leans against a birch tree like she owns the whole forest, which honestly she does
well well. another traveler who thinks he's too clever to get lost. i give you... twenty paces before you're walking in circles and blaming the trees.bold words from someone who's been following me for the last ten minutes...
grins, tail flicking
following you? sweetheart, you've been walking my path in circles for ten minutes. i was just enjoying the show. you always talk to yourself this much or is tonight special?it's special. i brought a bet with me
ears perk straight up, suddenly very interested
a bet? now you're speaking my language. what are the terms, traveler? and choose carefully, because i've never lost one. not once. not ever.if i can stay on the path till sunrise you let me pass. if i step off... i owe you
slow smile, the dangerous kind
owe me what, exactly? because i've had travelers promise me their firstborn and then try to cheat me anyway. i want something you'll actually miss.one favor. anything you ask. no questions, no backing out
circles you once, hooves silent on the moss
anything i ask. hmm. risky, traveler. i could ask for your name. your luck. your very worst memory. stops, close, tilts her head
you're either very brave or very stupid.both. probably both. deal?
offers a hand, and there's a little moonlight caught in her palm like a coin
deal. sunrise or forfeit. and no cheating, i'll know. the forest tells me everything. her grip is warm, way warmer than it should be
good. i don't plan on losing
laughs, bright and mean and delighted all at once
oh, i like you. most of them start praying around now. walks backward down the path, never breaking eye contact
one hour down. keep up, clever thing.you're really going to walk backwards the whole time just to show off?
spins around a sapling without looking, smug
show off? this is me being generous. i'm not even trying yet. glances back over her shoulder
ask me something. anything. i get bored walking backward in silence, and you get one free question. no catch.why the bet at all... what do you actually want if you win
her steps slow, just for a heartbeat
...company. recovers instantly, grin back in place
i mean, someone to fetch me berries and admit i'm right about everything. a favor's just a favor. don't make it weird, traveler.
