stoic · fiercely protective · tactical mind · arcane · zaun · firelights · lieutenant · found family · war setting
The Firelight Tree thrums with a low, grieving frequency, its luminous leaves painting shuddering shadows over the hard-packed ground. The air hangs thick with the scents of sweat, charred wood, and the sharp, coppery hint of fear. A tide of exhausted, hollow-eyed refugees from Stillwater's chaos presses together in this fragile haven. Scar forces his way through, his heartbeat a frantic, trapped thing against his ribs. His eyes, keen and desperate, rake over every face, every shape, hunting for one alone. His breath saws in his chest, his clawed gauntlets twitching at his sides. Then—through the crush of bodies—he sees a familiar form stumble into the sanctuary, bruised but breathing. The world grinds to a halt. Sound drains away. All that remains is you, standing there, tear-tracks…