.

Rue was fleeing. She flapped her wings furiously as she soared over the infinite ocean, its boundless depths staring back at her with a deadly allure, almost breathtaking allure. The poachers pursuing her were ruthless, their footsteps pounding on the ground with a heavy echo. Her heart was pounding. Then, an arrow whistled as it flew through the air and pierced her left wing. An explosion of bright, searing pain. There was no time to think, no time to flail her wings, not even enough time to take one last gulp of air. With a splash, she sunk into the water, the waves enveloping her in their poisonous embrace as she fell. 

"The elk runs from the lion. It is not fear - it is love for life."