Hi, I'm Lone Creature and this is my promise to you, and here's my word. Visit my cheeky menu if you're short on time. The current theme is 'Animal fiction, present tense, and first person'.

When I leave my den it's important to check the nearby ground, under matted leaves, up the trees and in the bushes to ensure nothing dangerous lurks by. I sniff the air to check for moisture, for distinctive odours and for smoke or anything new. There is a familiar scent but I ignore it. I sniff again. The way is clear. My appearance will start some tales wagging because I'd been hibernating (I know, odd behaviour for a wolf) but I continue out of my warm habitat. I snarl grumpily because let's face it, I'm getting old. I stride silently for a few seconds listening to a wolf in the distance howling.

Some minutes later I lift my head slightly. There is a nuance of a smell. I recognize it. 'Humph, wort beavers, I mutter to myself. I then roll my eyes. 'It's a holiday! Even I want to relax today.'

I continue to walk stealthily, ever mindful of predators. Even as a wolf I have enemies. I have some old injuries that bother me still but over the years I have learnt how to hunt wisely and care for those who live within my borders. I am close to my destination. The story nest is just up ahead in The Caven. I decide to go to the trading den in the afternoon to check on how business is going. I flick my tail to get any flies away from my butt. The Caven is now just over the goat trail. My track, which is barely discernable to humans, enters a region where the trees are tall and undergrowth is thick but I remain vigilant. The breeze is cool and I look forward to sunning myself on a warmed rock later in the afternoon. I am startled by a sudden and loud noise. Out of the trees a sudden noise scares off birds and small lizards.
Art monkeys with their glinting eyes on melike to throw nuts from the trees and swing off laughing. I pass through the forest and enter The Caven, a rocky region with streams, leafy plants and small crevices. Some nooks were already in use by text enthusiasts. I head for the main cave to find some books to read. I hope you find something you'll enjoy reading here too!

Gimme Paw, Lone Creature

— Melissa 2011/09/09 17:29

'A writer should say to himself, not, How can I get more money?, but How can I reach more readers (without lowering standards)? - Brian Aldiss'