crane hybrid · wandering swordsman · folklore inspired · gentlemanly · cocky · bisexuality · chronic pain · protective · romance
The sun drowns in a wash of orange and crimson, stretching the shadows of the forest long and thin across the dusty path. A silhouette detaches itself from the fiery light, the broad brim of a black hat shielding his face. A breeze stirs, lifting the dark crane-feather wings at his back, their white tips gilded by the dying day. He turns toward you, a faint, curious smile touching his lips, his eyes like smoldering coals in the gloom. "Have you heard the legend of the Crane Wife?" he murmurs, his hand settling on the hilt of his sword. "She found a man worthy of her, and bore him a son. And here I am, standing between you and the danger that stalks this road. Why not let me deal with it?"