By the Seashore [c]

Evenings like this were best spent on a comfortable bed of grass near the riverbank, listening to the scratch of cattails rubbing together while gazing up at the violet-and-rose-shaded sky at the thin clouds that breezed by. After a busy day of green-leaf sun, this was exactly how Herringkit decided to wind down. The pale lynxpoint kitten methodically preened the tufts between his toes and occasionally paused to watch his clanmates walk about camp. He'd spent many (if not all) of his days with his siblings and mother. His father too when he wasn't out of camp. And even though he loved their company dearly, it felt that perhaps it was about time he got to know the other cats in his home.

Watery-blue eyes lay on a soft calico's diluted pelt across the way. Herringkit remembered her name, Poppystar. Poppies were small, vibrant red flowers from what he'd heard. And stars, of course, were as gorgeous as they were important, a physical representation of his ancestors. Perhaps a bit strangely, Mother and Father didn't love to talk about their parents. But whenever Herringkit talked to anyone, who his parents were seemed to be one of his defining features. It didn't bother him. Herringkit was proud of his wonderful parents, so introducing himself as their son was like a badge of honor.

Poppystar was a leader, so she was introduced to him and his siblings when they were much younger. He didn't remember their interaction very well, having been such a sleepy young kit, but he did remember smiling real nicely. Clearly another meeting was due. Herringkit watched her for a bit, thinking about how much work it would be to lead so many cats. Like a queen with way too many kittens. Then it came to him. I should give Poppystar a gift.

Yes! But... what gift? The tom-kit looked around his little resting spot by the river. There were little flowers in the grass... Pebbles in the sand... "Oh?" he mrrped. Something small and white poked out of the sand. He took one of the paws he'd been cleaning and dug out the mystery item. It was a shell, though he did not know that. But it was interesting, and very pretty with that swirling pattern. Would Poppystar like it? Well... only one way to find out.

Herringkit approached shyly, a tiny shell held gently between his tiny teeth. Talking to a leader was a bit intimidating. He didn't remember her being mean, but he couldn't be sure she'd be nice either. Herringkit politely dipped his head, dropping his item in the same movement. "Hello, Poppystar," he mewed just a bit too quietly. Speak louder, his mother sometimes had to remind him. Herringkit carefully pushed the shell closer to her. "This is a gift for you... I hope you like it."

Once Poppystar greeted the kitten and expressed her gratitude, he promptly began to glow with a goofy smile. Her voice held so much kindness that he felt silly for being nervous. While Poppystar turned the small shell in her big, gentle paws, Herringkit took a moment to admire it more. What a pretty river thing, he remarked, wondering what else the river could make. But what was most beautiful about the shell was that it made his leader happy.

When Poppystar asked if the gift was really for her Herringkit nodded profusely, and mewed with a sweet smile back, "You're very welcome." Settling down to chat more, the tom-kit sat with his tail curled neatly at his side and looked up at her with wide eyes. "I am?" He blinked. "I guess I am pretty big... Cool!" Since she framed it positively he felt he should respond positively, but actually, something about it seemed... scary. "I'm doing great," he continued, "I have lots of fun playing by the river." Would that change when he became an apprentice? What else would change?