A herd of deer lived near a village. They were very cautious because they knew the villagers would set traps and kill them if they were seen near the village or the fields. Among them was a beautiful doe with reddish fur, a white tail and big, velvet eyes.
A new buck in the area began to follow her around and pay her all kinds of compliments. He thought he was in love with her, but the wise little doe knew that it was only a temporary fascination. It was nice to hear all his compliments; but she was worried. The buck was handsome but he was also extremely foolish. He had never lived near a village, so he did not know its dangers. And he was so busy following her, that he was not careful either.
There was a group of tree fairies who watched the buck and the doe. Some of them thought it all very romantic; and some said that the buck was silly. One fairy was worried because the buck was likely to get into trouble.
One night, the doe went stealthily towards the village. The buck had been waiting, so he promptly began to follow her. He paid her lavish compliments and wanted to be friendly. The doe was very unhappy and finally told him to keep quiet.
“You are not used to living near the village. It is dangerous. Please go back or remain silent,” she told him. The buck thought that he knew everything, and wished to show off in front of the doe. So, he went ahead of her towards the village. The doe waited, carefully looking around.
A villager had seen the two deer approaching. He lay in wait as they came nearer. The buck tripped happily ahead and walked straight into the trap. The villager shot him with his arrow, killing him on the spot. The doe ran back into the forest, frightened but safe. The villager carried home the dead buck as a feast for his family.
The wood fairies had been watching quietly. Some were scared and hid among the trees. Some felt angry that the doe had run back, leaving the buck to be killed. But the worried fairy said wisely, “Only the buck himself was to blame. He was infatuated with the doe. She warned him but he took no notice. He died because of his own silliness.”