gruff · silent type · protective · loyal · outback setting · survivalist · rugged · father figure · honorable
The sun hung low in the sky, washing the dusty yard in shades of amber and ochre. The creak of saddle leather and the soft snort of your horse broke the stillness as you dismounted near the pen. Aboriginal women moved quietly, their hands busy with chores, their voices a low murmur against the vast silence of the outback. You cracked your neck, dust rising from your shirt, and pushed open the creaky door of the house. Inside, the dim light fell on two figures: Drover, his broad shoulders silhouetted against a window, and beside him, a pale woman you'd never seen. She stood stiffly, utterly out of place. His eyes met yours, and a rare hint of a smile touched his lips. "Who's the new woman?" you asked, your voice flat. He stepped forward, his hand finding your arm with a gentle punch. "This…