True Strength, Heart Of Gold
For a solid three weeks, Dexter's been strolling down the same forest path, waking rather early to head out and embrace the fresh early spring morning atmosphere. Made even more soothing as that golden sun slowly but surely warms his fur. It's a real treat for him, watching as the forest-scape slowly transforms. Each day Mother Nature painting more and more color to the environment, her loving touch helping push away the remnants of the past winter, allowing the waking vibrance of spring to strengthen. Each morning proving to be livelier than the last, as an increasing number of forest animals venture further from their cozy homes where they spent the past months hibernating. Joining the non-hibernating population that pushed through the peaceful winter, littered with the occasional snowstorm, very much excited to see long past friends that are returning to their awakened state. It's an absolute treasure to Dexter seeing this slow transformation, always excited to head out each day, knowing he was bound to encounter something new.
One morning as Dexter is easing down the forest path, he comes to an abrupt stop as a slight blue glow in his periphery captures his attention. Dexter glances over towards its direction, at first spotting the thick sturdy base of a mighty pine tree's trunk before he looks upwards to find the source of this blue glow. His slight confusion fading to a spark of delight, evident by the smile growing across his muzzle noticing this blue glow is coming from a pair of blue jays perched higher up in that magnificent tree, just sitting rather comfortably in the morning sun rays. With it being so early, Dexter figured the two might just be warming their feathers, but the thought of those two being mates intrigued him more. A cute idea to him, but with so many in the area it would've been hard to tell for sure. Dexter let out a relaxed sigh, giving himself an awkward stretch before continuing on. Hoping he'd have the chance to see the pair again soon.
Sure enough as the days passed, Dexter would stop at that very same spot, seeing the two either warming their feathers in the glorious morning sun together or tending to a cluttered mess of what looked like fragmented branches and twigs. He wasn't sure what this was but it sparked his curiosity even more with these two, some mornings stopping for a solid half-hour to watch as one sat close by while the other carefully and diligently added more twigs to that mass, soon beginning to take the classic shape of a sturdy nest. This all but sealed Dexter's thoughts about the two being mates, something that excited him immensely. Despite the distance and even his sharp eyes unable to pick up on specific details about their feather patterns, he just felt deep within that these two were those same birds he'd been stopping to watch over the course of these few weeks. One morning in particular, just as Dexter began walking down the trail again, right after wrapping up his new routine of observing the pair for a while, Dexter's ears twitched as an idea crossed his mind. He certainly loved birds and he absolutely loved giving gifts, so why not combine the two? Dexter pondered this as his paws pressed to the cool dirt path one after the other, toying with the idea of offering them a gift, but wasn't sure what would fit here. Something nice they'd enjoy, without going overboard and interfering with this natural process.
A few days later Dexter made his way down the path, following his usual course for now but with a different destination in mind and a more purposeful flow to his step. He couldn't hide his excitement, his face beaming from the anticipation of today's little adventure of sorts. As soon as he reached the spot that he'd usually stop to watch the pair, with a smile and a gift he'd brought along, he broke from the path and headed directly for the tree, all the while gazing up at the fully built nest; a cozy home for the two. Once reaching the base of this huge tree's massive, thick trunk, Dexter drops his backpack, taking a moment to stretch and ready himself for the lengthy climb ahead. After his little stretching routine, that even he would admit was a bit dramatic, he quickly slipped his paw inside his backpack to pull out a bag of carefully selected seeds. The variety a blend of blue jay's favorites. Dexter then gently places the bag in his maw, giving just enough pressure to hold it firm while he dug his claws into the tree's trunk. He then reaches his other paw higher up, before digging his claws into the strong bark armor then hoists himself up. With one set of claws after the other, he kept hoisting himself higher, very much eager for something special at the end of this climb he hoped. This process repeating as he climbed higher and higher, occasional grunts and labored gusts of air blown in and out of his nose as he left behind the ground and his backpack, reaching further into the canopy; the sacred domain of graceful avians. With each tremendous effort that sent him higher, he found himself more and more immersed in the beautiful symphony of birds singing throughout the canopy. Colorful chirps of all sorts emanating from the wide variety of magnificent birds all around him, flying in all sorts of directions as they went about their business. Dexter could only imagine their surprise seeing a large foreign being this high up in the canopy, a thought reinforced as he'd occasionally stop and see one or two perch on nearby branches, watching him for a moment before flying off. "Don't worry I won't be here long" Dexter thought to himself, managing his strength and balance to keep him going.
"Finally!" Dexter thought as he stopped just a few feet shy of the nest, a slight soreness radiating from his arm and leg muscles, but somewhat soothed by the sunlight shining through the canopy and onto his golden fur. "I can see why you two keep sitting so comfortably out here." Another thought crossing his mind as he reminisced on the time he first saw them, perched so majestically in these golden magical rays. But a bit of urgency pushed him along, figuring his presence was disturbing this elevated realm's many residents. He looks all around to find some way to support himself while he delivered his little gift, but much to his disappointment, the nearby branches were too thin to support his full weight. So with a sigh, he just settled to doing what he could while clinging to the trunk. With a cautious motion, he shifts his weight onto his two feet-paws clinging tightly to the tree and his right hand-paw gripping fiercely, before using his free left hand-paw to open the bag in his maw. He then carefully, albeit awkwardly uses that same paw to make a cup before tilting his head towards it, attempting to pour some of those seeds into his paw. When he'd first came up with this idea, he didn't quite take into account the difficulty he'd have balancing himself while managing the seeds, but that difficulty was making itself fully known now. #$&%! Muffled words through the bag held in his maw that I shall not repeat. He tilts his head back quickly to stop the pouring as all he managed to do was send a steady stream of seeds towards the forest floor below, managing to miss his paw. Then a moment of panic shot through him as he bit tighter, almost losing grip of the bag.... &@%$ another muffled shout as a foot-paw slipped, causing him to clench tightly to the tree. For a moment he sat still, only beginning to loosen his grip as he slowly regained control, slight laughs growing to a steady muffled chuckle "If only I could see how stupid I look right now. But hey at least I can entertain the birds right?" Shifting himself again to get properly reoriented "Didn't expect to see a full-grown lion, awkwardly clinging to a tree this high up today did you?" Dexter still laughing at himself and the situation, his voice very much muffled by the bag in his maw still but directing his words towards any birds watching... to which there were a few, quite amused by him.
"Ok let's try this again." Dexter leaned his head against the trunk, then holding his free paw closer began to tilt his head until a steady stream of seeds landed in his paw. A few managing to slip by and fall but with a pile growing larger and larger in his paw, he was satisfied to just keep this going. Once his paw was filled, leaving most of the falling seeds to bounce off and fall to the ground, Dexter tilted his head back to stop the flow. Dexter then sat still for about a minute, thinking of what to do next with all of his paws occupied. "Ahh screw it" Dexter thought with a laugh, still entertained by how difficult this was proving to be. With that he tilts his head to the side then pushes the bag from his maw with his tongue, sending it towards the forest floor. "I'll just get that once I get back down, at least just recover the bag. Any other forest creature can have a little free snack, my treat!" Dexter said to himself before starting to push himself up again, using just his right hand-paw and his feet-paws. This took considerably more effort, but being so close, his excitment was able to temporarily overwhelm the growing sense of exhaustion. At first, Dexter wondered if all his movements and commotion had alerted the blue jays, but this was quickly answered as he finally glances up to notice the two looking down at him, heads tilted in a curious manner.
It took him another strenuous moment, his final climb dragged out as he slowed himself even more so as not to cause the birds any distress, or any more unintentionally, but finally Dexter found himself just close enough to the nest. The entire time the two just stared at Dexter, every so often fluttering their wings. He let off a slight giggle "I don't mean to bother you two and excuse my language from before... well that and the weird struggling but..." Dexter grunts as he shifts himself slightly "I've brought a gift for you" Dexter smiling at the two, trying to sound as friendly, polite, and gentle as possible. But still, the two stared at him, tilting their heads to each side as they watched him cautiously, a noticeable tension overcoming them. Dexter was getting ready to reach a bit closer, but something new caught his attention, bringing him immense joy. It was difficult to truly make out but between a small crevice in the nest's structure, he noticed a speckled blue patch. Dexter instantly recognizing this as an egg, beginning to whisper as he tried to contain his excitement "Congratulations you two! You're both going to make amazing parents and an even more beautiful family" Dexter's warm smile seeming to calm the birds some, if only a little.
Dexter uses as much strength as he could to clasp his feet-paws tightly to the trunk, causing a cracking sound to ripple out as some of the tough bark crumples under the immense pressure. He then uses his tail to capture a nearby branch, giving a few tugs to test its strength. Thankfully finding it sturdy, he let out a sigh of relief as this branch gave him some much-needed extra leverage to keep him steady. It still felt awkward and made him a little uneasy, but with this being the best he could manage, he proceeded to let go with his right hand-paw, cupping them together to hold the pile of seeds. “Alrighty here, this is for you two!” Dexter holding out his cupped paws, smiling warmly. The birds didn’t quite react as he’d hoped right away, still just looking back at him curiously with the occasional glance to the seeds before looking right back to Dexter. Despite his growing sense of disappointment, he wasn't at all surprised, seeing as he did get rather close to their home and eggs out of the blue. “Hmmmmm” He leaned closer one last time, trying to project that gesture of offering but they still didn’t react outside of a fluttering of those majestic wings and a few forceful, aggressive chirps directed at him. Dexter's smile faded some, pulling his paw back just a bit while he shifted the seeds back to one paw, allowing for his free paw to regrip the trunk and let him get just a little relief from his uncomfortable position. He then sighed, glancing down to see a few seeds that had dropped from his paw. As much as Dexter wanted the birds to have his gift, he certainly couldn't and didn't want to force them, nor could he stay here much longer. Both the energy he was expending holding himself up and his presence seeming to cause them distress giving him limited time. Just then another idea crosses his mind. He might not be able to feed them from his paw, but at the very least he could leave the seeds near the nest for them to enjoy at another time.
Dexter began looking around, finding places he could lay out some of the seeds. It certainly wouldn't be very neat or pretty, only having a few branches to use but he figured as messy as this whole situation was already, that was his best bet. Dexter was just about to concede and lay the seeds down as best he could, but then suddenly another spark of excitement and relief. One of the birds leaped forward, resting those talons against the nest's edge closest to Dex before letting off a few chirps. These chirps noticeably calmer and more welcoming. At first, Dexter wasn't sure what the bird was doing, but with it looking so intently at the seeds in his paw, he figured this would be as best a chance as any. Ever so slowly and carefully, Dexter shifts himself again, holding the nearby branch tightly again with his tail as he returned to his original position. With both paws again cupped, he held the pile out to them, giving himself one more chance. For a brief period, the two sat still, seeming unsure until the second jay hops on the nest's edge as well. Maneuvering even closer until they both touched, even going so far as to rubbing bodies against one another. Much to his delight, the second jay after doing an affectionate rubbing motion leans forward, giving a few probing peck-like motions to the pile of seeds before taking a few in its beak. His excitement elevates along with a rush of warmth overcoming him, but he chose to remain as still as possible so as not to scare them. It didn't take long before the first blue jay also began to enjoy the little breakfast buffet Dexter provided. His delight and comfort growing even further, despite the discomfort he felt from his positioning, as one of them hopped to the edge of his cupped paws, closer than he could've imagined this experience would bring him.
For a while Dexter sat still, allowing the birds time to enjoy their breakfast, all the while Dexter took the time to look around and take in the peaceful ambience the forests canopy provided. Of course, the adventurous cat couldn't help imagining what life would be like spending the days up here. "Maybe someday I'll build a small house high up in the trees, be like your friendly clumsy lion neighbor" a thought that made him chuckle as he considered how tricky a feat like that would be to pull off "I'll just cross that bridge when I get to it though," he said glancing back to the birds. The one resting on his paw hopping back while the other moved to sit on the eggs. "Welp, I'll leave you two to it" Dexter nodded with that same loving smile, figuring he'd stayed long enough. "But thanks for allowing me to share this moment with you two", to which both jays chirped back. With that Dexter gives one last big push, allowing some of the seeds to land on the nest's edge, and even spreading some on the nearby branch. He couldn't help a fair amount falling off, but with some managing to rest on the branch, he felt it was a nice parting gift all the same. "Wherever life takes your beautiful family, I wish all of you the best. Soar high and soar happy, to brighter horizons and the grand new beginnings beyond." With that Dexter loosened his grip, letting one paw drop below the other, gripping then letting the other drop. One step at a time making his way back down to the forest floor and away from the avian realms tucked high in the canopy.
Soon reaching the ground he made a few awkward movements to stretch and gather himself, giving his muscles some much-needed relief before grabbing his belongings. He found that bag of seeds, that surprisingly didn't spill too many of its remaining contents, but seeing a bunch of other seeds scattered around from his awkward maneuvering, he couldn't help but laugh at himself. "Next time, I'll make sure to plan this out better," Dexter says as he tosses the rest of the seeds around for some other forest critter or bird to enjoy, just before tossing the empty bag in his backpack. He then places a paw on the tree's trunk for a brief moment before heading back towards the trail, whistling a peaceful tune as he sets a course for home with a more relaxed flow to his steps. After making it back to that spot, where to him this all began weeks ago, Dexter stopped, turning back to see the birds enjoying their cozy home. One still sitting comfortably on their precious eggs, while the other rests close by, leaning and rubbing its body against the other in an affectionate manner. For a few minutes, Dexter watched them, experiencing another rush of warmth and comfort seeing the two so happily sharing the morning sunlight together. Without even realizing it, Dexter had grasped his sapphire arrowhead necklace in one paw, then firmly pressed it to his chest. Him only realizing this as he felt his heart thumping away against the solid blue gem. Dexter smiled, this time to himself as he took a glance to the morning horizon, the golden sun still making its daily climb through the sky. Letting go his necklace drops back, resting against his lower chest where it stayed with him through so many ups and downs, before he turns and heads back down the path again. Not sure of what the rest of the day had in store for him, but whatever it did, he'd make the most of it. Always ready to take on the next adventure and share those treasured experiences with whoever he'd encounter along the way...
This absolute treasure, an amazing gem and masterpiece done by artist GoldenDruid! This is easily one of my favorite pieces ever done and it's a true honor having this concept brought to life by such an amazing artist. In spectacular fashion no less. Just one piece of many they've created that will truly blow you away. I highly encourage you to follow them on here and/or on Twitter! At [@GoldenDruid] Original artist post here: [Heart Of Gold]
Lion just trying to bring joy and peace to those around him as he walks his own path, belongs to me DexterLion also at [@DexChillViber] Accompanying writing too
Category Artwork (Digital) / All
Species Lion
Gender Male
Size 800 x 1169px
Listed in Folders
What a gorgeous piece... I'll have to read your short story later :) I like the bird seed is heart shaped... and those cute paw pads on the finger tips... appears cats can be friends to birds ;)
Thanks so much, all credit absolutely to GD for this superb piece, just had to give it a little story to give it that added depth c:
Oh and absolutely, us cats, especially us big cats dont make dinner out of everything ya know ^^;; especially to my fave type of birbs!
Oh and absolutely, us cats, especially us big cats dont make dinner out of everything ya know ^^;; especially to my fave type of birbs!
Ohhhhh just wait til you see his usual clumsy moments x)
An amazing piece of art as always. And your lion's bond with nature is truly heartwarming.
Thanks GD captured that side of him super well, so thankful I handed that idea over to em as they truly brought it to life in spectacular fashion
Ifus opened yesterday and I saw the full color one she did of you. I wish I could've been in that one with you it was so good
You write wonderful and beautiful stories, Dexy ^^
Holy cow... Dex. The quality of this art. And you're quite the writer, yourself. I'm so impressed with you. I wanna be just like you when I grow up. XD
Thanks so much Rascal it means a lot. I absolutely try my best to give something to match these amazing works of art and think I did a decent job at least. Hoping to do more! And noooooo you def don’t want that x”3
What a big nice happy lion! He seems like a really nice guy! I’d love to pet his cute noise!
He’s a nice cuddly goof, can say fit sure he’d like a snoot pet but expect those arms to wrap you up tight in a big hug
This would be a outright well-deserved HQ print you can put up on your wall! Fur details are simply wow! :>
For real tho, the second time you Dex has been done in realistic style and it turned out beyond great! I’d def recommend GD! The artist was kind enough to send me one too!
I think I have one unposted? 🤔 I’m like 70% sure but either way I’ll absolutely get more of em :3
Thanks so much! Wish I could’ve expanded it further but there’ll be more opportunities in the future
I love how your writing captures the sense of wonder and amazement that Dexter has for the world around him. :)
Thanks that’s absolutely what I go for :) Even in in my own life to a degree, taking note of the beauty i see from time to time in the world..I actually really like doing writings like these, would def do more if time purrmited x)
A beautiful lion with also a heart of gold ^^
Perfection
Perfection
Broooo this is beautiful!! Always loved your writing style, it takes the reader to the place with rich details and shows how much that golden hearted lion loves the world around him. Keep it up King Dexy!
Thanks so much bud def trying to give Dex the experiences I’d want. And ofc adding depth to these amazing works of art these artists do so heckin well at
Beautiful art and writing. Dex spreading the love one day at a time. :')
Thanks so much <3 With a lil bit of clumsiness and goofiness sprinkled in there from time to time x)
Dexter, you have a wonderful imagination and lovely writing style that takes us on a heartwarming adventure. It's always a joy to see the story behind the picture and to see how even the smallest action can make the biggest difference. You two have done a fantastic job. 💖😊⭐⭐⭐⭐🙌👍
Thanks so much Capster! Def try my best to give Dexy an experience I dream to have (can’t climb trees quite like that with these non-pawed non-clawed hands) but in all seriousness it’s a nice mind exercise to do from time to time, huge bonus having it give these pics even more depth
That has to be one of the most beautiful, enchanting, and heartwarming stories, the perfect match for such a gorgeous, amazing picture.
Thanks so much fellow lion it means so much you enjoyed it <3 can’t wait to get started on the next and hope it’ll be just as good if not better c:
Wow i actually already favorited golden druids post before you posted this one. Absolutely lovely piece. Everything about it is absolutely perfect
Oh yeah bit of lag with my posting ^^;; But so glad you like it, cant say enough how great of a job GD did with this!
you get always such good comissions you have always good ideas for them
Thanks so much Heavenly Havick 🥰 Def tremendous credit to these artists for bringing these ideas to life! Makes me wish i stuck with trying to be an artist, gaah id be making stuff like this on the daily if i had the skills :3
This is so gorgeous...the expression of your OC is so kind and gentle, the artist completely catched the atmosphere they were going for!
Absolutely agree 1000% GD has an amazing way of depicting expression and projecting atmosphere so well in their art! This just one of the many tremendously wonderful examples you'll find in their gallery :)
Those eyes... They look straight into the soul... It's beautiful...
Thanks GD did a fantastic job on one of my fave works with Dex <3
Thanks :) I like to try to put something alongside impressive works of art like this to give it that extra bit of depth! Like a lot of arts I see I wonder about the world around the scene so this is one way to explore it
Wow it’s really better!:)
I was worried about adding stories to my art, thinking no one would be interested:( but looking at your example I will start doing it too:D
I was worried about adding stories to my art, thinking no one would be interested:( but looking at your example I will start doing it too:D
Sooooooooo thats kind of a weird area. Some of my friends are full on writers and they say a lot of times because most times stories and writing doesn't get good exposure they dont have the motivation to like put out big projects. I do understand that but at the same time im like, just kinda do because you enjoy it. even if it doesnt get a whole lot of interest theres always gonna be some who do enjoy it, and to me those few make it worth it. let alone exploring your creativity :) if you have the time Id encourage it! I want to its just finding the time to do em is so scarce now a days xx
That’s so true, it's great even when there are only a few people who appreciate it.
I hope the stories get the attention they deserve and the writers can feel how beauty of all what they are writing*-*
And thanks, I really appreciate your kind words!:)
I hope the stories get the attention they deserve and the writers can feel how beauty of all what they are writing*-*
And thanks, I really appreciate your kind words!:)
Comments