Username: VulpesVelox
Cat Name: Shortspark
Gender: Female
Rank: Elder
Clan: LightclanAge: 137 moons
Prompt: "Oh? How do I feel about my shadow?" Shortspark pauses for a moment, truly and deeply contemplating the question.
"Well, I suppose it depends on what kinda shadow you're talking about. I'm gonna assume you mean my metaphorical shadow though." She closes her eyes to recall her life thus far. She could give any number of answers to this question and they would all be true, however, she needed to think of how the young tenderpaw (apprentice) before her would take the answer. Smiling gently, the old she-cat touches her nose the tenderpaw's forehead in a soothing manner. Clearly, the youngster is unsettled by something.
"I see my shadow as something to be proud of. Many cats cast a large shadow, obscuring those who fall behind...I like to think that I have a healthy shadow...one that gives our clanmates something to strive toward." Shortspark notices the tenderpaw's confusion and smiles patiently when he opens his mouth to speak.
"B-but...do you ever feel like your shadow is chasing you sometimes and..." He trails off, hesitant to continue. The elderly female rests her tail on the young cat's shoulder, aiming to comfort him some.
"I've done things I'm ashamed of...things that haunt me still if that's what you're asking." Is this about what his littermate did just under a moon ago?
"But-" She speaks up quickly upon noticing the tom's downcast expression,
"Things like that remain in your shadow to remind you of your faults and how to better yourself. You can't get rid of your shadow; it will continue to chase you...but this is why you must embrace it." Shortspark sighs and leans away from the younger cat.
"Think of your shadow not as something frightening that follows you, but an incentive to do better and become better. Your shadow is only an extension of yourself...no matter how you may hate it, it will provide insight in times of need." The tenderpaw stares, wide-eyed at Shortspark before swiftly tucking his head under her chin, pressing his shoulder snuggly into her fluffy fur.
"Thank you Shortspark. I know I'm not the...the most trustworthy cat in Lightclan because of my brother..." He closes his eyes tightly and Shortspark feels a wave of sympathy run through her.
"But I want to show everyone that even I can be a good warrior someday! I won't let my life be determined by what my brother did!" Shortspark looks down at the tenderpaw as he pulls away, admiring the pure determination in his expression. She knows that he will prove the world wrong about him...that he will truly become the best warrior in the forest...perhaps even the best leader the world will ever see.
"I know little one. You have the power to create your own destiny. Regardless of what others may think, I know you have the heart of a clan cat, and that's all that matters."