Of Rumors and Catfish (Closed)

[psychobabble]

On the edge of one the many large gardens where a small forest met, not a sudden change but a slow blending one, grew a large, beautiful tree. The tree itself, although larger than most of the others surrounding it, was nothing special. The only difference was that it was the home of a crow. The crow did not live high in the tree or even in a normal bird's nest. It did have a nest of sorts low in the branches. The nest looked like something an average ground mammal would have made at the base of the tree to sleep in, a sort of den. The branches also looked like they were being used as some path between the ground and shelter.

As the sun began to rise in the sky, the area started to come to life. The birds sang form their places high in the trees. Water could be heard from a nearby small stream. As the noise grew starting with the normal early birds It made its way down though the trees waking all manners of life. This life included the interesting crow that made its home not too high off the ground. Slowly the magenta and violet corvid rose as well to start a new day. With the hope of not getting eaten or having to fight for her life she left her nest, and causally maneuvered her way down her branch path to the ground. After the brightly colored bird reached the ground she nibbled on a few small nearby insects, before moving on the her next task. She paused, listened for any signs of predators. When she finally deemed it safe she started on her way to the stream not aware of what lay ahead.

As the bird hopped in the direction of the nearby stream, she nibbled on more insects as she went. Nearing the stream she slowed her pace. Here she knew she was in more danger being so near other animals. It was not the other animals that scared her, it was the giant catfish that was rumored to live in the area. But she hoped that the massive fish or another animals would not be there as she approached the treeline sneaking near the edge. Kronique was almost the the spot to look out at the stream when lowering her foot there was a loud snap as she stepped on a previously unseen branch.

[theeraven]

The early morning found the large white form of the dog trotting along in a carefree manner that accompanied his jubilant mood. Each step was high and proud as Daetien the newly ranked ten of clubs sauntered along the trees. It was a meal that brought the virile canine from his home under the two-hundred-year-old dogwood tree as his belly growled softly. A soft smile crossed his pale features as he worked his way across the landscape. Daetien was far from home to be seeking a meal in another region. He’d never been told that any region was off limits, it wasn’t like a typical wolf pack. The other cards from around the surrounding area didn’t guard their borders with malice like wolves did, in fact nearly all of them welcomed visitors with happy greetings.

Daetien knew of the wide stream that ran through the east side of the Gardens, and though he’d only been there once before, he thought it might be a good place to start the morning off with a little fishing. His shoulders and hips rolled under his multi-colored pelt as he trotted along, making his way through the various pine trees that dotted the outskirts of one of the many large bountiful gardens. The scent of late blooming flowers brought sweetness to his nose and it made Daetien wonder if how anyone within the Gardens could go about life in a melancholy mood with such beauty and fragrance all around them.

The sky was a brilliant blue, red, and apricot overhead as the sun gently worked its way over the mountain. The time should be perfect for fishing as the morning bugs skimmed the top of the water and fish came from the shallow water to feast upon them. Approaching the water’s edge, Daetien paused along the grassing bank, gazing into the water for a moment. He’d heard tale of the large catfish that roamed this stream due to the fact that it had more than once been seen consuming birds, lizard, and rodents right off the bank itself. It sure had a reputation. Daetien was unafraid as he jumped softly down into the water, casting his eyes into the cold crystal water for any sign of fish. To his left he saw a flash of color and jumped toward it. His paws came down just in time to catch the end of its tail as it wriggled free.