The Woods Are Lovely, Dark, And Deep...

As Fern asks him to be careful, she notes Rudy’s eyeroll and the irritation that crosses his features before swiftly fading way. A part of her feels a deep, raw anger, his actions making her think that the motley boy isn’t taking her worries seriously. She tamps the emotion down, knowing that it will not help her right now. She listens to his words and offers him a short nod, holding back the words that want to race past her lips. Later, when they are done with this hunt and preparing to carry their kill back, Fern will explain to him just how much she trusts him. But she will also explain why she worries about him so much. Hopefully, it will allow them both to better understand where the other is coming from and she can share some of the worries that plague her.

After she lays out the plan, Rudy gives his input which earns him an eager grin. Soon they are ready to move and he stops to turn to her, informing the gray girl about Reddy and Fern takes the moment to say in a soft whisper, “I love you, Rudyard.” Locking eyes with her mate, the pair then begin to move toward the prey. Fern widens the distance between her and Rudy slowly, aiming to keep the gaur in the gap. When the motley boy begins to run toward the young gaur, the gray girl is quick to join in, easily cutting off any escapes routes and driving the bull toward their designated spot. The downed tree draws closer and Fern slows to give the gaur room to turn around while Rudy sticks close to its rear.

The bull plays into their hand and, as it begins to wheel around, Rudyard follows closely to snap at its back legs. Fern grabs the handle of her sword and slides Lark’s Song from its scabbard. The steel flashes in the sunlight and the young gaur slows as a moment of indecision takes hold. Rudy sees the opening, rushing in toward its back left leg and grabs ahold. He thrashes his head and the bull screams out in pain and fear as Fern rushes forward. The motley boy shreds the tendons and the gaur’s leg becomes useless. Unable to put pressure on it, the young bull crashes to the ground with a mighty thud. The girl is there quickly, sliding the sword through the prey’s neck to sever the jugular and carotid. Stepping back, she withdraws the blade and the gaur quickly falls still, its life gone in moments.

Turning to look at Rudyard, Fern smiles at him around the hilt of the blade. That had been fun.


"Rudyard & Fern"