Quiet day [C]

Rookkit

The thick weave of reeds behind Cranekit shifted, a brittle rustle echoing from their stalks. Nothing stepped out from their depths; but, from within, a shining pair of dull yellow eyes blinked out. The white-tipped end of a thin tail darted briefly into view before snaking once more into the reed-wall.

Lark had been asleep when Rookkit left the nursery, and Sunkit had not been in sight. He didn’t feel sick at all today, so Rookkit was eager to spend the day outside. Even if he spent it hiding carefully between the walls of camp. He liked just being outside. There had been some commotion from his den, the regrettably-familiar sound of kits at play, and now this kit… She hadn’t disturbed him, not really. She was not being an outright bother, and had likely been unknowing when she settled down not-far from Rookkit’s chosen place of hiding. Still, there was appraisal in his previously hollow stare.

Carefully, Rookkit unwound themself, unfurling their body as they moved sleekly from their chosen shelter. The chill wind blew through their thin fur in a way it couldn’t when pressed into the weeds; ignoring the chill that passed through them, Rookkit sat down stiffly, wide-eyed attention never once leaving their denmate. They did not remember her name… but, from experience, they were sure she would introduce herself if they waited long enough. Tail swishing slowly through the sand, Rookkit coughed once and remained seated a tail-length away from her, blinking expectantly.