PROMPT: write a story where the only characters are animals

Since the beginning of time itself, the Eve of the Harvest Moon marked a night of celebration for the woodland creatures. Every year, they'd gather in the wood's largest natural clearing and dance under the first full moon of autumn. It would be the last time before most of the creatures huddled themselves into their homes and hibernated for as long as they could.

"How has it been since we last met?" The fox asked the badger as they made their way to the clearing. The Harvest Moon was the one time a year when the fox wouldn't attempt to attack any of his fellow woodland neighbours – he was restricted to hunting mice from the field across the stream, but of course, those were not his friends.

The badger yawned, snuffling his nose against his paw. "Apologies; I've just woken up, Foxy. I can't say much has occurred since last week. The usual, I suppose – eating, sleeping, more eating, more sleeping."

"That's the life." Fox grinned, proud of himself for ignoring the two meals – he means squirrels – chattering in the trees above him.

The squirrel siblings, Cecil and Cecilia scampered up the tree from their home and skipped along the narrow branches bowing under their slight weight. They leapt from tree to tree easily, squeaking to one another.

"Have you finished collecting nuts yet, Cecil?"

"Pfft! Hardly," Cecil squeaked back, pausing temporarily to scratch an itch behind his ear with a foot. "How can you know when you've got enough, Cecilia?

"Just as well – you know that crop of trees near the lake, Cecil? Well, I'll tell you all about it – gorgeous –"

"Hallo, Badger, Foxy," the brown bear lolloped down from the hill, only just slowing down before he barrelled Badger and Fox down through the shrubbery.

"Shouldn't you be slowing down yet, Bear?" Fox glanced up at the fumbling idiot, only slightly jealous at the strength the bear owned.

"Fear not, Foxy – I promise this is the last burst of energy I'll have for a while." Bear laughed heartily, snorting carelessly.

It wasn't long until they reached the clearing, where the dormice had been hanging their little lamps in the trees as the sky dimmed. The lamps were comprised of crisp orange leaves wrapped around fireflies, emitting a gentle ambient light across the grass.

Unsurprisingly, the deer and rabbits were already there, being the fastest of the lot. The stag trampled down the clearing's lawn with a few prances, after ensuring there weren't any mice or small creatures loitering under the green blades.

Gathering in a circle instinctively, the woodland creatures raised their heads skywards and waited for the moon to break through the light cover of clouds. When the full moon finally appeared, the creatures who had paws held one another's paws and began a slow swaying.

They hummed a little, making up their own prayers of thanks and hope that the impending winter wouldn't be too hard. They followed tradition, grateful for the safe woodland and their gentle-hearted neighbours.

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