King Elk Forest heart the keeper

the englishman watches her step free of the brambles, and exhales an easy breath as she does not bolt away, much like a frightened doe. she does not seem helpless, and this garners his attention. his ears flick at the word she offers back.

strong.

raedwulf grins.

gēa. strang. and the bull scrapes again in the distance, but farther off now. it is a duller, less resounding noise. the stag does not seek to come closer, leaving them in peace. raedwulf turns his head in the direction of its path and hums.

though he steps aside, before her, making himself a shield-wall. shall the beast return, it would meet him first. ne ondraed þū. ic scilde þē.

he tells her the truth of it, though his eyes burn with humor and his teeth show in a light grin.