Quarter Moon Meeting [May 2024]

Sablestrike kept himself silent as the discussion began. Nettleweaver did have a point, but he would rot in the ground before he let that tom become an envoy for Shadowclan. He still lacked the maturity needed for such a task. Thankfully, Leopardstar shut down the idea. He found it hard to argue with the leader's logic. Thoughtful of consequences, mindful of internal wounds still healing. Would he be anything like that when he became leader, or would he keep his recklessness and forget about Leopardstar's teachings? Regardless, he would make sure Shadowclan thrived, even if it meant making decisions that would ruin it.

"Congratulations, Lilyvalley. I look forward to meeting your kits when they are brought into this world, and I want you to know that I will ensure their safety while they remain here." The deputy offered the twisted warrior a dip of his head. While they had lost plenty of clanmates, Shadowclan was still far from small and helpless. They didn't need to find friends in other clans just as they didn't need to buff their numbers with new litters, but that didn't mean it was any less welcomed. "As for potential friends, I agree that we should not reach out to any of the other clans at this moment. Our history with Windclan makes me hesitant to approach them, though I can't tell how much of that is because of my own personal bias, and offering aid to any of the others may have consequences we have yet to see. If push comes to shove however I believe Skyclan would be a good choice. Wolfstar is a very level-headed leader from what I remember. I'm sure if we come to her from a place of logic she would have no trouble accepting an alliance with us, though that would be a matter to discuss with the rest of our council, if the time comes."

"If I may," Sablestrike shot Heatherberry an apologetic glance. "I would like to suggest Sunflare. I believe he is wise enough to know right from wrong, and he has no problems with letting his opinion be heard. He may be young, but I see him as an experienced warrior, as well as a dedicated mentor. He would be a perfect fit for our council." Truthfully, Sablestrike wasn't sure Sunflare would be a good fit, though most of that opinion was due to their relationship. Regardless of that, Sunflare had proven himself time and time again to be an excellent mentor and warrior, even if he did let his mouth run from time to time.

Aside from that, Sablestrike wasn't too sure who else he should suggest. He had felt he knew so many of his clanmates, but when faced with potential new council members he had no idea who would fit. Quillsplash seemed like a viable candidate, but much of the warrior was still unknown to Sablestrike. Too many of his warriors were still so young, and those that weren't seemed too immature to serve. Aside from Rookfire, but he had a feeling the elderly tom wouldn't wish to join even if asked.

Heatherberry nodded as Sablestrike spoke up. "Silverhawk is my recommendation; though young, I feel he has much to offer. A voice for the younger generation and a wide range of experience in his short time as a warrior. And I agree with Sablestrike that Sunflare should also be considered; I've seen... Growth in him." Ever since the death of Tawnyshadow, Sunflare seemed to have mellowed out, no longer feeling like a high risk cat behavior wise. She hoped to be right.

There were few cats to choose from these days, some just returning to ShadowClan while others were learning at a slower pace. Badgermask had been thought of as well, but with Leopardstar and herself being family... It was best to keep the council as far from familial bias as possible.

Sunflare hesitated. This had been everything he’d wanted, once. As a younger cat, power had been his only goal. But now? Power had nearly destroyed him, cost him every relationship he could have had. No. He couldn’t have power. But he could have responsibility. Heatherberry vouched for his character. Sablestrike and Leopardstar both approved of him for once. Shakily, he stood up. “I accept,” he mewed. “But please, if at any time there is concern that I am not making wise choices or am no longer a good fit, don’t hesitate to tell me.”

Today was full of surprises. Had Lilypaw just agreed with him…? Amber eye graced over the she-cat, a scathing side eye of ever there was one. He’d hardly seen her making friend with that WindClan cat that time, and then she couldn’t even hold her own? If he wasn’t trying to constantly prove that he deserved, no, demanded to be respected by his peers, he would have snorted. Considering his lack of allies, every move he made in this game if “favourites” had to be the right one. That included being outwardly appalled with those he disliked, his own inner monologue was as poisonous as ever though. What made the white tom all the more annoyed, was that Lilypaw had actually made some almost decent points. Nettleweaver’s idea, or plan, then began to gain more support, Sunflare and Quillsplash amongst them. It was heartwarming to feel valued for a moment. His hardwork was paying off, right in Leopardstar’s face. The debating that ensued was welcome too, hearing the words spoken aloud gave him more perspective on their prospects, and those they should ignore. His whiskers twitched, about to add his own comment when Leopardstar cut their plotting short.

Once again, the bob-tailed warrior fought hard to contain his resentment for the ShadowClan leader. His mouth remained firmly closed, while his teeth grit together. When her cold gaze slid to him, he knew the words she said next were meant for him. It was insulting, all of it, like death berries wrapped in a blossom. Perhaps if she spent less time atop her perch relishing in the power she kept so guarded, Leopardstar would see Nettleweaver for all that he was. He wondered how many friends she had in other clans, or outside of the clans, he had several. More than he had in his own home, and they certainly weren’t shy about letting him on their secrets. Leopardstar’s opinion of him was so low that she thought he was tactless in his pursuit of friendship and secrets. What did he expect though? A cat as reclusive as the she-cat that now held his gaze probably wouldn’t understand these intricacies. Regardless of her instructions he would continue on his own path, they would all be wrong. Nettleweaver’s mouth curved up into a smile. “If your mind ever changes, Leopardstar, I am still happy to visit the other clans.” he mewed, his tone even and calm. He stepped back, head turning now to rest both his eyes on Lilypaw “Congrats, by the way.” His smiled widened a little, and then he sat back down. He was mature and sensible, and now everyone had seen that. He would get what he deserved.

Now that his plan had been shut down, he hoped the meeting would end so he could throw a tantrum in private. Unfortunately, that blessing alluded him at the fault of Quillsplash and Heatherberry. He liked them two, why did they have to be the cause of his suffering today? Quillsplash especially, did he really have to mention the rogue increase? It was so hard to find fun around here. Heatherberry’s query was a lot more enticing. He’d volunteer himself, he could be fair and he also wasn’t anybody’s pawn. This meeting clearly showed that his opinion differed from Leopardstar’s, but no one called him forth. Which Nettleweaver had come to expect, and he wasn’t going to volunteer himself, he just had to keep on waiting, as boring as that was. It was a consolation that Silverhawk was chosen. At least he had one certain ally on that council, with his help Silverhawk could fix everything wrong with ShadowClan. He was even open to guiding Sunflare in the right direction, the older tom’s agreement in his suggestion was hopefully a sign of friendship on the horizon.