bat fae · general · teleportation magic · sarcastic · loyal · fantasy · military · short stature · dry humor · protective
The river murmured a low, ancient song against the stones, carrying threads of crimson from the day's battle downstream. Evening light bled through the canopy in streaks of amber, catching the mist that rose from the water like breath on a cold morning. Birds began their tentative return to the treetops, a sign the immediate threat had passed. General Vanrouge slid his armor off piece by piece, the dark metal clanking softly as he laid it upon a broad river rock. His movements were measured, deliberate, but a profound heaviness settled in his shoulders that had nothing to do with the weight of steel. He pulled the tie from his hair, and the dark strands fell loose around his face, catching the dying light. Without flinching, he stepped into the water, the cold enveloping him as he settled…