Our Deer Little Secret

Chapter 3: Council Meeting

For some time now, Esperanto has been hearing his father complain to his mom about all the council issues and plans, but for the past month something has been off. He noticed his father didn't comment on the issues anymore, or..at least not in front of him. Esperanto sensed something was up. The air surrounding his family became thick and still. It was as if the winds sweeping the plains just stopped. Whenever, he would ask his father about his day, he would receive a "You know, the usual.." or an "I'm a little tired right now, son." and we mustn't forget the "Lets talk about you. Have you found an eligible doe?" He was tired of his dad tiptoeing around this unknown issue. Esperanto felt the tension rise the day the whole kingdom was called to a town meeting. He wondered if the meeting could explain the weird vibe his father had been giving him for the past month.
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Ursus made her way over to Esperanto, squeezing her way through to sea of animals. She accidentally stepped on a bobcat's tail, and earned herself a few hisses from the crowd. She was able to meet his gaze and push through the last few animals blocking her way. "Glad you're hear," said an exasperated Esperanto, " I just know there's something going on." Ursus became concerned, for she rarely sees a distressed Esperanto. He's usually a care-free soul that likes grazing the fields of clover. "What's the matter? What do you mean when you say something's going on?" said Ursus. "Urssy, my father has been avoiding talking about his work, for weeks! I just don't know what's so confidential that he can't even tell his family!"
"Well then, my friend, I guess we're in for a treat!"
"This is serious."
"I'm sure it is. I've known you for-how many years now? Fifteen?- If I couldn't trust you after all these years, I don't think I ever would."
She gave Esperanto a reassuring look and then turned her attention to the front of the councils public meeting cave. "Attention all beings, this message will concern all of you, so I recommend you listen carefully," announced the Head Buck. The room became silent forgiving the fact that the cicadas continued their powerful roar. "Now, we all know the affects the human population has on our forest and our kingdom. Our kingdom is the strongest for miles and yet the gradual growth of the human population is beginning to tear us down. For years now, the humans have been taking away resources- trees, plants, and lives.. The council and I would like to take action, but we need you approval first." The crowd started murmuring and Ursus looked at Esperanto who was intently staring at his father. The king began again, "Silence, please. The council has found a way to save our resources, but we are reaching out to you to help us decide how, exactly, we are going to do it." He takes a brief pause and continues, "Please direct you attention to my second in command, Mr. Nester." The king looks respectfully towards Nester's way. Mr. Nester is a stout little owl who's feathers have turned duller over the many years he had been advising the council. His eyes, however are as keen as ever. He notices everything that goes on it the little kingdom. He had seen many things, therefore best fit to give advice to other council members. He had a shrill voice and spoke in slow parts. He was the most respected bird in the kingdom, and the king never decided on anything without consulting good ol' Ernest Nester. It was almost as if the king wasn't really ruling the land, but someone else was.