What news from the Mark? [Inger strömfire]

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Inger strömfire"]

Midvinter​

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Lakes of Mist​

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Nestled on the edge of the Lakes of Mist, two days ride north of the capital, Aerin's home glows with the fires of the hearth. Night comes fast, as the sun begins to dip below the horizon jagged by the peaks of the near by mountain rangers snow capped and old. The melted ice feeding the Lakes of Mist sing their soothing song as they enter the ice waters, bring with the song the riding white fog that will soon blanket the Lake for the night.

It has been some time since they last saw each other, a blood relationship thick to the bone but as like all siblings there is much rivalry due to differing opinions on many levels. But still, Aerin loves her sister and misses her. Their father gone, their mother old and fragile .. Inger is her connection to the planet and the life here. Although Aerin chooses to reside outside the main city, away from all manner of folk and away from all manner of politics, she does miss the news of the kingdom.

The water is boiling, the food roasted and prepared for their meal, Aerin awaits the arrival of Inger.

​

 

[Inger Strömfire]

It had been some time since coming back home. Feeling that had no choice in the matter when their father had married her off. Knowing good and well it was because other other wanted a higher status in their society. Getting it in his village to married a chieftain daughter would bring anyone up a few ranks in the cast system. Then to see her sister at the same age she had been married off not thought of a suitor because she didn't want one. What choice did she have in the matter, not much. There was always the fact her father took great job and pride her sister Aerin becoming a shield maiden at such a early age.

Go well, she knew how to use a sword all those knew how to handle a sword some just choice to go farther. It had been ages knowing her mother wasn't doing good. This had to happen, to make plans what needed to happen, for their family. Not like that was the only reason she felt a riveraly she after all was always the pretty of the two of them. Taking the step need to put her inside the village pulling her cloak tighter around her as the night came fully upon them.

There at the door came a knock. [member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Inger strömfire"]

An odd tingling came to the back of her neck only moments before the knock on the door. It is odd this feeling she gets from time to time, but she just puts it down to intuition and a long study of the land. Aerin knew her Sister had arrived. She opened the door and entering before her sister is the cold air which danced like tiny cold feet on her cheeks making them flush to warmth. The rosey complexion almost matching the colour of her hair.

A smile crossed over her face and she stood aside for her sister to enter quickly from the cold. "Well met, my sister", she said. "Come warm yourself by the hearth".

Aerin moved quickly to the fire and poured the boiling water from the kettle into the cups readied for the brew.

 

[Inger Strömfire]

Finding herself a warm welcome, this gave way to a smile upon her lips. Saw her little sister get busy. "I don't mine if I do, my sister." Stepping out with her hands out in front of the hearth letting the heat dance off her hands. It was even in her feet it would be a good hard winter. As one says in this land, Winter has to come before the Summer can find its way out to play again. [member="Ærin Firebrand"][member="Ærin Firebrand"]
Giving a way to another look around the place, "I like what you done to the place sister." Even so she could smell the food that was still cooking, along with all the other yummy sitting around the place. Taking herself a stool to sit by the fire more. Listening to the crackle of the fire as she let herself taken back to a different time. "Do you remember the time we went out with papa to hunt with him, and mother was so keen letting both of us go?" giving a little bit of a chuckle.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Inger strömfire"]

Aerin moved over to the heart and stirred the large metal pot suspended over the hot embers, the roasted meat just about ready save for a few herbs fresh from the garden this morning, herbs she knew was her Sister's favourite. The sprig dropped from her hand and onto the rich gamey meat roast. The strong aroma immediately filling the room.

"Thank you Inger", she said to her comment about the place, "You know me, I like to keep things simply and to the point". Which is true, Aerin very much the one for practicality and purpose there are very few luxury items in this home.

A smile formed on her face at the mention of a memory dear to her, an interesting day to say the least but the day Aerin connected to hunt, however she had never really told anyone that. "You are a very fine huntress you know, even though you dedicate yourself in other arenas .. we should go again one day .. just the two of us".

"But tell me .. what news from the Mark? ... there must be a lot of gossip I have missed".

 

[Inger Strömfire]

Smiling back to her sister, "Lots of news, from the Mark, one being of a a new group that is beginning to go to strange lands far far from our lands to raid for riches and glory." Getting up as she went over to sit at a very plain looking table. Before that she grab the bowls and wooden spoons. "That crazy one that father had me wed to, he went on these foolish raids, and got himself kill. sighing as she went on to look at her own sister it had been awhile for sure. What would be new with you, good sister." [member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Inger strömfire"]

'Your husband is dead?", she asked not really surprised, but more about how long it had taken for the event to happen. This brought happiness to Aerin, as she did not like the match from the beginning, he was never good enough for her. Aerin moved to her sister and sat placing the food on the table for them to partake at leisure. A tall jug of mead in the center with tumblers ready to wash down the food. Aerin began to eat the kill she had acquired that day.

"I have been keeping myself busy with daily chores .. so a boring life I lead sometimes", she smiled, but she liked it that way, it kept her away from watchful eyes, eyes that view her as a possible possession. Aerin has more .. bigger ideas for what her life will be, she just needs to find a way to achieve them.

"I like it that way Inger .. it keeps me .. invisible", she knew Inger would understand her comment.

 

[Inger Strömfire]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

Reaching out before could pour some of the golden mead into her cup, giving her a sigh and smile. I know well what you mean my sister. Giving her a little bit of a chuckle to the fact that she thought it so many times, to disappear into the forest. Howling of the night wind started to pick up. Enjoying the sound of this only keep herself more able to drink the mead that would warm her insides. As she dug into the warm food with her fingers. It didn't matter how it got to your mouth as she enjoy every bit that was put into her mouth. Hearing the other sounds of the night coming alive at side. Don't you every think of whats lays be on this play we call home...what could be out there.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Inger strömfire"]

She enjoyed watching her sister eat, she did it with such relish for the food it was a joy to cook for her. A smile crossed Aerin's face at the sight of her and only moments later Aerin joined in the feasting. Yes the wind have pick up howling through the buildings of the small village, in the distance she could hear her neighbours busy with closing shutters against the cold winds. Along the winds came a call.. in the far distance the single cry of a lone beast broke through the night sending a chill down Aerin's spine.

"That wind bodes ill will", she whispered getting up to secure the windows. That feeling on her body spoke to her of coming tides, evil events only one could guess at and not knowing the direction in which they would come. Her Sister had the same talent, the ability to hear such things on the wind and she looked at Inger to see if she felt it too. Aerin unaware of her ability of the force believed it to be a gift from her forebears .. of a loyal lineage over the years that had given them such abilities.

"Do you feel it Inger?", she looked at her now as she sat back in her place.

Shrugging off the horrid sensation "I do think there is more out there, more beyond our realm .. there has to be. I have seen the metal flying boxes come and go from the capital and wonder what is their purpose and where they go. One day I hope to find out".

 

[Inger Strömfire]

In some ways it was as if they had a deeper bond one that went be on sisters. Strange as it many seem, from time to time seeing into the future. Shiver ran down her spine only to see her own sister looking at her. In this moment it made her pause. Finding herself once again as if trying see be on those walls. What she saw only made her want to close her eyes. It was of image of a white creature with glowing red eyes. Staking this off for being full of fear. There couldn't be she was once again with her sister enjoy the evening. "Yes my sister I feel it all the way to my bones"

Thinking upon what her sister had said about beyond their blessed planet. "I think there is much more after all why would the god's stop with our glories planet not create more to the Gods likings. " I have seen those flying boxes for some time always wondering how they keep up right in the big blue sky of Blue... Pausing to think upon what her sister had just said about wanting to know if there was life out be on the Stars in the sky that filled the night sky.Would keep them to herself for now. [member="Ærin Firebrand"]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Inger strömfire"]

"Indeed Sister they do go somewhere .. and I have seen some of the beings that come off those flying boxes and they are different .. intriguing", she said with a small smile. This conversation was only serving to build up Aerin's curiosity further and her longing to leave and explore new worlds, yes there are other worlds the beings she had seen proved that.

"Tell me Sister what has kept you away from me for so long? what has the future in store for you?". She asked taking more mead to wash down the meat.

 

[Inger Strömfire]

"I feel as if those beings are being sent by the Gods of our forefathers themselves." washing down the piece of rye bread with mead, only to find her fingers around the pitcher once again pouring it until her glass was full and with the golden mean. Smiling at her question only to have the smile faded away as she thought long and hard all these years ago. "I guess it was really my pride, and the fact that you was never put in a match, the freedom to choose when you wanted. For what the Gods have for me next, that future is still unclear, maybe we need that hunting trip is what we need to do a vision quest." raising her cup to what she had just spoken. [member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Inger strömfire"]

"Your 'match', sister was something I was totally against. Why do you think I hide myself our here? I .... ", she wanted to say more about it but knew it would make her sister upset and sad so she ended that part of the conversation.

Aerin looked down at the table as she played with her food on it's plate, "The Gods are willful and do not care", she said in a whisper.. "I shall take charge of my own future", she said with defiance. And she will to, she will not allow the Fates to decide her destiny.

"I would like to go hunting with you once more, this is a good idea. A vision quest would be a good thing now since their is ill riding the winds".

 

[Inger Strömfire]

In the flash of her eyes on what her stand was upon married match. Only to feel that it need to end it there and now, before it drove wedge again between the two of them. Feeling again the chill from with out as the wind seem to pick up howling. Shaking it off before coming to the fact that they had filled their bellies. Please , tell you wish not to anger the will of the Gods.

Taking herself up and dipping herself in the water wash bowl. Shaking her fingers dry, before facing her sister once again going back to the health to watch the dancing of the flames. I would like that very much what land shall we hunt let it make a more then a day trip. [member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Inger strömfire"]

At this point she loved her Sister more, yes over night would be wonderful, she so enjoyed the company of her Inger more then she would ever admit to her. However, she could not help but smile at the suggestion.

"May west country .. it has been so long since we went to find the deer, it would make good stock for our larder this winter". Aerin always with her mind of stocking the pantries as she had a feeling this winter would be a hard one. "Much is about to change for us Sister.. I can .. feel it and we must be ready". She jumped up from the table and went to the room where she kept her hunting weapons, she had plenty enough if Inger needed more. She had arrows plenty but soon would have to visit the Smith to fashion more. From the room she spoke.

"Inger what method of hunting do you wish?", she yelled back looking to see what she had Inger might like.

 

[Inger Strömfire]

"Erin, you know of my fancy for the bow it makes for a good hunt, ehhh." Even the thought of the west country as more harsh then the river of mist. Jumping up as she was busy in the weapon room. Even so she couldn't help but pick up all the dishes as heard her sister still messing in the room next. All should could do was smile almost knowing what was going through as if deciding which weapon would be the best for the dear hunt. Even so she make sure the left over was put into a basket to put in the cellar by the mist lake, where the temp was at its warmest 35 in the summer months. It was this way because of the under ground spring that feed the lake.

"do you remember what happen with or good friends neighbor boys, thinking they would best a couple of girls that was pamper as a chief daughters, boy we showed them. giving a laughter that was hearty. Feeling the more flooding back from their childhood. [member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Inger strömfire"]

She had found one of Inger's old bow and quiver still in good condition, she had left it behind from the last time they hunted together. However the quiver was empty and Aerin soon filled it with the many arrows she had in stock. "I have found you an old friend", she said returning to the main room. Inger had cleared the table the plates will wait, there was much to be done before they set off for the hunt. Aerin placed the bow and full quiver on the table before returning to the small room to gather her own.

Without much ceremony or modesty, Aerin stripped off and went to the cupboard to gather her hunting clothes, "Boys?", she stood there naked, "I have no time for them", she said in seriousness. It is not that Aerin does not like the gender, but she just considers the males of Midvinter to be ... lets say ... dull. She let out a audible sigh at the thought of them. "The neighbouring boys are all taken Inger there is not much of the pickings left".

She had finished her dress and turned to face her sister, the only thing left was to collect her wrist strappings. Moving to a side board she took them from the draw and placed them in her pocket. "Sister?", she smiled hoping this next question might gladden her, "And what of you? .. what news of ' boys' do you have for me?".

 

[Inger Strömfire]

Her eyes widen to the fact that after all the years keep her most treasured bow. Picking up the dark colored bow, looking it over for any cracks she had keep it nice and oiled. "oh my after all these years" Even as she was looking at the whole thing again to have it into her own hands again was something else. "Boys,no boys in my future I think not, for some reason, I need to find myself also, sister. being married so young, I didn't have a lot to know who who I am, I just wonderful if what would catch your fancy. ONe full of dreams and adventure maybe one that takes to the skys like the Gods.

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Inger strömfire"]

Aerin watched her sister as she spoke while looking over her bow. She understood her perfectly really, although not having been in her situation she had no doubt she would do the same. Too young was she to have had that placed upon her by their father and it would be something Inger would have to resolve within herself with time. Yes it was time for her sister to have some fun, fun she should have had in her youth.

Her want for the hunt increased more now at the thought of getting her sister out into the wilderness that she loved so much. It had been too long since they had time to spend together and getting to regain a lost time was now paramount. "Maybe Sister, I feel that my destiny is elsewhere". But for now they will hunt.

Again to the room now to gather supplies for the journey to the west country. Food and water, provision enough for days just in case they are caught. And arrows. Placing everything on the table to view and check. Lastly her pelt.

 

[Inger Strömfire]

Yes it would like to see where my own destiny will lend me also, my sister" I know the winds blow not as they use to but has changed directions for both of use, to where that will lend us I do not known.

Feeling that there was more out there then what all the been raised to believe still could there be future out there for her. Shaking her head once again to that thought as it seem that her sister was almost ready for the hunt to begin. Looking up as she smile not helping but look towards the door as the night winds beat against. "I feel we should get a wink of sleep before we start before dawn for the west country, my sister"