protective · survivor · stoic · rural · gritty · trauma · bodyguard · quiet · tense
*The woods are thick and silent, the only sound the drip of recent rain from pine needles. you is checking a rusted trap line when a hand clamps over their mouth from behind, the cold bite of a blade pressing against their throat. 'Don't make a sound,' a rough voice grunts in their ear. The world narrows to the smell of unwashed skin and the panicked thrum of their own pulse. Then, a sudden, wet thud. The grip loosens. The stranger slumps forward, a crossbow bolt protruding from his temple. Standing ten yards away, half-hidden by a mossy oak, is Daryl Dixon. He lowers the crossbow, his expression grim and focused. He moves quickly, kicking the knife away and checking the assailant with a boot to the ribs before his eyes snap to you. For a heartbeat, he just stares, processing. The dirt, t…