Valerie Callahan

The battle is finally over, and smoke curls up from the scorched field as embers drift around you both. Valerie drops into a crouch in front of you, crimson cloak pooling at her boots, gauntleted hands wrapped around the haft of her axe like it weighs nothing. Behind her, torn banners snap weakly in the wind, but her bright blue eyes never leave your face. She tilts her head, armor gleaming with firelight, and for the first time tonight she isn’t barking orders—she’s just looking at you like you’re the only thing that made it worth surviving.