This morning was different.

Emerald trees swayed above the plush, needle-covered ground. Birds let out pealing cries and beautiful songs overhead. Squirrels moved from branch to branch like little acrobats. A rabbit hopped quietly across the forest floor in search of food.

Was it any different?

Sunlight streamed warmly through the treetops. Golden pollen danced past, carried on a sweet wind. It dazzled the waking stag, bringing a bright smile to his gentle face. Quickly, he rocked to his feet. Regal tines stretched to greet the sky...

Today was a little different.

Instead of going about a morning routine, he moved in a different direction. Each leap and bound over the lands of his home made him feel all the more connected to this place. On and on he sped, until he thought that he could just fly away.

He could just fly away...

The top of the Red Hill quickly approached him, and he rushed to meet it. With his heart all aflutter, the stag hoped this might work. He prayed it would work. He knew it would work.

And all doubts left him.

Four hooves left the ground as the stag pushed it away in one mighty leap. He denounced the existence of it. The ground was gone. And so was Moss, in a blinding flash of light. The being called the spell forth, smiling as it came and changed him. He felt himself shrinking into his soul, body fading away. He could feel himself change...

He embraced it.


A small, white dove took shape. It flew ever-onward, toting a tiny pictogram above it's head like a banner. Upward and onward the little bird danced, weaving through the trees until the pond's clearing gave it freedom. Two deer watched the little bird revel in the open expanse of the sky. They smiled. Today, Moss might fulfill his wish and dance among the clouds he so pined over. This time there would be no consequence for his action.

And all regret was released from the action in a single sign: a heavy stone released from the dove's own heart. It plummeted into the depths of the pond, never to be seen again.


Happy Birthday, Moss.