lay your weapons down [c]

It was with great uncertainty that Smallbean had agreed to Leopardsuns request to meet, and it was with great uncertainty that he padded into Fourtrees, arriving just as the sun began to set. Quietly, he dipped his head to the Shadowclanner, muttering a brief greeting to her before sitting down to face her, putting about a tail-length of distance between them. Initially, the tom had panicked when the Shadowclanner had summoned him. It was only after finding that Leopardsun had ascended to leadership that he felt comfortable enough to even attend this meeting. If it hadn't been for Nightstar's removal from Shadowclan's high ranks, he would never had agreed to such a meeting, especially without a patrol with him. Bringing a warrior for protection had briefly crossed hsi mind, just in case Shadowclan still held a grudge, but he had decided against it. He had left camp with the order to send a patrol if he hadnt returned by Moonhigh. Some part of him trusted Leopardsun, though, even despite her participation in Shadowclan's invasion. She was an honest cat, he felt as if he could trust her word, even amidst his running mind. If she wished for a peaceful meeting, he would oblige.

Although his mind was busy, pushing worries of an ambush or a bloody ending to this meeting, he didn't let it show outwardly. His brows remained furrowed and his demeanor unwavering, meeting Leopardsuns gaze. "Yes, of course... Thank you as well for reaching out." Did that sound right? Never in his life had Smallbean needed to be formal, not to this degree. The safety of his clanmates depended on his vocabulary, the very tone of his words. His paws shifted uncomfortably as the reality of this meeting's significance hit him "I'm ready to begin this meeting if you are."

The Windclanner's demeanor changed and his stature straightened as Leaopardsun began the meeting. In sync with her, he drew in a deep breath, holding it as she spoke. Her opening statement granted peace to his nerves. It seemed she was just as willing to achieve peace as he was. "I agree... Relieved that you feel the same."

Flicking his ear in acknowledgement as she continued, he shifted in his spot, nodding at her conclusion. "There will be no bloodshed between our clans. No more fighting. And...If there is, I'll... See to it." Smallbean had just become leader, he didn't want Leopardsun to assume he was going to be the same as Shrikestorm. He would be better. "I appreciate your generousness. I'm sure Owlshade will as well." A moment of silence passed over him before he piped up once more. "Oh, I plan to uh, be more communicative. More than Shrike..storm. And I'm sorry for everything that's happened up until this point." His gaze briefly flickered to his paws before he forced it back upwards. "I hope that this can lead to peace between us."

"Oh, uh-" The tom paused for a moment. "What about the gathering? The next one. It's almost uh, guaranteed that no violence would happen." He murmured. "Would that be good, then?"