>>Beyond the trees and mosses and dense foliage. Beyond predators, food chains, lurking unknown creatures. Beyond knowing only what is then, instead of thinking almost humanly... Lies a forest. But this forest is different. Very much different.
>>Deer have the strangest coloration. And also act with un-deer like intelligence. Some have extremely bizarre apparel and features. Then these.... 'spells'. What in the world is a spell? They change the way you look, even your whole species. Something like this always, and never fails, to baffle me. And to top that, you can 'acquire' these 'spells'. Then you... swing your head and focus your mind to 'cast' it, and this loud sound that can be closely compared to an elk's call in heat breaks the silence of the forest.. It's awe-striking, and I still stop and stare whenever it happens.
>>I'm not sure how I got here. But the last thing I recall from my 'past life' in the real world and finding the strangest or shapes. I went over to inspect this... thing. I touched it with my nose; it felt... almost warm, and had a welcoming glow to it. I faintly remember it suddenly above my head, simply floating there atop my crown. I tried in vain to shake it off, shoo it away. Nothing. It floated above me like it was a part of me. I suddenly knew... This is my name. I have a 'name'. What is a name?
>>A name. Something to treasure, call your own, and be called by. A name is such a thing many take for granted. But, no. A name... it's wonderful. Now, I find myself in a totally unfamiliar place. What in the world? I am confused. Why am I a fawn? No, I am a doe. Which am I? I see myself as both. I am so confused... I want to go back... Back to.... to... where I once was. But, what if it was an awful place? I can't remember it...
>>I walk around. This new 'world' is strange. I am frightened, yet relaxed. I see other deer, but... what on earth? Those colors. So... vivid. It almost hurts my eyes. Never before have I seen such vibrant, extravagant colors. My 'host' body's legs carry me across a seemingly endless forest. I have passed this large, hollowed oak before. Am I disoriented? I feel unsafe. I need the protection of a familiar. Oh. You. You look like me. Thank goodness. I felt so alone. Virgil is your... 'name'? Hello there~ I am.... I am... I gaze at the glowing thing atop my head and ponder. Another 'name'. A name in words.
>>My name is Png.
>>Yes, Png. I like this name very much. I will keep it forever.
It will be mine, and no one else's. At this, I smile. What is a smile? A smile is something you do with your mouth when you feel 'happy'. Happy is an emotion. Emotions are... interesting. I've never felt an emotion before. I like this. I will stay here. In this... Endless Forest.

>>I feel as if I've only covered a crumb of this forest. I walk the same trails each day, probably because I wish not to be lost. I always end up back at the Red Hill, as Virgil calls it, and he's always there. Waiting for me. And like usual, we greet each other and the ones around us then I lay next to him. And just listen to the sounds of the forest.
>>I hear birds. Small ones at day, and the larger ones at night. Chickadees, crows, doves, owls, hawks, sparrows, cardinals, jays, and so many I have never heard before. We watch the other deer and forest critters. Squirrels, frogs, doves, butterflies, rabbits, crows, even bats. Then we watch and listen to the sounds of the woods and grasses. We smell the scents of earth, water, flowers, and other deer, too.
>>I love when a nice gust of wind passes through the forest, making every leaf and blade and stem flail. Those are the sounds that I hear. The sounds I feel. I feel the energy here. It flows everywhere in this place. It's a natural and organic energy. You walk and you hear the plants whisper, 'we are one. we are one. we are one in all.' You are connected to the forest...
>>Each deer in this Forest is so unique. Each has their own way of performing any certain task or how they mingle with others. It's interesting to simply watch. Another thing I've noticed is that each deer has a 'name' as well. Though, I have seen a small number of those without a name or any such 'apparel'. Others call them the 'nameless'. I might stand alone on a rock, but isn't that sad? One without a name... isn't really a part of the Energy. I see some named deer play with the ones without, and that makes me happy. You should treat everyone equal. With or without a name.
>>My theory is that a 'nameless' is simply lost. They have 'forgotten' their name, or maybe they never had one to begin with. I believe that if you are kind to a nameless, they might remember their name and reconnect with the Energy. I wonder if I was ever a nameless? I don't think I was...
>>I want to try to explore this huge expanse of forest more, but I fear getting lost and losing my name. It's so irrational and silly, I know... But no one wants to be lost. Maybe I'll ask Virgil to show me around. I still have not visited the inside of the enormous Oak.
>>Deer seem to like me. I always try to be nice to all whom cross my path. I tend to sleep often. Maybe I should seek out deer more. It seems I miss a lot when I sleep...
>>I want to meet lots of deer. Friends are what feeds the Energy, because happiness is powerful. So far Virgil and Ephiré are my closest... well, at least I think they are.
>>I'd like more friends... Will you dance with me?

>>...I take my route daily. Sometimes I do it more than once. It's relaxing. And sometimes I even have to check where I am to make sure I haven't lost my way. I'm still perfecting it, memorizing it. It's still pretty short and small, but it covers the main parts of the forest. Except for the God's statue. I should work that into it... I hope the God's aren't mad at me.
>>I haven't seen Virgil in a short while. I wonder if he's okay. I have yet to see his mate and child. I've heard that the fawn is adorable. Well, all fawns have killing cuteness anyway. I also recently saw Ephiré again. He's so... he has an almost 'religious' aura. Maybe it's how he's connected to the Energy? I wonder a lot of stuff.
>>I've seen a handful of fights recently. I hear the bellows and bleats among the beating of hooves and clashing of antlers. I hear snorts and smell the sweat. The Energy sways with each fight. Almost like a ripple in water.
>>It's so interesting how you can hear the smallest of calls all the way on the other side of the Forest. If this place even had another side. Maybe it's because everyone is connected with the Energy, and therefore we are all one and can hear one another even when far apart.
>>Do deer here die? It's a sort of touchy question, and almost nosy. I don't fear death, for at one point, all things will and must die. Plants die, and trees die, and so must deer. Nature gives and takes. While we live, Nature gives and gives, then, once we've used up our moons, she takes, but gives anew with a fawn. The process of life is fascinating, isn't it? It's a never ending cycle that is so beautiful and also so morbid.
>>The pond scares me a little. The water... I don't know why, but staring into the drop-off gives me cold chills. I can feel some sort of... 'death' emitting from the depths. I've heard that... things lurk there. And that lives hinge onto the Forest in desperation below the surface. I have a right to have fears, don't I?
>>I've seen others with mates. Oh, they look so happy. And they sometimes have a fawn jumping clumsily at their hooves. I don't think I'll ever love like that... But it's alright.
>>I'm only one deer. I can only do small things. Small things won't stop fights. Small things can't stop a tree from falling... I see fallen tree logs sometimes around the forest. I wonder what happened.
>>It seems some deer know me, and they run to embrace me upon sight. That's so sweet of you... I nuzzle them back and then nuzzle again with a nod. Then we play. Anything really. Casting spells on one another, dancing, or tag. Once we are panting and our knees and ankles are numb and shaky, we rest. We watch the forest. We listen.

>>Only of what could come of this? You wet your cheeks whilst balancing upon uncertain legs and hope you can run. No... You mustn't cry, nor should you have need to flee. Do not fear, I have come to rid you of your troubled feelings and corrupted self security. Just sit next to me, little one. For I miss you... Where have you gone? Has the water taken you away from me? No... I wish not to get an answer. My dearest, my daughter... Return.. Please
>>I'm begging you...
>>Jorogumo, we have met on several occasions. It appears you don't know me, but I've heard of you. Hmhm. Such elegance. And that white pelt... you make it appear to shimmer. So beautiful...
>>With all do respects, miss, please stop calling over and over. My ears are ringing with the sound. I mean no rudeness... ah, thank you. My ears can rest now...
>>My, this is the place where I first awoke here. I remember the soft grass and flowers and trees with mosses and fungi... I think that this is the most scenic part of the forest... This tree is special to me. It is on the side of my route, but I suppose I could rest here...
>>Is it wrong for me to feel... lonesome? I feel it often now. Such an empty, hollow feeling. Like your heart has this huge hole in it... I play with others as they cross my path, but in the end they always leave. Sometimes without even saying goodbye. I haven't seen Virgil in a while, which adds to my loneliness. I go to the Red Hill at the end of my route and expect to see him sitting there... simply watching and listening. Then he would get up upon seeing me and bow and then we would sit and listen together. But... I have no one to sit beside or listen to the Forest with. I don't know anyone... I'm... sorry.
>>I fade, my color vanishes and I become transparent. I close my eyes and breathe... I think of the Forest and the Energy... but I feel the hollow. I am... alone.
>>Oh, you again. I'm so glad to see you... You are small, yes. I am larger,even. But you are cute, hmhm.
>>Virgil~ Virgil~ It's you~ Oh, I missed you. Did you miss me?
>>A stroll? An adventure. This sounds fun~ Virgil takes me through the forest and we stop at the Ruins. What are you doing? Is that... a bone? Hnn. Interesting. I wish to dig up some bones as well. I rake my hooves at the soil, but turn up nothing except a worm. Virgil... are you eating that bone? Well, that's really strange but I won't ask questions. Vir says it's to make his antlers grow strong. I hope he means the ones that will grow out soon. Virgil tells me that his new rack will be the finest yet. I look forward to this. I tease him about his little nubs and he always tells me 'Just you wait'.

>>I went on the loveliest stroll~ I was, at first, accompanied by a nice fawn by the name of Xentrie. What a kind young stag, hmhm. Not soon after we began my route, two others had accompanied me. A deer adorned in red and a very hyper stag dressed in the gazelle pelt. I played with the nameless, and he thanked me before he left with a graceful bow. I do hope to see him again. But with a name. We resumed our stroll, and near the bridge. we gained two other deer. Toukan and another deer. We passed the oak, and then I showed them where I first came into this forest, then around the ruins, then through the poppy field. Ending up on top of the Red Hill. I showed them the view of the blue bowl. Hmhm... Thank you, Xentrie. Toukan, too. And the other deer as well.
>>I take my route again. I pass by the Blue Bowl, but among all the blueberries I spot a small deer. They seemed so alone... So I approached them with a curtsy and they stand. I sniff them, then nuzzle them with a nod, and they do the same to me. They ask me to sit next to them, and I nod happily. Spyrre, is it? You are kind. I can tell.
>>A fight... Jax and Reed? It lasts for a long time. Very, very long. And brutal. How they were able to continue for so long baffles me. Surely, it would kill me if I was out there. I can only find shelter among the onlookers. Finally, I can take no more and bolt. I stumble over my hooves and land into the cold water of the pond... its so refreshing. And chilly. Oh... you. I remember you~ you are a friend, yes. And Toukan, too. Thank the heavens... I'm so glad to see you both. I play with them, and then we lie down. I quickly fall asleep. I dream about a feather... just a feather floating downward. What does it mean? Hn... no matter.
>>I missed Virgil whilst he was about the forest today. That's okay, though.
>>Bathing is quite fun, yes? It's different. I like it. I stand in the water close to the Crying Idol and splash. I dip my head under the surface and blow bubbles... After I get out, I shake my fur till it's dry enough that I won't get cold.

>>A silence. The leaves reside along a path once taken many times. The dirt has replaced the once thought permanent tracks. I stare. It is cold again, the remnants of winter still make appearances it seems. A last hurrah, I suppose. I look around, beyond my route, beyond what is familiar and what is unknown. What has yet to be seen with eyes unclouded by greed. Greed? I have not greed. Although this path is one once forgotten, it has never dissipated from my recollection. It is cold here; the last of the browned leaves are swept away by the invisible wolf, into the sky. Where do they go? Into the world of which I came, my origin. it seems such as a distant memory; a dream. A fragment of dust to be soon smeared from my mind, and I will eventually fuse with this place. I do not welcome it, nor do I reject it. It is just. I am apart of the Forest, and the Energy. My purpose: to re-unite all that is good. I am no god. I am no angel. I am not one who claims of a false salvation, either. I am just... I am simple. I am me.
>>The cold has lasted for a while now, hasn't it..? I wonder if Spring will be able to break Winter's barrier. Lately, I've been sluggish. I lay around in the fields of flowers and sunbathe in the patches of soft, lush grass. The grass; cool yet warm. My pelt is stippled with the rays of sunlight that crawl through the leaves above me.. so high in the branches of the tree I first saw. Otherwise, it is cool all around me. It is the feel of Spring just now peeking at us through a window... Perhaps a faded image of what will come. It's presence is all. I think too much.
>>The day before yesterday I saw a rabbit. Yesterday, a frog. This morning I heard a woodpecker. It echoed through the warm expanse around me. Another bird answered the woodpecker not long after, and it, too, echoed. I love this place.... After I heard the woodpecker, I saw an illusion next to me. It was myself, and her head turned gracefully to look at me. She smiled, then dissapered without a trace. I wonder if it meant anything.
>>I saw a centipede the other day. Ugh... The legs and.. blegh... I quickly moved away from it. Not long after, I saw my friend Lady Jorogumo again. She is always surrounded by others, isn't she? Hn. It's no wonder, really. I think she's kind.. motherly.
>>A stillness. One could hear the smallest breath of a mouse. A palpable fog hung above us, clouding our senses. Diluting the farther off sounds. It is eerie. This perpetual stillness, a seemingly timeless void of nothing and everything. Air thick as the trunk of a redwood. I have missed this place... I hide in the brush, my senses acute. Eyes keen. I graze in the uttermost careful silence. My hoofsteps are light as a feather touching ground. Another deer appears. Did he spot me? I bolt quickly; the only trace of me is the grass swaying.

>>...a ghost? This is a ghost. A sleeping ghost. He looks like a nameless... is it... that... perhaps he has... will ne never find his name?
>>Hello~ Oh..? Yes, of course I'll help you. I help him with his appearance. In the end, he adorns the crow face, starred navy pelt, and giant sprawling white antlers. Interesting. Thank you for playing with me, kind one. Now, I must rest.
>>Listen to me as I speak, even when my mouth is unmoving. What does it sound like? What do you think of when you hear me talk? Good things? Sad things? What do you think of me..? My good frinds are scattered, and I do not see much of them. Even if I do, they are always busy or asleep, and I wish not to bother them. The birch... the Red Hill, too. These places are special to me. I don't know why, but they are. Sir, one with a pelt with the colour of poppies and the giant white antlers and a deer's skull for a face, you use yourself as my blanket. Why? Who are you and why are you laying next to me? Still, thank you, sir. Perhaps fate will lead us together again.
>>Virgil and Gheirn say they want to see me more often in the Forest. I wasn't sure I could find a correct response, so I simply nodded. Not long after, both Virgil and Gheirn had to leave, so we all exchanged many nuzzles and bows. Virgil's new antlers are quite a sight. Very interesting. I could see a faint look of 'I told you so' on his face when I first glanced at them. It seems as if I missed quite a bit in my short absence. Oh, well.
>>I feel like I'm in a sort of lucid dream.
>>A hollow existence. Or so it feels as such. I feel so small... A single blade in an endless grassland. A single grain on the shore of a beach. I ponder my purpose, and why I was sent here, but I have no answers. I can only ask questions.
>>I see a new magic now, like a sudden, magnificent realization. Things grow and bloom at day, flourishing in the sunning, as we all know. But, if your eyes gaze upon the plants deep into the night, they grow and blossom, too. Growing under the moonlight. The flower that only blooms so gracefully when the mysterious moon casts its haunting glow upon the dark world. Oh, such wonders... so much I have yet to learn.

>>A void. I see a void. It is lonely, like me. I am caught in an endless expanse of nothing and everything all at once. Is there no alternate fate for me? I feel lost at sea. The tides pull me farther and farther away from any hope, and then I fade. The sounds of white noise and a diluted trumpet-like hum ring in my ears, but I am pinned down by sorrow, and I cannot move. If I could shed a tear, I'd shed thousands. So many, I'd run out of tears to shed. Then what? If my existence is as I feel, then nothing is valuable. We hold tightly onto things of this world too much. In the end, we all look like fools. I feel this warmth. It's bright, but also a hollow black. I stand on nothing, but do not fall. My head is down, my eyes sting, my legs weak. The weight of every burden is upon my back. All the sorrow and pain. The White is targeting me.
>>There is no security now. I feel as if my very essence is slipping. I start to run, my lengthy legs reaching out as far as they could, as if trying to grasp onto some sort of reassurance. My breathing is heavy, yet I am going nowhere. Nothing passes me by, and I have no idea if I'm even moving. My memory is blurring. I want to escape. Everything feels so slow. I tightly shut my eyes and try to remember. Nothing.
>>I can't even remember when I stopped running.
>>I feel like I'm in a dormant, dark dream. I am still, and my legs tucked securely under me. I hear that same flute or trumpet-like sound and white noise. I am surrounded by a damp darkness, and there are waves. I stare at this black-waved sea. Everything is cold, and a looming sadness hung silently in the air. I'm caught in a solitary sea, with nothing but my remaining bits of sanity and self-awareness. I feel isolated. I have vanished.
>>Bringing myself to my feet, I look along the grey horizon. The sky is a confining, dull shade of dark cloud. There is no sun or moon. This place is without day or night. There is nothing here. No life resides within the ground or on land. I hear the white noise again, but it sounds more like a continuous wave coming to shore. I hear a harp-bass like melody. It is a song. Everything is damp and heavy, and the sand from the shore clings to my ankles and to my fur where I had rested. I wonder how long I've been here, or how I got here. I walk, leaving hoofprints behind me. Some are washed away by an incoming tide, some remain. The cold dampness in the thick air makes my fur wet and a little chilled. My tail... oh... It is no longer in its flourishing, liquid-like form. I look now at a normal whitetail deer tail. The sorrow only lasts for a minute, and then I forget about it as if nothing had changed. I step over cold rocks and fallen logs. I hear the echo of some sea birds, but as I look up, nothing flies above my head. I am truly alone. The coastline never ends--only repeats. The same strange melody can be heard and the white noise blends with the waves.

>>A hollow wave reaches my ankles, revealing many empty shells beneath the sand as it cowers back to the sea. I stare at them curiously, not knowing what to think of them. Was anything ever alive here once? And why am I here? Is this place real? All these questions arise, but none are answered. I lift my somewhat sunken hooves from the sand, resulting in the sand making a strange sucking-like sound. I do not hear the white noise anymore. I hear a ringing melody. It sounds close, yet so distant. I wonder if I'll ever return to that... place, or if anyone in that place has noticed my absence. I cannot remember the place anymore, either. It feels like a distant, fading memory. A dream, even. I can't tell the difference between reality and vision any longer.
>>The water calls out to me again in a violent crash of waves and a hollow, sudden, howl-like tune. It strikes fear into me. The tide rises, trying to reach my feet and drag me in. The whites of the waves crawling up the shore bubble. The pulsating howl gets louder and closer. I am frozen. The waves finally reach my hooves, and the howl is joined by even more howl sounds.
>>A trumpet sounds of rescue, and then I hear voices mixed with the recurring sound of a familiar moo. My body feels hollow. The waves stop dead in its wake, and the howl is gone. I hear bells as the voices and moos fade. A vision of a memory appears. A humanoid-like face. Its lips part as it calls out. I feel numb and unstable. My eyesight blurs and I collapse in the stilled time.

>>The creak of ageless trees, the rustle of leaves dancing in the wind, the speckled, relentless sunlight. Truly, so endless. My bones feel light, hollow. The water changes me into a bird, then a rabbit. The sky's gunshot scares me away. I run, I do not see any familiar faces. The trees hum.
>>Virgil..... Virgil... how time reaps us all. It stops for no one, not even the noble Red, not even for me, maybe. But I have yet to see a tree fall in this forest.
>>Everyone is fighting. I feel ill..
>>It seems the stags have calmed. I searched for Virgil but he was nowhere to be found. I took a warm nap on the hill and was approached by what appears to be a diety.