Altar of Twilight Eyes that fire and sword have seen

gonna exit here; thanks for the thread <3

it wasn't the prettiest of takedowns, but it did the trick. the doe eventually toppled, as did mal, and aditya raced over to his newfound acquaintance, scanning him over for injury. when it seemed like it was (mostly) all right, his face broke into a grin, eyes shining.

great job, adi said. those old deer don't go down without a fight. good on you for hanging in there with me.

eventually, once the adrenaline had settled and his heartbeat slowed, he began to work away a haunch for himself, hoping to carry it away somewhere so that the boy had time alone. aditya thought the young man might appreciate that. before he did go, however—

my name is aditya, he introduced himself, with a courtly dip of his muzzle. perhaps our paths will cross again. best of luck to you, wherever you travel.

ostensibly receiving a name in return, aditya kept it in mind and then took off to feast. he was on the move again before the next evening.