FSE

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So this is my first go in a long time at writing fiction. I really do enjoy constructive feedback, so go ahead, tear my work apart, I'll learn from it.

This is the first part of what I hope will become something larger, so stay tuned.

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My forehead was pressed against the car window, I tried to sleep, with little luck. The road noise was quiet in the late hour, but it was just enough to keep me from truly falling into sleep, and so I drifted.

* * *

I wasn't sure how long I'd been asleep but the jostle of the car as it we turned off the paved road was enough wake me.

I stretched out my limbs as best I could in the small car, my muscles stiff from the long ride. Through the windshield I could see the brightly lit windows of a three story Victorian, framed in dark oak trees. My sister asked, still mostly asleep "This is Aunt Diana's house?"

"Yes Claudia." Mum replied.

A grin pulled across my face as I shook the last of the sleep from my body, Aunt Diana had been my favorite relative since childhood. I had been her companion in many adventures and she had taught me more about living than any other person. I'd never actually been to the fox's home though. Strictly speaking, she wasn't really related to any of us, but her and my mother had grown up together, making us all family.

As soon as the engine was off my family wasted no time in getting our feet on the ground, it had been almost three and a half hours since we left Seattle and it felt good to move. It wasn't but a few moments before the door at the top of the house's broad porch hinged open and revealed Diana, back lit and leaning in the door frame.

Her strong voice, filled with joy, cut through the cool evening air "There's my favorite bunch of otters."

"Aunt Diana!" I nearly shouted as I rushed up the steps and pulled her into a hug, my broad frame nearly covering hers.

"My Gods Axle! You've grown a foot in the last month!"

"I haven't grown a single inch this year, you just keep remembering me as a pup."

She put me at arms length, looked me up and down, "I think you're wrong." and with a curt nod assuring her correctness, stepped past me. She went down to see the rest of the family and after hugs and greetings were exchanged she led us inside, each of us carrying our bags. "It's late, we'll save the full tour for tomorrow. Let's get you all to bed."

Aunt Diana led everyone to rooms spread through out the large, and often creaky, old house. She took me to my room last. I had the "honor" of sleeping in the attic room. I didn't mind, the bed was huge and more comfortable than the one I had at home.

It didn't take long to grow accustomed to the new room, it felt safe, welcoming, I was sad we'd only be staying over the long weekend, but I was asleep in moments.

* * *

It was the smell of waffles that roused me, "Not a bad way to start the day, eh?" I asked the tabby cat I found lounging on the covers over my tummy. It took a few moments of coaxing, but with an indignant mew it eventually let me up, a bell on it's collar ringing as it dropped to the floor.

After a quick trip to the bathroom, which contained a pull chain toilet, much to my amusement.

I wound my way down the spiral stairs and along the maze-like halls in search of baked goodness. I found my family talking with Diana in the glass roofed dining room. There was much laughter over breakfast, and raspberry syrup over waffles.

Aunt Diana spent the morning walking us through the house and around the property. Claudia was fascinated with the library, which was easily the biggest room in the house. I was more fond of the stables though, the horses even seemed to like me a bit. Diana promised to teach me how to ride before I went back to the city, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited.

* * *

After a light lunch we went off on our own, I wanted to explore. I ranged all over, and the hours drifted by.

The house had narrow hallways hidden behind nearly seamless doors that linked some of the rooms, I figured they must have been for servants a long time ago. There were trails through the forest on the north end of the property, I didn't venture too deeply, I was sure I'd get lost in the gloom. The hayloft above the stables was one of my favorite finds; the heady scent and the dark quiet very nearly pulled me into an a short nap.

As the day started to fade into evening I found myself walking past the fenced in area of the horse's pasture. There was this loose stand of birch trees, I wasn't sure if this was still on my Aunt's land, I didn't really care though, it was a pretty spot. The silvery trees were set in around a massive grey boulder, nearly three yards across and waist high, shaped like an upturned saucer. The bird song was like nothing I could remember hearing in the city, I laid back on the boulder to listen, my eyes closed.

This place was entirely unlike home. Seattle is a beautiful city, don't get me wrong, but here, here is better. The only sounds I could hear belonged, absolutely, as did the drifting scents, and the warmth of the sunshine on my fur, filtered through birch leaves. It felt like everything was as it was meant to be, not fouled by the heavy hands of careless souls. I felt like I could belong here, like I could find meaning. I wished I didn't have to go back home so soon.

Wandering in thought and lost in the moment, I lost track of time, but I sat up when I heard a the snap of a twig. It was the first foreign sound I'd heard since finding the boulder, my heart was keeping double time. Standing just inside the tree line was a boy. One of the most handsome bucks I'd ever seen.

"I'm Robert and you're on my rock." He said shyly with a half smile.

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So there you go, thanks for the read! Remember to comment and critique.