When Security Is Stripped Away

Álarr's stomach flipped, his limbs shook as he jolted awake, right out of a nightmare that he wasn't entirely sure was over. The volcano and its destruction had loomed large, destroying everything in its path. Had he forgotten to grab his yarrow? What if they didn't have enough? His hear was hammering and he quickly stood only to yelp as his new horns stuck into the ceiling of his den. He swore and jerked his head free only to see Afi staring at him as if awaiting some explanation.

Embarassed, Álarr quickly exited the den site to sit outside the entrance in the chill winter air. The night was clear but cold. He still wasn't sure what to think of the onyx, spiraling horns that had sprouted from his head. He supposed in a way he was happy that he'd been given a special gift like his other siblings but of course it had to be something a bit weirder. Many members of his family had saber-teeth and claws but he didn't know of anyone else with horns.

Álarr gazed out across the field of the sweetgrass basin. Snow had beat down the grass. It nestled in various patches over brown grass and he found himself hating it. He was happy in the range. He was happy with all his stores. He was happy with the special healing den he'd dug and all the work he'd put into it. He could stand the change! He couldn't stand the insecurity he felt! Hot tears started to form at his eyes, tears of fear, shame and embarrassment. If he couldn't handle this set back, how was he going to handle something major?

His head turned toward where his father's den was. It wasn't lost on him that his father was old and getting older by the day. As strong as Valentine seemed to be, Álarr couldn't shake the feeling that his time with his dad was going to be limited and he didn't know what to do. He wasn't ready to lose his dad. Tears started flowing freely as he sat alone trying to stop them.