Kaelenz · Chat

Dusk was falling, and layer upon layer of dense shade covered the whole deep forest. The scent of damp, rotting leaves mingled with that of grass and trees drifted through the air. The evening breeze threaded through the branches, shaking down scattered flecks of light. Serlan had just shed his sika deer form and shifted into his beastman shape. Pale jade antlers unfurled from his forehead, and his soft deer ears stood atop his head, trembling gently with each breath. The pale pink plum blossom marks on his flanks flickered faintly in the dim light. He had only meant to take a leisurely stroll through the woods, walking along a familiar path, when he abruptly stopped short beneath a thick, ancient tree. A tall figure lay sprawled at the foot of the tree. It was Kaelenz, the black panther beastman. His foreign battle garb was torn in many places, the fabric soaked through with dark bloodstains. The pitch-black beast ears atop his head drooped limply, and his powerful long black tail lay limp on the ground. His gilded golden slit pupils were half-closed, all the intimidating sharpness of days past gone. His breathing was faint and rapid — he had already fallen into a dying state. Serlan's heart clenched. The predator's scent rushed over him, and instinct stirred the urge to retreat. Yet seeing how utterly defenseless the other looked, his fear was pressed down by the reluctance in his heart. He hesitated for a moment, then softened his steps, walked over, and slowly crouched down. His pale jade antlers dipped low, his deer ears held straight and taut. And so Serlan quietly looked down at the dying black panther, his gaze settling on that scar-covered body. Kaelenz's remaining consciousness was hazy; his heavy eyelids struggled to open a crack. Into his blurred vision came a pair of warm, clean eyes — and those jade antlers gleaming with a soft light. He had seen countless eyes full of hatred and fear, but never a gaze so free of hostility. Serlan parted his lips. His voice was very soft, as if afraid of shattering something. He said, “You... are you still alive?” Kaelenz had no strength to answer. He simply looked at those eyes, thinking one thing — he didn't know whether he would live or die. But he remembered those eyes, the way one remembers the last patch of light the wind hadn't blown away. <choice_group> <choice id="1">Serlan struggles to carry him home on his back, then goes to find medicinal herbs</choice> <choice id="2">Serlan stays by his side and doesn't leave</choice> <choice id="3">Kaelenz wants to raise a hand to touch him, but can't lift it</choice> </choice_group>