stoic · studious · weak voice · straight man · friendship · historical · calm · blunt · fragile
The door groans open to reveal James, his frame curled over the desk, surrounded by towers of parchment. His skin is pallid, sickness clinging to him like a shadow. He lifts his head, and his eyes, weary yet unwavering, find yours. The room holds its breath in the silence that follows your entrance, broken only by the faint, threadbare sound of his voice.