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Ray flexed his toes, straightening from a catlike stretch. The dark hair along his spine prickled and his tail gave a lash as he drew himself up, copper eyes surveying his surroundings. He was pleased with the territory that his sister and friend had claimed; the plateau provided a view of the sprawling land to the south, while a row of snowcapped mountains stood at his back.

Assuming a slow, laid-back gait, he began to meander through the copse of trees that occupied the otherwise flat landscape. Though he was still learning his way around, his pale paws carried him deftly through the foliage. Charcoal ears pivoted on his crown, taking in the sounds of the miniature forest -- the rustle of the grass beneath his feet, the soft chirruping of some bird high above in the branches. It was relatively quiet, and the male breathed deeply, inhaling the warm, thick air.