Lord of the forest

The reunion

Boy's pov:

The heart of the Deer Boy pounded at the same cadence and rhythm with which his feet pounded across the heavy undergrowth, every stride closer to the other side of the forest, toward the loyal companion, Galen. The air was thick with anticipation, and every rustle of leaves or chirping of crickets seemed to bring him closer to being reunited.

The moon swung pretty low in the sky, but a silvery light oozed over the quiet, serene clearing ahead of me. The rays of the moon pierced the canopy from above, framing the floor in beautiful light. It was really very beautiful-a indication of something timeless in the power and grandeur of the natural world.

As he emerged from the dark fundament of the trees in the forest, the Deer Boy's eyes swept across the moonlit clearing before him for any sign of Galen's majestic form. Then, reaching up into the night like a shining star of hope, he saw him-standing tall and proud at the edge of the forest, his antlers toward the stars.

The Deer Boy was running, his footsteps pounding across the clearing, closing the distance. Galen turned to him, his eyes glowing warm, friendly, in salute to his good friend.

The reunion was all joy-celebratory in their bond, as unbreakable as it is in strength drawn from each other. Galen's affectionate nuzzle sucked warm breath onto his cheek as they stood bathed in the moonlight, grooved into the tranquil beauty of the forest.

But this happiness lasted for a very short period since, at the core, they know danger still lurks in the dark, ready to tear them apart once more. With flaming determination burning in their hearts, they set eyes on the task: to unite their allies and prepare them for the upcoming battle.

Wise old owls perched on the branches above, their bright eyes gleaming with great wisdom as they scanned the view below. Through the underbrush, quick squirrels hastened to spread news of the coming battle to whoever would listen. Even the tiniest forest creatures seemed to feel the press of the moment, gathering around their leaders with a sense of mission and resolve.

With Galen by the Deer Boy's side and their staunch friends and companions arrayed about them, he felt the blood run fiercely within his veins. Alone the way might appear that lay ahead, fraught though it would be with danger; yet together they would meet whatever challenge came to them, for home and all in it that was dear.

And with that silent command, he gave them the word to array for battle. By the moment their ranks swelled till the wood burst into leafy life as a great host of creatures answered the summons to repel any who dared threaten their home.

With the realization, his heart afire, the Deer Boy took a mighty breath and strode forward with flashing eyes. For while the coming trials would no doubt be heavy, still he was suddenly sure in his heart that with courage and loyal companions, they'd come out victorious in the end. And thereby, beneath Moon and witness light, the stars for guides, they did prepare to know the balance due that awaited them in the days to come.