Morning Rounds

Marker Mother Goat stepped out onto the top floor balcony of her fortress, her red cape fluttering in the morning breeze. The four marker towers gleamed in the sunlight as she gazed across Craft Room City. Streets bustled with humanoid deer heading to work, sheep tending their gardens, and goats opening their shops.

"Another peaceful morning," she said, adjusting her blue-and-black dress. Her giant magic marker glowed softly in her gloved hand.

She activated her x-ray vision, scanning the city for anyone who might need help. Most citizens seemed content, but something caught her attention near the art district. A small sheep sat hunched behind an easel in an alley, painting frantically.

The sheep kept glancing around nervously, as if afraid someone might see her work.

"Interesting," Marker Mother Goat murmured. She'd never noticed this particular artist before. The sheep's movements were quick and secretive, like she was hiding something important.

Perhaps a visit was in order.

The Hidden Canvas

Marker Mother Goat swooped down from her fortress, her red cape streaming behind her. She landed softly in the alley where the sheep artist worked.

The sheep jumped and spun around, knocking over her paint jar. Purple paint splashed across the cobblestones.

"Oh no!" the sheep cried, scrambling to clean up the mess. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"Don't worry about that," Marker Mother Goat said gently. She looked at the canvas on the easel and gasped. The painting showed the city square filled with dancing deer, laughing goats, and sheep playing music under colorful banners.

"This is beautiful! You're incredibly talented."

The sheep's ears drooped. "I'm Luna. I paint because I have to, but nobody can see them. They're too silly."

"Silly? This painting makes me want to dance!"

Luna shook her head. "My grandmother always said art should be serious and proper. Mine is just... fun."

Just then, a smart woman with short brown hair hurried past the alley entrance, talking loudly on her phone. "The city council meeting is tomorrow! We need something special for the summer festival, or they'll cancel it!"

Marker Mother Goat's eyes lit up. "Luna, I have an idea."