The Face That Travels In Furs

"You have come to The Face That Travels In Furs for reasons, yes?" The mouth on the mask made no motion, not even the mask itself.  If the thing spoke from what was once the human head, it hid it well.

"Yes. You see reasons in your mind-space, and think them worthy. But The Face That Travels In Furs knows reasons. Knows your reasons, and knows their worth. They are not so much, these reasons." The thing ambled around Quel on its huge forelimbs. The things fur-strapped arms were longer than Quel was tall, and ended in three grey fingers as long as an arm. It's rear legs were skinny, like those of a deer, covered in the same grey skin.

"So human man, what have you to trade with the Face That Travels In Furs for your gift, hmm?  Your reasons are not enough for Him, and he hungers."

The human body that hung under the mask from the top of the creature shuddered hungrily. If Quel was not careful, he knew, he may become the new mask of The Face.

Quel swallowed hard, and set his jaw.  He reached into the pack hanging off his back, and wordlessly held forward his offering.

The Face That Travels In Furs cocked its head, and stepped closer, like a predator investigating its prey. Quel tried not to shiver. The thing moved... wrong.  Nothing about it made sense. It hurt his head to watch.  But he hoped.

"Yesssssss... Very interesting. A trade it is then." And the huge creature gently pulled the rotting, softcover book from Quel's hand, secreting it inside one of its furs. "Enjoy your new years, younglet."

Quel nodded, and began to back away.  The Face That Travels In Furs turned to walk away, but craned its head back, pulling the swaying body over its gargantuan shoulder as it did.

"Do not return, Younglet.  Your next trade have I seen. Not enough, not enough.  Not enough."

Quel went white, and ran as the thing began to weep for him.

Dhenzel Obeng