sea's siren song ☆ joiner

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

The approach of Foamkit was wholly unsurprising, although Rhinestone did find a soft sigh working its way up from his throat at the fact that the boy was out of camp once again. He knew it was basically useless to try and scold the other, considering he had heard the same half-formed excuses over and over again. This was one thing that Rhine would rather have the child's caretaker deal with, considering he knew her to be a great deal more intimidating than he was – at least to Foamkit. Still, hearing the child address Fait as a friend caused a soft mrow of laughter to leave him, a smile upon his muzzle as he spoke, "Friendly as always, aren't we Foamkit? I suppose you'll have to help me show her to camp, then." The look on Fait's face obviously revealed that she was struggling somewhat, but it did seem as though she knew their language, albeit very loosely. It sort of reminded him of Foam's grip on the English language thus far, although Fait was obviously older, and probably just more familiar with another common tongue. That might've confused him long ago, but after learning of the other groups that lived around... it didn't seem so farfetched.

Bird. The nickname was certainly a strange one, but it was one that would be easy to remember, at the very least. Letting another reassuring smile come to his muzzle, Rhine dipped his head before he spoke, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bird... sorry if it's difficult for you to understand this language. If it's more simple, you can just refer to me as Rhine." His own nickname was far shorter than his full warrior name, and also just generally easier to say. It wasn't as if Rhinestone was a real stickler for titles or anything like that, so it was easier to just tell Bird that she could call him that, regardless of if it was a nickname usually reserved for friends. The leader then blinked himself free from these thoughts when he heard Fait's soft and questioning tone, his eyes lighting up when he saw Foamkit winding in and out of her legs. He was obviously pleased, and Rhine couldn't help the chuckle that left him. He nodded his head firmly, making sure his voice was just as firm as he spoke, "Safe. You're safe here. As is he." He gestured a paw towards Foam, trying to make it clear he wasn't reprimanding her.

Unfortunately, it seemed as though the peaceful conversation wasn't meant to last. When Hauntingdreams approached, Rhinestone initially brightened, about to introduce the warrior, only for the other tom to correct Foam before turning towards him. Rhine immediately felt his ears pin back, and a sense of frustration run through him as he heard Haunting. Obviously the other's fears weren't ridiculous, but... Bird wasn't even doing anything. She was soaked and clearly afraid, barely capable of speaking their language, let alone plotting... Rhinestonestar soon found himself shaking his head from side to side, a soft hiss leaving him, "Haunting... we know that there are other groups around, but look at her. She's miserable, and clearly lost and confused, and she barely knows how to talk with us. She needs our help, and I really don't think she's acting just so that she can sneak in, or whatever else it is you're worried about. I don't know about you, but I hardly think Palmclan was a group founded on turning away those in need." Perhaps his words were a little harsh, but Bird really did seem as though she just needed help. If she was lying, then she was extremely good at it, and it wasn't as if they had the power to find that out, at least not now.

It was only a moment before the caracal spoke again, causing Rhine to raise his head in surprise. She seemed to be repeating Foam and Haunting, and the rust colored tom felt a grin come to his face when he heard her words. He nodded his head eagerly, encouraging her, "Yes! Yes, friend. You're a friend, Bird. You're more than welcome into the group." He then turned back towards Haunting, shaking his head at the warrior, "Can't you see? She isn't a threat. She's even a feline, like us. So, with all due respect, Haunting, I'm going to let her come back to camp." It felt odd, putting his paw down on something, but he also knew that to be his job as leader. If this came back to bite him in the ass later, so be it, but he truly didn't think Fait was capable of hurting a fly.

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

— Reggan