Snowflakes danced in the wind, falling onto Maigrod's scales and Athran's armour. They got caught on the fur, lining his exquisite cape, woven from thick wool, and sled off the iron plates of his armour. Wind was blowing strongly, sweeping the snow into his eyes and onto his hair.
He was a messenger again, taking a letter to some noble in Fallial. As a veteran knight, he had few duties except battle and defense of his homeland, but one of those was delivery of important messages. Dragons were the swiftest of all mounts, racing with the wind itself, their wings like a thunderstorm, and their riders were reliable. Athran enjoyed being sent with messages to nobles and kings - usually, he got fed well and it was a simple task. What he got from it was better than killing for money.
Vast forests appeared on the misty hills beneath, covered in snow. Smoke rose from houses in small villages under them, turning in the fierce wind. A city, encircled by tall walls, appeared before their eyes - that must have been Novastone, Athran's destination. Maigrod slowly begun descending, brisking up his flight towards the fortress amid the city. Wind wailed in Athran's ears as he pressed himself onto Maigrod's shoulders and neck, and pulled the bridles back.
They quickly rushed above the walls of the city and flew over the houses. Surprised villagers turned their heads up in awe, wonder and also fear, most of them seeing a dragon for the first time of their lives. Athran didn't pay attention to their excited faces and pointing hands, instead leading Maigrod towards the courtyard before the house where the nobles, the Aniani, were said to live. It wasn't looking very expensive or big, but it was quite sturdy and simple like the rest of the region. The dragon spread his wide wings, and slowly landed amid the courtyard before the fortress. A cloud of soft snow arose around him, and slowly fell back. Maigrod shook it off his scales, standing tall in his armour of impenetrable charcoal scales, his crimson eyes, shining like fire, sliding from one side of the building to another.
Athran unbuckled the belts that secured him in the saddle and pulled his feet out of the bridles, jumped into the snow beside his mount. There was no one around, and so he grabbed his horn and three times blown into it. Its sound was loud and fierce, like thunder in a raging storm, echoing from the walls. After that he stood still, waiting for someone to come and take his message.
Snow was falling peacefully down, landing on his shoulders and black-haired head.
It was a cold day, and she had the fires going. Wood was easy enough to come by and she didn't have to worry too much about what it would cost her. She sighed knowing her husband or father would take care of these matters had they lived. She often missed having a man around to take care of the things she didn't like doing.
She was in the middle of a thought and processing a few things when she heard the horn. She shuddered and grabbed her winter wear. It wasn't something she had heard before, and she wasn't about to freeze to find out what it was that was summoning them, or maybe just her.
She walked outside and stopped short. A dragon was before her. She wondered if it was wise to attend this herself. She didn't want to be eaten, but couldn't show any fear either considering who she was.
"What was that blasted horn for? I could have been napping for all you know," she said walking over to where the man with the horn was. She didn't like the look of this.
"Is there something I can do for you?" She asked curtly. Sure there was a mean looking dragon next to him, but she couldn't cower. She was a noble after all.
Athran raised his right hand to his head in a salute and proceeded to bow deeply to her right after.
"Athran Daineth, knight and warlord of Adela, to your service, my lady. I was sent as a messenger from Adela with a letter." he replied. "Nobody was outside, so I blew the horn. I believe that these concerns are more important than napping." He shook the snow off his shoulders and his hand, covered in heavy plates of black iron, handed her an important looking letter.
"It would be best to take the letter." His ways were not soft, but he got what he wanted - someone to take his letter without letting him wait. He could never stand waiting. His business was far too important to sit and wait for nobles to decide about their actions.
He saw that she looked at Maigrod with fear in her eyes, and smirked. "That's Maigrod, my dragon and war-mount. He won't harm anyone but enemies, and who I tell him to. He doesn't eat maidens, nor noble ladies... Actually, he prefers boars and deer like me." Maigrod let out a low growl, stepping forth towards Athran, and softly poked him into the shoulder with his big head. Athran stroke him, to show there is no reason to fear.
"I don't eat nobles, my lady. Unless they die in battle and I'm allowed to clean up the battlefield." he growled again.
Julianna didn't like the look of this at all. Who would be sending her an important letter? It was strange and from Adela. She sighed and took the letter from him opening it on the spot. She wasn't sure what he would say to that.
"He seems a good mount," she said not completely interested in what the dragon would do to her just then. The letter had her attention. It was not good news, and she hated that. At least he could have brought her out into the could for good news.
"It says to send a reply immediately. If you'd like to wait inside that is allowed. It'd be warmer than out her somewhat Maigrod must wait outside though. Hopefully he won't get too cold. It shouldn't be a long reply," she said then heard what the dragon said to her. She nodded her head grateful.
"I see you've guessed who I am then?" She said to the dragon wondering if that was true. It was a question because she wasn't sure. Maigrod had said he didn't eat nobles and she was at that. Her clothing didn't suggest noble born. She looked as poor as the rest of her lands.
Athran gave Maigrod a short glimpse, then turned back to Julianna. "Who else? You don't have the ways of a peasant. It's not all about the outside... But mind telling me your name? I've no idea how to call you, and it's not comfortable to me."
The dragon made a step back and prepared to set off. "I will be hunting in the woods till you get your reply, Athran. I will return soon." he announced, and leaped into the air, hardly even noticing the woman's remark. The elf watched him leave, then nodded silently. "I'd gladly go in. It's far colder than in Adela in here."
He looked down at the woman, his piercing azure eyes checking her from her feet to her head. She didn't seem noble or rich, but behaved with grace, and actually much more noble than him, though he was clothed in expensive furs and finely crafted armour.
It was really cold here, at least when compared to his homeland.
"Good thing I'm not trying to fool anyone then. Lady Julianna is what most call me," she said not sure if she had any preferences. Her husband had a name for her, but she wasn't about to share that with anyone. Some things just needed to remain private.
She watched the dragon go glad that they weren't going to try anything. She didn't want a fight on her hands. She knew she was no match for a dragon. She heard what he said and made motion for him to follow her inside. She had nothing to hide, and her daughter was off doing whatever teenage girls did this time of day. She couldn't remember as it had been too long for her, and the times did change.
"Sorry I don't control the weather or it would be warm here more often," she said making somewhat of a joke. She had no magic abilities. Feeling his eyes on her she blushed a little. It had been awhile since anyone had looked her over like that. She wasn't sure she liked it.
"It won't be but a moment for that reply," she said moving over to her desk once they were inside. She noted the fire was going well enough, but would need to be poked shortly.
Athran looked around himself, examining the room with his eyes. He was immediately attracted by the fire, noting that it burned quite faintly... His fingers in gauntlets snapped. The flames grew a little, and their color changed into bright blue. The chamber instantly felt warmer with their searing heat, and he only grinned.
"Take your time. I've nothing to do, I'll wait." he answered, walking around and rattling his heavy gear. His right hand was resting on the hilt of his sword, hanging by his side in its sheath. He felt how the heat was slowly drying both his clothes and long hair, what he was thankful for and secretly hoped that she will take long with the letter - he wished to leave dry, and not drenched in melting snow.
"How do you even survive this winter every year without breaking something? The last time I walked through snow and ice like this, I kept slipping and falling." he wondered, staring out of the window.
Julianna had picked up the quill and was about to start in on the reply. It wasn't something she looked forward to. She just didn't have it in her power to grant this. She wondered how her father managed year after year. She didn't have much time to contemplate that as she noted the room became warmer. She had a feeling that was her messenger's doing.
She didn't really hear him as she was trying to find the right words. She wrote down 'Dear sir,' to start and wondered how to say this without offending this person. She hated this part of her job, and wondered if she could appoint someone to take it off her hands. She knew better though as there was no money for such a thing. She sighed and started to word the letter. She almost missed his comments.
"When one lives in it they have plenty of practice with that. Where are you from?" She asked putting the quill back in the ink bottle. She had turned her attention to him instead of finishing the letter. She was a little stuck at the moment any ways. She would have to figure out how to say no without being so blunt. She had to be strategic in case she needed his help in the future.
"Adela." replied Athran, and stopped marching around when he noticed that she put her quill down. "It rarely ever snows there. I was already a knight, and I'd say even older than you, when I first saw snow and ice. And sprained a shoulder on it." he laughed and shrugged.
"But I'm no graceful lady... Eh, even flying on a dragon's back is simpler. But that might be the practice, too. Maybe if you get used to it, it's not as bad - like armour. It's heavy when you start wearing it, but you get used to it." He was beginning to talk more to himself, following his thoughts, rather than speaking to her.
"By the way, what's even in the letter? I was told nothing about it..."
"I don't remember travelling there at all. My father mostly handled these things, or my husband after I was married. Older than me? How old are you?" She said making conversation. It was nice just talking to someone and not worrying about who she was.
"Sprained shoulder? I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully you weren't injured long," she said being not only polite but a little concerned. She blushed a little hearing the compliment. She didn't get those any more. She listened while he rambled a little. She didn't have that much either in her life. Most got to the point and left.
"Someone wants us to send money, food, and support to them. We are in no position to help though. I am trying to tell them that in the reply. Have to be nice about doing so in case we need to ask for it later on," she said hoping it never came to that.
Athran smirked. "You won't believe if I tell you I'm 347, will you?" He crossed his arms on his chest, and shook his head. "But you don't have to worry about me. Something like a young fool on a frozen lake isn't worth the concern, and I can tell you, I have gone through worse things. Those I'll better keep to myself, though... I doubt the tales of my travels are fit for this occasion. Or any occasion at all." He only appeared to be in the prime of blooming youth at the first side - under the cover of iron was a scarred, old warrior.
He only sighed when he heard of the letter. "As usual. Beg for money and beg for food and soldiers, while their own crops lie untended and knights are running wild through the lands. Accursed nobles." he growled. "I'd like to see them on the battlefield, or give them a sickle and let them cut the wheat."
"Really? I wouldn't have guessed that or anywhere close. I bet you could tell me a few things about this world I never knew. That's too bad I bet tales of your travels would be very informative if nothing else," she said liking learning of others. He wasn't willing though and she wasn't one to push someone into talking if they didn't want to. She respected privacy.
"Yes, they tend to do that, and they forget we are poor here. If I didn't know better I'd think I should take offense to that. I'd take a sickle up if it helped my people," she said blushing a little. It was true she would help in any way she could just so her people wouldn't suffer.
She wondered what he would think of her lands and those around Fallial if he stayed long enough to see it. She didn't ask because she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer. His clothing alone would feed the hungry here for awhile. She didn't linger on that though not wanting to seem like she was begging and for fear her thoughts could be read.
"I'd tell, but..." Athran sighed. "But I don't want to accidentally say something that may terrify you. My tales are dark. I could tell you of far lands and kingdoms, if you wished, though." He bent his head down, letting his long hair hide the sadness in his eyes. There was only little to speak of except wars, bloodshed and horror, but he wanted to be as nice as possible.
"You sure do care for your people a lot. I admire that - I know I don't have that kind of empathy in me. But if you need it, for the letter, I will explain the reply and tell them how it is here, that there's hardly anything to send, too." he offered. There wasn't much he could help with, but he attempted to at least show that he cares.
"It's a beautiful land, after all."
"I understand. I would appreciate anything you could tell," she said being polite. Inside she was a little disappointed. She didn't let that show though. There were other things like this letter and where the next batch of firewood for her people were coming from. She knew she would have to brave the storms to see if there was anyone who knew where they could get some. She thought of using Athran for that, but she couldn't pay him.
"Thank you, yes I do care. They need all the help I can give them, but it isn't much I can do. I appreciate that its hard putting it into words for the letter and sounding polite too," she said grateful for what he was willing to do to help. She wondered if perhaps he was wrong in not having that kind of empathy after all.
"The springs are something wonderful. Its warmer for one. Seeing the flocks on the hills are great too. Long walks by the springs. I remember doing that when I was younger," she said blushing a little realizing she was rambling just a tad.
"There are very few places I have never visited before, and I've fought well about every type of creature you can meet around. From wild beasts to demons..." he shrugged. "Not many are still alive to speak of it, though." Most of his opponents and enemies fell under the blade of his sword. Even now the blood-stained weapon was hanging by his side in its sheath, flawless as new at the first sight.
"I wouldn't bother with being polite... Damn their needs, and I'd shove the letter down their throats in bits." Athran winged off. "But I see your intentions. I'll describe them how it is here in Fallial. That it's cold, and there's not much to give. But I agree, the springs in Serendipity have their charm... In the everlasting blooming youth and life... So fresh and green. Full of life, unspoiled by war." He saw the woods and hills before his eyes, covered in the veils of mist, laying softly on the green leaves. It was long since he last saw them like that, but the memory remained in his mind as if it was yesterday.
She listened as he spoke in awe of what he was saying. The places she had been were far and few between. She couldn't do much to fix that either. Money was an issue along with her charges. If she went wandering off who would take care of things here? Who would take her place? She didn't want to think of that.
"I agree with you in this and don't want to be. It's why I'm having trouble writing this. I have to be polite though if I offend them they won't help if I ever need it," she said blushing a little. She hated this part of being Lady of Fallial. She had to be nice when she didn't feel like it.
"Is that where you'd rather be? Some place full of beauty with no war?" She asked not sure she should. She thought she could hear him missing such a place, but she couldn't be sure.
"Without war? I'd die of boredom, my lady. Battle is about the only thing I know... I can't do much else, well, except hunting and singing. But I wouldn't do as a bard." he laughed, but looked down in what could have been shame, if there could be anything seen through the strands of his hair.
He was never good for much but fighting and using weapons - even though he could play the harp well, it never quite matched his skills with a sword. "War's my living. What would I do without it? I can't even tend the crops."
His hand instinctively slipped to the handle of the Black Sword. "Even with smithing and forging it's only weapons and weapons all around."
"You sure about that? I could use a good bard," she said teasing just a little. She had a feeling he was made to fight and for that alone. Just like she was made to run this place. She knew some people were great at some things and only so good at others.
"I understand. I couldn't imagine my life any different than what it is now. You are a decent messenger you could always fall back on that," she said trying to give him something. Julianna wasn't sure what else to say. It was better than writing that response.
Athran chuckled. "A decent messenger... Only through the latest century. I tend to lose the letters, you know. Or spend a day searing for someone to give them to!" he admitted with laughter, and sat onto the corner of the table.
He wondered whether this woman had anything to eat - it was time for breakfast and he didn't have a meal since yesterday. However, he said nothing, and instead kept looking around the chamber. "Yes, it really difficult to imagine living in different circumstances." he uttered after a while.
"Well you got mine here to me. That is something," she said still at a loss for words. He had chuckled, she liked she could get him to do that.
"That it is. Are you looking for something? I know where everything here is I could make your search easier," she said not having noted the time. It happened from time to time that time would get away from her.
"Actually, I might be searching for something. For example food. Or breakfast. Or a snack." he shrugged. "I would wait for Maigrod, but what he'll bring will most likely be just chewed bones. Or nothing at all..."
He leaned back at the table, putting his hands behind his back, and looked up at the ceiling. He'd waste as much time as he could - after all, Maigrod isn't going to return any soon. He might be forced to spend all of today here, and maybe even rent a room in an inn to spend the night. It was unsafe to travel through the night in winter, since it was cold and even a dragon and an elf couldn't see as far into the darkness through the falling snow.
"Yes, food is a good idea. Lets see what I have," she said knowing that there wasn't much in way of servants. She got up and stretched. Julianna wasn't much of a cook, but it was better than nothing. She went to her pantry and opened a couple doors seeing a few things to work with.
"What would you like? I can make something out of these eggs or if you want I could heat up this meat," she said giving him options. She wasn't sure what an elf ate as she never had one as a guest before.
"Out of those options I think I'd prefer the nothing."
Athran looked at the food with a bit of disappointment. There wasn't much of it... "I'll take the meat, please." he said eventually. He always favored meat over other meals, and this time was no different - even though some would think elves more peaceful, he ate like a wild beast, lot of meat, and only a little of the other things.
His eyes checked the food around once more, and suddenly stopped. He gave the shelves an empty look, and collapsed onto the floor like a log of wood.
She watched him not sure what to make of what he was doing. He seemed to be looking over the shelves as if something would appear out of thin air. She remembered doing that when she was younger. She was used to them being empty. They got by here, but not easily. She often took so little so her people could eat.
"Sure," she said getting the meat ready for him. She worried more for him than for herself just then. She heard something hit hard on the floor and turned to see what was going on. She left the meat on the table moving over to his side.
"Are you okay?"
He stared at the ceiling, unsure what just happened, but in one moment, an incredibly intense wave of sharp pain simply smote him down. Maigrod... It must have been something with Maigrod. There was no other explanation for this.
He raised himself to his elbows. "I guess. I don't know what happened..." he muttered, slowly standing up. What could this mean? Maigrod was supposed to be hunting somewhere in the nearby woods. There was hardly any danger for a big dragon like him...
At least nothing natural could have caused something like that.
"Is there something I could do to help?" She said not sure what was going on. She didn't get that many guests but she liked to have them healthy. Julianna was watching him as he got to his feet again. She too stood.
"Perhaps you should sit down while I prepare some food for you," she said not sure what else to do. Hunger pains had felled more men that she cared to see. She figured he fainted because of hunger and nothing more. She just wasn't sure what else it could be. There were many things she still had to learn about.
Athran nodded, and dropped down onto the nearest chair. He delved into his hair with his hands, and the raven-black strands slipped over the dark metal of his gauntlets, when he spoke again. "I don't know what it was, but I suspect something has gone bad with Maigrod. Dragon riders share a spectacular bonds with their pets... When he gets hurt, I feel it." he explained her calmly, but his voice was quiet.
"I'm not hungry anymore. But I'd appreciate a glass of water, if you could find one."
Julianna wasn't sure what to do. He plopped down and seemed concerned with how he was looking. She didn't know if that was normal for him, or not. She didn't ask.
"Do you need to check on Maigrod then?" She asked then heard he didn't want food. She put it away and grabbed a glass opening the door for a second she scooped up very white snow. She placed it by the fire.
"That should melt quick enough. Water coming up," she said making sure she had closed the door again. It was how she drank water, and the only way she knew how to get some in a hurry. She was always careful to make sure the snow was white. Otherwise the water was no good.
Athran closed his eyes and gave her a nod. "I can feel the connection with him quite close, though he is definitely not in the town. I can't, however, speak to him... He's either too far, or unconscious." he replied.
"Could I get the water before it's completely melted, please? I need it cold." he asked. He needed something cold, and that was the best thing he could do if he didn't want to shove his face into the snow. He felt tired, clenched in pain coming from strange parts of his body, and all he managed to do was unbuckling a few parts of his armour to make himself more comfortable.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope he is okay I'd hate to have anything happen to such a majestic creature," she said not worried that it might be happening on her lands. She could take care of whoever was doing harm to this dragon. They would be punished she would make sure of it.
"Of course," she said giving him the glass of somewhat melted snow. She stayed close in case he wanted anything else.
"Is there anything I can do?"
Athran took the water and slowly drank the contents of the glass. It was cold like ice, but the coolness cleared his mind. He handed the empty goblet to Julia, and thanked her. "I don't know if there really is anything... I should search for Maigrod." he replied.
"I'd use a guide around the town and forests that surround it. I don't think I have been here before, and the terrain is confusing." he admitted.
Julianna heard the words and noted that he drained the glass easy enough. She placed it on the nearby table and wondered who knew this place the best. She couldn't just expect her people to help him without something though. Times were tough enough.
"Then let's go search for him. I know this place well enough and can guide you. My people are not in need of me at the moment. I am sure I can leave someone in charge though if something pops up," she said glad to be of any help.
Athran fastened the armour again, deciding that he has rested enough. He pulled the thick black fur on his shoulders closer to his neck, and hid his head in the hood, lined with the same kind of fur. The armour was thick and could shield him both from wind and snow well, what was an advantage, considering how heavily it was snowing outside.
"I can feel his presence somewhere in the north..." he informed Julia, and pointed at the door. "I think we should hurry up. I'm losing the connection."
She grabbed her wrappings and put them on ready to head out. She almost wished she hadn't volunteered herself for this, but knew backing out was not an option. He needed help and she was there. Besides she didn't often get to roam about.
"Well then lets waste no time. To the north we go," she said and opened the door feeling the cold go right through her. She paid it no mind though as she waltzed outside hoping he was behind her. She wouldn't be able to find the dragon on her own. She hoped everything was alright.
The cold wind blew snow into Athran's pale face, but he paid no attention to it. He let Julia lead him north, walking right beside her. Despite being garbed in such heavy armour, he was light on his feet, hardly sinking into the snow at all.
The hillside they walked up was rather steep, and as they left the town, trees surrounded them, occasionally shaking some snow onto their heads. It was freezing cold, and Athran's armour was beginning to get coated in frost.
She felt every step the wind went straight through her. Her coats and all her winter wear needed replacing if not fixing. She didn't say anything though. Soon enough they would be back in front of a warm fire, and she would have helped these two. That was enough for now. She focused on that rather than the cold going through her.
"How close are we? Is the connection getting stronger?" She asked. Julianna could tell him what was where, but she had no connection like he did. It surprised her he didn't just go in the direction of where he felt his dragon instead of needing a guide. It made her wish she had an armed escort just then.
Athran nodded. "He's somewhat closer... I can dimly sense him up north, but now I will need your help. I don't know the paths in this forest..." he admitted, peering into the distance.
As he glanced at Julia, he noticed that her clothes were far from well-accustomed for this weather. Without saying a word, he took off his black scarf, and handed it to her. Complicated ornaments adorned the exquisite fabric, picturing vines and leaves, and it was thick and soft, already warmed by his body. He didn't really need it, as his neck was still covered by leather armour underneath.
"Oh good. What path do you need? With the snow the paths are kind of hidden," she said being honest. She then noted he handed her his scarf. She put it on glad for anything that was warm. At least her head would survive for awhile longer.
"I'll do my best, but its hard to see what path is where. It's better to just roam in the winter. I do know where the dangers are."
Athran pointed into the distance, somewhere over the top of this hill. "I can't feel it too strong. It's not too definite. I know he is somewhere north, maybe northwest from us." he explained, gazing at the indefinite horizon afar.
"If you would be too cold, notify me, please. I can borrow you my cape." he offered her before he begun walking again. He didn't need it too much, anyway.
"Then we should head in that direction. Oh," she said blushing a little she hadn't expected him to notice her predicament with the weather. She was grateful but it was a little embarrassing not to have the right stuff. She wished her lands were better off. She had to find some way to help her people. She could do without, but they couldn't. She wondered who else was freezing because of winter gear being inferior. She would have to check into that.
"Thank you, I'll be okay for now, but I will let you know. Watch your step there. If you hit that patch it will send you into an old mine. I'm surprised the snow is still covering it."
Athran stepped away from the treacherous place, glad that he has been warned, and followed her further. The blizzard was getting stronger, often tossing snow from the branches of pines and firs into their faces.
They soon reached the top of that hill, and begun descending again. The top of the snow was beginning to freeze over, and Athran's light steps proved treacherous to him. He slipped on something, collapsing onto the ground and falling deep into the cover of snow.
He shook the snow out of his hair, spitting it out and scrambling back to his feet as fast as he could. Silent curses under his breath accompanied fierce dusting off. Some of the snow got under his armour, and its cold touch sent a chill down his spine.
She was glad he hadn't fallen into that pit. She wouldn't have been able to get him out of it on her own. Julianna tried hard to do things on her own knowing her people were taxed enough just trying to survive. Things had become too rough. She was surprised anyone stayed. She knew if they left they would be back in the spring. It would be easier than in this weather.
She didn't like the snow blown into their faces. She wondered if they were being crazy being out in this looking for a dragon. It made her glad nobody else knew about her romping around in the snow with an elf she didn't really know. She wondered if perhaps she wasn't insane.
She saw him go down and get back up. She kept the laughter to a minimum knowing that must have hurt and more than physically. She didn't want to offend him, but it did look funny. She wondered what she should do, and waited until she was sure she wouldn't give away that she had laughed at all in her voice before speaking.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Athran groaned, shaking more snow out of the long wisps of his hair. "Cursed snow..." His armour was getting all frozen over and that made it slippery. He clashed his gauntlets together to break the frost off, and brushed it off against his chestplate.
"I can feel Maigrod's presence close... He must be somewhere nearby." he muttered, looking down in embarrassment. He blushed a little at the fall, but hid it in the shadows of his hood and hair, falling into his face. It was more than outrageous for someone of his status and renown, to fall into the snow like a child, and he didn't want to mention it, or think about it. His main concern was to find Maigrod...
"Okay good to hear," she said not sure what else to say. She heard his cursing and smiled a little. He wasn't like anyone she had met before that was for certain. He seemed to be having problems with his armor. It wasn't something she could fix though.
"Which way? I can lead you there safe enough," she said still a little amused at his falling. Julianna knew she shouldn't be, but she couldn't help it. It wasn't every day she saw an elf fall on his butt in the snow.
Athran pointed northwest, into a valley, opening behind the hillsides. The mountinas were higher there, their sides steep and rising into pointed tops, though there were still the same pines, growing on their snow-covered sides.
He begun rushing down the mountainside, careful not to slip on his frozen armour again. His cape was leaving marks on the snow as he pulled it behind himself, sliding rather than actually walking. It was difficult not to fall over like before, and he regretted wearing full armour instead of a more comfortable attire, which wouldn't slip and freeze.
She carefully took him the way he pointed. It was something else getting up and around though and was getting more difficult. She knew there were few passes actually open. She almost wanted to call it and head back, but they couldn't do that. The dragon needed help.
"Hopefully everything is okay. Have you tried to establish any kind of contact?" She asked hoping for good news. A goose chase was not on her to do list for the day.
"I did. That's why I fell - I was concentrating on that, rather than walking..." he shook his head, "But it's fruitless. I can't reach him, he's too far for me to hear him - or not conscious." He kept walking through the snow.
"But we're getting closer, I feel it..." he assured her, peering into the distance. The treetops seemed to be broken and battered there, as if something large crashed straight into them.
Julianna had a feeling the dragon wasn't conscious. They were getting closer she could see the evidence herself with the trees. The tops were bent broken even. She knew that wasn't something that happened just any day.
"Okay not too much father then. Same direction?" she asked knowing he would know better than her. She could just follow the tree tops, but that wasn't always a good indication. The dragon could have moved after the crash. Something could have moved it although that was a scary thought.
Athran was eventually almost running across the woods, following the trail Maigrod has left in his wake, when all of a sudden, he noticed several large steps, lining it. As if a few pairs of incredibly huge feet have followed the dragon... They were fresh, still not covered by the snow, most likely not even an hour old.
He stopped, bending above one, and carefully studied it. After a while, he slowly turned his head towards Julianna. "Tell me... Are there trolls in these forests?" he questioned her with suspicion.
She wasn't sure they were going the right way until he noticed some tracks. She was glad of that. If anything she hoped the dragon was alright. She then heard his question and gasped. She closed her eyes realizing this might be true then.
"We don't know for certain. There are rumors that these forest are lined with trolls, but nobody has ever seen one. We don't have anyone missing either," she said making it more of a mystery. It was the only one that she knew of.
"If that is true, are we in danger?"
@Anadwen