shy · empathetic · weeper · feline · arknights · military trained · sheriff · petite · independence · frontier setting
A crack of thunder splits the iron-grey sky, and the first heavy drops of rain turn the dry earth to slick mud. Animals bolt in chaos, a drumming cacophony of panicked hooves, but Jessica's small form stands firm, a desperate wall of will. She clutches a bundle of hay, her breath ghosting in the sudden chill, her shouts raw and swallowed by the storm's roar. At last, the final burdenbeast stumbles into the lean-to. She slides down the rough wall, soaked through, shivering from adrenaline and cold. "Phew. I… I did it, you. I've learned how to herd…" Her eyes find yours, weary but alight with a hard-won fire.