The sun was setting as we left Halfwind Citadel. A chill hung in the air and clouds blotted the peaks around Cloud Mountain. The sun set purple and vibrant red, stunning and bright in the pale blue sky.

We walked on as night fell, slowly taking the land around us in darkness. Soon, we could barely see the rest of the group. The night soon took over, bright stars shining like hundreds of torches. The moon slid from behind a cloud, lighting the path in front of us.

The night dragged on, miles of walking. Our feet got sore. We wanted to give up. But still, the prince plodded ahead. We ascended a familiar ridge, and I recalled a memory.

I shook my head and plodded after the group.

Dawn soon poked it’s fingers through darkness. The sunrise seemed faint, this morning. Barely any color filled the large clouds. They came, rolling across Natalia.

At first they were only a few raindrops. Then hundreds joined the chorus. Wet and cold, we pressed onward. Soon the rain froze into hail. The hail rained down on us, cold and uninviting.

And then it snowed. The flakes arced downward, landing on my fur and nose. I shivered, as well as the others.

By noon, we stopped. There was already a good 5 inches of snow, and more coming. We set up camp and I joined the Prince in looking at maps.

“Halfway to the Shade Hills.” Smalls said, sighing.

“Please, don’t attack.” I begged.

“I- I have to, Fleck.”

“Why?”

“Heather.”

“Smalls, she will still admire you if you don’t attack the camp.” I said, slowly.

“I know.” He hung his head.

“I’ll let you think on it.” I walked back to my tent.

*****************************

I sat with one ear pressed to the canvas wall of my tent, listening to Lord Blackstar and Wilfred. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t get to sleep.

“So many rabbits have lost their lives.” Lord Blackstar sighed.

“And each is a tragedy.” Wilfred frowned. I could hear him pacing.

“Especially when we lose those we love most.” Blackstar said, deep in thought.

I sighed, that was true. I soon fell asleep, worry nagging me.

*************************************

At about midnight, I woke to a loud sound in the forest. I bolted to my feet, slipping on my cloak and edging outside.

It was dark, and snow carelessly stuck around. But the snow itself had stopped. I paused on the edge of the forest, waiting, watching.

I turned to go back to camp. As I did, I heard the sound again.

I spun, racing into the depths of the forest. This forest was denser than what I was used too, all overgrown with tangled moss and weeds. Branches sent me sprawling to the ground, but I kept running.

I skidded to a stop on the edge of the fast flowing creek. I brought back so many memories I didn’t want to think of.

“Anyone? Anyone out there?” A faint and very familiar voice cried.

I rushed to the bank, looking through the water.

“Father? Anyone!” The voice again. Layra.

Is this a dream? Was I knocked unconscious or something? Is it one of Bastille’s tricks? I wondered.

“Layra?” I called.

“Fleck! Help!”

I soon spotted her. Layra was falling into the river, barely holding onto the rock.

“Hold on!” I cried, realizing I couldn’t do this alone. I was afraid of that creek. And the rocks were barely spaced…

I felt sick a second, looking into that water. I couldn’t save my adopted sister.

the reason this is so short: i'm debating whether i should make the last part a dream or reality...

i need assistance on that... :)

-Fleck