Kindred Instinct

At the gathering, she recognized a few had traveled from farther away than was usual.

They ranged around her at distance, nonchalantly mingling with the other visitors naturally – separate, yet together.

It was their behavior that was similar in how they looked at her at different times, and then communicated directly to one who was their leader.

She could sense intention pass between them, as if her ears were selective antennae able to pick up on their rare frequencies discussing their impressions of her.

She couldn’t hear what they conveyed, but their signals seemed generally excited and positive, though wary.

And their shared energetic scent signatures underlying individual character roused the queen in her, causing her blood to quicken.

A younger female approached her early on, asking a polite and friendly question – and she was playfully responsive, dropping her guard while inclusive.

For the attractive males, however, their strong energy caused her leadership  instinct to kick in, making her walk around straight-legged with tail puffed, displaying that she was no submissive to be dismissed nor taken advantage of.

Phermones of dominance poured from her in waves as self protective response to their presence, and instead of allowing herself to feel intimidated, she found herself rising to the occasion.

Her body had never reacted this way before, so internally she was flustered where her normal behavior was to blend – yet her instinct had been to show her strength’s worth to gain their approval.