Forthstann leant on a knee as he was carefully working a tool in the wooden figure of a horse. He looked a bit more grey than before, but otherwise doing his normal routine. Wood chips would be at his feet, showing that he'd been sitting there for a bit.
Régnwald walked slowly across the even ground, stamping feet made it sing out and the linked rings of his mail-coat jingled as he drew nigh to what was once Céolswith's house. Spotting the old Forthstann near the house, he continued scanning the ground as he made his way, slowing his pace to a halt. ''G'day.'' 'the brief greeting word was uttered with a breath, and he narrowed his eyes.
Forthstann looked up, giving the man a nod. He would continue his work soon enough, though he would answer, "Régnwald. I heard you were in Harwick."
Régnwald nodded, casting his eyes about faintly ''I am.'' he gave a sigh, appearing somewhat rugged and weary. ''How farest thou? -- Well, I was walkin' in the village to meet a few friends.'' and he glanced around the wooden house once more, ''Is your daughter around?''
Forthstann stopped his work at his question. His old legs stood, as he stretched. With a step forward, he came closer with a frown, "Nay. She was sent away for another duty in the Mark. Beaconwatch, is what she said. You missed her by a few weeks. The Reeve decided that she needed new work."
Régnwald gazed upon the elderly figure, widened eyes growing grey like a falling star. ''Yeah?'' his eyes scanned the wet soil. ''I thought 'twas work that made her decide to return.'' silence engulfed the man for a few moments till he lifted up his bearded chin ''Beaconwatch, eh. So that's where she went.'' he breathed.
Forthstann nodded, "Aye. I think she meant to stay here, but even I cannot argue with a Reeve when he decides what to do with his folk. I don't know what she really is doing there, but I assume she's not fighting. She left her helm and armor behind, and reluctingly took her blade." He then looked down, "That is life though, isn't? In a way, we're all alone at one point."
Régnwald appeared thoughtful, as if he was not listening to the elderly Eorling's words. Without a respond, he decided to step closer, placing a tight hand upon the man's left shoulder. Thus he held the man's gaze ''If there's anything you need, you can tell me.'' He straightened ''As for your daughter, she's strong, you must know it better than anyone.'' He narrowed his eyes as chains, gazing aside ''I don't like orders when they're given with so light conversation for the one to carry a burden. Unless they serve some higher purpose.''
Forthstann nodded, gathering himself again, "She is strong, stubborn, and sometimes foolish. But it's something you will understand more when you have little ones." He cleared his throat then, "Frithdyrt, my second born, has a widow. Her new family comes over occasionally to visit. Don't worry about me. Céolswith did not just become stubborn. It runs in our blood."
Régnwald nodded firmly, patting a hand upon Frothstann's shoulder. ''Well, in every Eorling there must be a little blood of waywardness. Céolswith has oft been one of my truest companions on the road, and in Stangard. You daughter meant so much to me. That's why I came here. Albeit...'' a brief sigh escaped the man for he was out of mouth words, once again, turning his gaze aside.
Forthstann smirked, humming some with amusement, "Does she know how you feel?"
Régnwald frowned, struggling to shield the rising odd expression from his pitted, scarred face. With a quickly-drawn breath, he spoke ''You misunderstood me.'' he'd lower his gaze. ''She deems me a fierce friend, and so do I for my own part.''
Forthstann shook his head, chuckling to himself, "I know of your friendship. She trusts you with her life, I am sure of it."
Régnwald blinked once, nodding, and his heart was at ease, with the departure of the same earlier awkwardness. ''Yes. For that I'm indebted to her.'' he paused ''Did she say anything about returning? It appears 'tis unlikely to unfold for now.''
Forthstann said, 'I don't know her plans or for how long she plans to stay there. I think it will depend on Beaconwatch's leaders. I don't know much of them either.'
Régnwald spoke then ''Beaconwatch is my birth place, and home. Thégns there have oft been very careful about the ills that might befall. Trusted, safe town.'' he paused, thinking inwardly - though why would it have to be this urgent, or his home-town was not safe anymore? - the battered Eorling let a deep sigh escape his lips.
Forthstann said, ''You would know it better than I then. Eitherway, whatever work was planned for her, I hope it goes well. She didn't seem like she was planning on fighting."
Régnwald furrowed his brows of dirty blonde hue, ''I don't think Harding would send her for fighting purpose, there must be something beneath. Though strange that she didn't mention you about it.'' he pursed his lips, speaking under his beard ''I know not for sure, but Harding has set us free, and my travels may lead me there. If... I see her, you will know. You've my word.''
Forthstann nodded, "One thing I have found, sometimes it's best not to ask. I didn't ask either of my three children about their battles. They willingly told me. I only made sure she could defend herself. I wasn't going to push it."
Régnwald nodded deeply once, unfurling his lips to a faint smile. ''I'll go now. Have to ready my horse and myself.''
Forthstann nodded, perhaps knowingly, "Safe journey, Régnwald. I think the title of Wolf's Head is misfitting. Don't let it hold you back."
Régnwald gave a thin, almost ghost of a smile, suggesting his thanks even though 'twasn't uttered. Eyes regaining his firmness. ''Férthu hal.'' Soon after he edged himself from the house, wandering away.
Forthstann turned to go back to his spot on the steps, returning to his carving.
