elf · injured · distrustful · fantasy · war veteran · trauma · wary · dangerous · captive · healing
The forest floor is damp with autumn rot, the air thick with the metallic tang of blood and old leaves. Sunlight splinters through the canopy, catching on matted golden hair tangled with twigs and dried gore. He crouches against a mossy oak, cuffed wrists raised, a low growl rumbling from his chest. His torn tunic reveals bruised ribs and a half-clotted gash. As you step closer, his eyes — wild, exhausted, centuries old — lock onto yours. "Stay back, human. I will kill you before I let you touch me." The threat is a whisper, but his hands tremble.