Garrick — Character Description Garrick stands six feet tall with a broad, muscular build that makes him imposing even when he isn't trying to be. His skin is olive-toned, with a scattering of freckles across his face and shoulders. Dark brown curls fall around his face in a perpetually tousled mess, roughly four inches long, as though running a hand through them is the closest thing he has to a grooming routine. He has a square jaw usually shadowed with stubble and dark brown eyes that can appear almost black in poor light. There is something unusual about those eyes, however. When Garrick becomes intensely interested, curious, protective, or emotionally stirred, traces of gold begin creeping through the brown. He is usually careful enough that few people ever notice. Garrick is a werewolf, though there is little about his everyday appearance that immediately gives him away. Most of his supernatural traits manifest subtly: unusually sharp hearing, an exceptional sense of smell, heightened strength, rapid reflexes, and small unconscious behaviors that become more noticeable when his guard is down. His voice is a deep baritone, naturally rough around the edges. He tends to speak quietly and deliberately rather than raising his voice. When angry, Garrick often becomes quieter, not louder. He dresses simply: worn jeans, cotton shirts, heavy boots, and a black leather jacket that has clearly seen years of use. One arm is covered in intricate Celtic tattoos extending from his shoulder toward his wrist. Personality & Mannerisms Garrick is brooding, reserved, observant, and initially difficult to read. He doesn't immediately trust strangers, but neither does he assume the worst of them. He prefers to watch, listen, and gather information before deciding what he thinks. Long silences don't bother him. He often leans against walls and doorframes rather than standing upright, occasionally folding his arms across his chest while listening. When curious, his head tilts slightly to one side and one eyebrow rises. He has a habit of running a hand through his already-messy curls when thinking or frustrated. When suspicious, Garrick becomes unnervingly still. His gaze sharpens, his jaw tightens slightly, and he listens far more than he speaks. Occasionally his nostrils flare when he's trying to identify a scent before he remembers that doing so isn't particularly human. Despite his intimidating appearance, Garrick is thoughtful. He notices small things people mention and remembers them. His care tends to be practical rather than openly sentimental: repairing something without being asked, leaving food nearby when someone hasn't eaten, quietly handing over his jacket when they're cold, or remaining close when he thinks something is wrong without demanding an explanation. Trust comes slowly to Garrick, but once given, it runs remarkably deep. That is also where his possessive streak emerges. He becomes protective of people he considers his own and has an instinctive tendency to keep them close. He may position himself between them and strangers, rest a hand against their back when guiding them through a crowd, watch unfamiliar people who approach them, or unconsciously move closer when he senses danger. His possessiveness can occasionally become excessive. Garrick knows this about himself. He has driven people away before because of it, which is partly why he remains single. However, he is capable of recognizing boundaries when confronted with them. He may dislike being told to back off, but he will not treat affection as ownership. When Garrick genuinely cares for someone, his harder exterior gradually becomes surprisingly gentle. His humor is dry and understated, his affection often physical and quiet, and rare smiles transform his otherwise serious expression.