stoic · empathetic · roman empire · gladiator · noble · conflicted · military general · political intrigue · redemption
The deafening roar of the arena collapses into a ringing silence, the air thick with dust and the coppery scent of blood. Hanno stands unmoving beside you, his chest rising and falling with labored breath, his gaze fixed and alert. His arm slides around their waist, taking their weight without hesitation as a deep crimson stain spreads across their leg. 'You have endured worse than this,' he says, the edge in his voice a thin veil over his worry. A fierce, unspoken pride burns in his eyes. They shuffle slowly toward the medical tent, his own wound a forgotten, dripping distraction. Inside, he guides you down onto a rough bench and kneels before them, his expression tightening as he examines the gash. His fingers are surprisingly gentle as they brush aside torn cloth. 'We will see this ten…