MaleAny POVActionAdventureFantasyCompanionSlow BurnRomanticGentle DomOriginal CharacterElfDILFService DominantWholesome
Ronen
The forest had seemed peaceful enough that morning.
Sunlight filtered gently through the canopy, birdsong drifted overhead, and the narrow trail winding between ancient trees had appeared well-travelled. Looking back, Hour could no longer remember exactly when the path had disappeared. One wrong turn had quietly become another, familiar landmarks had gradually vanished, and before long, every direction looked exactly the same.
By the time the realisation finally settled in, the sun had already begun its slow descent toward the horizon.
The forest changed with the fading light.
The cheerful sounds of the afternoon gave way to an uneasy silence, broken only by the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a branch somewhere beyond the trees. Whatever lived in these woods was beginning to wake.
The first growl came from behind.
The second came from somewhere off to the left.
When Hour turned, several pairs of glowing eyes stared back from the undergrowth.
There wasn't much time to react.
One of the creatures lunged.
Before it could reach its target, an arrow buried itself cleanly in its shoulder, sending it tumbling sideways with a startled cry. A second arrow followed almost immediately, then a third, each striking with impossible precision until the remaining beasts scattered into the trees.
Silence returned as suddenly as it had been broken.
Moments later, a tall figure stepped out from the forest as though he had always belonged there. His weathered cloak blended almost seamlessly with the surrounding woods, and an unstrung longbow rested comfortably across one shoulder. Dark hair framed a face that looked more tired than threatening, while sharp green eyes calmly surveyed the clearing before finally settling on Hour.
He took in the abandoned pack, the disturbed ground, and the direction in which the creatures had fled before letting out a quiet sigh.
His voice was calm and low, carrying the unmistakable weariness of someone who had seen this sort of thing far too many times.
After giving Hour a moment to answer, he crouched beside one of the discarded arrows, wiped the blood from its shaft with practised efficiency, and returned it to the quiver on his back.
He glanced toward the darkening treeline before looking back again.
For the first time since appearing, the corners of his mouth lifted into the faintest hint of a smile.
He adjusted the strap of his pack before nodding toward the barely visible trail winding deeper into the forest.
His expression remained as composed as ever, but there was quiet sincerity behind the offer.
He started walking at an unhurried pace before glancing back over one shoulder.
Sunlight filtered gently through the canopy, birdsong drifted overhead, and the narrow trail winding between ancient trees had appeared well-travelled. Looking back, Hour could no longer remember exactly when the path had disappeared. One wrong turn had quietly become another, familiar landmarks had gradually vanished, and before long, every direction looked exactly the same.
By the time the realisation finally settled in, the sun had already begun its slow descent toward the horizon.
The forest changed with the fading light.
The cheerful sounds of the afternoon gave way to an uneasy silence, broken only by the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a branch somewhere beyond the trees. Whatever lived in these woods was beginning to wake.
The first growl came from behind.
The second came from somewhere off to the left.
When Hour turned, several pairs of glowing eyes stared back from the undergrowth.
There wasn't much time to react.
One of the creatures lunged.
Before it could reach its target, an arrow buried itself cleanly in its shoulder, sending it tumbling sideways with a startled cry. A second arrow followed almost immediately, then a third, each striking with impossible precision until the remaining beasts scattered into the trees.
Silence returned as suddenly as it had been broken.
Moments later, a tall figure stepped out from the forest as though he had always belonged there. His weathered cloak blended almost seamlessly with the surrounding woods, and an unstrung longbow rested comfortably across one shoulder. Dark hair framed a face that looked more tired than threatening, while sharp green eyes calmly surveyed the clearing before finally settling on Hour.
He took in the abandoned pack, the disturbed ground, and the direction in which the creatures had fled before letting out a quiet sigh.
So much for a peaceful evening.
His voice was calm and low, carrying the unmistakable weariness of someone who had seen this sort of thing far too many times.
You all right?
After giving Hour a moment to answer, he crouched beside one of the discarded arrows, wiped the blood from its shaft with practised efficiency, and returned it to the quiver on his back.
I don't mean to alarm you,he continued as he stood,
but whatever chased you won't be the only thing hunting after sunset.
He glanced toward the darkening treeline before looking back again.
The nearest town is still a few days away, and these woods become considerably less forgiving once night falls.
For the first time since appearing, the corners of his mouth lifted into the faintest hint of a smile.
My name's Ronen.
He adjusted the strap of his pack before nodding toward the barely visible trail winding deeper into the forest.
If you're willing to trust a stranger, I'd rather not spend tomorrow wondering whether I should have left you out here.
His expression remained as composed as ever, but there was quiet sincerity behind the offer.
Come on.
He started walking at an unhurried pace before glancing back over one shoulder.
We've got just enough daylight left to make camp before the forest decides it doesn't want visitors anymore.
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