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Encounter
I saw it today
From my rock ledge on the cliff face
It had come before to somehow spot its territory
I know not how.
Its fur is strange with long waving mane at its head and neck
but strange multiparceled textures on the body
it walks easily with surprising grace
Alert, undisturbed and disturbing nothing
The scent is odd. But striking in its musk; unknown before.
I believe it to be the female
The scent strangely quickens my consciousness.
alerts my sex.
This one must be powerful.
It has seen me before and is not fearful.
As was the other which I believe to have been a male.
I stretch to a sitting position.
My black muscled coat shimmering
I lick its oiled richness.
I gaze unconcerned.
I could kill her with a careless wave of my forepaw.
Yet she calls to my senses.
A strange thing delays my will to protect my range.
I watch as she stops and sees me rise. Three strides separate us
She does not run; remaining motionless.
An unguarded stance.
An odd baring of teeth that is somehow not a show of fear or force.
I sense an understanding here that both gives and demands respect.
I will permit this creature to remain.
She, my guard as I am hers.
Protecting each other`s silence, space and world.
