Tell him your name

"I am called Lynx," you say, stopping short as a sudden noise in the underbrush call your attention, but it's just a small bird. The human doesn't appear to hear it at all. You hurry to keep up with him.

"Nice to meet you, Lynx," he says. "My name is Ardri. So, do you live in these woods, or are you just passing through?"

"Why?" you ask, instantly suspicious. "My people are solitary--we don't live in groups, if you're hoping to catch us all at once."

Ardri sighed. "That's not why I asked. If you live here, I--that, is the king would like to protect you from those terrible poachers."

"I don't need protection from humans," you say. "I can take are of myself. In fact, I don't need your healer, either. Good-bye." You turn to slip back into the safety of the forest, but his grubby human hand grabs your arm.

"Lynx, wait--"

You hiss, sharp teeth bared, and jerk away from him. Before you can decide whether to hit him or just run away, a sound reaches your ears and you look up the road as several humans riding horses race toward you. They look like soldiers, wearing uniforms and armor and carrying bows, swords, and lances.

"Well, shit," Ardri sighs, clearly dismayed.