Ketti was a very happy pekiki. The family not only visited her, but took her from the stable to the outside where the morning sun shined. There a bucket and an assortment of grooming equipment lay waiting.

She laid down patiently, knowing the drill by heart, and didnt flinch as the multitude of fawns rushed forward with wet towels and brushes. The beast of burden released a contended noise as they gleefully worked.

Rahm chuckled as he brought out her saddle and tackle. It needed a good dusting.

His wives went over the family pet along with their children, correcting mistakes and cleaning missed spots.

Molk himself was jumping between the cleaning of Ketti and helping his father with the equipment. So diligent and helpful.

His parents wondered what he wanted to ask.

Soon a very happy and clean Ketti stood up with a content song. Giving Eving the opportunity to set a clean bucket beneath her.

"Good girl," She stated with a caress to the hip before reaching out with her telekinesis and wiping the udder with a soapy towel. Once clean, she took hold of teats.

Ketti had been milked twice a day even while in the camp. But this was different. The family was around her and the sun was on her back. She was a gentle and caring one, holding still for her masters.

The fawns began crowding around, but were pushed back by their parents. Much to their displeasure.

"Let us get enough to share with our neighbors first," Oon chided them. They grumbled but obeyed, circling like sharks.

Ketti watched them, clicking her tongue, her kind's way of smiling. She saw them much as her own calves. The pressure within her udder soon subsided, much to her delight.

When the full bucket was removed, the pekiki settled down upon her side, and braced herself for the rush.

The fawns were quick to take what they could, fighting each other for the treat. Pekiki milk wasn't as good for them as their mothers or aunties, but it wasn't harmful either. They enjoyed the difference in flavor. They were gentle when they nursed, but bit each other in their scramble.

When the milk had run dry and the suckling began to hurt, Ketti stood up, and the little ones backed away, licking their sweetened muzzles happily.

Until wet towels appeared and began wiping them uncomfortably.

Rahm laughed as he began setting the saddle upon her back while the wives cleaned their fawns. The pekiki began to shuffle excitedly. Ooh, she was eager to carry her family.

Her flat jaws caressed the bard fondly. This earned her kisses and a small fruit he had hidden upon himself.

Once she was fitted out, the fawns were gathered up and set upon her sadfle. Save one.

"Mom, could I look for my friends instead?" Molk asked. Nearly pleading.

Oon was conflicted. "Oh, well... um. I was hoping we could spend today as a family..."

"But we've spent weeks as a 'family'," the little jack responded with a frown. "I don't even have my own blanket. I haven't had time alone in forever."

Oon frowned as well. It was true.

Eving sidled up alongside her and nuzzled her mane. "Oh, let the dear go, Oon. He has a point."

"And we have plenty of soldiers and friends around to keep an eye on him," Surise added as she lifted the last daughter upon the back of Ketti.

The beast was practically dancing in place.

Rahm held her lead and watched his mates. He'd let them handle this matter.


"Fine," She relented with a sigh as she hugged him. "Im sure their mothers will feed you. Just be back before dark. Listen to the soldiers and stay away from anything dangerous."

He nodded and grinned before taking back off to the house. "Thanks mom!"

Back at the house he grabbed a small pack and began stuffing random things inside it. He was sure he'd find a use for them.

His smile froze when took three steps out the door. Where were his friends?

Were their parents keeping them cooped up too? Where would he start looking?

"The fence!" He suddenly declared to himself. Surely if he thought of it, some of his friends must have too.

He was off like a shot in a random direction. After all he was bound to hit fence sooner or later.

He stopped before he hit it like a logical creature. It was linked metal wire stretched between polls and topped with barbed wire. Beyond that lay the forest.

Not as many nuua trees in this strange place. But they grew close together in twisted fashions.

"So cool," he giggled as he began his journey alongside it.

He traveled for a while, saying hello to soldier and neighbor he passed. They all returned the greeting with sincere smiles and carried on.

Then he made the discovery.

There was a hole in the fence near a bush where an adult would hardly notice. The metal was bent and broken as if something had pushed its way out of the camp.

He stared for a minute before doing the only logical thing.

He slipped through it into the forest outside.

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Ooh, what's this? What made the hole? What lies beyond it?

Hope you enjoy!