It had been a long time since he had been here, this Forest. Living in the human world was not an easy task, although it was a necessary one. This would be the first time since he left that day, that he would return to the quiet and peace - away from the bustle and the city lights. Away from the stresses of everyday life, and the ills that came with it. Now, he was a ghost of his former self, a spirit wandering in the woods he'd walked in life.

Somehow, he had automatically known his way back to the place. Nothing had changed, nothing ever would change. But for him? ... His hair had grown longer, and now was tied back in a braided ponytail. The fur on his ears, legs, and tail had filled out. The scarring from the infection he'd had when he first set foot in this forest was no longer visible. Not to mention the fact that he was round with child. And still human.

In the past few months, the boy had lost the ability to shift back and forth. He might yet gain it back, but so far there was nothing that could be done. Many times, he had envisioned coming here, to this very spot, to sit and while away the hours when he wasn't working. But the time had not been plentiful, and work seemed to take up much of his time. It was only now - on his vacation - that he came back to remember those he'd left behind.

Seating himself on one of the rocks in 'the playground', he daintily traced random patterns into the once-familiar stone. Stone where, by the sheer nature of the place, hooves still pounded, and paws still ran. That had been eons ago, it seemed. He could imagine, though, and his imagination ran wild as he mentally flipped and twirled, and... danced. With the baby on the way, he hadn't been able to dance. Hadn't been able to do many things. That was what he had come here to remember.

How was it that the memories of such a place as this never faded? He still saw images of his friends... his enemies... his sons.... in his dreams and nightmares. How he missed them. How he longed to reach out and touch a silken ear, run his hand along fur. But no - He was human for now. And humans were not welcome in this forest, any more than their machinery. He was not here to hunt, but that hardly mattered in the end.

He was content, just this moment, to sit there on the stone and dream. Eyes closed, ears twitching, hands upon the rock, he could almost imagine the feel of grass and soil under four hooves. Could almost see the soulful eyes of the friends he had cherished. Almost feel the caress of light as the Gods descended to bless those lucky enough to see them. But opening his eyes, he was back where he had begun - a simple human boy sitting within the splendors of the forest, and wishing for days long past.

"I'll tell you of these things one day..." he spoke to the child within him. "You will know the joy, the sorrow, the pain and the pleasure, as if you had lived it yourself. Even if you never visit this hallowed place, you will yet know what it is to have four legs and freedom."

The boy's hands rose to his belly, and held it for a moment, before he dropped them, and lay on his back, looking up at the forest's splendor. The sunlight streamed down through the leaves, dappling and scattering in myriads of light-shards, strewn around the forest floor. The gentle breeze made the leaves twist and dance, while the calming sound of distant water trickled into the boy's thoughts. The Pond... More memories than he could ever hope to retain from that place. But there would be others there now - it would be best not to go there. No... he dare not go there. The last thing he wanted was the bring fear to the others he had once called, and would still call, friends.

Sitting up, he rose, and made his way over to where a stray rock had created a hasty shelter from the elements. Without thinking, he ducked under it, and curled himself, cheek to cool stone, hands resting near his face. He would leave soon. Discovery of him in this place could not be. Many would run in fear, some would stay and attempt to fight. He wanted neither of those things to happen. But since everyone was away for the time being, and he was... so tired... Perhaps a little nap in the cool shade would not be an unwarranted notion?

That thought in mind, he braced himself against the stone, and closed his eyes. A breeze rustled through his hair, like fingers of the Gods that had long since forgotten him. The random squeak of a tree swaying merged with the quiet murmur of the Pond beyond this place. It soothed him. He did not want to leave... but he must.

With those words in his mind, he slowly drifted off, letting his dreams take him back to the days when four legs meant that he could run as far and fast as he wished, and there would always be a friend waiting to greet him, over a nibble of fresh grass and a drink of cool water from the Pond.