I woke up gently, but quickly noticed the absence of my brother from my side. I looked round - still hidden under the rocks of the playground, he had left me safely sleeping...he had probably gone to find friends or chase something.
I got up and, feeling thirsty decided to head own to the pond for a drink - my progress through the forest was slow. Unlike my brother, I was content just to walk through the dappled trees, pausing now at then to look around. I neared the pond, but stopped - I could hear movement, far too loud to be the normal forest sounds...then a deep booming call. I stopped behind one of the older trees and saw them, all gathered between me and the water.
My first instinct was to run, to get away from the huge crowd of deer; most of them were adults, and I could see the huge racks of antlers from my hiding place. I wanted to run away, fear chilling me all over and freezing me to the spot...then I could see one laughing, and a few others began to dance. It brought back memories; Mother dancing with Murchen, Father laughing as my brother toppled over, his long fawn legs tangling. I stood and watched, hardly breathing so as not to reveal myself. I needn’t have feared - the crowd was too happy, enjoying each other, dancing; they didn't notice me. After awhile, my legs grew heavy beneath me and I sat, still watching.
