[=10]
(Please click this first. If someone could tell me how to get a music player for this, that would be lovely.)
Aeros awoke in a field and knew something had changed. There were no such places like these in the Forest – the canopy blocked the sun’s rays there, dappling the ground in light. Here, the glow was only offset by the clouds – there were no trees as far as he could see. Hills rolled gently upwards around him, and small piles of rocks dotted the landscape. The large stag lifted his head – something which further startled him, as in the Forest, his massive antlers often forced him to keep his neck low. A gentle breeze ruffled through his fur, and he looked around the landscape slowly, wondering what on earth he was witnessing.
It was then that he caught site of two bodies making their way down one of the gentle slopes. They were much larger than he, but still, the grass almost reached their ankles, swaying rhythmically. He recognized them immediately.
Ah. So, this is the place they call home. Perhaps. With only minor difficulty, Aeros hoisted himself to his feet and carefully made his way towards the pair of deer. Their faces were almost expressionless, with calm eyes and the slightest of smiles. The old stag bowed his head automatically upon reaching them. “What is this place?”
Our home. In reality, so much more, but it is where we reside. The female, her coat a mix of scarlet and cherry, lifted her head slightly to feel the breeze as it once again passed through.
How do you feel?
He paused, looking down at the ground, realizing the gravity of the change. “I…I suppose I feel…younger. My bones don’t ache. I’ve plenty of energy. Is this-?“
[i]This is no dream, nor is it real.