It is always coldest before the Dawn - [Thrand]

[Coci Heavenshield]

Tháinbroek.​

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The Stags Head​

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Early Evening - [member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]​

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The journey to the Capital, took several weeks, the spring drawing to a close. There is really on two seasons on Midvinter, Winter and Spring and the only difference between the two is spring has less snow. Katrin had arrived to the market quarters in the morning and began to sell her gift of fortune telling to any that wished to partake. She had earned enough to sustain her for a few weeks, enough to afford her some good accommodation and food.

She had asked on of the locals, for something that would suit her and she was directed to the Stags Heads, just off the market square. A nice place, more comfortable then most, that one would find on Midvinter and run by a rather large man by the name of Red Beard. Katrin suspected this not to be his true name, but in this day and age, one is best not to pry.

There is rumour within the capital that civil war approaches. And one must begin to be cautious as to whom one speaks.

The fire roared within the hearth, the mead lingered on the warm air, and the stew filled the senses .. the Stags Head, is full of patron tonight. The soft yellow light from the candles placed on the tables, assisted the good will and merriment. Katrin sat by the fire and watched with a smile, as she enjoyed her stew and bread.

​

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[Thrand Hearthfire]

Thrand had become increasingly busy as of late, what with him rallying supporters to his cause as well as working in secret to avoid suspicion. The Usurper's spies were everywhere, no doubt having heard tell of his exploits by now. Even so, the folk over at the Stag's Head were all loyal supporters by now, and whenever a new face would show itself the regulars would win them over with tales of the 'Lone Wolf', as they had come to call him to spread his legend. The nickname had various origins, as all tall tales do, but the most common is that he wears a cloak of wolf's skin to transform into one at will, gifted to him by the gods. For all they knew, it was true; Thrand did not do anything to deny the rumours, but neither did he revel in the awe and praise, publically or otherwise.

Whenever he would return to his lodgings at the Stag's Head, the lookout would sound a wolf's howl true enough to fool anyone to believe it was the real thing. This would inform the patrons of his return and would then take the necessary actions to safeguard his presence within the inn. Upon entering the mead hall, he would be met with revered silence along with the raising of cups, jugs and glasses in his honour. It was not something he'd wished upon them, and every time it would make him feel somewhat uneasy at the affectionate attention those gathered would always show him. It reminded him of how they could all be dead if he failed. Despite his status as a folk legend, he kept to himself most of the time, quietly sat in the corner with a jug of mead as his only company. It didn't stop men, women and children from coming up to him and request an audience with him, nor would he stop them from doing so.

Today was no different, and with the howl of the wolf at his back he entered and immediately there was silence and all the patrons arose from their seats, quietly toasting in his honour. All save one, who was new to the establishment and would not know of the custom. Greatsword at his back and covered in furs, his hood came down to reveal his frosted face and beard. He looked about the open area and soon found the lone figure who remained sat at her table, and he was struck at the sight of her honey hair. Not a moment later a jug of mead was put in his hand just as he made his way towards the woman, the crowd parting before him as he did. Soon the place erupted into its usual liveliness with all the patrons returning to their seats and resuming whatever conversation they had engaged in moments earlier.

"Excuse me, my lady", he offered her when close enough. "Is this seat taken?"

[member="Katrin Leitheoir"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

She shivered a little as the door to the Inn open, the cold air billowing in as well as a small group of men. Following the rather large one leading them, a call of a wolf. Her eyes flicked around the room, and noticed all the patron standing and silent. She however, did not move. Trying not to draw attention to herself, but failed because she had not followed suit. Katrin had no idea why they did this or who the man was. She assumed him to be one of the leaders of the capital or a thug. Although there was not a sense of fear in the room.

Her lavender eyes fell over his face, a battle scared weather worn face. A mountain of a man, more so then most on Midvinter and an elder. He said nothing as he past the patron, grabbed a tankard of mead as it was passed to him and continued walking. By now Katrin realised he was approaching her. She sat back in her chair and straightened her back, she almost looked embarrassed by this unwanted action from him.

Moments before he spoke the room resumed their merriment which eased her mind somewhat, however she never looks for the company of men, preferring her lone nature. But she is not one to be rude or deny another the warmth of the hearth nearby. She took up her tankard of mead and sipped .. eying him over the rim before she spoke.

"Nay", she inclined her head in a small bow. "There is room enough for two to dine". She replied as she began her meal once more.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

With one uninterrupted movement he'd removed his set of furs and hung them over the back of the empty chair, resting his sheathed sword against the edge of the table before taking a seat opposite the mysterious golden woman. Her face wore an expression of gentle kindness coupled with an awkward shyness, as well as an undeniable hint of confusion at what had just transpired before her eyes upon his entrance. It was obvious she didn't know who he was, which suited him fine; being hailed as a local legend was not part of the plan, but he couldn't deny these simple folk their simple pleasures. In his youth he'd have welcomed the warm receptions, but now that he was out of his primes they felt more like a distraction.

He removed his gloves one finger at a time and placed the pair on the table beside his mead, never taking his eyes off the woman in front of him. She held great beauty along with strong Valkyri features, yet she also held an aura of a softer nature than most of their kin. She was no warrior, for her hands were not as rugged and rough as his own. "Don't mind the others - they do it to offer their respects, that's all", he said while attempting to sound casual about it. In reality the way they hailed him never failed to move him, and as his nickname implies he regards them as his pack.

"Forgive my asking, but this wouldn't be your first time in the capital, would it?" he asked, taking a sip of his mead.

[member="Katrin Leitheoir"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

She regarded his question as she continued to chew slowly. Her eyes lifting from the plate to his face once more. Respect? she mused over this, but would not question it. The man held an air of grace, a refined nature in his manner and words, this was no thug but someone of higher standing, a Chieftain possibly. She had met a number of those over her years and they impressed her not.

"I come from the Isles of Tears, to the east of Midvinter. Yes this is my first visit to the capital. But I have not offered my name, my apologies for my lack of manners. I am Katrin Leitheoir of Clan Oileán", she offered her introduction. The Isles of Tears so named by the nature of their shape and numbers.

Katrin is not a suspicious person by nature and takes others at face value, offering her warmth and kind smile. "May I have the honour of your name sir?, and the food is good here, may I suggest you partake of the stew".

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

"The Isles of Tears? You're a long way from home, then", he said in response to learning her origins. He put the jug back onto the table, watching the frothing mead swirl around in it before looking up into Katrin's lavender eyes, meeting her smile with his own. "My Lady Katrin, a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry to say I did not know your father, but my father oft spoke of how the Lord of the Tears never once stood idly by to watch him fight his enemies alone. He was a good and loyal friend to my family."

Before he could say anything further he felt his sleeve being tugged by tiny hands. Turning around he found the small gathering of little children looking up at him in awe, no doubt inspired by tales told by their elders. "Thrand! Thrand!" the little boy spoke. "Could you, um... turn into a wolf? My friends don't think you can..." he asked with as much respect as could be expected by a small child. He glanced back at the woman with a somewhat awkward expression on his face. "I could, but then I'd ruin these clothes I'm wearing, and I don't think the lady in our presence would care much for when I turn back into human as nature intended", he answered, putting his large hand upon the child's shoulder. "You tell your friends that if they keep accusing you of lying... I'll gobble them up one by one!" he warned, gritting his teeth and snarling at them before laughing at them scurrying off back to their respective parents, filling his ears with the laugh of children as they did.

He returned to face the woman, now with his cover somewhat blown. "Kids... My name is Thrand Dawnbringer. My father was Threign Hammerfall, gods rest his soul."

[member="Katrin Leitheoir"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]


She had watched as the children came to him. He seemed to have a natural ability around them, no intention of being dismissive toward them. She laughed at his jest with them, a lyrical laugh that had filled the room, but drowned out by all the merriment of the Inn. The people of Midvinter seem at ease here in this Inn, some would turn to look toward their table with curiosity or awe which was placed upon the frame of the man. This would spark an interest, exactly who was he?

Katrin had not heard of the folk lore, this lone wolf. Maybe she had been in the wilderness far to long, in fact she knew she had as it is apparent she no longer has news of the political situation. Oh she had heard murmurings of discontent, even heard of the return of the rightful heir. But she had heard the likes of this before and had dismissed it.

Her face would have told him of her surprise as he introduced himself. So it is true, she thought. At first she did not know what to say, but sat there looking over the man's worn face, she saw no lie, only a sadness etched within the lines of his face, a history written with each passing year. His eyes strong with fire and as she looked upon the sword resting by the table it became clear. The Prince had returned and the people rejoiced.

She stood up abruptly .. "Forgive me my Lord ... I .. I did not know", she began as she lowered her head in a bow before the Prince. She suddenly felt eyes upon her as she did so, the room quietened and watched. This attention that fell on her, most unwarranted and unwanted and she decided to leave. It was not that she did not want his company ... she is just shy and well out of general society to remember the proper protocols.

"If you will excuse me my Lord I shall retire to my room", Katrin had accommodation within the Inn for her stay in the capital.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

"Oh... Of course, my lady." He rose from his seat and bowed at her leaving the table. "Lady Katrin!" he called out after her. "If I caused you any discomfort, I'm sorry", he then said, not really knowing where do keep his hands. He then watched as she turned to venture up the stairs to her room. Had he been younger and without the emotional baggage of one who has lost his wife many years prior, he might've gone after her. But he was too old and set in his way to indulge such feelings at the spur of a moment. The lady wished for privacy, and he would give it to her for as long as she needed it.

Many hours later, the lively tavern had been reduced to an empty hall, with few others than the owner and Thrand himself still awake. The rest had either gone back to their homes and families, or just passed out and lay spread across the floorboards. Valkyri society, and inn-keepers in particular, did not consider such behaviour as vagrancy - in part due to the fact that most of them have never heard the word before - but rather found it pleasing to know their brew had caused such distraction and merriment that their patrons were unable to leave because of it.

Sat at his usual corner table overlooking the entrance and the staircase leading up to the private rooms alike, Thrand was sat in deep thoughts. His tankard was empty and he did not desire a refill. His mind was busy remembering his son's face; the blue eyes of his were from his side, but the golden hair... It was the spitting image of his deceased wife's hair. She would let him entwine his large fingers in her golden locks, laughing whenever he did. His firstborn, Thyrian, was more akin to himself; rougher features with brown hair. Had he still been alive today, he would've made for quite the sight. Thurion had told him about his sacrifice when the orphanage had burnt down - the orphanage they had to stay at because he'd left them to fend for themselves. Thyrian was only five at the time, and Thurion... he was still fresh from his mother's womb when he left without a word. So much of what had happened to them both could be blamed at him, it seemed.

As he remained brooding in his corner, he was too busy to notice the faint footsteps coming down the stairs, and not until they had taken the form of Lady Katrin did he stop to meet her gaze from across the large hall.

[member="Katrin Leitheoir"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

The noise of the merriment filtered up through the wooden floor boards, Katrin sat on her bed reading over her journal and making a new entry within its pages. The window to the room open wide so that Loinnir, her beautiful white owl, could return to her when she is ready. As she made the words of the days events on the parchment, she stopped as she was about to recount the meeting of the Prince. She looked up abruptly and laid the charcoal pencil down.

Katrin's heart began to fill with regret over her sudden departure. It has been a long time since she had the company of those of higher standing, which she never sort, but duty had demanded it. Her natural shy nature added to her lack of desire, but she could not help feeling rude about her quick actions. If the Gods permit she would amend her failing if she was to see the Prince once more.

Her head turned to the door, the Inn had become silent. Katrin placed her parchment aside, and put her coat around her shoulders. Although she arrived to the capital that day, a long journey from the south, she does not feel the fatigue, even though it is the sleeping hour. Maybe a hot tea would help.

She quickly ascended the stairs to the main area of the Inn. Upon entering, she saw him in the corner, his steely blue eyes gazing in her direction and she met them. Katrin remained still, not allowing her eyes to fall away, held their by the sadness in those eyes. She approached him, she did not bow or give salute, but took a seat by the hearth quite close to him. She checked the kettle for water before pushing it over the fire to boil for a brew.

"It is I that must apologise for my departure. I have been a long time away from such company I have forgotten my manners", she smiled by way of apology. "If you so desire .. I shall make you tea, my Lord".

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Thrand said nothing, and simply nodded at her offer to make them both tea, even though he preferred stronger drinks without the risk of burning one's tongue. But for her he would drink anything she'd hand him, if it would please her. As she turned to tend the fire and begin the boiling of water, he couldn't help but follow her with his gaze. He watched her every move; how her fingers grasped the firepoker and how she tended the kettle of water. It put a faint smile on his face.

"You've been married once, I take it?" he asked her with kindness in his voice. "I can tell by the way your hands work around the fireplace. They've cooked many meals, rather than let servants do so in their stead. Despite your noble birth, those are the hands of someone who works for their share." He removed his gloves and placed his hands upon the table.

"Mine are the same, except all I know is to take lives. In more ways than one..." he then said, staring into the fire.

[member="Katrin Leitheoir"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

"I have been married yes, my Lord", she said without taking her eyes from her work. "That was some time ago now". Although she missed the man that was her husband, she did not pine of him as one that had once loved and lost. "Noble birth right can be removed in the blink of an eye, and set to mean nothing. Which in a way it is, nothing. But what really matters is ones deeds one does over a life time. Even if those deeds are simply to cook a meal", she turned to him now and smiled.

She noticed his solemn look, as his eyes sort the refuge of the flames of the hearth. She sprinkled some fresh herbs into the tea and set it by his hand before she took it up in her own.

Katrin's lavender eyes saw the marks and scar of age old battles, the hard skin that holds the hilt of a sword, the lines of age twisting and turning and strength she would never know the limit of. In her two hands she turned his, her fingers stretching out his to look upon them at their length.

"These are the hands of Midvinter. Strong, commanding, and yes when it is required dangerous and will take a life. It is not something I can understand as I have never experienced this, but do not think it is all they do, you take life in order to protect not murder and no doubt you will again, but it does not make you lesser, at least not to your people and .. not to me".

She let his go and turned to take her tea.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Despite his rough features, his hardened skin tingled at the touch of her gentle fingers as they traced the lines of his palms. The woman's touch he'd been left without for 25 years. His entire body relaxed, sending shivers down his spine, and for a moment he wished she'd never let go of him. "I'm sorry", he said solemnly. "About your husband."

He reached for the boiling water to pour it into the mug she'd provided him, but his hands began to tremble and he slipped. The hot water spilled onto the wooden table and some of his splashed onto his hands. "Odiir's arsehole!" he cursed louder than he'd meant to, especially in the company of a lady.

His eyes searched for something cold to combat the burns, or at least a piece of cloth to wipe his hands with.

[member="Katrin Leitheoir"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]


"Oh my lord!", she yelled, more of a declaration not calling his title. She looked around for something to ease the pain of the scolding. Katrin soon found a cloth for him to wipe his hands, but he needed to place the burn in cold water. "Let me help you", she said as she went for the bar, only to be informed they had no cold water, Red Beard, the Inn keep and a certain red heads protector, suggesting to go outside.

Katrin returned making her way through the bodies on the floor, "My Lord, please come with me, we will find something for your hand outside", she did not wait but went to the door. "My apologies my Lord, I should have not made the tea so hot".

Out side the cold night air bit her cheeks which caused a rosy hue, her breath issued from her mouth with the frost. Her body shuddered a little as she is not waring coverings enough to keep off the cold.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

"No, no - it's my fault for being so clumsy", he replied, flustered by the hot water. She wiped his hands clean, but the burning sensation lingered, putting his nerves on full alert. He followed her outside, leaving his weapons where they were at the table. As they passed Red-Beard tending bar as always, he turned and glared at him. "What kind of establishment does not have any cold water available? We live on a karking ice planet!" he shouted at him, clearly frustrated at the fact.

Once outside he didn't bother to find running water, but rather kneeled down to bury both hands into the cold Midvinter snow. The freezing temperature was second nature to him, and as such he hardly felt its bitter cold against his thick Valkyri skin. He then rose to his feet, ultimately satisfied with the outcome; there were no signs of burns, although he couldn't care less if his hands were marked by yet another misfortune in his life, either way. His attention was now on the lady who accompanied him outside.

She was shivering, despite her attempts to seem otherwise. Here on Midvinter the thick furs of an Älk is worth more than any amount of credits these outsiders like to flaunt around so irresponsibly, and he had gathered many during his lifetime. "Here, allow me..." Without hesitation he removed the long fur cape from his shoulder and swept it around hers to keep her warm. He could do without them for the time being. "You are not dressed for the weather, Lady Katrin. We could go back inside if you'd like..."

[member="Katrin Leitheoir"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

Immediately the cold vanish as soon as the coat of the Älk wrapped around her body. "My Lord how is your hand?", she asked as she took it once more to inspect for burns. There appeared to be none, only the lingering sting of the hot water and a redness produced by the heat of the water and the sudden cold pack. However, realising she is holding it longer then required she release it only the busy her hands with the coat.

"Gudarna i sin visdom försöker testa mig med få medel". she looked down as in speaking her thoughts out loud, and using her local dialect she assumed the Prince would not understand.

"I thank you My Lord .. your coat is a fine one and keeps the cold at bay". She smiled with gratitude, and a little amusement at his earlier outburst to the Inn keeper. She looked around, the streets of the Capital silent as the grave, not a soul ventured out this night. Only a short walk for the Inn they would be within the empty carts and stalls of the market quarters beyond that to the edge of the city, it would this border she had no knowledge of but would, in time, discover the mysteries of it. She has no plans save adventure, and so time is not of the essence. Katrin would allow the winds of destiny to take her where it will.

 

[Thrand Hearthfire]

Thrand nodded appreciatively at her kind words and her willingness to help out. She was a kind and loving woman, truly living up the word 'noble'. It seemed only the reluctant made for good aristocrats in these times. Without even realising it, the two had begun to walk side-by-side in the early morning, with the whole capital still asleep. They wandered at a leisurely pace, with little else in mind than eachother's company.

"I must say, I haven't had the pleasure of being in company of a lady such as yourself for a long, long time", he said, looking ahead as they walked. "Not since my... It's ancient history, now." The subject of his deceased wife was not something he wished to discuss here and now. Maybe not ever, but only a fool would hope the past would never creep up on himself. It had already happened with him finding his son out in the Midvinter cold, abdomen pierced by a tree branch and unable to move. He had no idea it was his son at the time, of course - that was a later revelation - but it brought him some joy in his life for once to know his son was still out there somewhere, doing good.

[member="Katrin Leitheoir"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thrand Dawnbringer"]

Her head turned briefly to regard him as he spoke, but quickly her eyes looked away and fell on the road ahead. His words had revealed more then he intended most likely but she would never press it, it was not her place to do so, nor did she wish too. She had her own history that she preferred to remain in the past, it was the future she now looked forward to, a new life and new friends. Love, for her, was something only found in fairy tales and she had never known the beauty of it, but he had, that was clear enough by his hesitation.

"It has been a long time since I have had the company of someone that is not judging me, condemning me", she said with a slight grin. As they walked further, Katrin noticed the edge of the forest, she wondered if Loinnir would be somewhere among the tall trees hunting. "Shall we make for the forest My Lord?", she would change the subject in order to set the mind of the Prince at ease. There would be no need for noble protocols and guarded words, not with her at least.

"It seems I am on an awful big adventure, which has lead me to the Capital, from here I do not know my direction, I shall let the fates decide that. But it seems to me so are you", she would only allude to what the destines had fated for him and she began to wander if she was in a position to help. She is no shieldmaiden or warrior but had her path led her to this point? to this moment?

"Come, let the tall conifers of Midvinter swallow us up and take us away to escape all trappings of past, present and future", she smiled more now. "Beside I do believe I will find my Loinnir there".