⊗ let's mediate between the old sun and the storm!
⊗ we're literally so small and cute and sweet we have to mediate between the old sun and the storm. we'll be so good at it
Everyone stop what you're doing! You yell at the top of your lungs as you burst in between the two red slugcats. They, of course, fall silent to stare at you. Just as planned! We can talk about this! All normal and stuff! And also!
You hold up the bug in your hand. Look at this bug! It's really cool, so you have to look at it and stop arguing!
Well, it is an interesting insect. The Bouncy tries to support you, though he seems half-hearted.
Really? The Storm cracks a hint of a grin. You, Bounce, of all people? You don't even like bugs! Guess you got a soft spot under all that ice after all, huh?
The Old Sun hums a little in amusement, though underneath that her body is still tense. Very good, Winged. It is a nice bug. Thank you for showing us, dear.
Why were you shouting at each other? You get right to the point, peering at the two of them closely, leaning your body towards each of them in turn.
Yes, what happened? The Bouncy adds. Not to be presumptuous, ma'am, but it isn't like you to be worked up at all, The Sun.
The Sun flicks an ear. I will admit that I am not entirely certain as to the sudden heat in our discussion myself. The Storm and I were speaking pertaining to this light walling our camp boundaries, and how best to fix it.
She lays a paw against the broken pole lying half-collapsed in the sand, indicating it as well as the area where it snapped clean in half the last time the rain came down.
The lantern once affixed to it has been washed who knows where, and the pole itself likely will not last the next cycle even with repairs being made to make whole what's been torn down.
The Storm makes a low clicking sound in the back of her throat, her half-lowered hackles rising again.
And I told her, if we're already planning to throw the damn thing out, what's the problem with trying things my way? I told The Sun, I think I know a way to glue it together so sturdy it'll be like it never broke at all. But she won't hear a word of it, says we need to get rid of it flat out. And I don't see why! It's one pole with one lantern, say I'm wrong and it washes off. Well, who cares? It just means I'm wrong after all, no one's the worse for wear! I don't know why she doesn't even want to try.
The Sun flattens her ears again.
I am saying, The Storm, that I don't believe it's a good idea because it's an unnecessary risk. What will we do if the glue does not hold steady and the pole collapses, ah? It could hit someone.
The Storm makes a slashing motion with her paw, as if to swipe away the argument.
If someone is out in the rain, then it'll already batter them to the void anyway. It's one test so we know if it's safe or not, and if it is we can keep using it to repair stuff, keep things we'd otherwise toss. We don't have that much, why can't we use everything we damn well got to its fullest? Why do you want us to keep trashing what we got?
I am not talking about the rain. If the glue is untested, then the pole could collapse on any slugcat passing under it. These small accidents may sound miniscule to you, but they easily lead to deaths, if the angle hits the poor victim right. I won't have that on my conscience.
I didn't say it was untested, I said I didn't know what would happen in the rain. I haven't had a chance to test it with that! I know it can last fine in long periods alone!
Hmm, but did you test it with something quite so heavy as the pole? What can hold up glued together depends on its weight, and we aren't hurting for objects such as these. They're discarded and scattered everywhere, if we go looking.
Okay, The Bouncy interrupts, lifting his paws up between them. I'd like to intervene now, if that would be all the same to both of you. The Storm, if you'll forgive my frankness, you seem to be taking this quite to heart. Due to our prior familiarity with each other, ma'am, I feel as if I wouldn't be incorrect if I say... This seems like it isn't entirely about the pole?
If you'll allow me, I believe that it might behove both of you if you're candid about what is upsetting you.
The Storm twists her muzzle at him, giving him a strained look. She seems like she wants to say something else, but then she grits her teeth and sighs. I guess if I don't, I won't be putting my paws where my mouth is, eh? Can't trust a mediator that won't do what she tells others.
Her tail lashes back and forth behind her, and you have to resist the urge to chase after it. You remind yourself that this is Serious Business so you can't pounce on her right now.
You go back to standing so importantly between them, still holding the bug out up over your head. It's still kicking its little legs occasionally, fighting against your paw.
I don't like this, The Storm says. Talking about "my" "feelings" and what have you.
And yet we incite others to do it all the time. Ironic, The Bouncy replies, nodding back at her. As you said, now it's the spear turning to aim at you.
Khah! She snorts and slaps her tail on the floor. Alright, I guess I can try. Easiest said than done, a'course.
She frowns and places a paw on her arm, thinking. Look, Old Sun... I just like, get this feeling that you just damn well don't like me. That's what's got my pouch in a twist. Not really the pole, that just feels like an extension of the same thing.
The Sun frowns, too. Ah-ya, is that what's been bothering you? Of course I don't dislike you, Storm. You're a headstrong young slugcat, certainly. But this isn't saying I don't like you.
You were one of the slugcats that didn't think I should have been made mediator. The Storm says it bluntly. And you pull your grandpup away from me when she's talking to me sometimes. Come on, how else am I supposed to take that?
I think you are not quite mature enough for graduation yet, The Sun acknowledges. You do not like authority, and this isn't itself a bad thing. But it can be dangerous, when you ignore what others tell you to do and assume you know best yourself, always.
I have no problem with my Sunshine speaking with you. But I worry your advice may lead her astray sometimes.
So you think I'm a bad influence, The Storm says, flattening her ears.
I did not say that. The Sun straightens her usually-stooped back, looking at The Storm squarely in the eye. I think you can grow to be a very wise and clever person. But you are a young adult yet. You never had a mentor to guide you, so you are fumbling into how to help everyone.
I think wanting to help all of us get along better is admirable. I think you are good at your job. But I also think you have room to grow, as do we all. I don't disparage your skill, and I am sure the glue we were arguing about is very sticky, as you say. But I also do not think that it's best used applied to the pole, as it could be dangerous.
We can test it on something else. You do not need to be reckless to prove that you've clever ideas, The Storm. We know.
She pauses, and looks at the way the younger slugcat looks at her. She softens her voice, just a little. I know. It was never an indictment on you, that I thought you could have used more time to train, to be a teenager. You are only ever the age you are once. There's no rush to graduate.
The Storm keeps looking at her, and exhales slowly. Alright. I can understand that, I guess. Just, you know... It felt so two-faced, when I heard about it. A lizard biting you from behind.
It wasn't meant to be a betrayal, nor a judgement, The Sun says, gently.
The Storm snorts. Well, it kinda was a judgement, wasn't it? Wasn't that the point?
The Bouncy clears his throat awkwardly. Well, it's not like she —
No, I suppose you're right. The Sun laughs softly. Yes, I did judge you in the end. I am sorry I hurt you. But my opinion still stands. Temper yourself, and you'll be a much sharper blade. You can't sharpen a point forever: you'll only break it.
Alright, I get it. The Storm rolls her eyes. I need to listen to people more, blah blah, old slugcat proverbs. Yes, fine, we can throw out the stupid pole.
You will help me find something else to test the glue on?
The Sun gives her a small smile. Of course. After we throw out the stupid pole.
The two of them nod at each other and bend over to pick up the broken pieces together, one each.
Well, The Bouncy says, perking his ears a little as he watches them work. That went much better than expected.
You should have trusted the cool bug more, You say, nodding wisely.
The Storm & The Old Sun have improved their relationship with each other.
You have 1 mediator use remaining this month.