We should have finished what we started. We showed mercy, and because of that, many deer lay dead or dying. There's very little we can do for them, my heart aches.

As I write this, Hollow Shades lies in ruins. A large portion of the forest is now nothing more than a smoldering, grey husk.

We arrived soon after the flames had grown their largest. We did what we could, literally dragging the worst of the wounded away from the flames, trying to heal them. We helped scavenge whatever we could from the burning tents, items of both practical and sentimental value. There wasn't nearly enough water to put out the fire, it was too big, too far gone.

It was our fault.

After the initial chaos, we managed to rescue the medicine doe we had met previously, and it was through her that we learned what the hay was going on.

Big Iron's crew changed course, heading for Hollow Shades rather than Manehattan. The deer believed them to be in need of medical attention, and they immediately realized their mistake upon removing their chains. It was a massacre, and before anyone could figure out what was happening, the forest was in flames.

We continued to help out as best we could, though I highly doubt we made that much of an impact. At least the soil will be fertile.

As soon as everyone was accounted for, the crew split into 2 teams. The first would stay behind, both to defend and help the survivors. The second was to enter the still burning forest and dispose of any and all members of Big Iron's crew. I was part of that second team, and we went in knowing that we had to finish what we started back at Neighagara Falls. We hated every second of it, but we knew what had to be done.

The mission didn't take too long to accomplish. The fire certainly helped a significant amount. There are a few still unaccounted for, but both sides understand full well that their fate was sealed the moment they entered the forest.

The crew now numbers exactly 80 individuals. Progress has slowed significantly, and I pray that Celestia forgives us.

We'll start laying track once we're sure Hollow Shades is free of danger.