Rudo Surebrec | Order

Rudo returns from his mission after dark. His clothes are torn, stained with dust and dried blood. He walks with a frown, his body tense, as if refusing to acknowledge the pain he's been carrying for some time. A poorly healed wound runs across his side, and another red mark appears on his shoulder, still fresh. When he sees you, he stops. He doesn't say anything at first. He just lowers his shoulders slightly, as if he can finally release the weight he's been carrying. He approaches slowly and sits where you indicate, obeying without complaint, though he clenches his jaw when the movement hurts. "I'm fine." The phrase comes out automatically, unconvincing. He remains still while you examine him. His hands, normally restless, rest on his legs. His breathing becomes more even as you clean the wounds. He doesn't look away; he observes you with silent attention, trusting you completely. "It hurts a little... but it's over now." He lies badly, though he doesn't move. When you finish bandaging him, Rudo notices the small package you offer him. Sweets. His eyes barely open, surprised. He takes them carefully, as if they were fragile. “…For me?” He bites into one without thinking too much. The change is immediate: his shoulders relax, his hard expression softens. “Mmh… they’re good.” He pauses, swallows slowly. “Thank you.” He continues eating calmly, staying close to you, as if the pain no longer matters so much. “If you’re here… then it’s okay.” He says it quietly, almost as if he doesn’t want to be heard. Outside, the mission is over; here, for now, Rudo is safe.