Axis and Allies (semi-closed for ShadowClan, Thrushstar needed)

Ashstar padded nervously across ShadowClan territory, two WindClan warriors and the deputy at her side. While the others wrinkled their noses at the characteristic marshy smell, it reminded the leader of her kithood. She had business here in ShadowClan today, with Thrushstar. The violence of RiverClan and blatant disrespect of SkyClan had gone too far- WindClan needed a friend. If all went well, the moor-runners would emerge from place with a new ally. As they came into the camp, Ashstar spoke up, brushing reassuringly against her son. She had told her Clanmates of her mission's purpose already, so hopefully they would stick to it. She trusted them. "We would like to speak to Thrushstar, please," she meowed clearly and politely.

OOC: Okay, ShadowClan, please wait for Ice, Night and Ink before posting. Ty~

Making his way through the marshy territory alongside his mother, Smokepelt couldn't help but to wrinkle his nose in disgust. How could ShadowClan live this way with mud sticking to their paws and fur, it was madness! Luckily most of the mud was semi-frozen from the cold Leafbare weather but even so, he didn't like it one bit.

Letting out a huff, his fur stood on end as the four cats reached the ShadowClan camp. How would they act when a patrol of WindClan cats waltzed into their home? He knew they wouldn't take it lightly but if they had any brain at all they'd shut up and listen to what Ashstar had to say. Yes, WindClan wasn't very well liked among the other clans at the moment but even so, ShadowClan of all clans had no right to be angry at them sense his clan hadn't done anything again them, for now at least. Besides, at least his mother was making an effort to become allies with another clan and bring some sort of peace to the forest and moor.

Standing next to Ashstar as she called for Thrushstar, the dark grey and white tom held his head high and tried to hide his un-liking for the marsh filled clan. Well, then again, any clan was a better ally that ThunderClan so he wasn't going to complain about what they happened to call their home.

Nightheart padded silently alongside her clanmates. Since they had crossed the borders her gloomy and somewhat absent expression that had been a constant in her since Lionfur’s death got replaced with a frown. The dark warrior still couldn’t believe that between all the cats of the clan she had to be between the ones chosen to come here, the territory of the clan she hated the most, and talk with the leader that had murdered her own mother and aunt in cold blood so many moons ago. She probably was going to see the same cat that mauled her kit as well once they arrived to camp, and StarClan knew they would need to help her to keep her cool to not rip that cat’s fur off.

Between all the cats of the patrol, Nightheart was definitely the tensest and most stressed, the fur on her neck and tail standing on end and ears moving constantly at the smallest sound, like if she was expecting an ambush…and in all honesty she wouldn’t be surprised. As far as she knew they already had ThunderClan as their allies, why bothering to come to these stinky marshlands at all? Any clan was better than this one for her, even RiverClan.

With her train of thought and all her senses focused on trying to spot the ambush she believed was prepared for them in her paranoia, the she-cat barely noticed the mud and smells that bothered her clanmates at all. It wasn’t until Ashstar’s voice reached her ears and the name of the ShadowClan leader was mentioned that she snapped out of it, noticing that she was already in their camp, thing that in all honesty only made her feel even worse.

In an attempt to not ruin the peaceful encounter between the two clans that could lead to turn them into allies, decision that she still disapproved completely, she sat and covered her front paws with her tail to not let anyone notice how she scratched the dirt and mud under them with her claws to stay somewhat calm Please, let this be over soon. I don’t care how this ends, just let me get out of here…

Being surrounded by the scent of Shadowclan was giving her conflicting thoughts.

Her wariness and, to put it frank, fear of the swamp dwellers was expected. Her brother had been killed by Shadowclan paws, albeit he wasn't considered a Clan cat at the end of his life. He'd had kits here, even. Maybe she'd see them, hopefully in a peaceful context. But they were probably ashamed of their Windclan blood, so kin meant nothing.

On the other paw she was, although regrettably, somewhat eager to see someone again. She hadn't seen him since the day Starclan descended and fought off the Dark Forest side by side with the living Clan cats. Would he want to see her too? 'Probably not.' It had been several moons. Maybe she was the only one who felt like this.

Spiderfur trotted hurriedly into the camp, shivering against the frosted mud on her short legs. The little warrior followed behind her half-sister, watching her worriedly. A Shadowclan cat had maimed her kit, if she remembered well enough. The dust-furred she-cat resisted the urge to groom the muck out of her fur, knowing that she'd have to wade through it again if she wanted to go home. Habit turned her head towards the sky and the sight of the branches encroaching her vision was jarring, as she had spent the majority of her life directly under the sky. The dens, too, made her uncomfortable. The last time she'd seen a den that wasn't the nursery was when Windclan had taken over Skyclan's camp when she was an apprentice. Did they ever sleep under the full sky, under the watchful eyes of Starclan? Doubtfully. There were nocturnal, she had to remind herself. She shook her head and waited behind her Clanmates for Thrushstar to appear, trying to avoid any of the gazes that the Shadowclan cats would shoot their way.

Surprisingly, the Shadowclan leader was not actually in camp. Instead, he walked in not too far behind the Windclan patrol after smelling their scent as he made his rounds of the borders. At first, he prayed that there wasn't some kind of attack occurring, but as he grew closer to camp, the scents began to tell otherwise. The trail wasn't strong enough and only smelled of a small group rather than the whole clan. At least Thrushstar had that going for him. As he padded in, however, he stared down the small patrol that so easily waltzed right into camp. "What is it.. that you want Ashstar?" he asked, walking around the patrol on Smokepelt's side until he stopped in front of the Windclan leader. "It's a surprise to see you here. Is something the matter? I pray Shadowclan has kept some kind of peace... with Windclan these days."

Ashstar nodded at Thrushstar, flashing a quick smile. "Yes, Thrushstar, you definitely have, and I am extremely grateful for that." She took a deep breath, standing up straighter. "Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Thrushstar, WindClan is in danger. RiverClan, and now SkyClan, hate us from the youngest kit to the oldest elder, and judge us to be fox-hearted codebreakers, for reasons I cannot change and are completely unjustified." Her voice grew stronger, more certain, as she went on. The fire of passion for the code and love for her Clanmates burned in her green eyes, making her the very picture of a leader. "WindClan has managed to hold onto our territory so far, but I fear that those warmongering Clans will induce further attacks upon my Clan. We are still recovering from RiverClan's first invasion, and though Beetlepaw is doing all he can, there isn't much he can do, since we are particularly short on herbs. Though ThunderClan were our allies during Falconstar's reign, we can no longer be sure of their motives. WindClan needs an ally, Thrushstar. I know ShadowClan has stayed neutral thus far, and that I may endanger your Clan by asking this, but.... will ShadowClan ally with WindClan? I personally have always respected you and your Clan, Thrushstar, especially the strength of you and your deputy durting the Dark Forest takeover. WindClan could use a friend like you. It is not my plan to attack the other Clans, but if they attack us again, we need support. And we could use the extra assurance, and perhaps sharing herbs, now. Of course, quid pro quo, we will return any favors and help your Clan however we can." Ashstar waited with bated breath, studying the tabby tom's reaction.

Honeydrop padded out of the medicine den at the scent of WindClan, amber eyes widening as she saw the leader. The golden dappled she-cat padded over to sit supportively by Thrushstar. As she listened attentively to the gray she-cat's urgent words, she found herself nodding at the part about herbs. Leaf-bare was hard for every cat, but the lack of healing materials was especially bad after a large battle such as WindClan had suffered. Perhaps she could help Beetlepaw.

Shimmerheart watched from the crowd in interest as the WindClan patrol appeared out of nowhere. What would Thrushstar think? The last time a WindClanner- well, a former WindClan cat- had come onto ShadowClan territory, they had been killed. It was interesting to see that the leader of WindClan, as important as she may be, was still just another warrior with feelings and concerns.

Staying quiet and trying not to show the tension under his pelt, the deputy looked to his mother has she spoke. How in StarClan's name did she keep herself so calm and respectful towards the older tom? All the things the leader said were true and the deputy wondered how Thrushstar kept his clan so powerful and respected yet he'd never heard of any tension between ShadowClan and other clans. Surely Thrushstar had enough to become allies with other clans by now? Well, what ever the two leaders decided wasn't up to him. He was simply here for the ride and after what happened with RiverClan, he promised not to intervene anymore. Anything to make his mother proud.

Turning his from Ashstar, he scanned the clearing, watching as more ShadowClan cats gathered around the WindClan patrol and wondered how this would go down.

ooc;; oooooh, politics. /grabs popcorn.

Ravenpaw poked her head out of the apprentices den, the strange scent of open, dusty fields having reached the camp; perhaps a pleasant scent to some, but to her, it tasted awful on her tongue. She wrinkled her nose and sat outside the den. Her eyes stayed glued to the leader. He was old, but he'd seen more than much of the forest combined, and age brought wisdom and all that, didn't it? He could deal with these rabbit brains.

She'd never known another clan to come and bother them at all in her short time in the forest, so imagine the surprise on her face once Ashstar had come to them asking - no begging for an alliance. Against RiverClan and SkyClan? She hadn't any idea of what to make of it. Did StarClan even allow that? She shifted her gaze around, looking to other warriors, looking to Honeydrop. Did anyone know what was really going on?

Nightheart felt a disgusting shiver traveling down her spine as the leader of ShadowClan padded towards and in front of them. Her whole tail now resembled more some kind of spiky brush and she was having quite some trouble to keep the rest of her fur flat against her body.

Her eyes traveled to Ashstar as she spoke, instantly feeling nervous as she revealed WindClan’s vulnerable state to Thrushstar. She understood it was necessary to explain the situation to the older leader to have a chance of being accepted as allies, but if they decided they wouldn’t join them she was giving them all the information they needed to take over their territory if they decided they felt like it.

Thrushstar sat down as the Windclan leader began to speak, listening intently to her words. He tried his best not to focus on anything else as she asked about forming an alliance. He couldn't quite say that he was surprised by it. In fact, Shadowclan and Windclan had been on decent terms since the Dark Forest had taken over, but having the offer out in front of them was a little nerve wracking. It had been ages since Shadowclan had been in any kind of alliance, their last one with Riverclan being burned by their invasion of Shadowclan with the other clans. It had been mended slightly by Sunstar but the Shadowclan leader could not bring himself to keep it up. He had been hurt too much so long ago and his neutrality and avoidance of alliances created this new unfamiliar feeling at the thought of officially forming a new alliance.

When Ashstar finished speaking, Thrushstar sat in silence trying to think of what to say. It had been a while since he was at a loss for words, but this was one of those moments. "I recall the stories of the battle at the gathering," he finally said after what felt like moons of time passing. "Your clan did suffer, and I am... sorry for that. However, I am not sure of an alliance, Ashstar. I am certainly flattered by your offer, but my concerns are for Shadowclan first. I don't know about risking my own warriors for the sake of another." He paused, knowing that he hadn't given the Windclan leader an official answer. That wasn't everything that he wanted to say, but he stopped there, knowing that the answer to the alliance was the most important part of what Windclan had come to say. It also didn't help that he wasn't quite sure how to sum up all that he had on his mind.

Tigerflower's head jerked from her paws when the scent of WindClan hit her. She sprang to her paws and, by sheer instinct, covered the entrance of the nursery that she had just been lounging outside of. Her fur rose on end and her claws unsheathed, though her reaction was surprise rather than fear or aggression. There was no way they were attacking, why would a leader walk in head-first? After all, they were being quiet, looked solemn, and were at the very least speaking politely. The queen still didn't know their intentions, however, and continued to keep her distance and obstruct the way into the nursery. She listened without saying anything, though there was a deep chasm opening in her chest. WindClan was the last smell she ever wanted wafting through her nose again, and the sight of Ashstar made her antsy. She picked at the ground beneath her with her claws in anxiety.

Leopardfang's ear twitched when he heard his leader's voice outside of the warriors' den. He was suddenly aware of the scent of WindClan flooding into the area, and was briefly upset that yet another clan cat had simply walked into the camp without an alarm from the posted guard. He'd have a word with his warriors about paying attention while on duty. The spotted tomcat hastily exited the den and caught sight of the four moorland cats, the fur on his spine beginning to rise. It was clearly not an attack, not with just the four of them, and not with the way they were speaking. "Ashstar, Smokepelt." He addressed them as equals as he joined Thrushstar by his side, but he still had the higher ground as they were in his home. He didn't know the other two so he didn't bother with them, as uncomfortable as they all looked. He'd heard the last bit of the leaders' conversation, but didn't offer his input so they could get Ashstar's response. Thrushstar was playing it safe, and as far as Leopardfang was concerned, was making the right move.

Mousefang jumped in surprise when the four WindClan cats walked through the entrance. He was supposed to be on guard duty, but he had slipped back into camp for a quick snack... The deputy would have his pelt. His own fur spiked up and he retreated backwards in disgust. WindClan scent was the most dreadful scent of all. He hated those cats because he though they were spineless, but despised them the most for the blood that flowed through him. Mousefang unsheathed his claws and desperately wanted to claw their throats out, but he could hardly take on two warriors, a deputy, and leader. Instead, the half-blooded tomcat just kept his distance and glared with his harsh green eyes, the trademark of Leopardfang's bloodline. He was blissfully unaware of his own kin standing in his presence.

Ashstar waited patiently for Thrushstar to speak. She knew she couldn't rush him. As he hedged uncertaintly around a straight answer, the leader felt herself nodding. "I know that this is a large commitment to make, Thrushstar, and I admire you all the more for not leaping in headfirst. I don't ask that you risk your warriors for us, as it is not my desire to fight; I just want you to be there for our Clan and throw your weight behind ours. ShadowClan is a very strong Clan nowadays, all thanks to you and your warriors, no doubt. I know that ShadowClan was driven out long ago by all the Clans, including WindClan, and I apologize for that ancient wrong. I fear that soon RiverClan and SkyClan's wrath may reach a similar level, and all I want is your support to discourage those leaders from making such a foolhardy choice. Every Clan deserves the right to deal with their own issues, but sometimes we can't do things alone. I have humbled myself enough to realize that. I want my Clan to have the chance to regrow, to rebuild; just like ShadowClan and SkyClan of old. And I remind you, Thrushstar, that this is a two-way commitment. My warriors will always be there for you, to risk themselves for you if necessary. I know ShadowClan has managed to stay neutral these past years, and that this is a big decision- but I give you my sacred vow in the name of StarClan that your welcome help will not go unreciprocated." Ashstar wrapped her tail around her paws, green eyes patient and calm, but pleading.

Giving a nod to Leopardfang, the deputy stood by his mother and raised his head just slightly higher and a bit prouder. Though he was in their territory and respected the fact that they were of higher authority in their own home, his pride still got the best of him, though he decided to stay quiet, not wanting to ruin it for Ashstar. The WindClan leader had done a good job in kissing Thrushstar's paws but then again, most of it was probably genuine, his mother being kinder than most other leaders.

Looking from one leader to the other, the tom stayed quiet, wondering if they would walk home empty pawed, without an ally. If so, they'd be more vulnerable than ever to RiverClan if the ShadowClan leader told the fish eating scum that WindClan was looking for a friend, which was basically stating that they needed some sort of help and to most, it meant that their clan was weak in ways that others weren't.

Nightheart was trying her hardest to not focus on the situation developing before her but without being as disrespectful as to look away. It was bad enough for her to have to act all nice and polite in front of the leader that killed her own mother in cold blood, but having to actually accept to risk her own life to save his’ if he ever needed it? In all honesty she would prefer to lick the mouse bile the Medicine cats stored in their dens once each day for a whole moon than this…but she bit her tongue and stood as calm as possible, trying to remind herself that she was doing this for the clan, that it had to be done.

Spiderfur tried not to look nervous as she listened to the leaders speak, but it was growing difficult when the number of eyes burning into their pelts began to grow. Her wide, mouse brown eyes flickered between the cats in the clearing rapid-fire, taking in who was staring at her and her Clanmates. 'He's not here,' she thought, then quickly reprimanded herself for feeling disappointed. This was not the time. This was literally the worst of times. Especially with the tom that looked eerily like Kestrelstorm glaring at them. The queen by the nursery, too, sent a chill down her spine. She did her best to make it seem like she had shivered from the cold instead.

Her gaze returned to the event at paw, watching both Thrushstar and Ashstar, but her attention was still drawn away at the sight of her half-sister growing slightly more agitated. 'Breezeheart.' Warily, she touched her tail to the black she-cat's flank and for a moment her eyes met the larger warrior's. She didn't say anything, for it would've been rude, but she did attempt to calm her for the time being. Nightheart could vent safely once they were back in their home territory. She wouldn't stop her then.