The crisp fall air seemed to amplify the sounds of birds calling from the trees. It was at least enough to wake those still trying to make use of the last dregs of sleep well into the morning. Each chirp was now enough to make the sleeping mound of fur twitch. It was when a fawn decided to join the chorus that the mound finally grew a limb. One long leg reached forth to cover the beast's head the best he could. Another bleat. Moss groaned. There was no use trying to stay asleep now. Fine. The stag huffed and pulled his leg back away from his head. A sound like a heavy blanket being dropped signaled that the beast had fallen to his side, stretching out like a lazy dog. It took a massive effort to roll himself up to his feet, or so the lazy beast felt. He managed.

After a shake to rid his pelt of dust and leaves, the stag found himself dragging his hooves to the pond for a drink. The icy water made his legs ache as he waded in to a sufficient level and suck his face into the pool. Each hair on his neck ruff stood on end as the stag forced himself to endure a face wash. After wiping his face against his knee to remove water from his eyes, Moss looked up. He finally had woken himself enough to do whatever it was he was going to do that day. It probably involved a lot of lounging around. The stag blinked blearily and watched some koi swim by. Sometimes he wished he were still up in the ethereal garden, just so that he could be one of those fish again. There were fewer cares when gravity didn't matter as much.

After a few squelching steps, the beast pulled himself to dry land and flopped down in the sun. At least it is warm.