All in all, it was an emotionally draining morning. More for me than for Eris, who had been crying from being happy.

Me, not so much.

Once we were recovered enough to get up and move, we sat down to eat breakfast. No meat this time, sadly. We were out apparently, and Eris hadn't had time to go hunting.

Thankfully, being able to talk now meant I could actually ask questions.

I look at her in surprise. "You can hunt?" I would have assumed that was something Mikhael would do.

"Mhmm, with a crossbow." She looks pleased with herself, laughing lightly. "I learned quite by accident, mind you."

I blink, running that through my head. What. How do you? "H-how do you learn to hunt… by accident?"

"It is not a short story, buuuut I will tell you it quickly before we tend to the garden. How does that sound?"

I nod. I want to hear this.

She smiles at me, and then starts. "I was quite the adventurous little filly, and the forest was always very beautiful to me." I could see her getting lost in memories, her gaze on nothing tangible. "I grew up outside of the village, in a house similar to this one; right on the edge of the forest."

She comes back out of her memories for a moment, focusing on me with a smile. "I will have to take you there one day soon, I think. My parents are looking forward to meeting you."

I had grandparents? Hadn't really thought about that. I focus back on what she is saying. "As I said, I grew up next to the forest as well. I found the trees and plants incredibly beautiful, and so I would sneak off into thereon my own without anyone knowing. I was caught once or twice, but it did not stop me.I found many wonderful places and saw many wonderful plants. Most of which I now grow in the garden and clearing."

Her smile drops slightly. "I was always fine and so I saw little need to tell anyone else of my adventures. I admit I grew arrogant, as young foals are known to do, and believed that nothing could ever get near me without having heard or smelt it coming. Until, I ran into a wolf that could do just that."

I had finished my food by now and was enthralled in her story. "This wolf, it had the ability to blend into the plants around it. Its fur would change colour, and it smelled more like a plant than a predator."
Damn, that sounded like a badass wolf. Terrifying, but badass.

It.. it kinda sounds like a monster that evolved. I wonder… "How did it do that?"

"Hmm? I have never encounter a wolf like it since, so it most likely evolved to be that way."

Evolved? Ohohoho, I'm liking the sound of that. "Evolved?"

"Ah, that means it grew strong enough to change. When monsters change, or evolve, they get much stronger and sometimes gain special abilities. There is more to it than that, but that is a conversation for another day, I think. We have work to do very soon, after all."

…Hahahaha! Yes! Re Monster world confirmed!

...Oh shit. Re Monster world confirmed!

Please don't let the turbo-sue be real. Please don't let the turbo-sue be real.

I don't know what I'd do if he was. Could I kill him? Should I kill him?

Maybe I could lead a crusade against goblins in general.

...Yeah, no. I have too much of a conscience to do that, as disgusting of a species they are. As a wise man once said 'Ew! I don't like 'em! I don't like goblins! Weuugh!'

I'm so caught up in my own terrified thoughts, I almost miss Eris continuing the story. "If the wolf had not accidentally stepped wrong and disturbed some rocks, I do not doubt I would not have escaped."

Her face grows dark. "I was very lucky to get away. I ran home in a panic, crying. I terrified my parents, and well, I was no longer allowed to be alone near the forest any more or to go into it."

Looking like she didn't know whether to look amused or ashamed she continues. "I… did not take that punishment well. I was a complete brat, really. Finally, they made a deal with me. If I learned how to defend myself, they would allow me to start going back in again." She laughs. "I did notwant to spend forever learning how to use a bow or sword, so I went into town that day, bought a crossbow and spent every free hour practicing with it. I wasn't going to spend any longer out of the forest than necessary, you see."

"A week later they let me go back into the forest." A dark smirk spreads across her face. "That same day I tracked down a wolf, and shot it. I found hunting it quite enjoyable, and the meat was delicious. I still have its pelt stored away as a memento."

I'm staring at her in shock, now. Though, she doesn't notice, too lost in her memories. "Since then, if I feel up to the occasion, I will sometimes go out and hunt down something else. I haven't been able to satisfy that urge for a while now, though. Perhaps soon..."

I… don't even know what to say. I'm pretty sure that Eris isn't normal, though. I've definitely been misjudging her. I think she might be the badass of the family, not Mikhael.

"Which is why, I will say now little colt; if you sneak off into the forest on your own, I will track you down, drag you back and tie you to the house." She has the most stern expression I have seen from her yet as she stares me directly in the eyes. "If you wish to go, you will ask me and I will go with you. Am I clear? I will not stop you from going, but I put my parents through some terrible, unfairthings and you will not be doing the same to me."

I freeze up in fear, and nod my head shakily. What is this woman.
And then it's gone and the affectionate, caringcentauress I am used to is back, smiling at me. "That is good. Now, we have a garden to tend to. Come! You will be telling me what you remember from yesterday as we work!"

-

Turns out I remember a lot more than I expected, but barely enough to satisfy Eris. Every time I think I've come to know the full depths of her love for plants, I step off a hidden ledge and fall further.

I can't complain too much, though. It's different and gives me something to do with my time. I wouldn't know what to do or where to start if I was left to my own devices.

I had some not-too-distant plans though, now that I knew where I was. But those would have to wait till I was bigger. At the rate I was growing, though, it shouldn't be too long. I had aged 2 years since yesterday already, looking like I was four now. If I keep growing at that pace, I'd be the equivalent of a pre-teen by the end of the week and most likely able to start doing my own stuff. Hopefully.

I still wasn't allowed to help in the workshop, relegated to holding the occasional ingredient and mostly just listening and learning. I did notice that she was mixing something on the side that she made no comments about, which I found odd. I had a feeling it was the potion Mikhael mentioned yesterday. When I asked about it she told me it was something more 'advanced' and I would learn about it when I was older.

Yeah, it was something sex related for sure.

It… might have been an aphrodisiac. I knew, sadly and disturbingly, that they actually existed in this world. But… I had no proof. Best I just left it alone for now.

When Mikhael got back, Eris was on him in an instant; dragging him over to me.

"Father." His face when I say it is hilarious. He kind of blanks out and shuts down for a second, before he starts laughing and grinning widely before dragging me into another massive hug.

It was… awkward, but I could handle it.

I hug him back as hard as I can.

We eat the vegetable stew again for dinner, talking back and forth between us.

I tell Eris I really want to learn about evolution and she laughs and says that she will teach me about it tomorrow, since she hasn't got many more potions to make before her next trip into town.

The last thing I remember before sleep takes me, is my vague plan for the future and the mind-blowing sensation of the brush against my hide.