This Is Wrong But It Feels So Right (Stormwind)

“That would have necessitated us getting your clan’s scent on the rabbit somehow.” Blackstar Replied coolly, dipping his head to Cloudleaf thankfully before looking back to Miststar. “And I can assure you that no cat of ours has crossed your border. Your patrols would have spotted it otherwise.”

Cloudleaf grimaced when Miststar glanced at her but nodded, causing the leader to frown. “How do I know you didn’t just plant that rabbit to stir up trouble?”

Blackstar locked his mismatched eyes on Miststar’s, not letting himself be intimidated by the elder leader. “Miststar, we discovered evidence earlier today that some of your cats are crossing the border between our clans and hunting on our territory. Cloudleaf can attest that we showed her a half-eaten rabbit with your clan’s scent all over it.” Blackstar glanced to the she-cat, compelling her to confirm what he said.

(*realizes Miststar is mine* no whyyy)

Miststar narrowed his eyes at the much younger tom. “Why are you here?”

Blackstar dipped his head respectfully to Miststar, looking up to the noble, experienced leader. “Greetings, Miststar,” He mewed simply, waiting to see what the older tom said in reply just in case Cloudleaf had already filled him in.

Eventually Cloudleaf returned with Miststar. When the two stood next to each other, it was apparent that Cloudleaf was related to him, as she looked a lot like him.

Blackstar waited expectantly, tracing his claws through the soft sand beneath to pass the time.

“I will go tell Miststar you wish to speak with him.” The white-furred she-cat vanished up into the trees.

Blackstar gazed around the strange camp in slight awe. While there were dens that were built into the surrounding landscape, some were made in the lowest branches of the nearby pines, cats darting in and out of the woven branches and having lively discussions with one another. Some of the dens are up in the trees... that’s fascinating. The Leader took in the surroundings while he could before refocusing himself and trying to look like a leader in anticipation of discussing the intrusions with Miststar.

Cloudleaf paused to give the LakeClan patrol a cool look before leading them into the camp.

Blackstar was just starting to not taste the dead rabbit anymore when the scent of Forestclan began to grow stronger. While he had seen the Meadowclan camp dozens of times, this was his first visit to Miststar’s abode. The wise old leader and his clan mostly kept to themselves generally, so he hadn’t had to come out this far before.

Otterpaw was looking around the forested territory and the ForestClan cats with curiosity.

Blackstar dipped his head courteously and was lead by the circle of Forestclan cats, presumably towards their camp. The leader cast an occasional multicolored gaze back at Otterpaw to see how the young tom was doing.

Cloudleaf frowned and darted a glance at the rabbit. It was clear from the surprise that flashed briefly in her eyes that she, at least, had had no idea. “Very well.” She flicked her tail for her patrol to surround them and led the way to their camp.

Blackstar spat the half-eaten rabbit out, locking eyes with a warrior he recognized from gathering gossip as Cloudleaf. “We’ve come to ask your leader why his warriors are hunting on our territory.” The black Tom’s reply was even, and his gaze unwavering. “We would like to be escorted to Miststar.”

The patrol leader, a she-cat named Cloudleaf, halted her patrol and narrowed her eyes at the LakeClan Leader. “Blackstar. What are you doing on our territory with a full patrol?”

Blackstar continued to drag the remains of the rabbit along until, finally, they encountered a Forestclan patrol.

Otterpaw had to hurry to keep up, with his shorter legs.

The leader was obviously trying to reward the young tom for his good work earlier, having spotted something even the senior warriors on the patrol hadn’t. He hoped the apprentice would take pride in being selected as Blackstar lead the patrol back across their territory. He stopped to pick up the rabbit on the way, dragging it along with him to the border.

Otterpaw seemed bewildered that he had been chosen.

Blackstar returned to the camp with a cross look on his face. Leaving his deputy in charge of the camp, he began to call over the cats he wanted to take with him, eventually settling on Otterpaw and his mentor plus two of his senior warriors.

Otterpaw beamed at the praise from his Clan leader and hurried after the rest of the patrol.

Blackstar sniffed at the rabbit, scowling further as he turned his head towards the Forestclan border. “Well done, Otterpaw,” The tom mewed softly, gathering the patrol to head back towards camp. Once there, he would form a patrol to go confront Miststar.

Otterpaw sat down, feeling a bit pleased that he was the one that found it but also angry at the ForestClan cats.

So they’re eating on our territory, too. Blackstar growled softly, hopping out of the tree to investigate the remains.