In Fleeting Beauty, a weary shifter steps away from the rising threat of battle to reclaim the one thing he fears losing most, his sense of humanity. In a lavender field painted by the morning sun, Lander confronts the quiet truth that beauty may be the only thing standing between him and becoming the monster he fights against. This emotional fantasy short dives into purpose, identity, and the fragile moments that anchor us before the storm.
Even as danger closes in, Fleeting Beauty challenges the idea that strength is found in conflict. Sometimes the bravest thing a warrior can do is pause pause long enough to breathe, to reflect, and to remember what truly matters. This story blends atmospheric fantasy with character-driven emotion to deliver a quiet and powerful moment in a world on the verge of violence.
“Twirling Foliage” is a reflective and nature-inspired track that complements the lavender-field serenity Lander clings to. The light, wandering melody mirrors the emotional tension between peace and turmoil, enhancing the story’s meditative and bittersweet tones.
Fleeting Beauty was born from an image of the day app on my phone. While the app is no longer available, you can get a glimpse of the image on the full text of the story down below. Despite having an image to serve as the story’s springboard, I needed more to shape the tale. Thankfully, I was hip-deep in stories revolving around my Shifters, so they served as the perfect starting point for this storyline.
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A paw slammed to the ground, crushing the scattered remnants of the surrounding trees. With a grumble, a furry beast emerged from the forest’s edge. As the animal strode from the protection of the forest, it halted when the crunching twigs and leaves gave way to an undulating sea of purple flowers.
While the massive creature stared at the field, the sun’s golden rays crested the distant mountains and raced toward the swaying plants, bathing them with their first meal of the day. With each passing moment, the din of the forest diminished. As the silence intensified, the bear rose to its hind legs while ripples washed over its body.
When the rippling ceased and the last of the dark fur receded, a stout man stepped closer to the flowers, running his hand through his thick hair. As the individual stood there, the chattering wind chipped away at the nascent stillness like a chisel striking a stone.
“Lander, why are you here?”
Without tearing his gaze from the ever-shifting lavender carpet, Lander reached up and interlaced his fingers behind his head. “Neville, why are you bothering me?”
“You shouldn’t be here wasting your time.”
“Where should I be?”
“Preparing for the fight looming over us.”
The towering figure turned to Neville, his lips drawing into a harsh line. “Is there a problem with my separating myself from the inevitable maelstrom to bathe in the sight of something beautiful?”
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Have a wonderful day my friends!