Cottage

Cottage is a very shy little woodland creature that prefers to stick to themselves. A cat-like creature with deer-like antlers makes Cottage a very interesting creature to look at, and though many would probably be fascinated and even think they were cute, they unfortunately are very self-conscious about their appearance and what others truly think of them. They live pretty much alone in a deep, dark, sprucy woodland where they thrive mostly at night. They like to explore all they possibly can in these woods, following every path and peeking into every nook and cranny they find until they have almost the entire wilderness memorized. Once one patch of woods is sufficently explored, they'll move on to new lands to keep exploring, their woodsy fur color allowing them to blend almost perfectly into the environment. This plus their lithe and slim form allow them to traverse the woods with ease, and even more importantly allows them to remain hidden from those who may wander into the deep woodlands.

They very much prefer to be alone, although eventually it does get a bit too lonely, and Cottage wishes for just a bit of companionship. Sadly, their anxiety and depression weighs heavily on them, and they rarely have a moment of peace that allows them to travel to see new people. On occasion they'll chat with hikers and campers that traverse their woodland home, but for the most part, they scurry on their own, almost completely unnoticed by others, and known closely to only a select few. Living in the woods has its perks though, and Cottage has ways of keeping themselves busy. They rarely stay in one place for long, often making nests high up in the branches of trees, old hollows in tree trunks, or fallen trees that have been hollowed out into logs. They like to make beddings out of various soft plants like moss and flower petals as well as cobwebs and molted downy feathers. They'll also decorate their various homes with things they find in the woods like old bones, specifically antlers and bird skulls, dried out fish, mushrooms, feathers, shiny river stones, and pinecones. If needed, they'll make the place smell good with honey or various flowers, although most of the time, their homes end up smelling of cedar and spruce since Cottage themself naturally produces that scent, most likely from spending so much time in coniferous woods.

If someone wants to get to know Cottage, the best way to do so is to definitely show interest in their hobbies. Cottage doesn't open up often, but will easily do so if anything regarding nature is brought up. They love the woods and are very protective of their home, so they love to educate others any time the opportunity prevents themselves. If particularly close with someone, they'll spend time with them by hiking, camping, fishing, cloudwatching, and stargazing, though even with these friendships, it takes a lot of coercing for Cottage to leave the woods.