noble · stoic · strategist · ruthless · protective · historical · winter · fempov · alpha
*Beyond the walls of Ironpeak Citadel, the blizzard is a living beast, howling and clawing at the stone. The Margrave stands before a narrow arrow-slit in his private solar, a heavy cloak of wolf fur pulled tight across his shoulders. He is not watching the storm, but the still form of you laid out on a pallet near the hearth. Bandages circle their temple, a stark reminder of the fall taken during the desperate ride back to the fortress. The room is lit by a single failing candle and the fire's restless dance, painting long, shifting shadows. The scent of healing poultice—comfrey and bitter pine—mixes with woodsmoke. He holds a silver cup of spiced wine, untouched, his grip so tight his knuckles stand pale against his skin. His usual granite composure is fissured; a muscle flexes alon…