She climbed through the valley, her hooves crunching the fallen leaves. She remembered her Father's words: Remember to stay strong Koda, but never forget I'm with you always. A tear threatened to spill over her eyelashes. Koda shook her head, and continued ascending up the valley's far side; heading toward her usual spot for the night. She gazed out from the massive holes in the side of the skull she wore over her face. It was a very special skull, more importantly, it was her FATHER'S skull.

Koda remembered the dreadful night on October 28. Her family was attacked by a long jealous stag who loved her mother. Her Father did his best to defend the baby Koda and her mother, but failed. He was killed in action. But it wasn't this that had completely hallowed out Koda's heart, it was losing her mother not a week later.

The Caribou doe tramped over the purple flowers, and noticed the owl soaring overhead. Koda had always loved owls, for when she was orphaned, a baby owl had been her friend. But even he couldn't stay forever and left soon after his wings were fully developed.

She knew she was getting close, the sound of the pond waves was getting louder and louder. She could see the massive Weeping Willow's shadow against the pale moon. More memories of her family drifted here, but mostly the good ones. Koda made sure to avoid the "Playground", memories there haunted her.

She laid down, and then looked across the pond.
"Here I'll be, always."