Maybe somewhere her fawn was here. Or maybe just an answer to what had happened. Theano did not hold out much hope and lacking any other idea what to do she decided to go back into the forest to seek shelter from the coming storm.
Theano turned and wandered back into the the ominous forest that was nearly as dark as the clouds over the bay. The storm sent out a cool breeze ahead that caressed the leaves which adult deer knew was a warning to find shelter----a small respite before the fury began. Theano was not frightened. Storms had always fascinated her. She was able to maintain calmness and peace while the forest thrashed and crashed about her. The fawn had changed that some what by making her a bit more tense as storms approached because it was no longer just about her. Theano always had managed to find shelter. She never failed to see the primitive beauty in the howling wind, rolling clouds, and pelting rain. At times it was almost cleansing.
As she continued to move through the tall trees despite the darkness the feel of the land brushing against her cinnamon fur began to feel familiar once more. The landscape morphed into the landmarks she had come to know and love in the endless forest. The large tree with its female like entrance was always a safe haven from any impending storm. As she passed the spigot like fountain where transformation occurred daily she sniffed the air and all ready sensed the cleansing had begun. Theano quickened her pace as the storm seemed to pick up speed with its breeze becoming many gusts much like an animal's breathe after a long run. The dark damp entrance beckoned her with its moisture. Theano slid into its darkness feeling safe and warm and loved. She quickly bedded down in a crevice far from any opening.
It's been a hectic few days! First the mushrooms and then the darkness! Could this be a sign of abiogenesis? Or somehing else? Or am I just a little crazy? Could, most likely, be number 3. Ah, well.
Theano stood on the hill looking across the bay as the breeze filtered through her cinnamon fur. Her nostrils flared as the salt air filled her lungs and burned slightly. Her eyes were focused on the coming summer storm. Lightning cracked across the sky like the etchings seen on the gravestones at the Ruins. Never touching the ground, the lighting played with itself on a background of ominous midnight blue gray. The coming storm matched the one occurring in her mind. She had wandered aimlessly in the birch trees trying to calm the pressure inside her head. Trying to make sense of the conflicting emotions within herself. It was an endless loop.
Last year had held such hope, such life. Theano had birthed her first fawn. The bond was the most intense she had ever felt in her short adult life. The fawn's small warm body pressed up against her gave her a peace and a comfort she had never known. The warmth made rivulets through her veins and into her heart. Not one to join the groups found in the forest, her and her fawn made their own world. Morning found them near the playground climbing the many rocks and weaving through the smooth rounded monoliths that were scattered around. The fawn seemed more an extension of herself than a separate being. Afternoons found them both grazing near the bridge and enjoying the clear cool water of the lake. Theano wished it would never end. All things have cycles. She had learned that watching the seasons pass.
Theano instinctively knew fawns do not stay fawns forever. She could not remember when she had went from fawn to adult. It seemed to happen overnight. She really did not want to think about it. Theano chose to enjoy the day as it was and not think about tomorrow. The forest had taught her no one or no thing was promised tomorrow. Deer friends came and went. Parts of the forest would change when you least expect it . Having the fawn had changed that in some way.
