#puddledawn

“Alright, I get it,” Puddledawn says. He’s not very happy, but he doesn’t actually hate the current arrangement. Just wishes that Stormstar gave him more prior warning that they’ll be doing this together before jumping right into it. “So what are we talking about now to…get going, on getting to know each other? And I want to bring something back for Lilackit too.”

“You’ll find something for her, don’t worry,” Fireshimmer says. “I’ve found the most fascinating snail while I was wandering around here one day. Do you think she likes snails?”

“She likes them but wouldn’t ever want to touch one, no,” Puddledawn says.

“Then maybe she’d like more shells,” Stormstar says. “Of the non-snail variety.”

“I think she’s already had enough shells,” Puddledawn sighs. “Her nest is nearly overflowing with them at this point.”

“Speaking of shells,” Fireshimmer says, her tail lashing slowly from side to side as she pads ahead of them. She lifts her nose into the air and sniffs, and while she does so she says, “Sorry–thought I smelled some herbs. Over there, I’ll show you how to harvest them–but anyway, speaking of shells, I really want to talk about my perfect little shells of power. I keep them around the den and they give off these ‘energies.’ Have you felt them before?”

Puddledawn is hesitant as he follows her, watching as she sniffs at the herbs. “I don’t think I ever have,” he admits. He really doesn’t want to come across as rude to Fireshimmer, but…

“I have,” Stormstar cuts in. “It’s so obvious, it’s like it hits you as soon as you walk in, and–” He rambles on, and meanwhile Fireshimmer tracks down the herbs she was looking for. She wonders how long she could convince them that she actually does believe in these things.

And Stormstar doesn’t seem quite happy to see him, judging by the droop in his ears. But Puddledawn has to give him credit at least for managing to suppress it. “May I ask what you’re doing?” Puddledawn asks him. The tip of his tail twitches a bit in anticipation as Stormstar manages to be silent for more than three seconds, before–

“Never mind that,” Stormstar says. “Come here, come here! I want to get your opinion on something.” Stormstar heads over to a corner of the den and after some burrowing, he uncovers a bunch of shells. “So, I’ve been collecting all these shells for my nest to decorate before I realized that it’s way too much.” He peers back toward Puddledawn. “So, I was thinking–why don’t I give these out as prizes to the warriors?” “Just to make their nests prettier?” “And other things!” Stormstar says indignantly. “Some of these shells would make very good bludgeons, for example.”

“That’s a terrible idea. You’d far be better off using a rock like any sane cat,” Puddledawn hisses. StarClan, is this what he’s going to be dealing with for moons? “Yeah, so maybe I can test that on you next,” Stormstar huffs. “Whatever. Once I get these ‘storm shells’ ready, it’ll get everyone pumped to work hard! I mean, look at these things.” He gestures toward the largest curled shell with his tail. “Wouldn’t you kill for one of them?”