Arwen's Patrol
#1 of Arwen's Tales
Arwen licked his lips in anticipation. He'd been stalking a group of human hunters for a week, making sure that they didn't stray too far from their hamlet. It was his duty to protect them from bandits and such, but he was also sworn to uphold the law. And the law said humans weren't allowed farther than the southern bank of the river north of town, which they were getting dangerously close to. Hunting did allow some grey area to allow the hunters to catch their game.
The Hare's concentration was broken by a violent kick from inside his gut. He doubled over, almost heaving up the rat he'd gulped down earlier. The rat wasn't doing anything too criminal that warranted arrest; he was just annoying the townspeople. The hare sat down and growled, smacking the area where he felt the kick from. "Ey, bugger off will ya? I'm on patrol right now."
"Ya've /been/ on patrol fer the past few days." the rat grumbled back. "Don't ya ev'r get off?"
"Sorry chap. I'm chaperonin' some pinkskins. Can't risk them `% getting killed." the hare apologized half-heartedly. "Besides, save fer yer awful attitude, yer pretty good company."
"Like 'ell I am!" the rat protested. "Y'er just keeping me 'round till ye decide to turn meh ta fat."
The hare paused for a moment. Historically speaking, that comment would be true. Unlike his comrades in the Long Patrol, Arwen enjoyed the taste of flesh, mostly of vermin like the teen in his stomach. Foxes, rats, weasels; it was all the same to him. He, in fact, secretly had a small collection of pelts from those he consumed. His stomach gurgled and leaked a little acid at the thought of consuming flesh.
"Fu- Ey! I'm still in 'ere!" the rat shouted, bringing Arwen back to reality. Without a thought or hesitation, the hare pulled a small vial out of his satchel and drank the contents in one swift movement. The foul smell of the liquid flowing from the glass vial was almost enough to make the soldier gag, but he forced himself to swallow it down. As disgusting as the liquid was, it was vital to keep the rat alive. "Sorry fer the scare bucko. Thanks for the warning."
The rat hissed in response, curling up in a ball. For whatever reason, Arwen began to feel some sympathy for the rat.
He continued his watch of the humans until sunset, taking refuge in a cave a short distance from their encampment. He needed to be close enough to keep tabs on them, but far enough that they weren't aware of his presence. He needed some time alone with the rat.
Other than to ask for food or air, the rat hadn't said a word to his captor or moved. This frightened Arwen, as his prey was usually more chatty than this. When they weren't being digested. He moaned and slowly rubbed his stomach as it begged to begin breaking down the rat. It was almost suppertime and he was beginning to feel light-headed. "... Y'know what? I think it might be safer to let ye out now."
The rat almost burst out of his stomach when he jumped. "Yet serious?" the rat's voice was full of excitement and joy. He was definitely ready to get out. "Finally!"
The hare chuckled and gagged himself. With a slimy wretch, Arwen coughed the now clothingless rat onto the rocky ground in front of him. The rat groaned in disgust as he wiped off the mucus from his fur, not noticing the hare crouching down behind him. Arwen playfully licked the back of the teen's fleshy ear, making the rat jump in fear. The taste was delightful.
"Just remember, boy." The hare quietly wiped drool off of his lips. "I catch ye playin' pranks again and it'll be another trip into m' bowels."
"Just send meh off ta jail next time!" the rat whimpered, scurrying off into the forest.
"Maybe..."
The hare smiled to himself as he returned to his watch...