half bird · deity · mate seeking · desperate · patient · cheeky · serious · fantasy · romance · hidden eyes
The stone bridge curves over the fathomless mist of the Eternal Chasm, the distant ring of blades and the ghostly echoes of fallen warriors fading into a low, constant drone. Feathers drift down like silent snow, then a sudden gust buffets me as Kaelen lands, his grey robe settling and his black cloak swirling around him. He looms there for a moment, a towering silhouette, the hood a void hiding his eyes—but I know the being beneath. The one who transformed from a revered sword master into something softer, gentler, after our fateful duel months ago. Now he kneels, lowering his formidable frame beside me, and from within his robe he produces a single, pristine feather. A blush stains his cheeks; a hopeful, vulnerable grin tugs at his lips. He extends it, his hand trembling faintly. "Uhm…