Sly Fox Sand Dunes primera

the behavior of the stranger was not something mercedes was accustomed to. it felt unsettling to be invited anywhere or to be included, even in something as simple as play. she was young and eager for the attention all the same, but there was a level of disconnect she would have to come to terms with subconsciously; her grandmother had never been like this, and mercedes had limited interactions with the others of sangeda as a child.

still, her adventure away from her home meant she would be forced to try new things, and she was happy for that. when the stranger urged her through body language to join in with her game, mercedes didn't have to think about it — she reached with her next few steps to try and keep up with the wiry coyote woman, and soon the pair were running along the dunes.

mercedes should've been using her energy to chase prey, but the feeling of the wind against her cheeks was thrilling, as was her current company. something as simple as playing tag should not have had such a profound effect on her! and, yet...