Saying Goodbye [Ashstrike]

He looked somewhat surprised at her musings, though he didn't comment on it. Actually being reaffirmed about old ambitions was not something he was particularly expecting, even from her... Perhaps he didn't know Tawnystripe as much as he thought he did? The praise none the less made a mark on him. Already, the tom was making efforts to not let his small happiness show, face composed and dignified. Leadership was not likely to happen regardless of opinions. Although he was becoming respected as a warrior within Shadowclan, the supposed circumstances of his birth ensured he didn't really have an apprentice, which was a requirement before one became a deputy. Since Littlestar was the leader and Whitesmoke was the deputy then, at already 30 something moons the half clan tom had allowed himself to be content as veteran an warrior. With the schism, Whitesmoke would lead the newly dubbed 'Skyclanners' and choose her second in command. The band following Smallclaw would probably treat him as leader for this trip, maybe even after. As far as deputies go, he would probably choose someone else, someone he trusted more... If they all survived this,

All in all, leadership and the prestige of running a clan were far from his mind at the moment. Still... It was a nice thing to say and Ashstrike appreciated it. That sort of defense of his honor would not be forgotten, A shame though that such bitterness was present regarding a fellow clan mate. To be fair, Whitesmoke did directly insult Tawnystripe's capability. If anyone tried that on him, it would be a prompt fight in the clearing and a hard lesson learned. Whitesmoke was impulsive and acted with impunity. Ashstrike did not even fully agree with everything that the other Shadowclan remnants stood behind, but Skyclan was out of the question.

So no... Open hostility to Whitesmoke was expected. The Shadowclan tom even made note of the sarcastic ring of 'star' at the end. Ashstrike doubted Starclan would give the gift of nine lives to a traitor (never mind the implications of Shadowclan's fate), but the sharp tone was noted.

It was then, out of the corner of her eye that he saw her smirk, her form getting low into a smooth, fluid crouch. Realization was only starting to kick in when she playfully lunged toward him. Shecat or not, Tawnystripe had more power and force than one would realize within her frame. Although she did not have the surname of a fighter, she was one of Shadowclan's better combatants, and in Ashstrike's opinion, the best female fighter in Shadowclan overall. So when she rammed into him, even with his larger stature, he still was thrown into the loose silt, kicking up clouds of dust as he tried to regain his breath. 

As he stood up, ears slightly back and expression less than bemused, his icy blue eyes stared at the she cat and his ears flicked at her laughter. Slowly though, he returned the smirk, though there was a definite, vengeful mischievousness in the depths of normally sharp eyes. He got into a crouch, head low and gaze watchful. He stalked forward, muscular shoulders rolling with each movement as he smoothly stated, "Never start what you aren't willing to finish."

He sprung forward, arms out and paws bent to subdue the she cat into a grapple around her neck and shoulders. Already mindful of a potential counterattack with a belly rake, Ashstrike relaxed the lower end of his body, using his larger size and girth like a counterweight. He would then use his natural flexibility to twist, taking his intended opponent down and off their feet with the momentum and hold he implemented. If all went well, and it usually did, Ashstrike would have his opponent down with him but in a situation where they had minimal defense. He kept his claws sheathed for this of course, but he still put enough force in his attack to show that even if this was play fighting, he still liked it when things were rough.