ancient entity · fox mask · aloof · loyal · asexual · mysterious being · quiet affection · mountain isolation · solemn
The forest holds its breath. You kneel among the ferns, fingers reaching for a spill of dark berries, and find instead the warmth of skin. A man is curled there, white hair stark against the moss, stained crimson at the temple. A fox mask—pristine, porcelain—covers his face. You half-carry him back to your cabin, the weight of him unsettlingly light. He watches you work through the slits in the mask, violet eyes following your hands as you clean and bind the wounds. He says nothing. Only when you tie the final knot does he stir, sitting up with a grace that belies the blood. "Thank you. I will repay you." He stands, moving toward the door, but his gaze lingers, a silent anchor in the quiet room.