we seem to invent ourselves in places left unknown

And I know I'm asking too much
And I know I'm taking control

The herd was in a panic, swirling and swerving this way and that as it fought to get clear of the hunters at its flanks. Liam dodged this deer and that, hurrying through the snow to his downed target to find that it was indeed dead; he'd gotten lucky, really, that his shot was clean enough to end the beast's suffering before it really even began. The soldier ignored the pang of sadness that threatened to rise behind his ribs. Every part of the luxere would go to a good cause - its pelt for Maea, its meat for Halo. Even its antlers could be used for something or other, Liam was sure. But killing something so lovely and innocent - something that reminded him so clearly of Maea's fierwe shift - felt sour all the same.

He pulled the crossbow bolt from its victim, sticking it back into the quiver that he carried. Then he grabbed the luxere, grunting with the effort to drag it through the snow and towards the girl and her kill. As he neared, he thought he saw the stranger wipe her face with the back of a hand, and he slowed, trying to offer her privacy. He wasn't sure it this was her first hunt, or if perhaps there was some other reason for her to be upset - or maybe he was simply seeing her wipe sweat from her brow, and there was nothing more going on. Either way, he tried to allow her a moment to herself before appearing at her side.

"The blood will probably attract predators," he rumbled. "We should go."

fin

But a heart that's not worth breaking
Isn't worth much, not at all

Liam