Tallstar's P.O.V
Sunblaze padded beside Tallstar chattering happily as he introduced Tallstar to his other kits. Pebblesplash, proud she-cat, showed off her kit while Magpiewing greeted Tallstar warmly. Fawnstep had approached with her own son Cloudtail and introduced themselves.
"I'm so glad you're finally here Talltail!" Sunblaze purred joyfully to which Fireheart chuckled.
"Sunblaze, it's Tallstar now!" The fiery she-cat sent an exasperated look to Tallstar with a soft smile.
Before Tallstar could respond a call for him garnered his attention, the other leaders were together staring at him. Snakestar seemed to be trying not to laugh while Blackstar just gave him a dead stare. Dipping his head to Sunblaze and his family, Tallstar quickly padded over to the other leaders, uttering an apology. With a flick of his tail, Snakestar led them to his den. As the leaders settled in a circle Snakestar began to speak.
"Your clans will be allowed to remain here in Skyclan's camp until your own camps can be established however, I would like to make it very clear to all of you that things are different here compared to the forest where you originate." Snakestar stated his sharp blue eyes staring Tallstar and the other leaders down.
Leopardstar's lips pulled back into a nasty snarl, "You speak so confidently, you seem to forget that its four clans to one. Not to mention, our clans are here by Starclan's blessing, not even a leader would have the gall to disobey Starclan."
Snakestar replied calm and cold, "Yes, you are right. It is one clan against four, however those four clans are starved, weak, and small compared to Skyclan. What you fail to understand is that I do have the gall to disobey Starclan. It wouldn't be the first time Skyclan has forsaken our ancestors for the benefit of the clan. Ultimately, your clans are dependent on Skyclan's help and protection until you can grow strong again. But as I said, things are far different here than where you come from. Skyclan has lived in relative peace for generations, my clan was willing to help your clans because it's what Starclan wanted not because we forgave the crimes your clans committed against ours, and we will withdraw our support should your clans give us the reason to. So listen well to what I'm about to say."
Whitestar and Tallstar exchanged glances, truly Snakestar was right, if Skyclan wished it they could easily attack and defeat their weakened clans should they choose to. Beside Tallstar, Blackstar's claws scraped the dirt below him. Leopardstar was tense, but she'd corrected her expression into something Tallstar could only describe as vaguely neutral.
"The clans will not interfere with Skyclan's conduct nor try to cause conflict while they remain here. Any slight or hint of unwarranted aggression towards my clanmates will not be tolerated. You will respect our practices here and you will not disrespect our way of life. I understand that our clans are vastly different but that doesn't excuse any hostility towards my clan's culture. My clan is peaceful, we have our own issues to deal with, I will not allow for outsiders to come in and break the peace that has been held since before I was born." Snakestar mewed, for a leader no older than Whitestar, it was clear to Tallstar that Snakestar was already well experienced with a leader's duty.
"We mean no offense, Snakestar, however you must be aware that should the need arise our clans will have to defend ourselves." Blackstar mewed, Whitestar nodding in agreement.
"I'll be perfectly blunt, I don't give two rat-tails what your clans do to each other, but I'll make this clear, Skyclan has no quarrel with your clans and won't so long as your clans respect our borders and practices." Snakestar replied sharply, tail lashing. The Skyclan leader suddenly stood, causing the other leaders to rise to their own paws.
Snakestar moved to the entrance of the den before saying over his shoulder, "Your clans can remain in Skyclan for as long is necessary for them to recover, but after that, unless it is under a full moon gathering there will be not any other clan welcome in Skyclan's territory."
With that final statement Snakestar left the den, leaving Tallstar and the other leaders in the dimly lit den.
Tallstar looked to the other leaders, concern clawed at his heart. Blackstar had a complicated expression etched into his face, Whitestar was staring at his paws while Leopardstar clawed the ground.
Tallstar sighed, "He has every right to make these demands. Our clans are far different compared to Skyclan, they lived generations without having to deal with other clans threatening their safety. Battle and war will eventually occur as it always does. But its obvious that Skyclan wishes to avoid such tragedy for as long as possible, which is their right. We are strangers in their home, not even I can say that our clans will ever be truly accepted in these lands." With that Tallstar padded out of the den to inform Deadfoot of the meeting's discussion.
Sorry for the short chapter and late update, life's hectic but I intend to update pretty soon. This chapter is more of a filler until I get the time to make a longer chapter. Don't worry this story isn't gonna stop end for a while!