It was a quiet night, the kind of night he loved, and the lake was reflecting the moon in a truly spectacular fashion. Javan was at peace, which was something he didn't experience often. The last week he had been plagued by nightmares, though they were actually memories twisted by his subconscious. He had also been suffering from hunger the last four days. He had finally broken down and stolen a can of peas from a local grocery store, it wasn't that he couldn't get what he needed from the good old nature, but he was hesitant to hunt, since the local coyotes had warned him of the 'half wolves'. He wasn't entirely sure, but he thought they meant werewolves, since that was the image he got from them. He finished his can of peas and was about to stand up when a rustling sound came from behind him and to his left. he went rigid until he caught the scent of Rabbit, the fox. The fox came up beside him and dropped a massive grey squirrel by his hand.


"Thanks, Rabbit. It will be a great meal. If I stew it it should become nice and tender." He rubbed the young foxes head gently and the fox pressed into his hand.


You are Welcome, Fang. You are a friend of the Forest, so it is only fair that we help you. You should have told us you were so hungry. I will have more for you tomorrow, maybe a juicy rabbit. The hoppy kind, not the red. The fox gave the boy a grin. Javan laughed at the joke, it wasn't really that funny, but Javan always laughed when the Forest folk made a joke. The fox made a soft chuffing noise that was their version of laughter. They both stopped when they heard the steps of a human approaching. The fox stood his ground watching the bushes in the direction of the steps.