Creamy limbs traversed in near silence as they crossed over the water logged bedding of fallen pine needles and various other vegetation, the air holding a pleasant aroma of a sweet, pungent zing of freshness within Vespertio's nostrils. Each press of his pads into the debris helping to release the petrichor from the collection of decomposing plant life and animal matter. An enjoyable scent that had the king of the lake taking in more deep breaths than necessary for his daily task of giving the borders a patrol to retain their potency in warding off unwanted strangers and predators. The same act he now indulged in as his paws came to a halt near a sturdy mountain pine, golden filled irises studying the rough overlapping layers of bark dotted with sparse groups of moss and indications of former arachnid inhabitants. Pearl like beads of captured rain drops sparkling under the dying rays of sunlight upon the strands of abandoned spider webbing.
How miraculous and fascinating the world was after a purifying rain when one took the time to pause and enjoy it. Took time to notice the small things so easily overlooked. A visible cloud of breath expelled from Vespertio's lips into the chilled air as once filled lungs deflated to exhale in the form of a deep breath, the small action rippling the tendrils of spider silk whom had the weakest grip upon the surface of the pine's trunk. As much as the Vuesain would have liked to indulge more in the beautiful nature around him, there was more border fencing to bathe in his masculine cologne. Lifting a rear leg, a stream of urine doused the base of the tree in his dominate odor, a far more pungent smell than that the hardwood held. Once rear paw touched the damp earth below, rust tinged ears pivoted forward as creamy limbs set into motion carrying the patriarch to the next marker needing his tending. Albeit, arrival to the next marker left lackadaisical thoughts to be cast away upon the sight of feline claw marks scarring the surface of the pine.
Instantly guard hairs rose to stand upright with unease while a cream licked snout jutted forward to inhale at the marks for clues about their maker. By the freshness of them their owner, a lynx by the distinct aroma, couldn't be far. An hour at most into his territory. A low rumble reverberated within the confines of his chest behind clenched jaws at the notion of a predator daring to set foot into his kingdom. The thunderous rumbling soon dying as panic and realization set in. The pups were in danger. A million different scenarios involving the feline and his children played like a motion picture across the forefront of Vesper's mind, eardrums filling with the rush of blood from his erratic beating heart. Cranium then tilted skyward toward the evening light to let loose a distressing howl from adrenaline tightened vocal chords to send warning to the pack of their intruder. Ebony tinted claws wasted no time tearing haphazardly at the soil beneath them leaving tiny scores within the mud as they aimed for the heart of the territory where his family hopefully would be unscathed, ears pinned to the plush fur lining the back of his skull. No feline was going to set a retractable claw on his property or family and live to tell the tale.