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chapter three: Meara

The doe looked calmly into his eyes, taking a step closer.

Varian fumbled backwards slightly, still surprised.

The doe looked at him and gave a warm smile, something about it calming Varian.

He nodded his head, and looked at her, finally able to find his voice.
"Yeah, I'm alone."

"Did you loose your mother?"

Varian looked away at them mention of his mother.
He never knew her, and even though this deer had no idea of who he really was, the question she asked still sent a wave of sadness over him.

"yes. I- I dont remember her much. "

The doe approached him slowly, nuzzling him gently.
" if you need someone to help you, you can stay with me little one."
She said, her voice soft and calming.

"I- I wouldn't want to be a burden, you probably have a fawn of your own."

Varian saw her face pinch up, a sadness taking over the doe.
She looked at him and lowered her head, her next words making Varian's heart go out to her.

" my little one didn't make it..." She said softly, her voice slightly wavering." She- she just- couldn't make it. "

"I'm sorry."

" me too."

"Names Varian " he said, taking a step closer to the doe, showing he accepted her offer of help and company.

The doe stood next to him, looking down as she gave a comforting smile.
"Meara " she said " my names Meara"

"Why aren't you with the other deer ?" He asked.

She looked out over the field towards the others. She sighed before turning back to him.
"My little one, I lost her a few days ago, and being near all the gossiping does won't do me any good. "

Varian looked at Meara closely, noticing a bite marks along her legs, though they were healing, he could still see them.
" did you get bit trying to save her?"

He doe nodded, looking at Varian." Yes I did, but I don't think it's a tail I should relay to a young one like you."

"I'm not that you actually."

She gave a laugh and smiled," that's right, I'm sorry." She said, joy lacing her sweet voice. " your a buck now, with your pride and joy sprouting on your head, almost a year I take it?"

Varian smiled, and glanced at himself. He didn't have as many white spots as young fawns did, and it was true he was growing antlers already.
So for a deer he figured we was around a year.

"Yeah " he said standing taller.

"Well then, have you been on your own this whole time?"

"No" Varian said, looking behind him. " I've had Ruddiger with me."

"Who's that?"

"Ohh- he's a..." Varians heart sunk at the thought of his closest pal. " he's a racoon. "

The doe smiled, and walked over to him, standing next to him protectively.
" Well Varian, I'll take care for you till we can figure things out, how's that sound?"

He looked up at Meara, her lovely face looking down at him.
He felt better knowing he wasn't alone.
And Meara, being a deer, probably knew her way around these woods like the back of her hooves.
So she was probably Varians best chance at getting home.

And until then, he'd need her help to survive as a deer.

"Sounds good to me." He smiled.

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