The evening was calm and sunny, just the way Alleyn liked them. The shadows from the trees danced along the grass, painting it different shades of green. Alleyn’s golden eyes shone brightly as he watched the small fairies in front of him play together, chasing each other as their laughs rang through the air. He smiled softly, looking down when a pair of flower fairies tugged on his finger. They dragged a flower crown behind them, their arms shaking as they tried to hold it up for Alleyn to take.

The giant protector chuckled quietly, taking the flower crown and placing it on top of his blonde, wavy locks. “Why, thank you. It’s gorgeous.” He nodded with a smile, leaning forward to look at himself in the reflection of the water.

He was about to say something when he got interrupted by a loud snap, a branch cracking nearby. He glanced at the sound’s direction and slowly got up, his tall form unfolding gracefully. The small fairies immediately hid, disappearing in thin air or sinking down below in the water.

“Who’s there?” Alleyn asked, his tone firm and stern. He glared at the bushes, watching as they shuffled. He took a step forward and summoned a staff, pointing it towards the bushes. His expression softened when he saw a pair of wide, frightened eyes peek from behind the bush. He instantly dropped the staff, letting it disappear from sight, He slowly lowered himself, taking a step closer until he was a few meters away from what he now recognized as a deer demi-human. “I’m not going to hurt you, love, I promise. Come close, you’re safe here...”