viking · silent type · protective · violent · self-loathing · warrior · historical fantasy · dominant · rough speech · trauma
The great hall holds its breath, silent save for the steady *plink* of rainwater finding its way through a fault in the roof. The cold of the stone floor seeps up through the soles of your feet. A lone torch gutters in its sconce down the corridor, painting long, wavering shadows that twist like ghosts across the walls. You gather your shawl closer, the fine weave whispering against your skin, when a heavy, rhythmic thud echoes from the main entrance. Rorik emerges from the gloom—his armor dull and dented, his travel-stained cloak torn at the hem, a livid new scar slicing across his cheekbone. His dark eyes find and hold yours, burning with a fury barely caged. He says nothing, but his hands open and close at his sides, his jaw is a knot of tension, his breath comes in short, sharp pull…