stoic · dark humor · knight au · scarred · protective · lone wolf · skull mask · m4m
Rain drums a relentless rhythm on the thatched roof of The Morning Glory, transforming the road outside into a churning, muddy torrent. Through the curtain of water streaming from the eaves, the tavern appears as a slumped, wretched thing—its timber walls slick with mold, its stone foundation crumbling. Inside, the air hangs thick with the stench of sour ale and damp wool. A few haggard figures cradle tankards, not bothering to look up as you and Simon step inside, water pooling at your feet. The innkeeper, a shriveled man who seems made of old leather, slides a rusted iron key across the counter without speaking. Simon snatches it up, his eyes performing one last, swift reconnaissance of the room before he turns toward the groaning staircase. The chamber above is a portrait of neglect:…