[spade]

As he watched her through narrowed eyes, it became increasingly obvious that her whole speech was planned - at least some of it. She seemed nervous and scatterbrained, two traits that Kestrelwing absolutely loathed. Did this kitty-pet really think she had what it took to be a Clan warrior? Behind him, his tail lashed in frustration.

He opened his mouth to follow up with a clipped retort when Vimi mentioned Sootflare and Stormcall. Instantly, he froze. How did this outsider know what was going on in RiverClan? Was she actually from another Clan who had heard the news in passing? No, that wouldn't explain the unfamiliar scent on her. "We are not in turmoil, kitty-pet," he spat, advancing on her though sliding his claws back in.

A scoffing laugh at the next part of her speech. He should just take her back to camp, huh? No, that wasn't how it worked. If anything, this kitty-pet was going to prove herself first. "I don't have to accept anything from you," he snarled, standing tall and staring her down. "You reek of fear and the way your claws are sliding in and out tells me you don't have much control over your emotions."

Still, he couldn't help but think of the looming threat of the coyotes. They would need all the paws they could with that. And then there was the fact of his own heritage. Many moons ago, Lionstorm had allowed him to stay in the Clan despite his outsider heritage. Who would he be if he didn't extend the same curtesy to this stranger?

"Can you fight?" he asked coolly, waiting for her response.


// @Snook