Runes of Hoarfrost

[bloodtide]

Wilhird Oldgate "If you think your ready? You have been a man for several seasons now, but this is an important task. I think you can do it well and good. And I would hope you feel that way as well.

And with the winter chill...well, you always did like the cold.

I should say you might want to leave as soon as the next morning. "

 

[Time_Feather]

Edmond laughed. "With how Father dotes on me, you might be the first Baron to see me as a man! It doesn't help I'm not built like a horse like you, hah! But... Yes. I think you're right. I will get myself packed and prepared. I need to pack provisions, a map, and then get out of the mountains and find myself a carriage or caravan to the dukedom. You wouldn't happen to know the name of the duke, would you?"

 

[bloodtide]

Wilhird Oldgate "The castle stores are well stocked for whatever you might need. Though if you want more exotic things you might need to head into town. You can move faster by yourself. But you might consider leading a group. Maybe take that dwarf potion merchant with you...get him out of town. Yes, Duke Vanorin Ravenshield"

 

[Time_Feather]

"Duke Vanorin Ravenshield, of the House Ravenshield. They've ruled for what, 4 generations? Fairly prodigious line, so I will do my best to represent our line with grace aplenty. As for the dwarf, I will seek him out at the village. Nothing like a noble's quest to rouse his curiosity... Or his mercantile spirits. I'll see myself to the pantries to prepare then. Should there be anything else brother, you need only ask. The barony truly does suit you."

 

[bloodtide]

Wilhird Oldgate nods "Four generations is right. I'll be glad to get rid of the dwarf...one less problem. Maybe you could take care of that dragon too....haha. But I jest.

Safe Travels, until the next time I see you."

 

[Time_Feather]

"And safe ruling to you, brother."

With that, Edmond heads off to the pantry and then off again to say goodbyes to his brothers and his ailing father. He spends time with each one, and after securing two weeks worth of rations and his relative pittance of gold, Edmond heads off to bed. The path through the old winter forest path and foothills to the village awaits in the early morning...

 

[bloodtide]

Trinda Oldgate, your mother, stops by to see you, "I wanted to wish you good journey. And more, offer a word of warning. You know well the story of how you came to this family. But there is a story that has not been spoken, and one I shall never speak of again. When you were still a babe, I did try to find where you came from. I had quite a streak of curiosity in those days. Sages, learned ones, runes and more.

Then, one morning in the still dark, a woman came to me. She kept to the shadows so I could not see her face. She said, word or word 'you must stop your actions. He must stay hidden, until he is grown. Raise him well in your ways, for he has a destiny to fulfill.' And then she was gone.

As you are fulling grown now, I fear that destiny she spoke of may well be at hand."

 

[Time_Feather]

I listen to my mother and take in her words. This is... Remarkable. I almost open my mouth to protest, to question, a flare of anger in my throat. But I swallow it. Something about her demeanor sways me. She is not one to hide things lightly.

I take a shaky breath, focus my thoughts, and finally speak. "Thank you, Mother. For telling me. It explains much, and... I am not sure what to take from this. Only that I know you and Father have raised me well, and I will endeavor to make you both proud. I couldn't have asked for better parents. I don't know what forces conspire around my life... But I will strive through this winter." I hug her, trying not to let the apprehension this story has left in my heart be shown on my face to her.

"Where did you see this woman?"

 

[bloodtide]

Trinda Oldgate "Here, the the castle. Just outside the nursery. The now sewing room on the second floor next to the master bed room. Early in the morning, before sun up. It was dark, I only had a hand candle.

I took her words to heart, and never even thought about where you came from again. Not that I was finding anything. Though her warning does seem to say there is something to be found, and that I was likely close.

Though also heed the warning, someone was looking for you. I fear they maybe looking for you still. "

 

[Time_Feather]

"... I see." I glance down at my nearby pack, to the lucky lantern I've kept around. Its light always helps find hidden things, so perhaps... Just maybe I could find something worth discovering.

"Do you have any idea of who, or what, searches for me, Mother? It's... Disquieting, thinking of all this. But I have found that I have an easier time finding things by lantern light. I think I will check that sewing room. Likely we'll find nothing... But you never know. A final check before I head out into the world could yield a direction to follow... Or beware."