Something to explain Toomoko's absence from the forest, if anyones interested. its written for myself and Reetnos amusement.
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“I sorry, but ‘am afraid.” He hung his head as he pawed nervously at the ground. He couldn’t look the other in the face. His problem, he was letting it take over he had to fight to control it. But he thought it would be better if he fought alone.


“I don’t understand” Reetno shook his head and ruffled his feathers. “Afraid of what? This forest…” he glanced around, “there is nothing to harm us” He couldn’t understand the direction his friend was trying to explain. No matter what they had tried as fawns Toomoko’s speech patterns remained broken. it was visible in his friends eyes that he couldn’t seem to find the right words to explain.

“I… could harm forest… done ‘afore, do it ‘gain mightbe?” His frustration was evident in his voice. They were standing in a clearing, with the pale shafts of the evening sun lighting the purple flowers to a almost glowing state. “Fire… in me. Feel no cold. Power. Need control. Scared, find old herd ask question ‘bout past. ‘bout what need to do” He was glad for the mask. It was tearing him apart to try and explain. Toomoko, ever since regaining his memories had lived in constant fear if his friends would find out. He loved Warick as a sister but he couldn’t even tell her. So he had came to Reetno, the one who had unintentionally seen his past. “Rune broken. Power released with memory of day power took me. Can’t happen ‘gain.” It was getting harder.

“you couldn’t, even if you had reason to” he tried to reason with the golden stag with the broken markings and stumped antlers but Toomoko cut him off.

“I could. Power be another in me. No control when emotion angry. Angry can bring fire…” he shook his head and sighed. “Need time. Will come ‘gain.”

“What if you cant find them?” Reetno asked. Toomoko was determined to go without anyone. He glanced to the treetops. At least I have the birds he thought, while Toomoko only has his torment. Even Foxywombat was avoiding him lately.

“I can ‘member the way” Toomoko replied simply.

“What if they…” he couldn’t finish it.

“It be not’ing less than deserve. Destroy the forest mean destroy life” He paused. “take chance. Watch Warick fer me.” He inclined his head and turned. Knowing that Reetno had many more questions to ask. But if he didnt go now, he’d lose this resolve and back out. He turned and started to run.

“Bye then…”