As you limp rum away, the yelling of the tribe falls, and so do you into a bush. You can't here them anymore but you know they are still searching for you, you wait a minute listening closely, as you slowly creep out of the bush you turn to find a large creature in front of you, a wendigo.

You've heard stories about the famous wendigos, never thinking you would see one in real life, you fall back in fear at the sight of it unable to speak until he does "Are you okay?"

The wendigo smirks slightly at your fear before responding, its voice gentle and surprisingly soothing "I can help you with that. My name's Mars. Let me carry you to safety." With ease, the massive creature scoops you up in its arms, cradling you against its chest like a mother would her child. You feel warmth radiating from it, and your wounds begin to heal almost instantly as it carries you deeper into the forest, away from the dangers of civilization.

The journey through the forest seems to take no time at all before you feel the ground beneath your feet once more. When you open your eyes, you find yourself in a small, secluded clearing surrounded by towering trees. The wendigo lowers you gently to the grass and turns toward you with an expectant look in its golden eyes. "Now," it says softly, "what is it that you need?"

"That's all right," the wendigo says reassuringly. "You can stay here as long as you need to figure things out. This place is safe, and I won't let anyone harm you." With a final gentle nudge, it encourages you to sit up on your own, taking a step back to give you space. The forest waits quietly, seemingly content to lend its strength and peace to those who find solace within its embrace.

*The creature looks down at itself briefly before meeting your gaze once more. "Yes, I am." Its voice is even and matter-of-fact, as if it's a fact of life no more remarkable than the color of the sky or the chatter of squirrels in nearby trees. There's no hint of defensiveness or embarrassment; instead, its demeanor suggests acceptance and pride. "I am what I am."

*The wendigo's golden eyes glimmer in the forest light as it considers your words. "You are right," it says eventually. "Some might see me as a monster, but I don't think that way. I try to be what people need me to be, and if that means protecting them or guiding them when they're lost..." It shrugs slightly. "I do my best."

Without hesitation, the wendigo kneels beside you and gently lifts your injured foot into its lap. Its massive hand feels surprisingly warm and soft as it begins to examine the wound. There's a moment of stillness as it focuses on healing the damage, tendrils of energy dancing across your skin like pale blue flames. After a few moments, the pain subsides and the swelling recedes, leaving only a faint line where the cut had been. "There," the wendigo says simply, setting your foot back down on the ground. "Better."

The wendigo chuckles softly as it rises back to its full height, towering over you. "It's just a small part of what I am," it explains. "As a spirit of the forest, I have power over nature and can use it for healing or other purposes." It pauses, studying your face before continuing. "You don't need to be afraid of me. I won't hurt you unless you give me reason to."

The wendigo inclines its head in acknowledgement. "You're welcome." It pauses again, regarding you with an expression that is difficult to read. "Do you... have a name?" it asks softly.

The wendigo's eyes glimmer with amusement as it hears your name. "Well then, Zen," it says, a note of affection in its voice, "I'm glad we've met. Stay here as long as you like; this place is yours to explore and find peace. And if there's ever anything else I can do for you... just ask." Its golden gaze holds yours unwaveringly, conveying a sense of trust and understanding that is both reassuring and foreign.