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The wind was cold to the strawberry roan doe as she curled up tighter in the grass. She didn't really have a 'shelter' from the weather, but she was used to it. Shaking her head Russet Fawn blinked at the sun that was slowly rising over the trees. Why were mornings getting to be so cold, even with the wind coming from the colder northern reaches.

"Are the seasons changing that quickly?" Fawn asked as she shifted around in the warm patch she had created in the night. Her legs had become numb from laying on them all night.

The frost had coated her back and through her mane and tail, almost making it look like it was apart of her. Shaking her head slightly, she looked over towards the hole that Talltale had taken residence in. Seemed that he had been nice and warm through the night. Perhaps the Jack Hop had some idea that perhaps having a shelter wouldn't be the worst.

"Fine, I'll see about my own shelter soon." This she kept to herself as she stretched her legs into the chilly air. Reflexively she pulled them back before trying again. Easing the muscles before standing up and moving over to Talltale's hole. "Hey, wake up"

Talltale yawned as leaves rustled as he stretched in his home. His fur was free of frost and it did seem warm in there. The Jack Hop rolled over and looked at Russet Fawn through still sleepy eyes. "Morning already?" He yawned before pulling himself from the den he had dug and nearly bolted back into it. "Gods its cold out." He shivered.

"Come on. It will get warmer as you get moving." Fawn said as she backed away and Talltale eased himself from his hole again. Shaking the dirt from his coat, he wiped his face with his paws.

"Lets find something to eat. Before I go back to bed." He yawned before vaulting onto Fawn's back.

Russet Fawn rolled her eyes before she set out. She wasn't really going too far, but a walk through the trees would warm her up more. Not knowing that today she might be meeting others like herself..

WC: 364

Krima was already awake by the time the sun’s rays began to chase away the darkness of her den. She was still curled up around herself, the night had been a bit frosty, but her head was up and ears facing forward as she listened to the world come alive. Other Noul’s would be waking up now, at least the early risers would be coming out of their den’s by now.

Krima uncurled her tail and pushed herself onto her legs before giving her body a good shake. She then proceeded to stretch out her legs in front of her before she finally did step out into the tall grass. It would be a good morning to go out for a bit of a run, it would warm up her body and she’d be able to get cleaned up quickly in the river before she felt her stomach calling for a graze. The pale doe checked for dangers before she moved further way however, ears swivelling left and right until she was satisfied.

The young doe took off first in a slow but active walk before beginning to trot once she reached the trees and then she was running by the time the trees opened up into a plains area. Like usual she liked to stretch herself out to her maximum to gain as much speed as she could. She knew which part of the river she was headed too and it would be a good run for her today to get there. She did, however, slow her running to an easier pace to keep up with so she wouldn’t burn the energy within her too quickly.

By the time she’d reached the other forested area, she was trotting and headed for the water. She’d built up a layer of sweat on her coat by now and a light steam was rising from her body, the air was still warming up. When she knew she was closer to the river, she slowed her trot to a walk. There was no use running now, she’d take some time here at the river before she departed again. She was looking forward to doing some work today with her new gift.

When she reached the river, she spotted two other Noul’s there. “Hello!” She called to them while taking care as she entered the water so it covered her fetlocks. She bent her head down and took a few gulps of water.

The previous night's sleep had been deep and restful in the cozy seclusion of the buck's den. The silvery light of early morning could not be ignored, however, and Dousan stirred into consciousness. Rising to his hooves, he emerged blinking in the growing light. A chill caused his breath to hang in the air as he breathed a deep, contented sigh before shaking the last lingering remnants of sleep from his mind. The sun was rising and the air would continue to warm. It would be a good day! His stocky body tended to hold on to the warmth built up in his den quite well, so he wasn't too bothered. What he was needing was something to drink and eat. Ideally in that order.

Dousan swivelled his ears around to listen as he scanned his surroundings. Everything seemed on the level, nothing out of the ordinary. Good, good! There'd likely be good grazing to be had near the river, so it seemed a fair place to start. So, off he went! Initially at a bit of a canter before opening into a full run to really get his blood pumping. Running for enjoyments sake, not from fear or necessity. He didn't always do so in the morning, but it felt like a good one to do so. The shushing of the cooling breeze through the grasses gradually began to get drowned out by the approaching sound of the river. The buck slowed to an easy walking pace. The burbling of the water was expected, plus the odd insect or bird song. He paused for a moment, ears pricking forward to listen. Was that a snatched bit of conversation he heard? Seemed like he wasn't the only one to come down to the river this morning. The tones seemed friendly enough. Perhaps feminine or younger noul? Hard to pick out exactly from the distance and with the ambient noise.

Regardless, he didn't want to startle anyone. The buck made a point to crunch through some pebbles as he approached the water, angling to not emerge in the middle of everyone. Dousan paused as he broke through to the clearer area along the riverbanks. "Oh." Three does had gathered at the water, alone or with accompanied familiars. He dipped his head in greeting to the trio. "Good morning to you all. I hope I'm not intruding. My plan was to find something for breakfast around here, get a bit to drink, but I could just as easily do so downstream. Would you mind if I join you?"

[ WC: 426 ]

Sounds off to her side made Fawn jump a little as the sight of not one, but two bucks had come to the river as well. One had approached and greeted them all with a smile. The other had taken a tumble and was a tangle of hooves. Ears flicked slightly as she only nodded to the one who had spoken before going to the river. Well, this was such a grand morning, the river was starting to get a little crowded for her liking. But she stepped over closer to Arkady and looked at him a moment before speaking.

"Are you alright? That was a bit of a tumble." Her voice was soft, but audible over the sounds of the river.

Talltale looked up from his munching on the clover as another Jack Hop that had come from the bushes a head of a buck. Shaking his head, he tuned back to what he was doing. He was too hungry to really chat with anyone whom wasn't close by. He did how ever turn around when Fawn had headed over to one of the bucks that had come to the river's edge. This was just turning out to be one heck of a watering hole.

WC: 206

The Morning had turned to late afternoon. The warmth other sun heating the rocks by the river. Betty Bay had totally spaced out and missed the conversation that might have been directed at her. "Oh man that was rude of me." she said but no one was there anymore. They had all left. "Wow good one Betty. Now your talking to yourself." Looking around Betty could see that the day was later then she had hoped for and it would soon be night she need to eat and get back to her den. As she walked away she thought about how many other nouls had been here and how she had totally missed a chance to make some friends. Thank goodness the Homewoods offered many more chances to see some other nouls form today again.

The End

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