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A doe, in Western Coerthas, where she shouldn’t be.
Moonflower was in the area in search of hunt marks, with G’raha at her side, when they came across the doe. “Raha, it looks like this one wandered far.”
They dismounted from their chocobo and stood at a distance, observing. “I do believe you’re right, Moonflower. Deer usually do not venture this far.”
The creature did not flee, or even indicate anything was amiss. In the drifting snow, it appeared ethereal, as if it might disappear in the blink of an eye.
Do you think she’s friendly? Moonflower wanted to ask, yet her tongue felt thick in her mouth. She could not bring herself to speak in this little breath of time.
A heartbeat.
Two.
A breath.
In.
Out.
Moonflower took a step forward.
The doe didn’t even twitch an ear.
She took another step, and heard G’raha move next to her. Her eyes were only on the doe.
The animal bowed its head, unbothered by their careful approach, far more interested in finding grass than the people walking towards her.
Moonflower reached out, her heart racing, time slowing—her fingers touched fur.
The doe didn’t move, seemingly content with allowing the humans to pet her.
Slowly, hesitantly, Moonflower and G’raha stroked the wild animal’s pelt. Smiles grew, joy nearly making them laugh.
“I don’t believe this,” G’raha whispered, as if he, too, believed that speaking would break the spell.
“May we keep her, Raha?” Yet even as she asked, she knew they couldn’t. It wouldn’t be right to keep such a wild creature. The doe ought to be free, able to follow its own whims unfettered.
“No, my love, although I understand your desire.”
Their animal companion took a few steps away, still unbothered, and began searching for food under the snow in the new spot. Moonflower and G’raha did not follow, instead only watching.
I’m glad she’s here. It’s a quirk of fate that we could see it happen. I hope she finds her way home soon. Thoughts passed through her mind until eventually, her mind stilled, and she was content simply to observe.
Snow fell in silent dances, the wind blowing the flakes in unexpected twists. The two humans did not know how long they stood there for, watching the deer that did not belong in Western Coerthas. Time stretched to eternity, counted only by breaths and heartbeats.
Eventually they turned away, walking further into the snow, leaving behind an unexpected creature.