♪♪ [Stratus]<3<3 by Uyama Hiroto

♪♪ [Fantasia] by Aeson

♪♪ [Sea Breeze]<3<3 by Nozomu Takahashi

♪♪ [Morning Horizon] by Nitsua

♪♪ [One Day] by Uyama Hiroto


Gentle Touch

A warm smile rests on Dexter’s muzzle as he softly hums one of his favorite calming songs. All the while, steady breaths draw in the rich nature-y scent of his surroundings as his relaxed amber gems of eyes slowly trails across the serene environment; taking in its many mesmerizing features. From the nearby snow-capped mountains reaching high into the gorgeous blue sky, to the thick lush forest filled with healthy trees; appearing like a green ocean that dominates the landscape. All reflected off of a calm lake nestled in the middle of this vast forest, a few birds skimming just above its mirror like smooth surface. Any hint of stress or worry has long evaporated as Dexter sits in this flowery patch of soft grass that overlooks the lake. Bathing in a magical sensation created by the sun's warming rays that gives a slight glow to his golden fur, combined with the variety of rich colors in this bright environment that soothes his soul and mends his spirit. To top it all off, Dexter enjoys the company of numerous butterflies that peacefully float around him. Every so often his humming would momentarily cease as he focuses on these butterflies, the wondrous sight of so many colorful wings flapping in his vision making him purr for a short moment before he went back to observing his surroundings; resuming his soft humming.

At one point, the environment's peaceful spell on Dexter is broken as he looks away from the lake, noticing a butterfly beginning to drift rather close to him. He tilts his head to the side some, a bit perplexed by this particular butterfly that had an especially beautiful slight glow to its light blue wings. He took a moment to look around at the many other butterflies in the area, and as beautiful as they were, they didn't seem to have that intriguing glow; even in the sun's bright rays shining on their wings. He glances back to see it drifting even closer. Dexter's fluffy ears twitch slightly then perk out of curiosity, letting out a deep relaxed sigh as he settles himself back into an even more comfortable position. The soft smile on his muzzle fades just a bit, not noticing his tuft of tailfur flicking about in the soft grass beside him while he focuses on this butterfly.

A soft giggle momentarily vibrates Dexter's chest as he gazes upon those delicate wings fluttering in the warm summer air, still mesmerized by their strange yet beautiful glow. He didn't realize it, but the pace of his breathing had slowed considerably. Now taking very shallow breaths between long pauses while he watched the butterfly drift ever closer. Before long, only a few feet separate the two, still out of Dexter's reach, yet he couldn't help but break the soothing numbness of his relaxed muscles; his ears twitching again as he musters up just enough strength to carefully lift his left arm. He then extends his fingers, holding his paw out in a gentle manner to offer the delicate butterfly a nice landing spot to rest. For a few seconds his ears flatten, fearful that the sudden movement would scare away the butterfly, but much to his relief it didn't seem bothered. In fact it continued drifting closer; aiming right for his paw.

The seconds it took for the butterfly to close the remaining distance felt like long minutes, his eyes completely locked to those flapping wings keeping the butterfly afloat during its descent. All the while Dexter keeps his paw purrfectly still, not realizing that he's holding his breath while he patiently observes the delicate creature until... a gentle touch. Dexter's heart flutters that very moment, his smile growing as a sudden warm summer's breeze strokes his long, dark golden mane furs. He lets out a deep exhale, resuming his normal breathing pace as it suddenly feels like he's cradled in a warm comforting embrace. A wondrous feeling he couldn't quite explain, just that he was overcome with some new fulfilling happiness he'd never before felt.

Dexter sits here for a few minutes, watching the slow paced opening and closing of the butterfly's beautiful wings, glistening with their light blue glow. He tries humming again, but only the barely audible sound of soft purrs emanates from his vibrating chest. Yet he could still imagine the tune of that peaceful song he tried to hum, his tail gently swaying in the soft damp grass at the songs gentle pace.

Dexter felt like he could sit here for hours, savoring every second of this magical comfort, this deep peace and happiness he was experiencing in the presence of this beautiful butterfly. Or at least he thought it was where this feeling might be originating. He really didn't know where it was coming from, but he enjoys this deep sense of ease all the same, happy to have the butterfly's company. Then something crosses his mind. As much as he enjoyed having it rest with him, the thought of this butterfly fluttering along freely, soaring carefree in its serene home among its fellow butterflies, lifts the lion's spirits. He looks around himself, once again taking in his surroundings, still as amazed at its beauty as when he'd first arrived. The lion then looks back to the butterfly, noticing that the opening and closing of its wings had stopped. His head tilts curiously as it turns away from him to face the lake, crawling just a bit to rest on his pointer finger. Dexter shoves out a steady exhale as he curls his other fingers back to his palm, leaving only his pointer finger with the butterfly extended. The butterfly once again starts opening and closing its wings in a steady pace, slightly faster than before. Dexter then carefully lifts his paw to hold his finger as high as he could to the gorgeous, open blue skies.

A short moment passes with the butterfly flapping its elegant wings before the butterfly gives a few rapid flaps, seeming to lift away from his finger with little effort. Dexter then lowers his arm, pressing his palm to the soft grass again as he leans back to watch the butterfly climb ever higher, soon joining the colorful display of many different butterflies fluttering about on this warm peaceful summer's day. Never once since the butterfly arrived did he stop smiling, and he couldn't stop now at such a wondrous sight. Dexter keeps watching the mix of colorful butterflies for another minute or so, thinking to himself that each and every one of them was beautiful and unique in their own way; before letting out a deep relaxed sigh, propping himself up on one paw as he stands. The fluffy feline stumbles a bit as he awkwardly stretches, giggling to himself as he shuts his maw tightly to resist letting off a sudden thunderous yawn that built up within, not wanting to disturb the calm ambience of this place. But the moment the suppressed yawn fades, he stretches his legs once more, then starts a relaxed stroll towards the lake; feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Making his way down the grassy slope, he glances up to the clear blue skies, bright with the sun shining happily above. Dexter picks up the pace a bit, his adventurous inner spirit soaring, propelled by much excitement and happiness at the many hours still left in the day for exploring; curious of what other treasures this place
has to offer...

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This lovely, wondrous, absolutely stellar... Just incredibly awesome masterpiece done by one of my fave artist  Kirena-Kaya
It’s becoming more and more difficult I swear to say which works of art fit into my top 5 favorites, but this one easily leaps up into that group of favorite works of all time with Dexter. I just can’t say enough how much I absolutely love everything about this piece. So many colors in such a peaceful environment, the tall mountains that stand tall enough to compliment the scenery without totally dominating the view, the calm lake that reflects this scenery, the butterflies fluttering about....Dexter’s bushy mane x3 I was blown away when I first saw this piece completed, but my goodness, looking upon it to draw inspiration to write this little story or whatever made me fall in love with it so much more. Kirena has yet again done a truly outstanding job and can’t thank her enough for the incredible efforts put into not only this piece, but the many done over the years. I strongly encourage everyone to watch her for tons more incredible creations that are sure to come :)
Original artist post here: [Lift Me]
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A happy Dexter, relaxed and at peace in this serene environment on this beautiful day belongs to me  Dexterlion Along with the accompanying descriptive writing/poem thingy...idk what to call it but wanted to do something to go along with this lovely piece and I felt it came out quite well.