Just Another Day

"He seems to think some plague came from the Nyre," Shanku explained to the faun. "And that I'm responsible for it."

"For fleas and lice, maybe," the faun laughed.

"No. It was neither fleas nor lice," the man said solemnly.

"Then what was it?" asked the faun sarcastically.

"Terrible creatures from the depths of the abyss," the man said darkly. "Who fall upon the people and consume them alive." One could almost see the fires dancing in his eyes.

"Flying things?" The faun asked. "Two legs and horns?"

"Yes."

"You're looking for an old minocentaur. He lives in a cave west of here. I'm not fond of humans..." he sighed, thinking of his rudeness before and couldn't really blame the man for entering the forest. "But I never appreciated his methods." He knew that the minocentaur had been wronged and had gone to some terrible lengths to exact his revenge. The faun wandered off into the trees once more. It was his duty to protect those of the Nyre, even if it meant surrendering one of his wards to protect the others from unjust harm.

"Follow me," the man ordered the cub.

"Why?" she asked inquisitively and fell in behind him.

"In case I need you," he said bluntly.

"And if I can't help?"

"Are you familiar with a blade?"

"Not in the least!" Shanku laughed.

The man stopped and looked at her for a moment. He reached under his cloak and into a pack. He presented her with a spare dagger. "Learn to use this."

"Trusting the savage demon?" She asked playfully.

"Make a single attempt on my life and it will be your last," he smirked.

"Teach me to use it and I'll guard your life," Shanku said deviously.

"Is that some sort of threat?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Have you ever seen a minocentaur? You're gonna need my help," Shanku said earnestly, ears laid down and wings drawn close in worry. The man observed her for a moment and nodded. He had never been in the forest before and her knowledge of its denizens could very well be the difference between his survival or demise.