(Hey sorry if you see this posted down the list but can't click on it, I tried to post this last night when the Community Site decided to shut down, so it would not post the topic correctly, and it won't let me go in and delete those topics, so here is the official one)

Inspired by the description of the deer totem, and based on an actual dream I had...

-------------------------------------------

"In meditation or day dream, go on a spiritual hike with the deer. See yourself walking in the woods with the deer leading you into amazing depths within your soul. Each step you and the deer take will lead you deeper into your spiritual knowing, and to limitless treasure within."

Chris came home from a long day of work. Finishing everything he needed to do for the night, he set his alarm clock for 6:00 and rested his head. The week hadn't been the best, and at times he had been doubting himself and wondering who he was.

He recalled a conversation he had with a coworker, who was part Native American. "Your favorite animal is your totem - your spiritual guide in life.", he said. Chris closed his eyes. He already thought of his favorite animal...someone in particular...

He opened his eyes and sat up. He wasn't in his bed but rather was laying on a path in the woods. He sat up and looked around - it seemed very real, maybe he slept walked outside.

He began to walk the path, hoping he would end up somewhere he knew, but the deeper he went, the more lost he was becoming. He finally decided to call out, and see if anyone would respond. "Hello? Anyone here?", he called.

Nearby, he heard something rustle. He took a step back as a figure appeared before him. "...Quad?", Chris asked.

There stood the stag Chris had created from The Endless Forest, in the flesh and fur. His dark blue and white fur shone a little in the rays of sunlight that penetrated the canopy. His great red antlers caught some of the light as well - he had to maneuver them between the trees as he stepped forward. His brown deer-snout mask hid the human-shaped face beneath, and two brown eyes stared out from behind. The man was a startled to see the deer before him. Quad smiled when he spotted the human there, "Hello, Chris.", he spoke, "Care to walk with me?"

Chris cleared his throat, "Uhh...sure.", he replied. The stag looked down the path and then motioned for Chris to follow. The two walked down the path together. They went for a few moments before Quad asked him, "You seem kind of down. Anything you want to talk about?"

The human sighed, "Life's been tough lately. I feel trapped sometimes, and other times I feel completely worthless.", he admitted. The stag stopped and looked at him, "Oh don't think that, Chris. You have so much to live for, and you're certainly not worthless.", he replied.

"I guess...I don't know what I'm good at.", Chris said back. The stag smiled and nuzzled him, "One of your best qualities is generosity. You have such a kind heart, and it makes me proud that you look out for others when so many only worry about themselves.", Quad said, "I mean, you were afraid of needles, right? But you were brave and donated blood to help save people's lives. You overcame your fear and now are a regular donor. That's something even I think is very noble."

Chris nodded, "Yeah, that is true...but...", he began, but Quad interrupted him, "You also believe in things being fair, and you go out of your way to help those in need. You are an example of honor and kindness, and far beyond worthless!"

The stag continued to walk then, motioning Chris to follow. The man didn't say a word but continued on. He was slowly thinking about the things his deer guide said.

The two arrived at a small pond near the path, where there swam another animal. "Hello there, goose!", Quad said to the bird. The goose walked out of the pond, shaking his feathers before approaching the two. He was a Canadian variety, and staring up at them, he spoke, "Hello, may I walk with you two?" Quad nodded happily, and the trio continued to walk the path...

To be finished soon.