May 23, 2023, 01:47 PM
A year ago today, Masquerade had debuted alongside their brother and sister. They did not realize the significance of today’s date. It was just a day like any other. They brought a fresh kill to their mother first thing in the morning, then spent several hours entertaining their younger siblings with a rowdy game of tag at the center of the rendezvous site. They all tumbled into a heap afterward, napping together in the late May sunshine.
When they stirred in the late afternoon, Masque climbed to their feet only to dip into downward dog, their toes kneading into the grassy soil as their long tail waved over their back. They held the position for a few breaths, then released and pushed upright with a bodily shake. Bits of dirt and grass flew into the air before they suddenly curled their head toward their right shoulder, bracing on three legs as their hind leg came up to scratch behind their ear. They let out a little groan of pleasure.
Resuming all fours and straightening, they shook out their pelt again, fur puffing up and then flattening as they began to stride toward the far side of the clearing. Although they remained oblivious to the anniversary of their birth, some instinct drove them not to track prey like usual but instead seek the company of their litter mates.
They climbed to the crest of the rise and paused, snout tipping into the air. They sifted through the scents on the late spring breeze that tousled the long, coarse hairs at their nape. Their goldenrod eyes scanned the nearby slope and the plains beyond, squinting against the slight glare as the sun sank toward the western horizon to their right. Its buttery light painted the distant mountain range there in sharp relief, while the southwesterly sky already featured a waxing crescent moon.
The sight prompted their throat to begin rippling and they lifted their muzzle a little further, eyes half-closing as their lips parted. It was not a birthday song they sang but a howl to let @Relic and @Redd know of their location, entreating them to join Masquerade at the top of the rise.
The call faded into the darkling air. A mosquito whined in their ear, causing it to twitch rapidly. They drew in a breath and exhaled, walking slowly along the ridge line as they awaited the the gift of their litter mates’ presence.
When they stirred in the late afternoon, Masque climbed to their feet only to dip into downward dog, their toes kneading into the grassy soil as their long tail waved over their back. They held the position for a few breaths, then released and pushed upright with a bodily shake. Bits of dirt and grass flew into the air before they suddenly curled their head toward their right shoulder, bracing on three legs as their hind leg came up to scratch behind their ear. They let out a little groan of pleasure.
Resuming all fours and straightening, they shook out their pelt again, fur puffing up and then flattening as they began to stride toward the far side of the clearing. Although they remained oblivious to the anniversary of their birth, some instinct drove them not to track prey like usual but instead seek the company of their litter mates.
They climbed to the crest of the rise and paused, snout tipping into the air. They sifted through the scents on the late spring breeze that tousled the long, coarse hairs at their nape. Their goldenrod eyes scanned the nearby slope and the plains beyond, squinting against the slight glare as the sun sank toward the western horizon to their right. Its buttery light painted the distant mountain range there in sharp relief, while the southwesterly sky already featured a waxing crescent moon.
The sight prompted their throat to begin rippling and they lifted their muzzle a little further, eyes half-closing as their lips parted. It was not a birthday song they sang but a howl to let @Relic and @Redd know of their location, entreating them to join Masquerade at the top of the rise.
The call faded into the darkling air. A mosquito whined in their ear, causing it to twitch rapidly. They drew in a breath and exhaled, walking slowly along the ridge line as they awaited the the gift of their litter mates’ presence.
I wanted to write something for the upcoming open mic, which happens to be this Thursday the 25th! This felt fitting.