Nestled deep between winding streets and towering twoleg dens, an unexpected green-space opens its arms to those that stumble across it. A simple but elegant wrount iron fence surrounds the expanse, allowing felines and other small creatures to slip through with ease while keeping large, barking nuisances out. A corroded placard hangs lopsided beside the gate, deeming the place 'Everbright Community Garden' for those who can read. The details of its founding were also once listed on the sign but have since eroded, leaving only the vague suggestions of words behind.
Large, sweeping oak trees provide a comfortable shade to those who seek it. Underbrush grows untamed beneath their branches. Where the trees end, the sun shines brightly on a small but open field. Dilapidated, wooden boxes litter the space. Once holding a bounty of different plants and crops, they are now home to little more than weeds. One day an advantageous twoleg may try their hand at restoring the garden, but for now those who take up residence here remain undisturbed.
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Before ducking under the bars, desperately searching for a place to hide in light of the mongrel nipping at her heels, Dais had never even heard of the garden - let alone stepped foot on the premises. Growing up on the streets meant you took stock of your surroundings on the daily, keeping track of every hiding spot and dumping ground - which twolegs would leave you scraps and which ones would chase you out with a broom. When resources stretched thin, you moved on and the process started all over again.
After finding the garden, though, Dais quickly realized the true extent of her luck. It was quiet here, and calm. Visitors were few and far between, and they often turned tail as soon as they realized the place was occupied. The prey was fat and happy and therefore easy to catch. Even the twoleg monsters didn't pass by often, leaving the thunderpaths cold, quiet, and lacking in their terrible stench.
On this particular day, Dais lounged on one of the rotten wooden beams out in the field and soaked up the sun after a midday meal. The pale gray of her coat didn't heat up quickly, allowing her to spend hours under the sky without getting too warm. The breeze felt as lazy as she did but it kept the air from getting too stale and carried the scent of mint from one of the nearby planters. It once grew contained there, but over time it escaped its bounds and now grew as it pleased.
Dais flicked her tail back and forth and streeetched out, as content as could be.
Everbright Community Garden [open]
