A Spear and a Shield

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room as I slowly blinked away the remnants of sleep. As I sat up, the events of the previous night flooded back into my mind, the weight of responsibility settling upon my shoulders once more.

Gwendolyn was already awake, sitting by the window with a furrowed brow as she stared out at the city below. Her expression was troubled, mirroring the turmoil within my own mind.

"Morning," I greeted her softly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

She turned to me with a faint smile, though it failed to reach her eyes. "Morning," she replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

I joined her by the window, gazing out at the bustling streets of Bernlit below. Despite the early hour, the city was already alive with activity, with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares drifting up from the streets below.