RiverClan Leader's Den

[duckie]

Sootstar
__________

"You know what I mean! It's not like I'm going to throw it out as some- some--- meaningless, halfhearted comment! Sugarapple's deserves more than that but-." Frustration and bitterness boiled in his blood as it seemed neither of them was getting through to the other. His body screamed at him to fight, to unsheath his claws and rip through flesh and bone. Anger carried him through his troubles. It had for a long time. Anger was natural. Anger was safe. Anger was comforting.

"I will not be walked over by some ShadowClan savage who thinks she's more than she worth and you know that! But stars, I can't think! You haven't given me time to think!" Sootstar dragged a paw down his face, trying to pull away from the tiredness at his eyes and the emotions that seemed to have a stranglehold on his throat, "I can't just... throw out a plan I have to sit and ponder and- and-!"

Anger didn't always work. Anger here would only lead to more torment. Still, when Sootstar looked up to meet Lionstorm's gaze all he would see is pure fury and... fear burning beneath the surface.

What could be said? He didn't have any ideas, he didn't know what the hell he was doing.

[ @BILL. ]

[BEAR.]

Now they were getting somewhere.

Lionstorm whipped his tail, flexing his claws into the sandy floor of the den. "Then you need to prove you mean it, Sootstar - you need to give that ShadowClan scum-pelt an ultimatum if you don't wish to jump into battle without preparations.

"She can fix her Clan-mates and get them in line, or we'll put her Clan in line for her. ShadowClan is still sore from what WindClan did to them a few moons back - if she doesn't want a worse repeat, she should ensure her cats never cross our river again. If she shows an ounce of disrespect, if she does not heed this warning, that's when we can strike. We'll demolish their camp again and send them scrambling like the rogues they are."

But that wasn't all.. Lionstorm had one more idea. "But, at the very least if it doesn't escalate to a raid.. we can make our borders more enforced. If their cats are so willing to trespass to kill us, I think it's only fair if we put a kill ShadowClan on sight if they cross our land without one of our patrols escorting them." Warnings did nothing, not when the other Clan made a habit of this.

Warnings did nothing to those who didn't care to hear them.

His firm gaze didn't waver as he looked into Sootstar's eyes. Unsure or not, unable to think - this wasn't something one could hold off on. If Sootstar wanted to prepare, he needed to be ready to get his mind churning. A million miles an hour, preferably. "You're leader now, Sootstar. It's your call - but you need to prepare yourself for what's to come. You don't always have the luxury of time on your side to make a decision."

[ @wnder ]

[plum]

Sassafrasfire was tired, but something important still drove them to slip towards Sootstar's den. They hoped they wouldn't be too much of a bother, as this both was and wasn't something necessarily important to share. It might have been better off kept for a more opportune moment, but at the same time, the warrior had fuzzed around for long enough. And it was a conversation that was more than past-due. "Sootstar, it is Sassafrasfire," they announce briefly before slipping into the den.

They blink their eyes to adjust to the change in light within, and look around for the tom. Hopefully this talk would be pleasant. They hadn't been... The most present or productive as of late. Perhaps the leader would understand, or perhaps this would be a bittersweet conversation. "I have to talk to you about Beanpaw. I can come back another time if necessary."
[ @wnder, Sorry if your den isn't open, please murder me if you deem fit lol, also sorry for barging in on another current rp! ]

[duckie]

Sootstar
__________

Sootstar searched Lionstorm's face and found no gentleness there. No comfort, no praise. Why should he? Sootstar was a leader now and there was no time for coddling. Still, a twinge of disappointment bit through the bitterness. Closing his eyes - deep breaths in, deep breaths out. Only calm minds can hold calm conversations.

"Right then."

Straightening up and meeting Lionstorm's gaze with a firm stare in return, Sootstar gave a sharp nod, "If they want a fight, we'll give it to them but we give them a... courtesy call first - Did I get that about right? I already planned on enforcing the borders. That much is given at least."

He cracked a crooked smile and leaned in, breaking his semi-composed facade, "You're an awful good advisor, you know that?" Before the golden tom could respond, Sootstar would swoop for a quick peck on the cheek. He hadn't forgotten Lionstorm's shenanigans from before. "No hard feelings, bud?"

[ @BILL. ]

- - - - -

Sootstar perked up at the warrior's entrance. Beanpaw? Hopefully everything went well with the little apprentice's assessment. Beanpaw was the last cat he would ever want to hold back.

"What is it, Sassafrasfire?"

[ @implimm ]

[plum]

The warrior nods courteously to the leader. "I wanted to discuss his assessment." Taking it upon themselves to take a seat, Sassafrasfire carefully considers their words. "I believe that in spite of my... Inadequate part in his upbringing when it comes to being a warrior, Beanpaw is prepared for what lies ahead of him. His assessment went very well. He is young, but good at heart and does truly carry the skills to make a fine new addition to our fellow warriors."
It felt odd to say this of the apprentice, though not in a poor way. The feline only hoped that Sootstar would also forgive them for their mistakes in keeping distance between themselves and the apprentice left in their care.
"His hunting skills are fine, as is his ability to carry his own in battle. " They would not relay to Sootstar the very fleeting surprise attack, or the talk they had afterwards. "He also displayed a keen sense of attention to others, in another activity I asked of him on his final assessment. And I hope that his thoughtfulness makes him all the better as he matures. I'm quite proud, and I hope that you will be as well."
[ @wnder ]

[duckie]

Sootstar
__________

"I have to say, that's a relief to hear. I was almost afraid you were here to say he wouldn't be fit for promotion. I'm not sure why I..." He shook his head.

"Nevermind that. Thank you for your report, Sassafrasfire. I look forward to including his promotion in the next meeting." Offering a curt nod, he turned to return to his nest before giving pause. Turning back, he spoke up again, this time seeming much less sure in his words.

"Before you go, I have a task for you if you're willing to take it."

[ @implimm ]

[Moon Kit]

(Sorry if I'm not supposed to do this!)

Gentlefoot walked in Sootstar's den. "Um, hi, is it okay if I ask you something?" she asked.

@wnder

[duckie]

Sootstar
__________

The white and grey tom glanced up, "What is it, Gentlefoot?"

[ @Moon Kit ]

[plum]

Feeling good about themselves for having taken a necessary step for Beanpaw's sake, Sassarfasfire prepares to leave. They are caught off guard by this sudden proposition.

Lingering, they gaze at Sootstar. "Uh, yes. Anything you need?"
[ @wnder ]

[Moon Kit]

"I know it's not my choice, but Echokit is about to be apprenticed, and I was wondering if I could be her mentor," Gentlefoot explained.

@wnder