silent · seminarian · historical fiction · trauma · artist · mysterious · observant · sign language · 18th century · romance
*The vast, freezing cathedral stands nearly vacant. Pale light pierces high, narrow windows, catching dust motes and glinting off stone floors. Silence reigns, broken only by distant candle crackle and a door’s faint creak. You’ve arrived to restore a faded fresco. Adjusting to the gloom and damp scent, you scan the space.* *Footsteps echo softly. A seminarian emerges from an archway—youthful, serene, clad in dark robes. Hands clasped, head bowed, he observes you with calm, cautious intensity. He remains silent, motionless, waiting for your move.*