So you did get it! He did worry whether or not the gift would make its way to her considering the SkyClan patrol that passed didn't exactly have to fulfill his request. They could have easily taken it off his paws and tossed it somewhere. However, it was nice to know that the patrol from that day did pass along the gift to the intended recipient. A silver paw is brought to his black chin,
"Orchids…" The leader mumbles to himself. Unfortunately he didn't come across any orchids while gathering flowers for the crown he had constructed for her, but it was Leaf-fall. Some flowers didn't bloom until New Leaf or Green Leaf.
Maybe I'll take a look then. Nevertheless, he's still happy to hear that she enjoyed his gift.
"Really? We didn't talk about what flowers you loved, so I kinda went with what I thought would be nice. Next time I'll be sure to use orchids! The next crown will be a bit better too. I'll practice a bit more till then"
He still isn't as good with his paws like Peachtrot. How she makes flower crowns so easily is a mystery to him. Even though Flowercloud's crown was not his first work… It was still challenging. The process was not as painstakingly slow compared to the time he made with Adderfang. His heart aches at the memory of the brown tom struggling just as much as him. The only reason why neither had given up was out of pride and stubbornness. Pushing the thought aside, he refocuses his attention to Flowercloud.
Whoa! So it really is for me! The smile she's met with is radiant. Ideally he'd like to hug her for the gift, but they are from two different clans. If he were to cross the border… SkyClan may not necessarily attack him on sight, but he would rather not test the theory. All he can do is place the paw against his chin back down.
Before he can respond, it is his son who speaks up. He turns his head to the boy and chuffs,
"Didn't think your dad could make something?"
There's no malice behind his words. To be honest, he'd expect some surprise. After all, Pikestar often joined the Pearl Divers. He very well was one if he didn't have the title of leader already. It was more common for Iciclepaw to see his father return with things he fished out of the river than make something.
He watches his son, waiting patiently. Despite how much the boy has grown, he was still a nervous one. Not that Pikestar was upset that the boy hadn't gotten rid of their fear entirely. In fact, he found it endearing. No matter how much time had passed, the little boy from long ago was still there. Not that Pikestar would comment on it. At his child's eagerness he nods and finds himself purring. It is entirely unprofessional for a leader to be doing so, but he could care less. Most if not all the clans saw him as unworthy anyway.
Only a few seconds pass after Iciclepaw has finished greeting himself, that Pikestar casts his attention to the SkyClan patrol. Green eyes trail from her now bare shoulder to the ground where his present lay. Silently he carefully makes his way over (while being mindful of the border), green eyes trailing at each skyclanner as he reaches for the patch with a lone paw. Quickly takes the patch and returns to the RiverClan patrol.
While Flowercloud introduces the members of his patrol, he tries on the patch she had made for him. Thankfully the patch she had made for him wasn't extremely tight. It was a little loose, which was a bit shocking given the fact that she had to guess on the size. He wasn't exactly there for her to test the size on. If anything, he could ask the weavers to make it a bit more tight, but it was absolutely wonderful. He can't help but purr in delight.
Right! Can't ignore them now! He waves at Flickerpaw and Tawnybeam.
"I have no desire to learn anything from another clan."
He is not offended by Frostmoth's decision. The deputy had made it clear of his disdain toward the idea from the very beginning. Even if one could argue he should convince Frostmoth to at least listen, he saw no point in it. Frostmoth's mind was made up and his sentiment was shared among some of their clanmates. He's heard whispers from them, worrying that their leader would take these teachings and implement changes quickly. Truthfully, he had considered it at first. When he spoke with Pineheart, the idea was quickly tossed out. His clanmates... It amused him that they were united in their stubbornness. After all, the very first time he spoke of change they asked question after question, some even hissed at the idea of changing their name. Even though he said he'd give them time before any name changes would occur. If he was met with such resistance then... He doubts the clan would sit still and allow him to start implementing the code SkyClan shared with him.
I'm not looking forward to having so many yowling cats at my den. Not that I would make these changes without the council onboard with this.
The leader turns his head and looks at Frostmoth with a lone green eye, nodding.
"That's alright."
Would that displease Flowercloud? He was the one who was curious about this code that SkyClan followed, so he should be more adamant about his clanmates learning it. However, he knew his deputy and his clan more than they did. They need not know of RiverClan's hesitance to throw their lot in with any other clan. An ear flicks towards Flowercloud's sheepish voice.
What's the harm in entertaining it? It's not like I'm going to force everyone to follow this new code. Learning it may make me a better leader. He takes note of the eye roll from his deputy.
"I won't let my personal affairs cloud my decision making Frostmoth. I'm not going to do anything with this knowledge without discussing it with you first."
That should reassure him, right?
It seems to be the case as Frostmoth trusts in him enough to leave everything in his paws. He can't help but get giddy at the prospect that their relationship as leader and deputy was improving. It was only a small step, but he was going to cling to it. If Pikestar walked with a spark in his step for a whole week because of his deputies' trust… That was only for the leader to know. Although, the leader becomes slack jawed when romance leaves his deputies' maw.
"H-HUH? W-wwa-what do you mean?!"
The only answer he's given is a playful jab.
Of course, you'd mess with me. The silver leader can't help but raise a paw to his temple and groan. Although, he couldn't help but smile.
Can't believe I'm being teased by you. It's nice. You wouldn't have done this before. A green eye lingers on his deputies back before turning his attention to Flowercloud.
A mistake. His cheeks practically burned seeing how flustered she'd become. Romance with Flowercloud?
I mean she's very nice… Thoughtful and beautiful. OUT OF THE QUESTION! STUPID FROSTMOTH I'M GOING TO KILL HIM! Here were the facts: She had children of her own. Even if they were grown warriors at this point, she had children. She had to have a mate. There was simply no way she didn't. Just because she was nice and gave him a thank you gift in response to his own, didn't mean she had to have interest in him. It was perfectly normal to just want friendship and nothing more.
Matters are made worse when he sees Flowercloud look at Tawnybeam.
Don't tell me… Pikestar wanted nothing more than to fade away.
"Ah! N-no it's not a bad time. Don't mind Frostmoth he uhhh, just likes to mess with me! Yep!"
It's such a bad excuse, but it's all he could come up with!
He nervously chuffs as he focuses on Tawnybeam.
"You're her mate? I mean the two of you are mates, right? I m-mean duh! Yeah, the two of you look lovely together. Couldn't ask for a more handsome tom and beautiful molly as a pair! Tawnybeam, right? I promise you nothing's going on between us. I know you two have kids and all, WHICH I RESPECT. I just wanted to thank Flowercloud for the nice conversation we had at the gathering."
STOP TALKING!!! THIS IS SO BAD.
Thankfully (maybe), another voice cuts his awkward rambling. Oh, how stupid he looks all flustered and trembling out of embarrassment. He opts to remain quiet as Teaselfeather speaks. He needs to compose himself. Although he can feel Frostmoth's burning gaze on him all the while. Now if he was in a better position…
Actually he would hate it if I defended him right now. And so, the leader remains quiet as Teaselfeather, who is Flowercloud's child, offers their own opinion. Perhaps to sway his deputy.
When she is finished and greets herself, there is a silence that passes between the two patrols. It only lingers for a few moments before Pikestar waves his paw at Teaselfeather awkwardly.
"Good day, Teaselfeather."
Then, he flicks his tail to each member of the patrol.
"This is Frostmoth, RiverClan's deputy. And then here is Iciclepaw, my son."
The introduction may have been a bit awkward, but it occurred to him that he hadn't introduced the patrol properly.
A cough.
"I understand your perspective Teaselfeather and share similar thoughts to it as well. I never intended to learn this code in order for RiverClan to become another SkyClan. I simply want to understand your clan better and how these codes came to be. However, this is what I want. The wants of my clan are different from my own, and I will respect that."
He turns to Frostmoth.
"Whatever choice you make, I'll accept it."
