The Hunter

Day 13
 
The week lasted so long that I genuinely thought it would never end.
 
As I continued my trek through the woods, trying to find a place I could be safe, I came across a wounded fox. A hunter's trap had caught her by the leg. It took some time to calm her, but a few melodic words soon allowed me to communicate with her. At first, I believed it was simply me managing to comfort her, but I also felt more in tune with her movements. Even her small simple sounds meant something, and I could actually understand her. It would have been more moving if the arrow had not flown past my head.
 
A scooped the fox up in my arms and bolted without looking back. I understand that it is a living, but that does not mean that I have to let every innocent animal in the forest be taken. There are many more vicious creatures that can be used for food.
 
The fox helped me find a path through the forest to a small cavern I could hide in, but obviously, I needed to get out of sight of this hunter first.
 
I tried all that I had managed to teach myself to throw him, or her, off my trail, but nothing seemed to work.
 
I know it was foolish of me to risk my life like this, but... I suppose I simply wanted to know that someone who felt helpless could manage to get free and live once again.
 
Stupid, I know.
 
As I continued my escape from the hunter, I came up with a few ideas. Honestly, things I never even knew I could know.
 
It was like, my mind was awakening to all these new ideas.
 
First, I had the fox lead me to the closest river. There I scooped up some mud but did not stop. I covered my face in the mud, tucked my hair into my shirt, and returned to the trees. It did not take very long to find what I needed next, a small spot with plenty of leaves. I collapsed under a fallen tree and sang quietly a song I learned recently which can do a variety of small things. Usually nothing too special, but in the case of covering up tracks, it worked nicely.
 
The hunter came soon. I almost did not hear him, but when he appeared, he actually looked confused. I remained still and instructed the fox to do the same.
 
I do not know what came over me next, but when the hunter's back was turned, a began singing to him, a song, pleading him to leave the fox and me alone.
 
When he looked at me, I thought we were dead for sure, but he simply smiled, waved and left us be.
 
I used some magic I had tested out not long ago to heal the fox's injuries while we waited in the cave. I also came up with an idea. The hunter saw me, but because I had hidden my face in all the mud, he would not be able to truly recall who I am.
 
To that end, I have begun crafting a mask to wear while I am traveling.