The Hunt

While waiting for his compatriots to finish talking with the townspeople, Hildreth feigns attention whilst actually in Zohar's head, seeing as she sees.
 
'I don't think I understand. How can Davynn be bartering over some fancy dye when lives are on the line. Is this some interrogation tactic I'm not familiar with? Maybe by gaining good will the subject will open up more. Being social is more work than it's worth, I think.'
 
Hildreth lets out one of his sighs that sounds like a low growl, a habit he picked up from Sayah whenever he wanted to be left alone. 'Is this really what I want? I know I have often pined to return to society, but this is a lot of effort, especially considering how strange people are. They never say what they mean, and they like to make things up so that the world fits their narrative. Davynn actually accused me of having eaten somebody before. Preposterous! While I have no aversions to the idea of eating the dead if need be, present company included (especially if they all taste as good as Lana did), I have never actually devoured a body. Sure I've had slices here and there, but not out of hunger. Sometimes when all you have to defend yourself with are your teeth, you use them, or die. Being with you and Sayah, I have certainly learned not to waste anything, even if I only tore out that travelers throat out of self defense. I did learn that night when I was the prey that devouring parts of your attacker is a good deterrent and will keep their allies away.' Hildreth absentmindedly licks his lips before returning his senses to himself.
 
'Maybe that's the secret; people are just animals pretending at not being animals. They still hunt, form packs, and dedicate their lives to fulfilling their baser urges. I suppose that, for now, this is my pack.' Hildreth looks to Davynn, Xylund, and Lana, taking their faces, postures, and attitudes into account before continuing. 'And yet, they don't hunt their prey for that. They are going after Yanan for something altruistic perhaps? I originally thought it was for their friend Badger, which is sensible. Since following them though, they seem to be...selfless. Even now Kern stays behind in a dangerous area, unguarded as he prepares a ritual to help those that we suspect are a part of this entire hag conspiracy. Why would he do that? Very unnatural if you ask me. It's plain to see that those farmers are just scared herd animals, living their lives in fear of any predator, even those that don't seek them. I'm afraid this whole situation may be brought about by their fear; tired of rolling over and pissing on themselves whenever a druid or adventurer arrives, they instead sold their souls to a darker power for safety; providing sacrifices to keep themselves out of the mouth of the hunter they invited into their own home. Of course, when there is nothing left to sacrifice, they will suffer beyond anything they have ever known before. Assuming that is what they did, anyway. Perhaps the situation is radically different, and as I am not used to people I could never comprehend their motives. As an animal myself, however, it's possible I am just able to see beyond the haze of society and can see the cold, naked truth.'
 
Paying attention once more now that his pack and the woman Davynn bought his dyes from seem to be distracted, Hildreth curses himself for not being the first to notice a blue covered wagon come their direction.
 
'Well, it seems this hunt might be coming to a close, very soon. But is Yanan our prey, or did she come hunting for us?'