[Ziera]

// @ShadowyUnknown

Brightkit tumbled out of the nursery in a flurry of enthusiasm. His silky black fur stuck out at odd angles due to the way he was sleeping just now, but he didn't care-- it was time for a clan meeting! Bright was only a tiny bit late. Right? Weaving through a bunch of cats, he caught sight of Frostpaw, and the kit [soon to be an apprentice himself] smiled wide.

Brightkit almost greeted her loudly--his maw fell open, ready to form her name--but then, having a tiny bit of awareness, stopped himself. The meeting was underway. Stormtalon always talked about being respectful of their clan leader, n' such... so Bright decided to bump into Frostpaw's shoulder instead.

"Hi," he whispered. "What did I miss?"

---

// @Zero | @Jessica1917

Ottersplash visibly relaxed when Coastbreeze joined him. "Thank stars. Where were you this whole time? Trust me. Being early was definitely an accident. Next time, I'll circle around the den a bunch and say I lost a fish if anyone asks." He was just rambling now, it was clear, and Coast would know it too. But really...he was glad not to be sitting alone anymore. Maybe now, he could watch the clan meeting unfold, cheer on whoever got their new mentor, or their new appren--

Wait. Wait hold on.

Otterplash's throat went try, his eyes widening in barely concealed panic when his name was called out at the very end. No. No no no no no. What was Lionstar thinking!? Why would Ottersplash be any less problematic than Basilpaw's previous mentors!?

Yeah- okay. He told Splashleap that eventually, someday he wouldn't mind having an apprentice. But StarClan, not now! Not in five moons from now. He wasn't ready, he wasn't-- no. Ottersplash wasn't prepared to take on such a big responsibility. The thought of having an apprentice rely on him was terrifying now that it was an actual thing happening. Not just -- oh yeah, someday that would be nice. Nope. Swoosh, bang, badaboom - Otter was a mentor now. StarClan take him.

Ottersplash turned to look at Coast, mind suddenly blank, way too blank to remember anything he was supposed to do next. Help me, his amber eyes said. The tom noticed Basilpaw, who was scanning the sea of cats to find him out of the corner of his eye, and it made his stomach twist. Otter wished he could sink into the earth.