Chapter One: Down the Road

Darian walked along the path he knew so well. The dirt was dark and damp, the trees were dead and bare, and the sky was nothing but dark gray clouds. Some rocks stood in the middle of the path that made it absolutely impossible for any cart to come up the road. This place was also avoided by the local people, so barely any evidence of man was visible. He knew this path better then he knew his own self.

Darian, however, had been up here many times. This was the only place that he felt peace, and this was the only place where he could sit and ponder without getting strange glances or looks from other people. He hated the townsfolk and at times would burst into rage, which now and then would get him in trouble with the authorities and the local priest. Rumors had been spread around that he was a witch and should be burned at the stake, but no one even seemed to dare mention this.

What made him different from any of the other villagers was that no one knew where he came from and no one knew who he was. Most of them mostly called him, "that thing," or "that boy," or "nameless." But what was more annoying to the villagers was that Darian didn't know who he was or where he came from. He had one day awoken on the road where he now walked and was picked up by a local villager who had soon died, shortly after picking him up. After getting tired of all the villagers other names, he finally chose his own name, Darian. But still deep inside he felt like the name had no meaning and wasn't who he was, if he was anyone.

He continued to walk down when from the corner of his eye, he caught a brief moment of movement. He turned to the right where he looked for some time, as if expecting a great beast to come from the bushes. His hands turned into fists and his pulse began to quicken, and his eyes never left the place where he saw the movement. Then it emerged and Darian sighed with relief.

A young adult size deer came through the bushes. The deer had barely noticed him until Darian began to laugh slightly under his breath. It looked up and it began to tense. The deer, unsure to run away or trample the boy, stood still and waited. Darian sensed this and from his ragged pack he slowly pulled out some fresh hay that he had stolen from Redmon's stable. He held out his hand with the hay in his hand to what he thought had to be the most beautiful creature in the world. The tension seemed to leave the deer but it still seemed nervous. Sensing his nervousness, Darian put the hay on the ground and backed slowly away. The deer now less intimidated came up to the free meal but never broke his gaze on the strange boy.

"You're quite and amazing animal," Darian said, "I don't think I have ever seen such a miracle as you." The deer not seeming to take any notice to his remark, continued eating. "They're not like you, they're judgmental because I'm different and scarred. You see us all the same, and are more concerned about your own life." Darian but his hand to his eye and rubbed one finger across the scar that went down his eye. His thoughts began to wander. He sat down with his back to a tree. "They will never accept me for who I am... though I don't know who I am myself." Now so deep in thought he rested his eyes and fell asleep.

During his rest he then noticed a sudden warmth that came next to his somewhat cold body. He opened his eye just enough to see the deer laying by his side.

"This has been the closest I have ever had to friend," he said as he rested his head on the deer's side and again fell into a calm sleep.

Reviews

[Loner]

So sweet and touching story it is ...... beautifully portrayed loved the details u gave and the emotions .... thanks for sharing !