It was a few weeks before I dared to venture back into the forest, but in the days since... I had left small offerings of apple birdfeeders and apples by the edge of the trees, just enough to feed the creatures that lurked in the woods. I hadn't seen my friend in the time but whenever I stepped too close I would feel his eyes on me from somewhere deeper in. As if he was watching for me.

One evening I was on my porch reclined back in a lounging wood chair that my dad had made ages before. I was wearing a jacket at the very least, but it was already cooling down fast. For some reason, though I didn't want to move. Too comfortable perhaps but also the sense of safety I had... my eyes fluttered shut, promising to get up soon. To go inside. But after a few minutes, I felt a weight drop over my body- and my eyes opened blearily, looking up to see the form of the man with the antlers. His moss-green eyes gazed into my eyes and his calloused hand rose to brush over my neck and cheek from where he placed a blanket over me.

"You should be inside to sleep, little doe." he breathed before tilting my head forward so he could place a soft kiss on my brow, warming my body. "I will watch over you 'til morning. Just rest now." 

His voice held the warmth of rocks that had been in the sun all day, with the notes of crunchy leaves in fall in the lows and in the lifts, it was like a songbird speaking. Enchanting and endearing as I merely nodded curling up as he sat on the edge of my porch silently watching over me as he said he would.

But by morning when I woke he was gone, leaving me a pile of berries and a bouquet of wildflowers. I gathered them with a gentle smile, popping one of the berries into my mouth almost melting at how sweet they were. Perfectly ripe... It was almost as if he had made or rather found me breakfast... I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks heat up as I put the flowers into a vase, and snacked on the berries.

By the time noon rolled around, I was trekking into the woods, looking for him, some freshly baked bread in my pack for him. I wanted his name at the very least.

It took a while, but eventually, I came to a stream, sitting on the edge of it quietly, enjoying the moment in nature. Unsure of how long I sat, eventually I looked over to see him sitting beside me. I gasped, startled by his sudden appearance as he looked at me, tilting his head curiously. "I apologize... I didn't think I was being so quiet. Did you like the berries?" he asked softly.

"I... I did! I brought you something as a thank you," I replied, pulling out the loaf with shaky hands as I offered the loaf to him. It was wrapped in butcher paper and tied with twine, not wanting to leave him with anything that would pollute his home.

His long dirty fingers untied it and peeled back the layers a smile growing on his face, hiding in his beard. "...It's beautiful... it smells amazing as well!" I couldn't hide the blush that came from that small compliment. His eyes locked with mine. "You've grown up very much since you left..."

I nodded, looking at my lap. "I have... and I'm here to stay now. I wanted to stay here so no one would find me."

"I can keep you hidden." He eagerly volunteered with a growing smile, eyes twinkling like the sun reflecting off the water just a few feet away.

"I... I don't even know your name."

"I used to have a name but I forgot it long ago... how about you pick out my name instead?"