It was raining when Chosen One finally slipped away. Only a light drizzle that turned the earth to mud and dripped lazily from leaves, the sort of rain that caused the frogs to burst into song. The colt emerged from the dry hollow where No Mercy was still sleeping; looking back once to check his movement hadn’t disturbed the older buck. All fine with just the gentle rise and fall of peaceful rest.
Chosen One fought the urge to kick up his hooves and moved silently, or as silently as one can move when squelching and splashing through puddles, away from the hollow. Off along into the Swamp, it was such a thrill. No Mercy hated to leave him alone. Even when the buck hunted, he still kept his young charge close.
When he was far enough away, he ran. He ran until his lungs were burning and his throat was aching and he could feel his pulse in his neck, THUMP THUMP THUMP. THWACK? The colt skidded to a halt and as he caught his breath, he listened. There was a rhythmic pounding somewhere nearby and before he knew it, his hooves were carrying him towards it.
LOLLI qAq
*heavy breathing*