[The Unlucky Game Master]

Arc 8.1

With paws hitting the snow, he treads soundlessly.

To stop before a cottage.

He scratches at the door with claws, marring it lightly.

He shivers when the door opens, to reveal a cold slender man with long black hair.

"A fox?" The mans eyes wander down, as he tries to close the door.

Dashing in, he shakes his snow white coat.

He hides behind a canvas as he watches the man.

The man coughs into his bony hands, when the wind hits him.

The mans cold eyes, watch him with suspicion.

A low cry emits as he curls his tail towards his body with ears folded back.

The mans eyes soften unconsciously, bending to pick up the small fox.

Odd, flashes through his mind in a string of thoughts briefly, before being lifted.

The fox's body is warm with ice clinging lightly to the fur.

The man holds the fox, feeling a warmth he hasn't felt for a long time.

He brushes the fur, calming his mind.

Why is a fox here?

He hasn't seen another creature in this forest since he was banished from the village as a child.

He lays in the mans lap with a quilt draped over him.

He rests peacefully while the man paints.

Dirty, this house is so dirty.

A creak sounds above their heads while the man flinches, ruining the picture.

He continues to paint over the ruined picture with cold eyes.

On the canvas is an abstract drawing of some kind, finished, with a touch of disorder.

He places it to the side and draws another.

When night arrives the man draws the fox close and warns in a cold voice.

"Don't move or leave when the moon envelops the forest in darkness."

Coughs rack the mans body as he shivers, digging his bony fingers into his fur.

He licks the mans hands whining quietly, loosening the grip.

Holding the fox in the morning the man continues his daily routine.

He doesn't accept the food offered and stays close to the man.

Canvases fill the house, as the man continues to paint in silence.

He follows the man when he bathes, forced to stay out.

He curls outside the door, with his bushy tail around him.

Ignoring the mans warning he watches the water as he heads inside.

His paws burn as he steps, jumping into the wooden tub.

Water splashes of a different color, dispersing the lingering foulness.