Agile and fast as the wind
he runs through the Neopian forest,
pushing himself harder,
speeding silently without cease or rest.
His beautiful coat, dark blue in the night,
glistens in the light of the pearly moon,
cuvering the fluid muscles under his skin;
he'll reach his destination soon.
The fallen leaves rustle softly
as his paws press them lightening-fast.
Dark and gnarled silhouettes of trees
become familiar reminders of days gone past.
Hoots and Korbats reign over the night,
sitting on their respective perches, observing.
The third regent speeds through his kingdom,
noble in his flight, his brothers approaching.
There they are. Scattered mostly over the jutting rocks
or effortlessly hidden in nearby trees,
dozens of luminous eyes greet him,
warming him despite the chilling breeze.
As he walks towards the tallest rock,
he leaves the smooth grass and comes to cold stone.
At the foot of the monolith, two emerald eyes shine
and they might have easily been his own.
"My son", says the greying owner of those eyes,
"You have returned to the pack.
Blood of my blood, I rejoice at your return
and likewise these brothers welcome you back.
For you have completed the voyage set before you,
confirming your worthiness as head of this group.
Indeed, the pup that left home is gone
and in his place came back a Lupe!"
The pack closes around its new valiant leader,
prompting him to take his rightful place.
At this he makes his way up the highest rock,
the one reserved for the most noble and of grace.
He ends his ascent and there, at the top,
looks on the vast forest, verdant even in winter cold.
He looks at his fellow Lupes looking up to him
and the sense of belonging is more than he can hold.
At that moment, Remues the Lupe breaks into a howl,
with dozens of other independent spirits joining soon.
Like one whole creature they gather
in a common salute to the benevolent moon.
(written 23rd Dec '01)