Snufkin x Fem Reader: Runaway

Chapter 1; Chance Encounter

Years in the future, at the least 5, is where this story starts. A week before spring time in Moominvalley, in a tree and rock filled mountainous land, laid Snufkin, sound asleep.

Snufkin's POV

"Fuck! I have to hurry!" Waking with a start, I looked around for the frantic voice. Picking up my hat, I stood up and peered over the wall of rocks. My curiosity, much influenced by the now, not so young Moomin, got the better of me. A young lady moved about on the other side of the hot spring between us, hair damp and unruly. I squinted, as if the action helped my vision and noticed she was setting up an easel. Taking the moment to look at the surroundings, I noticed the morning colors of the sky fading and figured that's what she needed to hurry with. Well, that has nothing to do with me. I thought, hopping off the wall of stones. Grabbing my fishing pole and bucket I journeyed to the pond I had used the night previous.

Making my way back with enough fish to offer the girl, if she was still nearby, I hummed. The sky had cleared into it's naturally bubbly blue tones, and the clouds that drifted were few and far between. "Hault!" My vision drifted down to the two authoritative figures standing beside my tent.

"Is this your tent?" Nodding, I sighed. What was looking to be a pleasant day was turning out to be one I wasn't looking forward to.

"You wouldn't happen to have seen the princess around here?"

"She's lost." My gaze jumped between the two and from the corner of my eye I noticed the (h/c) hair steadily rise from the other side of the wall. Her (e/c) hues begged me to stay quiet and I tried motioning her to calm down.

"Could you possibly describe said princess to me?" I asked, setting my stuff down, and placing my hands leisurely into my pockets. "I have only traveled alongside the forest, so meeting others is a strange occurrence for me. I make this trip every year." I explained as they dug through a bag they had on a horse. Watching them unravel a painting that indeed had the female from earlier on it, I examined it. The hair in the painting looked a bit longer and way more taken care of than she did. "Hmm, oh yes. I have seen her. I offered her help when I caught sight of her just the other day. She was back that way," I pointed behind me at a mountain in the distance. "She refused my help, and if I would have known she was the princess, I assure you I would have insisted." The men hurried their way onto their steeds, thanking me. Intently making sure they left, I sighed heavily and made my way to the wall. Climbing up it like I had previously, I moved back in haste as the princess popped up on the other side, inches from me.

"Thank you." Her voice was kind, reminding me much of Snorkmaiden and Moominmama.

"A princess, hm? Must be lost." I humored. Her face flushed, and I chuckled.

"Maybe so…" She whispered. "But I don't want to go back there. I'm just not sure of where to go either." I debated asking her more, but decided that I would rather not. Hopping down from my place on the wall, I started up a small fire and cleaned the fish.

Waiting while the fish cooked, I played on my harmonica, oh how playing always soothed me. Once I finished playing my song, I checked in the fish, smiling to myself. Should I offer it to her, she is alone.

"To where are you traveling, mister?" My gaze shifted to the wall and at the top sat the girl, a basket of berries on her lap. Seeing more than her face up closer I could tell she wasn't as thin and frail looking as one would assume of a princess. She was plump even.

"I'm a vagabond, I have no destination, only the journey." I spoke matter of factly. I removed the fish from the flame as I heard a sigh.

"That sounds like the dream. Always going, no need to worry or rush." I nodded and watched her shivvy her way off the wall. "Would you like some berries? And maybe you would be willing to tell me about your travels." She lowered herself across the fire and smiled at me.

"No, thank you. I was going to offer you some fish, actually." She let out a laugh and shook her head.

"Oh, thank you for the offer, kind stranger." She popped berries into her mouth, and I took a bite of my fish, thankful for the lack of talking between us. I let my thoughts drift, much debating. Once I finished eating I noticed the young princess looking at me. She turned her head, a bright blush coating her cheeks.

"If we cross paths again near a village, would you help me?" Consider my interest piqued.

"With what?"

"Oh..! Well, I can't quite go into villages, my poster had been plastered in the few I tried going through. But I would like some items to help me. Like a bucket to hold water. And if we cross paths again, I'd like to make you food or do anything to thank you for misleading my guards. I guess I could just give you money, but I'm sure that wouldn't do much for you as a vagabond." Her rambling was rushed and yet drawn out.

After a moment of processing her words, I quieted down my thoughts. "What is your name?" I settled with.

"Oh. My name is (Y/n). I'm sorry." Standing, she curtseyed before sitting back down.

"Nice to meet you, my name's Snufkin." I smiled at her, taking a bite from another fish. "You really don't need to repay me. Any chance to go against authority is a chance I like." I reasoned.

"Oh, but I insist…." Her look turned worried and I sighed, setting my food aside.

"How about this. I have a plan."

Who is this princess and what's her story? Oh, and what is our dear Snufkin up to?

Chapter 1 is pretty slow! 😅 1,050 words!!
~Lisa