Arm Not Alas Sand
~ by Draconicalitie
The shores of Mossflower were silent in the early dawn, rose-colored light tinting the gentle wavelets that lapped the shore. All was silent, even the normally raucous seabirds sensing the sadness that pervaded the air.
A Badger Lord was dying.
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Sundew the hare, now older with silver streaking her fur, laid a paw over Sunstripe's cool brow and sighed. He looked so peaceful now, the gold of the legendary headstripe still bright against palest white fur. The great chest rose and fell, long slow breaths coming fewer by the minute.
Alonora, Sunstripe's mate, walked quietly into the bedroom, cradling their only son in her arms. As she sat on the edge of the bed, the massive Lord stirred.
His great head lifted, cloudy brown eyes opening to gaze blearily into his mate's. He raised his paw with an effort, caressing little Ranno's forehead. His voice came slowly, and he laughed inwardly at himself when it did – the hoarse, cracked words that forced their way from his throat were a mere shadow of his once mighty roar.
Alonora gazed sadly at her beloved's face. "Why must you leave us now?"
He clasped her paw firmly. "Dark Forest calls to me now, love. The shores are at peace – they will remain that way for many more seasons. And Ranno will be there to take care of any trouble…won't you, my son?"
Their young one stirred, the two-season badgerbabe stretching and opening his mouth in a tiny yawn. Huge eyes looked into his father's face, solemn and dark, as Ranno reached for the handle of the weathered warclub.
Sunstripe smiled at his offspring's antics. His wishes had come true – Salamandastron flourished with life both within and without, lush with blooming gardens. Even through the thick stone walls, the giggling of mischievous leverets floated to his ears. And Ranno, his pride and joy, would have the happy childhood Sunstripe never had.
If only he could be there to see it…
From a long way away, he heard a thin, fierce screech. I'm coming, old friend. Wait for me, Skarlath, my faithful hawk.
"Aye little one," replied Sundew gently. "You will be as great as thy father ever was, when he was still the Mace – no vermin shall take the mountain in thy time. Right, m'lord?"
Sunstripe was not listening. Taking Ranno's paw in his own, he was singing softly, very softly:
"Arm not alas sand, 'way south in the west,
So star land a mat, that's where I love best,
Sand not as alarm, lone seabirds do wing,
And alas most ran, list' to me whilst I…sing…"
A huge paw slipped from a tiny one, and did not rise again.
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Well, I did it. I got up off my lazy butt and edited! XD
R n' R, ja!