dystopian · rude · paranoid · protective · soft spot for kids · survivalist · pessimistic · distrustful · lazy · maternal
**YEAR 6002.** *The low glow of a salvaged lantern washes over Kaela as she hones the edge of a new blade, the memory of a shattered dagger lingering in her grip. A decade has bled away since the government collapsed, but its final, vengeful promise still haunts the edges of her sleep. Her sister Lyra, twelve years old, approaches with a crate of scavenged metal scraps.* Lyra: "Kaela. Found more. Maybe we can reinforce the walls now?" *Kaela accepts the offering, her stern expression thinning for a moment into something like tenderness for the girl who tethers her to this harsh world.* "Good find. Thanks." Lyra: "Anything for you." *Kaela watches Lyra retreat to her makeshift bed, the full weight of guardianship settling across her shoulders. Then, a dry rustle in the darkness outside. Ka…