“I can’t believe this is really it.” Hansel stood across from Gilbert in front of the cottage door.

Gilbert swallowed hard, finally giving him a small nod. “Yes, it’s finally time for us to go our separate ways.” He could hardly believe the fact that their time together was actually about to be over. It had somehow managed to feel like infinity and a day all in one.

“I have a question for you,” Hansel said slowly, “I never asked when we first met but how did you get so wounded when I found you? Were you attacked?”

Gilbert tensed slightly. Honestly, he was hesitant to tell Hansel anything since all trust he had in the Wolf Hunter had been crushed to dust a week ago. However, despite this Hansel had spent countless hours and effort nursing him back to health and had quite literally saved his life. Gilbert supposed he owed him at least one answer.

“I was attacked,” he said slowly.

“Was it by a Wolf Hunter?” Hansel asked, eyes wide.

Gilbert shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. Wolf Hunter’s usually wear a uniform, or at least their badge.” His gaze awkwardly flickered to the raven symbol that was currently pinned to Hansel’s chest. “Then again, I didn’t know you were a Wolf Hunter when we first met you so I could be wrong.”

“Do you remember what he looked like?” Hansel asked, “if he really was a Wolf Hunter I might be able to recognize him.”

Gilbert shook his head. “He wore a hood that shadowed almost his entire face. The only clear detail I remember was that he had a large sword with a serpent crest slung over his back. I got seperated from my pack when I ran into him. It was weird...it was almost like he was waiting for me. He moved so fast he felt almost inhuman. Within seconds he had slashed my arm and knocked me to the ground. When he sprung towards me I was convinced I was going to die.” Gilbert shivered slightly at the memory of that horrible night. “He towered over me and I remember he slowly lowered his sword. I thought for a moment he might have had a change of heart when suddenly be brought his boot down hard on the joint of my leg, I heard a crack and then everything went white because the pain was so awful.”

Hansel pursed his lips, clearly deep in thought. “So whoever attacked you simply wounded you and then left. If he was so powerful why wouldn’t he just deliver the final blow? Why just leave you there?”

Gilbert shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe he just wanted me to have a slow, agonizing death.”

“Perhaps.” From the sound of Hansel’s tone Gilbert could tell he still was extremely curious. Despite this fact Hansel’s attention quickly snapped back to him. “Hey, before you leave I have something for you,” he said quickly. From behind his back Hansel pulled out a large wicker basket, similar to the one he usually carried. “This is for you,” he said softly, his gaze darting to the ground. “I packed you some baked goods, apples and pears and a few other items you might need. Hopefully this should be enough food so you’re not starving when you finally make it back to your pack.” He offered him a small smile, bowing his head.

Gilbert hesitated a beat before suddenly digging into his own pockets. “I have something for you too,” he mumbled awkwardly. He averted his gaze in embarrassment from Hansel’s as he held up probably the ugliest scarf known to mankind. The whole thing was horribly lopsided and it still looked like something a child might have made despite all his efforts. Gilbert was pretty sure he would be content not knitting again for the rest of his life. On the other hand, he owed Hansel at least some kind of thank you and he was ashamed this hideous scarf was the best he could do. His cheeks burned from the embarrassment as Hansel gently took the scarf from his hands. Finally the wolf built up enough courage to look to him and was quite taken about by how large the smile on Hansel’s face was as he wrapped the scarf around his neck.

“Thank you,” he said, “I love it.” The boy’s tone was surprisingly genuine. Gilbert swallowed hard, then again, at this point he had no idea what was actually genuine for Hansel. “Oh and Gilbert,” he said suddenly, his voice surprisingly quiet. “Please be careful. The Hunt is going to be happen soon and when it does the Wolf Hunters will flood the woods, ready to kill anything in their sight. If we were to run into each other during The Hunt then….”

“I understand,” Gilbert said flatly. “If we meet again we’ll be enemies. It’s as simple as that. There’s no way around it.”

“I wish it didn’t have to be this way,” Hansel said softly.

“But it has to. You’re a Wolf Hunter and I’m a wolf. We both need to return to our own worlds...our own people.” He hated the way each word felt like a prick in his chest when he said it.

“Goodbye Gilbert,” Hansel said, his expression unreadable.

“So long Hansel.” It took everything in Gilbert to finally turn away from him. Gilbert shut his eyes, letting out a small prayer to the goddess that he would never meet Hansel again. Despite Hansel’s betrayal Gilbert was sure he would never have it in him to fight the young Wolf Hunter. And with that final thought Gilbert began to finally walk away from Hansel and the cottage, both boys completely unaware that it was too late, their fates had already become intertwined for good.