The Hunter and The Doe

The Hunter and The Dow

The Hunter, Ben, stalked his prey. A majestic doe, unaware of the danger, grazed peacefully. Ben ran up the street to the deer, and with a grim voice, he announced, "I came to kill you."

Startled Doe

The doe turned, her eyes meeting his. "Oh," she replied, her voice soft, "then let me see your face." Ben hesitated, then slowly shifted his hood. Her eyes widened, and a gasp escaped her. "You... you're beautiful," she breathed, and then, with a surprising calmness, "I am ready."

The Doe laying before her hunter

Startled, Ben lowered his weapon. "Are you not scared?" he asked, bewildered.

Doe and Hunter Speaks

"No," she replied, "just tell me, how will you do it? Will it be painful?" Ben, captivated by her reaction, found his resolve wavering. "Perhaps," he murmured, "I should just take you for myself." The doe shook her head. "I am not a worthy trophy. I have already been exiled by my herd. What benefit would I be on your wall?"

The Hunter Moving Closer to gently capture the deer

Intrigued, Ben, now completely disarmed by her acceptance, asked her story. She spoke of betrayal, of a life lived on the fringes. When the tale was spun, he reached out, gently petting her. "I will find you again," he promised. She looked at him, her gaze steady. "Are you a true hunter? Then prove it. Rise through the ranks. Only then will your prey be worthy of your wall." Ben agreed, and with a wave of her hoof, she left a mark on his neck.

The Doe Raising up and hitting the hunter in the neck

He brushed off the mistake and told her he understood her defense. He turned, and with a promise etched in his heart, he walked away, leaving a bond that would echo through time.