Delegation (Open)

Coyotegrin listened to Nightstar speak as well as Shrikestar. The leader went straight for mentioning the tunnels, which was bold as can be. They had discussed laying it out there as their part of an allyship, but she was pleasently surprised by Shrikestar's boldness to start off with it. When Nightstar asked for more information, this was when she decided to speak up since she knew the most about the tunnels. She wouldn't share all of the information though. "Nightstar, ShadowClan moves under the cover of darkness. WindClan moves underground. The tunnels are being worked on now to help us safely utilize them. We have reason to believe they extend into other territories." She nodded, looking over to Shrikestar briefly. It was his or Smallbean's turn to take over from here, but honestly Shrikestar's. Coyotegrin would rather assume her pelt would turn as solid black as Nightstar's than Smallbean speaking up to Nightstar.

Shrikestar nodded towards Coyotegrin, listening to her describe the tunnels. It was a gamble to release this information, but he imagined Nightstar to be an ambitious cat. He wasn't likely to walk away when this was laid out in front of him. "We have been examining our tunnels for awhile now, and it appears that they can lead under the scent markers and into multiple other territories. This is what WindClan can offer ShadowClan. What do you say, Nightstar?" Of course, Nightstar could say 'no'. That was easy enough, but Shrikestar had confidence that the tunnels were enough of an intrigue to bring Nightstar into the fold, as it were.

"I'd say that you've proven that Windclan is worth the effort. Shadowclan is large and strong if the other clans knew that Windclan has allied themselves with my clan and I would grant you near immunity. I will not be against lending our claws for equal gain, but you must be aware that Shadowclan has debts to pay first if you recall the events just a few moons prior." Nightstar meowed, leveling his gaze at Coyotegrin and Shrikestar. "However, should you use us to fight your battles, I will want more than just the knowledge of your tunnels. I will not put my cats' lives on the line just for a stealth advantage." Nightstar's tone was hard and cool, gaze calculating as he discussed. "I will be satiated with more territory, Shadowclan continues to have large healthy litters, these marshes will not be enough to sustain us come leaf-bare. That is, territory gained should Windclan choose to conquer more territory. Your borders will be safe, from Shadowclan." Nightstar knew well and intimately the harshness of leaf-bare, having grown up in the frigid cold, with predators running amuck and prey so scarce it was a common occurrence to starve to death.

"Do you accept my terms?" Nightstar knew, that the cats present were aptly aware of what he threatened, that Windclan would be fighting a losing battle, should they not ally themselves.

ShadowClan was not an easy clan to delegate with. Nightstar clearly wanted to get as much as he could from an alliance with WindClan. Shrikestar narrowed his eyes, but he knew the odds. His clan was much smaller than ShadowClan's, and knowing Nightstar, he would not hesitate to start a war with them. It was a war WindClan likely could not win, as loathe as he was to admit it. WindClan was not a war-mongering clan, but if they ever did need territory, having ShadowClan at their backs would be a great advantage. Even if they had to give up some of that won territory, it would be a positive in the end. He looked to his comrades, and could see the same looks on their faces as was on his. They knew the risks, and would have to live with them to join this allyship.

"We accept your terms, Nightstar," Shrikestar mewed smoothly, comfortable on the outside despite the worries creeping in on the inside. This was for WindClan's safety and protection for many moons to come.

Smallbean sat uncomfortably as Coyotegrin told Nightstar about the tunnels, Windclan's biggest advantage over the other clans. Something that they'd kept secret for a while now being spilled to the Shadowclan leader within a span of heartbeats. Nightstar could easily disagree to their terms and walk away with the knowledge that Windclan had access to a secret way to get around, able to use that information in the future, possible spread it around.

Even the tunnels weren't enough for Nightstar, though. It seemed he demanded territory, too. The idea of sharing gained territory wasn't specifically irksome to Smallbean, but the fact that Nightstar wanted territory along with the tunnels. But then the deputy began to think. Windclan wasn't specifically useful for fighting, at least not right now, given their numbers compared to Shadowclan's. He supposed that it made sense for Nightstar to ask for that much, even if it would be more beneficial for Shadowclan that it would for Windclan. He stayed quiet.

His worries of Nightstar running off with information faded quickly as both leaders concluded, accepting each others terms and ending the discussion in an agreement. Smallbean sighed, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding. For such a simple conversation, it really was stressful. It was a relief that it went well, though.

Coyotegrin narrowed her eyes at Nightstar as he spoke of terms. It was a huge ask, but one WindClan would have to take. The pure numbers of ShaadowClan could mean life or death. Shrikestar accepted the terms, which Coyotegrin would have done the same. She shared a look with Shrikestar, hinting that she had a response to this at a later date. She shared it with Smallbean too, she supposed she should. With the meeting coming to an end, the cats stirred. Looking at the sun gleaming down through the entrance of the den, the designated host turned to look back to Nightstar. "I suppose you'd like to return home, Nightstar. I will escort you back to your border. I'd hate for your clan to be worried- I hope they know this meeting was for a peace talk though, and they weren't too concerned." Her head dipped to the door respectfully. She had done it. Her heart was racing with the thrill; she had orchestrated her first alliance. All left to do now was to get Nightstar to his border safely.