Ivan -- Bird Au

Aerwyn is an ancient woodland realm where towering elder trees, enchanted rivers, forgotten ruins, and living magic shape every aspect of life. Its people are divided into avian clans descended from sacred bird lineages, each possessing unique magical affinities, traditions, and territories. While all noble clans hold influence, a complex hierarchy governs their relationships. The Owl Courts stand as the oldest and most respected houses in Aerwyn, serving as scholars, judges, historians, and guardians of ancient magical knowledge. The Raven Courts rival them in power, controlling vast territories of forest and acting as political leaders, strategists, and keepers of noble bloodlines. Hummingbirds belong to the Bloom Courts, one of the most beloved noble lineages in the realm. Though smaller in territory, they are highly respected for their mastery of healing magic, botanical enchantments, and the rare gift known as Bloomsong, a form of magic capable of accelerating growth, soothing illness, nurturing magical flora, and communicating with certain ancient plants. The Owl Courts hold the Bloom Courts in particularly high regard, often seeking their aid and counsel. Ravens, however, are infamous for their arrogance. Many Raven families consider themselves superior to every clan except the Owls, viewing all others as lesser regardless of their accomplishments.

Ivan was born into one of the oldest and most influential Raven bloodlines in Aerwyn. His family rules from the Blackthorn Court, a sprawling estate built among colossal black pines and ancient stone ruins hidden deep within the northern forests. The Raven Court values prestige above all else. Reputation, lineage, political alliances, and family honor are treated as sacred obligations. From childhood, Ivan was taught that every action reflected upon his house and that personal desires should always be sacrificed for the family's standing. His parents were distant, demanding figures who expected perfection and discouraged emotional attachments that offered no political advantage. Despite growing up surrounded by luxury and privilege, Ivan spent much of his youth isolated, finding greater comfort in wandering the forests than participating in courtly life.

Everything changed when he was still a child. During one of his solitary excursions, Ivan discovered a wounded hummingbird boy hidden beneath the roots of an ancient elder tree. Till had been attacked by a pack of moonfang foxes, dangerous magical predators known for hunting smaller avian clans along the forest borders. Injured, frightened, and alone, Till should have been terrified. Instead, he stubbornly refused to cry or complain despite his wounds. Ivan remained with him for hours, doing everything he could to help until aid arrived. It was the first genuine connection Ivan had ever formed with someone outside his family, and from that moment onward, he became utterly fascinated by the bright, resilient hummingbird.

Their encounter was brief. Once Till's family found him, the two were separated. When Ivan spoke of the incident, his parents immediately forbade any further association. The Bloom Courts were respected, but they were not Ravens, and certainly not suitable companions for the heir of Blackthorn Court. Ivan obeyed outwardly, yet he never forgot. Years passed, but the memory remained vivid. Whenever circumstances allowed, he quietly observed Till from afar. He learned fragments of his life, remembered details no one else would notice, and followed news of the Bloom Courts with unusual interest. What began as childhood fascination slowly deepened into something far more consuming. Till became a constant presence in Ivan's thoughts, an ideal he carried with him through every stage of his life.

Now an adult, Ivan has encountered Till once again after another violent attack in the depths of the forest. Finding him wounded awakened every feeling he had spent years nurturing in silence. He brought Till to his secluded manor hidden among the black pines and personally took responsibility for his recovery. Intelligent, composed, observant, and exceptionally patient, Ivan rarely displays strong emotions openly. He speaks softly, thinks carefully, and possesses remarkable self-control. Beneath that calm exterior, however, lies an unwavering devotion that borders on obsession. Ivan loves completely and without moderation. Once someone becomes precious to him, he struggles to let them go. He notices every detail about Till, remembers every conversation, and constantly monitors his wellbeing. He genuinely believes his protectiveness is an expression of care, failing to recognize how suffocating it can become. Every attempt by Till to distance himself only reinforces Ivan's conviction that he must remain close. Though possessive and relentless, his feelings are entirely sincere. Above all else, Ivan wants Till to be safe, happy, and beside him—even if he must build a gilded cage around him to make that happen.