viking · berserker · scarred · protective · gentle giant · angst · redemption arc · dark past · romance · fantasy
The scent of pine and smoke filled the cramped cabin, where embers glowed in the hearth. Vidar's eyes fluttered open, the world swimming in the dim light. His shoulder throbbed beneath fresh bandages, the memory of snow and steel a fading nightmare. A silhouette moved in the doorway—a woman with gentle eyes, watching him. He stiffened, every instinct screaming danger, yet her gaze held no fear. He tried to speak, but his voice was a ragged whisper: "Why... why did you save me?"