One
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Years in the future, after the hunters last struggle, a coy and aging man answers the inquiry of a eager pursuer."My mother taught me how to read and write, before I can remember. That was the end of my scholarly life. I kept it up on my own, long after I'd taught myself to track game and fire a quarry. The thrill of the hunt was my godfather. Fishes in water couldn't have known my smile. While I was building these skills,
my father was trapping game, while setting the knife to hunted men. Not a very pretty, or interesting tale.
I hardly knew him. I turned out this way on my own two feet. May he rest in Peace."
His lip quivering, he suddenly lets out a boyish cackle, face reddening. Composing himself, he wipes at an eye. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I've shined you on. Not a bad story though, is it?"
"I'm a self made man. I carved this bow. I stitched this coat.
My World expanded long ago, when I completed my collection of the Kaoe'i.
He tugs on a wreathed necklace, lapped twice round his neck. The hemp is forced through carved holes in a great series of triangular teeth. The platitudes of bones rattle together, as a grin besets him.
Now that I've learned where to look, there's nary not a creature worth a tale.
Don't doubt it for a second.
Though, the Ancients are fierce and fickle creatures.
Makes me think of this Pale I caught out on a run.
Told me 'your soul is mine!' Amidst other dramatic prose.
The oldest creatures are often delirious, in their piety.
Drunk on the freedom of their natural power and prowess.
Nothing runs my blood like a sentient who thinks their time will never come."
"Let me clear the air. You're here about my work.
How do I know? Because you're too well-to-do to be asking for anything else've of mine.
Secrets out then; Yes, the Naga reared me. Spent their lives fighting those, like me.
Turning to The Hunt wasn't much of a choice, really. I still question how much of it is.
However, matters must be taken as they come. It never gets eases, but you can't just quit.
That's the allure. Stray far off of the map, and watch how strange your time becomes. It's the unspoken rule of a wanderers road.."
"Oh, that?"He blew air through his nose, smiling wide as he admired the ink on his ring finger. "I got in my fair share of tricks. Soft secrets. It's a good reminder, that I used to think I was invincible. Took a few worldy and otherworldy events to calm that wave. I suppose that's where our story begins."
