Faerhild stepped down the stairs with heavy feet, halting to stand in front of the bars. She stared through them at the shadows of the jail for a long while, silent in her thoughts. Although eventually she would speak with a loud enough voice, "Could you come closer? I need a word with each of you."
Gydgar peered from his corner, "Come to hear my voice again is it?" He grinned, before reaching to one of the bars and pulling himself upright with a yawn and a rub of his hands.
Faerhild flicked her gaze at Régnwald and then down at Niehstu. Searching signs of Hondscioh. Eventually he even looked at Gydgar, although found no pleasure in the act of staring at him.
Niehstu stirred, he turned towards Régnwald but not fully avoiding to meet his gaze. She jolted towards the bars hopeful of having news of her father.
Gydgar said, 'Speak then, or has the cold claimed your tongue?'
Régnwald stood tall, his gaze shifted towards the guard who approached. He advanced onward with long strides, a staw-hued brow arched, keeping a cold, defiant gaze ''Yes?''
Faerhild stared at Gydgar for a moment, for his words, before looking at Régnwald, and then at Niehstu, "You've spent time within our Gates, I am sure the news of the Reeve's son have reached your ears. Thrymm, went missing midst skirmish some time before your arrival. Some of us believe he is still alive, and we might know where to look for him."
Niehstu lowered her head, she was not looking at the woman and her words came to her like some distance echo. She crossed her hands in front of her waiting.
Gydgar pressed his head against the bar, waiting for her to finish as he tapped his fingers on his arm.
Faerhild drew in a cold breath, "Yet the town is under the fright of possible attack. No men can be spared to look for him yet. As we looked for him for several days already."
The cold wind that swept in once the gates were opened, now stirred the golden-hued hair that fell to his shoulders, brushed free of tangles. Lips pursed behind the light, straw coloured beard, eyes tightening as chains as he listened for a long time ''And we share your people and Reeve's sorrow.'' he bowed his head faintly, lifting up the bearded chin to match Faerhild's gaze, ''Then let me and those still loyal to me pledge ourselves for this search, be Forlaw's weapon in this quest.'' 'twas spoken loud, eyes gleaming with something akin to pride ''What are the Reeve's thoughts?''
Niehstu dared to give Régnwald an unsure glance. She leaned against the wooden beam wearily.
Régnwald glanced among his comrades for the briefest of moments, straightening some, he turned to hold the guard's gaze, in curiosity, though no less firm.
Faerhild said, 'The Reeve can not allow you free, as he has convicted you himself with the guidance of Witan. However some believe I should set you free and allow you to prove you are truly the men you claim to be. Hardy and brave, finding hope in a dire situation when other's might look away and escape the responsibility. - -'
Niehstu turned her gaze away from the captain, to avoid their eyes to meet. She looked at the floor then up to Faerhild.
Faerhild continued, 'I would do this without the official permission of the Reeve, for which my decision might have dire consequences. I am here to ask, are you worthy of those consequences?'
Gydgar said, 'All you have to do is look at me for your answer.'
Faerhild looked at them all by turn, her gaze intent.
Gydgar grinned as he propped himself up taller, flexing his arm as it gripped onto the bar.
Faerhild said, 'Well, I did ask if you had talent and you swore me you had none.' she raises her brow at Gydgar.
Niehstu tilted her head and shuffled closer to the woman now drawn by her words and the solemn sound of her voice. She looked at her face curiously, leaving the talking to those more experienced than her.
Gydgar said, 'That was a talent of mine, persuading you from the truth that I am very talented.'
Faerhild stared at Gydgar, remaining cynical of his skills. Especially those related to convincing people with words.
Régnwald firmed his jaw, listening the words of the errand-rider with all the patience and care he could muster. Hazel green eyes glinted with some light as the question was directed to them. Once again, he gazed firstly at Hondscioh, noting his confident nod and then Gydgar before his gaze landed on Niehstu. ''I and those loyal to me know and understand the value of this deed. We accept these consequences. The war-band will see it done, with your help.'' -- 'We will find Thrymm, the Reeve's son.'
Faerhild said, 'The consequences fall on my shoulders, Régnwald as well. They are not merely for you to accept. I will be the one committing treason against my Reeve. -- I need you to swear me an oath I am not doing this in vain.'
Niehstu startled at the sound of treason, she turned to look at Régnwald searching for an answer in his eyes.
Faerhild shifted her dark gaze on Régnwald, lifting her brow high.
Régnwald narrowed his eyes, pursing his lips behind the thick, straw-hued beard as he spared a bow of his head, ''As you wish.'' the reply was given, appearing solemn but eyes, more keen. ''I, Régnwald, make this oath: that I shall be in the forefront of fierce battle, forging ahead with my lord and friend, coming to the war-call carrying my weapons;'
Niehstu reached out to Régnwald to place a hand on his arm and make him pause hopefully.
''And by Eorl and Helm...'' he paused, head cocking to the side only to find Niehstu's hand and holding her gaze, the glance heralded the sound of surprise on the young Eorling's part.
Faerhild set her calm gaze on the girl, regarding her in silence.
Niehstu spoke, 'Why my lady? Why you of all people would do this?'
Gydgar spoke out then, his voice loud and brave as usual, especially since the chance of getting out of this place. "I, Gydgar the Rugged, will ride into battle with spear, shield, fist and voice under your command!"
Régnwald narrowed his eyes as chains, struggling for mouth words, and he could merely gaze between Niehstu and Faerhild at that moment.
Faerhild stared at the girl, glancing briefly at Gydgar for his oath, before shifting her attention back at the girl, "Would you not seek to rescue him with all means necessary?" She gestured at Régnwald, while looking at Niehstu, "The son of Reeve is my Captain."
Niehstu let go of him, feeling a little embarrassed for her protective and sudden intervention. She pursed her lip still waiting for the woman to answer, fixing her gaze upon her. Still she didn't have the nerve to ask further, or argue with the woman. She just stared expectantly.
Régnwald stood tall and listened in silent solemnity, not adding the words of his own, and he let his head drop for a moment, firming his jaw in thought, with an air of determination about him.
Faerhild continued, 'I was at Harwick when survivors of Stangard spoke against you. I have heard many truths spoken by many men. None of these truths seem to align however, for which I remain clueless about your nature. I am sorry if it offends you, that I must ask you to convince me that I can find faith in you.'
Gydgar said, 'We could say that you had planned treason against the Reeve, and you shall be thrown in here with us to listen to my talking even better for more than just a few hours.'
Faerhild shifted her gaze from the girl to look at Régnwald, her gaze intent as she sought to find the truth in his eyes.
Gydgar raised his brow towards her, resting his arm against the bars.
Faerhild shifted her gaze on Gydgar, "Are you blackmailing me?"
Gydgar answered, 'You asked for a way to convince you, didn't you?' he raised his shoulder in a shrug.
Faerhild spoke, 'You have did the opposite. Once again.' she frowned subtly, appearing somewhat conflicted.
Gydgar once again shrugged, before he leaned his back against the stones out of sight but not out of earshot.
Niehstu rubbed her forehead and stepped backwards to take her distance from Régnwald and the rest.
Régnwald turned his gaze briefly at Gydgar, hardening his eyes as a message of warning. Soon he'd cast his eyes upon Faerhild, eyeing her a beat whilst he remained silent a long time. ''You will have our oath, but in return, I seek yours, that no harm will come to my band of men if we succeed...'' he took pause, pursing his lips ''No ill-knotted games of words anymore.''
Faerhild said, 'It is your man here who speaks whatever benefits him, not I. In honesty, I can not know the future. I am acting against my Reeve's decision, it is beyond my skills to predict his reaction should we return with his son. Yet I can assure you, his son would speak in our behalf.' She let out a slow breath, looking downward in thought. ''Perhaps there is a way. I can take the blame. I will say I told you that the Reeve wished for this.'
Niehstu raised her eyes again to look at Faerhild, her fears and doubts fighting against her admiration for the words spoken. In the end she curled her lips into a ghostly smile.
Faerhild added, 'I will do this, if you help me to find him.'
Régnwald lowered his gaze, finding sense and value in her words, he lifted up his chin to match her gaze, eyes glinting. ''A true maiden in byrnie are you, of proven loyalty, to your captain.'' Soon drawing in a breath, son of Régn unlocked his word-hoard ''By Eorl, Helm and all noble athelings, may my sword smite me, may my own edge twist and turn against me should I fail to keep this oath. -- My sword shall stand between you and your enemies, my strength and my war-band beside you boldly, for bare is brotherless back -- By Béma's will... we shall find the Reeve's son.''
Faerhild curled her lips into a rare smile. She stepped forth, pressing herself lightly against the bars to offer him her arm, her blue eyes fixated firmly on his.
Régnwald stood firmly, a small light growing in his eyes like fire, and he extended his arm forth to hold hers; thus the oath would be sealed.
Niehstu took a deep breath taking heart by the act of trust, nodded a little.
Faerhild withdrew afterward, nodding once, before casting an odd smile at Niehstu. Perhaps the girl reminded her of herself at that age, "I shall arrive after the night has fallen. -- Now, where I can find the rest of your band?'
Niehstu beamed a warm smile at the woman, as a spontaneous response.
Régnwald let a faint smile crack in his bearded, scarred face, nodding his head once with some light. Thereafter answering with a gesture towards the gates ''Find Cynebur instead. She'll muster them.''
Faerhild asked, 'And where might I find her?'
Régnwald gave a thought, head cocking to the side before he gave his answer ''She must be still here. But you don't have much time. I'm thinking that wouldn't be a problem for you, at all, errand-rider.'' the man eyed Faerhild with an ironic, half smile before it faded like a dying star. ''Seek for her in the tavern. Least 'tis where I can think of.''
Faerhild said, 'The messenger knows to ask, because she trusts in the power of knowledge. Yet I do have eyes as well.'
Régnwald offered her the barest of nods, with trust. ''Then be swift. May the Hunter guide you.''
Faerhild smiled somewhat, before bowing her head, "I should leave. There is indeed much to be done and few who can do it." She grinned at the bars, and turned around then, skipping up the stairs.
