[duckie]

Sootflare
__________

Sootflare followed along quietly and closely, almost directly in the leader's footsteps. He didn't want to... interrupt Lionstar's experience - he seemed to be reliving memories he didn't quite expect to - and he needed the time to psyche himself up for what was about to happen. All this time as deputy had gone just fine. There was no anxiety about it. So why now? Why was this the time his chest constricted and throat tightened up? Why was his tongue dry and body going stiff?

He paused at the cave entrance, glancing between Lionstar and the dark cave ahead. Right. This was real. This was happening. He nodded and stepped forward. Just one paw after the other. When he spotted that 'shiny rock' Lionstar mentioned, his breathing hitched but he kept walking, only stopping when his face was nearly touching the crystalline surface.

Kissing the rock felt like a very Lionstar was to mess with him. Taking a deep breath, he pressed his nose against the surface, and, for a moment, nothing happened. He began to wonder if he actually had to kiss the rock. However, the question was soon wiped from his mind as he fell the ground, sprawled out in a cold, hard sleep and woke up in a place entirely other.

It probably would've been good to lay down first.

[ @BILL. ]