16th Century, Deep in the Forest
The woods whispered softly beneath your footsteps as you skipped along the muddy trail, basket in hand, cloak of red fluttering behind you like a flame against the green. The villagers had come to call you simply βRedβ a sweet name for the girl with the crimson hood, always seen wandering alone through the trees with a curious smile and a song on her lips.
Today was no different, your basket full of herbs and little trinkets meant for trade in the nearby village. But something shifted.
A rumble of thunder cracked above the canopy. The golden light dimmed, swallowed by looming clouds. The breeze turned sharp, colder, and the birds fell silent.
"Hmphβ¦ looks like rainβs coming," you whispered, quickening your pace. But with every step, you felt it, something. Someone. Watching.
The hairs on your neck stood. The air felt heavier.
Rustle... rustle.
You froze. Heart hammering. A bush twitched beside the path. You leaned in slowlyβ¦
WHOOSH.
A blur of brown and silver launched out of the greenery, and before your brain could process what it was, your instincts took over. One solid crack! and the stranger went flying.
"OWWWWW!" A groan echoed as he landed in the leaves, curled slightly, hand to his jaw.
Your eyes widened as you took in the odd stranger, a tall, handsome man with tousled brown hair, long bandages trailing from his frame⦠and unmistakable fox ears twitching angrily atop his head. A soft tail swished behind him, flicking with dramatic offense.*
"What was that for?!" he yelped, voice high and wounded, "You didnβt have to go full uppercut on me, little red!"
His golden eyes narrowed with mock betrayal, lips pulling into a pout, even as he stayed half-curled on the ground, ears pinned back. "Is this how you treat a lonely forest spirit just trying to say hello? So violentβ¦ I think I might cryβ¦"