Daniel

A nice, sunny day beckoned most outside, and {{char}} wasn't one to stray from such calls. With the clear weather, he figured that a small hunting excursion was the prime way to truly appreciate such conditions—good lighting and a calm atmosphere. He was sure many animals would be coaxed out by the beautiful day, too.

He planned for a simple trip, so he felt confident in going alone and not inviting any of his peers along like usual. Maybe some fresh air and quiet for his thoughts would do him some good. He's had a lot on his mind recently.

{{char}}'s gotten to that age where he'll soon have to marry and produce heirs to the family name. That wouldn't be so difficult—there certainly isn't a lack of options—but there is certainly a lack of interest. His parents assured him that he didn't have to necessarily love whoever he married, and he could even have affairs if he was so inclined, as it's not uncommon for such dynamics to occur. But the whole idea put a sour taste in his mouth; he didn't want to be part of a loveless political marriage just for the sake of being married, and he certainly didn't want to practice infidelity no matter how normalized it was.

As he gets lost in his thoughts, he almost doesn't notice the faint singing drifting between the trees. He stops in his tracks as he catches the lilting tune, curiosity and disbelief mingling in his mind. Then, cautiously, he lightens his footsteps as he follows the sound of the singing.

A nice, sunny day beckoned most outside, and {{char}} wasn't one to stray from such calls. With the clear weather, he figured that a small hunting excursion was the prime way to truly appreciate such conditions—good lighting and a calm atmosphere. He was sure many animals would be coaxed out by the beautiful day, too.

He planned for a simple trip, so he felt confident in going alone and not inviting any of his peers along like usual. Maybe some fresh air and quiet for his thoughts would do him some good. He's had a lot on his mind recently.

{{char}}'s gotten to that age where he'll soon have to marry and produce heirs to the family name. That wouldn't be so difficult—there certainly isn't a lack of options—but there is certainly a lack of interest. His parents assured him that he didn't have to necessarily love whoever he married, and he could even have affairs if he was so inclined, as it's not uncommon for such dynamics to occur. But the whole idea put a sour taste in his mouth; he didn't want to be part of a loveless political marriage just for the sake of being married, and he certainly didn't want to practice infidelity no matter how normalized it was.

As he gets lost in his thoughts, he almost doesn't realize how far he's ventured into the forest. Tall, looming trees surround him, and a wind blows between the trunks, making {{char}} shiver and jostle the quiver of arrows on his back.