As the Sun burrows No. 12
Vigil No.11
As the days went along, there were measures of happiness and misery, as it is with such seasons. Today Rat woke feeling full of life and energy, he hopped out of his bedding and quickly cleaned and dressed himself.
A short time later he sat in a commons vault with Rabbit, Mouse and Raccoon, sipping warm coffee and planning his little day. Perhaps he would make some beet salad? Or maybe Watch films? Spend the day Reading? Play games? He didn’t know quite at the moment which sounded the best, but he knew he felt warm and at ease here With his friends.
As they sat relaxing and waking up, Rabbits ears swiveled abruptly and Mouse stood as a sudden and rough rapping of claw against the entrance to the burrow sounded out.
No one moved for a moment, it was not the hour of the wolf, nor was anyone expected. Perhaps it was another come to seek shelter? “The way” is that any animal that comes to shelter in the burrow be permitted, and that has always been the way, but the knocking….what animal knocked so aggressively and with such an arrogant rhythm? It was obvious to Rat that the knock had placed everyone on guard, startled them.
As Rat pondered the groups reactions, Raccoon wandered past him and towards the entrance.
“Wait!” Rat cried, “we do not know who is there knocking!”
Raccoon in his usual way, simply continued ahead and spoke quietly.
“All that seek shelter shall be given shelter”
Rabbit looked at Mouse concerned.
Rat scurried to Raccoons side, “You’d let in Wolf himself I swear! I’ll go out with you and see this animal for myself.”
And so the two made their way to the entrance of the burrow.
As they approached it, another rhythmic and severely loud series of knocks rapped out.
It startled Rat, who then tuning cross cried out “What animal is it? Beating the burrow with your claws so loudly? What is it you want?!”
……
“Want?”
Came an unfamiliar voice, a voice that set the Rat on edge just as the knocking had.
“I suppose I want everything?”
The response was Sardonic and unconcerned and Rat felt himself all the more uncomfortable.
After a purposeful pause, the voice continued.
“But….I want for shelter….That would be the answer that produces action and progress I suppose”
Before Rat could protest, at hearing his words Raccoon opened the burrow.
Standing in the golden light was an animal Rat did not yet know, if Badger and Raccoon had offspring, they might look something like this animal. He was very long, with a face so narrow and lengthy he seemed almost gaunt, but Rat could tell he was no weakened thing, he was Strong and sure.
The animal bore strange symbols on his body that Rat could not make sense of.
But Rat knew certainly, looking the animal in the face, meeting his eyes, full of anger and want, that he did not want him in this burrow. Fighting him would surely be the end of Rat, the animals long claws and huge curved fangs would make quick work of him.
If only Badger were here he would know what to do, could fight this troublemaker off with ease.
Without consulting Rat Raccoon beckoned the animal come inside.
The animal bowed and thanked Raccoon, and when he bent over in his bow, Rat could see there was vulgarity between his legs, and as he jauntily walked on all fours into the burrow it swung heavy from side to side.
“Nice to meet you…..Rat”
The animal said catching the Rats gaze.
“What do they call you?” Rat asked flatly though a but shaken
“They call me many names, many things I have been called, but you Rat, call me Coatimundi”
And with that the three animals descended into the heart of the burrow.
SIGH No.12
Let us be vigilant
Let us work
Let us improve
For unchecked
We will quickly consume ourselves
Choice and action in equal measure
Let us stand
And discern
And be counted wise
