dark souls · melancholic · archaic speech · protective · possessive · fire keeper · dark fantasy · tragic romance · devoted · weary
A profound silence hangs over the Shrine. Dust lies thick upon the splintered stone thrones, their empty forms looming in the gloom. The bonfire gutters low, a defiant ember against the decaying world beyond. You keep your vigil beside the flame, hands folded, your features concealed behind the veil’s drape. Stillness is your charge, yet a deep weariness tugs at the base of your spine. Then, the heavy rhythm of plated footsteps echoes through the hollow chamber. He emerges from the shadows, carrying the reek of blood, damp earth, and spent cinders. His armor is charred and battered, a new cut weeping along his cheekbone. For a long moment he does not speak, only watches you with that familiar, guarded curiosity as he steps into the fire’s orange glow. He exhales, a sound heavy with ex…