I will say I am pretty use to lackluster birthdays ever since I began college. Around this time I am occupied with exams and super busy at work. Today is no exception. I woke up this morning knowing for a while I had to two a double shift today and that my weekend was going to be twice as busy.

So yeah, I have been writing off my birthdays. But...that was only the tip of the iceberg. I tend to keep to myself with gifts and such. Usually I get things for myself and tell people I don't want anything or just money so that I can get things I want. I will admit it can come off as me being careless or simply reserved, but I do appreciate gifts.

I drown myself in work and value my personal time a lot too. I grew up a loner, but I was always the one laughing and carrying on with others. But behind closed doors...I don't realize when and where I need company. As easy as it is for me to connect and talk with people...I struggle to come to people. I'm so use to others coming to me. So when I'm alone...after a hard day's work...only a handful of hours before bed for the busy shift the next day...I get anxious. But my pride of others coming to me makes me hesitant on seeking others. I would sooner sit in discord waiting for someone to join...only to sit alone for no one to come.

Maybe I feel burned too many times trying to go out my way to talk to people. Maybe I am not the social butterfly I once was or I thought I was. Maybe I'm too selfish with my time alone or picky about my company. I may seem like I have everything together...but I don't. I am 25 today and still just learning how to be a better person.

With all this being said...this gift really solidified a lingering doubt in my mind. And...I realize I have friends who are there for me. That wont judge me for wanting their company. Who would go behind my back and plan something like this for me. It really hit home. A home...I didn't know I had. I came into this fandom with goals of being popufur to help discover new artists. And that goal...kind of changes...and really I am not as popular as I think and I feel silly sometimes expecting people to know me. But...even though I know I am popular than normal, that I have art from the best fur artists out there, that I am passionate and creative to commission wonderous pieces...I have friends that accept me for who I am and what I do. And I never feel like a loser around them. I would rather be losers and nobodies with them than a somebody with nobodies around me.

So thank you Manti and King for this amazing piece. Personally thanking King for bettering my League of Legends experience, he helped me get to gold after several years. And thank you Manti for blessing Azune with a loving Dragoness and daughters. My roleplay game increased with his page long replies, but I will gladly wait several months at a time for just one response.

Thank you for this memorable birthday gift. I appreciate it along with you two. Thank you.

Art by the generous  Blood_Infestation

Azune -  Deathpanther13

Xiao -  King_Woof

Xansida -  GloryTiger