» The Tree of Light

R I X E N "Thank you." I smiled at the Matron as she bestowed me with a gift. It was a round golden pendant which glimmered as the sun reflected off of it. I gave the Matron another dip of my head in thanks and then, grasping the necklace in my teeth, moved away so that the other horses could collect their gifts. Was the delicate ornament magical, too? This was the Rift, after all. It seemed that anything was possible here - anything one imagined could come to be true at a moment's notice. I didn't know what the pendant might be able to do, what magical properties it might possess, but I knew it probably would not be long before I found out.  Trying not to get the Matron's gift entangled in my antlers, I slipped my head through the golden chain and tilted my neck skyward so that the pendant would slide down and the cool metal rested against my chest. Using my teeth, I gently made the final adjustments until I was pleased with the pendant's position. Today had been a merry day indeed, for I was extremely happy with my new possession. Although reluctant to admit it, I was fond of material things, in particular pretty, shiny trinkets. Craning my neck, I tried to get another look at the pendant, but doing so was difficult considering the anatomy and range of motion of a horse. I gave up quickly, not wanting to make a fool out of myself should anyone happen to glance in my direction. Perhaps I would try to find a pool of water somewhere so I could examine the golden trinket more closely in my reflection. The rest of the horses seemed busy conversing among themselves, and I decided it best that I take my leave. Without saying anything more, I headed for the trees from which I arrived, casting a final glance back at the Matrons and the happy recipients of their gifts, a smile on my lips. "Talk." they heard me singing and they told me to stop quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock

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