I like running on the leaves. Is it running when I''m on all fours? I''m not sure how big a cat I am. But it is so very cool.


    "Rowr"


    I chase after birds and squirrels. I still have a special meter. I pounced a squirrel. I only boosted a little. For a critter I have by the back of his tail, he''s scratching me up pretty fierce.


    I let him go.


    I have fun running a while longer and then I shift back and walk on two legs a while. I don''t have any clothes. The only things in my inventory are the books that the Lady at immigration gave me and my papers.


    It does seem like a glorious day. I love the feeling of my body. This one feels like it''s really mine and not just a loaner.


    It would be nice if there were some people around. Someone to talk to.


    I think about pulling up my menu, but that doesn''t feel right.


    I do bring up my minimap. it shows my wandering path through the woods.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Hello... Is anybody out there?"


    I still see animals around. I keep walking. I sense a presence near me. I don''t know what it is.


    It doesn''t feel bad. Kind of powerful. And familiar. I enter a clearing. Standing in the middle of the clearing is a stag. A really big stag. A big rack of antlers. He''s looking at me. Pretty intense. That''s who the powerful vibe was coming from. Weird. Everything has gotten quiet. I can hear his breathing. He''s still staring at me. Feels like he''s looking inside me. Two can play that game.


    I inspect him.


    System: Forrest Lord - level ???


    You called?


    "um, Hi! I''m Hashi. You heard me?"


    You are rather loud and your arrival was noisy.


    I''m not hearing him with my ears. Feels more like I just know what he''s saying. I guess this counts as a person.


    "Yeah, I just arrived. No idea where I''m at. Was starting to feel lonely."


    Well Hashi, welcome to my domain. Be at peace. There are others here as well.


    "Should I call you Forrest Lord? I''m feeling tense. I don''t know why."


    I feel like I can talk to this Stag about anything.


    Call me what you wish. We can talk names later Hashi Grindswell. Follow me. You are safe here.


    The stag takes off running. I try to keep up but quickly shift and follow. I''m larger than I was earlier but smaller than him. He runs fast.


    [+1 running]


    Running feels good and right. I am excited. Being in the world is good. I feel the world around me. And I think based on the Stag, the world feels me.


    [Soul integration: 15%]