The Fox

The cracking of wood and clatter of splinters resounds through the forest. A lone timberwolf bounds through the trees, yipping in fear. It ran as fast as its legs could carry it to an undefined destination. It soon grew tired, and briefly paused under a fallen tree to check its surroundings. Everything in the forest was quiet, only the chirping of crickets and occasional hoot of an owl permeated the silence. At last the timberwolf could rest, confident that its pursuer had lost track of it. As it crept out from under the tree, it stumbled into a cloaked figure wrapped shadows. The very same being that the timberwolf saw right before its entire pack was wiped out. Sharp, glowing green eyes pierced through the darkness under its hood. The timberwolf stood frozen, baffled at how it had not detected the presence of the monster. For what seemed like an eternity, the two apex predators simply stood there staring each other down. Soon an audible clacking rang out as the timberwolf visibly shook in terror, the jumbled branches and bark that composed its body clattering together as it did. It whimpered, fearing for its life. Slowly, it descended to the floor, legs unable to support itself as it became wracked with grief. There was no point in trying to flee at this point, the timberwolf was far too tired to continue at a reasonable pace for escape, and the cloaked figure proved more than capable of keeping up otherwise. Reluctantly accepting it’s demise, the timberwolf placed its paws over its eyes, whimpering and howling as it awaited its doom.

Then, the cloaked hunter knelt down and placed a dark furred hand upon the timberwolf's head. Gently, it petted wolf. Bewildered, the timberwolf looked up at the hunter. The sharp eyes that bore into its soul mere moments ago had softened. The hunter's presence was now, somehow, comforting. The timberwolf stopped shaking, but still very cautious. The hunter sat cross-legged before the it, and continued to pet the wolf. It spoke. The timberwolf could not understand the sounds that came from the hunter, but it was still somehow understand the meaning and intent behind them. “Do not be afraid, you are safe now.” It was a simple message, and it had such a pleasantly calming effect. The timberwolf climbed into the hunter's lap, now at ease, and content with the hunter's presence. Still petting the wolf, the hunter began to sing. It was a soft, gentle melody. Cradled in the hunter's lap, the wolf listened to the hunters song. The two of them stayed like that for several minutes. The wolf's breathing began to slow, calmed by the hunters melody. Relaxed and at ease, sleep came effortlessly. Nestled in the hunter's embrace, the wolf slept peacefully. The hunter, noticing his audience of one had fallen asleep, ceased his song. He continued to pet the wooden beast in his lap for awhile.

“Rest easy. There won't be a need for you to fear anymore. Soon you will be free of your cursed existence and you’ll be able to join your friends and family.” the hunter whispered softly.

His hand began to glow as he continued to stroke the wolf's back. Wispy green flames sprouted from between his fingers, and crept over the slumbering wolf. The fire slipped in between the wolf's joints and cracks in its wooden body. Its breathing began to slow. The time between each breath grew longer and longer, until it stopped breathing altogether. The flames receded, leaving the wolf's body completely unscathed. The hunter continued to pet the wolf for a few moments more, before setting it's lifeless body on the ground.

Seconds later, a dark mossy smoke billowed forth from the wolf's body, coalescing into a cloud above it. Before the the cloud could dart away, the hunter stood and reached out with his hand, ignited with his verdant fire. As the flames licked at polluted mass, the dark cloud froze, a bright glow spreading from the point of contact. Soon the entire cloud was glowing brightly, and began to change shape. When the glow finally faded, the timberwolfs essence took on a more elegant form. The amorphous cloud undulated smoothly, and it's color had turned several shades brighter. The wolf essence twisted about itself as it examined its new form, before turning to the hunter. It floated over to him and wrapped itself around him in a gentle embrace. After a few moments, the wolf's soul released the hunter, and rose up above the trees before fading away.

Under the shadow of the hunter's hood, a smile crept over his muzzle, and his bushy white tipped tail slowly swished back and forth under his cloak.