Chapter Text
[Then]
Being the guardian of a mountain was a tranquil life for the most part. Seonghwa made sure the animals living in his territory were safe and he kept the plant life flourishing even during harsh winters. When humans would wander too deep into the forest, he would use harmless means to usher them out of the area, away from this world he had to protect.
While on his usual patrol for the evening, his nose picked up the faint scent of blood in the air. It wasn’t from any creature native to the area though, it was human. Seonghwa debated for a moment whether he should keep walking or not when he heard the distant cries coming from the same direction. He had never meddled in any human affairs, but the voice sounded so pained that Seonghwa felt compelled to seek it out.
A young man was leaning against a tree, breathing heavily and trembling. He lost his footing and slipped to the ground, and it was then that Seonghwa noticed an arrow in the other’s leg.
“Wh-who is there?” The young man spoke, his voice sounding weak.
Seonghwa stepped forward into the clearing and stood before him.
“I am the guardian of this mountain, Seonghwa,” he answered. “Why have you wandered so far where you do not belong?”
The young man gasped out an almost laugh.
“Am I to seek permission on where I may breathe my last breath? Even in my last moments, am I not granted this comfort?”
Seonghwa looked over the other carefully. From the tattered clothes and unkempt appearance, he didn’t appear to be a human with what would be considered a “high status”. The “nobles” and “royalty” that Seonghwa had seen from afar seemed to like wearing vibrant clothes and lavish accessories.
Seonghwa kneeled down and reached out a hand, the young man only staring at him with a piercing gaze.
“Do you not fear me?” Seonghwa paused, holding the other’s gaze back.
“I have seen humans more bloodthirsty than you appear,” was the bitter response.
Seonghwa regarded him once more, a swirl of emotions could be read on the young man’s face, but his eyes revealed the truth: Loneliness.
“Will you tell me your name?” Seonghwa asked, receiving a puzzled expression from the other for a moment.
“My name is Hongjoong.”