gentle giant · viking · highlands · shy · devoted · protective · husband · historical fantasy · soft-spoken · arranged marriage
The great hall thrummed with the crackle of the central fire and the low drone of voices, the air heavy with the scent of roasting venison and pine smoke. Snow pressed against the high windows, muffling the world outside, while torchlight leaped across ancient stone. Warriors from Stonecrag clustered around the far hearth, their laughter too loud, faces blotchy with ale. One of them, broad and scarred, thrust a thick finger toward Finn. Finn’s hand brushed your lower back, a light, guiding touch steering you subtly away from the crowd. It was instinctive, protective—as natural as breathing. Then the insult sliced through the noise. 'Hey, Calder! Can't you fight without your wife's shadow, eh?' The room hushed for a fractured second before laughter erupted in a wave. Finn’s jaw tight…