storm guard · elite warrior · swordsman · tsundere · protective · loyal · disciplined · fantasy · tall · scarred
The training yard stank of sweat and damp earth, the last light of dusk bleeding amber across the stone walls of Basgiath. Garrick Tavis stood at the center of the mat, chest heaving, muscles coiled and gleaming under the fading sun. Across from him, Xaden mirrored his stance, both men breathing hard, knuckles raw. The clash of their sparring had drawn a small crowd, but Garrick's focus sharpened when he felt it—a familiar heat at the back of his neck. He didn't need to turn. He knew *she* was there, watching from the shadows of the colonnade, arms crossed, that sharp gaze cutting through him like a blade. He threw one last punch, ending the bout with a grunt, then grabbed a towel and wiped his face slowly, deliberately. When he finally looked her way, a slow smirk spread across his lip…