
was a cold, blustery evening when I waltzed into the town of Enborough. People were lively, calling from taverns and shops as they made their way about the world, the joy of Saint Patrick's day finally arriving effecting everyone within the town. My own spirit was beginning to grow lighter just being there.
It had been a harsh journey. Dangers had lurked at every corner, as if intent on delaying my arrival. Only the thought of the twin fawns kept me going, hope springing alive within me like a meadow of shamrocks.
I sighed with relief as I spotted the inn I had researched beforehand. I walked through the double wooden doors, marveling at the boisterous crowd within it. Beer passed from hand to hand as people celebrated, patting each other on the backs and listening to the stray musician playing upon his pan flute. I settled into one of the chairs in the back, my bones groaning with relief as I sunk into the warm wood of the chair.
It didn't take long for me to start to pick out the individual gossip among the people.
"Did you hear? The twins were finally born!" "We're saved!" "I can't believe it! Twins!""It's a miracle, that it is."
I smiled in spite of myself. The rumors had spread nicely. This would make my work easier.
It only two a few more minutes for someone to gossip about the location of the fawns, marveling over how the mare had chosen the simplest conditions. I stood up, barely repressing a shudder of exhaustion as I limped out the door and started to head towards my next destination.
The Greenborough Fields.
It wasn't a long walk, and I almost laughed when I saw it. It was beautiful rolling hill, having full view of the town, but sheltered by the shades of the forest beside it. It was perfect. As I ascended the hill, I noticed that here and there patches of clover grew. I was so caught up in the accumulating growth of the clovers that I barely noticed the fawns when I came up to them. I froze, staring at the two fawns that lay beside each other. The mare rested beside them, watching me with wary, but warm eyes. I glanced at their feet, noticing the gifts there. When I looked back up, two sets of eyes stared at me with such intensity that I staggered to my knees before them.
"I've come to ask for your permission...."
I breathed, staring into the eyes of the mother.
"Let me take care of one of your children. Please. Grant me the companion that I need for my journey. Grant me one of your fawns as a friend."
I whispered, glancing away as she snorted and leaned forward. She nuzzled one of the fawns forward, a squeak resounding as he tumbled forward gracelessly. He glared at me, then the glare shifted into excitement. He glanced at his mother, then glanced at me. I stared at the fawn, awed. He was handsome, with a bag strapped around his waist. It must have been given to him by one of the villagers. His pelt was a beautiful array of green and yellow markings, but what caught my attention the most were his eyes.
A bright, curious yellow. Eyes that saw me not as a being with right and wrong, but just as a normal being that served simply to live. It was more than I could bear. I felt tears welling within my eyes as I stood and gently rested a hand upon the fawn.
"Thank you....."
I whispered, my heart swelling. The mother had chosen me. And he had chosen me. "Rhys...." I whispered, feeling the name roll off of my tongue as I stared into those eyes. He snorted and pawed the ground approvingly.
That was the beginning of our adventures.
But not the end of our story.