((OOC: do not abuse information in this story. Use what would be known from this story and leave what should be secret))
The valley of the wizard has become a desolated place, unfit for any life that may be called good. Everything in it is twisted by his doings, the trees and the inhabitants alike. A faint feeling of dread surrounded Egbert when he continued on his, how he called it, little scouting expedition. He was starting to regret his decision now that he was far in front of his companion. This man once used to be what could be called a friend of his father, yet Egbert had never met me until just a few hours ago. He found this elderly man along the road leading to the valley, or to better put it: The elderly man found him. They had been walking all this time yet now Egbert’s youth was getting the better of his newfound friend. They had been talking about this and that while they were walking, and Egbert took quiet a liking to this man, even though he could see that they were very different. Egbert took some initiative for once and decided that it would be the wisest action to make up a little resting spot so that they could catch their breaths and decide what to do next. After finding a rather shrouded open space near some dead yet tall shrubbery, Egbert made a small fire to warm his hands and those of his companion, when he would arrive that is. Egbert had set out early in the morning and was planning on returning some time before dusk. Even though he was a young noble himself, Egbert would be missed if he was gone for too long. His father also wouldn’t be all that happy if he heard that his son was going off on his own. Egbert was still daydreaming when his elderly friend came through the shrubbery, like Egbert expected.
“You truly have the nose of a bloodhound, sir Tidhelm” said Egbert. “I was thinking you would wander here for hours before you would find my little den.” Tidhelm grumbled at the young man, who was at least thrice as young. “Would you have waited for a mere moment on an old man, we could have avoided that problem all together!” Egbert grinned sheepishly yet he could not question that. “It was foolish on my account for not waiting, yet I could not belief my eyes when I looked upon this place. In the tales that I have heard this place was very lush and green, and full of wonders not of this world.” Tidhelm seated down next to Egbert on a rock, he dusted off some of his hauberk before responding. “Tales often don’t match what is right. I have once walked in this vale when it was still green indeed, yet there was only one wonder in this place, and he still sits where he used to.” Egbert looked at Tidhelm for a second before speaking. “Most would not call him a wonder in these days. Meddling in the affairs of Dunlendings and Eorlingas alike! True, he is our neighbor and always an ally, yet this current course I do not understand.” Tidhelm laid his hands in his neck, he looked up to the sky. The sun was already at its highest point. “He has every right to meddle in the affairs of us and the Dunlendings. He is a wise wizard with doings that cannot be understood by most, yet his current course is indeed odd even for someone as the likes of him.” Tidhelm responded.
They sat there for some minutes in silence before Egbert started the conversation again. “It is good to have some company on this little scouting trip. It was good that fate has put us together on this trip, you even have been a friend to my father!” Tidhelm looked to the young rider, who was not even passed his twenties. “Fate it wasn’t. It was my choice that we met, my friend. Yet about your father, have you had word from him in recent days?” Egbert frowned at the response yet he didn’t wanted to be rude to such a man so he responded with the truth. “No word from Cliving has reached us out here, yet I believe that he is fine like he always is.” Tidhelm wanted to reply but the both of them turned their heads when they heard the sounds of foes marching in the distance. Egbert made himself small and hissed: ”Get down, or else they will see us.” Tidhelm made no indication that he would move and just looked at Egbert. “Give me your flask, I need a drink to calm my nerves.” Egbert was shocked at this and wanted to pull that old fool down yet he did like he was asked and handed Tidhelm the flask, not wanting to fall into a tantrum at the old man. Tidhelm opened the flask with his teeth and when he had taken a hefty gulp he replied: “Your pace did not delay me and getting me into hiding is not your biggest concern right now.” Egbert looked at Tidhelm with big eyes while the old man drank the flask empty. The sound of footsteps were getting louder and were nearly at their location. Tidhelm just snarled at the young man after letting the flask fall to the ground. “The good thing is at least, you will have no need for such things as flasks right now.” Egbert wanted to unsheathe his sword yet it was too late. Tidhelm grinned and spoke in a soft voice: “The actions of your father are now forgiven.”
