[Blackfeathr:] AUUUGH! Stupid computer jumped backward a page and deleted the entire Journal entry! D:< *grumbles...*

[GW] Can it, sugar queen, I'll just write it again.

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I awoke to rain today.

The large droplets pointedly patted at my head as I began to wake. The dreams I'd had had retreated to dance just beyond my conciousness, but the images of last night, ever so clear. The haunting memories replayed themselves painfully. I'd watched over tear filled eyes with the others, the Demon Gazelle, fall asleep for the last time and his body, fade away until it became a plume of black smoke. He was gone. I couldn't believe it. Vipin walked up and we both mourned together for the late great... sometimes irate... Walter. I was glad he was there, it comforted me greatly. I couldn't remember what I had done after that. I don't know how I ended up in this obscure area of the Forest, not even near where I usually go to sleep, underneath the leaning rock in the Playground. My wet fur was plastered against my skin.

I eased myself up, giving my fur a quick shake, sending droplets of water flying but not doing much to dry myself. The torrential downpour was unrelenting as I snaked my way among the close knit trees, finding my bearings. I perked my ears and listened, but only heard the faint breathing of a few slumbering deer. The forest was completely, and utterly, silent but for the steady drone of the Gods-sent rain.


I arrived at the pond, observing the fish swim around quite unphased at the weather just above their heads.


The look of a forlorn Forest.

The rain had started to trickle onto my skin through my fur, giving me goosebumps. My antlers were more like gutters, siphoning the water down the back of my neck by the buckets full. Shivering, I turned on my heel and headed toward the Old Oak.

On normal sunny days I would usually avoid the Oak at all costs. The aura and vibrations coming from it was enough to make my fur stand on end. I never got good vibes from that place. However, on a day like today, I felt comforted to be in its dry embrace.




The rain seemed to have a nice effect on me, making my eyelids heavy. Though I had just awoke, a day like this made me want to sleep again. I laid my head on the warm, dry earth, the sounds of the rain on the thick trunk becoming my lilting lullaby. Just as fevered images of dreams took me in their embrace once more, I heard a fawn's lonely call.