The air was too warm today, seeming to press down on him with a heavy weight, making even the giant redwoods feel claustrophobic. With this imminent need for open air, Micaden was faced with a choice between the nearer lake, or the further trek north to the lowlands; coming across the fresh trail of familiar scent, it was easy enough to decide.

Having left some time after his older sister, the yearling didn’t catch up until she stopped, arriving with the first roll of thunder. Unlike Marigold, Micaden was thrilled by the display above them, two colored eyes glowing up at the sky as he walked up next to her, tail swaying behind him. Dark lips parted, air leaving his chest in a sigh of awe as he simply stared at the flickering lights, ears twitching with every rumble, but remaining perked up.

The unusual exclamation did make him cock his head a little, a low, chuckly breath leaving his mouth, but he was too enthralled with the display to truly focus on Marigold. Later on perhaps, he might think back and find more humor in the break of her usual composure, but right now it was the forces of nature that captivated his attention.

Thoughts ”Speech”

Thunder rumbled over the lowlands as lightning began to strike in the far distance, light flashing against the underside of the clouds. Micaden’s heart beat hard and fast against his ribs, but there was not a trace of fear on his face, pure excitement shining in his treasure-colored eyes.

A consequence of a sheltered upbringing perhaps, or simply a naturally carefree disposition, either way, Micaden did not see any danger in the display, simply enthralled by its beauty. With an audible thud, he planted his rear on the ground, tongue slipping out one side of his mouth as he panted happily. His tail tapped a slow rhythm, ears flicking with every thundercrack – each one louder and louder.

“Yup!” He answered simply, giving his chin a small jerk in her direction but otherwise keeping his attention on the sky; “Missed you.” As innocuous as the statement might seem, especially in the presently excited tone of his voice, this wasn’t childish hyperbole – he was long overdue for some one on one time with his older sister.

Thoughts ”Speech”