Florian

Florian is the first scout of the Dawn Shadow pack. Ever since a great battle against the moor wolves, who had claimed his home on the grasslands, he underwent a significant change. The once open and rowdy wolf became agitated and gloomy.

Florian likes to scout not only because the places outside clear his head, but he does not like to work with other wolves. Despite this, he loves his pack and would protect it with every breath in his body.

Florian's Demise

Florian's bones groaned and ached as he forced himself to plod on. With every movement, his breath came shorter and shallower. He stopped dizzily, trying to clear out his head. But the tiredness was almost overwhelming.

Florian halted and crouched low to the ground. He was joltingly aware of what was happening to him, but he tried to deny it. He was so far from home! He couldn't give up now! He at least had to speak with Allegra one more time. Or Vale. Or Briony, to apologize for being so indifferent towards her feelings.

Florian wasn't aware of himself falling. And yet, he found himself on the ground, his cheek pressed to the grass. He closed his eyes tight to stop them from watering. I've lived a good, long life, he thought wistfully. But I'm not ready! 

Around him, the world grew steadily brighter. Florian saw the trees vanish, swallowed in starlight. Florian twitched. Was this death? Where was he going?

"Welcome, Florian," came a faint bark. Florian scrambled to his paws, suddenly restored with youthful energy. He found himself blinking at a brown-furred she-wolf with black patches dotted all over her pelt. Florian leaned closer to her, his eyes wide.

It wasn't. It couldn't be!

"Cricket," he breathed. Her yellow eyes glittered with warmth.

"Welcome, Florian," she echoed. "It's so good to see you again." Her lustrous pelt brushed his.

Florian could scarcely believe what he was experiencing. He glanced around, his eyes wide as full moons. "Where is this place? I'm dead, aren't I?"

Cricket rolled her eyes. "Your daftness amazes me sometimes," she growled with amusement. "Yes, you're dead. How else would you see me? And this," she added, giving her tail a wide sweep, "is the place where all wolves go once they've breathed their last."

Florian gave it a look around. It appeared to be a forest, but much greener and brighter than the forests he had ever seen in life. A warm breeze stirred his pelt, carrying the fresh scents of plant life and prey to be eaten.

"I think I'll like it here," he murmured. Then, anxiousness flitted through his gaze. "What about my pack? How will they fare without me?"

Cricket sighed and gazed at him. "They will grieve," she replied, "but as water flows in rivers, they will move on." 

Florian dipped his head. He had lived his life to the fullest. Now, he was ready to begin his new one in the stars with Cricket. He would watch over his pack, as she had her's. He would never truly be gone.