The Inescapable Invitation

The sunlight felt so comfortably warm in the cool autumn air. The summer birds were no longer fluttering around happily singing their songs of the season. Now it was the somber music of incoming winter by birds that did not migrate to sultry climates. Cool mornings now had a bite of cold—quickly melting into a satisfying warm day. Not too hot and not too cold—just right. The leaves had started to change as well, their green hues shifting into a dark red before cascading into orange and yellow. The wind felt more ominously calm, almost as if waiting for the perfect storm to brew. Rain would arrive soon enough, and until it did, Satsuki vowed to enjoy the outdoors while he could.

He was not the best in cold, nor was he the best in heat. He was a spoiled man who kept his abode as comfortable as possible between the extremes. The outside was best when it was mild, slowly shifting before he needed to hide again. Autumn was not his favorite season, but one he cherished, as it was one of two milder seasons he could explore without much fuss. His home was pleasant at all times, but even he knew he couldn't coop up forever.

Satsuki walked down the pathway, winding down through the valley, where he liked to find small and interesting rocks in the river. His back warm in the sun, he was happy and content with his little adventure down to the shoreline. The water would be shockingly cold for this time of year, but Satsuki knew he could run back up the hill to warm himself right up. He would need to take a nice, fragrant bath anyhow, with how dirty he'd get scrounging around in the mud.

He wondered how lucky he'd get today.

As the mantibab got down to the shoreline within the shady grove of the trees, he found a nice little place to settle his search. The water was low, allowing rocks to tumble lazily so that he could leisurely gander. Tail swayed behind him, showing his delight as he sifted through a pile of pebble. The water was indeed cold, but nothing he couldn't handle. He was so lost in his little bubble that he did not notice the approach of a strange little creature. Ever so gently it grew closer, and closer, careful almost not to startle the mantibab in his venture for shiny rocks.

Just as Satsuki found one he liked to put aside, he would snatch it from the water, turning to place it down on the sandy shore, but as he did, he found the small creature staring up at him with unblinking eyes. A tan envelope was stretched outward toward him, a leaf adorning the carefully stamped wax seal.

"For me?" he asked, eyes darting around him for any other individuals. He was utterly alone. The little creature didn't say anything back, only standing and presenting the envelope, expecting Satsuki to take it. The mantibab would set his rock down, his eyes never leaving the messenger. Before he took this gift, he would wipe his wet paw off on his chest before gently accepting the invitation. Once he did, he was startled by the poof of leaves where they laid to rest in the same spot as the creature.

"Okay...." he said, eyes darting around once more before he packed the envelope into his small back that usually packed around rocks. He'd take the one he found already before being interrupted, and then make haste back to his abode. He needed to open the letter, he was curious, and it felt rude for him to wait.