from making unreasonable demands of one another." Should the Tribe come to TreeClan in search of food, and they were only able to spare a few, Lionstar would not see to it that TreeClan was blamed or thought poorly of for what little generosity they could afford.

Leafbare could be tough. That these cats lived in the mountains meant it would only get tougher; would they change their minds about their mountain home, when they experienced the first great snowfall of the year? Lionstar could only speculate. Skyteller seemed rational. Diplomatic. Giving voice to his thoughts, Lionstar added. "You mentioned being the Tribe's healer, Skyteller? We have a healer of our own, Falconstorm. So long as he's in agreement, we are open to trading herbs as a sign of good faith. Hawkstar is a leader we can trust. If he continues to vouch for you, then I see no reason to turn down your offer."

Now, Lionstar gave Gorsetail his full attention. "I would appreciate your thoughts, of course." The guardianship of TreeClan was his - but not his alone. If Gorsetail was to become the Clan's leader some day, then Lionstar intended to cultivate in his former apprentice as much critical thinking and leadership skills as he could. Gorsetail already had a fair amount of both, even if he wouldn't necessarily believe him if Lionstar complimented him on it. A leader couldn't lack confidence. Here was Gorsetail's chance to speak his mind.

I've been building up all these kingdoms for so long
It's good to be king

87 Moons || TreeClan || 355 Words || Phoenix Taxx williams

Justice (Falconstorm mention!)