It began with the letter.
It was a quiet evening, the sky darkening to a deep blue as the light of the Sun faded in the West. The riders were gathered around a campfire, some talking quietly, others cooking. A cask of ale sat nearby, with several mugs stacked next to it. From the road came a weary horseman.
He wore a travel stained cloak and was caked in dirt and mud. He dismounted, leaving the sleek mare he rode to crop at the grass. Few of the gathered riders paid the man much attention until he came nearer to the light of the fire.
Stopping, the man looked around. After taking a couple rasping gasps to catch his breath, he asked, "I've gotten a letter 'ere for a-" He stops and fumbles at his leather satchel, before finally pulling out a folded piece of parchment from inside. He squints at it as he reads, "-Elbriech? Tha' any uf yous?"
From amongst the riders gathered around the campfire, one strides forwards.
He's a large man, the firelight catching the green of his armour as he moves. "I am he. Now, if you wouldn't mind...?" He holds out his hand for the letter.
The messenger passes the letter to Elbriech before shuffling around to the fire, and sitting down in the dirt.
Elbriech flips over the folded parchment in his hands to see the name, "Freya" written neatly on the back. With trembling fingers he unsheathes a dagger from his belt and cuts the wax seal, before unfolding the letter. In his haste, he nearly rips the letter in two.
Around the fire a couple riders look up at the sound of tearing parchment. Their eyes remain on Elbriech, whos back is turned to them. His apprehension is visible.
He turns a half step towards the campfire, allowing its light to better illuminate the runes of the message.
My dearest Elbriech, I hope this finds you in good health and spirits. I send you this letter with great joy and terrible sadness in my heart. Nothing now stands in the way of us being together as we had always wanted. My husband has fallen in battle having earnt a noble death. Before my parents forbade our love. Yet, they have passed away since you left, and now there is no one standing between us and our happiness. If you have not found another, I wish for you to return to me in The Mark, from where ever you may be. I will be waiting, keeping the hearth warm. Know that my love for you has never died. The embers always remained, quietly glowing from within my heart. I love you, Elbriech. More than anything else. I pray to Béma for your safe return to me. Love, Freya.Elbriech looks up from the letter at the stars, their light beginning to shine in the growing darkness. Tears rolled down his cheeks, only to become lost in his beard. The activity around the fire has ceased, and all eyes fall upon Elbriech as he turns to face them. After a moment he composes himself and wipes the tears away on the back of his hand. With a determined cast to his eyes he states; "I have news and need to part from you to return to The Mark. I have a chance to make my life whole."
