“I need you to stay by my side unless otherwise dismissed.”

 Storm’s paws dragged with exhaustion as he walked beside Ember to the meeting. He felt overworked from the day’s training, and the fact it was the first day meant it would only get more intense from here. 

However, the closer he got to the Great Clearing where all the five tribes gathered under the watchful eye of the Dream Tribe when their influence was the greatest, the more energetic he became, excitement washing over him. 

Storm wondered what the meeting was going to be like. What would be discussed? Who would all be there? He knew these meetings happened on the first full moon of every new season, and he knew that the leaders and a few important lynxes from all five tribes would be there otherwise, he didn’t know much else.

The second he got close enough to see the distinct bodies of the lynxes down there already, he felt wide awake. He had to stop himself from bounding down there before Ember. He knew it would build bad rapport if he disobeyed her and showed her up. It would read as if he didn’t see her as an actual leader of the tribe and thought he could do better. It would be a challenge for her position. 

As the group converged at the top of the hill to pause and gather themselves, to look presentable, Ember turned to him specifically.

“Storm, As my Fledgling, I need you to stay by my side unless otherwise dismissed.”

Storm’s heartbeat quickened. Stars above, this was a heavy order to give him in front of the rest of the tribe. He nodded, swallowing back his hammering heart.

The proud look on her face was all the praise he needed