Mapleshade sat onto the soft floor of Greystar's den, nervously doing her best to avoid not looking him in the eye. It was a clear sign something was wrong, giving enough evidence for suspicion to bloom. Mapleshade could not allow that to happen.
The larger cat laid down on his nest as his eyes finally rested on her. Mapleshade feared any chance for silence to occur between them, feeling fidgety as she felt the urge to say something even though not even five seconds had passed yet.
"Runningwish, I have known you as a strong warrior. You're a compassionate and loyal member of Thunderclan. You are the littermate of Goldensky and Voleeye." He paused, waiting for her to reply in confirmation. It took a moment for the cogs in Mapleshades head to begin turning again, as if her concern for the situation had nearly wiped her memory. She calmly nodded in response, not sure if she could trust herself to form words. Greystar nodded back, glancing away from her as he continued.
"I am also aware you are a close friend to Lionstar... Lionblaze's daughter, Cheetahstep." Greystar said, yet again prompting her to answer.
"Yes, I would consider myself as such." Mapleshade said, nodding again to keep her act consistent. The tom looked back at her.
"Then I hope you know about her relationship to one of the Shadowclan rebels. He seems to be the temporary leader of the group, having been the one to lead them here and plead for refuge or escape. I asked you in here not to turn in Cheetahstep for some kind of punishment, I am just curious of why she is allowing herself to.. get to know the tom. It's my job to ensure things like this don't cause any problems for our clan. I believe I have been more merciful and generous than any other leader by allowing them shelter. I am even considering allowing them to hunt for themselves and train their apprentices here, maybe even allow them to just join our clan until all of these prophecies blow over. But, I cannot risk so much for nothing." He stopped talking as his eye contact stayed firm against Mapleshade. Runningwish's green eyes were wielded steadily against his amber ones as the tom paused, leaving Mapleshade curious for more words but desperate to finish this monologue.
"I wanted to ask if you could try and, to some extent, 'infiltrate' the Shadowclan rebels, or gain Swiftrise's trust, and find out if they do have hostile motives against me. I only need to know so I can have greater judgement." Greystar said. Mapleshade nodded slowly, breaking her eyes away from his.
"But what about the deputy? Shouldn't she be given this task rather than just an ordinary warrior." Mapleshade said, mourning for herself as she realized this would be something she would have to fulfill before her and Snowtuft's scheme could be unleashed. She was so overwhelmed she hadn't remembered the deputy's actual name, having only used the pronoun 'she' and her title as the deputy to address her in the conversation. Greystar sighed.
"No, I cannot do that. If Snowstrike had begun poking around in there business, especially being possessed by that other cat they would grow suspicious and distrusting of her. It wouldn't work, even if she had the excuse of Snowfur being the inhabitant of her pelt." Greystar pointed out squarely. Mapleshade internally rolled her eyes as she felt herself grow enraged by the ridiculousness of this situation. Runningwish just had to be friends with some she-cat who just so happened to be developing a bond with the so-called leader of the Shadowclan rebellion. That thought made her pause.
The rebellion that had escaped her superiors, the ones who had defied Thistlestar, therefore were against Thistleclaw. Maybe she could use this to her advantage and win extra favor from the Dark Forest spirit who was leading without remorse just passed the border at Thunderclan's side. She could lead them to destruction from within, earning revenge for Thistleclaw as a price for their defiance.
It could definitely benefit her in the long run, maybe save her life if Thiseclaw ever became livid with her. Yes, this was a wonderful opportunity.
"Will you do it?" Greystar's deep voice echoed out into the cavern of her conspiring mind, bringing her attention to the present moment. She nodded slowly, trying to sell off that Runningwish was hesitant in accepting the responsibility he was offering her.
"I suppose, for better or for worse, it is an important thing to do." She quietly said in agreement. Greystar softly smiled at her.
"Thank you. Now, please, be safe. May Starclan light your path." He said in farewell as Mapleshade rose from the floor and exited the den.
"May they do so for you as well, Greystar." She called over her shoulder as her head reached the outside of his den. Now she had to update Snowtuft of her new plan, and she preferred thinking about dealing with the rebels than his attitude.