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Allso

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  1. Rannoch's panicked gaze averted from Hawthorne's crazed grin, a feeling of impeding doom prickling at his pelt like thorns. He slowly backed away as a cackle escaped Hawthorne's snout, its volume growing and growing as Rannoch turned to run. He pushed through the tall grass, tail tucked and hocks bounding as he nearly galloped away. Hawthorne's demonic laugh echoed in Rannoch's ears, almost as if he was a stride behind him the whole way back to Oak Creek's clearing. "Sequoia we need to talk." Rannoch whispered, his pelt ruffled and standing up. Sequoia's annoyed gaze flicked to Rannoch, rolling her eyes once before turning to walk away. Rannoch scrambled in front of her, the older does looking up from their fawns with quizzical expressions as they took notice of Rannoch's odd behaviour. "Sequoia-..." Rannoch whisper-yelled, his tone now stern with a hint of desperation. Sequoia stopped "Okay... this way." She walked quickly out of earshot of the rest of the clearing, concern now creasing her snout. "We need to leave Oak Creek, it's not safe here..." Rannoch began, his voice edged in unease. "Leave!? What? Why- I can't just abandon my family!" Sequoia sputtered, her ears lowering. "Trust me Sequoia, we have to leave tonight. Tell Juniper if you must but our journey will be long, there's no use worrying your mother and Cypress." Rannoch continued, his words spilling out quickly. "Why?- This can't be because of Hawthorne's silly Call to Challenge is it? Rannoch you don't have to leave, just deny it-" Rannoch shook his head before interrupting her with a hushed voice "Sequoia- Hawthorne is going to kill me." He stated firmly, Sequoia paused in shock, mouth slightly agape. "I know he's going to kill me because he killed Brechin... and he's made it clear that I'm next..."
  2. Rannoch and Hawthorne had been distancing themselves for most of the day, only breaking this odd period of ignoring the looming challenge with stern glares and snorts if they happened to lock eyes. Rannoch was distanced from the does, Hawthorne having cemented his place among his family and non-family like a tick on fur. Rannoch couldn't help but grow annoyed and march away into the tall grass with a small stamp of his hoof. It was petty, but Rannoch's temper had burned long enough. Pushing through the grass, Rannoch tread along the riverbank to clear his thoughts. The sounds of birds and the croaks of frogs brought him some peace... long enough to lay down and watch the stream... Eventually the sounds of quieted hooves could be heard nearby along with two faint voices... "Look... I know how you must be feeling about Brechin's death. I understand.." A voice whispered and Rannoch pricked his ears. "It has been hard...-" the second voice trailed off into a quiet whisper and Rannoch grew suspicious.... there was silence for a minute or two before a gasp was heard. "Are you serious!?-" was that.... Juniper? Rannoch was on his hooves in an instant, eyes wild and searching for the pair before he crashed through the tall grass to see Hawthorne and Juniper. "It's time you leave Juniper." Hawthorne firmly stated as he locked eyes with Rannoch who stared at the two in confusion. Juniper looked at Rannoch before scampering away quickly, a tiny nod signally her thanks at his presence. "Rannoch this... dance, has gone on long enough." Hawthorne began, beginning to circle him. Rannoch narrowed his eyes and kept his eyes on him "Hawthorne I don't even know who you are anymore..." He shook his head in disbelief at the buck before him. Hawthorne laughed slowly and then more intensely as he lowered his horns "Oh Rannoch! You really crack me up sometimes... I was always worried since the day you first joined us... but now that I look at you." Hawthorne stared at him with this emotion that Rannoch couldn't decipher it was like looking at a bearyena and attempting to search its eyes for a hint of emotion where emotion should be... but finding none. "You're just a scared.... scared fawn." Hawthorne spat at him, Rannoch flinching. "If I were you, I would go find big brother Thistle, little fawn. Before there's another tragedy in Oak Creek." Hawthorne grinned with a devilish smile and Rannoch's breath hitched in his throat... ∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘ Dominant Buck Bucks Thistle - A large buck with large antlers. Has a dark red coat and grey stripes and mane (Son of Cypress and Brechin) Hawthorne - A medium-sized buck with large antlers. Has a dark red coat and white mane (Son of Willow and Brechin) Rannoch - A medium-sized buck with small antlers. Has a yellow-mottled coat and chestnut mane Lead Doe Willow - A medium-sized antlered doe with a brown pelt and fluffy tail Does Cypress - A medium-sized antlered doe with a mossy, pale striped pelt and large ears Juniper - A medium-sized antlered doe with a dark red coat (Daughter of Cypress and Brechin) Sequoia - A medium-sized antlered doe with a chestnut brown coat (Daughter of Willow and Brechin) Fawns/Yearlings/Spikes Bayou - A medium-sized female fawn with a dark red coat (Daughter of Willow and Brechin) Ivy - A medium-sized female fawn with a chestnut coat (Daughter of Cypress and Brechin) Elowen - A large male fawn with a chestnut coat, gray stripes and a white mane (Son of Cypress and Brechin) Herd of the Stars Blight - A medium-sized doe with a pale, almost white pelt. Sacrificed her life into order to save fawns from a bearyena Brechin - A large russet coloured buck with a pale mane. Killed while searching for the answer of a prophecy
  3. Like make up some up 3 or 4 of my own wof tribes and make some lore for them. Not a playthrough
  4. Oooo I might try this challenge myself, this seems awesome
  5. This story definitely has some plot twists but I won't spoil what happens / happened
  6. The first drops of the wet season drew heavy grey clouds across the darkened sky, it seeming even the sky wept for Brechin. Rannoch and Sequoia spent much of the afternoon grazing with one another and discussing the confusing situation of Brechin's murder. "Rannoch... I just don't think he would have had it in him." Sequoia went on and Rannoch gave her a somber but conflicted look "I saw his bloodied pelt with my own eyes and Hawthorne... he was so distraught..." Rannoch mumbled. The sorrow-filled herd was experiencing a mutual understanding... does and bucks alike all sharing the same feelings of mourning but reassurance from one another. However, these feelings of peace were soon broken by a single bugle of a buck... It was Hawthorne with his head and neck stretched out and voice carrying out across the island. The clearing was instantly filled with chatter "Hawthorne- this is much too soon for a Call to Challenge-" Cypress gasped with wide eyes. "A challenge?!" Juniper exclaimed with an edge of excitement. Sequoia quickly turned to see Rannoch expression... which was stern and almost annoyed. Hawthorne had announced a Call to Challenge which challenged all bucks to fight for dominance over the does. Hawthorne slowly turned to Rannoch eyes narrowed into fierce slits. Sequoia let out a small gasp as she watched Rannoch stamp a single hoof and raise his small rack of antlers. Rannoch neither accepted nor denied the challenge which seemed to enrage Hawthorne who let out a fuming snort and stormed away to the other edge of the clearing to graze. "Are you insane Rannoch?" Sequoia quickly scolded "No, in fact I may be the only sane one here." Rannoch quickly retorted and Sequoia pinned her ears and walked away to join the other does. Rannoch winced, not meaning to hurt her feelings...
  7. Hey, I'm starting a YouTube video series of my lion pride challenge. Check it out here
  8. As the words 'Murderer' processed in Rannoch's dazed mind, Thistle flinched as if Hawthorne had stabbed him with his antlers. "M- murderer!? YOU THINK I KILLED HIM?" Thistle bellowed, pain edging his voice. Rannoch looked at Thistle's bloodstained coat with unease and turned to Hawthorne. "You heartless MONSTER! YOU KILLED OUR FATHER! Look at his coat, It's filled with horn wounds!" Hawthorne cried out, Rannoch's gaze shifting to Brechin's torn body. Thistle's tear creased eyes fell on his father, hooves trembling. "I- I- would never-" Thistle sputtered, Hawthorne's eye shifting angrily to him. "Don't say ANOTHER WORD. I never want to see you again. NEVER" Hawthorne spat and lowered his antlers. He stamped a hoof and without another warning he charged the unmoving Thistle. Thistle, stricken with grief tumbled over with a bleat of pain. "s- stoP!-" He choked out as Hawthorne rammed him again. "Hawthorne- HAWTHORNE STOP... we should go" Rannoch finally found his voice. Hawthorne's head nodding as his eyes met his brother, Thistle. "Never come back. DO YOU HEAR ME?!" He roared, lowering his horns again. Thistle just let out a whimper, stumbling to his hooves and lurching away into a run. His disappeared into the tall grass, leaving Hawthorne and Rannoch alone. "I- I'm so sorry Hawthorne." Rannoch gave him a pained look. Hawthorne just shook his head slowly "It should have never been like this- my own brother-" Hawthorne began to tear up again. "We need to get back to the does and warn them- Thistle is dangerous." Rannoch cautioned. The two quickly began to race back to the does, urgency in their step. As the two bucks reached the clearing, the does and fawns all turned to them with wide eyes. Willow was the first to wail, the sight of the two males alone could only mean one thing..."NO- NO- NO!" She started, falling to the ground as her knees weakened. Hawthorne slowly walked to her, head low and heartbroken. "I'm sorry mom- Brechin he- he was killed" Hawthorne stammered, Willow sobbing uncontrollably. Cypress looked frozen in shock, before he curled her neck around her two small fawns, eyes teary. Rannoch's sad gaze stayed locked on his hooves, unable to look at any of the mournful does. "I'm sorry Rannoch, there was nothing you could have done..." A voice comforted. Rannoch looked up to see Sequoia who reached her head down to lick at his head and ears, the way a mother doe would do to her calf. Rannoch nodded slowly before Sequoia continued "I know Brechin would have fought any battle to keep you safe, even if it meant facing a Bearyena... and poor Thistle wouldn't have left his father's side-" she went on when Rannoch flinched. "B-Brechin-... he wasn't killed by a Bearyena. T-Thistle he- he killed him." Rannoch sputtered out with a sob and Sequoia froze up. "N- no. Thistle- he couldn't have-" She stammered but was silenced by Rannoch's pained eyes. "Oh- my stars... Thistle killed Brechin" she finally concluded. Much of the day was spent comforting to older does and the traumatized bucks, Sequoia bringing grass and berries to Rannoch and Juniper consoling Hawthorne. The fawns were confused and scared but stayed by their mother's sides. Rannoch wasn't sure when he fell asleep but when he awoke, Sequoia's comforting warmth was curled around his flank.
  9. I’m thinking of possibly doing videos of this series but am unsure. Let me know if you guys would prefer videos or to continue writing. If I did do videos I would probably have some cut scenes for important moments and also gameplay.
  10. As the Bachelor Herd's journey to solve the prophecy had dragged on for 4 days, the bucks eagerness to uncover the truth had faded. They walked in a single file line led by Brechin until noon where he laid down in the shade of a patch of tall grass. As Rannoch watched him, he noticed he was panting softly with ears flattened and mouth slightly agape. Brechin's soul piercing eyes flicked to Rannoch and Rannoch quickly averted his eyes and began to graze with the younger bucks. "I can't want until the wet season... I've been practicing with Brechin all dry season and I know he won't admit it, but I think he knows I'm ready." Thistle softly mentioned to the two others. Rannoch smirked to Thistle and let out a snort "Oh yes! I can just imagine it now... Thistle with his chest all puffed out, the ladies, oh! They adore him! And wait... whats this! His father takes the glory once again!" He burst out laughing. Thistle chuckled, shaking his head at him "Oh Rannoch! You've just hurt my pride." Thistle feigned sadness before they both laughed. Hawthorne didn't say much, just rolled his eyes and walked to the other edge of the clearing to graze. Brechin let out a commanding grunt to call their attention "Its time we rejoin the does again." He said sternly before beginning to walk back through the trail they had created. It was much quicker travelling back towards the herd than it was going away, much of the tall grass they had cleared out speeding up their journey back. By the time the sun dipped beneath the tall grass they were only a short distance from the herd. It would only take the next morning to finally make it back to the does' clearing. "We'll rest here for the night." Brechin finally commanded, beginning to pull together grass for bedding. "But dad we're so close! Can't we just walk a bit more?" Thistle suddenly grumbled. Brechin's ear twitched as he craned his large muscled neck towards his son and stared at him with such a ridged gaze that Rannoch was glad it wasn't him. "Do not question my judgment." Brechin scolded as Thistle looked down at his hooves in shame. He nodded his lowered head before laying down in the short grass. Rannoch looked away and minded his own business, laying down and shutting his eyes. He fell asleep soon, legs curled around his body... "NO! NO NO NO NO!" A voice screamed, ripping Rannoch from his sleep in an instant. His eyes shot open to see Thistle's hunched form on the edge of the clearing. Hawethorne's frozen expression looked to Rannoch, him still and unmoving. "What in the stars is going on!?" Rannoch bleated, ears flattened with a concerned expression flashing to Hawthorne. "Thistle- he- he-" Hawthorne sputtered, body shaking like a leaf. Rannoch whirled around and galloped over to Thistle to see what was happening, Thistle still yelling in anger? Pain? Rannoch wasn't sure. Rannoch slowed and nearly tripped over his hooves from the horror... Brechin's broken body lay twisted beneath the shade of a tree... pelt torn with antler marks and wounds and clouded... lifeless eyes... and Thistle's pelt... covered in blood. "You MURDERER" Hawthorne spat at Thistle... (Brechin is dead! It's so sad losing one of the starting characters ;(. He was getting old but he deserved to die in peace)
  11. That would be amazing! I’d love to see another person trying out this challenge. It’s literally my favourite 😊
  12. I’ve been brainstorming some awesome stuff for this herd. Perhaps, eventually these deer may make some cultural advancements like warrior cats but it will be unique compared to them.
  13. The bachelor herd of bucks had been travelling for 3 days, heading Northward in search of the answer to Willow's Prophecy without any luck so far. Thistle was getting frustrated with this whole journey, eager to practice sparring with the other males. He gave a teasing shove to his younger brother, Hawthorne who pinned his ears and let out a surprised bleat as he was nearly knocked off his hooves. Being smaller than Thistle, he was usually the one who lost their little fights. "Thistle cut it out!" Hawthorne grumbled, trotting a few steps to get out of his way. "Can't you take a joke Hawthorne." Thistle moped before ducking his head and shoving him from behind with his rack of antlers. Hawthorne through a hindleg back to warn him, ears pinned but he said nothing. Brechin simply flicked an ear back, the little shake of his head the only indication of him acknowledging their fights. Rannoch rolled his eyes and kept his gaze trained on the horizon as the sun dipped down below the tall grass. "We'll settle here for the night. Get some rest all of you, we leave at dawn." Brechin commanded as he began to scrape away some tall grass to make his temporary bed a bit softer. Rannoch and the other younger bucks began to do the same and slowly, one by one, they all laid down to rest... When Rannoch opened his eyes it was nearly pitch black, the cover of trees hiding the stars above. He wasn't sure why but a feeling of unease clung to his coat like dew. He raised his head to see that Brechin was gone from his grass bedding. Rannoch quietly rose to his feet and looked around with a worried expression. He began to walk around the area, ears pricked in the darkly lit clearing. As he walked around he suddenly looked up to see Brechin walking and sniffing around... Rannoch quickly dropped his head to hide himself, watching the wise old bull carefully. Brechin sniffed around before eating some short grass. The area was filled with night-berries and even wise old Rannoch didn't want to take the risk. Rannoch recalled his mother's words with a fond memory. "Rannoch, you mustn't eat the white-spotted night-berries." She had cautioned. "But why are they called night-berries?" His younger self questioned. "They're called night berries because once you eat them... well they'll kill you. Night night...." She explained and Rannoch shivered with unease. Rannoch left the bull to his late night snack and slowly walked back to his bedding. He laid back down and soon fell asleep... ∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘ Dominant BuckBrechin - A large russet coloured buck with a pale mane Bucks Thistle - A large buck with large antlers. Has a dark red coat and grey stripes and mane (Son of Cypress and Brechin)Hawthorne - A medium-sized buck with large antlers. Has a dark red coat and white mane (Son of Willow and Brechin) Rannoch - A medium-sized buck with small antlers. Has a yellow-mottled coat and chestnut mane Lead DoeWillow - A medium-sized antlered doe with a brown pelt and fluffy tailDoesCypress - A medium-sized antlered doe with a mossy, pale striped pelt and large ears Juniper - A medium-sized antlered doe with a dark red coat (Daughter of Cypress and Brechin) Sequoia - A medium-sized antlered doe with a chestnut brown coat (Daughter of Willow and Brechin)Fawns/Yearlings/Spikes Bayou - A medium-sized female fawn with a dark red coat (Daughter of Willow and Brechin) Ivy - A medium-sized female fawn with a chestnut coat (Daughter of Cypress and Brechin) Elowen - A large male fawn with a chestnut coat, gray stripes and a white mane (Son of Cypress and Brechin)
  14. Hey, I just wanted to ask if anyone has any nice foresty/ nature related names so I can start making a list of names. Also if you guys prefer this longer writing style or would like less writing but more gameplay, lmk! 😊
  15. "Didn't you say that you're from the North?... It- it has to be you?" Hawthorne concluded with confusion clouding his gaze. Rannoch looked between the bucks and the Lead Doe, Willow, with an equally confused expression. "I don't understand... why would I be to one to restore balance to the forest??" Rannoch snorted, shaking his head in disbelief. "Well whatever is going on, it clearly has something to do with you." Willow uttered with uncertainty. "Regardless if the prophecy has anything to do with Rannoch, it would be best if we travel Northward and explore the rest of the forest. It's possible that the prophecy refers to something geographical..." Brechin announced. Willow began to shake her head at him, a shiver prickling her coat. Brechin wasn't getting any younger and since travelling with the fiery young bucks, cuts and bruises could be seen on his pelt. In his prime Brechin could go breeding season after breeding season without a single scratch on his hide... but in his old age it was clear that it was getting harder to keep up with their restless antics. Willow's worried eyes locked with Brechin's and but his pride hadn't faded and with a raise of his muscled and elegant neck he looked towards to younger bucks. "We'll travel North at dawn. Willow, tell Cypress and the herd to not worry, I'm sure we'll be back before the wet season's rains." Brechin commanded the other bucks. The young bucks each looked a little more thrilled than they had been a few moments ago. The wet season meant the battles of dominance for the does would take place... That night, as the bachelor herd slept, Rannoch had trouble falling asleep. The thought of the ominous prophecy clawed at his mind like the rakes of a buck's antlers. SNAP.. The soft sound of a nearby twig interrupted Rannoch's thoughts. He pricked his ears and opened his eyes to slits. Was he dreaming or did he hear a giggle? "Shhh! You'll wake them" A voice whispered. Rannoch couldn't be sure of whatever else was being said due to the swaying rustle of tall grass around him... He closed his eyes to listen to the voices better "Rannoch"... the voice whispered... "Rannoch!" They yelled. Rannoch's eyes flew open and to his surprise it was dawn. "Hurry up! Brechin is going to leave you in the dust." Hawthorne urged, poking him in the side with his horns. "oW! Alright! I'm up, I'm up." Rannoch bleated, jumping to his hooves with a stagger. "Jeez, when Brechin said dawn I didn't realize he meant the crack of dawn." He groaned, stretching slightly before he and Hawthorne trotted after Thistle and Brechin. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it" Hawthorne laughed. The search for whoever or whatever the prophecy referred to had finally begun. The more Rannoch thought about this whole situation, the more unanswered questions swirled in his mind... (ooo mysterious encounters!)
  16. After an exhausting day of delivering the fawns, the does had finally settled down to rest and sleep in their comfortable bedding. That night, Willow, the lead doe had been tossing and turning.... She opened her eyes and was shocked to find that she was alone in a brightly lit clearing. As she looked up to the stars she was shocked to see that although it was midnight, the thousands of stars illuminated her surrounds clearly. "Willow." An ominously loud voice called out. As Willow looked down from the stars she had been staring at, she was shocked to find a doe standing before her with gleaming starry eyes. "M-mother?" Willow choked out, almost reeling from the sight of how angelic she looked. "Willow you must listen carefully my child." She pressed her forehead against Willow's causing Willow's coat to prickle with a funny feeling. Her mother's voice was now echoing all around her as if she possessed a thousand voices. "When the trees shed their leaves only the winds of the north may restore balance to the forest." ... Willow didn't understand what she meant but knew it was extremely important. Willow's eyes shut and suddenly she was awake... it was dawn and the herd was only just starting to stir. "Cypress- I've received a- I think it was a prophecy." Willow sputtered out quickly, locking eyes with her. "A prophecy? From who? What did they say?!" Cypress questioned with wide eyes. "My mother- When the trees shed their leaves only the winds of the north may restore balance to the forest..." Willow recalled the words. "I don't know what they mean..." Cypress pondered over them slowly. "Me neither... perhaps we should warn Brechin and the other bucks. Maybe they can help us." Willow considered. Cypress nodded. It was decided that Sequoia and Cypress would look after the fawns as Willow traveled to warn Brechin and the bachelor herd of the prophecy. Willow trotted towards the group but pausing with a questioning look at the unknown yellow-coated male. "Rannoch... just a young buck looking for company." Brechin answered her unasked question before the males of the group even knew of her presence. They all turned to her, Hawthorne smiling at seeing his mother. "Brechin I've received a prophecy... When the trees shed their leaves only the winds of the north may restore balance to the forest... I have no idea what the Herd of The Stars mean... nor does Cypress." She quickly explained as Brechin's usually stoic expression creased in deep thought. The males all pondered quickly and soon, one by one, each looked towards Rannoch with a quizzical expression.... It seemed Rannoch would have some explaining to do. (Prophecy time!!! Super excited to bring some lore into this story :D)
  17. Across the calm clearing, the mostly large bucks were tearing down the tall grass and finding berry bushes for the does to later travel to. It was Thistle’s surprised voice that broke the quietness that the bucks mostly lived under. “Hello? Who are you?…” he questioned a yellow-mottled young buck. “Rannoch… I come from the North of the forest-“ Rannoch saw as Thistle’s wide eyes looked around quickly for others “-No, just me. I left my herd’s island days ago.” Rannoch continued before looking to the two other bucks. “And you two?” He asked questioningly. “Hawthorne, I’m Thistle’s half brother. And our father Brechin.” Hawthorne introduced himself as Brechin simply and stoically gave a single ear flick to acknowledge his presence. His wise but stern seemed to bore into Rannoch’s very soul as Rannoch lowered his small-antlered head. As the bachelor herd of 4 males were becoming acquainted with the new arrival, the bleats of excitement from Juniper and Sequoia could be heard from the nesting site. Now older and more mature, Sequoia had taken to exploring farther and farther away from her mother, Willow's watchful gaze. "The fawns are coming! The fawns are coming!" Juniper squealed, Sequoia now racing over and joining her half sister and the older does. "I wonder if they'll look like dad! Or maybe have stripes like mom!" Juniper bleated before a hush fell over the herd. The soft squeaks of a single female fawn came from Willow's nest first "She's... beautiful" Sequoia smiled as she looked over at her new little sister. "Her name will be Bayou... because she was born beside the great river." Willow spoke solemnly. Soon after, the stirring of a fawn.... no... fawns caused Juniper to nearly erupt in adoration. "TWO NEW SIBLINGS!!!" she squealed and her mother, Cypress smiled and hushed her. Cypress then nodded to the male fawn curled in her fur "His name will be Elowen and his little twin sister will be Ivy." She smiled with pride. ∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘ Dominant BuckBrechin - A large russet coloured buck with a pale mane Bucks Thistle - A large buck with large antlers. Has a dark red coat and grey stripes and mane (Son of Cypress and Brechin)Hawthorne - A medium-sized buck with large antlers. Has a dark red coat and white mane (Son of Willow and Brechin) Rannoch - A medium-sized buck with small antlers. Has a yellow-mottled coat and chestnut mane Lead DoeWillow - A medium-sized antlered doe with a brown pelt and fluffy tailDoesCypress - A medium-sized antlered doe with a mossy, pale striped pelt and large earsFawns/Yearlings/Spikes Juniper - A medium-sized yearling with a dark red coat (Daughter of Cypress and Brechin) Sequoia - A medium-sized yearling with a chestnut brown coat (Daughter of Willow and Brechin) Bayou - A medium-sized female fawn with a dark red coat (Daughter of Willow and Brechin) Ivy - A medium-sized female fawn with a chestnut coat (Daughter of Cypress and Brechin) Elowen - A large male fawn with a chestnut coat, gray stripes and a white mane (Son of Cypress and Brechin)
  18. As Brechin and the two older spikes, Hawthorne and Thistle cut a path for the does, the scent of the coming rains causes more activity in the usually peaceful clearing. Once small and feeble fawns, Hawthorne and Thistle have now grown full racks of large and impressive antlers. They have both been blessed with their father's horns, however, Thistle has gotten more and more ambitious. The shrieking bugle of a challenge echoes throughout the clearing which is soon followed by the clacks of antlers grinding against antlers. Willow and Cypress's ears perk as they cannot see who is fighting beyond the tall grass, Willow's ears pinning with worry. The clacks and shuffling of hooves continue for a few more minutes before a single defeated grunt is let out. Thistle - 40% chance of winning (Inexperienced)..... Brechin - 60% chance of winning (Experienced)......RNG Rolled... Brechin Wins. (Rolled for injuries, both received only minor injuries... 1 damage taken by both) As the does make their way towards the source of the scuffle, it is clear that Thistle and Brechin had been fighting as Thistle had a cut on his nose and Brechin on his shoulder. Thankfully, they only received minor injuries but Cypress's pinned ears landed on his son Thistle. "You are very brave Thistle... but you are not yet ready to take on your father. You need to practice more and one day you will be the dominant buck of these lands." she spoke wisely, Thistle nodding sadly. The smaller, Hawthorne couldn't meet his mothers eyes. He felt like a coward for not even trying to fight Brechin but he was smaller and more inexperienced. Willow gave her son, Hawthorne, a nuzzle before the herd continued on their way to the new nesting grounds.... bellies more full than they were before. ∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘ Dominant BuckBrechin - A large russet coloured buck with a pale mane Bucks Thistle - A large buck with large antlers. Has a dark red coat and grey stripes and mane (Son of Cypress and Brechin)Hawthorne - A medium-sized buck with large antlers. Has a dark red coat and white mane (Son of Willow and Brechin) Lead DoeWillow - A medium-sized antlered doe with a brown pelt and fluffy tailDoesCypress - A medium-sized antlered doe with a mossy, pale striped pelt and large earsFawns/Yearlings/Spikes Juniper - A medium-sized female fawn with a dark red coat (Daughter of Cypress and Brechin) Sequoia - A medium-sized female fawn with a chestnut brown coat (Daughter of Willow and Brechin)
  19. The herd's migration continues, Willow and Cypress following in the dominant buck, Brechin's hoofprints. As they settled to rest their exhausted legs, Willow with her knowing eyes sees the fire in Thistle and Hawthorne's spirit... their time of learning from their mothers is over. "Hawthorne... it is time that you and your brother Thistle must set off and become stronger and learn the ways of being a buck from your father." She nodded to Cypress who's expression was of pride but also sadness. These fawns were Willow and Cypress's first fawns and so it was difficult to say goodbye... "Thistle... Hawthorne... it is time you earn your horns before the eyes of the Herd of The Stars. Go forth and may your ancestors guide you." She spoke the traditional words that have passed down from generation to generation. Willow remembered hearing those very words be spoken to her brother... wherever he might be. Hawthorne and Thistle were ecstatic and soon set off to join their father in searching for a new clearing large enough for the two groups. Soon the rains of the wet season come sporadically as the two heavily pregnant does rest together in a field of berries. The first fawn to see day break is Cypress's calf, a female. Born with the unmistakable dark red coat of Brechin's lineage, Cypress names her Juniper. The second is Willow's fawn, another female. Taking after her mother's chestnut coat, Willow names her Sequoia. Thistle and Brechin watch over the new arrivals happily. Thistle and Hawthorne's training has been coming along nicely as they practice their jousting skills and learn to set up a territory. Hawthorne can't help but hope he grows a larger set of antlers... if he doesn't he may not have a chance against his larger bodied brother... ∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘ Dominant BuckBrechin - A large russet coloured buck with a pale maneLead DoeWillow - A medium-sized antlered doe with a brown pelt and fluffy tailDoesCypress - A medium-sized antlered doe with a mossy, pale striped pelt and large earsFawns/Yearlings/SpikesThistle - A large male spike with a dark red coat and grey stripes and mane (Son of Cypress and Brechin)Hawthorne - A medium-sized male spike with a dark red coat and white mane (Son of Willow and Brechin) Juniper - A medium-sized female fawn with a dark red coat (Daughter of Cypress and Brechin) Sequoia - A medium-sized female fawn with a chestnut brown coat (Daughter of Willow and Brechin)
  20. Dominant BuckBrechin - A large russet coloured buck with a pale maneLead DoeWillow - A medium-sized antlered doe with a brown pelt and fluffy tailDoesCypress - A medium-sized antlered doe with a mossy, pale striped pelt and large earsFawns/Yearlings/SpikesThistle - A large male fawn with a dark red coat and grey stripes and mane (Son of Cypress and Brechin)Hawthorne - A medium-sized male fawn with a dark red coat and white mane (Son of Willow and Brechin) ∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘ Willow is the first to begin moving after Brechin, small Hawthorne trotting after her as he rustles his tiny antlers in the tall grass "We need to move away from this side of the island... it isn't safe anymore..." she bleated with a somber expression, nosing Hawthorne to hurry up. Cypress stared after Willow in complete disbelief "If it wasn't for the sake of my fawn I would never look that COWARD of a buck in the eyes again. The fact that you still follow in fear's hoofprints is pitiful." Cypress spat with such venom. The usually calm and collected Willow whirled around and stared Cypress down "Blight is dead and all you can do is argue against my judgment! There is a difference between bravery and stupidity and I am now sure which one you possess." her voiced raised to a yell, stunning both Cypress and her small fawn, Hawthorne who pinned his ears. Willow's tone dropped almost to a whisper, emotion creeping in "Blight died so we could live... don't let her death be in vain Cypress..." Willow finally turned and kept following after Brechin's scent trail. Cypress and Willow's fragile friendship hadn't improved by the time the wet season came to an end, shooting each other glares as the migration continued. Thistle and Hawthorne grew steadily, becoming faster and stronger which each passing day under the watchful eyes of their proud mothers. "Brechin!" Willow exclaimed, racing to his side and burying her snout in his large shoulder. He curled his muscular neck down to nuzzle Willow and flash a small smile at his growing sons. "My stars have you two grown!" he bellowed with a nod of approval, shaking his large rack of horns playfully at the two which shook their small antlers back. "Dad! Dad! Can you teach us how to fight!?" Thistle bleated, his tail flicking like a propellor. "DAD! Take us on one of your exploring missions! pLEASEEE" Hawthorne squealed back, nudging his half-brother Thistle out of the way. Brechin smiled to them "In due time young ones. Although you both possess the fiery courage of fierce bucks, you still need to learn a few more lessons from your mothers..." Brechin paused as his gaze met with Cypress's glare, her anger towards him still as fresh as an open wound. Willow flicked an ear at the two before turning to the energetic fawns "Thistle, Hawthorne, come I'll teach you about the Herd of the Stars..." Willow and the fawns walked into the tall grass leaving Cypress and Brechin alone. Cypress pinned her ears and turned away "I don't want to see you right now Brechin, shouldn't you be chasing Willow or something useless?" she frowned. Brechin's wise eyes didn't leave Cypress as he walked up to her slowly "Cypress I know you haven't forgiven my absence... I wanted to apologize but you weren't ready." He affirmed softly. "I'm sorry Cypress... there was nothing any of us could have done..." Cypress began to sob, pressing her face into Brechin "She wanted to have fawns and grow old with us!" she wept, Brechin comforting her... As the sun sank into the horizon, the small herd slept peacefully. As the sun rose for yet another day of migrating, the herd's females seemed to have more full bellies... (MMM spicy fights and letting go of long overdue grudges... also let me know if you prefer how I'm writing their story in a sort of book way or would prefer less text!)
  21. The plentiful wet season begins soon after the birth of the first generation of calfs of OakCreek Herd. "Watch little one, the purple berries from bright green bushes are safe to eat, not the bumpy ones from the dark green ones." Willow murmured to her small son, Hawthorne with a cautionary tone. Cypress cuddled her small Thistle close to her warm fur as the first drops of the wet season began to come down around them. All was peaceful in the clearing until wise Brechin from a top his vantage point raised his tail quickly in alarm. His ears perked and Willow quieted her lesson quickly as her and Cypress watched in horror as powerful Brechin began to flee north into the forest "Bearyena!" was all he could whisper to aid his horrified does he disappeared into the grass. "What do we do!?! Where is it!?! Why would he just leave us-" Cypress's questions were soon cut short as a terrified bleat was let out by Blight across the clearing "RUN!!!" she screamed as she began to flee with snorts of alarm. Cypress's horrified eyes locked with Blight's as Thistle shook with worry from under her legs...Blight gave Cypress and Thistle a single nod.... Cypress shook her head quickly "No! BLIGHT NO" she whisper yelled as she watched what she was doing... all Blight could do was flatten her ears and with tears streaming down her snout she ran in the opposite direction of the herd, leading the Bearyena away from them in a final attempt at saving the herd from certain death. Her bloodcurdling screams could be heard soon after as she soon left this world and joined the Herd of The Stars along with her ancestors... (sOBB poor Blight never even got to have fawns of her own... with enemy damage multipliers at 16 a bearyena encounter is very deadly... 😭)
  22. Seasons change and soon the pregnant Willow and Cypress settle in a bountiful clearing to share the task of caring for fawns. "I can't wait to meet our little ones... they'll be just perfect! I know it..." The usually quiet and reserved Willow bleated excitedly to Cypress. "I'm so happy for the herd... it will be a time of celebration!" she chimed in, the two does who usually would be bickering and arguing over nonsense now sharing a moment of peace together. As the sun rose over the clearing, two male fawns were born into the herd. The first, born to Cypress who she quickly named Thistle shared his mother's grey stripes yet his father's beautiful dark red coat. The second, born to Willow who she named Hawthorne had a beautiful white mane and, again, his father's unmistakable dark red coat. (Left to right in image, Blight, Cypress and baby Thistle, Willow and baby Hawthorne, Brechin) ∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘∘°❉°∘ Dominant Buck Brechin - A large russet coloured buck with a pale mane Lead Doe Willow - A medium-sized antlered doe with a brown pelt and fluffy tail Does Cypress - A medium-sized antlered doe with a mossy, pale striped pelt and large ears Blight - A medium-sized doe with a pale, almost white pelt Fawns/Yearlings/Spikes Thistle - A large male fawn with a dark red coat and grey stripes and mane (Son of Cypress and Brechin) Hawthorne - A medium-sized male fawn with a dark red coat and white mane (Son of Willow and Brechin)
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