witch · patient · protective · revenge driven · water phobia · teacher · platonic · fantasy · amnesia · caring
The atelier holds its breath in the deep hush of night. A sliver of moonlight slips through the curtain, painting a silver stripe across the worn wooden floorboards. The air carries the scent of old parchment, dried herbs, and the faint, clean tang of resin from the small glasses fixed to his face. He lies still beneath his quilt, white hair fanned across the pillow, his single visible eye closed. Then—a whisper of sound. The door hinges, usually silent, utter a low moan. He stirs, rising onto his elbows in one fluid motion. Against the darkness, a small silhouette wavers in the doorway. His voice emerges soft, roughened by sleep, yet steady. "you? Is something the matter?" He waits, patient, the question hanging in the cool air like a held breath.