This is a diary entry that became too long and too lame to put on the bio page. Warning of bad and completely uninteresting writing. Don't feel obliged to read, please.

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October 12:

Salli?? Where's...?

I finally pick up your scent after days without a word, and you just HAD to be in the direction of the ruins, hadn't you.

I rush towards that foul place. If the blue ones have you, I'll, I'll...! "Rip their hearts out"? Where did that thought come from? Okay, NO. No heart-ripping. Absolutely NOT. I'm just gonna get in there and get you out, quick as a flash.

I screech to a halt as I suddenly see blue shapes looming straight ahead on the hill. My heart is in my throat.. blue... the blue ones? My head is soaring. No, they look different, don't they? More vibrant, and there are others. They're resting? But it's too close, no, this is dangerous, I should...

One of them gets up, moves in my direction. Stares. I'm backing up. I sniff the air, I know Salli is here! My little pal... I can smell you. Are you among them? If my eyes didn't tell me otherwise, that would have been my guess. But there is no sight of your light tawn little body.

I throw myself into action, leaping in a circle around the hill. Maybe you're sleeping safely behind a tree on the other side? The staring deer follows my motion. Stop that! I'm looking for a fawn, not a fight! But suddenly. That face, isn't it...?

Oh. Goodness. Salli, oh wow, how you've grown! Hahaha. Oh, yeah, hey! Uhh yeah I was gonna come greet you in a minute, I was just checking out these logs back over here, for uhh... nevermind! You didn't have to just stand there and stare at me like that, you know! Howsabout coming up to say hi to your old friend, eh?? ...What are you talking about, I wasn't cringing and backing away! Why would I do that, you silly? That should be your name, "Silly", not Salli. Ahahaha.

Oh jeez, and what are you wearing? Let's get you fixed up, shall we? Right over h- Oh, NO NO NO NO! NOT the ruins. Okay, BAD SALLI! We do NOT like the ruins, ruins are BAD! You come back here right now! Oh for twinssakes!

Out of ALL the fungal trees in the forest, you had to pick the one that grows in the shadow of the ruins. Great. You apparently have NO survival instincts whatsoever. We shouldn't be here, Salli! Okay, let's just get this over with REAL FAST! Here, try this mask on. This. How about this one? Oh come on! Okay, it's gotta be this one. Hurry!

Oh Gods, no. Someone is stirring from below. Climbing out of the pit.. that color! The adrenaline is making me dizzy. Salli, we have to- Oh, you got it? MOVE, NOW! The blue one is approaching. She walks so slowly, like a ghost. Or is it time that is moving slower? She's approaching me, facing me. Salli is at my heel. The doe extends herself towards us...

NO. My body moves on its own, my feet are planting themselves firmly and wide apart. You're not getting past me!

She looks confused. ...Not a threat? In a rush, my body is deflating, anger running away like water, leaving me only with nausea. Salli is moving. Good, yes, we're leaving. I'm overcome with guilt, I want to apologize, but no, I can't trust this doe. She could be decieving me. Any minute now she could lash out for Salli. Who happens to be bouncing off, oblivious. I'm backing up, not taking a breath, or my eyes off the doe until Salli is far out of her reach.

Salli is waiting for me, follows me as I lead her farther away from the ruins. I feel weak. I want to lie down, but Salli wants to play. Don't you realize how close you were to getting hurt? Stupid kid. But I feel better. I breathe. Somehow, we're okay. And everything is just dandy! Aww man why was I getting all worked up? The sun is shining, the butterflies are dancing, my little friend is all grown up and full of energy!

...Okay, strike out that last part. Salli, you really need to see someone about your addiction to pinecones, I am dead serious. You're gonna be a fatso, you know! Ohh fine, I'll indulge you. I guess one pinecone or two can't really hurt. But only cause you insist. Mmnomnom. I don't even -NOM- like pinecones -NOM- that much -NOM-. Okay that's enough of that, now show me what you're made of! Yeah, that's right, let's see those antlers of yours get some action! Ha-harrr! Attagirl!

Ah, who is this, now? We're approached by a stranger. Hiya, do you wanna play with us? He's one of the scentless, the ones who leave no footprints. Oi, wait now just a minute Salli, that's rude! You can't just wave your antlers in peoples faces like that without a warning. Okay, I know you just realized how much awesome fun it is to spar, but that doesn't mean you can do it with just about anyone! Trust me on this one, eh? I know aaall about it. Sorry, mister, she's just a silly kid! Just leave her to me, I'll sort her out. Salli, I said STOP that. Hey! Are you listening to me? Oh great, just great, now you got him to lower his antlers, too. Can't you see only one of you is laughing? Hey, back off, mister! Okay? She's just playing.

I try to get between them, but they're face to face. The stranger seems to grow into a fouler and fouler mood at Salli's taunts. Salli, stop it, please, stop! Can't you see this isn't a game? Suddenly, he rears. I watch in slow motion. Throwing myself forth. Everything is a blur. Salli? Salli! I bellow. I charge. The stranger meets me every step of the way.

She is behind me. Why?! I'll hold him off, just move! But she's there, one pace behind. She doesn't understand that this is for real. She's still taunting him. While my attention is divided, he pushes past me. It's not me he wants. I panic. No, oh gods, no! I must be dreaming, because I can't feel my own presence anymore. What is happening? I'm faintly aware of Salli by my side. Kicking, swinging her head, like a reflection of my own jerky movement. He can't get past the wall of hooves thrusting towards him. Can't handle us both, side by side. How long do we fight? How long until he finally forfeits? A lifetime. But finally I find myself kicking the ground where he left, stomping, roaring. And don't you ever come back!! My body is shaking. Salli? I hurry to her, press my face to her fur. She's not hurt. The relief softens my breath. Her neck cradles my face. Everything's all good now. I've got you.

Or is it you who has me?

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And that's the end cause I lost my patience with this thing, lol! xD PS I kept singing this refrain: