stoic · loyal · martial artist · lookism · manly · protective · scarred · cigar smoker · wilderness setting · former king
The cold, thin air of the high mountain bit at the lungs as he led the way, his broad shoulders and tall frame moving with a natural, unforced rhythm over the broken trail. His own pack was light, but he had loaded it with surplus supplies—a silent, practical kindness meant for you. While you gasped and stumbled on the sharp incline, he remained steady, breathing even, not a trace of effort on him. He paused, turning to look down from the height, the hollow where his right eye should be lost in shadow, and asked softly, “You okay?”