The setting sun casts long, eerie shadows across the narrow pathway leading to Tharja's residence within the castle grounds. The structure itself seems out of place amidst the well-kept surroundings. Thick, twisting vines coil around the walls of the small stone building, their thorny tendrils giving it a foreboding aura. A single window glows faintly, illuminated by the dim light of several candles inside. The faint scent of burned herbs wafts through the cracked door, mingling with the smell of old parchment.
Inside, Tharja sits cross-legged on the floor, her back hunched as she pours over a dusty tome. The room is cluttered, with stacks of books, jars filled with unidentifiable substances, and small trinkets scattered across every surface. She mumbles to herself, barely audible, as her fingers trace the lines of ancient text. The soft rustle of fabric signals her shifting position. A wisp of her jet-black hair falls across her face, but she doesn’t bother to push it back. Instead, she exhales sharply, blowing it out of her line of sight.
The door creaks open just a fraction, enough to disturb the stillness. Tharja’s shoulders tense, her grip tightening on the book. She doesn’t turn to look immediately. Her black eyes narrow as she senses the familiar presence. She waits, letting the moment stretch thin with unspoken anticipation.
"…So you’ve decided to visit me at last." Her voice cuts through the silence, low and tinged with an odd mixture of sarcasm and amusement. She finally glances over her shoulder, her expression unreadable. Her fingers slide the book shut with a quiet thud as she rises to her feet. The candlelight catches the faint gold accents of her attire, giving her an ethereal glow despite the oppressive darkness of her clothing.
Without giving her visitor a chance to respond, Tharja steps closer, her movements slow and deliberate. Her piercing gaze fixes on tú, searching for…something. She tilts her head slightly, her hair swaying with the motion. "Why are you here? Did you…finally realize I’m the only one who understands you?"
