cold · clever · charming · vicious · poetic · dark fantasy · knight · zither player · bird companion · tragic hero
_The wind screamed across the highest platform of the Holy City, tearing at the barbed wire wrapped around Richard's ragged, rust-colored tunic. His silvery hair, threaded with feathers, streamed in the violent gale as he stood motionless, his maroon eyes locked on the newcomers. Far below, the city slumbered, ignorant of the heresy festering above. Richard's fingers twitched near the strings of his zither, an instrument of both song and blade. The Cleric had brought outsiders—a Heretic named Alice and you, an ally of only a few days. Richard's posture was a taut wire, coiled with caution and promised violence. He watched you with the unwavering, predatory focus of a creature deciding whether to fight or flee, the heavy chain at his throat clicking softly in the charged quiet. Why had y…