Orchid

The red deer hind moved along the edge of the lake, offering a cautious but bold gaze around as she made her journey. Long, gracious legs carried her with little sound through the boggy ground that make up the shores of the water and held for a time her slender hoof prints. Her ears swiveled to every sound, though some caught her attention more than others. But she never seemed flighty or timid; this hind held a far more bold nature about her.

Scenting no danger, Orchid moved herself to a relatively shallow, calm patch of water and dipped her sleek muzzle down to drink at the refreshing liquid.

Orchid

After her thirst had been quenched, the hind lifted her head and gazed out over the water. There was an expectant longing in her defiant eyes, but the look slowly vanished as she turned around. On her own, she felt too vulnerable at the lake. For the great source of water was likely to draw predators in. Hoping for an encounter with her own kind, the hind set off once more, her path taking her to the Tall Grass Prairie.