The old buck stretched for a long while as he arose from a nap, accompanied by a big yawn. He shook his head a little as the yawn passed, his vision clearing as he sat for a moment, still not thinking about anything, just staring blankly. He looked to his side and noticed that as usual, Bog Rock was taking up all of his sleeping spot, and had pushed him aside, halfway onto the plain ground. At least it wasn't too cold...He lifted a brow at the boar as it continued to snore away, and got up slowly so as not to bother his companion. They had been out late foraging, and Bog Rock needed the rest if they were to continue later this evening. He shook himself as he rose, and peered out the entrance to his lair warily. There didn't seem to be any others around, there wasn't often, but he always looked before he leapt. Well...sauntered. Leopard swooshed his long, fluffy tail behind him as he came out into the semi-lit clearing amidst a small, moss-ridden glade. He had come to call this place home, as he had settled here many years ago and had found it suitable since, even with an increase in population about Matope. He smiled and breathed a deep breath, standing for a moment and taking in what the afternoon was bringing to his senses. He again shook himself, and glanced both left and right, trying to decide which way to start off. Maybe a drink would be nice...
The large male started to the left, he had decided to visit a small pool not far from here. Well, it was far enough to keep his home safe from anyone else who might find it, or whom he might encounter there, but not too far for just a quick jaunt to get a drink. His deep red eyes were focussed on the trees and tall grasses around him. Leopard was used to the feel of the ground under his hooves, it wasn't even something he noticed anymore. Though he supposed that's what happened to any Kin, having grown up in the swamp, after all. Leopard had not travelled far from the swamp many times, as it had been dangerous, and he had only gotten so far. He hadn't met any others in his own lifetime that had returned from such a voyage, and since he was a youngster it had always been a dream of his to complete such a mission. All Kin knew the perils of the outer edges and beyond the swamps...
As Leopard approached the pool, he again glanced about, stepping away from the treeline into the grasses and marsh plants the edged the water cautiously, his fluffy tail balanced almost precariously behind him, and his head lowered slightly. The breeze had stopped, so that was of no use in determining if there were others nearby or not, and the old buck was on alert as he moved softly through the rushes.
