The Blood Moon Rises

(Closed for Rahyne)

Hennet walked past a large oak tree, barely taking notice of the thorny bushes that grabbed at his fur, and emerged in a small clearing. He had been following the elk's trail for several minutes and knew that he was greeting close. The clearing would've been something awe inspiring. A small pond, with a huge tree growing from the middle, surrounded by a grassy bank. But he didn't take a second glance, the thrill of the hint was upon him.

As he walked past the pond, he caught his reflection on it's mirror-like surface and paused. The thing that looked back at him was something that he both loathed and embraced, a lycanthrope.

Standing nearly 6'4'', the shaggy black furred monstrosity looked back at him with blood red eyes, which gleamed with cruel intelligence. Hennet brought his left hand up to his face and dragged it along his muzzle. He was a werewolf, a lycanthrope, a creation of Hircine.

A light breeze passed throught the clearing, bringing with it the scent of the elk. Hennet shook his head and, getting on all fours, charged towards the direction where the elk was.

Finishing up the cleaning of the cottage, Natasha looks around. It wasn’t anything glorious, but it was the only thing that her parents left for her. It was small. Only large enough to hold a bed, table with three chairs and a fire place to cook. “Mother always use to say everything has its place.” With little to no food in the place, she picked up her basket and went to the woods. Here she could always find berries, nuts, and wood for her fire place.

With her eyes blue as ice and her long black hair bounded with a twine, she set off for another adventure. Not many liked her in the town; girls envied her while the guys just wanted her virtue. Natasha always kept to herself. Only speaking when she needed to, just to the people she had to. There was the blacksmith when her black stallion needed to be shoed. Then one of her friends mothers who owned the little general store. Of course she couldn’t forget the pastor at the church.

Keeping her head down and tiny feet moving as fast as they could, all she could hear was the whispers of the town’s folk. Ducking behind the blacksmith’s place, she drew a sigh of relief when the rim of the forest was in sight. The long skirt catching on the tall grass, almost running into the one place she always could relate to….. the forest.

Hennet ran through the the forest at a speed that match that of the fastest horse. He was quickly gaining on his prey. The elk was getting tired, and it was wounded, therefore he knew it was only a matter of time.

As he leaped over a small creek, a new scent assailed him. This one smelled of both predator and prey, but also of friend and foe. He knew this scent. It was one that he feared, that caused anger within him, and yet happiness. It was the scent of a human.

Stopping, he took a moment to identify the scent in more detail. He found out that the human was a female, adult, alone, and non-hostile. And she was nearby. He shook his head as he remembered his original prey, he couldn't stop for fear of meeting a human, that would be seen as abandoning the old tradition of predator and prey. Which would displease Hircine.

Bounding forward, Hennet charged after the elk. It was headed near the woman and he knew that, when he finally caught up with it, he'd be seen by the human. But he would risk it.

Every step she took deeper into the woods, the more at peace she felt. There was an added heighten of awareness though through the animals. The normal creatures she would see on the skirt of the forest were in hiding. But why she questioned. There was certain charge in the air that she wasn’t use to. Ignoring the gut wrenching feeling to leave and go back, Natasha continued on.
Picking the wild berries only found in a certain area in the woods, Natasha hears a wrestling of leaves and twigs breaking. The galloping elk dashes by with something chasing close behind. Frozen in fright, she tried to focus on what it was. Midnight black is all she could see. Both animals gracefully leaping and zig-zag through the trees, you obviously could see the hunt in the process. With a quick bound, she jumped behind some fallen mossed trees.

Something made her feel sad for the elk that was being perused, even sadder for the pursuer. There was an odd feeling with the midnight black animal. She couldn’t figure out why. Then everything stopped in time. I watched as the black figure pounced high in the air, taking the elk down with ease. It was the most terrifying and electrifying all wrapped in one she had ever seen. Such skill, power, and elegance enthralled her being.

Leaving the area while he ate, she disappeared further into the woods to obtain more berries and nuts for her cupboard. Her skirt drags as she steps over the high foliage and fallen trees. A strand of the black silken hair falls out and tucks it behind her ear. Finding the path to the creek, Natasha knew she was close to being where she needed to be

Hennet had finally caught up with the elk and had brought it down rather quickly. He had noticed the female human when he had passed by, but she didn't seem frightened at all, which was odd. Lycanthropes where know to exist and were hunted down. However, this person didn't seem to evennotice. Either she was use to the wild creatures of the wide world, she was very brave, or she had bad sight and not recognized what he was.

As he killed the elk, Hennet threw back his head, and let out a loud howl. Then proceeded to consume his meal.

After several minutes, when he was finished with the elk, he decided to follow the human and learn more about her. It would be easy enough, considering she did a poor job of concealing her trail.

The loud howl echoed in the air, Natasha looked up to see where it came from and then went about picking the nuts and berries. All she could figure is that it was ‘midnight’ as she now named him, the hunter she saw previously. After picking a fair amount of the wild berries, she traveled to the babbling creek to rinse off her hands. Natasha was one friend to the animals. Many of her fellow humans back in town would have cleared the bushes from all the berries, she couldn’t. She knew with the seasons ahead, the other creatures would need to eat too.

Setting the basket full of the food and some twigs down, her hands gathered the skirt as she bent down. The rocks under her pinched into the knee caps, but it didn’t matter. The cool rush of water splashing on her rounded face was all she cared about. Cupping the water and bringing it up to plump lips, she drank. A small slurping sound was washed over by the sounds of the creek. It was here she felt relaxed. Submerged in the sounds and smells of the deep forest with the bright sun beams hitting the exposed skin on her chest and face, for a brief moment her eyes closed.

Fingers gripping the material of the skirt, dipping her head back and the hair fell from its leather bound. Without a care in the world, she took in a deep and ragged breath. A new scent filled her nostrils and she popped up to look around at the surroundings. The final gaze with the piercing blue eyes reaching back into the forest where the musky scent was originating from.

“Who’s there?”

Hennet had followed her all the way to a creek, a noisy one, that wasn't too far from the town. He never came this close to any settlement unless he was in his natural form. Tthen, he saw that the woman had noticedbhim, or was at least aware that he was nearby.

He hesitated for a few moments before he knew what to do. He allowed himself to let go of hos beast form and shift back to his humanoid form. It took only a couple of seconds in which the fur retracted back in his body, the bones to reshape themselves, and the skin and muscle to reform and shrink.

When he was done, he stood there looking like any other human. 5'11" and 154 lb. Blue eyes, black hair, pale skin. His dark brown leather armor suit, a little worn, and a bow strapped across his back. The only problem was that he smelled like wet dog.

Taking a breath, Hennet emerged from the trees, "Hello miss. Glad to see someone else about. Thought that I had gotten lost in these woods here."

Shocked she wasn’t just imagining things as she often did for the comfort of another, offering a serene smile; “It could be easily done out in these deep parts.” Rising to her feet and takes a step forward, the musky scent growing stronger as they approached each other. “Do you need help finding your way back Mister….. “ stopping wondering why would anyone be here.

Never did she see anyone come here. Pure silence except for the creatures that lived in these parts was the exact reason she spent most of her days here. Natasha’s eyes raked over him standing there. From his well-defined legs, past his groin blushing a bit, to the muscular chest, bulging biceps and broad shoulders. His eyes met with hers while her cheeks were flushed. Realizing the skirt was still gathered in Natasha’s hands, she let it go and drape back down to the ground.

“I.. I see that you have a bow. You might want to be careful hunting in these parts. Midnight is around. He might have just eaten, but I wouldn’t cross him.” ; said with a small laugh.

Hennet frowned at her comment, "Midnight? Who's that? Your pet dog or something?" He had noticed that she seemed embarrassed by him though he wasn't sure exactly why.

“No, no. He is a large animal that I just caught hunting a little bit ago.”; shaking her head with a small laugh. “He was quite large with black fur. Though I haven’t seen him hunt here before.”

She looked him over once more. “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name? My name is Natasha. Natasha Teese.”; extending her hand out to greet the gentleman.

"I'm Hennet. Hennet Scofield." He said, shaking her hand.

"You said you caught a large animal? Like a bear or something? You must be an amazing hunter."

"Oh no. I could never hunt such a beast." dropping her dainty hand to her side after shaking his. "Plus he was too beautiful to hunt." A smile playing on her features.

"What brings you out in these parts of the woods Mr. Scofield?" walking to pick up her small basket of goods. She wasn't sure if she should stick around these parts of the woods with a strange man. Her thoughts amused her with how gentle and kind he was. However, she could sense that there was something more. Just what was uncertain.

Pulling her hair back into the bound, one strand seemed to always escape. The falling sun and slight wind gave her a chill. Goosebumps formed on her ample chest giving her a slight shiver.

Hennet smiled at her comment of beautiful. That was new. Someone thinking that a lycanthrope was beautiful. At her question, he nodded, "A little bit here and there. I hunt where ever the game is. But lets not stay out here. You should head back to the village where it's safer."

Letting out a soft but musical laugh. "Sir, I always feel safe in these parts. This is where I feel my home is." She amuses him and leads the way to the path. "You are in a perfect place for game in these parts. Though, can I ask you a favor?"

Chewing on her lip, not really knowing how to ask. "Could you only hunt on the wounded or what you would eat alone?" Stepping over the tree and weaving through the high brush. "I'm mighty fond of the animals in these parts of the woods. Even the newest addition, Midnight."

Keeping her head down as she spoke, each foot placed in a designated area so she did not interrupt the forest ground anymore than she needed to.

He smiled at her request, "Yes, I'm not a poacher, and I only take what I need."


Looking up at the sky, Hennet saw that it was getting dark. Taking a breath he looked past her towards the village, "I have to go. Buisness to take care of. Hope to see you around, then with that, he walked past her and began to head towards the village.

"Oh, Okay. I guess I will, ah, see you around then." smiling and gives a light wave as Hennet went on. Looking around at the village people staring at her and the broad man, she resumed the normal position of her head down and scurrying back to her place. It didn't take her long to return to her home. With a basket full of food and logs, she started the fire and making what little dinner she had.

As night fell, all she could think of was Hennet. He seemed nice, but where was he from, what was he doing that deep in the woods? She was curious and wanted to know. Bundled up, she drifted off to sleep.


The next morning, she got up renewed with the sun beams shining on the hole ridden floor. She didn't want to deal with what was to come, but it was time for her to go to the general store. Having to pass the local lumber yard, she knew what would happen. The same thing that happened every time Natasha did..... being roughed up by the lumbermen.

Not much had happened that night for Hennet. However, when morning came, he felt refreshed and energetic. He was currently running through the forest, in a section of wood that was close to a lumber mill.

Hennet hated lumber mills. The people took down too many trees, more than they really needed. He always did his best to avoid contact with the workers, not that he was afraid of them, but if they saw him, there would be a massive hunt after him.

This time however, he caught the scent of the woman, Natasha. He could almost smell her fear. With that, he made up him mind and ran off towards the lumber mill to see what was going on.

With her basket in hand and head down, she tried to get past the lumber mill as fast as she could. Of course, just like every other time it wasn't fast enough. One of the burly men, Lucas stopped her in her tracks. "Where ya going pretty lady?" His arms out to stop her from adverting his advance. "We are all going to lunch now and we need some entertainment."

"Go away Lucas." Natasha tries to move around him only to be stopped by Mark. "Now Nat that's now how to greet your men. You know you can't deny us." Angrily she shoves Mark with all her might, unfortunately it was enough for him to take a foot back and three more coming up behind her.

Natasha was deathly afraid caught between the five brawny men. They were acting cockier than normal and had no way out. With all her strength she screams. "LET ME GO!"

Hennet watched the scene with growing rage. They dared to attack her like that. It was totally wrong in every aspect. These men were worse than animals. Animals followwed their urges, but had restraint. These men didn't have any of that.

Growling, he lunged forward and let our a howl. Abandoning all common sense of avoiding contact.

Before the men could register what was going on, Hennet back handed one man, sending him flying several feet. The second man was hit by Hennet's claws, leaving deep gashes on his chest. Hennet pounced on the third, holding him down to the ground while he tore at his neck.

At that point, the one fled down the road, while the other took a swing at Hennet. Hennet grabbed the man's hand before it could descend. Glaring at him, Hennet lifted him up and threw him several feet.

Once he was sure that all the threats were dealt with, he turned to face Natasha, waiting for a reaction.

Natasha froze in place with everything happening so fast. All she saw was the streak of black, and four of the five men strewn through the town. Lucas full of claw marks and blood, Mark across the road; she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Looking to see what created the monstrosity, there he stood.

"Midnight" the small shaky voice. His chest rising and falling to each heavy breath. Taking a calculated step forward, then retracted afraid she was next. "Please, Don't hurt me midnight." The eyes caught her attention and she stopped before the next sentence was formed.

"THERE!" a man screamed from behind. Whipping back and forth from the men and Midnight, she tells him to run. "Run midnight Run deep in the forest where I saw you! Go!" Their eyes meet once more and she was not afraid of her life, but his.

Hennet gave a small whine before he turned around and ran into the forest, quickly disappearing in the shadowy gloom.

As he ran to the place where he had first seen Natasha, he began to worry for her. Would the other people hurt her? Then another thought struck him. Why did he feel so much towards this human? He barely knew her... and yet... something about her caused him to find her interesting.

One of the lumbermen tried to run after Midnight, but quickly returned only to the street. "It's gone. Don't worry guys, we will get him later." The angry men with their swords and axes started to riot. Their screams and ranting echoed through the town. Frustrated, Natasha screams at the top of my lungs. "He's not the barbarians, YOU GUYS ARE! If it wasn't for him Mark, Lucas and his ... his things would have hurt me."

Her face beat red, she leaves them all there forgetting to go to the General Store and returns home. Natasha knew the men didn't hear her, but she had to say it. Midnight actually saved her from the impending doom. The cape knocked off the chair after she grabbed it running out of the door. Swirling it around her neck and tying it, Natasha took to the woods to find Midnight.

Once she was in the spot she first saw him, she didn't find midnight..... She found Hennet.

Hennet, upon hearing someone approach, turned to face Natasha. He was still in the same uniform that he wore when he first met her in human form.

Taking a step forward, Hennet gave a weak smile, "I have a lot of explaining to do it seems. And I'll gladly answer your questions."

Holding a finger up to Hennet, looking around in confusion. "Hennet, did you see midnight running by? The big black wolf I spoke of yesterday?" Still confused looking around, Natasha saw nothing.

Shaking her head, it hit her like a load of bricks. "Wait, what do you have to explain?"

Hennet gave a smile chuckle, "Yeah Midnight, thanks for the nickname. Fits actually."

He looked over at her and sighed, "I am, who you call, midnight. I am the wolf. Or, more correctly, a werewolf. A lycanthrope."