Everest

Everest stood by the gate to the pen where the captive deer were being held. War Song and his pack were standing on his left side, and Jack and his pack on the right side.

"Today, my friends, you will be given freedom!" The mule deer buck proclaimed, looking over the herd. "You no longer have to answer to Risen and her pack. You will do as you wish and go where you please, for you are owned by nobody." He paused, letting them take in what he had just said. "If you still wish to follow Risen, I will not stop you from doing so. If you wish to find your own herd, feel free. I cannot make you do anything. If you wish to stay here, you are always welcome."

War Song stepped up, gnawing on the gate and then ramming into it, busting it open. The large group stepped aside. "Go. Be free." Everest said softly.

Nhosh & Others

With a patchy coat and nearly whitened muzzle, the elderly Vlar was first to step out of the pen. Her movements were slow, and her front left limb twisted and deformed with arthritis, but she held her head high and proud... and walked right past her liberators as she moved towards the Ruins. The eighteen year old hind was sagely in her knowledge and wisdom, and for that the others listened to and respected her decision. Despite her initial proclaimence against the Haunters, she had been one of the first members to turn around and accept them. Now, virtually the entire herd shuffled silently along with her, ignoring the 'tainted ones' as she had preached to them, and follower her lead to join those that had initially imprisoned them.

The only deer who did not follow was the once proud Nhosh, now crippled and horribly lame. His rack was more impressive than ever, but without the strength of his hind limbs to propel him at enemies and predators, his grand weapons were well nigh useless. But like the aging Vlar, this red deer stag picked his crippled form up from the ground and raised his head high, bearing the pressing weight of his antlers as he hobbled for the exit after the others had all made their way out.

"Your actions are deeply appreciated-" He began, nodding to Everest and speaking in a deep rumble of bass, "-but unfortunately, they come too late for them." His weary eyes followed the last of the youngsters that skipped after their elders, talking excitedly about being trained as warriors or guards, each one bragging that they'd be one of the few chosen for the task. "Everest, does the Oak Prairie Herd still exist?"

Everest

Everest watched the converted leave. He respected their decisions, but he couldn't help but be sad about it. He looked at Nhosh and bowed. He had only met the older stag a few times, but he respected him greatly.

Jack, being the usual diplomat and converter, walked after the Haunter deer. "Hey! Have you forgotten the past? Do you not remember that day on which the Shadow Haunters invaded your land, killed many of your herdmates, took you captive and farmed you like dirty hogs? You stood up against them, and now you're joining them?! No offense, but I hope the next generation doesn't make such a foolish error." He spoke loudly and vehemently. He wanted to bring at least a few back to their original home.

War Song looked at the African wild dog, his eyes dull. "Forget it, Jack. If they want to waste the rest of their lives, let 'em do it. That will just be more bowing to us when the Shadow Haunters are disbanded." He growled.

Everest watched the dog try to bring the deer back, but he figured it was already too late. He fully turned his attention back to Nhosh. "Yes, my liege. It is now led by Sasha and Wardell. Some of the old Almuit Rune Herd lives there now. If you would like, I can take you there myself." He said humbly. He was in full submission, even though he was on his own land.