[=Sylfaen][=15]The sun was bright, golden rays that slipped past the protective canopy above. There was a slight chill to the air, it was late October so that was to be expected. Or maybe it was the forest preparing itself for the coming of the Dark Lord.

However, I luckily had yet to encounter any darkness on this fine day, though I did not know it was going to follow soon...

I pranced through the forest, chasing the butterflies and the squirrels, letting the bright sunlight warm my white pelt. The air was crisp and my breath left a smokey fog as I called out across the forest, to tell all where I was. I lifted my head high, ears pricked forward, strained against my pole as I listened for any returned calls. There was only one. It came from closer to the large old oak.

I trembled and shook myself off, moving toward the tree slowly. The shadows cast lay long over the forest floor, beating away the warmth and comfort of the sun above. I slowed, then finally stopped, gazing ahead at the base of the tree where an old stag stood. I lowered my head slowly, breathing out again before my nares flared, taking in a deep breath. He did not seem to be a foe. I crept forward, lowering my head and bowing down to him in greeting. I did not know how he would respond, so I stepped back, waiting.

He turned toward me, eyes red, or so they appeared. I felt my body tremble, and I cringed back away from him in fright. He roared, lowering the great set that adorned his scalp. I quickly backed away, almost falling over my own hooves in my desperate attempt to get away. He did not pursue, merely turned back to where he stood over a sleeping deer that I could now see hidden half behind one of the edges of the dead oak.

I lowered my head sadly, the memories flickering through my mind of running alone, hooves flailing behind me as the large stag had attacked. I turned away.

The forest surrounded me, keeping me in the darkness of the leaves.

....