The stag stood over them, watching his lantern light play off of their fur. They were little, he had almost mistaken them for strange, multicolored rocks. His ears flicked back, listening to his herd milling about a little bit away. Even Zash was doing his best to stay quiet.

The hart brought his attention back to the little newcomers, lowering his head to sniff the nearest one, a male from the scent. The little creature stirred, his feathers fluffing as his eyes slowly opened. Kerwin chuckled gently when he froze.

"Hello, little one. Tell me, what were you in your old life?"

"What do you mean old life? I'm still livin'!" he fluffed up his wings and pulled himself shakily to his hooves. His beady eyes widened, looking down at his legs, "Though, I don't recall having four legs..." he added sheepishly.

"What were you?" Kerwin repeated quietly.

"We were quail, I guess is what we're called. Though now, I don't know what we are."

"That would explain why you are so little," The lantern stag agreed, "You have your wings, beaks and feathers, but you are deer too. That's what happens when you enter the forest."

"The forest?"

"Yes," the stag brought his head up, motioning to the world around him, "my child, welcome to the forest."


Inspired by little Noa, I guess. What's cuter than a tiny antelope crossed with an even smaller quail? That's right, nothing!




Name: Caradoc
Gender: Male; Hart; Stag
Age: Young Adult
The Moon among the Rain
Height: Twelve inches tall at the shoulder.
Type: Button Quail Deer
Mix of: Button Quail / royal antelope
Plumage/ color Appearance: XXX
Personality: The classic little man syndrome. Doesn't care how small he is, he'll stand his ground. He feels he has to protect his sisters from the dangers of the world. Caring and Loyal.

Name: Wyst
Age: Young Adult
Gender: Doe; Hind; Female
Height: Ten inches tall at the shoulder.
Cuddles
Type: Button Quail deer
Mix of: Button Quail/ Royal antelope
Plumage/color Appearance: XXX
Personality: Timid and usually afraid of just about everything. Shy, rarely leaves her brother's side.

Name: Alida
Age: Young Adult
Gender: Doe; Hind; Female
The Bird on the Fence Post
Height: Ten inches tall at the shoulder.
Type: Button Quail Deer
Mix of: Button Quail/ royal antelope
Plumage/color appearance: XXX
Personality: Adventurous and outgoing. Views the world with a childlike wonder. Naive and sweet.

All photos are used as references only, to show the color pattern of the character. I do not own the photos, nor do I claim to, and they belong to their owners respectively.

The characters though, belong to me.