shape in the snow 》 Alithís Evgenis visit

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Relief flooded through Rhine's form as Bai Shi accepted the offered deal, a smile curling upon the leader's muzzle, carefree and pleased. Even if the dragon had seemed more than reasonable, there was always a chance that they would reject the offered help, leaving the two groups at square one with each other. Rhinestone was grateful that hadn't happened, however, and found himself purring warmly, "I'm glad to hear that you'd be receptive to our help. Feel free to call upon us when we're needed, and we'll be happy to help fight back against those invading your lands." He was painfully aware of the fact that Toadwhisker was nearby, no doubt amused by Rhine's efforts to be respectful and diplomatic, but the tom needed to push through. He wouldn't allow his brother to embarrass him in some childish way – they weren't kits anymore, after all. Shoving Toad from his mind for the moment, the rust colored feline found himself nodding at Bai Shi's kind suggestion. An exchange of goods every month or so? Rhine was unsure of how much Palmclan would have to offer, but considering they had an entirely new boardwalk at their paws to explore and loot... it didn't seem like a bad idea. He found himself nodding enthusiastically before he meowed, "That would be more than alright with me. We have plenty of places for trading or exchanging news, so an exchange of goods and information each month would be good... not just good, actually. Extremely useful." An alliance where they kept each other updated, and safe. That certainly sounded perfect to him.

When Toadwhisker finally spoke up again, Rhinestone found his ears perking with interest, his pale gaze flicking over to take his brother in. Toad had certainly seemed interested in the conversation that was going on, especially when it came to holding back laughter at his brother, but to hear the other actually get involved... it was surprising. Not a bad surprising, however. Rhine was glad that Toadwhisker was actually getting involved in clan politics, albeit on a slightly smaller level. Of course, when Toad expressed why he was getting involved, the tom found his chest tightening slightly. Logically, he knew that Toad volunteering to be part of the envoy wasn't a bad thing. However, the leader's emotional brain was more focused on the fact that Toad was trying to get away from Palmclan, again. Was he still not happy? Were they not enough for him? Shoving these emotions down for the moment – he didn't want to break down in front of Bai Shi – Rhine just muttered a bit stiffly, "It's... it's fine with me, if you're part of the envoy. I mean, I'm sure it will be a very interesting opportunity, to see the lands of another group, and maybe learn about them." Rhinestone then dug his claws deep down into the earth, resisting the urge to add on that's fine, as long as you don't leave us again.

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

— Reggan