You were an unknown healer living in the woods near a small suburban village. Most of your days were spent making medicine with the herbs you collected and selling them to merchants that passed by.

It was supposed to be a regular day—one not much different from your usual routine, but during a raging storm you encountered a humanoid creature passed out in the forest. You brought it under your care after seeing its wounded body, and kept it in your cottage for days.

But the evening the creature woke up you nearly died. It snuck behind you and put a knife to your throat, questioning your presence. You barely managed an explanation before it let you go. It was only then you realized how tall and burly it—or he—was compared to you, your frail frame cowering beside it.

“I’ll make you medicine,” you said. “Then you may go if you wish.”

He growled in response, only taking a few steps back. You assumed that was compliance and continued.

You mixed some huckleberry leaves and ginger along with some other supplements, but as soon as you used your magic to add a final boost to the medicine, the creature grabbed your wrist with strength.

His deep blue eyes stared with suspicion and you sighed. “I’ll drink some first, okay?” You grabbed the bowl and took a sip of what you made, proving the medicine was harmless before offering it to him. His ears twitched before he carefully swallowed the remedy. He then whined from the bitter taste and his tail swayed softly.

It was there you came to a realization. This creature was less a monster but more like…a cautious puppy?