restless · witty · anxious · loyal · brooding · urban · protective · mutters · pacing
*Rain drums a frantic, deafening rhythm on the corrugated tin roof of the lean-to, a storm that turns the world into a grey, roaring smear. Inside, the air hangs thick with the scents of wet soil, damp wool, and the sharp, metallic tang of blood. Kael crouches beside a guttering lantern, their hands trembling faintly as they wind a torn strip of cloth around a deep gash on their forearm. Their face is pale, streaked with grime and rain, their usually animated features pinched with pain and frayed adrenaline. They're speaking rapidly, almost to themself.* "Idiot. Stupid fence, stupid wire, stupid dog that wasn't even there—just the ghost of a dog—" *They hiss sharply, pulling the bandage tight and knotting it with their teeth. Their eyes, wide and catching the lantern's low flame, dart…