Excitement filled him as she seemed more then eager to leave as well. He couldn’t wait to trail his behind as he left. At least out there they don’t look down upon me… at least I was cared about in their own sick way he was cared about. He was one of the very few prize looking trophy elk & they had to keep him healthy to stay alive. He nuzzled her, though in more of an attempt to suppress his great excitement ”Of course you will be coming with me” he whispered to her. ”I promise to try my hardest, pretty one, to get you to your family” he added before standing tall & giving one last look over at their current place of resting. ”Do you wish to farewell the others?” he asked, already knowing his own answer but he wanted to make sure his mate had no regrets. He was ready to go, but he would wait until his mate was certain she was.


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RP carried on from ooo

She looked at him and shook her head,"No I'll be quite alright and I'm sure most of them will understand"she said nuzzling him. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation at the world that awaited. She wondered how much it had changed. And the greatest of all, to see her mother, her family. Even if they didn't even know she existed she desired so much just to see them..hear them one last time.

Tracking

(Poor Cali was RIGHT THERE and saw you two leave and you STILL didn't say bye!? XD *shuts up now*)

He opened his eyes once he heard birds singing. They weren’t like the ones back in the forest though, it was a sweet sound & there wasn’t constant mooing or crying from fawns. It felt peaceful & he relaxed looking over to make sure his mate was ok. His eyes had turned back to their ice blue color as he looked around. He hadn’t been this far in a while & usually he would emerge much closer to his witches but he thought it would be a nice stroll for Nadya to see what kind of place it is out here. The early morning sun rays were bright enough to help pave their way through the forest. This place is just as beautiful as the last time he said in his head. He lifted his head & shook his body slightly as the wind blew through. ”Are you ok?” he asked at a whisper, looking down to his mate & nuzzling her ”Would you like to rest? It will be quite a time before we reach her home.”

He smiled at her enthusiasm & was glad she was eager to go. As he started walking, he didn’t feel the constant worry of like he felt in the forest. He wasn’t worried about being attacked by a naked or by Umay & her minions. There were predators here… yes, but last he was here he was the biggest creature to roam this forest. It was nice… it was calm & if he could, he would stay here… forever. It felt easy here but he knew his mate would no choose this. He knew she would follow him anywhere, but he couldn’t take her away from her friends & family she had made. ”I guess I shall warn you, my love, that you can’t talk to my girl… physically you can’t. She doesn’t understand our language so it seems” he said, continuing to walk along an old worn out path ”Witch, on the other hand seems to understand a lot. I never understood how she knew what I was saying but I think somehow she can read my mind… perhaps she can read yours too” he said with a small smile.

A small chuckle left his muzzle at her last words ”of course she will like you, my love” he reassured her. He knew his girl would… he knew if he loved Nadya, then his girl would too. He lifted his head a little, his nostrils widening as he breathed in the sweet fresh air ”Isn’t it beautiful?” he whispered, opening his eyes yet keeping his head up. He pinned his ears back slightly as the image of his family & friends entered it as his head went from high to down. He sighed, almost slumping his shoulders if he could ”You think they’re ok?” he asked at a whisper his eyes moving to his mate ”back home, I mean.” He hoped he could ask his witch for guidance upon his return, perhaps she could & maybe she could let him know they were ok.

She sniffed the air and nodded,"It is , it really is"she said giving him a nuzzle before turning to look around. When he lowered his head and she saw the sad look on his face she too lowered her ears. "I ..I think so. Fletcher is strong...though I know he wasn't too well but he will be ok.. the others are there "she felt a bit bad now as well but she believed they would be ok.She hoped so for her mate's sake.

The doe looked up at him frowning merely at his comment of them not being targeted as if it were his fault that they were."Oh darling..."she said giving him a nuzzle. He murmured and she pulled back and looked at him curiously but he offered no louder repeat of his statement. She could see he really didn't want to say it again or have her hear it. She worried for him but did not want to make him distressed by pushing the matter. Hopefully seeing this witch and his 'girl' would help him relax some. "Leonardo, regardless of what the group feels about you....or how you are treated..I will follow you where ever. Even if you choose to leave them I will go..you are my world..."she said moving close and nuzzling him. "I love you so much..you saved me at a hard time and I don't plan on ever abandoning you"she said giving him a big nuzzle before entering the large tree he had found. It was warm and cozy and would soon be cozier with her big mate by her side. As he rested his head she placed her next to his and fell asleep.

She stirred awake. She had not been so fortunate to have had a wonderful dream like that. Her's was silent and dark, no dreams for her tonight. Flecks of color would sometimes come to her mind but nothing concrete. She yawned and looked up at him with sleepy eyes. She could see in his ice blue eyes a bit of a struggle as if he had something on his mind. She looked back at him quizzically but said nothing. Again she didn't want to bother him with her concerns. After getting up she stretched then looked around. "It is so beautiful her early in the morning"she said giving him a soft nuzzle before peeking out of their tree. "Did you sleep well?"she asked wondering if this roundabout question would get him to talk about what was on his mind.

She blushed softly at the big pile of food placed before her,"Oh Leo!"she exclaimed at the bountiful feast. "You didn't have to"she said with the warmest smile and a loving nuzzled before she lowered her head to eat. Everything was good,there was not one morsel left by the time she was done with it. She sighed feeling wonderfully full now and the growing body inside her seemed satisfied as well. She looked up at him and nuzzled him, being sure to keep the food juices from his fur. "So what was this dream you had darling?"She was curious. It was not a subject they discussed often, and she herself barely had interesting dreams even in forest. She figured it was the peace of the forest that gave her such perfect , yet dreamless sleep. "I did not dream at all..unfortunately"she said with a laugh.

She smiled though a hurt look filled her eyes as well. "it sounds lovely Leonardo"she said her tone dreamy. What a lucky buck he'd been. Her dreams had been nothing, just vast darkness. "I miss them...."she added but looked back up."We have come so far already though..I..I want to see my mother, I have to.."she said feeling a bit of desperation fall into her words. She fell silent again and her eyes glanced down at the dirt. Her heart ached for her baby Tea and for those who were her family back in the Endless forest. "I ...I hope I have a dream like that too"she said softly and sighed.

She forced a smile and nodded,"Alright that sounds like a plan"she said then rose to her hooves and moved to his side. She gave a warm nuzzle before stepping out into the sun. It felt nice, especially on her full stomach. The simple nature of a warm ray of light seemed to lift her moods some. "Ok let us go"she said with a much sweeter smile, rid of sadness. Her eyes were closed however knowing that they would betray her emotions more than anything. She moved forward and looked around. The forest here was alive with creatures small and large. Oh how it brought back memories of her old life when she would sneak into the forests to study them. She wondered if her animal sketchbook was still on her desk. Did they keep her stuff? She wasn't sure though she hoped the visit to her home would clear up any worries she had.

thankgosh, finally made it to the witch. track.

A smile had kept on the witches face & a small one showed itself on the bulls. He had stopped for a short moment before beginning to walk again. ”Leonardo” she said as she walked at a fast pace & made her way to his side. Her long brown hair was straight down, not a hair out of place & as her brown eyes landed on his blue ones, her smile grew wider. She was in her late thirties though looked like she was in her early twenties. Whether that was natural was another matter, but she still had a beauty in herself none the same ”I have missed you, strong one” she whispered, as Leo pressed his cheek to her chest & she stroked his face. Her eyes moved over his small wounds & she furrowed her eyebrows as she shook her head slightly ”We’ll have to get them taken care of” she whispered to herself before Leo moved to the side & glanced over to his mate ”It’s ok” he said to her before the witch slowly made her way over to the small doe ”It’s nice to finally meet you Nadya and might I say you sure are a pretty little thing.” she said smiling & slowing making her way over to Nadya. As she neared she moved her hand out & upon it sat a piece of cut apple. She stopped in front of the small brown doe though made sure she kept a small distance ”My name is Matilda”.

Matilda returned her arm to her side as the young doe took the apple. With a large smile forming on her face the witch slowly began walking towards her cottage before stopping & turning to look at the travelers. Her long brown hair flying through the wind before falling neatly against her back ”Come” she said, motioning for them to follow ”You must rest and we have much to talk about”. She turned & continued her walking as the bull turned & stood beside his mate ”It’ll be ok” he whispered as he nuzzled her cheek & slowly followed suite of Matilda though kept his pace slow so his mate could keep up also. She led them to the back of the cottage where it was surrounded with vegetables, fruits, flowers & song birds. A small lone table & chair parked a spot right in the middle as the pale woman made her way over & sat down. Leo turned & was about to immediately head for the food until Matilda’s voice stopped him ”Leonardo” she said a little loudly ”You let Nadya eat first, we have things to discuss”. Leo looked over to the foods he had missed so much since last being here & turned away from them, droping his head as he made his way back to Matilda by the table. The brunette woman looked at Nadya & put a smile upon her face before moving her arm & hand towards the fresh produce ”Eat… you are indeed eating for two are you not?” she said with raised eyebrows & a small chuckle before looking back to Leo & getting herself ready for the discussion that was about to come to light.

The witch waited for the young doe to begin eating, hoping the delicious fresh food would perhaps distract her but knowing she would be interested in knowing their conversation. As she spoke, there was no need to be quiet ”You have sadness in your heart, my friend” she said with a small furrow ”As I am sure I know what it is that hurts your heart so, please… explain to me your problems” she gestured for him to get comfortable as did she while waiting for his answer. The bull rested on the ground as his eyes wandered around before speaking ”I… I just need advice” he said quietly looking to his mate to see if she was watching. He didn’t want to look weak in front of her… not in her eyes. ”I seem to not be able to do right. I can’t help feel I let my friends and family down. It seems whatever I do is never the right choice” . His blue eyes moved to her brown ones, a plea clearly shown in them, his eyes were begging for help… begging for guidance. Matilda could read him all over… she had known him for such a long time he was like a son to her ”I think you may already know that answer to your questions, my friend.” She extended her arm & quickly stroked his face before placing her hand back into her lap ”No one ever does right all the time, Leonardo and I know your thoughts… the thoughts about your group” she looked over to Nadya before she spoke again ”She is the most important one in your life right now, my boy… her and your unborn child. They are your priorities and if the others love you and respect you then they would never think negative thoughts of you”. She got up & walked over to the resting bull as she wrapped her arms around his neck best she could ”You will always have a family Leonardo… wherever you go” she whispered as he followed her gaze which landed upon his mate. His witch was right. No matter what happened… he would always have a family with his mate & their child.

Both the bull & witch caught sight of Nadya lifting her head as a small smile spread across both their faces… though both for different reasons. Leo knew it was Nadya’s turn for a little chat which meant he got to eat on the food & Matilda was pleased she would get to speak one on one with the young doe & hopefully guide her with whatever troubles she may have. She moved back & allowed Leo to stand ”Ok big guy… go ahead” she said laughing as Leo made his way over to the food though stopping at his mate & licking her cheek ”Did you get your fill, my love?” he whispered as he waited for her answer before going to eat himself. Matilda walked back to the cottage & brought over a large pail of fresh rain water & placed it where she knew Nadya would be resting as they spoke. She sat back on the chair & motioned for the doe to make her way over. Waiting for her to get comfortable before speaking ”Now, sweetie, what is it I could possibly help you with” she asked as her brown eyebrows rose & her dark brown eyes had warmth in them, trying to ease the doe especially since Leo wasn’t next to her. Matilda knew what the doe was requesting, in regards to seeing her family but she would allow the doe to gain the courage to speak on her own terms.

Leo was stuffing his belly though trying his best to hear all their words & Matilda waited patiently for the young female to finish her speaking before she again reached out slowly to gently stroke the does face before replacing her hands back into her lap ”That is understandable, my child and I know Leonardo would agree” her gaze moved to the bull before moving quickly back to Nadya ”I will help you in your wish and shall take you to see them. Though there will be guidelines, so to speak” she hesitated for a moment, before continuing ”You cannot get to close or try to speak to them, though they will not understand you and I shall be with you the whole time. ” she spoke in a stern voice, only so the doe understood the importance of what she was saying. Her brown eyes moved to Leo ”Do you wish for Leonardo to accompany us?” she asked at a quiet whisper.

Leo was half listening & really didn’t pay much attention when hearing his name a couple of times. This food was amazing; perhaps he could take some home to his family… though he was sure Fletcher wouldn’t appreciate apples very much. Matilda sat back as the young female made her way to her mate & Leo lifted his head & turned it slightly. A mouthful of food & juices running down his chin, he froze before quickly swallowing the mouthful in one gulp. His ears perked at her concern & surprisingly he was not scared or upset. He trusted Matilda with his own life & he had no reason whatsoever to be worried about Nadya being alone in the witches company. ”If that is what you want and truly wish for, my love, I shall do it. I trust Matilda and know you will be in good hands” he said smiling & nuzzling her gently before walking back to the pail of water & drinking his share though he ended up finishing it. ”When is it you would like to do this, Nadya” Matilda asked softly as she went to refill the pail.

Matilda got up & went inside before shortly returning with a bowl & cloth. She moved the cloth around inside the bowl which had a thick paste & spread it over Leo’s wounds ”They aren’t bad” she whispered, though more talking to herself before walking to his front ”It should heal them up within a couple hours” she smiled & looked over Nadya & saw her old scar on her hind leg. Slowly walking up to it she spread the paste onto it & gave the young doe a reassuring smile ”The scar will soon vanish. It is old so it may take a couple of days… but it will leave and the hairs will grow back”. Leo looked at his wound before moving his gaze to Nadya & then Matilda ”How is she?” he asked, knowing Matilda would know who he was referring to. The witch smiled again, though it seemed the brunette had a permanent one on sometimes ”She is well and doing good. I keep a close eye out on her for you” she said quietly. The bull moved closer to his mate & nuzzled her cheek before nuzzling her side ”I will tell them, my love. There will not be a moment where my mind does not have an image or thought of you” he whispered to her before licking her cheek & looking to Matilda once again ” Please bring her back to me quickly” he said, though it sounded more like a begging. The witch nodded. She would do what she could, though in the end it all came down to Nadya as the witches eyes landed on the young doe in front of her… wondering if she was really ready for something like this. The bull interrupted as the witch was about to say something ”Were you able to get the things I was hoping for?” he asked. Matilda nodded & gestured to the cottage as Leo relaxed a little. ”I guess I’m going to head back home then so you can come back to me quicker” he said. He hoped the lack of worry from the bull didn’t upset Nadya, it’s just Matilda was one of VERY few he trusted alone with Nadya… he had no worries with her being alone in the brunette’s company at all.

Matilda moved away as to give the two privacy as Leo melted in his mates nuzzle. He knew it wouldn’t be for long & he already anticipated the time she would return to him ”I’ll be safe, my love & I will do everything to look out for them. You look after yourself though I know Matilda will do a good job of that” he said smiling & nuzzling her one more time before licking her cheek & walking to his witch ”I know you will but I need to say it” he whispered ”Please keep her safe and bring her back to me soon” he whispered before pressing his cheek gently against her chest as she closed her eyes & stroked his neck ”You know I will, my boy” she whispered back & opened her eyes as he stepped back. The witch quickly ran inside before coming out with a bag of sorts as she fastened it to Leo’s back before he walked out of the gate & turned at the border of the forest ”I love you, pretty one” he called out ”You will never leave my heart or mind” . He nodded to the witch as she did the same & she waved as he turned his back to them & disappeared through the trees.

Track & I need to respond

Nadya nodded and followed in silence. It felt odd now being without her mate. When she tried to encourage her the doe could not help but smile slightly."You are right"she said and let herself relax somewhat. She was unsure what she meant by trees however. Finally they came to a stop and Matilda pointed . "who is Haley?"she asked softly.

The doe perked up,"Oh, he has only called her 'my girl' before. I never knew her name"she said her voice somewhat dreamy as she glanced off in that direction. She stood for a moment then followed the witch. Silence passed between them as they moved. Like Leonardo the tree became a portal and she went through. Bright light filled her eyes and when it receded the sight that came to her nearly brought her to tears. She remembered all of this place. The road not too far off. Everything.She wandered her all the time. Slowly she stepped forward nearing the road. A flashback of her death night came to her and she jumped back. No cars were traveling up the road. She sighed then looked to see if Matilda was watching her before she followed the road in the shelter of the trees. She stopped and had to turn around when her house came to view. All her dreams, her life then came to her and it hurt terribly. She missed her life though she loved the one she had now as well. Her ears flipped up as the door opened. A young man perhaps eleven or twelve ran out with a basketball in his hand. It was brand new. Then it hit her, this boy was her brother. That ball was not the one she bought as he was only 8 then. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered his name inaudibly. Then father came out and the two played ball on the side of the house. They seemed happy. The third person made her heart skip a beat. Her mother. She looked less happy and carefree though she was healing. She had coffee and sat down to watch the boys. Every now and then though she'd glance out into the woods. A tear would roll down her cheek. She'd cast it away and return to her happy facade for the surviving family."Oh mother"she said softly wishing so much to hug her. "I love you mother and I know you'll always be with me"she whispered.Then something caught her eye. Behind the house near her favorite tree was a mound. And a stone. She gave a quick look to Matilda then ran through the trees to the grave. It was her own. "Nadya Marsh
Our lovely lady taken too soon" was what it read. She sniffled and nuzzled it. Something shiny caught her eye. A locket with the words "Mom & Daughter" on it. She clicked it open and her picture with her mom was in it. Looking up to make sure no one was watching she slipped the necklace on then ran back to the forest. "Alright Matilda..I..I can go home now"she said taking one last look, a deep breath then looked away, never to look back again.

Nadya's head was down the entire walk as she focused on her necklace. Her heart hurt horribly but she knew that this locket would get her through the terrifying birth of the child. That and her mate of course. When they got back she saw the big lump laying on the ground and laughed when Matilda started to tease him. But the smile faded as she was yelled at. The doe back stepped a little, confused as to what was going on. "What..why no..what's wrong Matilda?"she begged and moved forward anyway. She stopped when she saw the red and her eyes filled with tears. Her legs nearly buckled beneath her. "No..no NO NO Leonardo"she screamed and fell to her knees."No you can't leave me....no..not after this you just can't "she said sobbing into her legs. She didn't know if he was dead or not but the girl felt her world around her shatter into a thousand pieces. He was her world. How would she live without him. She had the family yes, but how could they handle her being so terribly sad. Her cherry red eyes looked back up at him and she forced herself to move closer. The tiny brown doe lay next to his large fluffy neck and gently licked the blood away from his eyes. "You'll be okay darling"she said her voice calm though her eyes told otherwise.

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I literally started crying writing this TT.TT