It was rare that she called her clan to council, and even rarer that all, down to the youngest, were invited. But the political turmoil in Domoria was history in the making- even as a fairly young creature, E'endra recognized that. It would be a thing to tell the grandkittens about, and it was very important that the clan ALL recognized their official position. Wars could be started over a misspoken word, and her clan didn't deserve turmoil. As the worried rush of rumors finally came to a hush, E'endra cleared her throat for attention. Every eye was upon her, every ear was perked. This was her time to be a leader and convince her tribe that she was the best ruler she could be. She sat, unmoving and silent, until the cats settled down, the nervous chatter reduced to the occasional hushed whispers. Clearing her throat, she began to speak.
"I'm sure most of you know why we are here; our recent visitors have made that obvious. But for those who don't know, a new clan is attempting to form out of the ashes of the old Domorians. If this happens, the nomadic family groups and rogue cats will no longer have primary power once this clan is established. But this clan will not be unless it has the approval of the southern clans. Now, I must tell you, I do approve of this clan."
The chatter started up again; E'endra understood that due to Shadowmane's official position when dealing with the other clans and their high levels of secrecy, coming out and approving of a new clan and getting... involved was just not the Shadowmane way. Clearing her throat again to call for order, she continued. "We are not going to support them, you must understand. But I do not believe that the Domoria clan will be of any threat to us. They're cold-loving creatures, choosing to live in their frozen home. What I do believe is that they will provide a good balance against the Sahar, and perhaps make for good allies should we ever come to a head against them. We will establish a border, and we will mark it clearly. If they can respect that, we will acknowledge their existence, perhaps trade with them, but other than that, I propose that we as a clan neither embrace nor discourage this clan from forming. It's not my place, nor is any of your places to discourage individuals from having their opinions about it, but we must protect the heart of Shadowmane. It won't do to have anybody leading a coup, especially right now."
She smiled grimly. "Even if this is your breaking point, right now we must present a unified front and a strong core. We must set an example and make all the other clans that, though we might be smaller than they are, and secretive, we certainly aren't weak. I have a feeling that this new clan is the start of a good deal of political turmoil to come." She paused, gazing at the faces of her clan, some nodding in agreement, others with muzzles screwed up in anger. "What have you to say, my people? You know my position, and now you must share yours. After all, it is the clan's opinion, not mine, that is important. If there is enough dissent, perhaps my course of action will change."
"I'm sure most of you know why we are here; our recent visitors have made that obvious. But for those who don't know, a new clan is attempting to form out of the ashes of the old Domorians. If this happens, the nomadic family groups and rogue cats will no longer have primary power once this clan is established. But this clan will not be unless it has the approval of the southern clans. Now, I must tell you, I do approve of this clan."
The chatter started up again; E'endra understood that due to Shadowmane's official position when dealing with the other clans and their high levels of secrecy, coming out and approving of a new clan and getting... involved was just not the Shadowmane way. Clearing her throat again to call for order, she continued. "We are not going to support them, you must understand. But I do not believe that the Domoria clan will be of any threat to us. They're cold-loving creatures, choosing to live in their frozen home. What I do believe is that they will provide a good balance against the Sahar, and perhaps make for good allies should we ever come to a head against them. We will establish a border, and we will mark it clearly. If they can respect that, we will acknowledge their existence, perhaps trade with them, but other than that, I propose that we as a clan neither embrace nor discourage this clan from forming. It's not my place, nor is any of your places to discourage individuals from having their opinions about it, but we must protect the heart of Shadowmane. It won't do to have anybody leading a coup, especially right now."
She smiled grimly. "Even if this is your breaking point, right now we must present a unified front and a strong core. We must set an example and make all the other clans that, though we might be smaller than they are, and secretive, we certainly aren't weak. I have a feeling that this new clan is the start of a good deal of political turmoil to come." She paused, gazing at the faces of her clan, some nodding in agreement, others with muzzles screwed up in anger. "What have you to say, my people? You know my position, and now you must share yours. After all, it is the clan's opinion, not mine, that is important. If there is enough dissent, perhaps my course of action will change."
