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A Special Brew

"Come in."

I heeded the soft welcome, opening the door after retracting my hand from knocking. I closed the wooden entry behind me, before turning to formally face the Duke.

"Ah, Nasha," he greeted, standing to meet me, "what can I do for you?"

The horse stood around my height, which was impressive given the length of my neck. He eyed me as he approached, opening his arms for a hug. I denied him as I spoke.

"Don't try to sweeten me with your words, you know why I am here."

He sighed in resignation, dropping his arms.

"Can I pretend that I don't?"

"It won't do you much good."

"But can I pretend?"

"Like how you pretend you don't have a wife?"

"Don't bring her into this."

"Oh shouldn't I?" I returned, "You seem to forget her as often as you forget your morals, Duke."

He whistled, dropping his rear against the desk as he perched himself.

"You bite hard, Nasha, I've always appreciated that about you."

"Save it." I barred my teeth, "We need to do something, anything!"

The Duke released another sigh, looking down to my sandals.

"I'm working on it."

"Could have fooled me," I responded, "More and more livestock is disappearing by the month, if we don't do something, anything, then soon it'll be p--"

"You need not remind me the stakes." He pushed himself up as he interrupted.

"Then act, moron." I jabbed, "Get more guards, construct a wall. Quit lining your vault and spend the gold!"

"I can't just conjure up the materials. You could though, you witch."

I stepped forward, meeting his maw as I seethed.

"Alchemist, chemist, explorer, adventurer, problem-solver. Use any descriptor other than that peasant speak!"

"Still sore about the church?"

"I'm sore of you."

"Hey now, I didn't go that hard last time."

I turned away from him.

"You sicken me, Duke. From your regal clothing to your bones, I despise you when you're in charge."

He, unexpectedly, came up and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me in for a hug from behind. He held his brown snout over mine, the little white splotch of fur barely visible at the top of his snout.

"Hey now." He whispered, nearly in a sultry growl, "You have my word, I'm working on it."

I huffed.

"I should have let you die in those woods." I half wished, sinking into his grasp, "I should have never let your honeyed words get to me."

The Duke exhaled, his hot breath streaking over my ossicones.

"But you did let it get to you." He grumbled.

I shuddered, a warmth collecting below my green dress. I felt him tug at my sides, attempting to rile me up.

"And from what I recall, it really got to you."

I groaned, feeling his wandering hands. I reached up, grasping his hanging mane, clenching a fistful of black, coarse hair.

"Tell you what." I began, thinking towards the town, "You do your part to help the town from this scourge."

"And?"

"And I'll do mine."

I bucked my hips back, using his over-arched angle to pry him over my shoulder. His weight flew with my tug, and I guided him directly onto his coffee table. The wooden furniture gave way under the immense weight of a thrown stallion. He huffed as I held his hand, shaking it.

"Glad we have a deal." I commented, stepping over him to leave.

He laid forsaken in the rubble, panting as I exited, his two guards stepping back as I left.

"Boys."

I made my way down the spiral staircase, entering the state room below the Dukes' quarters. As I made my way out of the castle, I whistled to myself, letting my hips sway gently like the breeze as I walked. The cobble streets of the common area found my sandals as I tread. For five years and four full moons, this place had been home. I passed the baker, waving to his little daughter as she ran outside. She gave me a short wave, before the little badger darted off to join her friends. The simple village of Atlan held good people, even if under the thumb of a cheating Duke. The hubbub of the bazaar gave me cause to tune the world out for a moment as I thought up a plan. My thoughts were disturbed as I bumped into a man.

"Oh goodness!" I pardoned, "I'm so sorry."

I looked down, a rat in a butchers coat held his torso up, several pans of raw meat now laying forsaken at his feet.

"Dammit Nasha," The Butcher of Atlan cursed while checking his palms, "you gotta watch where you're going."

"I know," I excused, helping to pick him up, "I'm really sorry."

"Well, sorry isn't gonna wash this meat."

"No..." I said, feeling down, before eyeing the raw loin, 'No, but I can make it up to you."

"Only if you wanna pay for this spoiled stock." He bargained.

"Actually, yes. I'll take it off your hands."

"Wait, really?" He inquired, "I didn't take you for the meat type."

I chuckled.

"No, it's not for me. It's for an experiment."

He clicked his tongue, before brushing his hands.

"Well, forty two gold should do."

I fetched the requested funds from my purse, passing it along to the annoyed rat.

"Very well," He said with a sigh, "It's all yours."

He left me to pick it up. I collected it all into the pan and continued along my way. Tonight, on the eve of the full moon, I'd venture into the woods and see what I could learn about the Beast.

The cool night air graced my bare collar, and the full moon weaved through the treeline to paint a scattered path before me. I tread lightly across the autumn leaves blanketing the forest floor. Each step brought me closer to my goal. I could feel my heart pounding through my chest. I did what I could to steady and calm myself, but my body shivered at the thought of what I'd convinced myself to do. I twig snapped below my step, and I froze. I felt movement in the treeline slightly behind me. I steadied my excited breath, before pressing on. I looked up at the pale moon, a lone shiver working down my elongated spine. I could feel the cool night air on my ossicones, and across the bare fur of my neck. With a steady exhale, I continued moving. I kept my head on a swivel, the full moon glaring through the trees like a watchful parent. My cloak glided over the thick brush and teased the edges of the path that I walked. I checked my bag, verifying that the seal around the meat was holding. I didn't want any of the smell to leak out until I could get to a safe distance. A howl cracked the night, and I froze.

"Dammit."

They were already out. I knew I had to hurry, but I'd hoped I would have more time. I quickly picked a clearing, placing my bag down and undoing the strands keeping it closed. I pried the sides open, allowing the fresh meat scent to linger into the night air. As quickly and quietly as I could, I darted for the nearby treeline. I took shelter, bringing up my notepad. I held a shard of charcoal in the other, waiting to sketch the beast. I waited. And waited. And waited some more. What felt like nearly an hour passed, and I'd taken to leaning back against the tree, watching the pile of meat. I sighed, beginning to rethink my plan.

"Maybe fresh livestock? I don't think anyone in town would be willing to let me have anything, given we've already lost so much."

With another sigh, I stood up, getting ready to head home. As I did, I heard a branch snap in the distance, which immediately caught my attention. I crouched down again, pinning myself to the tree in order to stay low and silent. I nearly halted my breathing.

"Where are you?"

The danger the beast posed had been observed by farmers left herdless after a single night. I knew I had to be careful. I waited with bated breath, my eyes scanning the treeline for any signs of movement. After a few minutes, I could see neither anything which had disturbed the meat, nor any movement beyond the trees. I sighed, standing up.

"Well that was a waste of--"

A twig in the bramble behind me snapped. My body did its best impression of a statue as I froze. Silence held the night of the forest, leaving me to only hear my own heart as it raced. I could feel each beat as the blood rushed up my long neck, fear and suspense gripping me. I turned slightly, attempting to get a look at the beast that had potentially made the noise. My shaky breath betrayed me. I was unable to stifle my excited breathing, and so short gasps made their way out. I looked, but nothing stood at my height at the treeline. I lowered my gaze, hearing more shuffling through the bush. I gasped.

"Oh, hello little badger."

She made her way through the bramble, sniffing around, possibly having smelled the meat.

"I'm sorry." I apologized softly, "It's over there, you can have some."

She seemed to follow my point, the feral creature ambling cautiously towards the pile.

"Phew." I sighed, "I thought I was a toast for sure."

I turned to leave, before a large presence stopped me. I stumbled back, caught off guard by the wall of fur and flesh that had stopped me. I shook my head and gained sight of the creature. The beast stood several lengths above my head, two neatly shaped golden orbs he held as eyes gazing down upon me. His fur was dense, and held a smokey gray color in the dim moonlight. Though he harbored the features of a wolf, he was measurably larger. Words escaped me, even as I attempted to step away, fear overriding everything.

"The Beast."

Wind caught my ears as I fled, darting away from the beast. He growled, lunging after me. I leapt over a berry bush, landing far passed the foot of the plant. As I heard him clear it, a metallic clank followed his heavy landing. The beast gave a ferocious growl, and I kept running. As I got further, I noticed he was no longer gaining. I listened for him, turning my ears back.

"Is that... crying?"

I stopped running, hearing his pained whimpers. I collected myself and looked, seeing that he was caught My body fought my heart. I wanted to run, to flee, to get far away and never look back into these dreaded woods again. Simultaneously, I needed to free him, to see any creature in pain drove a stake through my heart.

"Fucking fuck." I muttered to myself.

I began pacing back slowly, watching the beast as he fought to free himself. His leg, unfortunately caught, was bound by the tight jaws of a bear trap. I hissed, seeing the crimson blood as it spilled from his ankle.

"Oh, honey."

He growled at me, causing me to jump back. He then hissed, his snout curling into a frown as he looked at his ankle.

"I--I can help you!" I exclaimed.

He turned to look back at me, his imposing figure causing my heart rate to accelerate. I huffed, finally noticing his reddened flesh dangling between his thick thighs. I took my eyes off of it, collecting myself.

"Just, hang on, I can gather some supplies!"

I darted away, hearing him give a disapproving roar. I searched the damp forest floor.

"Lambs ear," I repeated, searching for the fuzzy leaves, "lambs ear, lambs...aha!"

I picked a few strands of the disinfecting plant, before locating some vine weed. I quickly strung the plants into an improvised bandage. I pulled up my water canteen, checking the contents.

"Should...should be enough."

I returned to the trail, finding that he was now attempting to gnaw at his shin.

"Hey! HEY! Stop that."

His eyes locked with mine, striking more fear through my body. I did my best to shake it off as I cautiously approached him.

"Listen, I'm here to help."

He barred his teeth, returning to biting at his own leg.

"Hey!"

I got as close as I felt safe, before lunging in. I placed my slipper on the locking mechanism, before parting the teeth of the trap with my hands. His leg came free, leaving some severed fur behind. He attempted to limp away, grunting as he struggled to move. I let the trap shut on itself, presenting no further harm to any creature near it.

"Hey now!"

I grabbed the back of his knee, pinning it down into the grass. He collapsed partially, yowling as I applied water to the wound.

"Stay still!"

He struggled, but I managed to maneuver the makeshift bandage around his wound. As I tightened the vine, he turned, kicking me back. I let him go, catching myself as I fell. He limped off into the night, leaving me alone. His imposing figure disappeared into the underbrush, the sound of his retreat following him into the still night. I caught my breath, inspecting myself for wounds. I sighed as I found none. I looked to the trap, before looking back out into the woods. I got up, dusting myself off.

"I have a lot to learn about this Beast." I thought, "Maybe it can be harmed...and it was definitely a he..."

The image of his length hung in my mind. I shook it off, picking up my canteen.

"I need to get home."

I gathered everything up and began the short trek. I looked up, stopping to get my bearings with the stars.

"North...East, there we go."

With the heavens above guiding me, I made it swiftly to my cabin, pushing the front door open. I placed the trap on the table, sighing as I followed it with the rest of my gear. I looked to the smoldering embers of the fire I'd left behind. The lonely cabin felt smaller tonight, the cobblestone walls somehow smaller than I remembered. I fetched a few logs from the pile outside the door, before stacking them over the embers. I breathed life into the fire, illuminating the small space around me. I sat on the edge of the bed, mulling the image of the beast around in my mind. I tried brainstorming as to how I would get more information on the beast. As I thought, I was constantly interrupted by the sight of his dangling member. I parted my cloak, finding my labia soaked.

"Yeah girl?" I asked in my head, "Bit lost in the moment, huh?"

I concluded that in the excitement of everything, that she'd warmed up as well. I ignored my moist loins, rolling up instead to look at the fur on the trap.

"You." I spoke quietly, "You might have the answers I need."

"But I'll need something to compare the fur to."

I sighed, realizing the answer.

"Devon or Russ." I pondered quietly, "Which wolf will help?"

I thought between the two, biting my lip as my current state got the better of me.

'Devon's more handsome." I concluded in thought, "I'll go see him tomorrow. Just need to convince him to cooperate."

I looked to my groin.

"And you, settle down."

With the sunrise, I found myself waltzing through town again. Significantly calmer than the night before, I still found myself determined to pursue my investigation. I pushed the heavy wooden door to the tavern open, allowing myself entry.

"We're closed." Davon's gravely voice returned from behind the bar.

"It's just me." I excused, walking further in.

He turned to face me, his gray fur clearly ruffled by my entry.

"And I said, we, are, closed."

"I need some of your fur." I pressed on.

"What part of closed don't you understand?" He began, polishing another mug.

"Is there anyone else here?" I asked.

"Well, no."

"Then maybe you can help me."

"I'm sorry." He excused, "You...need some of my fur?"

"Just a strand or two." I elaborated, sitting at the bar and making myself comfortable.

"Kind of an odd request." The tall, Wolf bartender pointed out, "What for?"

"I'm doing some research. I just need a couple hairs."

He gave a soft chuckle.

"Nothin's free in this town." Dagon resumed.

"I can spare five gold." I bargained, leaning in.

His laugh bellowed through the empty building.

"Tell you what Nasha, I like you. I like you a lot. Despite your barging in, I'll cut you a deal."

"I'm all ears."

"My beds been a little cold lately, if you catch my meaning."

I clicked my tongue.

"For just some fur?" I inquired, "I think that'd be worth...maybe some mouth time."

The handsome wolf leaned in, pressing his elbows against the bar as he faced me.

"Don't get stingy on me," he bargained back, "everyone knows you've been humping the Duke every fortnight."

"Rumors. Though everyone knows I could go to your brother, the cobbler." I argued.

"He...Well, fine, a blowie'll do."

Satisfied with our bargain, I pushed myself up.

"But not here." Devon jested, "Don't want someone barging in like you just did."

"So where to, stud?" I inquired.

"My room's upstairs." He offered.

"Lead the way."

He set down the mug and his rag. With a delighted grin, he led me upstairs, latching his room door shut behind him. The wood flooring creaked as I waltzed over it, watching as he approached the thatch bed. The A frame roof left little in the way of room for me to maneuver, so I ducked most of the way as I joined him.

"So we--"

I pushed him onto the bed, before yanking his pants off.

"Ah! Eager are we?"

I pushed his torso down, letting his red, fleshy erection face the ceiling.

"Quiet and let me work." I recommended, wetting my lips.

I brought his length into my mouth. He groaned as I sank down, running my tongue along his member. I watched his head as I fellated him, all while using my other hand to pin his hips down to keep him from humping too hard. He shuddered as I pressed my nose all the way into his belly fur.

"Fuckin' aye." He remarked, his shaft twitching in my mouth.

I brought myself up, letting his dick flop out of my mouth with a soft pop. He attempted to lean up, but found that I'd moved my hand to the side of his ankle. I pinched and ripped some of the fur.

"Ow! Hey!"

"Deal's a deal." I remarked.

"But I didn't cum!" He argued, "And ow!"

I stood up, at least as up as I could with the shallow ceiling.

"And you never said anything about needing to."

I made my way for the door, unlocking and opening it as he scrambled to put his pants on.

"So I guess we're done here." I finished.

He tripped and flopped onto his torso.

"Nasha! Come back here!"

I left him screeching, standing fully up as I reached the bottom of the stairs. With a sigh, I left the building, still clutching the fibers in my fingers as I walked. As I reached my home, I placed the fur next to the gathered beast fur on my desk. I then discarded my cloak. I searched through my cabinets, attempting to locate my magnifying glass.

"Where are you...come on...you've got...to...be...there you are."

I grabbed it and pinched some of Devon's fur. I examined the base through the warped lens, allowing me to see the hairs at multiple magnitudes beyond what I might see with the naked eye. The structure of the hair seemed clean, with neat rows showing steady growth. Typical of an anthro. Devon's fur showed no signs of feral or even wild fur, the fibers of each usually being shorter and thinner. I sighed, setting down the clean hairs. I fetched some of the beast hair, gazing at it through the lens.

"Whoa."

The growth looked much more jagged, more than I would have expected to see from a feral creature, and even more than I would have expected from a wild one.

"Did it grow super fast?" I pondered quietly.

The color also looked much deeper the further down the follicle I gazed. The tips appeared nearly translucent, while the bases held the majority of the tone.

"Well this is progress, but I still don't know much."

I continued to think on the creature I'd gazed at last night. Clearly human features, but massive structure, sharp teeth, and a throbbing canine cock. I shook my head, getting the thought to leave.

"If they're not anthros, then what are they?" I thought to myself, "I need to talk to the farmers."

I set everything down and threw my cloak on again. With a hop and a skip, I was out the door again. I walked along the outside of the city, my hooves gliding through the tall grass as I moved. I heard the wind whisper through my ears with each passing gust. A smile curled across my maw, the soft grass curling beneath my hooves with each step. The texture beneath my tread reminded me briefly of home. Long, uninterrupted plains for as far as the eye could see. Yellow grass swaying like ocean waves in the wind. The grass here was much greener, the horizon dotted with a distant mountain, and hills to surround. There were more trees here than at home, entire forests taking up what would have been empty space to me as a child. I reached the thatched roof of the largest farm house. I quietly knocked, waiting for an answer. None came, prompting me to look out and around. I passed a few feral goats as I wandered, finally spotting the old farmer out in his pasture. A few feral cows parted and ran away as I approached, my large figure likely startling them. The farmer turned to see what the ruckus was, spotting me and smiling.

"Nasha." He prompted, "What brings you here?"

"Ted," I returned, "sorry to bother you."

"Not a bother at all." He said, turning his full attention to me, "What can I do for you?"

"I was...phew...I was hoping you could give me some insight on the Beast."

His expression sobered, and I watched the smile on the goat fade.

"Ah."

"I'm pursuing it, and was hoping you could answer some questions."

He crossed his arms as he spoke.

"What's a little girl like you hoping to do?" He inquired.

"I think I might be able to figure out where it's coming from." I began, "I got some hairs from it, and they're not normal, like our fur."

His frown persisted.

"Well, I haven't seen it. Seems they only come out at night, about once a month."

"Once a month..." I repeated, "What do they take?"

"They mostly go for the cattle. Bastards don't leave any blood, or nothin'."

"Hmm, do they go through the fence?"

"Not sure, I haven't had to repair any sections since they started taking 'em."

"I see."

I thought on the fence perimeter.

"So maybe they go over it?" I suggested.

"I thought so, too. But that beast'd have to sink it's claws or teeth into one of my girls to lift 'em up and over."

I doubted that assessment, but chose to let him continue.

"And the Duke's not doing a damn thing about it. I take it he put you up to this?"

"I put me up to this." I clarified, "I tried reasoning with him myself, but he's not listening."

"Mmm. Aren't you two, well, bed friendly with each other?"

I snickered.

"I think he fancies me more than I do him."

"Maybe rattle his nuts," Ted suggested, "that might get 'em to listen."

I shook my head at the idea. I then sighed, figuring I had gotten all the information I could out of Ted.

"Well, thank you for your time."

"Anytime."

I excused myself, before stopping.

"Would you...would you mind if I took a look at the fence perimeter?"

He shrugged.

"Let me know if you find anything." He suggested.

"Can do."

I started at the edge closest to his house, casually walking and inspecting the outside. He'd constructed the planks from sturdy wood, using nails to secure the slats in a horizontal fashion. This left spaces between the slats, likely for the feral animals to reach through the fence to eat the weeds and such growing around the base of the fence. I walked and inspected further, nothing seeming out of place until I reached the fence border with the forest. As the tall pines loomed overhead, I noticed a few indents in the weeds. The disturbed grass also led a path straight through where a section of fence should have prevented travel. I inspected the edges of the fence posts, finding tool indents in the wood.

"Aha."

They had used what looked like their claws to delicately separate the slats, allowing them to quietly make a hole in the fence.

"Clever Beast." I thought.

I thought further on telling the farmer. I also began to ponder if the other farmers had suffered similar tactics.

"I'll see if I can collect some more information. Maybe I'll keep a journal..."

I began moving away from the fence, heading towards home.

"Yes, a journal."

With morning, I found myself walking into town again. I passed through the quiet morning market, arriving at my intended location. The small shop stood at around two stories, the owner living above the storefront as many in this town did. The windows were open, the glass lined with books of all varieties and sizes. A wooden sign hung above the street, depicting a quill and a piece of parchment paper. I pushed inside, ducking under the tiny door frame as I entered. The smell of aged paper and ink filled my nostrils, the pleasant odor guiding me further inside. Like the windows teasing the contents, the store shelves themselves held even more books. Wooden shelves lined each wall, with rows of books from floor to ceiling. The store owner caught my gaze as I crouched through the abode which did little to cater to people of my height. The warm grin of the bear met me, his chubby figure covered in a soft shirt and vest, his lower portion obscured by the counter he stood behind. He ran a hand through his black fur on his head, his grin remaining as I prompted him.

"Morning, Demeter."

"Aye'. Mornin' Nasha."

He reached over the counter, his large arm meeting my shoulder as I reached across to hug him. As we broke away, Demeter spoke.

"What brings ye' in?"

I sighed, looking over the well-worn traveler as I thought up my answer.

"I need...perhaps...a blank book."

"A blank book, te' write in?" He inquired, speaking softly.

"Yes, like a journal."

He chuckled.

"I thought a traveler like ye' would already have one." He guessed, glancing around his shelves, "What size?"

"Umm, not sure. What sizes do you have?"

He clicked his tongue as he searched, picking and flipping through the pages of a few books here and there. I followed him on his search, the bear carefully flipping through each of the tomes with his claws.

"How's this?" He asked, turning and handing me an emerald, thin book.

I opened it up, seeing lined, but blank pages, stretching from cover to cover.

"This'll do nicely." I concluded, getting my coin purse.

As I offered to pay him, he refused. He lowered his broad paw after waving it, shaking his head simultaneously.

"Ye're a good lass." He added, "I know ye'll care for it, whatever ye' end up doin'."

I grinned.

"Thank you."

"What are ye' doin'?" Demeter pressed on, leaning his elbows on the counter top.

I set the book down and took a soft inhale.

"I'm studying a creature."

He leaned back slightly, his maw curling into a wider smile.

"Aye'. The Beast?"

"Yes." I answered honestly, "He's been terrorizing these poor people."

"So ye' wanna kill 'em?"

"I--well--no, not exactly."

He cocked his head to the side slightly, allowing me to elaborate.

"I--I don't want to harm him if I don't have to. I don't believe in unnecessary suffering."

"He?" Demeter picked out.

"It's a he, trust me." I assured him, "I just want to gather information and see what all I can do."

"What's been stoppin' ye'?"

"Nothing yet...except...Duke...fucking Duke...he won't do anything about it."

He nodded, staying quiet to let me continue.

"I want to study it, see if it can be dealt with." I resumed, "I tried making a deal with the Duke, but investing in him has been a poor choice of mine."

"Ye' saved his life." Demeter clarified, "I think that'd get ye' in."

"I thought so, too. But that, unfortunately, wasn't the case."

I sighed again.

"I'm just frustrated. The people are suffering, and if I don't somehow deal with the Beast, then I don't think anyone will."

"Might it be..." Demeter began, before trailing off.

"Yes?"

"Might it be that Duke's got other plans?"

"Other plans? Getting rich, sure. I just don't think he's taking this issue seriously."

"Maybe not." Demeter concluded, clapping his hands, "Well, anything else for ye'?"

"No, that should do. Thanks again."

"Of course."

I slipped out of his shop, ducking through the doorway. I made sure my head cleared the sign before I stood up fully, happy that I could finally stretch my legs. With the scent of books behind me, I began walking. I knew I'd have a month to prepare and gather info. A grin slid across my maw. The next full moon would find me ready.

I set the last leaf down, carefully arranging the yellowed, discarded foliage. I stretched as I stood up, observing the spread area of dry leaves. I then turned my attention to the horizon, seeing the last rays of light disappearing over the mountain. I walked away, pulling up my book to check my calculations again in what light remained. I reached my hiding spot, Farmer Ted being kind enough to let me setup next to his chicken coop. I sat on the hay bale, craning my neck to hide among the bales. I tucked my yellow cloak in, inspecting my figure to check how visible I was. I figured at a distance, that my frame would be indistinguishable from the hay. I laid back in, setting the small book to my side. I watched intently, the moon rising across the valley. I sat as crickets began singing to the open air. I sat as the coolness set in, a soft wind carrying my scent away from the edge of the forest. I sat as I kept my eyes fixed on the fence, waiting for the Beast to come up and pry the planks off. Minutes passed, the quiet night dragging on. I could hear the chickens inside the coop, the ferals quietly cooing and grooming their feathers inside.

"Come on," I thought, "it's night, come on."

I swallowed, relaxing my jaw as I realized I'd been clenching my teeth. I blinked a few times, wetting my eyes as I watched. I couldn't see any movement through the treeline, and sighed quietly.

"Come on."

My breasts rose and fell with my breathing. I worked to steady them, keeping quiet in case the Beast could hear at incredible distances. I kept myself ready, ignoring my limbs requests to just stretch or move. Suddenly, my fur stood on end as a shriek pierced the night.

"What the--?"

I fought the urge to glance around, fearing possibly giving my position away. The woman's cry appeared to have came from behind me. I steadied my breathing, turning slowly as I elevated my neck to glance over the hay. A doe in a cloak was in the process of fending off multiple men. I gazed at the conflict, before discovering who the men were. Even in the dim light, their maroon uniforms and chain mail gave away their positions as town guards. The doe in the cloak pushed one of them away, another guard making his way behind her during the distraction. I glanced back at the opening to the forest, cursing as I knew I'd have to assist the woman in need. I slowly rolled up, being sure to preserve my stealth as I began approaching. I slid my little book into my right hand, preparing to toss it at one of them as a distraction. I advanced, my hooves making practically no noise against the grass as I moved through. The sounds of their tussle made for an even better opportunity to get closer. I raised my arm, one guard taking note of the moving grass around me. I hurled the book, the heavy leather tome landing with a smack against his muzzle. The coyote recoiled, his brothers in arms noticing their fallen comrade. I jumped up, planting my hoof against the one holding the struggling doe. He fell back, the other guard calling out in the confusion I'd created. As I landed, I grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards the dark woods. The last guard finally spotted me, rearing his spear up towards me. Before he could aim it fully, I had brought my neck down, thwacking the smaller man with my neck. His chain mail protected from blades, but not blunt force trauma. He was sent back, landing in the grass near his other fallen comrade. I recovered quickly, before tugging on her wrist and beginning to retreat.

"Run!" I instructed to her quietly.

She kept pace with me as we disappeared into the overgrowth of the night forest. I heard a heaving, clanking behind us, and looked to see that one guard had gotten up and was giving chase.

"Fuck!"

As he pursued, we ducked under branches and hopped over bushes. He pushed through the bramble, keeping a surprising pace. I watched over my shoulder as he heaved his spear up, tossing it into the air to catch it on the underside. He prepared to throw, the coyote showing no mercy in his hateful gaze. My eyes widened as he prepared his attack.

"ACK!"

I tripped, the very wind seeming to sweep passed myself and the doe. She fell with me, both of us landing in a whirl of fur and fabric. We rolled to a stop, and my body fought to bring me up to a defensive stance, knowing the guard was still hot on our trail. As I stood, fists raised and ready to fight, I found no one. The guard was gone.

"What...the..."

I glanced around, seeing if he had maybe retreated himself. The dazed doe remained on the ground beside me, but I put her out of my mind as I searched. I stepped forward, approaching the bush I'd tripped over. On the other end sat his spear, laying forsaken on the forest floor, the full moon overhead illuminating the sharpened point of the staff. I looked back at the doe.

"Seems we're--"

Pure horror occupied her gaze as she looked up at me. I whipped around quickly, pondering if the guard had gotten the drop on me. I found nothing. I heard a twig snap above me, forcing me to crane my neck to glance upwards.

"Oh."

Crimson blood trickled down the sleeves of the maroon uniform. Chain mail offered no protection for the coyote, who found himself in the jaws of the Beast. The guard's body hung lifeless, his head craned in a direction that indicated to me a broken neck. The yellowed eyes of the Beast glared down into my soul, the orbs standing in stark contrast to the dark branches around him. I glanced down at his ankle perched on a sturdy branch, noting the scar tissue. I gave a light smile, as I realized my little trick had worked in helping the creature heal. The Beast carefully moved, taking his pray with him into the night as he climbed further up the branches, before hopping from one tree to the next. As he left my sight, I turned to face the doe. She still sat frozen, her lip trembling with fear. She wore a brown cloak, with a saturated green dress beneath it. She was also barehoof, her black toes digging into the underbrush as her body remained tense.

"It's alright." I quietly assured her, "You're safe now."

"Wh-what was that thing?!" She quietly asked.

"The Beast." I informed her, "And possibly now a friend. Come on, let's get you--"

I stopped as I got a clearer view of her face. She seemed to get one of mine as I approached, her fear dissipating.

"Oh," she muttered, "it is you."

"Yes it is." I answered, putting one hand on my hip as I offered her the other, "Come on, let's get you home."

"I wasn't going home." She clarified, getting up without accepting my hand.

"Then where were you going?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? Witch." She cursed, her teeth shining white as she flashed them at me.

"You know what? You're right. I don't need to know. But you're welcome for the rescue."

"I didn't need one." She strongly declared, "I had the situation handled."

"Really, Luna?" I declared, "I know you don't like me, but at least a thank you, or--"

"No." She uttered sharply, "You're vile, and you're wrong."

"How wrong can I be?" I inquired, "I helped--"

"You helped me to get more favors with Duke, hmm?" Luna interrupted, "To get into his pants and his pockets. To steal his riches and--"

"I helped because it was the right thing to do!" I argued, "Had I known it was you, I wouldn't have acted any differently, alright?"

Luna huffed, turning herself towards the open forest ahead.

"Very well. I'll be on my way, you should be on yours."

"Where are you going?" I inquired, "The town's that way."

She turned and stomped.

"I'm not going back! I can't and I won't!"

"Whoa, easy."

She huffed again, before turning into the woods.

"I--I'm lost." She admitted, "Where are we?"

I glanced around, getting my bearings from the stars above.

"Like I said, town is that way." I said as I pointed East, "North is that direction, and I could help you navigate if you'd just tell me where you're going, alright?"

Luna stared into the open woods. I made my way to her side, watching hot tears well in her eyes. She bit her lip angrily as she faced the dark woods.

"I'm going anywhere." She declared.

"Anywhere?"

"Anywhere that's not here." She finished, sniffling.

She collected herself, and I let her speak.

"Away from this town. Away from Duke. Away from these people..."

She glanced up at me, tears streaming down her cheek.

"Away from you."

I looked down at her quietly, watching as she continued to cry. She balled up her fists, gripping her cloak. I disarmed myself as I let my shoulders sink.

"Sounds like you need to vent."

"Not to you." She barked, bringing a hand up to wipe her tears.

Her lower jaw continued to tremble as she fought back tears.

"Why are you being nice to me?"

"Because I'm not as bad as Duke made me out to be." I clarified.

She sniffled, before her eyes slowly scanned the tops of the trees around us.

"I'm afraid that thing will come back for us."

I gave a weak smile.

"I'm sure the Beast won't." I stated, setting my hand gently on her shoulder, "But, if you'd like to come back to my cabin, I'm sure we can chat there, safely."

She brushed my hand off of her shoulder, wiping her eyes in a similar motion.

"Duke'll look for me there." She stated, "I need to get to a road."

"To be fair, I think the last place that oaf would expect would be my place." I imagined aloud.

I looked her over again.

"What supplies do you have?"

"Hmm?"

"Supplies?" I inquired, "Food, water, means of shelter."

"I..."

Luna glanced off into the woods again, a twig snapping in the distance.

"I have my mother's necklace." She finally spoke, pulling up the gold locket.

I offered another weak smile, before gesturing with a wave of my neck.

"Come back to my place, we'll get you set up."

I turned and began walking, Luna staying put.

"I fear you'll trick me, witch." She muttered, her hooves planted in the soil.

"I could." I admitted over my shoulder, "But I also could have left you for dead."

I watched as she looked around, scanning the tops of the trees again. She soon moved, following in my stride as we walked. She moved gracefully, her cloak flowing in the quiet evening wind.

"How do you know your cabin is this way?" She inquired.

I pointed up at the clear night sky, observing the stars above.

"A man in the vast desert taught me how to navigate with the stars." I stated, "They shifted a little as I walked further North. I believe the planet we're on is rounded."

"Like a circle?" She asked.

"Like a ball." I clarified, "Home for me, in the Savanna, the stars were different. Here, look."

I stopped and pointed through the branches, highlighting the crooked arrow made by four bright stars.

"Those point towards the grand mountain. The grand mountain is North of us, meaning that the town is to the North East. My cabin's on the North West side of town, so we'll hit it without having to go through town."

"You can tell all of that from the stars?"

"More than that." I clarified, "I met an elder in the ancient river basin, who showed me how to use curved, sharpened glass pieces. She called them lenses, and they could focus on smaller things and make them look larger."

"How is that possible?"

"I'll show you." I said, watching as our stride broke the treeline.

My cabin stood solitary in the field, only my small farm patch protruding beside the small building. I opened the door, moving myself in before offering her entry. She stood at the edge of the stairs, refusing to enter, choosing instead to speak.

"You won't trick me?" She inquired.

I shook my head.

"This is my home." I offered, "And as long as you're here, it's yours, alright?"

She seemed to mull all the bad blood between us over. Her eyebrows curled as she thought hard, before her hooves carefully carried her inside. I slowly closed the door behind her, before turning to prepare the fire.

"What did you throw?" She asked.

"I'm sorry?"

"At the guard. I heard something hit his head, what was that?"

"Oh...Oh, shit. My book!"

"Book?"

I brought my hands down from my muzzle, sighing as I realized the guards would have easily taken it by now.

"I...I was gathering information on the Beast." I clarified, resuming stacking logs in the stone fireplace, "I've been interviewing people through the town, collecting stories and accounts."

"Why?"

I set a bundle of premade kindling beneath the stacked logs, She watched as I grasped a sharpened stone, holding it against a shiny rock at the edge of the wood. I struck the stone, sparks flying off the metal nugget. One landed in the dried grass and crumpled kindling, igniting the brown pile. I pulled away, gently blowing to feed the growing flame. As the fire grew, I pulled my face back and sighed.

"Because the Beast has been harming the town." I resumed, "I wanted to find a way to deal with it. Begging Duke hasn't gotten me anywhere...never really has come to think of it."

"He...He did put the curfew in place."

"Curfew?" I inquired.

"Yes."

"I don't know what that word means." I stated.

"It's, uh, it's like a bed time, for the whole town."

"Wait, what?"

I turned to face her, the warmth of the fire glowing across my back.

"On nights where the moon is full, no one is to be outside after dark. Only when the sun rises may you wander."

"When was this announced?"

"In church, last week." She clarified.

"Ah, that's why I wouldn't have heard it."

She huffed, sitting down beside my desk.

"So he put this...curfew...in place to keep people safe?" I inquired.

Luna nodded, before I resumed.

"And I imagine that's why you were sneaking out."

"I wasn't sneaking out."

"Then why were the guards harassing you near Ted's farm?"

"Because--"

She huffed, sighing after as she began to explain.

"Alright. I thought I could sneak away from the town while no one was out. I didn't think Duke would post guards, or that a group of them would see me. What were you doing out?"

"I didn't know about the curfew." I began.

"Would you have followed it if you did?"

I shrugged, standing up and grabbing the cast iron kettle.

"Probably not."

I walked to the edge of the window, opening the spout to the rain collector. Clean water poured into the open top, before I shut the spigot off and walked back to the fire. I hung the kettle over the blaze, dangling it so the tops of the flames licked the base.

"But if you must know," I resumed, "I had set a surprise for the Beast."

"A surprise?" She inquired.

I seized a seat for myself, relaxing and pulling my weight off my hooves. Luna watched as I stretched, allowing me to resume.

"I was sitting back, waiting to observe the creature. But...then I heard you."

"So that's what you were doing out?"

I nodded slowly, bringing my arms back down and resting. I sighed, basking in the warm light of the fire before us.

"If you really were trying to sneak out," I began, "you picked a hell of a night to--"

"Eh!" She barked, "Do not use that word?"

"Which one?"

"The H word. It's said the Dark One can hear you if you utter the name of his domain!"

I grinned at her hushed tone, her worried expression, and her now curved posture. I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees as I spoke.

"Very well. I won't use it."

She relaxed a little, glancing around at the sealed windows.

"I...I already don't feel safe here."

"Then what can I do to make it safer?" I inquired.

She glanced back at me, her eyes locking with mine in a seeming disbelief.

"Y--you really don't have to."

"I know." I resumed, "But I want to. If you're worried about guards coming out here. They rarely if ever do."

"Really? Why?"

"The_church_ has made them afraid of my magic." I said, rolling my eyes, "They truly believe I'm capable of something that I'm not."

"So you don't know magic?" She asked.

I shook my head slowly, leaning forward towards my desk. I picked up the magnifying glass, offering it to her.

"I use tools, same as anyone, to discover the finer details and inner workings of the world around me."

She accepted the brass-rimmed glass plate, gazing over it while turning it over slowly in her hands.

"The curve of the lens allows for the magnification of objects."

"What does that mean?"

I glanced around, before my eyes rested on her ring. The diamond stood out from her tan fur, the silver band playing host to the large rock. I moved myself towards her, gently taking the magnifying glass and putting it between her eyes and her finger.

"Look here."

She observed the diamond.

"Wow, it's...It's beautiful." She stated, "what makes the glass do that?"

"Its curve." I clarified, pulling it and showing it at an angle to her, "It bends the light, allowing for objects to appear slightly larger."

I moved the glass closer to the ring.

"See those cracks in there?"

"Oh no!" She gasped, "It's cracking?"

"Well, yes. Diamonds do that." I further explained, "Real diamonds, anyway. Their imperfections, even at the smallest scale, is what can make them valuable."

I heard the kettle begin to whistle. I turned back, using the cast iron fork beside the fire to pull the steaming kettle free of the flame. I brought it over to my work station, setting it on the basalt rock I kept on the wooden counter. I then put the fork down, fishing around my work station for a few mugs. Once I found them, I pulled them down, before fetching a container.

"What's in there?" Luna inquired, setting the magnifying glass down on the table.

"I visited a land with a great wall," I began, sifting through the dried leaves, before showing her the open container, "they had many strange yet beautiful things. They taught me some of their language, and they gave me this. They called it Tea."

"Tea?" She asked, "What is it though?"

"Leaves from a plant they were growing. It made the water they gave me taste sweeter."

I deposited some of the leaves into the open top of the kettle, allowing them to swirl in the bubbling water. I used a wooden spoon to stir them around, Luna watching cautiously over my shoulder.

"Are you sure it isn't poison?" She inquired.

I scoffed.

"If I wanted to poison you, I wouldn't do it in my own home." I clarified, "In fact, I wouldn't do it at all."

I tapped the spoon against the edge, shaking some of the tea off the spoon. I set it down and began searching for my filter as I spoke further.

"Besides, if you're going to poison someone around here, using leaves would be a pretty weak way to do it. Those red berries you see in the woods, that look like little tomatoes?"

"Yeah?"

"Those are poisonous, though eating a few will only give you a light stomach ache. However, mixed with Nettle and ground wheat, it becomes a sort of acidic poison."

"How do you know all of this?"

I found the filter, sitting tucked away between two existing experiments. I pulled it out and placed it over the first mug. I then carefully lifted the still-hot kettle, pouring the water in. The fine mesh of feral horse tail hair caught the leaves, allowing the water to pass through. I filled the first mug, before transferring to the second and repeating the process. Luna watched intently as I finished, before speaking as I handed her a mug.

"Demeter has some wonderful books from all around the world." I stated, "He's quite knowledgeable himself."

"Who?"

She sat down with me, suspiciously eyeing the steaming drink as I sipped.

"He runs the book shop, center of town." I clarified, before spotting her drink, "It's safe, I assure you."

She reluctantly brought the mug up to her lips. I watched as she carefully sipped, before her ears perked up.

"It's...delicious."

"Isn't it?"

She sighed, relaxing.

"I'm sorry, Duke drilled into me that you were a truly wretched bat. But here you are. You've been nothing but kind to me all evening, I'm...I'm sorry he gave me the wrong impression of you."

"I am, too." I stated, taking another sip, "Last we spoke, I cursed him for helping him."

"You put a curse on him?"

"Oh, no. Sorry, I called him names, nothing more."

"Oh. He told me that you threw him into a table."

"Oh yeah, I did do that."

"So...what gives you your strength?" She asked.

"I'm sorry?"

"Your strength." She repeated, sipping after.

"Well, giraffes are...bigger, by nature."

"I'd never met anyone like you before." Luna clarified, "Duke told me you drank a potion or something, and that's what gives you power."

"I've met many in the land of the North who haven't." I said, taking another sip, "As for my strength, I think it just comes with my size."

"So no magic potions?" She jested, cracking a weak smile.

I chuckled, downing the rest of the tea.

"Alright, let's get you ready for the road."

I stood up, setting the mug down on my work station.

"Do you have a bag?" I inquired.

I looked over at her, answering my own question as I did.

"Right, I'll let you take my old one."

I walked over, reaching beneath my bed and pulling up the dusty leather pack. I blew it off, before smacking it a few times to get the rest of the dust clear. Luna spoke as I cleaned it.

"Will that leave you with anything?"

I shook my head, turning back and setting it on the bed.

"I...I get a funny feeling I'll be staying in this town for a while." I said, glancing towards the sealed window, "Between what I've learned about farming from this place...and how much help this town needs. I think I'll be here a good long while."

"Is that why you're trying to kill the Beast?" She asked.

I scoffed lightly.

"I'm not trying to kill it." I explained, grabbing my old tent pack, "I think there's more going on."

"How so?"

"I know he can be killed." I clarified, "I've seen him be injured, and bleed. But I also noticed that he only comes out around the full moon."

"Oh."

I finished securing the tent to the side of the pack, before looking around for the sleeping roll.

"But someone put bear traps along the trails through the forest. I'm not sure if it was just an incompetent hunter, or a genuine attempt from Duke to deal with the Beast."

I sighed.

"Might have been both." I resumed, "I'm not honestly sure."

"So why not kill it?" She egged, "He's been stealing livestock."

"That's my curiosity." I picked up again, "Tonight I was trying to catch him in the act, before I heard you."

"Ah."

"I think he was using his claws to pry the wooden fence slats off the edge of the fence, by the forest." I began, "At least for Farmer Ted's property. I looked at the other farmers gates, and couldn't find any similar signs. I'm not sure how the Beast would have gotten a feral cow over the fence without breaking it."

"What about the wild animals out there?" I asked.

"That's my other curiosity, I haven't seen or heard of him hunting the wildlife."

"Fascinating." She concluded.

"My thoughts exactly."

"What...what about anthros?"

"Well...yes, he got the guard."

"I remember." She shuddered, "He...he didn't even scream."

"I don't think he had time to." I huffed, before glancing around, "Do you have a spare change of clothes?"

She shook her head.

"Water canteen?"

Again, she shook her head.

"Good he--wow, um, you really weren't prepared, were you?"

She sipped the last of her tea.

"I didn't know how far I would even make it." She admitted, "As long as it was anywhere but in that damned castle..."

I crouched beside her as I approached, looking up into her eyes.

"Hey now, it's alright. We'll get you ready to go."

Luna offered a weak smile. I stood up and continued to pack for her, mulling over some comforting words as I did.

"I don't believe he'll attack you." I clarified.

"What makes you so sure?" She inquired.

"Because he could have when we were there." I muttered, "And he could have with me much earlier."

I thought about him chasing me. I remembered my racing breath and beating heart as I ran. Then I thought about tonight. The rushing wind and how the Beast had moved passed me with terrific force. If he had wanted to catch and kill me that night, he well could have. I shook it off as Luna spoke.

"How close have you come to the Beast?"

"Barring tonight," I began, "I've touched him."

"Really?!" She asked.

I pointed to the desk.

"Some of his fur is there." I stated, "I compared it to other wolves in town, but it bears a tenuous resemblance at best."

Luna nodded slowly, seeming to process the information as I provided it. I walked across the cabin, opening my little leather canteen and putting the nozzle up to the spigot. I watched as it inflated with water.

"The nearest town is Dunemire." I stated, "But they'll likely dispatch guards to look for you there."

"So don't go there." She agreed aloud, "I was thinking of Champester."

I whistled.

"That's a good long walk." I stated as I closed the spigot, "Are you sure you can make that?"

"I'll manage." Luna excused quickly.

I sealed the canteen, passing it to her.

"This should be about a day's worth of water. Don't drink from the rivers without boiling it first."

"Why not?"

"Because you'll get dysentery."

"What's that?"

"To put it bluntly," I said, crossing the cabin to retrieve the pack, "it's where you shit yourself until you die."

"Oh. How does boiling help?"

"It sanitizes the water." I clarified, "kills all the little bugs and germs inside. Once it cools down, it should be good to go."

I took a small glass container with a metal lid, being sure to package up some of the tea leaves for her.

"Add some potatoes or other veggies, and you've got yourself a nice stew."

I passed her the pack, and the small glass jar.

"Here, this should get you at least to Champester."

She looked across all the items I'd afforded her.

"What do I owe you?"

I waved my hand.

"I feel the bad blood between us was misplaced, can you agree."

She looked back up at me, nodding slowly.

"You're kind. Kinder than I anticipated, Nasha."

"Likewise."

She stood up slowly, gathering the things I'd offered.

"Well, I guess I should go."

"I can see you out."

She heaved the backpack over her shoulder, straining under the sudden weight. She straightened her back immediately after, puffing her chest out towards the door. I opened it for her, and poked my head out, checking for any guards or nearby individuals. With the coast clear, I moved outside with her.

"I'll walk you to the road," I clarified, "I wish I could walk all the way with you."

She smiled fully, her lips curling all the way for the first time since our new introduction.

"That's alright. I don't want the fire burning down your cabin."

I responded after looking around for any sign of someone peering our way.

"It'll go out long before it can." I assured her, "Besides, I can--"

A distant gust of wind and a shriek caught my attention. Luna looked towards the edge of the farms with me.

"What was that?"

"I think...I think someone found my surprise."

We exchanged looks, before she began walking towards it.

"For the Beast?" She asked.

I reached forward, grasping the strap of her pack. She halted, looking over her shoulder at me.

"Let's..."

I thought about the direction that the shriek had originated from. The soft night wind parted the grass in waves between us. I found my words as she spoke again.

"Nasha?"

"Let's get you to the road." I suggested, thinking about my surprise, "I'll investigate after."

She nodded slowly, taking a moment to agree with me.

"S-sure."

I released her pack and we began walking. We hugged the treeline, staying relatively hidden at the edge of the forest as we walked. She and I soon reached the edge of the road, the long dirt path carved wide enough for feral horse-drawn carriages.

"This is the road out." I clarified, "There will be a fork in the road about twelve clicks out."

"What's a click?"

I sighed.

"An arbitrary unit of measurement, I thought your people used it."

"I've never heard it." She clarified.

"Huh, well. Keep walking until you reach a fork in the road, take the left path and hug the right side of the trail. Understood?"

She nodded, reaching her hand out to shake mine.

"Thank you. Truly, for all your help."

I accepted her shake, before pointing down the road.

"Of course. Go quickly, daylight is fading."

She nodded again, pulling up her pack and beginning the long trek out. As I watched her disappear into the distance, I spoke quietly.

"I wish you a better life, friend."

With an exhale, I turned towards the edge of the farmlands.

"Now, for the surprise."

I reached the short clearing, the boards of the farmer's fence still in place. My clean array of leaves had been completely shuffled. The disturbed edge of the forest gave way to the large net hanging between the trees. I inspected the scene, starting with the net. While I had anticipated that the Beast would be contained within, it sat empty. I noted the frayed fibers around the cuts. I stepped closer to the net, inspecting the rope in the dim light of the early dawn. With the sun threatening to peek over the horizon, it provided just enough light for me to see the cuts. I stepped as I inspected, my hoof finding something in the leaves. I looked down, crouching to better inspect the blade as I picked it up.

"It wasn't the Beast."

I glanced around, seeing another forsaken tool. A hammer with two neat claws sat on a bed of leaves just barely entering the woods. I grasped the knife, before walking over and picking up the hammer. I inspected it, mulling my thoughts over.

"So I didn't capture the Beast...Well, shit. But, I got someone. They had a knife to get themselves free."

I looked over the blade. It appeared to be finely crafted. My thoughts drifted to a blacksmith who clearly took their time.

"If someone had a knife, why would they have also dropped..."

I lurched my head towards the fence.

"Hammer."

I waltzed over, stepping carefully to avoid triggering the three other nets that lay concealed beneath the remaining leaves. I reached the fence with no incident. I then pulled the hammer up, looking over the claws on the rear portion.

"What if..."

I pressed the teeth in, watching as they fed cleanly into the grooves left.

"What?!"

My stifled surprise mounted as I checked the other spots, finding that the teeth all slid in perfectly.

"So they used a hammer to get the boards off? Why would the Beast--"

I interrupted my own thought process, thinking over my now missing notes.

"The Beast wouldn't have."

I turned and began walking towards my cabin, electing to leave the scene before some guards found me. Despite the approaching dawn, I moved quickly, wanting to stow my new-found pieces of evidence away for further research. I cleared the treeline, finding smoke still rising from the chimney of my cabin. I also noted several crimson uniforms. Multiple guards surrounded the property, each facing with spears in tow. I stayed beside the treeline, listening as the breeze passed quietly beside me.