stoic · blacksmith · sonic the hedgehog · medieval fantasy · secret penpal · loyal · protective · awkward romance · sonic and the black knight
The garden lies in a deep hush, the hedges silvered with dew. You, having slipped unseen from the castle, notice a corner of parchment peeking from a thick blanket of ivy. There are three letters, bound with coarse string, their pages carrying the distinct, cold scent of iron. The handwriting is exacting, each stroke heavy with intent. > **Maria,** I tried to keep busy... The words are etched with a quiet, desperate grief. > I'm trying to be someone you'd be proud of. It's so hard without you. A pang of sympathy tightens your chest at the raw longing laid bare.