watch it all unfold [clan meeting]

Sunflare was already in place for a meeting, knowing the intrusion of random strangers necessitated one. A certain satisfaction made him sit a little taller as Leopardstar finally got on top of that blasted rock.

Bicolored eyes looked over each newcomer in turn, suspicion coloring his gaze. Assistance? Right. Because these cats certainly knew of clan ways and would go about repairs the way they should be done. He kept his fur flat, trying not to appear too hostile. Surely ShadowClan could rebuild their own camp? They’d done it before. They’d healed after tragedy before.

But it was true that their numbers were low… Sunflare shook his head and looked to Sablestrike. His former mentor’s body language matched the cinnamon tom’s own thoughts. Good. He could remain in both their good books this time.

Enemies could certainly come from any place. Sunflare’s lip curled slightly at the recollection of Lighttail, his own cousin, and the way she’d betrayed them all. Relaxing a bit, he returned his attention to the rogues.

For all of Badgermask's curiosity over their skill, she wasn't happy about this turn of events. Her eyes narrowed as Leopardstar led the strangers into the heart of their camp, tail thumping as she held back a sneer. Her gaze remained locked on them as Leopardstar spoke - stressing that they were to be treated a guests even if were suspicious of their intentions. She titled her head, sorting out her own feelings on the matter.

She didn't trust them - that was for certain but she also couldn't deny that they had come to their aid for no reason. While she could easily put aside words - a lie could be uttered with the barest of efforts after all - she couldn't do so with actions. To put themselves at risk to help ShadowClan meant something. If they had wanted to get into ShadowClan's graces but didn't truly care for then, there had been the option to wait for the dogs to do more harm - actually take a life or two - before swooping in to chase the beasts away. Or perhaps it was a clever ruse from the start, being so quick to step in lest ShadowClan managed to drive the dogs away on their own...

Hm. She would have to keep a keen eye on them, but they had managed to earn some favor with her with their actions at least. She scanned each and every one of the four outsiders, waiting with a frown for them to introduce themselves. If anything, she was still curious about the tactics they had used to nearly disable the dogs with a simple strike... Of how such skill could have perhaps saved her father. Of how it could still yet save her family if any other predators showed themselves.

The second they passed through the crumbling brambles of Shadow Clan's camp, the hostility was palpable. Glares full of unease and outright indignation that they were even allowed to step paw within their home made him a bit nervous. His steps matched his companions, careful not to be too ahead or too behind; should something go horribly wrong, they would leave as one. His anxiety was more on what would happen if Cherish gave birth here and they were kicked out before the kits were even old enough to open their eyes.

He shook his silver head, a few purple petals flinging off here and there. They always survived. Everything would be alright. "Warm greetings, Shadow Clan. My name is Virtue, one of the trained soldiers within the Riders of the Storm. I understand that we may not all hold the same skills, so if you need anything to be done to help rebuild your lovely home, do not hesitate to guide me." He swallowed nervously.  "What skills I do know I have to offer is battle prowess; friendly spars or help to fend off predators is something I am confident in." His silver tabby tail flicked behind him as he stepped slightly back to give another of his companions a space to speak up.

---

Peeking out from her crumbling medicine den where she had brought the injured and also applied fresh cobwebs to her missing eye, Heatherberry cast her gaze over each and every one of them as Leopardstar spoke. The warriors and apprentices who came back wounded would have been worse off if it weren't for these strangers. She held no real feelings about them, but she was grateful.

Stepping into the camp was like entering a dog's jaws. Eyes peered through the darkness at the four of them, not all of them unwelcoming, but most carrying a threat of violence if they dared step out of line. Steadfast stuck close to his companions, letting Virtue lead the way as he stuck to the rear. As long as the leader of these cats didn't make the call to remove them they would be fine, he was sure of that, but he couldn't be too careful.

Steadfast was last to speak. "I am the second trained soldier, Steadfast. We do not plan on staying long, but I thank you for allowing us to reside here." The smoky tom held his head high as he addressed the assembled cats, carrying on in a booming voice. "I am skilled in a fight, but please do not ask me to hunt. I will take on all manner of tasks, be it hunting dangerous game or simple repairs around your... lovely home. If you have need of me or wish to ask me anything, please feel free to do so. I will earn my keep here." That was... Friendly enough, he supposed.

____

Sablestrike watched on as the "Riders of the Storm"- What a stupid name that is- carried on with their introduction, not even trying to disguise the look of utter distrust and hate on his face. The only silver lining to inviting these strange cats into their camp would be the labor they would all provide, save for the pregnant molly.

When Leopardstar called the meeting, Crabkit's attention immediately abandoned the ball of muddied moss he had been playing with. He was old enough to stalk in the shadows! Maybe not quite silently but still he wanted to be a part of things. Tiny orange paws left erratic steps in the snow-crystal speckled earth. His pink nose was lifted high in the air as he darted around, paying very little attention to the reason the meeting had been called.

He was vaguely aware of the strange cats in the midst of Shadowclan's camp but everything had been unusual since his birth so it was easy to shrug such a thing away. Finally, he stopped not far off from Sablestrike, taking in the deputy's wrinkled nose and soured expression. Kit-like energy stirred in his small, tail-less rump and he pounced next to the older tom, "Did you smell something funny?" As he regained his footing, the kit straightened up and closed his maw gingerly around Sablestrike's nose. There. Now he wouldn't have to smell funny things anymore. Success!

Like his brother, Nettlekit was far too curious to continue playing mossball when Leopardstar was calling a clan meeting, Giddily, he chased after the orange ball of fluff in front of him, as they both squirmed their way to the front of the growing crowd. Like always, Nettlekit was led by his nose, and the smell of wildcat wasn’t particularly present. eugh! A pink tongue poking out in his grimace.  Mismatched eyes followed Crabkit as he sent up a flurry of snow beside the deputy and he too loudly complained about the stink. “Agreed it’s- CRABKIT!” The bundle of white came bounding forward, mouth agape as he watched in disbelief. The gears in his head began to turn.”I’m so sorry Sablestrike, don’t worry I’ll get him off you..” Needle like claws dug into the deputy’s back as the tailless terror scoured the warrior like he was nothing but a tree. Atop the tom’s head, Nettlekit stood balancing on three legs and using his free paw to swat wildly at his brother”Crabkit, let go!”