Kestrel flicks his ear, watching Talon pacing back and forth, the two of them in the gloom of Talon's den, himself in no less pensive a mood. Reinforced claws clicking against the ground with each step as Talon continues, continuously back and forth, until his agitation at the noise spikes and he sits down, pulling the dogteeth off his paws with considerably less caution than normal.

„So… recruitment then?"

Kestrel's voice almost makes Talon jump, causing one of the last dogteeth he was pulling off to yank somewhat painfully at his own claw underneath. Tossing the carved dog bone aside, the dark grey tom hisses in discomfort for a moment, before calming himself.

„Granite and Wrath each gaining a few cats is less of a problem than the possibility that may join together. They would outnumber us currently. We can try to reduce their advantage, if we make sure we have enough warriors. It will be difficult for them to launch an attack, at least not without adequate preparation."

Kestrel slightly tilts his head to the side

„I get the gist of it, but who would we take? The rogues remain somewhat spooked, last thing I heard. I haven't heard much talk of any kitty-pet being considered promisingly talented and in leafbare there's few wandering loners about. We have solved the food problem for now, but only as long as every grown cat still continues to contribute. We can't invite any dead weight in."

Talon nods, huffing out a deep breath, eyes narrowed at the ground.

„I know… but I can command the patrols to keep an eye out for anyone that could be worth giving the chance to. Unless you can tell me what goes on in Wraith's head and that she might be sympathetic to us, I fail to see many other options. We need to try and assemble more warriors, and before all else, preserve the ones we have now. If it weren't just as important to potentially keep everyone alive, I'd be hesitant to even conduct that raid now… We can not lose any other cats"

The brown furred second-in-command sighs and shakes his head in visible frustration

„You don't understand how gladly I would be able to tell you a single thing about Wraith beyond what we all know anyway. She's elusive, even on her own territory. She gives most of her commands through her second, Asphalt, and her sibling, Grave. She leads hunting patrols, beyond that she acts more like a particularly sneaky loner. I can tell you what her faction is doing most of the time, but hardly ever what she is up to. It's been a headache of mine for quite some time…"

A little calmed, but still visibly restless, Talon observes Kestrel for a heartbeat before nodding with a slight grimace

„I kind of figured something along those lines. Surely she must see that she's as much, if not more at risk here as us. She's the logical next target for Wrath, with or without Granite. Perhaps we should request to speak with her. Something ought to be doable there. Even if we can't convince her to join us, a purely defensive alliance would still be in everyone's favour, no?"

Returning his gaze to Kestrel, Talon finds the golden eyed tom deeply thoughtful, pondering undisguised, eyes darting back and forth. It takes several moments before he gives a small, barely noticeable nod

„Perhaps. With your permission, I will send a warrior to the border, to make the proposition when the next patrol passes. At least we'll have tried it then. At least this is a gamble where we don't lose much if it falls flat. Remains to be seen if we have a shot at winning it. But again, she seems quite the loner. We shouldn't be too disappointed if there isn't much of an answer."

The amount of thoughts currently going though Kestrel's head is heard in every word, almost strained consideration in each syllable. Talon raises his paw, unsheathing his claws and observing the one he'd yanked moments ago for any damages or cracks.

„Do that, yes. Thank you for taking that off my paws. I'll keep an eye on our preparations for the coming raid. The sooner we get that over with, the better."

He lowers his paw back down, as with some relief he finds nothing wrong with it, beyond a mild discomfort when putting pressure on that part of the paw.

„The odds are still in our favour, but we'll need to keep them so."

Kestrel looks up at those words, as if he'd been explicitly called out unexpectedly, blinking a few times, possibly to better see Talon in the dim light of the den. He hums after that, his tail flicking behind him.

„Yes, for now, the odds remain in our favour. Every outcome remains possible. But we'll all need to place our bets carefully from now on. I'll keep in touch with my eyes and ears throughout twoleg-place, see if any good opportunities, or any less fortunate things, surface that we might wish to know of"

„Then that's the plan for now. Playing things safe and stacking the odds in our favour."

Kestrel lets out a scoffed chuckle

„A bit over-simplified, but not the worst I've heard in terms of plans. Now to go get it done. Unless you need me for anything else…"

Talon shakes his head, rising back onto his paws, slowly padding towards Kestrel and the exit.

„No, that should be it for now. Send an envoy to Wraith's border and keep out an ear for anything of interest. As far as our warriors are concerned, it's business as usual; patrols, gathering and training."

„Then so it shall be"

After a quick nod, Kestrel turns about and rises to his paws in one swooping motion, padding out of the den ahead of Talon. The red eyed leader follows closely behind, immediately greeted by a gust of a cold blowing wind, ruffling through his pelt. As his second-in-command wanders off, to some surprise seeming headed for Frost, Talon lets his gaze wander over the alley. A fair few warriors remain here, despite the night having long devoured the last remaining sunlight, only the glow of the twoleg-lights at the alley's entrance shining somewhat dimly in. Even the stars seem hidden behind a thick wall of clouds tonight. Discussions going on, young warriors between excitement and fearful worry, a round of most of the veteran warriors speaking in quiet voices with grim stonefaced expressions, others still seeming more angry then concerned, Clover and Hornet holding their discussion in loud enough a tone for none to miss out on their dismay about Wrath possibly becoming a tangible threat after all that was done for him, their speech decorated with colourful choice of words.

Considering wether he should tell them to retreat into their dens for now, or leave it to their own discretion, Talon notices Silver and Grail making their way over to him. Headache and tiredness are the prevalent forces in the dark grey leader currently, but after a heartbeat of consideration he decides against saying anything that could be considered dismissive. No, not to them.

„How are you faring, Talon?"

Silver's voice is quiet, the older veteran warrior knowing well enough to not ask such a thing loud enough for all to hear. Talon gives him an appreciative look, sitting down and drawing his tail around his paws

„Stressed, if truth be told. But I'll manage. We knew they wouldn't sit around doing nothing while we grow stronger. I suppose in part, I should be grateful. I expected any gains in territory made by Wrath or Granite to be paid for in the blood of many of our clanmates. Still, all that means is that any real battles from here on out will be bigger, and even more bloody in themselves. We'll have to be ready either way."

Silver nods as he settles down. Grail sits down as well, her eyes slightly more openly concerned, but beyond a slight one in her leg, making her rock for a brief moment, the spasms seem to be fairly under control right now.

„Wrath wouldn't just join Granite anyway. Right? He knows Granite does not have a shred of his sense of honour. I don't think they much care for each other."

There is cautious doubt in her words, but beyond what her eyes give away, she keeps a straight posture. Talon would have loved to confirm what she said, agree and take the doubt out of the shining golden eyes, that rival the sun when all they reflect are happiness. But the mere idea of so blatantly lying to her feels like a kick to the gut.

„I fear it's not that simple. It depends mainly on what Granite offers and how he presents it. Wrath, more than leadership, wants to see certain things happen for and in Bloodclan. I think he might be willing to give away his position if Granite can make him belief that he'll go for a campaign of bloody vengeance against the forest clans and instil the discipline and honour Wrath imagines among the warriors. Wrath has a vision for Bloodclan, ultimately I don't think he cares if he ends up as leader as long as it comes true. And Granite seems to have figured that out… "

Silver lets a quiet, yet deep breath out through his nose, nodding with his eyes closed

„The only thing giving the matter some much needed nuance is indeed his sense of honour. He knows Granite has little trouble disrespecting the laws of Bloodclan, or using as he would say ‚underhanded tactics'. That will stall him from accepting. But still, Wrath also knows that he must reach more of our clanmates with his ideas and expand his territory towards the forest clans. Joining with Granite would do both, half the clan would now have to adhere to his ideas."

„Only those of his ideas, that Granite wants cats to adhere to…"

Talon scoffs and looks off to the side

„Because once Wrath accepts, he himself will be trapped. Granite won't let him be leader and Wrath's honour would not let him go against someone he's acknowledged as his leader. Granite will give him only as much as it takes to keep him somewhat in line, not a single rat's tail more, I predict. And it might leave us facing half the clan."

Silver flicks his tail, eyes opening again, seeming tired and confirming of Talon's words

„The only way to avoid being outnumbered at that point would be to join with Wraith's faction. And if we do that, it will be half the clan against half the clan."

Grail looks from Talon to Silver, her right ear noticeably flicking more at the mention of Wraith. The russet she-cat shifts uncomfortably, but as her eyes draw away from Silver they seem almost… longing, nostalgic. It takes her a few heartbeats to notice Talon's gaze upon her. Equally, it takes Talon a few moments to realise that he'd all but completely let slip his usual mask, curiosity and yet more so still deep caring in his stare undisguised until he catches himself. Ears heating, he straightens his posture, trying to restore a more neutral expression again, under an amused, small grin from Silver and Grail rapidly turning her head away, her left ear flat against her head as a string of small spasms go through her right side under the stress of her embarrassment. A few moments and a deep breath from Talon later, the red eyed clears his throat

„Is everything alright, Grail? Mentioning Wraith, you seem to have thoughts on the matter?"

Talon attempts to keep his voice even, but the painfully obvious acting at this point only makes him feel exceedingly foolish. Grail shakes her head, right ear still flicking as she turns back towards Talon

„No… no, not on Wraith herself. It's just, my father remains in her faction. The relationship between us, my siblings and I, with Forge is… it is complicated. I think that is why he joined her faction instead of following us to join you. He wanted to give us… space. Us or himself, I'm not sure. I don't know how to say it any better."

Talon hums quietly, nodding slowly

„I don't quite get the impression that you despise him. Many cats know something is off between your father and you tree, but I don't think anyone has more than rumours on what is going on"

Grail looks up almost a bit shocked, before firmly shaking her head

„Despise? No! No, not at all. Not… not really. It's, it's just complicated. Things happened, back when we were little, and we know they had to happen, but sometimes your head and your heart pull in different directions. I… don't think I want to say any more, Talon. Just…no, we don't hate Forge, and we know Forge cares greatly about us"

Grail shrinks a bit, an apologetic look about her as she looks at Talon. Struck by that sight, impulse acts faster than thought, as Talon's tail uncurls from around him and lays down, resting it's fuzzy tip on Grail's paws.

„There is no need to feel sorry. I would not press you, on this matter or any other. It's fine, Grail. You don't need to say anything you wouldn't want to."

The icy wind goes unnoticed by now as Talon almost his ears radiate warmth, but despite the embarrassment, his whiskers twitch in an earnest smile. A smile, soon returned by Grail.

„I know. Thank you, Talon"

Silver hums, turning to overlook the alley.

„Seeing as I'm beginning to feel somewhat intruding, I believe I'll head home for tonight. I suppose anything else can well wait until tomorrow anyway."

Talon looks over to the older, white pelted tom, giving a curt nod of the head in goodbye. As Silver pads off, Grail looks after him for a few heartbeats before turning her head back towards Talon, the tip of her tail tapping against the ground. „I know you will figure things out. They have not united yet, maybe they won't. Either way, I know you'll manage."

The comment that she might be putting more faith in him than he does himself at times rolls around in Talon's mind, but he denies himself any chance of saying so out loud. Nothing to be gained in doing so and he shouldn't show his worries so openly. Then again, Silver can't have missed it, nor would Kestrel. Still, perhaps he should still keep the circle small on this. Nor does the idea of Grail of all cats seeing that his frailties in such a way. If anything, she's a source of motivation to see it through despite it all. It'd be nothing short of ungrateful, for that and for much else, to buckle now. She's right, nothing's happened yet, all is yet possible.

"I'll do my very best. Wraith is still an unpredictable piece in this game, perhaps we can do something with her. One thing at a time, our next objective is the coming raid. I guess you'll want to come along?"

A pleasantly familiar sigh arises as the confident grin of a warrior takes shape upon Grail's face.

"Last time I was mostly on watch duty. This time. We need a more active approach, so you said. I want to do my part in this."

A pleased grin and scoff escape Talon, as he nods.

"Very well then. Consider yourself invited. We'll need a fair number of warriors to pull this off without bloodshed and I have no cause to deny a warrior as eager for it as you. It'll be… good to have you along. And to have an extra pair of eyes to make sure Frost doesn't go get overzealous. I'd like to trust him on this, but he's pleaded a few too many times to send the clans a clearer message. But perhaps don't tell him that."

Grail gives a brief chuckle, her tail raising up to cover her snout in a 'hush' motion.

"Not a word"

Talon returns the chuckle, but finds himself staring just a moment too long. Her fluffy tail laid over her face like that turned out a far more adorable sight than expected. Looking away with warm ears, he gives a hum and tries to play it off.

"Good… good. Well, in any case, we won't get much done if we're all sleep deprived. Get some rest. I'll follow my own advice on that too, I think."

In an attempt to not let Grail notice, he rises up fairly quickly and pads towards his den. He finds himself stopped however as he hears her follow for a few paw steps before stopping. Looking back, Grail is visibly hesitating, eyes moving and a question clearly on her mind. Nervousness visibly growing as a wave of minor shakes ripples through her right shoulder, before she nods deeply, almost to the point of a bow, and turns away.

"Yes, goodnight, Talon."

At a quickened pace she pads off, leaving Talon without much of a chance to answer, not that he would have had one. She clearly wanted to ask something. Did he do something wrong? Perhaps he was too brusk at the end. The dark furred leader remains standing for several heartbeats, until Grail is nearly out of the alley, before he turns his head and resumes his own walk. Damnit… Slinking into the dark of his den under the wall, he grabs one of his dogteeth, carrying it over to his nest before cosily sinking into it. Is she disappointed? Angry? Cursing his own ineptitude, he begins carefully carving away at the tip of the dog bone. Dragging it along the ground has dulled it a little… needs to be fixed. Like so much else. Devoting his slowly fading focus to this task in an attempt to keep himself from asking yet more questions that won't do him any good, Talon eventually falls asleep.

His face turns to dismay as a familiar mouldy scent hits his nose. So much for rest and escaping thoughts. After a deep breath, he rises up and opens his eyes, shaking his pelt out to get rid of several rotting leaves clinging to it.

"Greetings, Scourge."

The small black tom sits nearby, between several high roots of one of the crooked, leafless trees, a handful of the faintly blue glowing fungi growing from their sides.

"Don't get too distracted. Your vigilance becomes increasingly vital to your success, do not allow some tail waving to make you drop your guard."

Talon turns his head towards the former leader. Even though he can't deny the truth of his words, Scourge's specific choice of them lets a brief flare of anger arise in him. THAT isn't what he's after, nor would he ever think so lowly of Grail to assume that she did. As if sensing his rage, Scourge gets up and bounds over the roots.

"Save it for training. It will all be very short lived if you let the likes of Granite kill you because you failed to prepare. Even you must comprehend that."

Talon scoffs quietly under his breath as he follows Scourge. True, but still… Their journey turns out to be a short one as soon they arrive in the little clearing they sometimes train in, not far from where the rest of their dead hide out. Are those fallen in the recent takeover here already? Is Timber? Talon can't help but be curious what happened for the brown coated to fall out so terminally with Flame.

"Did any of the newly dead get here?"

Scourge takes his time, striding into the middle of the clearing, before turning around and sitting down, all in one graceful motion.

"Timber and Shed. Gremlin… won't be joining us. Found what was left of her spirit, voidhusks got her. Never was much of a fighter."

Talon nods slowly. Didn't know her particularly well, still, having fought through the sorrowful husks of what once were the spirits of cats, it does not take him much imagining to picture how easily one could get overwhelmed by them. A pity.

"What about Owl and Wax?"

"I'd need to know where they died to even begin searching. No chance."

Talon lets out a small hiss, looking off to the side. Scourge's cold, matter-of-factly voice does not agitate him as much as the fact that the selfless service of these two toms might end up rewarded with a slow, lonely end somewhere in the void.

The glinting of claws in his far periphery and the subtle moving of leaves too quickly in a place with no wind are the only warning given. Scourge's paw descends down at full speed as the black cat's leap comes to it's conclusion right before Talon. Pushing himself off to the side, the red eyed tom dodges at literally a whisker's breadth, Scourge's claws clipping off two of his whiskers close to the snout. Surprise and remaining anger discharge in an instinctual leap straight forward, right at the small black leader as he impacts the ground. Jaws parting, Talon goes for a bite, directly to the face. His teeth gnash loudly in the air as Scourge ducks away under it. But this is a game they've plaid before. Enemy underneath, will try to strike up, tear open the chest all the way to the upper end of his throat. Rearing up high onto his hind legs, the predicted attack from below shoots up, this time with enough space between them. With a fierce shout, Talon propels his full weight downwards now, paw extended and descending towards the former leader with reckless force. It impacts the ground with a loud thump, Scourge having moved aside just barely enough for it to miss, sitting back down, but being right in Talon's face in their current position.

"… at least your reflexes are coming along adequately. But next time you shout and make such foolish noise, you will be silenced. We can not afford to be found here."

Scourge's words are spoken quietly, calmly, unnervingly calmly, as his piercing glare meets Talon's. Talon parts his jaws to answer, only to freeze. The pointed tips of Scourge's claws dig into the underside of his mouth, just above the throat. He didn't move…Scourge didn't move, that paw was already there. From so close up, Talon hadn't even noticed that right when he was looking up from his strike, there had already been a counter attack. It's the black paw, somehow everyone always expects Scourge to strike with his white paw, his right paw, his strong paw. Slowly he feels the pressure go away as Scourge pull his paws in close, giving it two cleaning licks before setting it down.

"You are here to train, that should be your focus. Do not allow your attention to waver again until we're done for the night."

Taking a cautiously slow step backwards, Talon nods, doing his best to not let show the cold chill that ran down his spine a mere moment ago. He needs to see his adversary, fully, otherwise he might never even see the blow coming that would fell him. A frightful way to teach, but yet again, the lesson would certainly stick.

"Alright. I'm ready"

Scourge observe Talon closely, remaining seated as he is. It doesn't fool Talon, Scourge is loaded like a spring at all times, in single blink he can be somewhere else. Light of body and strong of limb. A larger cat could not hope to compete with that agility, the only plausible defence are flawless reflexes. And Talon's might be getting good, but still a long way from truly flawless.

"We shall see. Again!"