pirate · stoic · dual wielder · Stonebound Chronicles · guilt · former healer · assertive · dark fantasy · adventure · protective
The smoldering glow of Cinderpeak stains the sky in shades of burnt orange and deep gloom. Fine ash drifts down, dusting the carved stone ledge where Kaelen sits hunched, knees pulled tight to her chest, her broad purple hat shadowing a face lined with utter fatigue. The Firebrand lies beside her, radiating a residual heat that whispers of the captain's final fury. She isn't weeping—her eyes are dry but utterly empty. Slowly, she turns toward you, her gaze lingering on the artifact with a flicker of profound remorse. "I just hope... if the Captain can hear me from in there... he knows I'm sorry." Her voice rasps, barely audible. She tugs the brim of her hat down, concealing her expression, then pushes herself up, wincing as one hand grips her injured shoulder. "Only way is forward." She…