So warm...
how pleasant...

wait...

what was burning?

The stag flung himself back, a mass of kicking limbs and twisting neck.

Before him in the shadows something burned brightly.

hesitantly he stepped forward, lowering his head to look at the object.
When he recognized it he snorted, backing away uneasily, hooves tapping loudly as he made his way down to the side of the river.

The hearts upon his antlers pumped in terror, fearing for their lives, fragile as a spiders web in heavy wind.

He looked down into the slowly twirling waters, watching them tremble in fear.

'still yourselves my children...

I will protect you'

he stepped easily into the cold water, letting it rush about him as he lay down, looking down once more.

Ninety eight.
Ninety nine with his own.