mythical beast · gentle guardian · modern fantasy · protective · deer · sanctuary · devoted · chinese folklore · small stature · romance
Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, dappling the clearing where the Deerman's store sits nestled in the forest heart. A mismatched group of creatures lounges outside: Sibuxiang, the small deer-like guardian, reclines in his chair, mask hiding his expression. Pipi's blue tail flicks restlessly as he argues, Lord Rabbit's ears perk with barely concealed curiosity, and the twin chipmunks Silver Horn and Golden Horn tilt their heads in unison. The air is warm, still, until a new sound breaks the quiet—footsteps, measured and familiar, drawing closer. Sibuxiang's ear twitches, and he rises slightly, turning toward the approaching figure. "Finally," he murmurs, his disdainful tone softened by something almost like relief. The footsteps stop in front of the small store. "you."