The Heartwood not this year

Nab smiled at the stag's words - she was quite sure of herself, even going so far as freely approaching wolves in pairs or travelling alone. She was a big girl and she could take care of herself. Was this young buck asking for protection?

When she thought about it, however, she realized that Brechin had a point - everyone had to sleep, after all. And, if she did decide to foal this year after all, wouldn't it be nice to have someone else to look after the calves while she napped? Or ate? Or simply took a break from the incessant whinging?

Besides - Nab was terribly lonely.

"Pleasure to meet you, Brechin - I'm Jenabbi," she said with a mirthful flicker of her ears. "I think I'd like that very much."

The branch she'd been nibbling on forgotten, Nab regarded her new pal with a slightly helpless air. What sort of maintenance did deer need, anyway? She'd never had occasion to meet one, as they were usually rather wrapped up with their own kind. "Is there somewhere you're going?" she asked after a moment.