Entry for =kilara's contest, featuring her character Cain.

This is actually the second incarnation of my entry. The first was worked on for a week and a half, and then I scrapped it because the pose suddenly looked ridiculous and the background was going nowhere. So I hastily sketched this one out on Wednesday and wow, it took me much less time to complete.

Anyway, one of the contest guidelines says to include a short story with this piece. Brace yourself for bad writing. XD

<sup>Story
The peppermint-colored Avian launched himself at the butterfly. He stretched out his paws to capture the little beast, but the insect was too quick. It flitted its little wings and was soon out of reach.

Cain galloped after it in pursuit, keeping pace with his overhead prey. He lept every few paces in an attempt to gain height, envious that his own still-developing wings would not carry him.

Finally, the small insect lost altitude until it was level with the Avian's snout. Cain squeaked with glee. As he extended his paws again, the butterfly within grasp, he failed to watch his footing and didn't see the goopy brown mud until it was too late.</sup>

I was a bit conflicted with the eyes, as Avians don't have pupils and pupil placement was crucial in this particular expression. I might have nailed it without, though. I had so much fun with the mud. With the entire background, really. I could care less about the foreground now.

_{programs: Illustrator & Photoshop CS3
tools: pencil and paper for sketch; inks and background with mouse; colors with tablet
time: about 8 hours
original size: 1248 x 923 @ 72dpi}