When I was only 17, I remember I had just gotten my driver’s license only a few months prior to my first meet. It was just a few months before I graduated high school. I called my high school best friend who at the time was a furry themselves, and we took my dad’s car, and drove to our very first Prancing Skiltaire (
@Skiltaire_Party
).

I remember the excitement that took over me when I saw the first fursuits I’ve ever seen in my life. I only ever saw them in YouTube videos from conventions. I had always wanted to be among them, but seeing them this close and in real life had me squealing with delight.

I remember what we wore. I wore custom made Cass ears, a red collar with a bell, and my badge from when I went to my deviantART meet just a few months prior. My friend wore a black cat hat with rainbow accents. I brought my sketchbook thinking I could draw if I felt overwhelmed, but I didn’t. I felt at home.

The first person I ever met at a Prancing Skiltaire was my friend Kaleo. We may not talk much now, but I still consider him one of my best friends to this day. He introduced himself to me as “Nipples” and we couldn’t stop laughing. He gave us a tour, and I met someone I idolized back then, Ace of Hearts Fox. I couldn’t believe that I got to see the YouTuber I looked up to at the time right in front of my face. Of course I acted SO CRINGE about it. To this day, Ace and I are good friends, and it wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for me going to the meet myself.

The more Prancing Skiltaires I went to, the more new people I would meet and befriend. Some good, some bad (which is the nature of meeting anyone, really). I met my first fursuit maker, who made me my first fursuit within the same year fresh after I turned 18. I got to experience what it was like to be amongst the fursuiters, a dream come true.

And you know, I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not made that step and went to a meet hosted by Mark and his partners. Mark (
@sysable
) has done so much for the community, and without him, I wouldn’t have gone to my first fur meet. I wouldn’t have met so many friends. I would not have gotten my first fursuit, which would eventually lead me to becoming a fursuit maker. I would not be here if it weren’t for the work he did for the community.

So thank you, Mark. For everything. Fly high, and I hope wherever you are now, you get to Prance like a Skiltaire 💃

Rest in Paradise 🌹