A Beast-Like Creature

They say there is a beast who roams the forests around our village. A beast with knives for teeth and an impenetrable hide. They claim that it eats Wolfsbane like candy. It can’t be seen if the beast doesn’t wish to be seen with how its matted hide melts into the background of the forest. It is no bear nor hog, but something of a dark magic; a creation from a sorcerer’s lust for power, solidified to harvest those who are unfortunate enough to cross its path for the beast’s dinner. It has horns more destructive than spears. Then, the worst part they claim, is the beast’s eyes: cold, lifeless, beady black eyes that stare into your soul and steals years from your lifespan for its own. That’s what they say.

What I say is that these claims are as accurate as comparing a cat to a dog. There is no horrid beast roaming out there, other than us humans. The “beast” they claim is out there is a sweet and friendly creature. Those teeth are in fact matted white fur from his slobbering-wet greetings. His fur is honestly quite matted, try as I have the past several months to de-mat it. He doesn’t have much in the way for defense other than the various shades of green and brown fur so that he can hide from hungry predators. The claims regarding the wolfsbane are true; his digestive system has evolved to process these poisonous plants, benefitting the lives surrounding his habitat. His horns are too delicate for fighting but they are incredible at knocking down white baneberries, giant hogweed, or even the fruits from a Manchineel tree.

No one knows the origin of this strange creature. I believe that his kind have just been hiding in plain sight, evolving and surviving just as every other creature in these forests. Then again, only a select few have been blessed to see the offspring of these magnificent creatures. I could still remember holding a light green baby–no bigger than an apple–and feeling the wonder and amazement of knowing that tiny baby would grow into a massive creature whose size could easily match a bear’s.

The funniest saying is that of the creature’s eyes. There is nothing lifeless or cold about them. They are the eyes of a caring mother, causally watching her children play in the sun. They were the color of amber when the sun kisses those eyes midday. There is a twinkle of intelligence and curiosity when the creature finds something new. Those eyes are filled with love and warmth; those who claim otherwise, they aren’t looking properly.

One day, people will understand the creature’s beauty. Until then, I will watch over them and offer my protection to the Pecuinum Animans*, the Beast-like Creature.

*Latin:

Pecuinus, pecuina, pecuinum, adj.: beast-like; of cattle

Animans, animantis, n.: animate/living being/organism (other than man), creature; animal (vs. plant)