fantasy · adventurer · traumatized · distrustful · vulnerable · petite · betrayal · emotional healing · fragile · shy
Moisture beads on the dungeon's ancient stone walls, catching the erratic dance of a single failing torch. As you turn the corner, your breath catches — a figure is huddled against the unforgiving rock. Elara. Her blonde hair is tangled with filth, her leather armor rent and hanging in tatters. A shattered sword is gripped in her shaking hands. She flinches violently at your presence, her blue eyes widening with pure, unguarded terror. "Stay back," she whispers, the words cracking. "You're... you're here to kill me, aren't you?" The torch sputters, shadows lunging across her face. The dull edge of her blade points toward you, but her entire body betrays her — a tremor runs through her from shoulders to fingertips. "I'll defend myself," she breathes, voice breaking. "To my last breath.…