Runes of Hoarfrost

[bloodtide]

Trinda Oldgate "I'm sorry I do not. I took her words to heart. I stopped looking, and have never looked back. I understood the need to keep you secret and safe. To give you time to grow up.

As the years past, I kept it out of my mind, but never forgotten."

She nods when you suggest checking the sewing room.

 

[Time_Feather]

"I understand, I didn't mean to shame you. Thank you, mother. Thank you. I think it is time I sought some answers for myself." I reach down to the old lantern, and head to the old sewing room, curiosity and an undercurrent of dread flowing through my mind.

 

[bloodtide]

The sewing room is next to the master bed room, where your father is resting.

The room has large windows, with two layers of wooden shutters, that open both inside and out side. The room is well lit, though cozy, as the torches that light the room are small.

Bolts of fabric of all colors take up much of the inner wall. Along with baskets of yarn, thread and rope. The other wall has several small desks full of drawers of buttons, clasps, hooks and other such things. By the windows is the desk full of drawers of needles.

The middle of the room has three plush chairs, along with three large body sized pillows. With three small low tables of wood.

No one is in the sewing room at the moment.

 

[Time_Feather]

"Hello?" I call out, stepping cautiously into the space. I let my eyes wander over to the needle and thread, the drawers and spindles, trying my best to relax my shoulders and straighten up. I mustn't fear these unnatural things, I can control my faculties!

I first approach the chairs and table, holding aloft my lantern's light and weaving it back and forth against the shadows I check the furniture - under cushions and the table primarily - for anything that may have been previously overlooked.

 

[bloodtide]

There is no one in the room to answer your call.

When your lantern light sheds on the desk by the window, a weak white light comes from inside one of the small drawers.

 

[Time_Feather]

What is that? I approach the white light, with a lump in my throat and a queasy, nervous excitement starting to well in my chest. What is this strange moon-like light? As I lean in to pull open the drawer, my eyes and nose are drawn to the old wood, smelling memories of running in here with my brothers when we would horse-play around the castle. What a strange thing to recall... The old wood still smells the same as it did back then.

 

[bloodtide]

Inside the drawer is a single bone needle.

When the light from the lantern touches the bone needle it glows.

The bone needle is well made, strong and sharp. It is smooth with no marking on it.

 

[Time_Feather]

I stare for a long moment, likely longer than I should. My hand trembles once, twice, and then I slowly reach out to the item to grasp it between my fingers, letting its refractive glow wash against my pale skin.

 

[bloodtide]

The bone needle is cold to the touch, much colder then normal, but not enough to hurt.

Half way down the hall, near the corner, your mother watches over her shoulder for a moment. Then walks away.