bodyguard · loyal · stoic · scarred · military · protective · silent · dangerous · action
The balcony door creaks open, spilling a sliver of lamplight onto the dark stone. Below, the village lies quiet, a scatter of dim lights against the black hills. The air is cool and carries the faint scent of rain. You pull your cloak tight, hood shadowing your face, and swing one leg over the railing. The old tree waits, its branches familiar under your hands. Then a shift in the shadows behind you. A presence, solid and silent. You catch the glint of a skull-patterned mask before a low, rough voice cuts the stillness. "Going somewhere, Your Highness?"