Prologue To Lotus Eaters My silver pelt bristled with intensity as I pleaded, "You must stop this war, or it will drown you!" Determination fueled my voice. The large tabby laughed mockingly, dismissing my words. "How could you possibly defeat me? I’m stronger than Starclan!" With a quick, fierce movement, I lunged at him, my claws making contact with his fur. He screeched as we rolled across the ocean landscape. I could feel the heat of his claws digging into my back, but I didn’t give up. Grabbing onto his leg with all my strength, I urged, "Just surrender, Strikestar! This fight isn’t worth it!" He swiped at my nose, sending a fiery sting through me. Sand whipped into my eyes, and every movement felt like a struggle as Strikestar aimed a dangerous blow at my throat. Just then, a heavy weight lifted from me, and I gasped as I recognized the cat who had come to my rescue. "Lotus!" I yowled in surprise as she dove into the ocean, taking the tabby with her. I stood there, trembling with fear, wondering why she wasn’t resurfacing. This wasn’t how things were supposed to happen! Suddenly, a mournful yowl broke through the tension, and a dark tabby tom rushed past, leaping into the water. Moments later, he returned, his ears flat and his fur soaked. Panic gripped both of our hearts as he whispered softly, "She’s gone..." I felt frozen in guilt, the clouds hiding the bright sun as if the sky itself was mourning with us. His fur was heavy with sorrow, and the wind rustled through the two toms’ coats as they shared a profound moment of deep grief, looking into each other's eyes with a shared sense of loss.
Story by @ellie-the-welly Art will soon be posted! Picture from Google - Pinery Provinical Park
