This is a message for any who might stumble upon it. This is my record of the forest, from my view and mine alone. I welcome any who may have time to spare to take a look at my recordings.

While I've never done this before, I have studied various writing styles and although I am not the most practiced scribe, now's as good a time to start as any.

My first day in the forest was long ago. I was a fawn then, and the forest scared me. While my parents grew old and passed on, I grew up in silence, living on the edge of society. This is most likely why few if any have met me, as I only recently began traveling into the midst of other deer.

I've discovered a new life now, and I quite enjoy it and prefer it to living alone. I am content.

I am Ridc, and these are my records.

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--September 08--

Earlier this week, during one of my first treks into civilization, or what have you, I met a few deer by the lake. A kindly doe, whom I beleive was named Emiva (please forgive me if I err), tried to teach me to climb a willow tree. I attempted this and fell into a try-again-and-fail pattern, and I could not, no matter what I tried, successfully pull the trick off. Even as the doe departed, I continued trying until I gave up out of annoyance.


I discovered the Home Oak for the first time, and found other deer sheltering inside. The stag inside seemed angry - at least, that's what I understood. I felt compelled to keep my distance, and tried to ask permission to approach, but whenever I got too close, it seemed to aggrivate the other deer. I decided to back off for a while.


I explored the forest more and, to my delight, found the Ename Ruins. It immediately became my favorite spot in the forest, and I found a seat that I claim whenever it isn't being used. I made another discovery here - The Hunter.
I'd heard of her story, and was extremely curious. Fortunately the cage was in the same vicinity as my pedestal, so I was able to see the mysterious deer. After a while, I remembered something else that I'd heard about her. That she hated doves. Against my better judgement, or maybe because my curiosity was too great, I waited until I was transformed into a dove by another deer.


As I approached the cage in dove form, The Hunter's companion came at me and tried to drive me away. I got the message and kept my distance.


I felt increasingly bad afterwards, and hoped that I didn't cause Artemis too much trouble. I contented myself to sit at the pedestal for the rest of the day. A fawn came by and began to bug Artemis, and I found myself feeling sorry for her. She seemed desperate to push the fawn away.


As the snow began to fall, I had never seen such a thing. I suppose the forest is full of things to learn every day. I did learn a second thing: I hate snow. It piles on my back and makes me uncomfortable and cold, and a loathsome burden to carry. As soon as I made this realization, I ran the entire way to the only real shelter I knew of - the Home Oak. I sheltered here for most of the snowstorm, only venturing out to find a short snack or travel to the lake for a drink.


Now that the snow's stopped I've been able to return to my seat at the Ruins. I am growing weary now, so I should stop here.


Good travels to you all,
Ridc