a proposal [night] [plot thread]

[` `shadsywadsy.]

Come let the, revolution takes its toll
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the, fat cats had a heart attack
You know that, their time's coming to an end
We have to, unify and watch our flag ascend

The sun was warm on the toms back. His pelt, which had a raven hue, soaked up all the heat and didn't let any out. It was trapped inside his body, making his insides boil. This would drive most cats mad, but he thought of it as more of a blessing. It was a great thing to have in the winter, and the only draw back was the hot summer months that plagued this area. But as he walked across Windclan territory, it was worse than when he was in the shady forest that shrouded his little cottage just outside of town. His skin crawled under his pelt, and not just his muscles rippling from the pace he was walking at. Just when he thought he would have to stop for a drink of water somewhere, a cloud covered up the sun's terrible rays and gave him reprieve. He let out an audible sigh and continued trekking onward toward Windclan camp.

He was on a mission, and he wouldn't let anyone stop him. It was written all over his face and the way he walked. He was not a large tom, but he wasn't small either. His broad shoulders and large paws had hidden power as well as speed. His size didn't inhibit how quick his movements were. Though he couldn't outrun a Windclan cat or out match a Shadowclanner in strength, he had enough of both to defeat most opponents that crossed his path. He was a machine built for killing, and he had the scars to prove it on his heart. He never chose to elbe the monster his father made.

The tall blades of grass hid his body but not his head, allowing him to see the slate gray she-cat heading toward him with incredible speed. She skidded to a halt right in front of him, and looked up and down. But a smile lifted her face, and he could tell she instantly trusted the tom. Hey there darlin, what are ya doin on these parts?

He smiled at her distinct accent and sweet composure. She held herself with poise and elegance, but she was not one who had fun very often. Such a shame, too. Her naive spirit would be such fun to toy with. I'm here to speak with your leader on account of some... business. Would you be kind enough to lead me to your camp? His voice, deep and smooth, tended to addict cats. They always wanted more, more words to hang in the air and taste. Like were chocolate, sweet and charismatic. Azrael had an uncanny ability to make cats trust him, even the skeptical ones. But he also had the uncanny ability to make enemies. Lets get one thing straight, he is not the perfect tom.

The she-cat nodded and told him her name was Shadedfeather. An interesting name, not one you often heard of. He gave her his name as well, but she said nothing. She turned and motioned with her tail for him to follow, but didn't speak much other than that. Though she trusted him, as he could only assume she trusted all cats, she was a very serious soul. She obviously was very strict and stubborn. He wasn't fond of cats like her. They bored him, and he got bored very easy. And when he got bored, he tended to play around a little. And though he would never harm a she-cat, his father had instilled a playful side to him, one that manipulated and toyed and loved mind games. His intelligence would be his downfall, he knew. As would his insecurities.

When they reached the camp, Azrael couldn't help but to notice how sickly some looked. They must be infected, because no cat could look like that and be healthy. She led him to a den which he could only assume was Lionmask's. Yes, he did keep up with clan business. In fact, he was at the gathering, hiding in the shadows, listening to every word that was said. That was part of the reason he was here. That and Tinsel had convinced him. Why did he even listen to that chattery tom? This was a horrible plan. Horrible. Yet here he was, going through with it because he was a good friend. And this was what his deputy wanted.

She motioned for him to wait and he sat down as she disappeared into the den. He could feel the eyes of all the warriors upon him, watching him with claws unsheathed. Honestly? He was one cat. What harm could one cat do to twenty? None. Exactly. Then again, they were rabies infected cats, so he could only guess they were paranoid. And he didn't really blame them. He swiveled his ears and caught what she was saying to her leader. Lionmask, there'd be a rogue here who calls hisself Azrael. He said he had some business to discuss with ya, and he be only one cat, so i figured it was okay to let him in. He seems friendly.

The tom smiled at her words as he waited for them to reappear. He curled his tail around his sheathed paws, trying to look as harmless as he possibly could. After all, he wanted to strength Windclan, not bring them down. His emotionless gray eyes scanned the warriors that gathered about and apprentices as well. His ebony ears analyzed the hushed whispers. Though they were inaudible and the warrior's gazes harmless, he needed their support for later. He smiled at them, and gently flicked his tail in a greeting. He hoped this worked.

A Z R A E L

[ooc: Shadedfeather is mine, but feel free to make her do things if you need her too. Such as say something, or anything. Idk.]

[~Nighthunter~]

Lionmask - Borderline...~

Unusually so this big fellow was taught rigid in a dreamless slumber upon his nest. So little had sleep allowed him an embrace, that during the few times he was felt its craddle it was a welcoming relief. Wear and tear on his body, mostly mental about how he would devise a way to save Windclan was the most tasking thing he had ever endevored to try and mend. It would be better that he face an enemy he could fight, but this he was not able to do. His warriors were not strong like they should be, and though he encouraged there hope everyday, he could not help but harbor doubts about the predicament they were in. No leader with half a brain would be able to ignore that the clan was struggling.

Now he was for mere moments not thinking of such things, as scandelous as it was, for his dreamless state wouldn't allow him grief. Even in his sleep Lionmask was not allowed the solace of bearing the pain of them. A cry slurred his delirous lack of dreaming, and slowly brought back the focus of the world. With it his icy blue eyes flew open, and took in the familiarity of his den. It registered to him, that he was aware of the troubles again, and welcomed them. It didn't feel right that he should be allowed an escape in slumber, that wasn't his ease to curl in. It was his duty to answer to his clan, and he heard the cry of Shadedfeather calling for him to answer.Lionmask, there'd be a rogue here who calls hisself Azrael. He said he had some business to discuss with ya, and he be only one cat, so i figured it was okay to let him in. He seems friendly.[/u] One cat or no, he had wished that Shadedfeather had used more caution. Surely this tom was aware of the extent of Windclan's suffering having been into the camp. That was a dangerous dose of reality if he got away to use it against Windclan. Rogues were not all bad, his uncle and aunt being among them. That did not excuse the fact that most of them held no allegiance to a clan. He didn't see any reason why this tom should wish to start with Windclan.

Still it would not bode well to sit in the darkness all this time and not give them the desired audience, he needed to face the shocking reality of Windclan again, he needed to make them strong... somehow. Stepping out from his den, his eyes adjusted into tight slits accomodating the light. His burly face was frazzled from his sleep, his mane of fur bunched up giving him a fuller form. His eyes measured the cat before him, a medium sized all black tom, with a body language that showed peace, but he doubted that alterior motives were not present they rarely weren't these days. Standing tall and though not arrogantly displaying himself, he stretched his muscles releiving the sleep from them. Narrowing his eyes on the Rogue, Azrael, as he had been named, he wondered why again that this tom would come to Windclan. Perhaps he was a lost fool, that seemed simple enough. Not looking to shadedfeather, he spoke." Be that as it may Shadedfeather, why would a rogue seek out our clan? Did you not see fit to ask this before bringing him here? Why are you here, this is not your home, and you may not find a welcome stay here should it be seeking trouble." Lionmask was trying to figure this cat out, it was not normal chancing upon strays in the wind like this, it was sure to bring about something of substance he was sure of it.

[` `shadsywadsy.]

Come let the, revolution takes its toll
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the, fat cats had a heart attack
You know that, their time's coming to an end
We have to, unify and watch our flag ascend

When the leader manifested himself, it would be understatement to say he was surprised. Yes, he saw the leader at the gathering, but this was different, he was up close. His wild fur, an obvious sign that the leader had been sleeping, made him seem bigger, more intimidating. He towered over Azrael, his long legs giving him the height the rogue lacked. His analyzing eyes scoured the rogue. But it didn't faze him. He withstood Lionmask's eyes, gleaming under the scrutinizing gaze. As the leader spoke, the rogue listened, watching the way he addressed Shadedfeather but didn't look at her. He didn't take his eyes of Azrael, and that told Az all he needed to know about Lionmask. Shaded took her leave, noticing that she was no longer wanted.

Azrael placed a smile on his face, taking a step towards the leader. He needed his trust, his alliance. He needed to play on his duty to his clan, but not right away. Azrael was never one for being blunt. He liked being subtle and patient. With a flick if his tail he looked up to the Windclan leader, laughing slightly at his comment on him seeking trouble, mostly because he was the one seeking to get him out of trouble he was in. And the fact that Tinsel was pushing him to do so.

Please, call me Az. And don't you fret, Lionmask, im not here to escape trouble If his gray eyes weren't so emotionless, there would've been a special sparkle in them. But the smile on his face said it all. There was more to his words, he just liked playing around a little, letting tension and questions pile in the minds of those who were listening. He looked around, glancing at all the warriors that were still around, watching. They were liabilities, he couldn't risk word getting out about his plans. His drew his gaze back to the majestic leader, pretending to uncomfortably shift on his paws. Perhaps, Lionmask, it would be better if we spoke in private, where eyes and ears cannot hear the proposal im going to offer. His charming smile and deep, smooth voice floated in the air. He needed the leaders trust. He needed to be likeable, and secrets dont make friends.

A Z R A E L

[~Nighthunter~]

Lionmask - Borderline...~

Now presiding over the group gathered to witness this outsider, he watched the black tom intently. His purpose and intentions on his land were his main concern, or should have been his main concern. Right now it was starting to become protecting the clan's image more then its land at the moment. Posturing was one thing he never liked having to do, he was a strong brutish cunning warrior and never pretended to be otherwise. Pretending Windclan wasn't in dire straights would not help the matter, information must not leak out more then he let it.

Ironically Azrael smiled at him, as if he didn't realize alot of warriors that grew more and more desperate by the day were not surrounding him. Lionmask knew well that most of them were thinking of chasing him away the instant he stepped into the camp. It was pure chance that Shadedfeather of all warriors had stumbled upon him, a proper patrol would have run him out most likely. Maybe he was being to skeptical, and his life as of late had probably made him more hesitant to trust. It was a possibility, still he would not relish in this cat being here, not now.

What irritated him was that he had stepped forward, Lionmask liked him where he had been, he was not given freedom to move about the camp, and that meant even a paw step out of place. Harsh yes, but he was not in the mood for taking chances. The laughter drove the annoyance home though, and he blinked once, this being as much as he would allow himself to show his irritation, trying to keep as composed a look as possible. He hated politics and this was no exception.

His words spoke of him not being the trouble, but his gestures spoke otherwise. His mentor had trained him to watch for such cats, those that spoke one thing and ment something completly diffrent by there actions or in hidden meanings. He had no patience for games, and truthfully never really had. Azrael had looked at his warriors, most not very freindly looking, his mother among them, who was definatly not looking at him fondly, and he had held his ground until he shifted his gaze back to Lionmask. Now either the reality of how tipsy his situation was is starting to take hold, or he is afraid of me more then a dozen or more warriors at his heels. Somehow I find this suspicious, my mother is more terrifying then me by far... or maybe thats just me.

Then he spoke in what he supposed was a more alluring tone, it sounded diffrent in pitch from his other words, so he guessed it was meant to be more open or something. Diplomacy not really his strong suite he stuck to words spoken in plain verse, if he read a base emotion from them then he was able to understand it, but charm was what tom cats used for the ladies, not for a leader. So it didn't really dawn on him that he was trying to butter him up. " Don't you think I might be the last to fret in my own home, you on the other hand I should think not." He let that sink in, hopefully spelling out that he was not in the mood. Having been woken up, even from a guilty slumber, was still waking up a feircely overstressed and tired Lionmask, it was easy to annoy him at this point. " What you have to say may be said in front of my clan, you have not given me reason as to why it should be private, nor has your traversing on our territory been a priviledge granted to you. Why should I hear you out?" If this tom wanted to prove himself through his words now was the time to do so. Lionmask would hear him out, and perhaps in private but it depended on his next words.

[` `shadsywadsy.]

Come let the, revolution takes its toll
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the, fat cats had a heart attack
You know that, their time's coming to an end
We have to, unify and watch our flag ascend

Azrael was the complete opposite of the leader who was obviously struggling to keep his composure. Az had spent 15 moons of his life with a tom who hid his emotions, he learned the signs. He saw the irritation growing inside of the leader and the antsy paws of his warriors. Still, his claws were kept sheathed and never once did he show that he was scared. Mostly because be wasn't. He had nothing to lose. Everything was on the table, and it wasn't like he would leave behind an incapable group. They would come at Windclan with the full power of revenge burning in their eyes if he died at their paws. He would be avenged, and everything would be fine. He wasn't scared of a bunch of diseased warriors.

And that was exactly what he wanted to tell Lionmask, too, when he said that he wanted Azrael to speak out in the open. He wanted to sigh, but wouldn't let it show. He couldn't. He had to act calm, to act like his plan wasn't just out at a complete risk. Perhaps he should've sent Pixy here, she was much more innocent looking than he was. Mostly because she was. The poor thing. She was caught up in the wrong crowd. He glanced around again, noticing the hated glares he was getting. He needed to win them over, he needed to throw everything out the window and be him. He needed to not hide behind fancy words and eloquent rhetoric. He may have been good at politics, but he could tell when they weren't getting him anywhere.

The question was, what stragety would work best on this tom. He was all about image, Azrael could tell that by the way he was irritated that Shaded brought him into camp, because camp was where the disease could plainly seen. He could tell the tom wanted to appear strong when stress was wearing on his weary bones. So telling him his clan needed him may not work. Insulting his clan definitely would not work. He had to choose his words carefully, and speak plainly. And so he looked back to Lionmask, once more. He was not prepared for this, but it didn't show on his face.

His charming smile was still hanging on his face. He was not a monster, and he wished Lionmask could see that. He really did want to help Windclan. He always had a thing for helping the underdog. Perhaps that's why he chose Windclan. He could've chosen any clan, but Windclan seemed like the weakest, and he was always one to make the weak strong. That's why so many liked him. He never once preyed on the weak. He always went for the strong, to bring then down. He hated arrogance more than anything.

Very well, Lionmask. He found it strange that the tom didn't ask how he knew his name. Of course, Azrael knew everything about the clans, and the leader had two very chatty warriors that were happy to tell him. I come to offer my help. He looked Lionmask in the eye, never once moving his gaze. His smile faded and his voice, which was always deep and smooth, seemed slightly lighter. I am a very involved rogue, I love snooping about in clan business. And see, I happened to notice that your clan is alot weaker than you like to put on He paused, his gaze unwavering. He took in a breath, hoping his words were the right ones. And I also couldn't help to notice how Wolfstrike's warriors are getting, well, greedy. He knew Lionmask would never believe that Wolfstrike himself would want to harm Windclan, but his warriors would be more believable. You think that you announcing disease in Windclan at the gathering didn't stir up talk? Because it did Lionmask. Whispers all over Thunderclan and Riverclan can be heard, and I can assure you aren't strong enough to take on two clans if they came at you.

He paused, letting his words soak into Lionmask's mind. He let his gaze drift around, seeming to be aimless, but really he was taking a quick glance at the warriors faces. He looked back to Lionmask and continued, I happen to have a group of rogues willing to do whatever I command. They also happen to wonderful fighters. And so, that is my offer Lionmask. To be your secret weapon, your failsafe in case something goes wrong and you happen to need help in a battle. In exchange, I wish to have permission to stay on your territory. My soldiers will bring what prey we do not eat for you to have, and they will not harm you in anyway. He promised that. Windclan would not get hurt. Not be him.

Now, I know you're probably thinking, why should I trust this tom? You do not know me, Lionmask, but I am an honorable cat. I always keep my word. If I meant harm to your clan, I could've by now. But I didn't. I came alone, my group miles away from here. I promise to protect you Lionmask, and in always follow my promises. He sat down at the end of this sentence, signaling an end to his words. He could only hope they were the right ones.

A Z R A E L

[~Nighthunter~]

Lionmask - Borderline...~

While awaiting his response to his retort of a sorts, he tried to craddle his growing irriatation. This was not the time for him to lose his head, not like he was ever really allowed to rely on fury these days. Claw it seemed was not as strongly used at the moment between the clans. Policies were different then before, with the warrior code driving everything yet the lost souls of the ancestors hearing nothing. It would have been different he was sure, if the starry wiser cats, those that had lived and made mistakes could give them advice. Some had been in his paws before, and guidence he sorely needed. Wisdom dictated that he should listen then to the tom that happened upon Windclan territory, but trusting outsiders in clan matters was not something Windclan normally took to without cause. Just because they were burdened with the disease, he didn't want his clan to feel like they couldn't depend in his leadership, nor there own abilities to sustain themselves. Maybe it was a little prudent, but he knew that conflict was never won unless faced by those suffering it. Should he leave that up to those not in his clan? Was it irresponsible to share the burden, and what of this Azrael, would he fight over leading.

Lionmask wished that he could converse with his mentor and father again, to share there wisdom and knowledge once more. They had guided him in his younger years before now, and he wondered if they would know what to do in his stead. Was it wrong for a leader to ask for help, to rely on it if it truly would bolster Windclan? In reality he loathed asking, and that was what had kept him from asking for help from the other leaders at the gathering. Granted he had dutifully warned them of the danger, but he would not ask for help unless he had no other option, for he knew that the other leaders would capitalize on him in the future. Setting his icy eyes on the black wanderer before him, he wondered if asking them wouldn't have been better.

It wasn't like he had blatantly told him to bugger off, but it had crossed his mind. Though he was interested in hearing what this tom had so boldly come to tell him. What kind of proposition would a cat be willing to die for? That smile was really starting to bother him. Its not like Lionmask could sense any malice or ill intent from Azrael, its just something wasn't right about all this. When he openly admitted to snooping in the clans bussiness he scowled visibly and adjusted his stance to listen more intently. He held his gaze unflinching, not giving him an inch, no matter what he said. Its not like his clan's weakness was any surprise to him. It just wasn't somthing he tended to openly tell them all, how dire the situation was. It nagged at him all the time though, and he listened now to the tom, his suspicions never dimming even as he spoke.

When he brought up Wolfstrike, it took him by surprise. Out of all the remaining leaders, Wolfstriek was honorable at least. Thunderclan did have complications with Windclan before, and had gone against them. The prickly orange tom could believe that some warriors might harbor dark memories of those battles and conflicts. Lionmask also knew that just because you were a leader did not mean that your clan would follow your every word, he did not want to hold Wolfstrike and Thunderclan responsible unless he had proof of this greed. His next words set his mind realing. No he was not so foolish as to think his words had been harmless, but they had to be spoken, he was honorable enough to think of the posibility of casualties from all fronts not just his own, it wouldn't have been right for him to keep them oblivious to the danger.

The possiblity of war was not what he had intended from his admission at the gathering, though he supposed it was possible. Hailstorm he would suspect to be more capable of such acts, and maybe Gravesky. Such things were always a threat to clan life, but it wasn't something he should be overly concerned with normally unless called for. With recent events however Lionmask was starting to get the gist of why this peculiar tom was here, and what he was proposing.

With more interest now, he weighed what he had been told so far, an army of rogues at his disposal. It seemed more likely that they would do whatever they wished once they had been peacefully allowed to scour his home. This was not simply an alliance he was offering, no this was a means to an end should something happen. What bothered him most was the "what if "factor. Should the other clans keep to themselves then what? The rogues once able to flourish on his land might not wish to leave it. It seemed to him that this was some clever take over scheme.

Instead of speaking, he waited, intent on hearing the last of it. How much credibility Azrael deserved was still up for debate, but the threat behind this deal was not something he had missed. Should something come to harm the tom, then his helping group would decend upon them and exact revenge. Not that it concerned him much, because they would not be hurting him. Coming to them alone was brave, and his plea for admission and to act only as a claw to the clan was very tempting. Now he needed to deliberate, it wasn't everday such an intriguing propostion was dropped in front of him. " If you keep to yourself you have no fear from my clan, so your talk of revenge falls short, for we will not harm you. Still you are very bold to bring such news before us. You say you seek to help Windclan because we are weak, yet know that I would, rightly so not trust your words. If what you say is true, why not crush us? Why help a clan that in your eyes you could eliminate, more so since as you say the other clans might compromise against us anyway?"

He could see that Azrael appeared to have his motives straight, but Lionmask still was unsure of what he should do. He had said that Azrael was making a bold move, yet it as really his move to make, and if he made it in favor of the visitor then it would be bold to say the least. He did not expect to trust him in a single talk such as this, nor with the preasure that came with it, but it was matters like this that lay the foundations for either great friendship or terrible hardship, he needed to be mindful and warry.

[` `shadsywadsy.]

Come let the, revolution takes its toll
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the, fat cats had a heart attack
You know that, their time's coming to an end
We have to, unify and watch our flag ascend

The tom called him bold. Bold, as if he had audacity. Which, perhaps he did, walking into hostile territory with nothing but his claws, were which still safely sheathed inside his paws. Perhaps his move, to some, would be considered bold. But considering the state of Windclan, if they did attack, all he would have to do was run and find a better place to defend. He might not be able to run as fast as a healthy Windclanner, but the poor things were starving. He could see it on their faces, on Lionmask's face. It was written in big bold letters to anyone who had seen the face before. And having lived in the city, he had seen that face many times. Many times.

The question the leader asked was a normal one, one he would've been asking himself. Of course, he already knew the answer. It just wasn't his style. He just didn't enjoy being brutal, or savage. He didn't like giving into the classic rogue stereotype. He liked justice, and smashing Windclan wouldn't be justified, it'd be dishonorable of him to do so. Of course, he couldn't just outright tell Lionmask that, he wouldn't believe him. No one in their right mind would. He looked intimidating, well off, perfectly capable of letting his army terrorize the disease infested clan. But he wouldn't. Not now at least. Not now. At the mentioning of his motive, however, a memory couldn't help but flash before his eyes.

He decided to tell the leader, perhaps gain his trust. The smile disappeared from his face. I was raised by my father, who ripped me from my mothers claws when I was about 10 moons old. He taught me the way of life in the city, but he was cruel. He told me to do horrible things, things im not proud of. He lost eye contact with the leader, pausing to look at his paws and remember the things he had done, been forced to do. He swallowed hard, swallowing the pain down. He had a mission. He had to stay focused. He looked back up, once again making eye contact. I didn't used to be a strong cat like I am now. I used to be weak, and picked on by my father. He used to order me, and abuse me. I know what its like to be tortured by strong, cruel cats. And I would wish that on no one. He paused, letting his story sink in. He could've made something up, but he was telling the truth. He had nothing to lose. Nothing to gain by lying.

He looked to the leader, his emotionless, gray eyes locking with Lionmask's. His smile was still no where to be seen, but it slowly began creeping up on the corners of his maw. Let's just say I've always had a thing for the underdog.

A Z R A E L

[~Nighthunter~]

Lionmask - The world has turned...~

Intuitive and piercing eyes now watched with a calm embrace while the non-warrior made his move next. Lionmask never liked making promises he didn't intend to keep, it wasn't honorable, and he had no intention of breaking that streak now. If he swore that the clan would not attack Azrael, then it would be so, and he would punish his own if they disobeyed his direct and precise order after he gave it in this sort of circumstance. Without a doubt he knew he could trust them, and knew that they would only turn against such instructions should danger present itself.

Thinking to occupy the moment while he awaited a response, he wondered if that was what was wrong with Windclan. It seemed preposturous that anything should be tangibly wrong with the clan, but maybe it was because they flushed out the problems that arose and never really attacked them first without provocation all that much. Not that it had never been done, but rarely, and not yet under his guidence at least. Maybe being careful was what had gotten them into this mess. Would the ancestors let them be torn apart by anything other then within the clan itself?

Pondering this, he watched as Azrael seemed to sort through his words, all the same it was probably for the best that he chose what he would say now with care. Lionmask felt himself sharpen into a more alerted state, not so much noticibly, but he felt he should be more awares less the group that had been spoken of come rushing to his deffence should he refuse this bargain after all this talk. Lionmask shielded his interest as best he could once the story that the shaded tom had to share was started. It was a bleak tale to be true, and Lionmask felt himself wondering why this tom had not simply left his father's side. Ten moons was young sure, but being stuck with that at such an age where he should know to hunt proper for himself, he should have left. Blinking he restrained such thoughts, and shifted his focus again back to the current issue, he knew that this tale could be a lie, a carefully drawn out dramatic scene created to ensnare his attention and sympathies. If that was the case, then the disconnect of eye contact and the visible unease that he knew was not fake, made him think that perhaps the story was true after all.

At the mentioning of cruel enforcing the weak, his ruffled fur flayed out slightly. Not on his watch would Windclan suffer such a fate, but they did need help and though he loathe to admit it, he would be a fool not to at least try this all out. Somehow he guessed that once he wet his paws here that he might just slip and sink into something he wouldn't be able to pull Windclan out of in the end. Was it worth it? Did he have the right to make such a gamble?

This maddening choice was all his now to play around with. Risk the clan by allowing the alliance, or risk it by striking out as they had been alone. So far alone they were not fairing well, managable, but not quite so enough for him to not take his options into consideration. Standing in front of them all, and clearly in charge, he wondered if he had the right to make such a claim as to allowing the very course of the way of life in Windclan to huddle together and allow entrance to a bunch of rogues. Rogues no doubt that would not be held accountable to the code. What if they got out of line, and one of Windclan were hurt or worse? What then would this lithe night caped tom do to handle it, because he would hold him accountable for it.

This was a serious matter, and though maybe he at least wasn't as suspicious as to this cat in particular, cats seemed to act differently once in groups. Maybe one or two would get out of line, and cause a rift, Lionmask knew if that were to happen that his clan were not strong enough to take them on now. Worrying that far ahead when nothing present was settled yet, seemed pointless but he couldn't help but wonder of the future.

Focusing again on his visitor, he decided to set out a proposal of his own in a way. " Suppose I agree to this, where would you stay and what would you be seeking rights to. Surely there would be some sort of system you have preplanned for all of this, since you came here with this proposal in the first place. I would hear of how you discipline, and your accomodating intentions. Perhaps I will cater to this whim of yours once I know all its odds and ends. Underdog is only a feeling of monumental shifting, its how you chose to view yourself in my opinon, but it holds water for now." Shrugging his shoulders noncommitally, he looked at ease, but waited to hear more, nearly satisfied, but not content.

[` `shadsywadsy.]

Come let the, revolution takes its toll
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the, fat cats had a heart attack
You know that, their time's coming to an end
We have to, unify and watch our flag ascend

Azrael watched as the Windclan leader seemed to ponder his offer. He couldn't tell which way he was leaning just by looking at him, but that was just fine. He liked waiting, he enjoyed the suspense. Relished in it even. He was a patient tom, never minding the essence of waiting. He liked to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Most cats would have liked an answer and been gone, but Az was not so easily shooed away. He would most likely stay in the clans for a while after he left here, it wasn't often he got to spend time here after all. Tinsel and Ky always got mad at him for traveling alone. KY especially. The massive brute was always telling him to be more careful, as if he couldn't handle himself.

He listened to concerned leader, who he was sure was only a shove away from saying yes. He was asking things Az himself would ask if he was in his position. Then again, Az would let anyone into his camp, occupy his space as long as they helped in the long run. He wouldn't allow parasites to slither in, but anything short why the hell not. That's where he differed from the tall leader in front of him. Then again, he differed from alot of cats. His mother always used to tell him that. That he was different from everyone in the world because he had something they didn't. "What momma, what do I have?" He would eagerly ask, thinking she would say the sharpest claws or the best looks. But she would simply answer "My love." and he'd roll his eyes and puff at her, but now that he was older he wished he had appreciated it more.

I was thinking we could stay up on the lookout plateau, but of course its wherever you see best to put us. He was still a little somber from his early thoughts, so his voice was very matter-of-the fact. And as for discipline, I so far have not had any problems with my soldiers, but if need be, I will take the appropriate measures. They will be instructed that all Windclan warriors are off limits, no mating, no hurting. I assure you my fury will bore down on them if they disobey. Of course, Lionmask had never seen what Az's fury looked like, but it wasn't pretty. He didn't often get angry, but disobedience and lying to him was the quickest way to see it. He had once knocked a cat unconscious and strung him from a powerline for lying to him. I am a honorable tom, Lionmask. I would not go back on my word. I would die before I did. He gazed into the leaders eyes, attempting to convey the seriousness of his words. He was telling the truth, he would not allow his soldiers to harm Windclan's. Tinsel, however, might. But what Lionmask didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

But as long as they were discussing being honorable and just leaders, Az wondered what Lionmask would say to the other leaders. He didn't seem like the type to double cross him unless Az did so first, which of course he wouldn't. But he didn't want the other leaders knowing about his presence on the clans. They may or may not take too kindly to that, and team up. One clan, yes he could take on that, easy no problem. But two, or three? He probably couldn't defeat that all at once. One clan at a time, he needed that. He needed the element of surprise. And if Lionmask went blabbing his mouth at the next gathering, that would diminish his hope. Also, as part of agreement, I would appreciate if you kept this alliance a secret. What good is a wild card if everyone knows you have it? He smiled at the end of his sentence, hoping the leader would agree.

A Z R A E L