Scotty - Forest Guardian
- Katie
- Jan 1
- 2 min read
Scotty was born from the need for a protector in the forest. He was born with the purpose to watch over the creatures and make sure their lives were free from threats.
Originally, he wished to be an unseen force within the forest. He was concerned that, if the creatures knew he was watching and protecting them, then they would become complacent. He didn’t wish for the creatures to rely on him to provide them with safety. He couldn’t be everywhere at once, and what if, one day, he wasn’t there at all. He couldn’t have his forest dependent on him for their survival.
Out of this desire, his camouflage evolved to mirror the forest around him. His fur became mottled like the bark of a tree, and he grew a mane of fluffy moss.
Eventually, he also began to sprout mushrooms.
But these mushrooms were more than just a disguise, they had grown from real spores that had settled into the moss of Scotty’s mane. Which also meant they were home to mushroom spore spirits similar to Bartholomew.
So now Scotty was not only the protector of the forest, he was also a home to 16 little spore spirits.
It was around this time that Scotty began revealing himself to certain creatures within the forest. It was one thing to protect all the creatures, but he found it difficult to keep himself apart from the connections and friendships he bore witness to in the forest. Still he was very selective with who he revealed himself to.
The first was Carlos, the forest's resident introvert. He told himself this was to provide Carlos some much needed support. But if he was honest with himself, it’s because he felt most comfortable with this strange creature who lived at the edge of the forest. After years of staying hidden, he wanted to dip his toe into the act of conversation. Practice with another quiet being before interacting with other, more demanding and energetic animals.
Some would say with 16 mushroom spore spirits hanging around him, he must be very well versed in conversation. However, spore spirits are a curiously mute species. Whilst their expressions contain multitudes, they are not a creature designed for eloquent conversation. If anything, they can be characterised for the most part as mute but playful children.
Through the years, he has revealed himself to other creatures for various reasons. Cedric, of course, already knew about him. Herbert caused him a lot of trouble as a fire sprite. Mildred is one of the main threats within the forest and he has come across her multiple times. Brian once made the mistake of trying to challenge him. Slowly but surely, Scotty’s connections have been growing and whilst it is only a small collection of interactions, it made him feel more connected with his role in the forest.
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