Chapter XIV: In the mall of the mountain sting

Scene 65

Before the orange of that sun could rise at the dawning morning, a fresh wind passed over the fur of Bambi and Treus, nevertheless, the only that made them wake up was a slight vibration of the ground due to another vehicle that hovered near the paths they were about to consider following.

Well, I think we were not welcome. - Treus said sarcastically, while a shiver passed through his body from head to tail.

You just said it - Bambi nodded disinterestedly - but what is a little adventure without the implicit risk?

Ha - Treus tried to laugh but the implied cost for him made it seemed more like a mourn rather than he expected - well, less talk and more further, that way if we find problems, before, it will be less painful.

With uncertain steps, the two stags were advancing slightly busy with fatigue; however they should feed and continue walking to quench their thirst for curiosity, which would be putting them in the worst danger that once might have been.

Slowly, holding the breath as quiet as possible, they were scanning the undergrowth surrounding the trails, watching cautious avoiding human presence or something that could appear to be man-made, that caused them a nervous feeling, so they could not move more than a few small sections per minute, until they seemed to be surrounded in a corner of gloom among a sea of light beams.

Scene 66

No way, it's a long time! - Faline wept disconsolately in the absence of her couple - How could they have made us this? Do you think they are safe?

No matter what I might think about it. - Marena stifled her with sadness - it's best to go looking for someone who can help them.

I know, but ... - Faline abruptly stopped trying to think of who could be that someone, but she could not conceive of such an idea. - Precisely in these times I doubt that even the Prince of the Forest could be found to rescue his own son.

So what we have to do? - Marena said distraughtly.

I'm not sure yet, I think we should look for someone who really can and want to help, it is the best choice. - Faline said sternly.

So is this someone you trust? - Marena asked hopefully.

So do you - Faline answered with a certain cheerfully voice - in fact, we owe him many favors.

Faline and Marena led to where they thought they could find salvation, but instead, they just could find a group of yellow leaves, wet with melted drops of sleet and a distant silhouette that would probably give them some news.

Sorry - Faline fearfully asked, unable to recognize that doe in front of her - do you know where might be...?

If I know where is Ronno? - his mother asked slowly - I do not know, for several days he decided to go away from me, I do not know his motives, his destination or his plans, so I do not know who else might want to know.

In truth, do not you know? - Faline answered actually realizing that the doe was the mother of his friend, and it was more difficult to realize the relevance of what she was saying, somehow she had already thought that.

Not at all, surely he needed to be alone - she said turning his sights on a big concern - why do you ask me that? Did something happen?

We would not worry you right now - Marena said intervening precisely in the dialogue - it would not be nice at all.

Tell me please; maybe I can help with anything. - Ronno's mother said.

Well - Marena agreed - it is just that Bambi and his friend have not returned from a "trip" they undertook, but I think solve their problem without disturbing anyone.

"Disturb" was the word that was heard clearly by Ronno's mother, she noticed that Marena was referring to the way she spoke of Bambi and his acquaintances, about how his son had risked by them.

I guess the majestic prince is too busy to help - she said with some pride - but he is not the only adult stag, and apparently, he is not the most responsible caring children, therefore, I will seek help with some of the ones I know, surely someone of them will help.

Thank you - young doe said somewhat confused - we still continue looking for his son, probably he is the best of all to rescue Bambi and Treus.

Sure - the deer nodded with disgust, thinking - the best to die in vain.

Scene 67

The sky was blue and shining, but the light perceived by Treus and Bambi did not correspond to that nature, it remained still for a moment, several seconds, a few minutes until they decided that in the absence of visible and audible noise or movements, it was probably somewhat safe continue to ignore these annoying events. The first one in jump trembling to outside was Treus.

Where are you going? - Bambi asked scared.

I do not plan to stay here the rest of the day; it kills me making me uncomfortable and nervous. - Treus said cynically.

You're right about that - Bambi said quietly - I still think it is still risky to make that decision so suddenly.

Remember, the risks of which we spoke about. - Treus mentioned while he was exposed to the sight of human society, then Bambi imitated him in this indecisive act in a very slowly way.

Between each step was lasting the eternity and thus an infinite sequence of breaths, both deer slid awkwardly on that land devoid of leaves, different from the typical forest soils, despite its lack of subtlety no one could see them, they finally managed to penetrate into the security on the foliage that can offer artificial protection. It soon became evident the low viability of remaining there; if the smell of man was unpleasant, the stench of that corner surpassed them with a lot of advantage, this was because the concentrations of organic waste in the vicinity, which attracted all kinds of infections, with a wealth of bugs.

What the hell! Why here stinks more than where we were? - Treus asked annoyed, trying not to breathe the fragrance.

I have no idea, but I do not like this anything - Bambi responded equally aggrieved - it is better to find another place to take shelter.

Or instead, we can see what is it that causes this pestilence. - Treus suggested stubbornly.

Thus, once Treus sniffed that aroma he knew where it came from, although because he immediately coughed, and approached cautiously where a large amount of trash was accumulated.

Crap - Treus exclaimed surprised and angry - Why would someone put all that stuff in one place?

Shut up - a voice said very close to upset Treus, so he and Bambi tried to see who had said that.

Why would I shut up, parasite? - another voice answered to the early one - you, compared to our race are nothing but rubble.

Immediately, the two deer knew what was happening there: a fly was somehow arguing with a bee, an extremely banal conversation that surely the Great Prince of the Forest had cataloged unworthy of listening.

What is supposed to be that what they are? - Treus asked the bee while trying to ignore the nearby stench.

And who invited you? - the fly asked furiously.

One moment, do not you see that he's talking to me? - the bee intervened disturbed.

Typical of these honey-makers; with its precepts of believing themselves very important. - the fly said mockingly.

Forget it, Treus, keep walking. - Bambi said as he indicated that those insects would be futile for help.

Okay, let's go - Treus nodded convinced of what Bambi had said him.

Look - the bee told the fly - you made them go!

It was you, presumptuous - the fly replied - with your smug arrogance you ruined this.

The insects continued discussing with no lulls and like these, Bambi and Treus continued their course, but soon hunger and the discovery of a pleasant nature made them change of course.

Scene 68

Rolla? Are you here? - Marena asked subtly, and Faline was not far behind.

Marena continued advancing with certain confidence but without much hope of finding her old friend, but as she kept asking for her, it did not take long to get an answer.

Here I am, Marena. - Rolla answered with a bit sleepy voice.

Pardon me ask you this - Marena said slowly – but, is Ronno with you or have you seen him recently?

You're right to ask for forgiveness - Rolla responded with humor, but immediately her tone turned serious - because after all, I have not meet him for a long time, and of course he is not with me.

I am just wondering what it ... - Faline was interrupted abruptly.

Stop it, please - Rolla said seized in a great sadness - I must, I must tell the truth.

What do you mean? - Faline asked with interest.

You see - Rolla said calming down - yes, he visited me a few days ago, he was so mature in what he said and it was very cute, but I realized that he shall be just a time away from his friends, and from me.

Did he tell you where he was going? - Marena asked trying to complete their search.

No, he did not - Rolla replied staring them: cold and immutable - simply he said goodbye and then he left me alone.

Sorry - said the other deer with their heads bowed in unison.

Do not worry - Rolla said calmly - I hope he will be fine, and I'm fine too.

It was a pleasure to talk with you - Faline said a little anxious - if you'll excuse us, we must go forward seeking for help.

It is okay, and then you'd better hurry. - Rolla said goodbye in a friendly way.

Scene 69

What are we doing here? - Bambi asked doubtfully as he was following close Treus - is not it a bit over that danger?

I think you will soon see what we are heading here. - Treus answered while walking slowly with some essence sniffing in his nose.

I hope it would be good - Bambi mentioned losing some of his nervousness and he might be able to perceive the same fragrance that Treus was feeling - it seems that it is this.

Near a building whose condition was moldy because it seemed to be close to collapse, and with a few ferric fences with irreparable corrosion, there was a small patch of mud and dry grass, on which a small metal bowl, containing a lot of recently cut greenery and self-evident freshness, even including glistening dewdrops.

It appears very appetizing - Bambi said trying to denote Bambi sad his thinking - perhaps too much to eat it just like that.

I guess you got that absolutely right - Treus said doubting of his master plan - but I do not think there is any objection to take just a little of this feast and then withdraw without causing uproar.

Even if it were so - Bambi went cautiously - it would not be a very delicious taste of these foods if we eat at such insecurity.

So you choose not to eat them only by the lack of taste involved with your scruples? - Treus challenged him anxiously - I think you're forgetting that the hunger will be able to boast more than your events.

I must admit that when it comes to basic instincts I must second you - Bambi concluded - and this time around, we have to risk it a bit to continue our campaign.

So, fearing Bambi went to the bowl and took in one act a portion of its content and he brought it to where Treus.

Here is the food, let's eat. - Bambi commented with both speed and immediately the other stag began to eat.

It seems like you have no idea of what are you doing. - a tiny voice said behind them.

Do you say what? - Treus asked surprised chewing a mouthful.

Yes, you are unaware that your acts jeopardize our operation here. - announced the voice that came from an ant.

Sure, sure, so if you'll excuse us. - Treus said denoting his indifference to such talk.

Look, despite your arrogance I am obliged to tell you that if you do not leave right now, you must face the consequences. - the insect continued with a little gallantry - and I think you do not want to know such consequences.

And what you could do to us? - Treus asked insultingly, meanwhile Bambi just kept eating and he was attentive to possible danger.

Perhaps not much if you just see me - the ant said aggressively - but you should know we're not the only ones who will be "against" you.

That's right - a wasp that was near there responded - it will be the best for you to return to the forest before you become a real threat for us.

"Great, now all hell broke loose." - Bambi said watching Treus, who thought he could give a twist to the discussion.

Why do you insist on defending this world of man? - Treus asked annoying - Is 'He' your boss or something like that, or a kind of that?

Of course not - the wasp claimed tremendously offended - but both the ant, like me and other inhabitants of here, we know the benefit by the neglecting food habits of man, well, if they see you, surely that would mark a stage in which all the non-human folks have to move to another side and that would not be good for us.

They are stubborn to their false ideals - Treus mocked substantially - but I have to tell you something, until today, you are complete idiots!

Treus started running with the angry insects cornering him; Bambi followed Treus as fast as he could after losing the brief moment in which he realized what had caused his friend.

If we got safe of this, I will make you close your mouth more often when you speak. - Bambi shouted furiously.

Okay, otherwise they will be who make me stay in silence. - Treus replied as he was running.

Since the hazard was large and the distance even greater; desperate Bambi and excited Treus got lost in their minds and they forgot the danger that a bullet would endanger their lives and instead of that, they continued the race for security, putting in the same situation to any poor person unprepared that could be destined to stumble in their way.