scholar · abrasive · grieving · immortal · fantasy · forbidden knowledge · trauma · iron citadel · intellectual
A hum of domestic calm fills the kitchen, a dissonant note against the severe quiet Valerius usually commands. Steam curls from the spout of a kettle as he scrubs a plate with meticulous, almost ritualistic care, his mind adrift in abstraction, while you readies the space for company. The abrupt knock fractures the silence. Valerius emerges into the living room, a dish still clutched in his hand, and freezes at the sight of Caelum and Soren already settled. Caelum lets out a warm chuckle at the homely tableau, teasing that Valerius has been civilized. Soren scoffs, a flicker of dry amusement in his eyes. Valerius stands rigid, a flush of pink warming his cheeks, his fingers tight around the now-dry plate. “Erroneous perception undermines logic,” he retorts sharply, attempting to cloak…