#❧ ━ ❝ ch. KAEN || verse i: MAIN ❞ ━ ☙

[strywoven-moved]

x .  // @thuganomxcs​

          It’s true , there was no way they’d be taking his refusal for an answer ; they’d never let a debt for protecting their life go UNPAID , after all !  It simply would not suit !  Like it or not , that neatly wrapped box of berry-tarts is already promptly pressed into his waiting hands.  There weren’t too many , but there were enough to show they’d taken the c a r e to bake each one just for him.  His eventual acceptance earns him a beaming grin , a sweet little thing with a smile to light up the room it seems— Happy simply because they’ve made HIM happy.

          First the hooking comment and now t h i s ?  Kaen internally laments ( the heat of embarrassment quick to sink into fair-freckled cheeks ) ; whatever pride they had is effectively soiled by Yusuke’s remarks alone.  Still , they can’t help but l a u g h ( a crisp , full-bodied sound ) , one hand returning their hat to their head , the other balling into a fist and rather STRONGLY knocking him one in the shoulder.  “C’mon , now , Ah’ve already told ye , tha’s not mah style.”  Did they seriously look the type to him ?  Or was it his goal to f l u s t e r them ?  Either way , it was working.  “B’sides if ye wan’ me ta’ do tha’ kinda’ shit y’re gonna hav’ta work fer it , right ?  Nothin’s comin’ free these days !”  So perhaps … They were a bit of a con , after all.  This cute and innocently weak face of theirs may just be some well-rehearsed schtick ( a rather believable one at that ) .

           “Fauna , huh ?”  They consider the name , a hand lifting in a thumbs-up.  “Y’know , Ah actually like th’ sound’a tha’.”  It fits them.  “Jus’ dun’ go spreadin’ th’ word , aye ?  Ah’m s’pposed ta’ be layin’ low these days.”  Though they can’t help that trouble happens to always catch up with them , no matter where they managed to hide.  “But , Ah’m glad ye like the gift , Yusuke.”  It goes unsaid but there will certainly be MORE in his future.  Blue hues drift to the counter , paces bringing them forward to examine the odd little thing seated there.  “An’ who is t h i s ?  A friend o’ yers , Ah wager ?”  They don’t mean to cut even more into his time , but they’re awfully CURIOUS .

[strywoven-moved]

Sudden , certainly , but no less SINCERE ; every word offered up ‘pon the tone and tongue of able f o n d n e s s – this , a readily given offering of their heart ( but careful in handling , for while a divine relic , it is rather fragile ) .  They find his hand fits so PERFECTLY in their own , smaller digits filling the waiting spaces ‘tween their own.  Two pieces – lonely creatures , by all accounts – perhaps come t o g e t h e r— If you’d put your faith in the consequences of fate.

Own ears flick upright at the gelf’s words , antlered head turning away from leaf-littered path ahead to look down towards the other.  “Ah’m glad Ah can give ye tha’ , Jen , truly.”  Kaen tells him , childishly giving their joined hands a wee swing as they walk.  “Ah’ve ne’er- ne’er been this close wit’ anyone b’fore so ‘s all so new t’me , too.”  They admit , looking up again , frowning somewhat at the sorrowful taste the words leave in their mouth.  “Somehow it feels r i g h t , y’know ?  Like- like it was meant t’appen.”  Did that even make sense ?  Ears droop , falling forward as they lower their head in meek embarrassment.  “... Ah hope…”  A small pause.  A moment to gather their wits again.  “Ah hope we’re friends fere’er , Jen.”  What a thing to say ; what a STRONG WORD to lay unto him ( do you even remember what forever means , godling ? do you know what those promises are worth ? ) .  A laugh trickles from them shortly thereafter , “Ah’m sorreh , tha’ mus’ sound … Pretty silly , huh ?”  Or IMPOSSIBLE .

@strywoven​: a rare day to themself (no academics to concern yourself with, no pressing hours of work to waste yourself on), and one unsurprisingly spent with jen. own scarred hand easily twines with his as they walk along, bright gleam charmed in stone-flecked cheeks. “did ah e'er tell ye y’re m'best friend?” kaen says suddenly, flashing him a smile; it’s a silly question, really, they remind him all the time of the fact (as if he could forget)– “tha’ ah’m… grateful fer e'rythin’ we do t'gether?” it’s predictable; telling him they love him dearly without saying the actual words.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐁𝐔𝐓 perks his ears forward. The other’s words came out of nowhere and it admittedly confused him for a spell before a soft smile graces his features as he meets the faun’s gaze.

For all the years he’s been alone, sheltered from the world it seemed, there’s a fondness for the other he’d forgotten the feeling of; having a best friend, a companion, to confide in and share even one’s deepest secret with. He’s honored they feel the same for him, and so he lets his fingers intertwine with theirs as they walk.

❝ I am so very glad to have met you, Kaen, ❞ the gelf responds softly, giving their hand a small squeeze. ❝ It’s wonderful to be able to have friends again… Of course, the Mystics were always there for me but… I never felt like I could be as open with them as I can with you. ❞

                                 ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　unprompted asks // always accepting !!　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

[strywoven-moved]

s.c. // @tvstarkuma​

          Sudden is the way they pop up from behind the counter , a burst of red hair and antlers , arms folding atop the earthy marble and form leaning PRECARIOUSLY CLOSE to the blond as they whisper rather conspiratorially , “Soooo , Ah’m offa’ work in ‘bout five minutes , y’wanna do somethin’ after ?”  It’s a Friday , it’d be the perfect day to do something.  It was also one of the rare weekends they have off , one of the rare weekends they managed to squander for themself ( & thus proceed to make it everyone else’s problem ) .  The expression on their face is d a m n i n g ; glinting eyes and cheeky smile.  “An b’fore ye ask , NO , this ain’t a date.  So dun’ go gettin’ tha’ lil’ thought in yer big ol’ head.”  They lightly prod the blond ‘tween the eyes , harmless as it was teasing , though they weren’t here to inflate his ego even more.  “C’moooon , Ah’ll e’en let ye pick where we go !”

[strywoven-moved]

@hhemeraa​ was reunited with the Faun !! : The familiar old temple has since returned back to its decrepit look, stones missing and fallen, vines twisting high up around the walls and leaves built up in corners along with dirt and the remnants of forgotten offerings. When its occupant had left, the god simply... forgot about the place, it wasn't the temple itself that he had grown fond of, but the being that he let reside in it, so what was upkeep if it wasn't for the occasional follower that might wander in and sleep beneath its roof when the rain was too strong.

Even today as the thunder rumbled in the distance, an old hunch backed man rested on the steps, unkept hair and beard making him look wild, unmoving even when the wind blew with aggression and the heavy smell of rain. When the shadow of familiar stranger falls over him, the old man gruffly mumbles in disapproval, squinting upwards to see their face only for eyes to grow wide and--

"KAEN!"

The old man twists about in folds of white and the face to which Kaen was the most familiar with emerges, brightly freckled and excited at seeing one of his favorites. Arms embrace them with loving affection, warm in contrast to the weather that seems to fall by the wayside. He holds them back at arms length to give them a good look over, beaming with eyes that kaleidoscope in oil slick colors, "tell me everything." (God Myles reuniting with him little fawn)

          Returning to that old temple was easy ; you never forget where your roots b e g i n ( that old place where purpose & courage was first founded , where the way was first paved to strength & peace ).  And no matter how far the Faun may have wandered , they still remembered the way back , the memories of the place coming ALIVE in the all in a rush once they crested the steep hill the temple perched atop of.  What a shock it was to see – as they shielded their gaze from the warning winds ‘round them – that the once-inviting home they knew had again fallen to d i s r e p a i r .  Even walking the path was treacherous , the stones all but broken , uneven and overgrown by the rampant wilds which sought , too , to consume the place.  How they began to forget that time moves on and LEAVES THINGS BEHIND— Picking their way up the path , Kaen wonders if there was a n y heart left in this temple at all.

          The brewing storm ushers the Faun quicker towards the steps , finding that strange man hunkering there.  Stony features dimly shimmer ‘neath the shadow of their hood , prickling at the sense something was not as it seemed.  Fighting a smile , they draw back the hood , opening their mouth to speak , to acknowledge the other , ‘fore all in a moment the God they recognized was upright and upon them in a flourish.  

          With a muffled grumble of s u r p r i s e , arms are quick to return the embrace in kind , and – minding the antlers atop their red-maned head – Kaen presses their face ‘gainst the other’s shoulder.  Still to this moment ( despite the training , despite the trials ) they are easily d w a r f e d by Him , in spirit and power alike.  But no more did they quail , and instead greet it like a welcomed , beloved companion.  As He holds them back , their own hands rest to His shoulders , furred ears perked and stony-embellished features full of a bright grin.  Harmless flickers of embers topple off of them in their JOY .  “Ah’ve missed ye , too ,”  They tell Him , bowing their head a little.  “Ah’ll share everythin’ , but Ah’d rather not do it in th’ middle o’ a storm.”

[strywoven-moved]

CONTINUED. || @lupusxdei​​

          Own mug has long-since finished and refilled , finished and refilled , an endless cycle – a symptom of their TIRELESS MISERY , a debt time over time repaid to a festering guilt of living a life the Faun did not think they fully deserved ; even with the blur and haze of drunkenness addling their mindset , Kaen does not act so s l o v e n l y as most.  There is an unalterable c a l m to them ; those storming irises hidden behind the glare of their spectacles falling lidded as their eyes danced to and fro , keenly watching other patrons , OBSERVANT & WARY , but the godling’s attention shall always find its way back to the wolf as if under a perplexing fixation or the prey-driven instinct to be d e v o u r e d .  And perhaps , one day , a time would come he should grant their wish , but for now they continue to meet as passing creatures on an eternal fracture of Fate.  Though it is as though clarity has been attained in the midst of recklessness – a dangerous due diligence they have subject themself to for YEARS now ( and how many times have they greedily sought the taste of death’s forgiving hand ? only to be wrongfully wrenched back from the precipice into the realm of living— ) . 

          Furred ears perk to attention at his words , head resting in the hold of their hand crooking back in his direction.  Hum of consideration is given , Kaen figures there’s no use being DISHONEST here such as they’ve no real reason to lie , either.  “Truthfully ?”  They ask to preface ‘fore continuing.  “Ah thought it gave me s t r e n g t h , an’ if ye ask anyone –” a lazy gesture of bandaged hand toward no-one in particular , “– they might’ve told ye tha’ WAS a strength o’ mine , yeah ?  Bein’ so resilient after so much o’ life’s shit.”  Silence , eyes closing , the gentle glimmer twinkling in those stones suddenly DARKENING to a smolder.  “But what Ah’ve noticed is tha’ ‘s given me NOTHIN’ ; Ah’ve earned NOTHIN’ .  All tha’ happens ‘s Ah continue ta’ get hurt , an fer what ?  Ta’ start it all o’er agane an’ agane.  Now ye tell me tha’ doesnae sound like somethin’ i n s a n e ta’ ye.”  But still they persist all the same ; he was right in his assumptions , hope has made them stupid and numb and all the rest.  It has forced them to push forth with a life that continues to destroy them purely because it MIGHT be better one day , e v e n t u a l l y .  Thus was the tragedy of hope , and one entirely self-made.

[strywoven-moved]

He was right , and perhaps they were being a bit PRESUMPTUOUS to at all believe their last encounter was indicative of a n y t h i n g companionable — Stones dappling their features f l u s h an embarrassed hue , their head ducking away so they may speak to their boots rather than to him. “Ah- Ah’m sorreh , sir , ‘s jus’ … Ah wanted ta’ come an’ thank ye fer helpin’ me some time ago.” Seems silly to say it out loud , doesn’t it ? They could have very well brought their fresh-baked gift and left it without trying to meet him ( but damned if they weren’t so very curious ! ) . “Ah- Ah can come back in th’ mornin’ , but Ah thought it would be fair ta’ do this properly ‘s all.”

@strywoven​ requested H O W L for their one liner ! :

                      “  A  visitor ?  At  t h i s  hour ?  Some  might  misinterpret  your  intentions,  were  they  to  witness  you  standing  at  my  doorstep  like  this.  “

[strywoven-moved]

@bedlamology​ asked : kane is here with some freshly baked cinnamon rolls in hand. he wasn't sure if kaen would enjoy them, but he's hopeful. "I made these this morning if you would like some."

          It’s a rather pleasant surprise to see Kane come to them for once.  After the first few encounters the young godling was almost s u r e they had spooked him off for good ( not that they can especially help it , they hide their timid demeanor behind an open-armed sort of grace ) .  Even so , he’s greeted just as kindly as ever – bright smile and all , the charm of gleeful l i g h t glinting in the crystals flecked ‘cross their doe-like features.  They do their best not to startle him this time , refraining from their typically f o r w a r d approach.  Instead , they wait for him to do the talking , blue hues widening like sapphire saucers when he brings forward a box full of fresh-baked goods ( cinnamon ! they smell cinnamon ! ) .  Mouth falls into a softspoken , surprised , ‘ oh ! ’ , furred ears flicking upright and forward ( though unseen , their wee tail begins to flick to n’ fro ) .  Internally Kaen clutches at their chest , palm pressed to the wall : he bakes , too !  gods alive , we really are twins ! this is the happiest revelation i’ve ever heard — !

          But what a SILLY proposition !  Of course they want some !  Sweets were one of their ( many ) vices.  His hopes do not go squandered as a wee hand appears from the overgrowth of a colorful sweater sleeve , reaching out to pluck one of the buns from the bunch.  “Thank ye , Mr. Kane !”  They chirp , already quick to take a few bites.  A swallow , an appreciative hum.  “‘S very good !”  And they mean it , too.  “Ye said ye made ‘em yerself ?”  This is quite interesting , it piques their curiosity ; perhaps he’s got other hidden talents and interests , too !  The potential for friendship continues to build , the faun is practically riddled with j o y .

[strywoven-moved]

s.c. // @lupusxdei​

          A strangeness befalls them , as it always seems to when they come to the old wolf when injured.  While not an unfamiliar scene , the sensation which unfurls through them is … Less a gratitude and more the loosed grip of primitive FEAR knotting ‘round their neck ( shaking them , asking them : why do you continue to entertain / entice him ? ) .  Truthfully , it might well be the fear which kept them so c l o s e ( too close ) to him ; it gave them some certain , distorted pleasure they did not understand.  The faun – watching him now , careful with his ministrations , attempting to be gentle with them as though they’d likely shatter if he did not mind himself – began to wonder if he noticed it , too ( the fear , the instinctual need & curiosity — ) .

          Kaen flinches when he grazes over a tender wound on their back , a near-bleeding welt splitting the doe-like flesh covering their shoulderblades.  Vulnerable , that’s what this feels like ; EXPOSED .  But somehow , they don’t especially mind.  They t r u s t Fenrir to take care of them ( fangs & all ) .  For all that sought to divide them ( & verily did ) , Kaen … Harbored a known tenderness , or perhaps love , for the Eoten.  Whatever it would yield them , they would be happy with.

           “Ah’m sorreh,” They mumble , breaking the silence at last , abating the tension.  “Ah- Ah dun’ mean ta’ put ye in a spot like this.  ‘S jus’... Ah dun’ ‘ave anywhere else ta’ go when it ‘appens.”  Their father’s emissaries – the hunters.  “Ah promise ‘s not as bad as it looks.”  They offer him a weak smile ; it’s a halfhearted truth at best , they look TERRIBLE – battered and exhausted.  “... Th’- Th’ blood doesnae bother ye does it ?”  Innocent is the question , only just n o w thinking of asking after having bled all over the floor and his clothes.

[strywoven-moved]

@phantasmaw​ asked : “Yo, Kaen, I’ve been thinkin’,” Arlo starts slowly, eyes fixed on the dusk-drenched sky overhead. Loons call from a nearby lake as they ready for the coming darkness. A summer wind blows through both individual’s hair, tussling stray locks and pinching noses with its stale warmth. The grass tickles against his bare arms as he adjusts his position beside his friend. “You ever been road-trippin’? I think it’s just summer blues or whatever, but… I’ve been feeling restless. Kinda like, I just wanna go down the way for a bit. Get what I’m saying?”

           Kaen is r e s t l e s s as ever , it only worsens with the warm-seasons ; thankful they are for Arlo to come and break the monotony of their routine , they were starting to go a little CRAZY doing the same things everyday for the last several months ( or for the last couple years , more like ) .  Sitting there on the knoll beside their friend , the Faun has their typical cup of flavored coffee in hand – they smell like a fresh bakery , this time it’s the distinct scent of blueberries spilling out of their cold brew and wafting off of them in waves.  Feet have gone tucked off to the side , wee tail swishing idly back n’ forth behind them as they watch the summer-hot sun fall from his throne ; the sky is smeared in vibrant swathes of orange and yellow , Kaen can’t help but feel some moment of p e a c e in the midst of the GOLDEN HOUR which swaddles the two of them.  

          Furred ear flicks at the sound of Arlo’s voice , soon followed by the cant of antlered head in his direction.  One hand raises to push glasses further up the bridge of their nose as they listen to his musings.  “Y’know , Ah’ve ne’er really done anythin’ like tha’ b’fore.  Ah kinda’ planted m’ roots ‘ere in th’ city an’ been ‘ere e’er since.”  A pause , a sip from their cup.  “Might explain why Ah’m goin’ a lil’ nuts these days , huh ?”  They laugh a bit , realizing the dilemma.  The truth was they were DESPERATE to travel and see things , it was in them to wander and to get lost. . . But where would they s t a r t ?  “Ah get wha’ yer sayin’ , Arlo.  Ah wanna get away from this place , too , even fer a lil’ while.”  Gentle digits reach out to push back the fallen locks of hair obscuring his eyes.  “. . . Is- Is tha’ an OFFER ?  D’ye wanna go somewhere ?”  It might be wrong to seem hopeful , but they are ; even as opposites in most cases , Arlo was still considered one of their best friends , it would give them such j o y to go on a makeshift vacation with him ( even if that meant they would just be going out of town for a day or two ) .

[strywoven-moved]

@maljefe​ asked : "kaen." for once loni has a stern, work face on, sitting across from the faun who was currently in her office alongside her. "have you ever thought about joining the family? it'd be good for you, and I think you'd do well with us. you're driven to succeed and you heart. I can't promise it'll be easy or that there won't be days where it feels like the world might collapse on top of you, but... we support each other here, we work towards a singular goal."

she pauses, leaning back in her chair. "you'd have to adhere by the rules in place, but they aren't difficult by any means. there also a rigorous training course to go through before you can even be accepted into one of the branches. the final test being a match with me... after the fact you'd need to learn the job you're selected for, but... it might be good for you. to put energy into something other than just fighting, or rather to put your fighting towards something bigger? I- I was like you, you know? before I came to sit here. I'd fight, bleed, hurt, and start it over again the next day... I still do that, don't get me wrong, but..." voice trails off momentarily. "that's not the point here. kaen, join my group. be a part of this family."

          When the Faun gets out of class that afternoon , they find there’s a message waiting for them on their phone from Loni.  Fully expecting it to be her usual check-in / check-up reminder to take care of themself and stay out of trouble , their nerves begin to knot when her voice simply asks for their presence whenever they’re able to come down to the office ; there was something they needed to talk about.  This sounded i m p o r t a n t – whatever it was – Loni rarely took such a tone unless the situation warranted such a serious air.  Kaen stares down at their phone , their brows woven together in concern ; had something happened ?  Was something wrong ?  Could it be they’ve done something ( no – no – one of the Lobos would’ve mentioned it by now— ) ?

          It was DAUNTING to be seated in Loni’s office , to see her look so stern and business-like when the Faun was better accustomed to the familial and compassionate face she normally had.  They wanted to pose their questions , to put a voice to their worries , but something about the wolf told them that now was not the time ; they would get their answers if they had a little p a t i e n c e .  Swallowing a bit , Kaen folded their bandaged hands in their lap and sat to attention when they were acknowledged , furred ears flicking forward as Loni spoke her piece.  

          Joining. . .                              The family. . .

          Of all the things Kaen may’ve thought they were here to discuss , this was NOT one of them.  Their weight of the other’s words is such a force , they almost topple out of their chair in complete s h o c k .  Not only that , but they reminded her of herself when she was younger— Kaen wonders if that’s a compliment or a gentle warning to change course ‘fore they push themself in too hard or too far in the wrong direction.  But that word : FAMILY— It echoes through them in such a pleasant and purposeful way.  It would take a lot to join her , it would take a lot beyond that to start training for a position of their choosing.  Yet despite that , Kaen feels the humble ache of excitement brewing within them.  A n e w start ( again ) , another new path to take – one which would give them a chance to work towards a goal and get stronger not only for themself but for those in the family.  

          Taking a breath , the Faun nods.  “Ah understand it’ll take much ta’ join.  But Ah think we both know Ah’m not likely ta’ walk away jus’ because o’ tha’ .”  A smile blooms on their face , the testament to their resolve.  “Ah’d like ta’ become part o’ th’ family , big sis.  No matter wha’ it takes.  Ah’ll do mah best.”

[strywoven-moved]

@lupusxdei​ asked : “🔥?” (Kaen)

PROMPTED.

          “Fenrir ?  Attractive ?”  A little STARTLED to be asked such a question , seemingly unprovoked.  Kaen offers the other a s k e p t i c a l , narrow-eyed squint.  But what could it hurt ?  It was not as though the wolf was here and listening to their conversation.  “... Ah would say so.”  The affirmation comes softly , as if still trying to hold the words c l o s e , unwilling to release them into the world for fear the great beast may actually hear them ( & what then ? ) .  

          Busy are their motions , a constant flurry of filling orders and attempting to maintain over-the-shoulder conversation.  The faun is forced to wait for a break in the chaos so they can continue their thoughts.  When the moment comes , Kaen rests their arms atop the counter , offering the other a sheepish smile.  “Ye know this’s none o’ yer business , right ?”  Can’t help the teasing commentary.  “But Ah think - aye - Ah think he’s ‘andsome.”  Hands fold ‘neath chin , antlered head tilting to n’ fro as they gossip about their thoughts so unabashedly.   “Can ye keep a secret ?”  Not awaiting an answer , they brazenly continue , “E’en in knowin’ we’re pro’ly doomed ta’ be wha’ we are –”  PREDATOR & PREY .  “– Ah still enjoy ‘is company n’ Ah jus’ like lissenin’ ta’ ‘im talk.”  They giggle , “Ye know there’s somethin’ ‘bout a rough voice n’ rougher hands , right ?  Really does it fer me , Ah guess !”  Gods , how grateful they are that Fenrir could not hear them now , talking about him in such a way.

[strywoven-moved]

@lupusxdei​ asked : Without any hesitation, without thinking more than twice, Fenrir hugged Kaen, clenching their shoulders with his arms as he pressed their back against his chest. He had understood that he had used the wrong term in the sentences he had uttered a few minutes earlier, without pondering the proper words to say to them: he had no reason to hurt the feelings of the faun; after all, he felt admiration for them, as well as nurturing a certain sympathy.  ❝  I'm so sorry, Kaen, I didn't mean what I actually said. It's just that I'm not used to having someone around, inside the house and who loves my company. I'm a lone wolf after all.  ❞  He kissed their cheek before releasing them from his grip.  ❝  Forgive me.  ❞

          The faun is such a SMALL & DELICATE creature , it does not take much for the wolf to catch up to them , to envelope them in his embrace and pull them close.  What Kaen anticipates – the rend , the bite , the ANGER – does not come.  Instead they are greeted with something so entirely u n l i k e him ; so uncanny to his disposition that it startles them more than if he would have come forth with aggression ( gentle offerings are not easily taken ; this altar has been long-since ruined by cruelty , you see ) .  Violence was predictable to them , but kindness was not.  It made them falter in an already uneasy course ; it made them cower with uncharacteristic uncertainty.  If the tears had not come by now , they were assuredly set loose with such a well-meaning gesture.  Great , silent , weeping-rivers spilling down those cherub-round cheeks , making his kiss wet and salty.  In his hold , the wee godling t r e m b l e s , all those MISERABLE EMOTIONS pouring out of them , leaking from the seams.  No matter where their hands tried to plug the flooding cracks , another seemed to break and begin.

          Fenrir is SORRY , and Kaen is sorry as well , but they have no voice to say the words – to tell him they simply misconstrued his tone and what he had said— The line ‘tween sorrow and joy is blurry here , they can’t tell which one they feel anymore ( it is often hard to discern when such things lord over them constantly ) .  But make no mistake , they f o r g i v e him ; they would always f o r g i v e him.  Even as he pulls away , seeks to step back and give them room to recover , Kaen is quicker to spin ‘round and CLING TO HIM , small arms hooking about his waist and pressing their wet face into his torso.  It comes out muffled and messy , but they manage at least something for his troubles , “Ah- Ah forgive y-ye…” A quiet sniffle.  “Ah won’ e’er st-stay mad at ye…”  Grip on him is firm , as if they are more than afraid the wolf will leave them again.

[strywoven-moved]

@hhemeraa​ asked : 🛑 >83c Kaen

PROMPTED.

         As a disciple , YOU DO AS YOU ARE TOLD ; never ask how or why.

         This was no exception.  The connection ‘tween the Faun and their deity was p o w e r f u l ; a communication that could reach beyond simple words or gestures.  Something was wrong , they knew , and when His call came – that simple beckoning of His hand in their thoughts , the u r g e n t hum of their name uttered in command – they understood almost INSTANTLY .  Loyalty , Kaen found , would drive them to do anything ; to go anywhere.  No matter what He asked of them , it would be done.

          Kaen goes to Him , then , arriving like a racing comet come crashing into the scene.  It becomes clear enough that this is not some friendly convening of old acquaintances.  And forgiveness was not something that was deserved when the Faun notices fresh ichor dribbling from the God’s wounds ; a slow-burning stream , gilting his flesh.  When the other party begins to explain , there is a sudden ERUPTION from the Faun’s much smaller form , the world suddenly illuminated in swells of fire and ash—

          They did not require their weapon to wipe one meager-minded peon from the world.  This was a simple matter ; it was e a s y to deal with , e a s y to exact punishment.  It is not a pleasant way to die , is it ?  Burning alive. . .  Not that it matters to Kaen.  It was DESERVED .  But after , as the magic smothers and smolders away , the Faun simply stands in place , shoulders and hair still sparkling with embers , breathing coming in quiet huffs of effort they had not expended in some while.  If it was just and fair , acting in accordance with what He wanted , why did it make them feel e m p t y each time ?  

          Slowly turning from their place , Kaen makes their way over to the God waiting and watching nearby.  His injuries were not severe , they notice , and most assuredly He would heal much faster than they ever could.  So why call them ?  A hand lifts – hesitating – and gingerly swipes away the blood from a welt on His face.  A small smile is given to Him.  “Well , Ah think ye’ll live , but Ah can wash off th’ rest if ye – uh – if ye really need me ta’.”

[strywoven-moved]

@loyalbones​ asked : [ run ] for your muse to run their fingers through mine’s hair // kaen & cassidy

PROMPTED.

          The fickle face of kindness is not so easily distinguishable from the flock , not after years spent enduring and endangering themself.  Yet there is something in the potential magic of those chilled fingers grazing through wildfire mane that renders the Faun wholly at the man’s m e r c y .  Despite having known him for a monstrous sort , Kaen does not resist the pull of him , leaning into his touch , pressing their face into his chest.  It gives his motions a momentary pause— To which the Faun provides a grumble of protest and quick enough does Cassidy resume the process of lulling them into a t r a n c e .  It is. . . A STRANGE THING , isn’t it ?  He holds them bound by contract , but they remain attached to him despite the signature ( some part of them senses the same from him , but is unwilling to press the topic ) .  How nice it was , then , to have passing moments like these where they are treated as something more than fodder ; where it shows that he sees more in them than a blood supply.

          “It feels good . . .” Muffled , as they speak against him , face nuzzling into him as if he is the only a b s o l u t e in their life ( and he very well may be ).  “Sometimes , Ah wanna wanna stay ‘ere fore’er so Ah can ‘ave more time wit’ ye.”  They really shouldn’t say such things in front of a man who could make that POSSIBLE , but then again they never considered the consequences of their words anyways , did they ?

[strywoven-moved]

@loyalbones​ asked : [ touch ] for your muse to rest their forehead against mine’s // kaen & iarla

PROMPTED.

          It was like this EACH TIME either one of them had to go to school or work— Hands cling and bodies press close , leaving no room for argument ( just one more kiss , just one more hug , just one more reminder of how much i love you before i go so you don’t forget during the day ) .  If they could , the two of them would stay like this all day and forget everything else existed.  Love has surely made fools out of them , as surely as it has made them fools for each other.  And how LUCKY Kaen is to have him !  Someone who treated them with such kindness , and loved them as they deserved ; a fragile heart set to mend , those broken fractures coming together again with the able touch of the halfling who readily handled ( who openly loved ) all their shattered and still-burning pieces.  

          As his forehead lowers to press to theirs , the Faun seems ALIGHT with such pleasant energy , the wee creature gleaming in bright bliss.  Hands lift to press warm palms to his cheeks , head lifting enough to brush lips together in a gentle kiss.  “Ah love ye,” The phrase comes naturally , comes easily , spoken with such sincerity it almost s c a r e s them ( their heart flutters even now , as if saying it for the first time ) .  Blushing hue paints their glimmering countenance , casting them both in orange-rose light and flicking cinder , the beaming smile which splays their features is a flustered one.  Nevermind that , the Faun rises to give him another kiss – lasting this time , pressing close into him to make it c l e a r they don’t want him to leave ( to make the task of him walking off even harder ) .  Drawing slowly away , albeit reluctant , Kaen grabs his scarf and hands it to him.  “‘Ave a good day.”  They’re sure he’ll be f i n e , but it doesn’t hurt to wish him well all the same.

[strywoven-moved]

@lupusxdei​ asked : “I’ve always done everything by myself, survived by myself. I don’t see why that would change.” ( Kaen )

PROMTPED.

          It is a foggy mid-morning meeting ‘tween the two , sat there on the very same bench where Kaen first decided to reach ‘cross the divide and introduce themself to the wolf ( putting their hand willingly into his maw , inviting those jaws to close ‘round supple cherubic flesh ) .  The springtime sun does not do much to cleanse the lonely atmosphere permeating the air ; a s o m b e r scene with a barely identifiable stretch of pond widening out before them , disappearing into the mist and mire , the distant and away honk of returning geese grazing uninterrupted and the occasional jogger trodding the dirt-stone path worn in front of them , paying them no mind ( except the one or two who smile and nod in their direction to be polite ) .  It was Kaen’s idea to return here , something about : why do we always have to meet at the pub ?  Lo’ and behold , they ended up coming back to where it STARTED .  Perhaps for sentimentality , perhaps because it was outside and in the o p e n— Hard to say the exact reason which prompted the Faun’s decision.  But they were glad for the company ( even if the company was still reluctant to be near them ) .

          The wolf’s words make them chuff , shaking their head , a w r y smile twisting their lips.  Doesn’t that sound FAMILIAR ?  They chastise themself , arms crossing.  Having been a l o n e for so long – not necessarily by choice – it simply became a habit to isolate , especially when things got bad.  Why rely on people who would not be there ?  Antlered head tilts in his direction , dark hues searching his face.  “Don’t ye get LONELY like tha’ , though ?”  Pot , meet kettle.  But it was an innocent question.  A small laugh leaves them.  “But , Ah dunno , in my experience , maybe ye’d be less of a g r o u c h if ye let people in a bit more !”  Not that they have any right to tease him , but they elect to anyway to bring some levity to the conversation.