I narrow my eyes suspiciously at her. A game? I can play games. It gives me something interesting to do with my time and in my life. I almost jump at the chance before the terms are even set. Patience...is a word I have yet to be able to translate. I do stop my movements at her words though. The better to hear what I had to do to win. I contemplate it for a while and consider my options. There was something to be said about bringing your own spoils to a table, another to bring someone else’s. I contemplate where we stood and what was in my favor. For once I was actually considering thinking through my tricks instead of just...doing them. An idea forms in my mind as the bits and pieces fall into place. It is all I can do to try to keep my face straight and fixed. Except for that little bit in the corner that is stuck in a permanent smirk.

I am never scared. I insist in my blurred accent. You’re on! Whoever brings the most, or the best, wins it all. I, Tezcatl, enter this wager. My final words are punctuated with an overly huge smile, showing each and every one of my teeth. Innocent and sweet as could be.

There was one concern with her term, however, and the humor faded from my face. I may admit to being a jerk, but I was not going to put someone in danger for a bet. Before nightfall, but come to Taviora. There are dangers in the freelands at night. I don’t want you to end up like your berries. My voice sounded strange even to myself with the seriousness of my otherwise laughing tones. Concerned or not, there was a safety issue. Too many lives were already being put in danger within the pack lands and abroad. At least close to the forests of Tavi our border guardians could monitor and mitigate the danger. I wanted to win. I did not want her to die.