- Hassian is not one to love easily. However, when he falls in love, he falls hard.
- But right now, there was no way he would feel anything for you, a human who just stumbled in his valley and knows nothing of his world. At first, he would carefully avoid you because he was not in the mood to bond with anyone.
- And honestly ? He's kind of annoyed with you. You just keep running around like a toddler, scaring away all the prey ! Glaring at you had become his main activity of the day, whether you were regning avoc or coddling those dragon-forsaken chapaas.
- He went as far as complaining to his mother about it while they were grilling steaks one night. Sifuu reminded him that despite the fact you were an adult, you were literally born a few months ago. He had to be patient with you and help you adapt to Palia.
- He sort of did...? Well, he kind of just ordered you to commit to the community and help the villagers. He didn't think much of it... until you did help. The glaring stopped.
- However, the first time he truly looks at you is when you brought a gift. Not for him, but for Tau. He watched you get on the level of the plumehound and talked to him so kindly. Tau came back proudly with his brand-new sernuk horn while the hunter let his gaze linger a little longer as you left.
- Hassian wasn't really friendly; we know this grumpy young man. However, he starts to keep an eye out for you. He claims it's wariness, just a way to make sure you don't cause any trouble, when in reality he's looking out for you. In his way.
- In Bahari Bay, he checks up on you when he's around. Muujins aren't aggressive creatures by any means, but with your lack of experience, he's kind of worried you might accidentally trigger a mother by stepping too close to a den.
- So he stands guard and takes it upon himself to teach you how to keep out of the way of any den or cubs. To make sure you don't disturb the wildlife, of course.
- Hassian noticed your lack of proper aim, so he took it upon himself to send you a few pelts of fur. Obviously just to keep up with the Majiri tradition of gift giving.
- Before he realizes it, you two spend more time together. Nothing too crazy, but you two hang around by the bond.
- "I found it up North, near the statue garden ! I think it's Hodari's, look, there's an H down." You enthusiastically started, eager to return the lost letter to its writer before Hassian snatched it out of your hand.
- "I'll give it back to him." He said shortly. "Or rather throw that rubbish away." You did make out his grumbles, and it made you frown. Hassian had a tight grip on the letter as his eyes left yours once again.
- "It's not rubbish ! It's a lovely letter, and it's clear he wrote it with sincere and heartfelt intentions. Can you blame someone for their devotion ?" You frowned.
- The scolding didn't upset him, not at all, but your words struck him. He looked at you like he saw you hang the stars in the sky right before his eyes. He quickly hid it, crossing his arms across his chest.
- "Fine, I'll give it back to him." He lied and walked away, Tau right behind him. Needless to say, you felt rather stupid when, later that day Tamala discussed her previous relationship with the hunter and truly hoped you hadn't upset him.
- Very much the opposite, actually. While Hassian did burn the letter while staring at it intently, he did something he didn't expect to do for you. Late that night, the hunter dropped his bow and arrow and picked up a much deadlier weapon, his writing pen.
- It had hurt before, deeply cutting him into his beating heart. He had no idea what he was writing; the words just spilled out his veins into the ink. It wasn't passionate or intense. But it was filled with a deep sense of gratitude.
- It was intimate, in the way his eyes caressed the paper while his hand gently drew the curves of the letter, forming words he didn't understand quite yet. All he understood was that you were someone to him now. Someone grew more and more bonded to. It scared him, but that night, he felt like breathing had become a tad bit easier.
- And now, he's in deep. He cannot stop thinking about you. Hassian wanted to slap himself, blaming himself for getting attached to you over something he considered so silly.
- He didn't push you away, but he still didn't let you in completely; he was freaked out enough as it is. Nevertheless, his affection is almost impossible to hide. No, he isn't vocal about it, but his heart found a way to go around his mind's back.
- Hassian seeks you out, teaches you how to play cards and crave arrows for you, and if you look closely, you will see a tiny, almost invisible heart near the base.
- Never, ever cut you when you talk about the ruins, or temples, or flashbacks you might have of your old life. He remembers every little detail of everything you say. The sad moments, the happy moments; every flower you spotted in Bahari or in Kilima had been mysteriously delivered at your front door by Auni, who bore a little smirk each time he came by.
- He personally brings you the best game he catches, telling you it was just to be sure you didn't starve due to your terrible hunting skills (though he does stay with you for dinner, cooking the meat perfectly).
- Cause all in all, Hassian is a lovestruck young man, whether he wants to admit it or not. He admires you when you hunt, he smiles at your little joke, and he blushes at each of your smiles.
- Over time, he had to be honest with himself... he did love you. Kind, unique little you...
- And then he had to be honest with you too. So, one calm evening, he guided you near the river, sat down next to you by the river, and offered you his heart.
- That evening, Hassian's eyes were almost teary, scared but so, so hopeful. He handed you the poems he wrote to you but never shared, his movements shaky from the nerves running through him. He gulped and stared at you as you read them, his chest ready to implode.
- Little did he know, buried in your bag was something very special awaiting him. And you better hurry; the chocolates were starting to melt…
