Fulu awakened under the slab, after a sleep that seemed to be so long.

Skokey was right next to her, along with Vessel, and two others that she didn't recognize. How long have we been asleep? she thought. The others were fast asleep, showing no sign of waking up soon.

Fulu wobbled to her feet, after weeks of disuse they seemed stiff and limp at the same time. A giant yawn escaped her mouth, lasting several moments. She seemed so awake now after such a long time away from the world.

The air seemed extremely fresh as she took a deep breath. Something caught her attention though, something that seemed so familiar. It was his scent. Her heart was sent into a flutter, it almost felt like it would burst out of her chest. She soon knew which direction to go, and raced towards him.

Through blinding beams of sunlight and massive tangles of tall grass, she bolted through the Birch Forest and into the familiar Oaks and Pines. Soon a figure became visible. At first, it was shadowed and only appeared one color. But the closer she got, the more it filled out, and color appeared clearer and clearer at each step. He was listening for something, but she didn't know what.

A dark blue and white pelt shimmered in the light of a sunbeam. His creamy smooth mask was almost blindingly shiny, and his short black antlers sat delicately on his head. He looked like a prince to her, a glorious prince who had fallen for a lowly bird.

The stag's pictogram shone over his head, reflecting that all-too-familiar name to her, Zilant. Fulu stopped behind him, a little nervous. After so much time, what would he think of her after such a long absense? She gingerly stepped forward some more, and made a little squeak. A failed attempt at saying "Zilant".

He turned his head, and at first, he didn't react. Zilant stood there, and studied the doe infront of him. It took him a second, but soon his half-covered face filled with joy, and he exclaimed her name loudly. Fulu soon started to bounce, which made him bounce. They started to run about, hopping and laughing, clearly happy to see each other again.

As soon as they stopped, Zilant came close to her. Fulu blushed under her mask, but soon squeaked again when he rubbed his face gently across hers. She shakily, but dazedly, rubbed her face against his.

Fulu desperately looked for something to say. Unfortunately, all she could manage to say was, "Hi..."

Zilant chuckled softly, "Hi, Fulu..."

"It's been awhile... Hasn't it?"

"Longer than I've been comfortable with."

Fulu blushed again, glad that he hadn't changed. "I... I guess I missed you..."

"Where did you go?" Zilant tilted his head curiously.

"I... was asleep... I think. All of us were. Me and Skokey and Vessel. I even saw a few deer I didn't know."

Zilant nodded once, letting out an acknowledging "mmm". "That explains a bit. Wyvern told me she hasn't seen Skokey or Vessel in a while either. Are they awake? The others?"

Fulu shook her head, "I was the first..."

"I see..." Zilant could see that she was a little worried for her friends and brother. He came up to her again and nuzzled her. "I'm sure they'll be fine. You woke up, right? That doesn't mean the others won't."

Fulu smiled softly, "You're right. I guess they'll be okay." She smiled wider, and giggled a little. Before Zilant could say anything, she shook her feathers in his face.

Zilant sneezed about three times, Fulu giggling the entire time. They used to do that when they were still getting to know each other, and Zilant always fell for it. Zilant chuckled with her for a while, but soon they both calmed down.

The rest of the day was filled with laughter and play. Zilant and Fulu found each other at a tree filled with mushrooms, and started spellspamming each other. At one point, both their faces were exposed. Fulu looked at Zilant, and blushed heavily at the sight of his entire face. It was obvious she was blushing, since her face was naturally white. Zilant blushed a little as well at the sight of hers, but it wasn't as apparent.

But soon the sun became lower, and the light diminished. They found a nice little spot to sit and sat next to each other. Fulu's black eyes stared into Zilant's dark, milky blue eyes.

"I... I want to say... that I..." Zilant listened carefully, but Fulu couldn't finish her sentence. "Nevermind..." She leaned her head against his neck, "I'll tell you later."

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yes indeed. they had a bit of a happy reunion tomorrow.

oh, by the way Scythe, the reason i fell asleep was because i was getting some of my brothers birthday cake, and then i had to leave because i had to go to bed XD so... i know it wasnt as eventful as the story XD