Reminders of Her

He woke alone.

The big black stag stared blearily towards the horizon, where the first pinks and oranges of dawn were beginning to reach across the sky. He lay still for a long time, lost in thought as the sun rose over the distant mountains, until the movement around him signaled that his foster herd was beginning to stir. Forcing a smile to his lips, he lifted himself stiffly to his feet, lest the young fawns of the herd decide to use him for climbing practice again.

He went through the motions of greeting the herd respectfully, making himself both useful and unobtrusive, and otherwise staying in good standing with the herd that had ‘adopted’ him for the last several weeks. Still, the promise of the rut was heavy in the air, and the big black stag knew his presence would soon be resented, no matter how helpful and entertaining he’d been through the summer months.

Corvus tried to placate the bevy of venomous stares the Windborne stags were throwing his way and – more importantly – tried to ignore the wistful sighs of the does. He reminded himself thoughtfully to be on his best behavior, lest his welcome on the island be revoked. He liked summering in Windborne. He liked wintering in Blackwood.

But most importantly, he liked his visits in Oakfern when he traveled between the two kingdoms.

The day went by uneventfully. Corvus bounded nimbly with the horde of youthful fawns, who delighted in having such a giant companion. He sparred lightly with some of the stags who still had enough control to relish the challenge. He told a few fortunes to inquiring minds.

When dusk finally settled over the island domain, Corvus tendered his farewells.

He wasted no time in trotting south, his long legs carrying him over the windswept terrain at a good clip. He was mindful of the ever-present threat of predators, though none saw fit to bother him, which the black stag took as a good omen. Night fell upon him quickly, though the inky darkness was blessedly brief as the full moon rose overhead, illuminating the hardy landscape with ethereal light.

Corvus paused to catch his breath and rest his aching legs, and considered the moon as it breached the horizon. The last time he’d given much thought to the moon, it had been a much more frightening situation – one that made him shiver to recall, even months later. But tonight... tonight it lit his way, beckoned him. The stag grinned, his heart feeling brighter than even the moon that lit the midnight world, and continued on.

She’d be waiting for him, as promised.