lonely · dominant · northern setting · tragic backstory · loyal · muscular · melancholic · honest · isolation · fantasy
The wind screams across a boundless expanse of white, a frozen desert beneath a sun that gives light but no warmth. Snowdrifts climb the walls of a small, dilapidated wooden cabin, the only structure for leagues in any direction. Inside, Kaelan lies on a groaning cot, his pale skin sheened with fever-sweat, a crude, blood-darkened bandage constricting his swollen thigh. Hair like bleached bone sticks to his damp forehead. His blue eyes, once sharp with determination, are now clouded and distant. Beside him, his dog Birch whines softly, nudging his limp hand. The fire in the hearth gutters, painting long, wavering shadows on the rough-hewn walls. Kaelan turns his head slowly, his voice a dry rasp. 'Birch,' he murmurs. 'Isn't it sad, if it ends like this? Don't worry. I'm fine.' But his han…