figure it out - [COTC VISIT]

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Starclan, things had really gone to shit awfully fast, hadn't they? One moment he was just standing there, wondering what Stryker was doing at their border, and the next moment, things had just exploded into noise. Rhine hadn't been expecting such an uproar from Quasar approaching, but it seemed as though his kid had other plans, something the tom knew very well that he had no power to stop. Despite this, the leader couldn't help wincing slightly at Quasar's harsh words, along with the argument that followed. Rhinestone was pretty firmly against violence breaking out at his border, and this seemed like something that could break out into a fight very quickly. Even with Vaas present, the rust colored feline wasn't particularly enthusiastic at the idea of fighting a lion – let alone a mutated one. With this in mind, Rhine let out a relieved sigh when Number Nine approached, trying to calm things in his own... odd way. The tom just shook his head briefly before speaking, keeping his voice firm, "Alright, everybody just... calm down, okay? Things have obviously gotten off to a bad start, but quarreling won't do us any good. Especially when Stryker here... apologized." It wasn't a very good apology, but it was technically an apology.

With several questioning looks thrown in his direction – along with an actual question from Nine – Rhinestone knew that he had to act. With this in mind, he turned his pale gaze on Stryker, looking the other leader over before he spoke, "I would be interested in an alliance between our two groups, provided you've got something to offer us. Palmclan has plenty, including our warriors, food, and supplies from our boardwalk... needless to say, we've got our own benefits for allies." Looking at their alliance with Alithís Evgenis was enough to show that, considering they had offered up their warriors to defend the other group. Glancing at the others around him, the feline hesitated only slightly before continuing, "That being said, I don't believe in making decisions that affect my group, all on my own. I want all of my clan members, no matter their rank, to have a say in how Palmclan develops." It was a philosophy that he had taken from the start, and one that he had devoted himself to ever since he had turned his back on Starclan. He still wanted to believe that there was a guiding paw out there somewhere, but if there wasn't... Palmclan would need to lead itself, as a whole.

Needless to say, Rhine's gaze was then redirected to all those that had come to see what was going on. Nine, Vaas, Medusa, Quasar, Suga... all of their opinions mattered to him, along with any that hadn't shown yet. Clearing his throat, the male questioned them all, tail held high behind him, "So, then... how do all of you feel about an alliance between Palmclan and the Coalition? Even if Stryker has made a bad first impression for some of you... it could be a positive for us as a whole. Although obviously if the majority doesn't want this, then I'll turn him down." He didn't mind asking all of them in front of Stryker, mainly because he figured the other probably felt the same way. Most leaders took the opinions of their people into account beforehand, right?

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

— Reggan