PadreMatt's Den

[Art&icon by me]

[Your limbs feel heavy, your paws are tired, and you could have sworn someone poured molten stone into your bones ― even the grass feels uncomfortable to the touch after miles upon miles of walking on it. Worse yet are the flies and mosquitoes, seemingly hellbent on making a home beneath your pelt. Disgusting pests, earlier you had tried rolling in a patch of muddy water but that only brought momentary relief.]

[Eventually, you stumble upon a den, or at least what looks like it: With a few sunny resting spots, a sloppily concealed prey heap, and various signs of life strewn about it wasn't much to impress. You spot what looks like a shrine.
The Leader surely can't be particularly dangerous, with a den like this, now can he? Maybe you can ask for directions (if your pride allows it).]

"Welcome, stranger." All of a sudden came a voice to your left, surprisingly friendly considering you were a trespasser (and potential rival). Evidently, the voice belonged to the King of this territory, resting upon a large sunny boulder you hadn't even noticed. He seemed rather small, yet glanced at you with kind eyes. "What do you seek?"

[Art credit]