𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄

𝑻𝑾𝑶

I awoke with the dawning light, my senses immediately enveloped in a symphony of voices, a cacophony of chatter that danced upon the air. It seemed as though the very fabric of the world had burst forth with new life, carrying with it a medley of unfamiliar scents interwoven with the comforting fragrance of our own kin. Reluctantly, I rose from my slumber and ventured outside the confines of my den, where a tapestry of new faces awaited me, mingling with those of our own clan.

FogClan, I mused, my eyes widening in astonishment. It was the very clan that had welcomed back the young male whom I had held a fondness for in days gone by. A wave of resignation washed over me as I realized that Isle, the persistent one, would now seize every opportunity to disrupt my tranquility. With a weary sigh, I stepped out of the den, for though FogClan were long-standing friends and allies, it was customary to extend greetings to them, as tradition dictated.

Drawing near to my mother, engaged in conversation with Fatespeaker, the esteemed matriarch of FogClan, I couldn't help but notice the enchanting emerald hue of her coat and the gentle benevolence emanating from her large, kind eyes. Fatespeaker, the nurturing mother of FogClan's most spirited offspring, Blacktail, exuded an aura of strength. Ah, Blacktail, the very male I recounted to you yesterday, fierce in his ways and relentless in his pursuits.

"Ah, young Scarletsail!" exclaimed Fatespeaker upon catching sight of me, a delighted twinkle in her eyes. I smiled in response, offering a gracious dip of my head. "Greetings, dear aunt Fatespeaker," I replied. The venerable spinosaurus bestowed upon me a warm smile and tenderly nuzzled her snout against my forehead. "By the stars, how you have grown!" she laughed, and I couldn't help but chuckle, playfully flicking my tail. "Indeed, I have. Almost prepared to assume the mantle of the female alpha," my mother interjected, causing me to cast my gaze downward.

I found myself disquieted when my parents spoke of my future, of the responsibility that awaited me, leading the clan. I yearned for a life of freedom, one where I could exert control over my own destiny. Leading others was not a role I relished, but this was my family, and I felt compelled to follow their path. Particularly so since I had not yet found a suitable mate.

"Mother," I called out to her, and she hummed, turning her attention away from Fatespeaker to focus on me. "May I go and spend some time with Isle?" I inquired, to which she sighed wearily but eventually nodded. "Very well, my dear," she relented. A smile of gratitude graced my face as I darted off in the direction of my friend, who was engaged in conversation with a stranger, a newcomer to our midst.

He possessed a coat of deep brown, complemented by his expressive hazel eyes. He seemed different, no longer bearing the distinctive marks of FogClan, but rather hailing from MudClan, a branch that traced its lineage back to the OceanClan, known to dwell primarily in their coastal realms.

Isle caught sight of me and eagerly called out, "Scarletsail, allow me to introduce you to Clayclaw. He is a Sail from MudClan, and he was just regaling me with tales of his life as an outcast..." Her voice trailed off as she directed her gaze toward Clayclaw, who let out a weary sigh but urged her on, saying, "Go on, Isle. She is your friend, and she deserves to know my past." Isle nodded in understanding, then turned her attention back to me, but her words caught in her throat, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Furrowing my brow, I followed her gaze, my own voice caught in my throat as I beheld the scene before me, leaving me utterly speechless.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

Blacktail paused from his drink, a prickling sensation teasing at his flank. Lifting his head from the refreshing water, his gaze collided with the radiant orbs of a familiar face. Recognition bloomed within him, stretching his maw into a broad smile. Without a moment's delay, the youthful male bounded over to the trio of females and a young, curious male by their side. Blacktail glanced at the newcomer, instantly recognizing him as Clayclaw, the recent addition to their ranks hailing from MudClan.

His attention, however, swiftly shifted to Scarletsail, who valiantly attempted to evade his gaze, her eyes buried in the ground. "My, my," he chuckled, his voice resonating with depth. Scarletsail bristled, refusing to meet his gaze, until finally, she snapped, "What do you want?" Her words laced with a hiss, Blacktail couldn't help but chuckle, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Calm yourself, my dear. I bear no ill will. I merely wished to remark that you appear more captivating than ever."

Scarletsail, though not easily swayed, shot him a scathing glare. "Don't even try, Blacktail. I have no interest in a mate. I have yet to find the one who resonates with my heart," she declared, her tone dripping with defiance. Blacktail shrugged nonchalantly and inched closer, his voice lowering in an attempt to entice her. "Well, I, too, have yet to discover my chosen one. Perhaps the Great Mother is signaling that we are destined for each other?" he ventured, his words laced with hope, though Scarletsail remained steadfast, denying him entry into her world.

She sneered at him before swiftly turning her attention to Isle, nudging her friend gently with her tail. She repeated the gesture with Clayclaw, her voice cold as she declared, "Let us depart; there is naught of interest here." Isle let out a resigned sigh but followed her friend's lead, while Clayclaw offered an apologetic nod to Blacktail, who watched them retreat.

He wasn't angry, nor was he taken aback. He had anticipated Scarletsail's rejection, for she had rebuffed his advances countless times before. Yet, he hoped against hope that one day she might reconsider, choosing him when the time was ripe.

Drawing in a deep breath and exhaling slowly, the black and white spinosaurus trudged away, a heaviness settling in his heart.

Another attempt thwarted.

Another shard of his heart lost.

If he persisted in this endeavor, Death would surely mock him when his time came, and Life would avert her gaze, deeming him unworthy of her attention.

At the thought, a shudder coursed through him, causing him to bow his head in quiet resignation, even though he navigated these lands with an intimate familiarity, his path ingrained in his very being. But as the years ebbed away, so too did the vibrant life that once teemed within these territories. No longer did agile Troodons scamper beneath his claws, and only the birds clung steadfastly to their nests. Yet, change loomed on the horizon. Something was approaching, an event that would alter the course of their existence, perhaps to mend or to redirect them all.

~ ▬▬ι═══════ﺤ ~

Dear apologies for truncating these chronicles! I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to craft more extensive chapters in due time. However, for now, let these fragments suffice.

With utmost regards,

Hyun-jun