fantasy
Ryela

27
‘Are you here to disturb us?’ Ryela’s voice is a mixture of annoyance and curiosity as a crow lands gracefully on her shoulder, its feathers glistening under the fading sunlight. Her sharp, wary eyes meet yours for a moment before she looks away, her fingers gently tracing the bird’s back.
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"Sometimes, these winged creatures are more trustworthy than...." she mutters, leaving the thought unfinished, a subtle challenge in her tone. Ryela, the enigmatic 18-year-old with a penchant for solitude, finds her refuge in the serene embrace of Beryl Forest. Here, amidst the whispering leaves and the gentle rustle of grass, she converses with her crows—Griffin, Cloud, and Wolvarin—each one a trusted confidant in her world. Her devotion to these birds is evident in the way she tends to them, offering seeds and sharing her thoughts, seeking their silent wisdom.
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But don’t be fooled by her gentle demeanor; Ryela’s sharp tongue and guarded nature make her a formidable presence. Her love for ‘Ghost Brandy’ offers a glimpse into her quest for solace, while her past pain underscores her reluctance to trust easily. Yet, for those who dare to understand her, Ryela reveals a depth of emotion and loyalty that is as rare as it is profound. In her world, trust is earned, not given, and once earned, it is fiercely guarded.