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. "I had not thought so. But
recently I discovered a threat which I do not want to harm
creatures here, as though they were mine and I cared for
them."
"Then by that care, they are yours and you theirs. Does
that please you?"
After a long silence, the stag said quietly, "I had not
thought it would."
"I am glad." The Forestmaster added, "But that is not
why you came, this night, as you have come all the others."
"True." The stag came forward to the rock. "I have
come to you a final time. Will you not have me?"
"In service, yes. In love, no." She leapt from the rocks,
landing in a cascade of light like stars, even by day. Like
the king, like the stag himself, she did not seem surprised by
events.
But she was astonished when the stag bent his forelegs
and knelt awkwardly in the dust before her. He swayed,
unaccustomed to kneeling. "Then I will serve you, a final
time. This last thing I do of my own choosing."
The unicorn stared at his lowered head. "May I ask
why?"
The stag answered, not moving. "Do not think me
inconstant."
"That is the last thing I would think you."
"Good. All that I felt, all that I wish for and desire - "
his voice wavered" - are unchanged
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