Firefly Glen shadows will scream that i'm alone

it was sheer wonder that kept arcturus rooted to the spot as the ungulate grazed. a few times, the beast rose its long head, and arcturus watched rapt as its ears swiveled and flicked with fine command. something about the horse captivated arcturus; he was shaped not unlike a deer, but somehow, was greater -- and in his darkly lit eyes there was a gentle intelligence arcturus had never witnessed before.

but the brute's steps came closer, and arcturus felt a chill ride his spine. he was unaware his father was nearby, but fought the urge to rejoin jarilo's call as it rose from the heather. his ears strained in the call's direction, but instinct bade him to be still lest he be discovered.

as the horse drew nearer, arcturus found himself studying curiously its liquid gaze -- until that sovereign gaze fell upon him. immediately the dark cub felt his presence exposed; as those large eyes curiously roved his form he felt as if every part of him was being meted against some unknown decree. a small cry left his muzzle and he shrank back further, ears flat as he stared back in horror.