They could see her, sitting with him under the shelter of the willow tree. The group of does whispered amongst themselves, the cavernous inside of the Old Oak muffling the roar of the rain beating down outside. Snippets of conversation rose above the rest.

"-Bloody sweet, the two of 'em-"

"-I wonder how far they've gone-"

"-Wait till Walter hears about this-"

Only two deer remained silent in the back of the tree. Gradually, the chatter faltered, as heads turned to glance at the duo before quickly looking away. They couldn't spare the dignity to stare openly. The pair remained silent, both looking through cracks in the wood with faraway expressions in their eyes. After a few moments, Walterwoman could take it no longer. "...Her? Baby? Whadda you think? About the newest pair." Her golden brown mask covered the hint of a blush marring her motherly face. The chocolate doe turned her head and held her gaze for a brief moment before dropping her eyes to the ground. "I dunno. Can't tell the damned future." There was a hint of defiance in her voice. "They look nice together." The pang of wounds from the past flitted through her eyes as she lowered her head to stare at the dried leaves she rested upon. Walterwoman nodded awkwardly. Too embarrassed to continue, she turned her head, but Poet whispered roughly in her ear, and Srila nodded feverishly. Grimacing inwardly, the butterfly-masked doe looked at the other deer laying next to Her. "Loop?"

The greenish doe was silent. Walterwoman fooled with her hoof nervously, hoping someone would break the silence. Behind her, the other does began to gossip again, their words this time directed around the graceful doe. Her voice brought them crashing into silence, however. "I wish them luck. Perhaps it'll last long enough for them to be happy." She said nothing more and turned her head back to the gash in the wood, a single tear rolling down her cheek

It wasn't much, but enough to calm them all. Walterwoman nodded slowly nodded and turned away. The other five does did not break into speech, as usual, but looked across the lake to the doe and her lover. All had heads full of sadness - two does who had each lost what they most wanted, confronted with their memories more then ever in this tide of young love. Each hoped desperately that the pattern would not repeat for the two near the water.

Behind them, Her's eyes travelled upward to Loop's face. The lithe doe's gaze met hers, and silently, privately, they shared with each other their sorrow. For you can always find help in one who shares memories with yourself.

The rain beat down upon the peaceful lovers, the middle men, and the two lost souls.

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lol crap. but I had to do it. Hope you enjoy. And I do hope I didn't screw anything about Her and Esll up. (Speaking of which, I'd like to know the details on that. o.0) Feedback would be much appreciated!