We spent many long years together as a family. The herd was stronger than it had ever been before and we would always make it back to the nesting grounds together. Aladar and Neera's children grew up to be strong young bloods and it was promising that they'd be able to take over the mantle after Aladar and Neera were gone in leading and directing the herd.

Bruton and Aladar remained unlikely friends, though very few could get over his gruff attitude and constant scowl, however with me he was much softer and more approachable, though very few dared even then. We did not have our own nest for a very long time, putting it off until Bruton felt ready, so when we did finally have children of our own, he was confident that he'd be a suitable parent.

We ended up with just the one son, but that fitted Bruton and I just fine. He was a proud father and our son took after him greatly, though he was very handsome thanks to my immaculate genes. Bruton never questioned that he got his looks from me as I would tease him about it. We lived our lives in peace, though not without its dangers. Of course, when our lives were lived in constant fear of predators, there was never a moment of certainty so with the next moment being as unreliable as the previous, we lived to the best of our ability in one another's comfort.

And so ends my tale, one that Eema and Baylene enjoyed repeating over and over again to every generation of children, until we were all old and some of us were gone. It was difficult to let go, but even harder to move on. Eventually I walked alone, with only our descendants to remind me of a past once lived in happiness and true joy. Such is the way of the world, where nature consumes and one day, you too will join your loved ones in death.

I am so old now that I could finally understand how Baylene and Eema must have felt towards the end of their days. Every bone creaked and every muscle ached though I kept on moving forwards. Aladar's sons led the herd and his daughters acted as peace keepers, assisting wherever they were needed though most had children of their own now.

My own son was long grown and I even had grandchildren, who enjoyed playing around my feet as I, who was the oldest of all in the herd, set the pace for our march back home. I missed my beloved so dearly, but I knew I would be seeing him again soon. I am not ready to die just yet, however once I reach the nesting grounds, I think I shall lay down on that grassy hill under the sun, overlooking the glistening lake and close my eyes to rest. That place has always been a favourite of mine, where Bruton and I finally admitted our feelings to one another and became one soul. He was waiting for me there, I knew it. So I'll march a little longer and refuse to die until then.

After all, I am still as stubborn as I was when I first met him.