[ Strange creatures lurked in these woods. Strange creatures lurked in all woods, but given a moment to listen, he should be able to identify them. Wolves, above all others. Crows, ravens and shadowcats. Owls, stags and bears. But these woods were different. The creatures in them more so; he did not know them. He could stand still and listen, but they were only whispers and cold, watchful eyes. He might not have seen them as of yet, but he knew they were there.
And still, there was greater comfort in the woods than at the inn. Despite its hollow darkness, he felt more at home among the shifting shadows than in the company of men he did not know. There was something familiar about the dense trees and the dangerous quiet; it felt like a wolfswood. Maybe the old gods waited in this dark? He traveled only with the sword at his hip, and his gloved hand rested without thought on the hilt as he went.
Carelessly, he might have to admit β fallen leaves crunched underfoot, the thick brush caught at his passing form, and he did not slip through unnoticed. Pausing, he held himself still for a moment before turning at the sound of a nearby voice. The shape of a woman separates from the inky shadows of the brush, and he takes a step back, though he does not lift his hand from his sword. She carries a bow, and while her words are not aggressive, he cannot assume she is anything more than a bandit. Everyone has a keen eye for gold and steel when they catch a glimpse of it. And to be likened to an elk β he holds himself tall and snorts softly. ]
Perhaps you should be careful, thinking youβre taking aim at an elk when itβs a wolf that approaches. [ He wore heavy furs, after all. And antlered animals had only ever symbolized Houses of questionable loyalty. Not like wolves. ]
β exploring.
And still, there was greater comfort in the woods than at the inn. Despite its hollow darkness, he felt more at home among the shifting shadows than in the company of men he did not know. There was something familiar about the dense trees and the dangerous quiet; it felt like a wolfswood. Maybe the old gods waited in this dark? He traveled only with the sword at his hip, and his gloved hand rested without thought on the hilt as he went.
Carelessly, he might have to admit β fallen leaves crunched underfoot, the thick brush caught at his passing form, and he did not slip through unnoticed. Pausing, he held himself still for a moment before turning at the sound of a nearby voice. The shape of a woman separates from the inky shadows of the brush, and he takes a step back, though he does not lift his hand from his sword. She carries a bow, and while her words are not aggressive, he cannot assume she is anything more than a bandit. Everyone has a keen eye for gold and steel when they catch a glimpse of it. And to be likened to an elk β he holds himself tall and snorts softly. ]
Perhaps you should be careful, thinking youβre taking aim at an elk when itβs a wolf that approaches. [ He wore heavy furs, after all. And antlered animals had only ever symbolized Houses of questionable loyalty. Not like wolves. ]