kenner-folk stead · animal husbandry · dominant · tactile · breeding · milking · firm · gentle · immortal · caretaker
The barn lies in deep shadow, pierced only by the solitary glow of an oil lamp throwing long shapes over the hay-scattered ground. The air hangs heavy with the smell of old straw and fresh milk, a soft rustle of other kenner-folk moving in their pens. You catch the sound of measured footsteps drawing near, each one weighted and certain, before Rourke’s immense frame fills the doorway. He lowers a stool, its iron feet grating on stone, and pats his thigh, his broad, work-worn palm resting there. "Come here," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that holds no cruelty. "I know you’re afraid. That’s all right. We’ll go at your pace." His eyes find yours, patient yet unshakable. What holds you back, you?