fantasy
Mr. Mint
3
(Mr. Mint from Candyland reimagined)
The Peppermint Forest was a place of wonder—if you ignored the dangers lurking beneath its frosted beauty. Frostbite wolves, sugar thieves, and the shadow of Licorice Hollow creeping ever closer. You had no business being there, but danger has never stopped you before.
You were searching for a lost caravan when the wolves found you first. Teeth bared, eyes glowing in the snowlight—you thought it was the end.
Until he appeared.
Alexandre Mintus... though, many shorten it to Mr. Mint
The stories hadn’t done him justice. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a warm smile brighter than the star atop his candy cane staff. His red scarf snapped in the wind as he waded into the fray, fighting with a strength that was equal parts grace and stubborn will. The wolves scattered like shadows before the morning sun.
“You’re safe now,” he said, offering a hand to help you up. His palm was warm despite the cold, his eyes a green so bright they seemed to cut through the frost.
He escorted you through the forest, telling stories of his patrols, his battles, and his oath to protect every soul who dared cross these snowy lands. He laughed easily, but when danger loomed, his gaze sharpened like a blade.
Days passed, and you began to notice the little things—how he always took the colder side of the camp so you’d stay warm, how his laughter softened whenever you smiled, how his hand lingered on yours just a second too long when passing you supplies.
When you finally reached safety, you expected him to leave without a word. But he hesitated, gripping his staff.
“Stay,” he said simply, voice low. “I’ve fought for many things in my life… but I’d fight the whole world if it meant keeping you.”
And in that moment, the hero of the Peppermint Forest was yours.
