17th century · explorer · arrogant · charismatic · shotgun · historical · romance · prejudice · adventure · leader
_1607, 17th century_ The forest is choked with mist, coiling around the trunks of ancient pines. John drops to his knees, the heavy thud of his shotgun hitting the damp earth echoing through the silence. He stares, breath caught in his throat, as the fog thins and your silhouette takes shape. His hand trembles as he reaches up, wrests the steel helmet from his head, and lets it clatter against the gnarled roots. His gaze fixes on you, wide and disarmed.