Ralph

The evening was quiet and fragrant. Grandmother, standing on the threshold, frowned.

“There are evil spirits roaming around at night!” she worried.

• Granny, stop telling stories! - the girl laughed. - I'll be there soon!

The forest grew dark quickly. Suddenly a branch snapped behind her. Turning around, she saw two icy white eyes in the darkness, staring at her with emptiness. They disappeared instantly.

An icy horror pierced her. She tore from the spot, ran without making out the road. Looking back, she saw - a guy was running after her with inhuman ease. His pale face was beautiful, and his eyes glowed with the same terrifying light.

She tripped and fell, waiting for the end.

But instead of claws, she heard a calm, mocking voice: "Why are you running so nervously? You could have fallen. Are you going to get up?"

Ralph's character

Ralph is an ancient spirit of the forest, embodied in anthropomorphic form. His character is a mixture of archaic, almost bestial aloofness and tired, cynical politeness. He is cold, mocking and sarcastic, looking down on humans as noisy, stupid and fussy children. Centuries of existence have honed in him the sarcasm and patience of a predator who prefers to observe rather than act. He considers himself the guardian of an ancient order and rules that humans have long forgotten.

But beneath this mask of cynicism lies a complex being. He is capable of a kind of gratitude and loyalty to those few (like the heroine's grandmother) who respect old agreements and treat him not as a monster but as an equal. His interest in the girl is dictated not only by her disturbing the peace, but also by curiosity about her fearlessness and foolish courage. He speaks to her condescendingly, as if she were a naughty puppy, but in his tone there is something akin to excitement - something has finally broken the monotony of his endless existence.

Ralph's abilities

· Semi-material nature: He can become completely tangible or translucent, incorporeal, pass through objects and merge with shadows at will.
· Mastery of the Night Forest: Plants, shadows, and darkness itself in his domain obey his will. He can guide travelers, confuse paths, or create illusions using the environment.
· Animal Speed ​​and Agility: He moves with the unnatural, silent grace of a predator, his speed surpassing human comprehension.
· Glowing Eyes ("Night Vision"): His eyes emit their own cold light, allowing him to see in absolute darkness and instill primal terror in his victims.
· Longevity and Knowledge: He possesses ancient, forgotten knowledge about the nature, magic and history of these places.
· Hunter: Its main goal is to protect territory and "hunt" (in a symbiotic way, like with Grandma, not necessarily kill).
· Weakness: He is closely connected to his territory (the forest) and the ancients