THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT ☆ o, RETURN TO CAMP

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Hushed were the steps of the crowd as they made their way back towards Palmclan's camp, Rhinestone standing at the head of them. Their journey into and out of the boardwalk had hardly been a pleasant one, especially considering they had been temporarily trapped. However, Rhine happened to see the entire excursion as a net positive. For one thing, they now knew that the boardwalk was uninhabited by humans, and there was another entire group that had been living on the wooden structure. While they hadn't found the source of the rats yet, they were hopefully on the way there, and considering the news that their ranks were about to be bolstered... the tom couldn't help but be pleased. Even as exhaustion pulled at his every step forward, Rhine kept the crooked smile upon his muzzle, his pale eyes brightening as soon as he saw the sandy valley that made up the camp come into view. He'd never admit it to anyone, but he found himself speeding up a bit, charging back towards his home in excitement.

As soon as the rusty colored tom walked into camp, he could hear mutters of excitement run throughout the crowd, and many came rushing up to welcome he and the others back. However, their excitement turned to hesitation when they noticed the other group that was following, led by a massive feline, larger than any of the rest of them. Rhine smiled reassuringly at them, trying to calm their nerves even with the presence of Vass nearby. The leader knew that he had little time to chat and celebrate, at least for the moment. Offering a nod to those that had come to greet him, the male leaped up atop the meeting rock, claws digging in as he heaved himself upwards. Turning to face all those that were watching, Rhine called out passionately, "Palmclan! The adventuring party has returned safely, and I believe we have a lead on the source of the rats." He glanced towards Vass and the boardwalk group briefly, digging his claws against the cold stone beneath him before he continued, "Not only that, but we found new allies in our travels. Allies that led us out of the boardwalk, even after our way in had collapsed behind us." He noticed a few uneasy murmurs among the crowd, but for the most part, the warriors of Palmclan were just looking towards the boardwalk group with gratefulness in their eyes.

He glanced down briefly in thought, wondering if he should detail everything just yet. However, the exhaustion in his body answered for him, causing the world to spin the faintest bit around him. He grumbled to himself, closing his eyes briefly to push back the tired and dizziness. He then spoke to those around him, sighing, "I made a deal with these new allies, but I will outline the exact details of that deal tomorrow, when I have a meeting." He gestured to Vass, as well as those behind him, "For the time being, just know that Vass and his people are welcome here, and have been invaluable in their assistance." He'd tell everyone about the merger and the details of everything tomorrow, when his head was more clear. With a yawn, the tom leaped down from the meeting rock, taking a seat and wrapping his tail around his paws as he watched those around him reunite. He yearned to crawl into his den and just go to sleep now, but figured he should at least try to remain awake for now.

( set after the negotiations, obviously )

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan