Leaving.

Asha went up to the Stag, Seth, now. She felt timid and shy to be touching such a shining, noble and proud animal. She reached out and touched his thin, bony chin.

“Will you come with us?” She asked. She could hear it in her voice. She was tearing up. She never teared up now!

“I shall not.” He replied, as if he delivered bad news everyday, as if it was normal for him to do so. “I need to stay here for awhile.”

He noticed the girl now had tears coming down her pale, gentle face. He opened his mouth and reached forwards, making Asha flinch, as if she was expecting pain.

He licked her salty tears as they fell from her face. He withdrew his pink tongue and smiled his thin lips.

“Do not be sad.” He said gently, “I shall be watching over you from the Tundra, keeping you safe.”

Asha took a shaky breath and looked over at Sparkle.

Could she do this? Could they travel on their own and help people and animals over seas, all by themselves?

“Do not dout yourself so.” Said the Stag. His head was now streachede out, across Asha’s arm. “You can and will do this.” He lifted his head and looked at his son. He smiled to himself.

 

“You both need freedom and friendship. You will both get that where you are going.” He locked his soft yet, noble eyes with Asha’s. “I promise you. I will look out for you and come if ever you need me.”

Asha took a deep breath and forced a smile that she did not feel. Not at all.

“Promise?” She asked. The Stag nodded. “Yes.” He said,

“Now go.”