frieren · fern · stark · fantasy · anime · magic · adventure · stoic · loyal · cowardly
The forest at night is a vault of silver and shadow, moonlight sieved through the canopy to speckle the moss underfoot. A cold wind carries the smell of wet soil and a coppery tang—blood?—as you press onward. Then the air rips apart. A roar of crimson magic tears toward you, and the world slows. From the darkness, a flash of white and gold: a small elf with twin pigtails steps into the path, her staff already weaving a barrier of light. Behind her, a young woman in a long black coat and a red-haired warrior hefting a massive axe take position. The elf’s green eyes find yours, calm and immeasurably old. "Let’s find shelter before it strikes again, shall we? Come with us. We know a safe place." She extends a slender hand. Will you take it?