Life 3:19
Leopardstar's first steps into being the leader of the clan were hesitant. Filling Crookedstar's place was a near impossible thing for the former deputy. Not that she could ever manage things the exact same way as Crookedstar. It was a familiar process for Snakepaw. Whenever a new leader took power, there always was a bit of a cultural shift to match the new leader's values. Though, the process was a bit slower than one would imagine from a paradigm shift where the leader had absolute authority, largely due to the newly ascended cat having been picked by the previous leader to succeed them since they shared largely the same values. Leopardstar was going to be a good bit larger of a shift given her militaristic ideals.
Leopardstar leapt up to give her announcement, proving to the clan that she did in fact have her nine lives. Usually, a leader at this point would announce a deputy as well, but Leopardstar took Snakepaw's advice and held back from picking one yet. She wanted to get a feel for who the clan wanted as deputy first. She called for the senior warriors and the medicine cats to have a brief meeting. There, she'd decide who was to become deputy.
Snakepaw trotted his way over to the meeting, momentarily tripping over his own paws but catching himself. He knew it wouldn't be long now, but Leopardstar could still use his support. She still had that fear that even the slightest wrong choice would bring the clan crashing down around her. It was a somewhat irrational fear since Shadowclan managed to survive Brokenstar's reign, and he'd been deliberately dismantling the systems that made the clan function. One flubbed order wouldn't immediately plunge the clan into chaos, but she also couldn't afford to make reckless choices since her decisions were the most important in the clan.
"Alright. I called you all together to discuss who should take the position of deputy. I originally wanted to just appoint Stonefur since he has similar values to me and wants our clan to be more physically powerful, but I got some advice to hold back a bit. I don't fully know if that is what the clan needs. It was noted that I haven't really engaged in negotiations before, and deputizing Stonefur wouldn't necessarily solve the issue." Leopardstar stated, her eyes briefly flicking to Snakepaw.
Mudfur spoke next, hoping to clarify that Leopardstar's initial decision wasn't necessarily a bad one. "I will say that you are correct. You could use a cat who was familiar with negotiations as an assistant for now until you get used to it. Stonefur is still a good choice for pushing a more aggressive agenda onto the clan. He's got similar values to you. So, it might be better to ask who should be the temporary deputy until Leopardstar establishes herself."
Stonefur was strangely the one that confirmed Mudfur's answer. "While I'd gladly take the position of deputy if chosen for the position, Mudfur is right. I'm not what the clan needs right now. If we're talking about who could cover your weaknesses, I'd advise going with a cat who is used to dealing with stubborn cats. Namely, a former queen. They'll still fit your more aggressive nature when pressed, but they'll generally be more defensive and empathetic when it comes to decision making."
Leopardstar nodded at Stonefur's answer. She still valued his opinion, hoping to eventually promote him to her deputy. "Then who would you suggest?" She queried.
"If Silverstream wasn't currently a queen, I'd choose her. Since she's not, my sister is probably a decent choice. Otherwise, I'd look among Crookedstar's old friends. I'm sure one of the younger elders wouldn't mind leaving retirement to act as council." Stonefur answered.
Leopardstar's eyes drifted to Mistyfoot, fixing her. "Tell me Mistyfoot, did you put Stonefur up to this?" Leopardstar mewed, causing Stonefur to let out a hiss, physically positioning himself between the leader and Mistyfoot.
Mistyfoot stammered in response. "What? Why would I do that?"
"It's just me being cautious. Crookedstar was your father's brother, so I'm trying to ensure that there's no nepotism at play. Stonefur already knows he's not going to be deputy for now, so I want to be sure he isn't trying to create an elitist family." Leopardstar answered, trying to get Mistyfoot to snap back.
Mistyfoot, despite Leopardstar's aggression, pushed past her brother. "Whether my brother means to make some kind of powerful family or not is irrelevant. What matters is what I want to do and whether I fulfil the role you need. I tell you now that I reject the very idea of one family ruling. It is cats who prove their value through action that I value most. I wouldn't even choose my own kit unless they proved themselves the most competent one for a needed task. That is my resolve."
Leopardstar then faintly smiled. "Then it is decided. You shall be my deputy until I deem you unworthy of the position or someone proves to be a better choice. Do you accept?"
Mistyfoot paused briefly before answering. "I would be honored."
With the decision made, Leopardstar went through the process of announcing Mistyfoot as the current deputy. Though, the news would be short lived. A patrol of Shadowclan cats had made a request at the border to be escorted to Riverclan's leader. There, a cat Snakepaw never expected greeted them. It was Tigerclaw, or rather, Tigerstar. It was puzzling to see the former Thunderclan deputy as Shadowclan's leader, but his star name proved he'd received his nine lives and was worthy of respect.
Tigerstar eyed up Riverclan's new leader before sweeping the camp, freezing on Snakepaw. "I swear I've seen you before." He mewed, his tone disarming while still having a faint tinge of threat.
"Maybe you have, Maybe you haven't. If you're really the leader of Shadowclan, then I'm sure you'll find out soon enough. It's part of the nature of leadership to learn old secrets." Snakepaw answered mysteriously, earning an annoyed growl from Tigerstar.
Tigerstar turned his attention back to Leopardstar. "I come to you with a proposal to unify our clans. We'd rule as partners and be able to defeat the rest of the clans, proving our superiority."
Leopardstar almost jumped at the chance. Tigerstar was known as one of the most strategic minds when it came to battle prowess. It wasn't an empty promise for Tigerstar to say that with the two clans unified, he could likely take over the forest. The issue lay in his words. Leopardstar hesitated.
"I'd like to discuss this with my senior warriors for a moment." She mewed before turning away. Mistyfoot and Snakepaw followed. Once out of earshot of Tigerstar, Leopardstar asked the question. "Do you think we should take his deal? We do need Riverclan to prove its strength, and Tigerstar could definitely do it."
Mistyfoot answered first. "While I do admit that Tigerstar could get it done, I'm not all too sure that he's keen on ruling together. Tigerstar didn't leave Thunderclan for no reason. He had to have been exiled, and being exiled usually means they tried to murder someone. Given his spontaneous rise, I'd guess he is dangerously ambitious. I don't like it, but it could reestablish us as one of the strongest clans."
Snakepaw voiced his answer next. "I'd be cautious with him. Unification is near always a bad thing. It means that one of your ways of life will be destroyed, and since Tigerstar suggested it, he believes it will be yours. It might be better to counter propose an alliance or coalition. That way, the two clans are treated as separate entities, and thus can break away if you find his actions dangerous."
Leopardstar considered the advice she received before nodding. "I will propose the counter offer of a coalition between Riverclan and Shadowclan. We'll see if he accepts is."
Ultimately, Tigerstar took the offer as long as the coalition was termed the Tiger Coalition. Leopardstar begrudgingly agreed since Tigers were considered the greatest of the ancient big cats according to Riverclan due to their prowess in swimming. Leopardstar personally didn't like the play to Tigerstar's ego, but Riverclan needed the militaristic support Shadowclan offered.