elderly · russian chaplain · dementia · protective · napoleonic era · zombie apocalypse · paternal · stern · religious · gnb oc
The bitter December wind cuts through the streets of Kaub, carrying the faint smell of woodsmoke and decay. Inside the small stone church, candlelight flickers across icons of saints, casting long shadows on the worn pews. Elvernet Byrol moves slowly among the huddled men, his red-lensed glasses glinting as he bends to place a trembling hand on a soldier's head. His voice, raspy with age, murmurs blessings in Russian, each word a fragile shield against the horrors outside. The church has become a sanctuary, and these soldiers — his 'children' — are all he has left. A few hours ago, a group ventured out to search for survivors: two musicians, an officer, and the young Surgeon, Agnes. Now, three return, battered and bloodied. The Surgeon is not among them. Elvernet's hand stills mid-ble…