Overdue Explanation[O]

Scorchlight was planning to hunt, but instead took a stroll across the border that faced WindClan. She noticed the cat as WindClan’s deputy after Smallstar’s death—that was a long time ago.After the war, Scorch was torn; two leaders had been killed. What did WindClan want from them? Did they want to cause another disaster? She approached the tom just to hear he wanted to speak with her leader. Why? He looked as if he didn’t want to cause any harm, and they had talked one time while the Clans were at the southern lake. She narrowed her eyes. What happened to her optimism and energy? Had the war just shredded it to pieces? No need to be so depressing; she had to relax. "Perchstar? Of course. Just what are you going to tell her?" She meowed, still cautious. If Sootstorm wanted to fight, she was ready to fight.

"Don't worry, Scorchlight. I'll take care of it." Perchstar stepped forward, taking a place at her warrior's side. The border patrol she led had been just a minute or so behind Scorchlight's stroll; a convenient coincidence that now was when the WindClan deputy approached. Thankfully she was already in her leader headspace, interacting with other cats, ignoring the mess of emotions inside, so it took little effort to regard him with the necessary neutrality. Not a single emotion on her face as her light blue eyes took him in. She couldn't recall if she'd spoken with WindClan's high ranks since Tigerstar became leader. At least this tom was approaching peacefully, though, and respectfully. That already was a good sign. "What is it you want to say?" WindClan had fled her mind completely in the aftermath of the war with SkyClan, but standing here at the border with the scent marker moved made her want to flick an ear in vague annoyance. The retaking of the Gorge... but perhaps that was why the deputy was here. If so, he was overdue, but better late than never.

Perchstar kept her face neutral, but her eyes narrowed imperceptibly at Sootstorm's request. What could the deputy possibly have to say that wasn't knowledge warriors were allowed to have? Did he assume she wouldn't have to inform her Clan of whatever it was he wanted to say? What an odd thing to ask. Still, the last thing she wanted was to be on bad terms with another Clan. If this would make him more amenable to discussion, then so be it. "Fine," she acquiesced. The RiverClan leader turned briefly to Scorchlight. "Would you mind continuing on with my patrol? I'll be just a minute." Then, flicking an ear, she met Sootstorm's gaze again. "What do you have to say that's so sensitive only I can hear it? I will have you know that I trust my warriors."

Perchstar had not been expecting much from the WindClan deputy; her feelings on their Clan had been decidedly neutral once Shrikestar passed. Tigerstar and Sootstorm both seemed reasonable, but she hadn't had much time or energy to interact with them on the journey or when she'd been terribly sick. The fact that they'd claimed the Gorge had earned her ire, but it had been far in the back of her mind compared to her many other issues. So, she was pleasantly surprised when the tom opened his mouth and spoke politely. How long had it been since another high rank besides Mottlestar had given her a civil conversation with genuine politeness? Perchstar settled down and sat, willing to listen to what Sootstorm said. He had started well. Maybe this was a bond that could be retrieved, after all.

Exposing the weakness of his own Clan was a risky move, but one that would pay off. If he'd talked around their reasoning, Perchstar would have been less likely to listen. But the fact that Sootstorm came on his own initiative, truly apologized, and asked with humility was so refreshing that it momentarily eased the RiverClan leader's aches. "I appreciate you telling me this," she said. Her face remained neutral, and her voice remained calm, but the chill had left the blueness of her eyes. "I initially took the Gorge as retaliation, but since all the leadership from that time has passed and WindClan has remained good on their word since, I see no reason to keep that punishment. Since you have been honest, I will reward your honesty. You may keep the Gorge--as long as your warriors keep to their side of the border. Your apology is accepted; in the future, please remember that I am always willing to discuss things reasonably before resorting to claws." Her torn ear flicked once. This would not be worth an argument; the Gorge had little prey, it was mostly a symbol of pride. If Sootstorm was humbling himself, she could do the same and set her pride aside. "I am tempted to take you up on your offer and ask for something in return for RiverClan, but... I get the feeling that you have nothing to offer. For now, I will simply take your word that WindClan will not seek to harm my Clanmates, and that perhaps... we could open friendly avenues of discussion together in the future." Her alliance with SkyClan was dead, and even the ThunderClan alliance now stood on shaky ground with Mottlestar's death. Keeping the idea of a potential alliance with WindClan open would not hurt.

Perchstar nodded at the deputy's words, taking them in. To be asked honestly and treated with respect no matter the answer given... was that not how those in leadership were supposed to treat each other? How different would her life have been, if Bloodstar had shown her basic respect in the early moons of her leadership? None of the war would have happened. Mottlestar and therefore Birdstar would not have died. Perhaps even Beechfang could have lived, and turned over a new leaf if it was what she desired. Both leader and deputy could leave with an advantageous agreement, and with their pride intact. So, why... what had been different? How hard was it simply to speak the truth and humble yourself, however briefly?

"Thank you for coming to talk with me," the leader responded. "I much prefer genuine conversation to argument, when it can be at all avoided. If any RiverClan cats trespass, I would ask that you inform me similarly, so that we can keep these relations between us clear." She dipped her head in respect as he turned to go. "I will keep this in mind, in the future." The Gorge... very little prey could be found on the treacherous territory. It had only been a mark of pride that she kept it after WindClan had crossed the borders. Now that the leadership appeared to be reasonable, and if they were truly in such dire straits as Sootstorm confessed, then it would not do RiverClan much good to keep it. The trade of disadvantageous territory for the possibility of good relations was a victory. She would have to return home and inform Poppyshine of this development. Besides, talking about responsibility was far easier than remembering the other worries on her mind. With a flick of her tail, she turned to leave also.