The wolf was penetrating
deeper into the forest, and for a while now, he had been sensing another
beast in the area. Normally he would not go so deep into the territory of
another, but now he had to.
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Though he had not been
sure of what it was.
Before now.
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A hooved creature emerged
from between the trees.
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He couldn't quite make
out what sort of a creature the hooved one was, but it did not seem pleased
at his appearance.
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Cepheus did not want to
disturb the creature but he had to walk through here.
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Finally, the hooved one
spoke; "Why does a wolf wader alone into this one's woods?" it's voice came
out low, while silver eyes scorned the wanderer. There were enough things
passing in his woods without new ones coming and going as they pleased.
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"I am just passing
through..." the wolf replied, trying to keep things calm.
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"These woods are not for
you to pass through." it spoke again, while walking closer warily.
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And then it continued;
"This hunter does not tolerate wolf-human scum on his territory."
It called itself a hunter. Ceph didn't care much about other creatures but
he did know what a hunter was. It was ancient and strong... and above all;
it was here.
It seemed like passing though this way wouldn't work.
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"I am not here to disturb
anyone. I am only looking for a wolf-cub." The wolf intentionally
mentioned the little one as to watch the reaction of the demon. Depending on
his answer, he might need to make a move, even if it was a bad one.
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"This one does not regard
little creatures." the contempt in it's voice would not go away, "Begone!"
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Talking to the hunter was
useless, it was as it was told: it only lived to carry out it's mission. But at least it didn't look like it would attack small creatures,
even if he cared not for them.
Suddenly, there was a rustle and a thud as something moved in the corner
of his eye.
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Another hooved creature
was sitting on the moss, it had seemingly dropped from the tree. But Cepheus
had not smelled it at all. Even now, it only gave off a faint smell of trees
and moss and nothing else.
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The hunter grunted
slightly at the appearance but said nor did anything.
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"Who--" the wolf began.
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But was interrupted by the
little-thing with antlers: "Enki likes the tangled-fur-thing." It
pointed at the wolf. "It treats us nice."
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"...You do?" and
now, the disrespect in the hunter's voice was gone.
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Cepheus treated who nice?
What was this thing and how did it know him?
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And then, the creature
stood in front of him, "Fur-thing shouldn't come
this way. Kilbas is grumpy. Kilbas is always grumpy."
"Kilbas?" Ceph's eyes glanced toward the hunter, he couldn't think of anyone
else called that.
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The creature put it's
hands behind it's back shyly; "This is wrong way for you."
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"Why?"
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"Little fur-cub is that
way. It keeps us company."
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The wolf looked in the
direction this creature called 'Enki' pointed at.
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"Who is he wi---"
he began, but the
creature was already gone.
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The wolf looked around but
it was nowhere to be seen. It's faint scent was gone, too.
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Then, he looked at the hunter again, unsure of what to do.
If he were to continue the way he was going, he'd have to confront the
ancient demon, which could prove fatal. If went the way the little hoofling
had showed he wouldn't have to worry about the hunter but he could not be
sure if it had told him the truth.
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The hunter answered him
before he could ask the question; "Enki does not lie." If not for the
disdain that had made it's way back to the demon's voice Cepheus
thought they could have gotten along, were the circumstances different.
The wolf accepted the suggestion. It was much better than a fight right now.
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He had no time for such delays.
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It was much more important
to find the cublet.
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