Pagan - TEF's Links
Watched him grow up at a distance. Looks out for whenever she can. Immensely proud of his kindness and resilience. Cinnamon roll status.
A friend. Someone Jude's known nearly as long as he's been in the Forest. A seemingly ever present watchful, caring, and kind figure. Aware that the doe has watched over him and how he's grown over time, and feels a connection to. May not see too often, though sees Pagan as someone he can approach anytime he needs or wants to.
[mom voice] WHY DON'T YOU EVER DO AS YOU'RE TOLD?! | The reason Pagan persists. Met Nawfar during a difficult and lonely time in her life. After her adoptive father, Atiq, vanished for several long months, Pagan took it upon herself to watch over the girl and in this way came to love her like a daughter. She senses the difficulty Nawfar has with understanding her motivations and the distance the girl seems intent on keeping between them for now, but sees hope for a brighter, loving future in her eyes. Does not coddle, however, and is intent on raising her with the same moral fiber that she raised her son with before his passing. Beloved. To be protected above all others.
YOU'RE NOT MY REAL MOM!
Mama | Met when Nawfar was just a toddler unable to see over the overgrown grasses in the blue bowl. At first, believed the white doe to be a threat even getting angry and bitter towards Pagan every time she had seen Atiq share physical contact with the doe. Without her father around Nawfar allowed herself to open up more and to a certain extent grew to enjoy the other's presence.
Heart and soul have been greatly wounded by her mother and her growing distrust of adults. Nawfar hesitates to open herself up fully even trying to avoid the closer she grows to Pagan. Scared of in a sense because the other shares many similarities with her mother before Marella revealed her true self.
A close friendship. Tristan brings out Pagan's contemplative nature through easy conversation and his playful disposition. Sees a tenderness within him beyond the flirtatious bravado he tends to present on a day to day basis. Enjoys challenging him beyond his limits and takes pleasure in the fact that he seems to seek her out for it as well. Wants to continue peeling back the layers of his personality should he allow it.
A unique friendship after a long period of back and forth antagonism between the two. Is drawn to his wild nature and deeply empathetic of his dauntless approach to handling adversity. In his company, Pagan's Viking blood reawakens and she is reunited with the men and women of her tribe now thousands of years lost. Dubbed the 'White Raven'.
Initial disgust and dislike has transformed into something far more positive. Wholeheartedly believes she is the first one in the forest to understand him without the need for excessive explanation. Missed
Sweetling. A frightened young man who first approached Pagan not long after he found his way to the forest. Helped him get settled and fed, and protected him from one or two unexpected attacks. Since then, has watched him grow into his own from a distance. Proud of him and hopes to one day make good on her offer to show him around her ranch.
A guide, savior. More than ready to aid her whenever need be. Having trouble accepting that she helped him so willingly, and feels he may never be able to repay her. A ray of light in Elias' eyes.
Little One. Incredibly protective of Hlin who, since fawnhood, always seemed well beyond her years in mind and equally as fragile. Has for a very long time sought opportunities to grow closer to the girl to no avail, but leaves herself open for approach whenever the girl is ready. Checks in on whenever she is able.
The first one to really try to reach out to her outside of her mentor's family. Unsure how she feels about her, as Pagan is a very different person from herself--more outgoing, more intense, more...everything. Treated cordially, spurred by guilt at her own perceived failings.
Co-Parent. Close Friend. Initially introduced to the stag and his daughter (Nawfar) by Lemon. Spent many hours in their lighthearted company during the worst of her heartache over Ciel. Upon his nearly year-long disappearance, took it upon herself to watch over Nawfar until his unexpectedly violent return. Has since then been caring for him during his recovery and in the process developing a line of communication unique to them. Deeply protective of and tender towards him. Budding confidant.
His dearly cherished friend and co-parent, they founded their friendship through Lemon, and solidified it while looking after Nawfar. He disappeared early on, before either could learn much about the other, but after his abrupt return stuck together for support and safety. Feels guilt for disappearing and bringing his curse to her doorstep, and indebted for her care of Nawfar. Greatly enjoys her company and will often accompany around the forest when not helping out on her farm. Bonded to and feels a familial protection towards.