because Sarie's being a lazy butt D:< LOLNO im kidding XD <3 JUST BE PREPARED. Sarie writes short and sweet, and im all long-winded LOL

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Vessel watched her in peace, unseen in his own world. His hollowed, bleeding eyes looked down softly as he kept watch over Xylia. He had become protective. But was that really wrong? He studied her features, from her peacock pelt to her face hidden beneath a sharp-beaked mask. A small smile came to his face.

Not too far away, another peacock-pelted deer slept. He was curled up in the most perfect of circles, his chest rising up and down with steady breaths. Chanse, Vessel's dear son. He never imagined how much the boy would be attached to him. He thought his inability to speak would get in the way. Once again, the Twin Gods proved him wrong.

Next to Xylia was himself. An odd sight for any other deer, but Vessel was quite used to it. His body lay quite still, the only movement being his breath. A small pool of red goo was forming around where his face lay. He had always worried that Chanse would be afraid of his father's bleeding, but after some explanation, it was as if everyone's eyes did that. It was amazing how much Chanse understood about the world.

Xylia cringed, which made him snap his sight down to her. His heart beat a little faster. Her breathing became heavy. She lifted her head shakily, poking Vessel awake. Vessel closed his eyes, feeling the shift from dream to reality, and next thing he knew he was awake.

He looked to her with concern. She nodded. Vessel rose to his hooves, waking up Chanse to send for the family.

Only a few minutes had passed before Vipin and Aspen arrived. The twins looked down at their sister, confused. Vipin looked up at Vessel, "When did..." Vessel only smirked and shrugged. Vipin showed his crooked grin, "I can't believe you."

Aspen, aside from curiosity, sat down next to Xylia. "Let's pray this won't be like last time, eh?"

Vessel was then reminded of that event. He lowered his head, Please, Twin Gods, grant her safe passage...

"Xy, does it feel like it'll happen again?" Aspen asked quietly.

"N-no... No... It's different..." She breathed.

Aspen nodded her skull, "That's probably good." she mumbled.

It seemed like hours had passed by. The sun was just edging along the horizon. Chanse had stayed by his father the whole time, watching in awe and fear, asking so many questions that Vessel obviously couldn't answer.

With a last painful cringe, Xylia had done it. Vessel, his face bright with the rare wide smile, rushed over to her, Chanse following closely. Aspen nuzzled Xylia softly in relief. "Good job, Xylia..."

Vipin came over to her, looking with wondering grey eyes. Xylia tried to lift her head, "Someone... Tell me, please..."

Vessel looked up to Vipin, smiling. Vipin chuckled, "It's a boy..."

Xylia laughed softly, "A boy..."

Vessel helped the little fawn over to his mother, who now found strength to clean him. But as she cleaned him, Vessel's smile seemed to fade more and more. The fawn's thin, fuzzy pelt was brown, with golden stripes streaking from his back to his belly. Vessel's mind was flooded with memories. That pelt belonged to his mother.

Other than that, the fawn had no eyes. Much like Vessel at this time, there were only hollow sockets in place of the eyes. Vessel was almost horrified, but then reminded himself of the God's plans. There was a reason for this. At least they weren't bleeding.

Vessel trotted over to Xylia, standing behind her, and laying down beside her. She looked to him, smiling. Vessel gave a breathy whisper to her.

"Ketan."

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THERE. I FAIL.