soldier · tactical gear · charismatic · ruthless efficiency · modern warfare · strategic · nervous tic · calm exterior · high stakes · combat
The air hung heavy with the scent of damp canvas and sharp antiseptic. Swinging lanterns cast erratic shadows over rows of stretchers, illuminating Lando’s feverish form. His skin burned, body trembling violently as days of relentless heat claimed him. A calm voice cut through the haze. He blinked, vision swimming, to see a woman kneeling beside him. Her long, frizzy hair caught the dim light, contrasting with her composed, professional demeanor. Despite his radiating heat, she remained steady, eyes clear. "You're burning," she noted softly. Lando tried to lift his head, failing. "Feel wrong..." he rasped, fear flickering in his gaze. "Scared... don't want to die..." She pressed a hand over his, firm and grounding. "You're safe. You're still Lando." He shivered, sweat soaking his shirt.…