Warriors: The Compromise, #1 [DISCONTINUED]

CHAPTER 12

   After the visit with Stormstar, she made her way to the medicine den. Eucalyptus was busy at work, organizing and restocking herb piles, Pidgeonpaw alongside her with busy paws, as well. The hairless she-cat's large, wrinkly ears adjusting over in her direction.

   "Opal. What brings?" She flicked her rat-like tail. Opal made her way over, setting down the leaf bundle only for it to unfold and reveal the stone. The old medicine cat looked down at the strange stone. "What's this?"

   She could only shrug her shoulders in confusion. "I don't know. I spoke with Stormstar about this, and he only told me to talk with you... do you think it could be a prophecy? An omen? A sign fr—"

   "Hush! You talk to much, little one," Eucalyptus interrupted her. "It very well could be one, and it also could not. A two-leg, for instance, could've made it. I haven't had any signs of this yet, so don't get your hopes up."

   Opal frowned in disappointment. "But... it has to be a sign from Starclan! Please believe me."

   The medicine cat sighed, "Very well. I'll visit the Blossom Pool and see what Starclan has to offer tonight." She turned to Pidgeonpaw, the mottled grey tom busy as a bee. "Pidgeonpaw, I'll have to leave you in charge tonight. If there is an emergency, get someone to run out and get me. Otherwise, keep those herbs organized and secure!"

   "Yes, Eucalyptus!" He smiled happily. "Leaf-Bare is going by quicker than expected. I've already started to see sprouts and buds! Not to mention new leaves!" His fluffy tail pointed at an oak tree that loomed over the snowy camp, pretty green leaves spotted here and there, poking out from the thin layer of snow that covered the limbs and branches.

   She nodded with a soft smile, then looking back at Opal. "I will analyze this, and also carry this to the Blossom Pool tonight. Thank you, Opal." In response, the light grey she-cat gave Eucalyptus a friendly lick on the ear, before saying farewell and leaving the medicine den. Surprisingly, Pidgeonpaw and Eucalyptus got right back to work in a heartbeat. With New-Leaf coming, it'd be best to get things organized and ready for new herbs.

   After visiting the busy medicine cats, she padded along the crunchy, pearly white snow, she noticed the big tabby tom trudging up to her. He had glistening white flecks all over his fur, and it looked as though a snow storm whipped at him. He grinned, his eyes alive despite the bitter cold. "Hey, look who it is!" Tumble flicked his broad tail, the two now face to face. "How was your expedition? I had to go on two patrols while you were gone ... prey is falling short, although it is turning New-Leaf."

   "It went ... well," Puffs of vapor escaped from Opal's mouth, some wet snowflakes stinging her cheeks. "I'll join you on your next patrol! Oh, yes, and I found this strange relic— well, I didn't find it, but Wren did," She gave a quick lick to his cheek, before realizing how surprisingly cold he was. "Oh dear! Erm, follow me, let's shelter in the elder's den."

   "Why the elders' den? We're not old yet," Tumble huffed, disagreeing with her choice of den. Despite his disappointment, Opal was set on where they would speak. "It's warm in there, now that the elder's den has been repaired with softer moss and thicker brambles. Plus, it's vacant, and you're frozen to the tail!" She then trudged along the soon-to-be-melted snow, her friend trailing behind her, into the den.