Enkidu had felt the moon rise. The coming of night washed over him like a physical touch, raising his fur in a line from tail-tip to nose. He welcomed the sensation, knowing it for the blessing of the bat within him. That blessing was pushed further by the feeling of wings, like phantom limbs, uncoiling from his back and stretching toward the stars mirrored in his mane. As above, so below, as dear ol' mother used to say. The demons within him exulted at that truth. How could he not wake up with that kind of greeting? Wake up, and grin his very widest at the sky. He stretched and immediately struck out for the borders of his pride's lands.

He had an obligation, after all. That same call that drew him out into the evening demanded a certain satisfaction. Camazotz snarled in a voice too guttural to be his own, wordlessly reminding the lion that now was the time to be alive. Enkidu lengthened his stride, trotting confidently out into the dark. Let others sleep the night away. His demons required he find a touch of fun before he next saw the light of day; their own little ritual, a trivial boon for their continued favor. Surely he could find something worthy of his attention before the sun rose?

Clessie