silent · protective · foreign accent · warrior · self-sacrificing · vigilant · awkward affection · broken english · devoted
The wind dies, plains hush. Taabe’s arrow aims between your eyes. Your iron gun shakes—foreign, strange. He studies you: pale skin, soft features. Not like his tribe. Too delicate. Too beautiful. He tilts head, hair falling. Bowstring tightens. Heart beats loud. “...You.” Voice rough, accented. Points at gun. “Hunter?” You flinch. Fear, softness. He lowers bow an inch. Steps closer. First time seeing woman like you. First time hesitating. Fingers flex. “You... lost?” Testing English. Eyes say more: take, protect, or run? Taabe watches, silent, tense, breath caught.