The Endless Forest was not always such. Once, long ages ago, life and death played out the dance of existence as in any other wood. Now this is not to say it was as any normal forest, for it was a place of great tranquility and balance. Even humans recognized it's peaceful nature, retreating there from the turmoil of civilization to live in simplicity and contemplation. Under the leaves they built a monastery of stone and timber in which to live and worship the God that had blessed them with the discovery of such an Eden.

All of this was watched with great anticipation by the other inhabitants of the wood. The animals of the wood did not know what to make of the new-comers. Eventually learning of the carnivorous nature of the upright beasts, they fled their presence and skirted the monastery with uneasy steps.

Largest and most respected of creatures were the woodland deer, who ran through the trees in great herds. At the head of each herd was a great and mighty deer spirit, benevolent and protective they watched the workings of all within the forest. These spirits, being both powerful and wise, were charged with the sacred duty of guiding their herds through life. When the time came for a deer to die, either by the hunt or the failings of age, it was also the duty of the spirits to take their deer to the final rest.

With the coming of Man to the forest, the spirits learned to guide their herds from the arrows of hunters and to warn against the two legged wolves. An informal balance was formed, the hunted were replaced with new fawns each spring and life remained peaceful for both Man and deer. Very rarely, the men would catch glimpses of giant stags standing far off in the trees. At first the human faced beasts were called demons and shunned, but the creatures never set foot within the ring of trees surrounding the monastery. The lost would find these stags leading them home, and in return, the monks scattered berries from their homeland. The plants thrived in the wood and the deer came to enjoy the sweet feast of blueberries, though they still refused to travel too near the man's den for fear of human appetites.

It came to be that, while wandering the wood, one of the spirits came upon an odd sight. While the stag did not at first know what he saw, he though perhaps that a piece of the sky had fallen to the earth. Through the trees he trod softly up to the blue patch, seeing it was not at all sky but one of the Men curled up amid the grass and flowers. Seeing that the Man did not move, and feeling emboldened by youth the stag tip-toed forward. His hooves silent in the grass he went right up to the man and bending down sniffed at it curiously. It smelled of the grass and the flowers, as though it had been there for some time but beneath those it also smelt of warm sunshine and of course, man scent.

Around it's form was draped the blue, but now being closer, he could see it was simply clothing the sort of which the humans donned, as deer did their pelts. However this dress was not the drab brown the other Men wore, it was brighter and crisper. Ducking down he took a calculating nibble at its edge but found it much too chewy and tough. The stag's disappointment deserted him as the Man begun to move, rousing out of sleep.

With a leap he shot off into the trees, bounding back through the trees. The girl was left to wonder at her strange dream, still too sleepy or carefree to see the light prints all about her. Readjusting her dress she gathered her book and bag, intent on returning home.

It very well might have been that this chance encounter led to no astounding feats or adventures whatsoever, but as I have said, this forest was not at all normal and had a way of abandoning the likely, for the unimaginable.





Now this girl, who's name was Lynnet, lived at the monastery. In fact, she was the only girl there, for all the other nuns and monks were old. Intent on preserving her dignity and virtue, Lynnet's mother sent her away, to learn womanly poise and devotion to God. Lynnet went along with this because in all the books her father had bought her (a pastime with which her mother never agreed) it was always a Lady who was featured and Lynnet figured that if she was ever to have adventures of her own, becoming a Lady was as good a way as any of going about it.

Lynnet spent her days studying scripture under the studious eye of the matron mother as well as the skills of dainty needle work and proper pronunciation when reciting prose. Those poetry lessons were a constant source of frustration to her, as many of her favorite poems had been contra-banned by the matron, who staunchly shunned displays of 'flowery inappropriateness'. As things stood, Lynnet was forced to hide many of her more 'flowery' books away in her room, stacked behind her shoes in the closet.

Thankfully, when the adults were busy with other things, Lynnet was able to sneak away into the trees with her beloved books. Many an afternoon she spent in the warm sun of hidden glades, laying along the flowers and filling her head with adventures and stories. Daring escapades of which she secretly longed to partake. Sometimes, Lynnet would simply lie looking up at the clouds and daydream the tales of her favorite novels, with herself playing the role of leading lady, of course.

On such occasions, with her mind so very far away, Lynnet would fail to hear the soft padding of hooves close at hand. More and more the stag would come upon the Man-doe, for he had come to understand some of what she was, and watch her. She was always so carefree, as though life held no responsibilities or demands. He envied her and secretly resented the demands of his herd, petty as they were. Why should they need him for everything? Could they not even find grazing for themselves, or water without his direction? Surely something made in his image, could not be so needy or defenseless! Reassured by these thoughts, the stag spent less and less time caring for his herd, and more and more time following and watching over Lynnet.





It was a day of change. Rolling showers gave way to cheerful sun before returning with a vengeance to drench the forest below. In the face of such uncertainty, work around the monastery had been moved indoors, much to Lynnet's dismay. The matron mother wanted nothing more for her than to sit in quiet contemplation of the seemingly endless supply of lessons assigned to her.

I am above such monotonous wasting of intellect! Though Lynnet as she scratched hap-hazard swirls in her notebook. She sighed and looked out the window, the newly emerged sun seeming to mocking her confinement. I should be out there, having astounding adventures…but instead I'm stuck in here, frittering away my talents and imagination on useless lines! Lynnet looked over at the matron mother who sat reading from the bible on her lap.

Perhaps… Lynnet leaned over and looked at the ink pot that sat on the corner of her desk. hm.. With a quick look to be sure she was not watched, she took her sleeve and dipped the corner into the pot. Satisfied with the spreading blackness, she let out a convincingly frustrated groan and stood. "Mother. I have gotten ink on my sleeve, I must go change!" Snapping her bible closed briskly, the matron strode over and inspected the damaged. "That you have, let it be a lesson to always be more aware of what you are doing...Now off with you! Be quick, before the ink sets!"

Lynnet walked briskly from the room, breaking out into a run once she was sure the matron mother would not follow. Freedom at last! Thought Lynnet with pride, sure that she had finally foiled her captors. Once in her room, Lynnet dug into the back of her closet and dragged out a pack. I only wish I could have fit more of my books…I will have to return for them. Quickly she slipped out of her ink stained dress and into her favorite sky blue dress. It was fancy, with lace around its edges, but not so much so that she could not climb or run in it. After all, a lady must be both pretty and practical! Lynnet smiled as she tied her sheets to the bedpost, and with one final forlorn look at her abandoned books, she scaled out the window.

Now Lynnet, for all her bravery and daring, had never truly been far away from the monastery. After very little time at all, she found herself wandering the deer paths farther and father away from familiar trees and rocks. By the time an hour had past, Lynnet's faith in her plan begun to falter. Oh drat! Perhaps this was not the best of plans after all. However, with return to the monastery impossible, Lynnet wandered deeper and deeper through the trees, farther and farther from all that she had known.

While it is very true that the forest was a peaceful and safe place, Lynnet was only a girl of fourteen and knowing nothing of wood lore, she could not be expected to survive by herself in the woods all alone! Of course, being young and brash, the severity of her situation was lost on Lynnet who was simply frustrated at not having brought any lunch.

"Now I remember why so few of my books fit! I had planned to bring proper rations with me as well, oh why oh why did I change my mind?" Now positively put off, she marched over to a large rock and plunked herself down to fume. Sitting in silence for several minutes, Lynnet found herself listening to the happy calls of chickadees and wood finches. Suddenly, off through the trees came a great commotion, like the drumming of many feet all together. My goodness! Lynnet watched in amazement as the trees not thirty paces from her sprang to life with hundreds of deer!

The herd flowed together seamlessly between the tight trees, weaving and hopping joyously. As suddenly as they had come, the deer were gone. Lynnet could not help but feel renewed, for in her mind such a sight had made the whole ordeal worthwhile; "How lucky I must be! Surely my father would love to hear of…" Lynnet felt a sudden sadness overwhelm her at the thought of her father. How should I know if I will ever see my father again? I am so very lost…and in my haste neglected all the proper supplies for such a trip. Lynnet dragged herself back to the rock and plunked herself down beside her bag. Tucking her knees to her chest, she crossed her arms around them and hung her head in sorrow.

Now as usual, Lynnet was so absorbed in her own despair, that she did not hear the sounds of hoof beats creeping behind her. In fact, she did not raise her head until her bag feel from the rock beside her. Straightening with a start, she looked down to find a small fawn nibbling the corner of one of her books. Gasping in panic, she snatched the book and pulled it away, succeeding for the most part. With a rip the fawn was sent tumbling to the ground, it's rear planting with a boney thunk. Amazingly unperturbed, the fawn continued to chew happily on the several pages Lynnet had not been able to save.

Too amazed to be truly angry, Lynnet put the book down gently on the rock and reached out to the fawn. Eyeing her warily, the fawn scuttled away not truly standing but pushing it self comically on it's behind. Thinking quickly, Lynnet reached down and tore up a hearty handful of grass, offering it open palmed to the fawn. Swallowing the remains of the pages, it got shakily to it's feet and bounded over to her. Never taking it's eyes from hers, the fawn sniffed at her hand and the grass, before nibbling at it delicately. Lynnet could not help but giggle as a rough tongue tickled her fingers.

From the shadows the stag watched with abundant awe. Never had he imagined that a Man-doe would be so different from how he had imagined. It was common knowledge that they were a weak and confused race, unable to live away from their dens. To see her now, so far from the stone den was not something he had expected. Afternoon was giving way to evening and soon night would fall in the forest, cold and bitter for a man-doe alone. I will take her with me. He thought to himself.

Far off in the trees there was a bellow, at which the fawn pricked it's ears and called back in return. With a final look at Lynnet, it bounded off through the trees and back to it's mother. Lynnet once again felt the weight of sadness, accompanied by the nip of a cool wind. Looking up in panic she saw that the sun was sinking down towards the horizon. Night will find me alone and ill prepared; oh how I wish I had never conceived this foolish notion!

As it sank the sun shone through the trees, painting their trunks a blazing orange and the grass a burnt yellow. Instantly Lynnet's eyes were drawn towards a tall shadow cast down out of the trees before her and as the last dying glow faltered and dipped below the horizon she saw it was the silhouette of a great stag. Outlined perfectly by the setting sun, he stood between two great trees, his faced turned to look at her. Lynnet could do nothing but stare in wonder as he remained watching her until the final rays of the sun sank below the horizon and he was hidden is the inky dark of night.

Slowly awareness returned to Lynnet. She blinked and rubbed her eyes as though waking from a dream. The night air around her was cold and she shivered, drawing her arms around herself. A great weariness had settled upon her, drawing the strength from her limbs and commanding her eyes to close of their own accord. Perhaps I have walked enough for today. Settling down beside the rock, Lynnet lay her head on her bag and wrapped her spare dress around herself for warmth. Tomorrow things will not seem so strange, I shale be reminded of the way home and everything will be right. Comforted in this belief and soothed by the quiet chirping of crickets, she curled up tight and closed her eyes.





Perhaps you have heard tell of fairies? While this forest was a magical place, no little peoples called its flowers and thickets home. Yet this did not mean that there were not those within it who did not take some pleasure in bewildering and leading astray. In fact, of all the spirits to have found Lynnet this night, this dark stag was one of a most proud and selfish nature.

In the end, it would be his selfishness that brought him low, for from the instant his eyes had set upon Lynnet he was entranced. She was mysterious and alluring, he knew not why for it was unheard of for a spirit to have such feelings at all. His duty to his herd was his everything, his life forever revolving around them. This was the way of spirits, but now, upon seeing Lynnet a change came over him.

The sudden realization, that everything he had known could be but a taste of everything he could know...he was shaken to the core! Before her life had been complete, but not anymore. From that moment on, he found the simple pleasures of forest life dimed and diminished. This moral has charmed me. She has cast me for a spell and I have neither the power nor desire to be free. It was true, as hard as he willed, the stag could not imagine a future that did not include her. You came to me in the very instant a hole appeared in me, or maybe you carved it, like a burrowing worm into the heartwood of a tree...

As he stood above her sleeping form, he knew that she must never be allowed to leave, lest the hole once again empty. I can never again be as I was, but what of you? He settled into the grass beside her, watching the ebb and flow of her dreams. What now? You have me, fully and completely…yet I do not even know why? Blissful and unaware Lynnet lay in the grass with her golden hair about her head, looking very much like an angel out of heaven.

Of course, the stag knew nothing of angels or demons. Had he, perhaps the severity of his situation would have been more clear. You see, he was endless, fearing no mortal peril. Still…what fear has a being of pure will and emotion, if not the mind of another. You must feel the same...and, if you do not, you will. At that moment, as if feeling this stranger's eyes, Lynnet's fluttered open and they met.

Slowly rolling to one side Lynnet sat up, brushing grass and flowers from her dress. Remarkably the creature beside her remained even as she blinked the sleep from her eyes. His eyes were dark and deep, like the darkest corner of a child's room into which the candle light never shines and which must hold many terrible things. The rest of him was as the shadows playing about the candle, smoky and shifting, so much so that Lynnet found it hard to distinguish him from the night time at all.

"You are still dreaming."

His tone was so matter-of-fact that Lynnet found herself nodding in agreement, even before he had finished speaking. Filling with those softly spoken words, the protests of her mind were quieted and rational quickly abandoned. This of course, was not due to any lack of sanity on the part of Lynnet, but as you might by now suspect the dark stag possessed spells of his own. He could move as a fanciful thought through the minds and dreams of others, nurturing desires or passions as he saw fit.

There was one flaw in the dark stag's power, for this is the way things like this are made, so that his power was confined. As a being of thoughts and feelings himself, the stag could not create thoughts or feelings in others. As a weaver or a gardener he could labour and mold to his intentions, but without saplings or thread his powers were useless.

Lynnet, being both young and sheltered knew very little of the threat a stranger in the dark of night could pose. While this innocence could have been her doom, instead it allowed her to look upon the stag as one new to the world. Just as when the dark stag had looked upon her and found himself wanting, Lynnet felt a quiet joy; Here I have been found by the greatest of all adventures.

"What is your name?"

"Lynnet. My name is Lynnet."





So it was that Lynnet stayed with the stag all throughout the night, walking with him deep into the forest, along paths that had never felt the tread of human soles. As they walked the two shared tales of their own worlds, both eager to learn the ways of the other.

"So you see, sir, we live in houses because it is much better than being out in the cold and the rain, forever at the mercy of nature."

"So you fear nature?"

"I never said that, though I suppose it should seem that way...do you not have a home?"

"A home? Is that akin to a house, or another construction of humanity all together?"

"It's...well, I can't rightly say!" Lynnet paused her stroll and rested a hand on her cheek. "A home is a house where people live and where they are happy."

"So the stone house of men, that is your home Lynnet?"

"Oh no! That is where my mother has sent me, so that I might learn to be a lady."

"Are you not already a lady?"

"Oh no, silly, I am just a girl!"

"I see.." The creature was silent for a while and the two continued to walk down the deer path. "How will you know when you become a lady?" Lynnet laughed but then tilted her head in puzzlement.

"I do not rightly know! I must say I have never given it much thought, but I suspect that my mother will send for me. Then I will know."

This news displeased the stag greatly, for he did not desire for Lynnet to leave. However he hid this from the girl, and instead smiled and spoke;
"Look at me, quizzing you on every little thing that pops into my head, as though my mouth had no mind to stop itself! You must have questions for me, I am sure."

Lynnet's eyes grew wide and she clapped excitedly;
"I do indeed! Oh but there is so much I long to ask, I fear you would soon tire of my endless prattle and leave me." The stag's face grew serious and he nuzzled the top of Lynnet's head affectionately.

"I would never do such hurt to you, Lynnet. Barrage me with your prattle, for I will grin and bear it!"

Giggling, Lynnet composed herself and crossed her arms behind her back, in the fashion of a teacher at the head of class.
"Very well, Sir Stag, first question! What is your name?"

"I do not have a name, as you do, Lynnet." Dropping her charade entirely, Lynnet looked puzzled and perhaps, even a little sad.

"No name? Then...What do your friends and family call you by?" The stag shook his head gently, and smiled.

"I have those neither, you are doing poorly at this game, Lynnet."

Lynnet frowned and looked pained, and suddenly panic took the stag, fearing he had done some secret hurt to the girl. He took a step towards her;
"I am sorry Lynnet, have I said something that was unkind? I fear I am rust in social graces, please, forgive me!"

"No no, please, it is you who must forgive me! Had I..if I had known of your loss I would not have inquired."

"I have lost nothing, Lynnet, what did you fear you had done?"

"You said you had no friends, no family.." Suddenly realization came to him and he understood.
"So you thought that I had lost them to death and dying, is that it?" He laughed with relief but saw Lynnet was still troubled. "I promise, your words did me no harm! Look, I am happy and glad, so should you be too!"

Lynnet smiled, happy to see the stag's serious air dispelled once again.
"I guess, well it is just odd to meet someone who has never had a mother, or a father...certainly you have had one friend!" When the stag shook his head Lynnet's amazement grew. "What a strange and miserable circumstance! Well, nothing else for it, I shale have to teach you how to have friends." The idea that an immortal like him should have need of friends or companionship amused him greatly, for in his pride the stag had not yet begun to understand that he relied on Lynnet, hanging on ever word that left her lips.

"Very well, I have another question for you. What are you, and do not say a deer for I will be very unamused!"

The stag looked away indignantly, hiding the smile that tugged at the corner of his lips.
"A deer?! You take me for some common, mushroom muncher? I am appalled and insulted!"

"Well, you do look very much the part.."

"Do I? What if I told you I could look any part I wished, what then, little manling?"

"I would call you a grand fibber, that is what I should do!"

"Perhaps, but now you will never know, for your cruel words have cut me most deeply..." Tossing his crown of antlers, the stag raised his nose to Lynnet and begun to stride away. Giggling, the child ran after him and the two passed away to be cloaked by the leaves.

The two fast friends passed the enchanted evening until at last Lynnet requested to be returned to the monastery. Dejected but understanding that he could never raise a hand against her, the stag took Lynnet upon his back and with a few quick steps she found herself back to familiar stone walls and gardens.

"I have done as you have asked, Lynnet, and brought you home but you must make me a promise." Though his voice was kind, the stag's eyes were stern.

"What would you have me do?"

"Nothing, save return here when you can and meet with me so that we might share time again."

"Of course! I have had great fun with you and we will adventure together again soon, but do not wait for me here! The monks and matron would surely not take as well to you as I have..."

The stag snorted and sneered;
"As if I would have any interest in them..go now Lynnet, the sun rises and you will be watched for, I suspect."

With that the two parted, the most magical night coming to an end as a new sun rose over the horizon. Lynnet had expected a certain level of anger and reproach when she returned, however she was not prepared for the joyous embrace she received from the Matron Mother, who swooped down the stairs in a most distressingly unladylike manner.
"Child! God has blessed us and sent angels to bring you safely home! Praise be!"

"Yes, praise be...but I was only gone a night, and did not travel very far."

The matron mother straightened in alarm and the monks exchanged worried glances.
"No, no child, you have been gone no less than seven days..."

Indeed, a full week had passed since Lynnet's disappearance! She was put under careful watch and special care was taken to make sure her mind was right and well. Suspicions lessened with time and soon Lynnet found that she could once again wander the grounds without escort. It was shortly after that Lynnet begun her visits to the wall. Sometimes she would go during the day, bringing snacks and books to share with her magical friend.

To her obvious distress, when she was informed of the stag's ignorance of even the greatest classics of literature, Lynnet made it her mission to share all she knew. When even her vast collection of stories was diminished, she weaved tales of her own creation. Much to her amazement and entertainment, the stag showed great talent in magics, forming clouds into the shapes of pirate sloops and galleys, or with a breath making flowers spring into bloom. The two spent their days among the trees of the deep forest, acting out adventures and great escapades to their great entertainment.

The days flew by and soon months had past, but with his new found obsession the stag had grown cold to his duty. He grew to scorn the constant demands of his herd, their cries of hunger and thirst going unheeded. When the weather grew wet and cold they shivered, falling ill and faltering. Finally the attention of the other spirits was drawn to the suffering of the deer,
and they marveled at how this had come to pass.

The dark stag which had befriended Lynnet was not the only deer spirit who inhabited the woods, and the others grew angry at his lack of respect for the sacred duty with which he had been blessed. In silence, they watched him and shadowed his steps until at last they saw him and the manling together. Not only had he left his herd to die, but he had showed himself and the secrets of the forest to this mortal! Such transgression could not be allowed, and so the spirits gave much thought to their plotting, for a way to return the forest to balance would need to be found.





The months slipped by and soon Lynette was caught up in the rush of Autumn. Trees and plants of all manner begun to settle in for a long winter of sleep, but not before those in the gardens were harvested. The Fathers brought fruits and herbs of all sorts to the Sisters, who set about curing and pickling for the winter ahead. Lynnet was not exempt from such chores, so she grudgingly carried jars of preserves to the cellar.

Lynnet enjoyed the cellar; it was cool and dry. Stone walls lined with casks of wine and shelf upon shelf of jars and bottles became the galley of pirate ships, or the lost catacombs of long dead kings and Pharaohs. Instead of play, however, Lynnet stood busy loading the shelves with jars of jelly.
"Surely, if I was captured by pirates I should have been entertained by at least a more creative form of punishment..." Heaving a sigh, Lynnet thought of her friend out in the forest.

It had been almost a month since she had been able to tear herself away for a late-night visit, but the Matron Mother had become more and more suspicious and had taken to giving Lynnet extra chores to keep her busy. I do hope that he has not forgotten me, or worse, taken to thinking I have forgotten him!

Of course, the stag had not forgotten Lynnet but that was not to say that her absence did not trouble him deeply. Since their last parting he had spent his days in seclusion, chasing off any unfortunate creature that came upon him. His sour mood was watched by the other forest spirits with annoyance and distaste. They whispered amongst themselves; chastising his petty attractions to the human child and cursing his pride and fickle nature. It was decided that a spirit be sent to approach the dark stag and try and sway him from his course.

The stag, though greeted with the usual graces was soon set upon by his angered host. Having made the mistake of not addressing Lynnet with the proper respect he was sent bolting from the thicket, tail in the air, the dark stag hot on his haunches. Not to be deterred, the spirits sent another embassy to the dark stag, in the hopes that a more political approach would yield better results.

A young doe was sent to the glade where the dark stag made his den, wherein she found him laying gazing deep into the still waters of a pond. Not bothering to look up at his guest, the stag simply flicked a dismissive ear and spoke;
"Leave me be. I have no taste for this game of spirits anymore."
Ignoring his protests, the doe settled down into the grass beside him. She looked down into the water along side him, watching as he turned his head away.
"What is her name, this human doe who has caught your eye so?"
"They do not call themselves that, she calls herself a Lady...and her name is Lynnet."
The doe smiled but the stag's face remained cold. There was a pause where neither said anything, the only sound to be heard was the croaking of frogs in the pond. Finally, the stag spoke; "I do not expect you to understand."

The doe smiled, but her eyes were sad. As a spirit it was expected of them to love all living things, especially the deer of their herd, but this doe had always felt a certain delight in the dark stag's company. Despite her feelings she had been deterred by his aloof and often cold demeanor, but now, hearing him talk of Lynnet she knew his heart was forever closed to her.
"Of course not...but I think I am not alone in my ignorance."
Sensing disappointment in her words the stag looked from her reflection up into her face. Behind her eyes he saw a heart ache that rivaled his own, though blinded by his pride he was unable to see he was it's cause.
"What do you mean by this?"
"I mean that I am not the only one who does not understand."
"Of course, the others they would never..." The doe stood quickly, a slight trembling in her knees. She looked him in the eyes and spoke in a firm voice, as though all the softness in her had broken.
"Do not think you are the only one who has loved. This creature, this Lady Lynnet...I hope you all the happiness your heart can hold."

With these final words, the doe ran off and was swallowed by the trees. The stag was left alone once more, pondering the doe's strange response and even more troubling, her notion on the subject of love. Lynnet. What odd and twisted plots have brought us together, in such a manner as this! I know now that what the doe said is true, I love you, if such a small word can truly contain all that I feel... Again the stag's worries returned to Lynnet's feelings for him, what was left of his rational mind screaming the impossibility of it all in a hundred different voices. Rising up from the dirt, he silenced the protests of his mind and instead gave voice to what he felt in his heart.

"I must love you Lynnet...for there is nothing else left for me in this existence but you, thoughts of you, memories of you, even dreams of you. Everything else is as dust and mist, to blow away and be gone. I will love you Lynnet!" With this proclamation the stag set off at once towards the stone house of man, intent on reuniting at once with his new found love.

News reached the assembled spirits on swift wings and hooves, but unable to comprehend the absurdity of the case before them, they sent for the doe once more. Stricken as she was by grief, she was coached to retell all that had transpired between the dark stag and herself. True enough, it was learned that the stag harbored true feelings of love for the human, something that had not been heard of or even thought until that moment. The spirits eyed each other warily and with great unease in their voices they debated what should be done.

Many of the spirits voiced the dangers of what would happen should the humans be allowed to learn their secrets. Some argued that the humans had been generally peaceful, never hunting more than one or two deer a year. Again and again the council would rally behind an idea, only to have a new voice raise an equally plausible reason to disregard it. Late into the night and on into the day the spirits talked until at last, months had passed and the chill of winter crept in upon the air.

It was at this moment that a spirit was struck by an idea. As the others sat bickering a younger stag sat watching the petals of a flower. As the days passed, it curled over itself to shied off the cold, delicate and still as though suspended in sleep. Struggling to call quiet, he brought the flower to the attention of the others. Leaning close to inspect it, he explained his plan. When all had been said a timid silence fell upon the group. While all in attendance agreed that something must be done, never before had they been called to defend the wood against one of their own. Only by saving the dark stag from himself, could they maintain balance within not only their own lives, but the lives of the humans as well.






The wind blew icy down through the trees. Branches not yet free from the yellow and gold of Autumn, were glazed with frost. The grass upon the ground turned brittle and hard underfoot, like small pins of ice. The monks crossed themselves and shook their heads, surely this sudden winter was a sign that evil was at work. They turned scared eyes to the ring of trees, not so protective now but instead ominous, home to a menacing silence that crept between their trunks.

Lynnet was comfortable within her quarters, protected from the harsh season by unyielding stone. Yet as she sat curled in blankets, with a warm brazier at her size and a book at her lap, guilt ate away at her insides. While she dozed, fed and content, her dark stag stood somewhere out amongst the trees; cold and alone. She longed for him to join her, for in her heart she wished to tame him and make him a gentleman...not so much so that all the wild be lost from him, but enough that perhaps they might find happiness and peace with one another.

Slowly childhood had left Lynnet, replaced by the yearnings and dreams of a young woman. Now seventeen years of age, she had learned all that was to be gained from her time among the nuns. As her mother had desired, Lynnet was now of the ripe age to be married. Of course, Lynnet had not breathed a word of her secret friend to her mother, nor even to her father, whom she loved most dearly. This silence had seemed the best and safest choice, but now that she sat alone, Lynnet longed for companionship.

Lynnet had never taken up friendships with any of the ladies her mother invited for her to meet. They had all been dreadfully boring and strict in a most staunched way, as though they could not express any emotion beyond those permitted in 'polite company'. Needless to say, Lynnet found herself alone for most of her life, content to hide away in her novels...that was, until she met Bones.

The two had met at the local library, both expressing an interest in prose which soon led to discussion and then, much to Lynnet's surprise, quite heated argument! Having met a lady more to her caliber, Lynnet invited Lady Bones to a cafe for tea. From that afternoon onward the two were inseparable, forever at each others arms or should that fail, corresponding by mail monthly.

Taking up pen and paper, Lynnet begun to write;

To my dearest friend and confidant,
As with all my letters, I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. It has been much too long since I have had word of you, nor sent word of my own and for that I am deeply sorry. My days here among the Sisters have been most tiresome. The Matron Mother has begun to loosen her grip only as winter tightens it's and I now find myself trapped once again within an icy cage.

Though not all has been without excitement!

Lynnet paused, her pen nib hovering undecided above the page. She knew Lady Bones could be trusted...but what if she did not believe her, or worse, sent word to her father with fears of insanity! Grimacing and gathering her confidence Lynnet set to her words once more; I beg, no Lady Bones, I implore you, what I write here must remain between us and not a slip of it be shared with the eyes of others! I have met a man. He is most charming and wild... Another pause and Lynnet begun to feel silly. Setting aside her paper and pen, Lynnet slipped the not into an envelope to be thrown out later.

"Surely even a Lady such as Bones would think me foolish...Perhaps tomorrow I will finish the letter properly, but now I think to bed." Slipping from her desk Lynnet crossed the room to her slender bed and after saying a prayer for those she loved, slipped quickly down to sleep.

Shortly after the lights were doused one of the Sisters stole into Lynnet's room to empty the waste paper basket. Upon collecting the teacups and waste basket, she spied the envelope upon the desk. Thinking it to be mailed, she slipped it into her apron pocket and continued about her business.

Weeks past into the dreary paleness of winter and soon it was December. Snow thick upon the ground and windowsills greeted Lynnet when she awoke, though the cold scene held no beauty for her. In her eyes the forest was dead, trees bare and all the animal either fled or deep asleep within the earth. It was just as Lynnet had finished dressing that she heard a commotion in the courtyard. Peering down from her window she saw monks rushing out to help a weary looking traveler down from her horse. The figure, bundled up in scarves and jackets, waved a mitten clad hand at her direction while freeing her long white hair from her hat.

"Bones!" Cried Lynnet, as she rushed down the steps and into the hall. "It is so good to see you again! It has been longer than I thought!" Once free from her heavy fur jacket the woman righted her black riding dress about her hips, then launched herself at Lynnet. The two met in a heartwarming and entirely unladylike hug, to which the assembled devoted shook their heads and smiled. Holding Lynnet at arms length the woman looked her over carefully;
"Goodness! You've grown up so quickly Lynnet!"

It was true; having always been the eldest of the two Lady Bones had looked upon Lynnet as a younger sister, but now the child was gone and in her place stood a blossoming lady. Smiling bitterly Bones followed Lynnet up the stairs to her room. "I should have come sooner! Had I known your mother had stashed you away here I would not have let you leave at all..."
"Oh please Bones, I know my mother only means the best for me." Bones scoffed and waved her hand dramatically.
"Hardly! She simply wishes to ensure you are kept pristine and wholesome, at least until she can find a perfectly dry old man to marry you off to." Lynnet gasped and giggled into her hand, taking no offense because she knew in part that was exactly her mothers way of thinking. "Speaking of the lesser than fairest sex, tell me more of this man who has so entranced you!"

As she sat Lynnet paused, a look of puzzlement sweeping her features.
"I do not understand, what do you mean by..." Suddenly she understood what must have happened, raising her hands to her mouth in surprise and quickly looking at her feet. "Oh Bones, I am sorry to have worried you so! I am sure you must have thought me in most dire straights. I assure you, the letter you received was not at all completed, in fact, it was not intended to be sent at all. Oh what a great misunderstanding!" Sitting as well, Lady Bones placed a reassuring hand on Lynnet's knee, smiling at the dainty manners of her friend.
"Lynnet I would have come regardless, you know that! Truth be told, I was beginning to worry you had forgotten me.."
"Oh Bones I could never do that!"
"Well, I would have understood. Besides, the man you described did sound deliciously distracting!" Lynnet giggled once more, getting up to shut the door before turning back to Bones.
"Well, since you have come all this way I should feel a truly stingy gossip if I did not explain."
Leaning in closely Bones nodded;
"Most stingy indeed; tell me everything!"

The two friends sat up late into the night, sipping tea by candlelight. Lynnet told of her adventures with the dark stag and Lady Bones listened intently. Once the tale was told, she settled back into her chair, saying nothing.
"I assure you, every word of it was true."
"Oh, I don't doubt it...it's just I've never actually heard of someone meeting a fey before! It's always 'I knew this lad once' or 'my nephews cousin's brother told me' or some other such nonsense. Mind if I smoke?"
"Oh please, go ahead." As Bones dug around in her vest for a cigarette Lynnet droned on. "I had, and I mean no hurt in saying so, but I had feared you should have thought me mad. That, in part, was what stopped me sending the letter...though perhaps things have worked out for the best. It is so good to have you here with me again, I missed you dearly Bones!"
Taking a dramatic drag from her cigarette, Bones smiled, blowing the smoke towards the ceiling from between her teeth.
"As I you, Lynnet. Though I think your prudence in such matters rightly founded; no need to have word of this spread beyond you and I." Lynnet nodded solemnly.
"Of course! I am so glad you believed me, it makes me regret not having sent the letter on at my own will..."
"Oh Lynnet, no harm done! Relax, these nuns have kept you strung up much too tightly!"

At last, the two ladies felt weariness falling heavily upon them and so Lynnet showed Bone's the spare room that had been prepared for her. After promising to stay a few days, at the least, Bone's bid her friend goodnight.





The next day was passed in quite conversation, the two friends had much to catch up on after their years apart. Lynnet delighted in showing Bones around the monastery and much to her guests chagrin, introduction her to the Brothers and Sisters. Once the weather had subsided the two went for a stroll around the grounds, admiring the fresh snowfall and delighting in the harsh beauty of the season.

"So you've not heard anything from your mysterious admirer?" Lynnet shook her head sadly, sending the fur of her hood waving and tickling her cheeks.
"No, not since...oh, but it must be several months by now. I must confess I am most troubled, I fear for his well being!" Tracing spirals and curls in a nearby snowbank, Bones returned her cane to her side.
"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about Lynnet, these things happen. Men are fickle! Perhaps he has caught the scent of some other doe." The jibe was only intended to tease but seeing Lynnet's eyes moisten, Bones rushed to her side and held her in a motherly embrace. "Shh, it's alright. I'm sorry Lynnet, I forgot how much he means to you..." Sniffling quietly Lynnet gathered her sleeve and dabbed at the corner of her eyes.
"I know Bones, it's alright, really. He's just...very special, and I hate to think something might have befallen him." Lynnet smiled and patted her friends shoulder.
"Not to worry Lynnet, I'm sure a spirit such as him has nothing to fear from a little snow and hail. Besides! If you are so worried, let us go look for him ourselves."
"Oh I don't know..."
"Come now! Where has your sense of adventure gone!" Lynnet could not help but share in her friends enthusiasm, smiling and laughing the two skipped back to the monastery arm in arm, already planning the necessary provisions for their trip.

Indeed, Lynnet had learned from her unfortunate, if fateful, adventures in the woods. The two spread word that they planned to take a picnic by the stream, a place Lynnet remembered the stag favoring during colder weather. A bottle of wine, a loaf of bread and some cheese were packed away in a woven basket, along with a coil of robe, some blankets, and a lantern. Bones also took with her the knife she kept in her boot, with her at all times it was not something she hoped they would need.

"Very well then, I should say we've provisions enough for a days outing." Pulling herself up onto her horse, a grey and white speckled beast that stamped the ground almost as impatient as his master. Offering a hand to Lynnet, Bones helped her swing up behind her and with a click of her tongue the two set off at a trot down the forest path. Thankfully the strong winds of the day before had blown most of the deeper snow away to form rolling banks against the trees to the sides of the path. The path itself was mostly clear, save for a light power that tossed itself merrily between the horses hooves. With the sun bright and wrapped in the warm fur if their jackets, the two ladies sung happily to each other or chatted quietly and remarking on the serenity of the winter scenery.

At last, just as the sun was reaching high noon the two ladies turned a corner and found themselves greeted by the rushing of water and the peculiar scent of flowers. Sure enough they had arrived at the place where the river branched off into two separate streams; at their fork grew an old pine tree who's needles littered the ground about it's base. Amazingly, around the base of the tree stood two mighty snow drifts, piled there they formed a hollow under the heavy boughs of the pine.
"Looks rather as one would expect, at least for a creature as you described..."
Lynnet nodded in agreement as Bones slipped from the saddle to the ground and helping Lynnet down as well. Straightening her jacket she clutched the basket to her chest, suddenly unsure about approaching the den. It looks so different now...in spring is was all abloom with poppies and greenery but now in the cold it looks all together uninviting. As if reading her mind Bones sighed dramatically;
"Lynnet, I did not come all the way out here so we could ride back without a proper look-see...and neither did you!" Tethering her horse Bones trudged through the knee deep snow towards the hollow.
"Oh, for goodness sake Bones, wait for me!" Scurrying comically after her friend, Lynnet did not see the still shape of deer watching them from within the trees.

Without a sound the deer melted back into the shadows of the trees, bounding off through the snowbanks, they kicked up a flurry of flakes before disappearing all together. In their silent language of mind they quickly agreed that things were progressing much faster than they had expected.
The manlings become bold, and now the ladyling brings another with her...
...These transgressions much be stopped, it is no longer enough to separate him from her...
She will not abandon him and he is unwilling to turn her away...
He refuses to reject her, even for her own protection...
She is blind and he is foolish, he should know better...
Let us give him one more chance, he deserves that at least...
Yes...
Off like a tempest they flew through the trees, dancing on top of the snow and weaving between branches.

Back at the clearing Bones stooped at the entrance to the burrow, peering inside while Lynnet shivered anxiously behind her.
"There doesn't seem to be anyone home, at least not that I can see." Bones waved Lynnet over towards the entrance. "Come, have a look for yourself, it's amazing!" In deed the little shelter was amazing, with walls of polished snow, flakes packed hard by the weight of their fellows. The floor was a welcoming carpet of pine needles and crushed leaves, obviously the stag, or something else, had slept here not long ago.
"Look!" From the ground Lynnet plucked a small poppy, dried and it's petals perfectly preserved. Lady Bones leaned in closer, her head all but inside the den.
"There are more of them, all over the floor." There, scattered about the edges of the den were piles of poppies, most dried by the warm air within the den. They gave off an almost spicy aroma that slipped across the sense like warm spice wine or potent perfume.
"I don't know about you, but I'm about ready for a rest! It seems as though your friend isn't home at the moment but I'm sure he won't mind us enjoying it while he's gone."

Before Lynnet could protest the intrusion, Bones had scooped the basket from her arms and crawled inside the den. Sighing and perhaps a little annoyed, Lynnet followed suit and crawled inside. Gathering her dress about her to save it from harm, she was shocked at how large the den truly was. Both Bones and herself could comfortably kneel as they spread out the blanket to sit on, and with the warm air they soon rid themselves of their heavy jackets. With a deft twist, Bones uncorked the wine and set about pouring herself and Lynnet a glass.
"I really hope he doesn't mind that we just let ourselves in like this." Taking her wine glass Lynnet continued to look around the den.
"Let ourselves in? I didn't see a door stopping us! Besides, what good is knocking if nobodies home to answer, hm?" Bones sipped her own wine and licking her lips, reached over to read the label. "For all their staunch morals, those monks sure have a taste for the good stuff!" Giggling at her friends outright manner Lynnet found herself rather enjoying the den. Sure it was small, and a little musty, but over all it was cozy. I do not feel so bad about him living here, though I'm sure it must get awfully lonely...

Away deeper in the heart of the forest there had begun a gathering. Leaving their herds in the care of lesser spirits, the guardian stags made their way through the snow towards the Everspring. Of course, the deer themselves had not given the babbling brook this name, adverse to titles and calls as they were. However, the Everspring was just that, an ever bubbling spring around which the ground was forever in bloom. Thick sweet grasses and gay flowers swayed in a cool breeze, all together untouched by the winter all around them. The spring was the heart of the forest, the source from which all life was thought to originate. It was from it's waters that the spirits would drink when they felt themselves weary and tired.

It was to that sacred place that the spirits now migrated. The silent call that passed among them drew them onward until all were assembled. One did not answer the call, and soon there were urgent whisperings of sacred vows cast aside. Doubt spread among them like ripples on a pond, disturbing dark memories and feelings of sorrow at the thought of one of their own forsaking them.
It is now clear that his mind is clouded far fouler than we suspected...
...So much so that even the call does not touch him?...
...Perhaps he hears all too well, but chooses to ignore...
A shiver ran among the spirits; to fail in the care of one's herd was one thing, but to ignore a summons was another entirely.
...Never have we witnessed such blatant disregard!...
...He is filled with pride, scorn, and greed...
...Yes, he cares nothing for anyone but himself...
All together the spirits babbled, their voices rising in anger and sadness. The trees swayed and creaked, awakened from the sleep of winter. All through the forest there was a growing tension until at last all stood silent.

...Let him be given the choice...
...Let him choose...






Lady Bones shook the last of the wine into her glass, eyeballed the empty bottle and then snickered.
"Well my darling, it seems we've run out of refreshments."
Lynnet giggled and continued to nibble daintily from her slice of bread. So content were the two ladies that they did not hear the rapid drumming of hooves drawing near their hideaway.

“Lynnet.”

The dark stag bent low and looked into the den, his den. She knew to come here, even though I have never shown her the way... Smiling and crawling hastily towards him, worry for her dress forgotten, Lynnet threw her hands around his neck.

“Oh, I am so glad you are safe! We’ve been waiting here for you...oh, this is my friend.” The stag’s face instantly clouded and his lips drew back in a snarl. Bones scrambled out of the den, backing away warily, eyes wide. “No! No, please. She is a friend, a very good friend.” Lynnet took one hand from around the stag’s neck. Clasping it around Bones’s, she drew her closer. “It’s alright Bones, he won’t hurt you..I promise.” She looked affectionately at the stag, rubbing the scruff of his neck; “You wouldn’t hurt one of my friends, would you?”

Bones had seen many things in her worldly wanderings but never anything like this. Surely I have fallen asleep and am dreaming... That, or the wine was better than I thought! Clearing her throat she continued to eye him warily, ready to draw her knife. What little it would do against such a large creature she did not know, but its weight comforted and lent her courage all the same.
“Can it..can he speak?”
The stag’s brows knotted and he glared sourly.
“Of course he can! Now don’t be rude, proper introductions should be made; Sir, this is my companion and good friend Lady Bones...Lady bones, this is, well he doesn’t have a proper name, but we get by just fine!” Giggling as though this was the funniest thing in the world, Lynnet chuckled into her sleeve. Lady Bones raised an appraising eyebrow. The stag simply rolled his eyes.

“Enough of this! Lynnet, we are leaving. Your friend must make her own way back to the stonehouse, danger is coming and you must leave The Forest.”
“Hold fast now! What’s that about danger? As if I’m going to let you run off with my friend, if there’s to be danger I’ll be the one to protect her!” Bones grabbed Lynnet’s arm lightly, attempting to lead her away back to her horse. “I don’t like this at all Lynnet, this gent’s got an off feeling about him...” Pulling her arm away, Lynnet took several shaky steps back towards the stag.
“Bones...I thought I could trust you?”

Bones’s face softened and she sighed, holding out her hand once more. “You can Lynnet, but you have to understand, this isn’t safe!” For several heartbeats Lynnet simply looked at the open hand, but finally she lowered her gaze to her feet.
“Live life under your own wind...that’s what you told me once. Here’s my chance Bones, he is my chance...or did you only mean people like you? You might act like a lady, but you’ve never had to worry about the problems, the expectations. My mother wants me to marry, Bones..some old man I’ve never even met! This is my chance Bones, my chance to have a little adventure!” Two little drops splattered Lynnet’s boots, and when she raised her face it was teary and red. “How can you ask me to turn my back on this!”

Taken aback, Bones let her hand fall limply to her side.
“I’m..I’m so sorry Lynnet. I didn’t. I didn’t know.” In the dark of her mind a cruel voice mimicked back; Maybe if I hadn’t been so caught up in my own stories, I’d have seen it all sooner. Now I’m going to lose her, maybe forever! “Lynnet wait!” The younger girl turned a deaf ear, already pulling herself onto the stag’s back. Effortlessly he carried her, prancing past Bones before leaping the stream and bounding off between the snow banks. Swearing explosively, Bones kicked a pile of snow but the shower of powder did not help how foolish she felt. It's all my fault! She's just a child...how could I have been so selfish!

Powerful legs churning the snow, Lynnet and the stag made swift progress through the trees. Clearing even the highest drifts with ease he knocked branches asunder with his antlers, protecting Lynnet as she clung on, her face buried in the long fur of his neck. Oh Bones..I never meant to be cross...oh Bones! What have I done? Suddenly all around them the trees erupted in angry bellows and crashing hooves. The other spirits had arrived.

"Lynnet! Keep your head down and hold to me tightly!" Scared and confused, Lynnet hugged tightly to her steed and risking a sidelong glance at the beasts in pursuit. Just as her friend, the deer were huge and crowned in mighty racks of antlers that they brandished threateningly. "Why are they chasing us? What do they want from us?" Lynnet's protests were cut short as she shrieked. One of the deer had stood firm in their path, attempting to stop them. He was met with a sickening thud by his rival's horns, pitching him to the ground where sharp hooves trampled and broke him. All at once the deer fled away into the trees, vanishing into the ghostly winter landscape. The only sound in the forest was the sad cries of the downed stag, but soon even those were left far behind them as Lynnet was carried off, deeper and deeper into the trees.





"Please, stop. I need to rest."
Her arms felt like lead weights, anchoring her to the steed. He slowed to a trot, a walk, and then finally stood still. Lynnet tried to lower herself from his back but her legs were numb and he slithered limply down into the snow. "It's like we've been running forever! Are we lost?" The stag still looked as fresh as he had when they had begun their flight, but now his eyes no longer burned, his anger now coals doused by a chilling rain of doubt.
"We are not lost...not as you know the word." He gestured his antlers at the trees around them. The pines loomed tall and stately but seemed to lean in around them on all sides. Lynnet shivered. "The ones who chase us are like me, they are creatures of this forest and so the forest is a part of them. They are using their influence to change the forest."
Utterly heartbroken Lynnet sat in the snow. Her dress was soaked, she was cold, and now it seemed she would never be allowed to leave the forest. This is not how adventures are meant to be...or maybe, maybe I am not fit for adventuring.
"I should never have come here." Lynnet sobbed, her words muffled into her hands. Bringing her knees up to her chest she wrapped her arms around them, her face hidden. "I should not have left home. I should not have left my father. I should not have left Bones."

Lowering his face the stag nuzzled her arm. When Lynnet gave no response he nibbled on a yellow ringlet, tugging lightly. Looking up at him, Lynnet smiled and rubbed her sleeve across her nose with a sniffle. “I am being foolish, aren't I?" The stag nodded, but nuzzled her cheek affectionately.
"You have forgotten the most important thing."
"What is that?"
"That I am here with you." Lynnet grasped the stag’s antlers and was helped to her feet. "You forget that I have powers of my own and you forget the most important thing! You forget that with you here for me, I can do anything."

...do not give her false hopes...

A doe stepped daintily towards the two, her body aglow with brilliant white she was a stark contrast to the dabbled grey of the other. The snow where she walked seemed to dim and grow drab, her beauty overshadowing all around her. Her hooves never once disturbing the powder on which she stood.

...you have always been one for false hope, haven't you, my love...

The dark stag moved between Lynnet and the approaching doe, glaring and shaking his head sadly.
"No. You brought those lies into yourself, that was all your doing."
The doe smiled, her eyes sad.

...perhaps; just as you have brought this ruin onto us all...

Lynnet settled her hand on her companions shoulder.
"What is she talking about? What does she mean by this being your fault?"
“She means that I should never have met you. Her, the others, they do not understand! They are blind to all beyond their little forest world.”
The doe continued to shake her head sadly.

...it is you who does not comprehend, not because you can not but because you will not...do you know why we never question what is beyond this forest? Because it is all there is, at least for us.

Lynnet looked frantically from the doe to the stag, her eyes worried and her voice wavering.
“What does she mean...is, is she saying that you can’t leave with me? You promised that we would be together!”
The stag stood silent and solemn, his face emotionless and stoney.

...you know what I say is true, there can be no you and her...it was never meant to be...

“Enough!” Lynnet’s shriek echoed through the trees. Her hands shivered at her side, out of rage and cold. “That is enough! We are leaving this God forsaken forest, be damned what you and yours would say otherwise!”

...you have no say in this, everything is already set and now all that is left are for the players to take their places...

"And what place have you left for Lynnet?"

...she will return to the others of her kind, as you must return to us...

Lynnet looked at her stag, expecting him to lash out at the doe for even suggesting they be parted. Instead, she saw him nodding, though his eyes were sorrowful and bitter.
"No! No I won't leave you! Tell her I won't go, tell her! Make her understand." Lynnet babbled on, fresh tears dripping down her frozen face. "I don't want to go.."

...I am sorry, but we must go...

The dark stag nodded, turning to Lynnet and smiling.
"Lynnet. I know you are scared, but this is not forever. I will return to you and we will be together." Lynnet shook her head and sobbed, burying her face in the fur of his neck.
"N..No! That's what everyone s.says! T..then they g.go and.." and never come back. She let her words be choked off but they played on within her head, cruelty and hurt. Those are the words they tell to children before they leave them, go away and never come back.

"Lynnet." The stags voice broke into her mind, calm as storm clouds a mile off. That calm promised disaster and violence, whispering behind a mask of serenity. For the first time she recoiled from him in fear. It was against this that Bones warned me..this anger and darkness. "Lynnet. You must go back to the stone house, back to your Brothers and Sisters. There you will stay until I come to get you, and then we will go away." Still scared Lynnet nodded, feeling the stag's mind drift away from hers until there was just the cold of the forest around her and the crunch of snow as he charged away through the trees. In a daze Lynnet watched the doe approach her. She placed a hand upon the creatures shoulder and allowed herself to be led away.

The two drifted like mist through the trees, but Lynnet felt miles away, her body a numb reminder of cold and pain. How has everything gone so wrong? They floated together through the halls of the monastery, unhindered by stone or mortal eyes. She was laid down in her bed, barely able to feel the cotton sheets under her fingertips.

...here you will stay...

Lynnet nodded, closing her eyes and letting the sweet voice lull her into sleep.

When she was discovered shortly after by one of the Sisters, she lay as one dead, her dress frozen stiff around her body and her skin icy to the touch. Carefully she was cared for, warm towels tucked around her and her hands and feet settled in bowls of steaming water. The nuns whispered of dark magics and foul deeds but the Matron silenced all and knelt by Lynnet's bedside.
"Mary has seen fit to bring this girl back to us. Now we must give thanks and see if God will see fit to let her stay a little longer, or take her for his own."






...so it has come to this...

“There are other options!”

...such as...
...he would seek to leave with her...

“Yes, to take her and the others of her kind away from here, forev”

...no...

“Why not!?”

...you know why, none may leave this forest...
...it is our home, it is a part of us, as we are a part of it...

“Then I will be a part of it no longer!”

A hiss went through the assembled spirits, they lowered their eyes and cast him from their sight, but still he remained against their scrutiny. “You will let me leave with her, or I will take her.” The spirits shivered in rage, the iridescent hairs of their hackles prickling.

...you would go so far as to turn against us...
...we who have been everything to you...

“Your idea of everything is but a pale sickly reflection of what true life is. You hide away in your ignorance but I have seen that there is more, more to everything than what you had led me to believe!”

...you lie...
...the forest is everything to us...
...there is nothing more, not for us, and not for you...
...go, take her and be gone...then you will understand our words...

Lynnet tossed and turned under her blankets, her brow sweaty and her skin flushed. As if trapped in a web of nightmares she murmured and moaned, incoherent nothings of distress. At her bedside, Bone’s sobbed quietly. Lynnet was dying. She had seen sickness of this sort before, Pneumonia, drowning on dry land, drowning while burning.
“Oh Lynnet. My sweetest little darling..” Bones took Lynnet’s hand into her own, scalding to the touch as it was. “Why didn’t I make you go with me? I should have known better...I should never have let you leave.” But ‘should haves’ and ‘would haves’ don’t change a thing, do they Bones. The cynical voice chimed; Content to let yourself wallow, like a sow in the mud? I thought so, you’re just a worm. Bones placed Lynnet’s hand back at her side, dabbing herb water on her brow and neck.
“I am just a worm, aren’t I Lynnet...letting you go and die all because of some silly kid’s story. No adventure is worth the life of a friend.”

A quiet knock at the door and the Matron Mother ghosted in to place a hand on Bones’s shoulder.
“You are weary, you should rest.”
“No.” Bones growled dangerously. “Doesn’t matter how tired I get, I won’t leave her...not again.”
The Mother smiled sadly, letting her hand return to the folds of her robe.
“You are a loyal friend. Lynnet was lucky to have you with her, she was a happiness to us all.”
Bones jumped to her feet, sending the bowl of water crashing to the floor.
“Belay that! She’s not dead! She might be dying, but give her that little respect. Give her that, or get out!” Sighing and stooping to pick up the broken bowl, The Mother gave Lynnet one last sad look, left and closed the door behind her. Just as Bones slid back into her chair, there was a great commotion outside the door. Jumping to her feet and drawing her pistol, Bones lept down the stairs and into the hall. The noise had been like a cannon blast, deep and reverberating, as though it sought to bring the building down about their ears.

The huge oak doors of the Monastery gate were splintered and groaning as though a battering ram laid siege to them. Monks and nuns stood fixated upon the door, each whispering prayers of protection and banishment for whatever evil labored outside. “What the bloody Hell is going on!?” One of the younger Brothers turned to her but as he opened his mouth, another great booming was heard. The doors had given way. A flurry of cold air and snow whipped in and with it came the black stag.

Cloven hooves clattering on the stone floor as he wheeled and bellowed at the assembled humans. Many were overcome and fled, but the Matron Mother stood with her rosary at her chest and her hand raised towards the stag.
“Get thee out devil! This is a holy place, under the protection of God and the Virgin Mary. You have no power here!”
The stag snorted and reared, charging past the Mother and up the stairs towards Bones. Managing to throw herself from harm, Bones gave chase, calling out for the stag to stop.
He’s come for Lynnet, just like he said he would. Well he’ll not have her! Not again!

When Bones threw open the door she saw Lynnet, pale and beautiful, a stark contrast to the dark stag that knelt beside her. With a snap she brought her pistol up and though her voice was shaky it held a commanding tone. “Step away from her.” When he made no move she took a step closer, cocking the pistol with an audible click. “I said, move away!” With an almost calculated slowness the stag turned to look at her, his eyes were black, like those of a beetle but they also shimmered with tears.
“What is wrong with her...why won’t Lynnet wake up?”
Needless to say Bones was taken aback by the spirit’s obvious distress; he had always been so strong and cold to her. Seeing him broken and in tears was unnerving and brought all of Bones’s own sorrows flooding back.
“She..she’s going to die. It’s something called..well it doesn’t matter what the Hell it’s called! Fact is, she’s dying.” Bones felt fresh tears dribble down her cheeks. Dragging a sleeve across her face she lowered her pistol and walked over to the bedside.
“Is this Death the same as it is for deer?”
Bones nodded.
“I’m afraid so.”
“And, there is nothing you can do?”
Bones laughed, a high joyless sound;
“I had hoped that you’d have some mystical spirit power up your sleeve, but I guess even a creature such as yourself couldn’t stop death himself.”
The stag made no reply but delicately lent over Lynnet’s face and nibbled gentle on a stray curl of hair, a last desperate attempt to wake her. Bones’s heart panged at the sentiment, and realized that for all his eternal dignity and contempt, the stag was like a child, one unable to come to grips with loss and the pain that it brought. The silence stretched out between the two, until at last the stag got shakily to his hooves.
“You must go.”
“I can’t do that. I won’t leave her here to die all..” The stag’s eyes had changed, they were deeper now; not just ink black but pits deep into the place within her where she had hidden away all her secret longings and insecurities.
“You will go.” Bones blinked, but her face was slack as though all thought had left her. “You will go down to your horse and you will ride out of this forest and back to where ever it was from whence you came. You will think nothing of Lynnet, nor of me until you have returned there.” Slowly Bones nodded. Walking as if in a dream she shuffled out of the room and down the stairs. Soon the clop of horse hooves signalled her exit and the stag returned his attention to Lynnet.
“That is how you would have wanted it, my dear Lynnet? I know she was important to you. Now I need to go for a while Lynnet, nono it’s alright, just a little while. Then I’ll be back and we’ll talk and laugh, you can tell me stories. I won’t even complain if I’ve heard them before, I’ll listen and we’ll laugh like we used to...you’ll laugh like you used to.” Slowly the stag made his way back out into the hall, but something on the wall caught his eye.

The painting was neither large nor grand but it showed a demon laying waste to a countryside. The hellish creature had huge curving horns atop his head and stood upon cloven hooves. All about the demon was fire, the same fire, the stag supposed, he felt kindled within himself. What did they do to you to deserve such wrath, maybe you too know the sting of betrayal...yes, you look like you do, don’t you... Carefully the stag bent his will to the task, his body rippling and then melting until his horns now curved back and up, and in place of his front legs were the strong arms of a man. Turning to face the painting once more, the stag’s face was no longer the short hairy muzzle of a deer, but the harshly sculpted features of a man. He smiled, his lips curling up and flashing black scorched teeth and a sooty tongue.
“Now to business...to devil’s work!”





His hooves pounded the ice at a war-drum’s pace and through his eyes, the world burned. There had been anger in his heart before, but this new rage was different. It boiled away within him, eating out all that had been pure and good. A juggernaut of twisted flesh and will, he threw himself wildly about as he ran, rending tree trunks and shattering the earth. With madness came an eerie clarity, he understood what needed to be done.
“They have sent you away Lynnet, but now I will send them. I will send them out into whatever world awaits them at the forest’s edge!”

He drove the herds before him, tirelessly and without mercy. Those that fell behind were trampled to a swift demise, shrieking hellishly as their bones cracked and muscles tore. They bellowed for him to stop, why had their guardian turned against them? No answer came. Through the trees and over the meadows he drove them, until at last the grasses thinned and the trees gave way to open hills. Fear of the unknown dangers beyond the trees was reason enough for many to stall, too afraid to leave and overcome by terror at the beast which drove them.

Wheeling and dancing the deer milled into a great circle, forever flowing within itself, those deer on the outside muscling towards its center and away from the dark stag. The snow was packed down about them, stained with blood from those wounded by the charge. Those that had not fallen had dragged themselves after, bellowing for aid. Stags pushed the old and wounded outwards, all bonds of kinship cast off as the keen instinct of survival took hold.

“You see! You are all but animals! All you ever have been, all you ever could be...you are imperfect!” Still shrieking he dove into the circle, bashing backs and skulls with his horns, snapping necks with his strong hands.
“Is that why you hate her? Because her perfection reminded you of all you could never be?!”
Some deer turned and fled back away into the trees, others scaling the heaps of bodies and bolting off into the unknown beyond the forest. Still many more were mowed down by thunderous hoof and horn, leaving carnage and gore as morbid tokens upon the cold snow.

In the end, the dark stag lay broken upon the ground. His hooves were broken and his antlers smashed, ribs jutting though the flesh of his sides. The bloody mess that lay all about him was consolation enough. All about him the bellows of the dying were slowly dwindling as the cold claimed them one by one. As his fever dwindled, the stag was overcome by weariness. His muscles cramped and protested, his thought was slow and simple. His body was dying, overcome by the new disease. “I promised I would see you again Lynnet, but I am not sure if I can. I am so tired..” Slowly the stag drifted off into sleep, his eyes drifting out of focus while his head lay upon the crisp snow.

As he slept, he dreamed. He sat with Lynnet in the meadows where they had played; she read to him stories as they acted out the parts. She was happy again, just as he’d promised they’d be. Lynnet looked at him and smiled, a garland of poppies in her yellow hair as she weaved another for his brow.
“It’s so good to see you smile again, Lynnet. For a moment, I had felt a great sadness..”
“Why ever would that be?”
“I do not know. Forget I mentioned it, everything is better now.”







So Lynnet and the stag passed from the world of the living. Winter slipped into spring and with it the thaw returned the forest to all its green splendour. But there was a heavy silence under the trees. No joyful bird song, no cheerful bleating of fawns, for there was a taint. The bodies of the fallen deer rotted and were claimed by the earth, their final resting place a Golgotha, a place of bone. The flesh of the dark stag worked its way down, down into the soil of the forest, into the trees and plants, a dark reminder of a crawling darkness and plotting doom.

Over many years creatures returned to the forest, many of the deer who had fled made their way gingerly back into the shade of the trees, no longer images of majestic nobility, but scrawny embodiments of timid minds, diminished by the horrors of the world outside. So it was that the spirits took great pains to hide themselves from any manner of creature, retreating into the dark and hidden places. They vowed to never again become so bonded to their charges, instead protecting unseen from afar. It was their hopes that with the death of the humans and the betrayer, that they might sleep and dream of sweeter things.

However, their dreams were troubled. A shadowy fire haunted their dreams and troubled their waking hours. Finally, in the dead of night when the moon was empty and blind, they stole into the stone house. All the bones of man they did collect, and made a great pile in the deepest part of the house. They took all that the girl had touched and made a shrine to her spirit before the Golgotha in the pit, and feeling the malicious darkness with them, struck down the stone walls of the pit behind them. Sealed away behind rock and bone, the essence of the dark stag wallowed in the blissful lies of dreaming.

Ages passed and so the forest grew and prospered, returning at last to the place of serenity and joy it had been. Once more, the spirits were gripped by fear. The beauty of their home had drawn manlings to it once before, and with them had come all the badness and vice. As their last act, the guardian spirits took the forest into themselves, bringing it to a place neither here, nor there. Removed from time as a rock in the path of a river, the forest flourished and felt neither the sting of death, nor the ravishes of time. So it was that all wrongs were righted, and all the evils of that place undone, or left to endless dreaming.