Haunted Wood lepidus

dripping chin tensed at the plod of a mighty beast, a great-antlered figure that looked sidelong at him. germanicus felt no urge to speak toward the animal, only shifted in a slight deference to their outmatched meet. he was no fool; challenging such a large ruminant would mean injury or death.

but he was curious in regard to the intellect of the other's eye, and held the stare as long as he was able, ears thrust forward and throat silent, fish forgotten for the present.