Njotr's wings tattoo, in indigo or red dye variations. The tattoo is in memory of his brother Arne, who's name means "eagle". Though I can see once his Anglo-Saxon enemies get wind of this tattoo, they might give him the nickname angel of death.
2024-12-30 16:00:03 +0000 UTC View PostNo one takes Fiadh seriously ;^; (Especially Njotr)
2024-12-27 18:11:28 +0000 UTC View PostIt's not much, but wanted to share a little drabble since it is Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a great holiday! As always, this work is unbeta'd.
Shared body heat is the best thing for the bitter cold.
~
Fiadh cursed herself through clattering teeth as she traipsed through the deep snow back to camp. The sun was already starting to go down in the middle of the afternoon, though she hadn’t meant to stay out so late. It was the peak of winter, and it was so cold that it hurt her lungs to breathe. She really shouldn’t have wandered away from the warmth of the fire back at camp, but they’d needed more kindling, and she’d been drawn away by the beauty of the snowy woodlands around her. It hadn’t seemed so bad while the sun had been at the highest point in the sky, but now the temperature was plummeting to a dangerous level as night crept in.
Still, she’d been mostly successful in finding quite a few sticks for kindling, some larger ones as well, to hold her over at least until Njotr could chop some more proper firewood. She’d bundled them and strapped them against her back before heading back to camp. But not before slipping as she’d crossed the small creak nearby. Now, half soaked in icy water, she was shivering hard and couldn’t feel her toes or fingers anymore as she followed her tracks back to camp. Just her clumsy luck.
She followed her trail of footprints back to camp and huffed as she headed straight for her wagon. It was their saving grace for fending off the cold, otherwise they would have needed to find a room in an inn somewhere. It was cramped, with Njotr sleeping on the floor of the wagon, but it was better than braving the bitter cold nights outside. She had never been more grateful for it as she stepped inside, the small stove at the back of it still glowing with embers. The inside was fairly warm, but needed more kindling to remain so.
Fiadh shuddered as she stiffly unloaded the bundle of sticks from her back, her hands feeling numb as she tried to work quickly. She broke up a good handful of sticks and stuffed them into the tiny stove, leaning down to blow a few trembling breaths on the embers until they started to flicker into flames again.
She made quick work of shedding out of her wet clothes, peeling off each layer and only feeling colder with each one gone. She left them to hang near the stove to dry, and pulled a spare sleep tunic from the storage drawer under her bed. It was long with sleeves slightly too long for her, but she didn’t mind. Fiadh crawled into her bed, pulling the heavy covers and another spare quilt over herself as she bundled herself up as best she could. The bedsheets felt cold still, and she blew hot air into her numb hands.
She glanced up at the small window that was built into the side of the wagon above her bed nook. The glass was frosted over almost completely, the pale light of dusk barely illuminating the wagon. She wasn’t sure how late Njotr would be, but she expected him back soon, or at least she hoped he’d be back before the temperature dropped even more.
She dozed off at some point, though sleeping didn’t come easy as she continued to shiver. She opened her eyes when she heard the sound of a horse outside, and then the drop of an axe into wood, and she felt relieved, knowing Njotr was back and could get out of the cold himself. It was after dark now, and she eyed the stove, huffing slightly as she realized the kindling had died down to embers again. However before she could convince herself to get up and attempt to fix it, a cold draft blew in as the wagon door opened.
She shuddered, burrowing under the blankets for protection against it, but thankfully Njotr didn’t leave it open for long. His figure was outlined by the light of the dim embers in the stove as he moved into the small space of the wagon. It was so closed in, she could feel his cloak brush her as he moved, and it was damp with snowflakes.
“Not much warmer in here.” She heard him huff, and thought she heard his teeth chatter slightly as well. He shed his cloak, hanging it to the side, his other arm holding a collection of splintered logs. He knelt down stiffly on one knee, his leather armor groaning from the cold as he opened the stove to shove the firewood into it. After making sure the flames took to them, he stood again, having to slouch a bit as he rose to his full height in the small space of the wagon. He turned to look at her as he started to shed his layers of wet armor.
She couldn’t see his face well in the darkness, but she could make out the white of his teeth as he smiled, and heard him huff out a weak laugh.
“You look like a loaf of bread.” He teased as he tugged off his bracers before moving on to his leather breast plate.
“I wish I was as warm as one.” Fiadh mumbled back, her breath trembling in her throat as she shivered. Njotr’s head tilted slightly.
“You’re still cold under all that?” He gestured to the heap of blankets she was swallowed up by. FIadh nodded, heaving a shaky sigh.
“I…I slipped and fell in the creek.” She mumbled, more annoyed by her own clumsiness than embarrassed. Njotr only snorted, sounding amused as he imagined it.
“Ah yes, the creek, your biggest foe today. And it bested you.” He said, and Fiadh could hear the grin in his words. Fiadh glared up at him from under her blankets, but it was weak at best.
“Well, that does sound uncomfortable.” He added, sounding a little more sympathetic. “Even with all my layers, the cold is pretty persistent today.” He shed the last of his armor, left in his tunic and pants.
“I’ve been under here a little while but it’s d-done nothing, I’m still so c-cold.” Fiadh admitted then, voice shaking as she trembled beneath the blankets.
“Mhm.” Njotr pulled another old quilt from under the bed, and gave a shudder of his own.
“Sit up for me?” He offered her a hand. Fiadh hesitated, reluctant to leave what little warmth she’d managed to accumulate under the covers, but did as he asked. His hand brushed along her arm, and his skin felt cold as well.
“You are cold.” He observed. He pushed the covers back a bit, and pulled her up to stand. His hands moved to gather up her tunic, and Fiadh blinked, but didn’t stop him as he pulled it off her.
“W-what are you doing?” She mumbled, her arms crossing over her chest. She watched as his hands tugged his own tunic off next, and she watched the firelight dance over his skin.
“We’ll warm up faster this way.” He explained, and his pants were next to be discarded.
“Convenient.” Fiadh raised a brow at him knowingly.
“Well, it does have its perks.” He grinned, "But I am cold as well.”
Fiadh rolled her eyes and smiled. “Not a single layer of cloth can be left between us.” She teased and he huffed out an amused breath and smirked.
“In this weather? I’m not risking it.” He laid a hand over his chest and Fiadh couldn’t help her own small laugh.
“What a gentleman.” She countered dryly.
“Mhm.” He hummed in reply, wiggling his eyebrows a little at her before his arms wrapped around her, pulling her in gently. Fiadh had to admit she was eager to welcome the embrace, and could feel him shivering slightly too as their bodies pressed close.
“Here, we can both fit.” He said and pulled her with him as he sat down on the bed. The bed nook was narrow, and wasn’t big enough for them to share it side by side, but he managed to lie back on it, though it required him to bend his knees a bit to fit in the small space. Fiadh followed his lead and settled on top of him, and after a bit of adjusting and intertwining, they did manage to find a comfortable position.
“Odin's ass, your feet are cold.” He hissed and Fiadh giggled, the sound slightly muffled against his neck. “I don't suppose I could retract my offer and go back to the floor?”
Fiadh shook her head, smiling. “Nope. You're trapped now. This was your idea after all.”
He only grunted shortly in reply, unable to argue.
Despite how she could feel him shiver as well, his body felt warm under hers, and she readily huddled closer to him as he pulled the covers back over both of them. Fiadh sighed shakily in relief, closing her eyes as her chest pressed to his, her face tucked against his shoulder. As his arms enveloped her again under the heavy pile of blankets and quilts, she actually started to feel warmth again.
“Better?” He hummed against her temple, and Fiadh nodded slightly.
“Mhm.” She answered, heaving another breath of relief against him. She felt his hand rub up and down her back in a slow rhythm, encouraging heat back into her muscles again. Fiadh listened to their shared breath and could feel his heart beat faintly against her chest, and after several minutes, their shared shivering faded away.
Fiadh could feel him relax in the warmth of her, as she did in his. As the fire popped softly from the stove, it finally started to properly heat the interior of the wagon. There was something so comforting about it, and a peaceful feeling settled in her, like the heat from his body against hers. They laid in silence, with nothing but the sound of the winter wind outside as it snowed, and the gentle rumbling of the fire. Despite the bitter winter outside, they were safe and warm with each other, skin against skin and heart against heart.
Fiadh felt sleep start to tempt her as his hand slid up her back to her head, fingers gently pulling her hair back over her shoulder, and repeating the soothing motion. He started to hum at some point between sleep and consciousness, the low rumbling of his voice quiet and close to her. But it blissfully lulled her before she could listen to the rest of his song, and fell asleep against him.
Posting this one a little early this week, hope you guys enjoy! Wishing everyone happy holidays and a happy new year! Thank you for your support, I can't wait to share more with you!
2024-12-20 00:52:39 +0000 UTC View Post
"She was beautiful, if a little ruffled, her blonde hair spilling wildly over her shoulders, interspersed with numerous decorations." -Njotr's first account of Fiadh
2024-12-18 16:13:31 +0000 UTC View Post
Been so excited to share this for a WHILE. This part of the story will be exclusively explored on Patreon. More to come~
2024-12-14 13:57:38 +0000 UTC View Post
Here's a lil sunshine to brighten your Monday. I promise he smiles every once in a while lol!
2024-12-09 20:03:37 +0000 UTC View Post
After changing from animal to human form again, you don't always have time to get dressed before blurting out some important information you found out on your mission. Tho I'm sure Njotr heard every word of whatever it was, super important as it is.
2024-12-08 18:48:08 +0000 UTC View Post
His outfits will change, but something like this is pretty standard for everyday/missions. I tried to keep similar colors from his outfit as a teenager, though a little more practical and less skin exposed lol!
2024-12-04 14:50:57 +0000 UTC View Post
Sneak peak of a few frames from the animatic coming next! Expect it this weekend!
2024-11-27 02:33:39 +0000 UTC View PostNjotr insults Fiadh's hygene and she goes for a reluctant swim. This work is not beta'd, read at your own risk. Also, tis slightly spicy towards the end. Enjoy!
~
Fiadh straightened up from where she’d been crouching at the fire and fanned herself a bit. She let out a huff, watching the contents of their pot simmer, the stew a rich dark color, the smell filling her nose. Cooking over an open flame was almost impossible to bear in the mid-summer heat, and the season wasn’t exactly fit for hot stew. Still, the rich meal was a treat to be enjoyed. They didn’t always have access to fresh ingredients, and they could use a hearty meal after going on glorified snacks the last few days. The fire was low at least, mostly hot coals left, perfect for cooking. Fiadh wiped at her brow, letting out another breath but was satisfied with their meal so far.
A splash to her left startled her slightly, before droplets of cool water landed close to her feet.
“Hey-” She looked over at Njotr accusingly, but smiled a little. They’d camped alongside a river that was wide and deep enough to swim in, though it wasn’t fast or strong enough to be dangerous. Njotr raised a brow at her, an easy smile on his face. He stood up to his waist in the water, droplets clinging to his hair.
“Don’t give yourself heat exhaustion. You’re already wearing enough layers for a snowstorm.” He said and Fiadh rolled her eyes a little, returning her attention back to her stew.
“I’m sure that’s your main concern.” Fiadh muttered back with a smile, turning back towards her cooking. She heard Njotr scoff dramatically.
“I have nothing but the purest intentions.” He claimed, playing an offended hand on his bare chest, though his smile gave him away. “I just don’t need you fainting in your soup.”
“It’s stew,” Fiadh corrected. “And one of us should be decent and ready if someone comes along.”
“Right, because you’ll fend them off with your skirt. Or maybe your ladle.” Njotr smirked, backing up into deeper water and lowering himself until he started to float.
Fiadh scowled at him. “I can defend myself long enough for you to get your pants on.”
“Probably won’t even need to. The smell alone should ward them off.”
Fiadh let out an offended gasp and turned to look at him, her hands on her hips. Only Njotr’s head was visible, his grin only barely above the water line. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Fiadh demanded. “My stew smells great, I’ll have you know.”
“Oh I wasn’t talking about the stew.” He replied. Gods help her, sometimes Fiadh wanted to wipe that smug grin from his face. She felt her cheeks flush.
“Wha-I washed this morning, while you were snoring away like a bear in hibernation.”
“Coulda fooled me. And I don’t snore.” He said confidently.
“Ha! Sure you don’t, that’s why I was wide awake at the crack of dawn.”
“Well at least I don’t drool all over the place.” His smile widened. “No wonder I had to wash my clothes-”
“That’s it.” Fiadh stomped two steps closer to the river bank, and picked up a stone that fit into her palm. She raised it in warning, trying to look determined but struggled to hide her own smile. He only laughed, and backed up in the water a little more, raising his hands in surrender. “So violent.”
“Mhm, I’ll show you violent.” Fiadh grumbled under her breath, dropping the rock again before turning back to kneel by her campfire.
“I’m merely concerned for your hygiene.” His voice was full of feigned innocence.
“I already washed-”
“The water feels great anyway, and you could cool off a bit.”
“I can’t leave the stew just on the fire, It could boil over, I need to watch it.”
“What if I was drowning, you wouldn’t even jump in to save me?”
Fiadh gave him a deadpanned look, and Njotr’s mouth went below the waterline, though she swore she could still see the way it spread into a smile.
“That’s right.” Fiadh puffed up slightly, nose up in the air as she turned away. She had to hold in a laugh at Njotr’s wounded exclamation of shock.
“Typical.” He countered sadly. “Guess I’ll let the river take me away.”
Fiadh rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help but laugh. She turned to look at him, raising a brow as his body floated carelessly in the water.
“I could place a curse upon you, would that hasten your passing?”
“You are the curse upon me.” Was the muttered response. The nerve of him-
Fiadh pushed herself up and in a few quick strides, was at the river bed again. Njotr’s expression brightened, a laugh bubbling up from him as he moved to upright himself where he treaded water, hands already coming up.
“I meant blessing!” He added quickly, but Fiadh already had a stone in her hand again. She chucked it in his general direction, not intending to actually hurt him, and it splashed near him.
“Woah, calm down. Don’t want you to go all killer-deer on me.” He tried to say seriously, but couldn’t help the grin on his face. Fiadh narrowed her eyes at him, fighting a laugh herself but huffed in frustration as she picked up another stone. She raised her arm, trying to school her expression to dare him to say anything else. He must’ve felt refreshed from their sleep the night before because he’d been pushing her buttons all morning, with pure amusement. She’d be lying to herself if she didn’t admit their banter had lifted her spirits as well. Even if he was insufferable. Maybe they’d both needed a little fun.
They reached a stalemate for a few extended seconds, Fiadh with her raised stone, Njotr with his shit-eating grin. When he didn’t say anything, she cautiously lowered her stone, her eyes narrowed at him. She turned away, stone still in hand.
“It’s a good thing deer can’t aim.”
Fiadh huffed and whirled around as she threw the stone towards him. His laugh was cut off as he dropped down into the water, submerging himself fully. The stone landed with a splash directly where he’d disappeared.
Fiadh couldn’t help but huff out a laugh then, shaking her head. She watched the disrupted water level out again, waiting for him to pop up. Seconds passed, and a few bubbles surfaced, but then nothing else.
Fiadh paused where she stood at the bank, her eyes scanning the water for an extended moment. She started to hold her breath, and as seconds continued to pass with no sign of him, she suddenly felt concern drop heavily in the pit of her stomach. She hadn’t meant to actually hit him, but what if she had? The stone had admittedly landed in the water over where his head would have been.
“...Njotr?” She called, feeling fear prickle over her arms and down her spine. A moment later he resurfaced, but it was his shoulders, the back of his. His body bobbed to the surface, face down in the water, and Fiadh felt as if her soul had left her.
Before she even registered the cold water, she was rushing into the river, hands hiking up the fabric of her skirt as the water soaked heavily into it. She stumbled over slippery stones as she waded into the deeper water as quickly as she could, her heart in her throat. Oh gods, she’d killed him.
“Njotr!” She gasped, the water up to her waist by the time she reached his floating body. Her hands lunged for him, desperate to turn him over. “Njotr-”
Fiadh shrieked loudly as his body suddenly lunged up and his arms wrapped tightly around her. Without any warning, he pulled her down into the cold water until she was fully submerged. A moment later she managed to push up to the surface, sputtering and gasping in shock, her hair plastered over her shoulders and face. The water was cold and stole her breath, and she couldn’t see past her wet bangs, but could hear his gargled laugh ringing clearly in her ears. Her arms floundered, struggling to find her feet in the river bed as her clothes weighed her down.
"YOU-” She barely got her accusation out, gasping for air as she managed to push herself up. She wobbled on her feet, shoving the wet hair from her face in a fury to see him smiling brightly, his own hair equally plastered to his head. She attempted to lunge at him, wet sleeves swinging in his general direction but he dodged easily, and she yelped as she fell forward into the water again with a splash.
“You missed.” He said smugly, and Fiadh let out a frustrated cry, struggling to find her feet again as she whirled and attempted to splash him. Despite his audacity, she couldn’t help but find his laughter infectious, and it made it very difficult to portray herself as an intimidating force. But then he was wading towards her, a devilish grin on his face. Fiadh’s eyes widened and she tried to put distance between them, fully knowing his intention.
“No, don’t you dare-Njotr!” She screamed as he bent down and his arms wrapped around her thighs before he hoisted her up into his shoulder. She felt the air push out of her lungs with breathless laughter, hitting her palm against his back in a weak attempt to fend him off. Fiadh struggled, trying to kick her legs in vain as he waded deeper into the river, but his grip held firm as she wriggled over his shoulder.
“Put. Me. Down!” She insisted through her laughter.
“Alright.” She heard him say before he heaved her quite easily, and Fiadh squealed as she was dumped into deeper water with a large splash. Finding her limbs and pushing up to the surface was a bit of a struggle, her layers of soaked clothes heavily weighing her down. She huffed in frustration as she eventually found her feet, wobbling slightly in the gentle current. She could hear Njotr chuckling, sounding rather proud of himself, as she pushed her thick hair away from her face again.
"At this rate, you’re going to drown in all those clothes.” Njotr looked very smug indeed, a lopsided grin on his face as he started to back up in the water, as if waiting for her challenge. Fiadh huffed, water dripping down her face and hair as she raised her chin defiantly.
“Fine.” She reached for her belt, jerking it open. She had no chance of keeping up with him in the water if she was fully clothed, and she was eager to wipe that smug look off his face. Njotr’s eyes lowered down her body, raising a brow as Fiadh yanked off her skirt, and flung the heavy fabric and the belt towards the shore. Next was her bodice and with some struggle, her pants, leaving her in her white under shirt. She flung the two upon the shore as well, before wading towards Njotr, squaring up with him, ready for a fight.
“Alright, assassin. You asked for it.” Fiadh glared, though couldn’t help her smile still. Njotr's eyes were traveling south more than anything, Fiadh's tunic clinging wetly to her, and she had counted on the distraction to give her an advantage.
“That’s more like it.” He grinned.
Fiadh hit the water, splashing at him to try and deflect from her attack before she lunged. His hands were ready for her despite her attempt, and they caught her wrists before she could wrap her arms around him. It felt like fighting an uphill battle, not only did the water slow her movements, but he was taller. That damn smirk was on his face still, and his laughter only added insult to injury.
“Help! I’m being attacked by a deer!” He feigned distress, as Fiadh wriggled and tried to free her hands from his grip. Njotr tilted his head at her, as if the fight she was putting up was hardly anything. “Or maybe it’s a drowned, blonde rat. Can’t really tell.”
“Ugh!” Fiadh cried in frustration, all the while giggling herself. She shoved her weight against him harder, trying with all her might to knock him over, but he stood his ground. Seeking to use the river as an ally, Fiadh swooped her leg under his, and she laughed in victory when he finally lost his footing and was forced down into the water again.
“Aha! Who’s the drowned rat now!” She laughed, managing to cling to him and pushed his head under water again. Her victory was short lived as he twisted and pulled her under with him, before the two of them resurfaced, both sputtering. However, he was quicker to find his feet, and he loomed over her, hair plastered and dripping as he grinned down at her.
“Still you.” He huffed and Fiadh squealed in protest as he scooped her up again. She could barely see with her long hair half plastered over her face again, but she wriggled and kicked as he turned and started to carry her back to the shoreline. Fiadh tried twisting out of his grip, laughter pressed out of her as she tried to free herself, but her limbs tired.
“I would say put me down, but I know where that gets me.” She huffed breathlessly, then yelped as his hand slapped against her ass cheek, barely covered by the soaked tunic. “Njotr-!”
“I see you’re catching on.” He grinned, sounding out of breath himself as he trudged up onto the shore, still hauling her on his shoulder. “Maybe if you ask nicely. It’s the least you can do after trying to drown me.”
“Ha!” Fiadh huffed, trying to push herself up off his shoulder and wriggle free again. “I was trying to save you, before you-” Fiadh’s sentence was cut off with a sharp gasp as Njotr bent forward and she suddenly found herself deposited on the bedroll with a thud. She huffed, blinking up at him, and she very much felt like a drowned rat in that moment, water soaking into the mat under her, her hair clinging to her shoulders and neck. Standing above her, Njotr didn’t look much better off, his hair equally as wet, water rolling down his body and catching the light of the afternoon sun. His cheeks were flushed slightly from the exercise, and was still trying to catch his breath.
“Before I what?” Njotr asked and Fiadh raised her eyes to his. Suddenly Fiadh couldn’t recall what she’d been about to say, and could only focus on the way he looked down at her, his eyes traveling down her body. He looked like he was enjoying the view, given the way the corner of his mouth turned up, among other signs. Fiadh’s eyes lowered down his torso, and she swallowed, still a little out of breath herself.
“Before you rudely got me all wet again.” She huffed out in some defeat, and felt warmth rise in her cheeks as his smile widened.
“Did I, now?” He asked, a playful look in his eyes.
Fiadh’s eyes narrowed. “My clothes-”
“Sure, sure.” Njotr laughed.
Introducing a new character, Taran, who is a druid as well, but a more villainous one. ;) This is his concept design, so he may change down the road.
2024-11-18 16:07:40 +0000 UTC View Post
Happy Tuesday everyone! Hope you all are having a great week so far!
2024-11-12 19:54:19 +0000 UTC View PostFiadh is desperate to get out of an abusive situation in the traveling entertainers troupe. She gets a glance at the new camp guard. ;)
2024-11-08 15:00:11 +0000 UTC View Post
Fiadh and her horse, Othala, who becomes an important resource during their travels. Othala pulls Fiadh's wagon and also is Njotr's mount for missions. Othala is a lady and is based on the Friesian breed.
2024-11-05 14:07:36 +0000 UTC View PostI'm so excited to share this one! It's definitely holds a special place in my heart and a lot of work was put into it, I hope you all enjoy! Thank you as always for all the love and support!
2024-11-01 23:00:00 +0000 UTC View Post
He's got nothing except all the confidence.
2024-10-31 01:15:28 +0000 UTC View Post
This was a super fun prompt to do! Fiadh has a talent for managing to carry several things even when it doesn't appear she should have any room for them. Loot items include her mortar and pestle, for making her potions, a dagger Njotr gave her for self defense (which she uses for foraging), and just about any shiny little thing you can imagine. She loves little treasures (trash, according to Njotr) and always has a collection on hand, and sometimes, things she pick up even come in handy!
2024-10-27 00:24:52 +0000 UTC View PostThe full video is coming soon, but for now here's a glimpse! Thank you again for all your support! <3
2024-10-27 00:14:57 +0000 UTC View Post
Working on this scene at last, and super excited to use the audio finally too! Coming soon~
2024-10-25 21:08:55 +0000 UTC View Post
My girl Fiadh gonna be making a big reveal in the next animatic, I'll be sharing some lore about her that I haven't released yet! Stay tuned~
As always thank you so much for your support! <3
2024-10-12 15:37:05 +0000 UTC View PostA little drabble of Fiadh after the shipwreck. Happy Wednesday! This work is un-beta'd, proceed at your own risk lol.
~
The sound of the sea filled the air, the coming and going of waves upon the rocks and shoreline, while sea birds cawed on the wind. It should have sounded like home to Fiadh, but for some reason, every little sound felt too loud. The sounds were so clear in her ears that it pulled her from sleep, and her first waking thought was why everything sounded so loud. Her eyes stung as she blinked seawater from them, slowly becoming aware of herself as she felt the warmth of the sun on her skin. She lay on her front, half sprawled across a bed of brown and yellow seaweed and sand and rocks. Instinctively, she tried lifting her head, her wet hair dragging through the shallow tide pool, and groaned as her whole body ached from the movement.
She knew this feeling, the soreness, the unfamiliarity of her own limbs and the adjustment to her senses. She shivered, despite the sun that had mostly dried her backside, as the salty sea breeze blew over her naked form. She tried looking around, her vision blurred as everything felt disoriented. All she could see were rocks and seaweed, and the sea. She noticed a few seals nearby, the animals laying on their sides in shallow water or propped up on rocks to sunbathe. They were rather close to her, more than any wild animals should have been comfortable with. But as she struggled to push herself up with a groan, they were alerted by her, and suddenly seemed afraid as they retreated back into the sea.
Fiadh gasped in pain as she pushed herself weakly up on her hands and knees, barely managing it. Her body was scuffed from the harsh rocks of the shoreline, and her ears rang as she moved, every muscle protesting. It hadn’t been this bad in a long time, though she couldn’t say how long. How long had she been in animal skin? What skin had she been in?
As if in answer, she felt her churning stomach heave suddenly and she vomited. She choked on salty bile, heaving it up until she nearly collapsed from it again. When she was finished, her stomach empty, she stared at the contents with horror and realization, the bile a mix of broken down meat of some sort, likely fish. She’d been in seal skin. But why? Where was she, and why hadn’t he given her the remedy. She blinked, her mind muddled with confusion as she tried to remember. He? Who was he?
She panted and managed to push herself away, and sat back in the shallow pool of water as she shakily washed her mouth and front. She felt anxiety start to build tightly in her chest as she realized she had no memory, she didn’t know why she was here. Some part of her knew that this was to be expected, that skin shaping for too long caused this, but it didn’t ease the urgency of needing to know why she’d done it, and why she’d been in animal skin for so long to get to this point.
Fiadh managed to push herself to her feet, wobbling on her legs for a minute before trying to move forward. It felt incredibly difficult, every muscle strained as she waded through the shallow, seaweed strewn water, and she nearly lost her balance several times. She was so focused on keeping herself from falling that she hadn’t looked up at her surroundings, but at the sound of a man’s voice, she looked up. She froze, noticing three men standing up ahead on the beach. They seemed to be fishermen of some sort, and were checking traps they had placed in the tide pools. But their task was forgotten now as they all stared at her with shock.
Fiadh could hear them muttering to each other, and they might’ve said something to her, but the words were warbled and muddled in her ears. It was familiar, so she must’ve known the language, but it felt like her brain was having trouble placing the sounds to words, and understanding them. How long had she been in animal skin for things to be this bad?
One of them seemed to call to her again, while another pulled a cloak off his back, the cloth worn and fraying at the edges, and only then did Fiadh realize her nakedness. The man with the cloak carefully approached her, saying something with a concerned look on his face as he held up the cloak, showing his intent. Fiadh didn’t move, but heard one of the others behind him voice something urgent, as if frightened of something. Frightened of what, of her? Still, the man with the cloak approached until he was beside her, and she felt the fabric drape over her shoulders. She looked down at his belt, sunlight glinting on the pommel of a sheathed dagger.
Don’t trust them. Use what you can and go for the vulnerable areas. She blinked, a male voice in her head. Was that voice in her head him? Was that a memory? She couldn’t picture anyone, but the voice sounded clear in her mind. The belly, the throat, the eyes. She shut her eyes to try and block it out, bile threatening to roll up her throat again. She couldn’t do that, she wasn’t a killer. She felt her legs wobble and then crumple under her, but the man at her side was there to steady her fall. Her world tipped and spun and left her dizzy as she felt the man pick her up, hoisting her up with his arms under her shoulders and knees, and for some reason it felt familiar.
A word fell from her lips as she was carried up the beach, something that came so natural to her it was as if she had spoken her own name. She thought then that maybe it was a name. Njotr.
Her eyes looked back to the sun that glimmered over the water, and for some reason, she felt a strong urge to return to it. She’d lost something, and needed to search for it. But darkness embraced her before she could plead to go back, and it reminded her of the depths of the sea.
2024-10-02 14:16:40 +0000 UTC View Post
Happy halfway through the week! This drawing looks angsty but in all honestly Fiadh's probably trying to convince Njotr that they need to go back for that huge wheel of cheese she saw while they were running for their lives. She's got her priorities straight.
2024-09-25 17:06:04 +0000 UTC View Post
