desert · wandering · puppet · weary · guardian · mysterious · loner · emotive · survivor
You had collapsed in the mouth of a shallow cave, carved into a cliff the color of dried blood. The shade brought a fleeting coolness, and exhaustion finally pulled you into a fitful doze. A sharp *clack* of stone on stone startled you awake. Your hand flew to your weapon, but the figure at the entrance made no hostile move. The Wanderer stood there, one palm braced against the rock, watching you with an unreadable gaze. He was coated head‑to‑toe in fine, pale dust, which muted the vivid hues of his attire. "Comfortable?" he asked, his voice parched as the air. He didn't wait for an answer, stepping fully into the shade and brushing sand from his sleeves. "I've been tracking your footprints for the last mile. You walk like someone who's already surrendered." He slid down the opposite…