Lika watched curiously from afar as a group of older waterbucks spoke with a stranger that had recently wandered in to this area. Her ears perked forward as sh attempted to catch what they were saying, though she caught only faint sounds and nothing very useful to let her know what their conversation was about. A quick glance around showed her that she was not the only one in their small herd that was curious about this new doe. Most of them were younger, thus not seen to be privy to the unknown conversation being held. This caused her to huff and puff her chest out. Lika was nearly an adult and still she was being treated as if she were some silly newborn fawn!
“I’ll find out what they were saying.” She whispered quickly to herself, though loud enough to garner a few curious looks from the younger ones crowding around with her. She quickly left their little huddle of bodies and tried her best to be quiet as she snuck around some trees. They wouldn’t allow her cover too close, but if she could get close enough to hear at least. Slowly she snuck forward, trying her best not to be heard or seen, though the adults seemed more focused on their talking than making sure no little ones were sneaking up on them. This was certainly helpful to her, since stealth was not her strong suit. Lika was far too energetic to have every bothered with such a thing, however she had thus far managed to get closer without being shooed off, that was at least good.
Words started to form as she got closer. They spoke quietly amongst each other, loud enough to hear, but not so to allow any around to heard what they said. However at this point she had managed to get close enough to hear at least small bits of it.
The dark doe stood in silence as she watched the waterbucks before her speak. She had not long been in this area, travelling for some time towards merely a rumor, one that had more recently been solidified in her mind as true. It was of a herd, one that was large and able to protect itself. Certainly the danger of predators was at the front of all their minds, being so susceptible to attacks as they were. They were prey to these other beasts, and while it was certainly not a notion any liked it was how it was.
Green eyes turned slowly away from the other speaking waterbucks, who had mostly fallen to arguing among themselves. They had wanted news of any predators she had seen in the area, ,and she had given them the information willingly. However she had also decided to put forth the suggestion of them coming with her. Though she had no proof this herd actually existed she was not willing to believe that it did not without looking. Not long ago she had spoken with a bird who had claimed to see such a herd. A large one, it had said. Quite a sight to behold, though he had not stayed in the area long and did not even know if they were nomadic of not. She had heard this herd stayed in one place, but was that the one she had heard of?
Ears perked further forward as Lika strained to hear more of what the adults were saying. She caught a few words. Something about a large herd followed by quick words both of this likely being a lie or a haven. The adults seemed split between this, but why? What herd were hey talking about, and why was it upsetting them in such a way? Lika flicked her ears back in confusion. This seemed quite strange to her. Was this herd important? Were they going to find it or something? Lika had never heard any of them mention going after another herd before, so why would they now? A thought sprang forth and Lika twitched her tail nervously. Maybe they were in danger out here and needed help. Perhaps that is why they needed this herd. If that was the case though then why did some of the adults not seem to like the idea. Lika huffed. She didn’t like being in the dark like this. So many different ideas were popping in to her head, good, bad and worse, and she didn’t like it.
As she perked her ears forward again to continue listening her gaze locked with another and she froze. Bright green eyes stared back at her. The dark stranger had seen her and was now staring back. Lika took a quick step backwards, nearly stumbling over as she did, before ducking behind the tree. Shoot! She had been trying to be so quiet too and still she had been seen! Maybe in her thoughts she had strayed too far from the trees and her hiding spot, or maybe this stranger just knew she was there. The thought made Lika even more curious about this stranger in their midst. Excitement filled her and her skin twitched as she tried to quietly hurry back to the rest of the young herd members. She silently hoped the stranger didn’t tell them she had been listening in, she was getting in enough trouble already.
A smile spread across the doe’s face as she watched the curious little waterbuck duck away from her gaze, and she could not help but silently chuckle. However her amusement soon disappeared as she was addressed by one of the members of the herd she had come across.
“We are finding it hard to come to a decision on whether or not we want to risk our herd following you to a herd that we don’t even know exists! None here have heard of such a strange herd before.”
Lehtia simply nodded. “I don’t blame you for being wary. I can not make you believe. I leave to continue my travels there tomorrow. If you wish to follow then you are welcome to do so, if not then you can go on living as you have. Now I am tired, so if you will excuse me I would like to rest.” Lika spoke, smiling softly towards them. She didn’t want to stick around any longer, listening t o them argue the same points over and over amongst each other. Lehtia moved away from the group of adults, her gaze catching sight of the little one she had seen before. She smiled towards her before turning away. A nice, quiet meal would be a welcome chane.
(Word count: 1107)
