⚘ a fallen knight.

Instructions

Fallenshadow was old. As old as his mother was when she died… And he could feel it. He lapped at his flank, but felt exhaustion taking over. Panic gripped his chest, then let go, then tightened again. He had been ready to go moons ago – but he had his kits to consider now. His heart had not been the same since Reveriecrown died. He'd felt himself grow weaker, day by day. He shook his head, clearing his mind. Steady, steady. His gaze dropped to his ankle. The bracelet he had made when he made the crossing to Flurryclan… He knew why he’d done it now. In the back of his mind he must’ve known he wanted his kits to be able to hear the rush of the tide, just as he had done when he was young. Five shells, bound by a length of salty seaweed. With trembling teeth he pulled it apart, letting the shells roll to the floor of the den. His head less foggy now, he began his work again, tearing and braiding the seaweed, incorporating grasses from around himself, too, until he had five smaller anklets, each with a seashell firmly attached. Cowries, mussels, tiny conches - one for each kit. Each shone with mother-of-pearl. As he looked over his work he recalled each member of his family in his mind - as well as friends past. " Thornpaw. My first, my eldest, the one who made me a father. You’re my big man, yeah? Love your siblings, always, and watch your own back, too. Your daddy loves you. Wishpaw, sweetheart. I’m glad you listened when I told you to watch those flowers. I’m so unbelievably proud of you. Never stop being my kind little girl, okay? Hopepaw. My curious little kid. Maybe one day you’ll become a storyteller, yourself. You just keep asking your questions. Shiningpaw. Such a little dreamer. You do make me laugh. Y’know, if you hold this shell to your ear, you’ll hear the sea? Sparkkit… my youngest, my miracle. You always reminded me of Swallowflame. I know you’ll make both him and I proud. " His head dropped again. " Poppybite... I know you'll make it through this. Your kits... it wasn't your fault. And know I always cared for you like you were my own, even if I didn't always show it. " " Miragestar... Ever since I first met you, I admired you. You were always one of my best friends. I knew you were gonna go far, and now look at you! Watch over my kits, please... " Fallenshadow coughed again, his breath shallow and wheezing. His claws sunk into his nest. A steady peace washed over him, like the ocean tides of his first home washed over the shore. It felt cool and warm at once. He knew he was soon to meet everyone he'd lost. " Mom... Heartspirit, Swallowflame... I'll be seeing you soon. Gracie... My dear Rev... I hope I'll meet you again, somehow... " A tear slipped from his eye and slid down his red cheek. It glistened with stardust.