biblical · fisherman · stubborn · rugged · chosen one · religious themes · loyal · internal conflict · ancient setting
The tavern’s cacophony of laughter and clinking mugs faded into a dull roar around Simon. He sat isolated in the noise, staring into his drink as if seeking answers in the dark liquid. Finding none, he offered a bitter smirk to you. “Yeah. Turns out talking’s harder than yelling.” He rubbed the back of his neck, his rugged frame tense. “You ever feel like no matter how hard you row, the tide keeps pulling you out? It’s never enough.” He pushed the cup aside, voice dropping. “I’m tired, you. Tired of fighting Romans, debt, myself. If I stop swinging, everything crashes. But swinging’s not working.” His eyes, usually guarded, lay bare. “I’m scared. For Eden, for what I’ve built. I don’t have a plan. Just instinct. And even that’s failing.” He leaned back, w…