The Huntsman's Approval

4E 201 | Late Hearthfire | Thirty-Two Days Since Arrival

The hunters entered expecting one wounded beast.

They found a werewolf and a ronin fighting as if they had trained together.

Sinding broke formations with raw force. Tsukihana cut through the openings he created. When spears aimed for his flank, her blade severed shafts and wrists. When enemies tried to surround her, his claws dragged them away.

The cave narrowed their numbers. Rage ruined their discipline.

The final hunter called Sinding a monster.

Tsukihana stepped past his sword.

"You hunted a frightened man for sport," she said. "Decide what that makes you."

Falling Blossom ended the argument.

At the cave entrance, Sinding remained transformed but fully conscious. He lowered his massive head.

"I will not forget your kindness."

"Remember the condition instead."

He bounded into the forest and disappeared.

The white stag waited in the clearing.

It collapsed as Tsukihana approached.

Golden light rose from the body and formed another stag, larger and less bound by flesh. The air thickened around it.

"I am Hircine," said the apparition. "And I enjoyed your display."

Tsukihana met the Daedric Prince's gaze. "You caused enough suffering already."

Hircine laughed across the mountains. "You denied my hunters, spared my prey, and still drew blood with excellence. Our paths will meet again."

"I have no intention of entering another hunt."

"You misunderstand. When the day comes, it will be my hunt that enters yours."

The apparition dissolved.

Tsukihana stood beside the dead stag until the wind returned.