[PRP] To the North (Flidais and Eldrin)

[StrawberryRoseTea]

Eldrin noticed and appreciated when Flidais chose not to press him about his momentary confusion. He suffered from odd pangs of feeling and confused thoughts occasionally but it usually wasn’t more than just a nuisance. It was even more annoying when others acknowledged those moments and he had to try to make sense of his oddness to appease their curiosity. So for her choice to not question it he was eternally grateful.

He was, however, very pleased to hear that she found it pleasurable to meet a wanderer like herself. As she spoke of wandering without destination he nodded along in agreement.
“My wandering isn’t always fun but I do agree that going as you will when you will is very liberating. And sometimes you can find many wonderful things while wandering. This cave for example.” He gestured with his rack to the dwelling they were currently enjoying occupying. “I would never have found it had I been looking for something else.” He chuckled. “Though the cave itself seems to be fond of company at the rate that it keeps presenting itself to those that need it.”

When she turned down his offer for a mat he merely nodded. “If you change your mind feel free to just help yourself. My current home is your current home.” He found himself wanting to go to any length to ensure that she was comfortable. He didn’t want to be pushy though so he didn’t press the offer beyond that.

The buck’s heart felt lighter as she smiled warmly at the mention of his dear Aldora. A smile spreading across his lips as she not only agreed to meet with her but even seemed to be excited about the idea. He chuckled warmly at her compliment. “I’m not sure I’d call her lucky for having a wanderer as a father but I do love her very much. There’s almost nothing I wouldn’t give for her happiness.” While he wasn’t around her as often as he wished he could be Eldrin treasured every moment that he did spend with his ‘winged gift’. He was again struck by how perfectly the meaning of his daughter’s name suited her.

Eldrin couldn’t help but laugh about the idea of the spirits teasing them. He’d never thought about the forces of the world being playful like that. As she agreed to his teaching he found himself satisfied that she would stay with him for a little longer at least.
“Yes quite quaint.” He mumbled in agreement as sleep pulled at him. He had already half drifted off by the time she settled herself and bid him goodnight. He woke himself just enough things to return the sentiment, “Goodnight Flidais.” Before he drifted entirely off to dreamland.

When Eldrin woke the next morning it was early. It was still dark, not that that was much indication of the hour this time of year. It was usually dark. He lay in silence for a moment trying to discern what it was that had awoken him but was met with only the sound of Flidais’ sleeping breath and silence. Silence. The storm had broken! Eldrin rose gracefully and quietly not wanting to disturb he sleeping doe. He stirred the fire and added fuel so that she would wake to some warmth. Then he turned toward the mouth of the cave and wandered out into the predawn world.

The snow was nearly up to his belly and he had to force his way out of the entrance of the cave. This was going to be some day to learn about winter mountain survival. Struck with the thrill of unbroken snow glistening in the glow that was just beginning to lighten the sky, Eldrin couldn’t help but kick up his heels and run a small circle. There was always something satisfying about the world blanketed in white. He huffed a laugh at his own antics and turned back into the cave to find his guest and himself some breakfast. They were going to need it.

WC: 672

“HoneyTeaTree”