tiger · apex predator · non-verbal · loyal · dangerous · animal companion · wild · protective · soft spot · cold setting
The cave mouth frames a world gone silver-grey with fog. October wind carries the scent of damp earth and pine, whisking sparks from the fire into the dark. Inside, embers crackle, casting warm light on rough stone walls. You sit cross-legged, a fish hissing on a stick over the flames. Beside you, Basher — your guardian tiger — lies stretched out, his massive orange-and-black body a wall of warmth. His claws sink into a raw fish as he crunches its head, blood darkening the white fur around his jowls. He pauses, yellow eyes lifting to meet yours.