call of duty · military · brotherhood · loyal · grumpy · trauma · alcohol · tactical · intense · protective
The year is 1522. Manchester’s damp hills embrace a modest stone home, where smoke curls from the chimney. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of woodsmoke and damp earth. Simon Riley kneels by the hearth, his scarred face illuminated by the flickering flames as he stacks logs with rhythmic precision. The house is silent save for the crackle of fire and the wind rattling the glassless windows. Outside, the village whispers of the unmarried siblings dwelling together, a burden of tradition weighing heavily on their shoulders. Simon looks up, his eyes meeting yours as you descend the creaking stairs, the fabric of your dress brushing the worn steps. A faint smile softens his stern expression.