[Bonfire Solo] Who wants some eats? [In a While]

[Soldier of Song]

It was not often that Wait ventured from his side of the swamp to mingle with other kin. Somehow, they always managed to stumble upon him -- but despite what a busybody he was, even the Festival of Plenty was irresistible as an excuse to let go, just for a little while.

The croccha enjoyed warming his scales near the bonfire, and might have stayed there admiring for a long, indulgent while had he not heard the request for food beginning to pass around the fire. He'd left his patch of pumpkins and gourds conspicuously empty-hoofed, so to speak. It may or may not have been a little bit of guilt, as well as that desire to make a little work for himself after all that got Wait to his feet venturing out.

 

[Soldier of Song]

As he was wont to do, Wait found himself drawn to the water's edge, first. Some fish would really hit the spot right about now (ah -- he'd bring some back for the others, of course), but as he peered down into the water, he found a pair of decidedly non-fishy eyes staring back at him.

Even with his affinity for caiman, and his own close resemblance to the stealthy reptiles of the swamp, Wait knew better than anyone how dangerous they could be. He had a feeling this wasn't his own lovely little girl peeking in to say "hi," turning tail to find better opportunities.

 

[Soldier of Song]

Feeling feisty enough for a fight, Wait decided to try searching out some prime hunting grounds. Granted, his large tail didn't glide near as smooth through the brush as it did the water, but he lied low and hoped his green was enough to help him blend in anyway (it wasn't.)

His slapping around seemed to displease one of the better-equipped creatures of the forest, as a snarl tore out from somewhere behind Wait. Jumping, he didn't even pause to look back, not recognizing the sound and not wanting to know what animal it came from. Wait fled, not so feisty after all.

 

[Soldier of Song]

By now, Wait was feeling discouraged. The creatures of the area seemed to be working in collusion against him, and he dragged his hooves sadly through a quiet clearing, only half-heartedly scanning his eyes for anything, anything that might redeem him. And then he saw it. That familiar shape --

and some radishes! Wait drew closer, admiring what was obviously another skillful kin's work. Someone else who could clearly appreciate the lovely, humble gourd. But then, this was a dilemma, wasn't it. Circling the small patch, Wait could think only of his own collection back home. He hated when anyone dared steal from him, right? Guarded his pumpkins and squashes and all of that jealously, because that was all his fine work.

Keening in frustration, Wait probably would have preferred some animal making the decision for him after all.

 

[Soldier of Song]

In the end, Wait returned to the bonfire with nothing to show for his efforts. He slunk back to the flames, but felt no warmth. Well, he did, but inside he was cold with shame.

The thought of the plentiful harvest he'd left back home wouldn't leave him. There was only one way to make amends. Moving among the other gathered kin, he began gathering recruits to bring back to his territory. He'd need some help bringing back plenty of pumpkins, squash, and gourds for the Festival of Plenty.