shape in the snow 》 Alithís Evgenis visit

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

The merger between the boardwalk group and Palmclan had taken a toll on Rhine, for better or worse. On one paw, he knew that the event was great for all of them, and that the union would hopefully lead to plenty of prosperity in the future. Not only that, but it meant that the boardwalk was now part of their territory, opening up a large chunk of land that they had never even considered before. On the other paw, it meant a lot of work. Introducing the boardwalk creatures to Palmclan's traditions, getting them integrated into a group as a whole, making sure everyone knew what was going on... it was crazy, and Rhine knew that he would soon need to call a meeting. Just the thought of it made him wince, a yawn pulling his jaws forcibly apart as he walked, exhaustion gradually catching up to him. Once he had his next meeting, he would hopefully be able to sleep for a while, in order to recoup his schedule that had been decimated by getting trapped on the boardwalk in the first place. Palmclan couldn't afford to have a leader that was constantly on the brink of falling asleep where he stood, after all.

The leader let out a soft grunt as he pulled himself through the gaps in the bottom of the boardwalk, eventually pulling himself up through the hole that existed between several of the wooden planks. It was the path that Vass had shown them after the negotiations, and Rhine was grateful for it, since it meant they wouldn't need to clear out the area that had collapsed. Not yet, anyways. The current way in and out worked, but it was hardly ideal for those that were larger, which meant that the ramp would eventually need to be fixed. That was just yet another task to add to his list, a soft sigh falling from him as he thought of it, glancing at the buildings all around him. Several of the structures that already existed on the boardwalk would need to be spruced up sometime soon, so that they could serve as homes or shops or whatever else Palmclan needed them for. However, that wasn't exactly an urgent task, considering all of the different structures already had sturdy skeletons, and it was only really aesthetics that they were worried about. That was at least one thing that didn't need to be added to his list of things that very much need to be done very soon.

Already the scent of the boardwalk group and Palmclan had become to mingle, as more and more warriors and apprentices came to check out what the fuss was about. Rhine had no doubt that soon some would be choosing to take up residence on the wooden structure as a sort of second camp, and he couldn't say he wasn't tempted to as well. Unfortunately, he wasn't willing to give the go ahead on all of that until they made sure that the rat problem had been fully taken care of. Couldn't exactly have kits dashing around and playing when they were risking their lives to the conniving little beasts that lingered below. The thought made a shiver run up Rhine's spine, and he sped up his pace, moving fluidly throughout the rows of buildings. He had come to see how things were proceeding, and if the scent was anything to go by, they were going alright. Soon enough, there would be no such thing as the boardwalk land and Palmclan land. Once everything was settled, they would be just one unified clan, with new strength and life breathed into them. That alone was enough to make him smile, even through the tiredness that haunted his every action these days.

However, Rhine's peaceful walk around was soon interrupted by an unknown scent reaching him. Immediately he paused, unable to identify the smell as either distinctly of Palmclan, or distinctly of the boardwalk. With his entire body on edge, the tom made his way over to the source of it, eventually coming to where Bai Shi was, with Toadwhisker standing before them. Rhinestonestar tensed up at the sight of the dragon, confusion hitting him like a truck. The other sort of looked like Stormspine or Palejaw, but different. They seemed to float on the air, and that alone was enough to further worry him. However, it seemed as though Bai Shi was looking for him, and he wasn't about to just turn tail and run. Not when the other had something potentially important to discuss. After taking a moment to compose himself, the rusty colored feline approached with several long strides, clearing his throat, "Hello there. My name is Rhinestonestar, and I believe you're looking for me... this boardwalk is part of the territory of Palmclan. So I'd appreciate knowing your name, and what you came to speak about. I... I thank you for any gifts, too." This dragon had to be some kind of loner, right? Elders within Palmclan had always discussed the possibility of other groups, but it was always just that... discussion.

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

— Reggan