He couldn't do this anymore. He couldn't live like this.

Why did he have to suffer so?

The navy-pelted stag dropped to the soft, cool soil. With no other desire than to relieve the anguish consuming him, Walter slammed his face hard against the ground. A scream of agony followed and filled the air. Droplets of blood splashed amongst the grass. The mask's spines previously used for defence had turned against their master and now embedded themselves deep within Walter's cheeks.

Beneath the mask of ivory, tears formed and fell. He knew he deserved this pain, this inner turmoil. Each day of his human life had been spent rejecting hospitality and love from others. But now, here, in the eternal second life, he desired nothing else than the warmth and comfort of another.

Walter lay where he fell and made no effort to move, letting his blood and tears combined stain the floor around him. Noone was here to comfort or assist him. He was alone.

Sleep overcame the stag, with the pain and sadness being his only lullaby. He made no effort to remove the mask from his face, or even stop the bleeding. Instead he lay there and accept the agony burrowed mentally and physically within him, tearing at his soul.

"This is the punishment I deserve."