Ceolswith could be seen speaking with the shieldmaiden and the rider. Signs of being further along with child were obvious as her belly was rounder now. She seemed to be listening to the shieldmaiden's jokes.
Régnwald strode into the mead-hall of lord Gísil of Garsfeld and as ever, the heavily built Eorling's footfall betrayed his walk, making to falter. In a moment, the man had become somewhat accustomed to the hall's air and was quick enough to fetch a horn-cup to fill with kin's drink. Signs of being busy of late and thirst could be read from the features in his bearded face. Soon he edged to the depths of the beer hall, slowing to a halt upon seeing a familiar face, breathing deep he stood tall. Pursing his lips, the rugged Eorling hesitated to join the group and held himself for a few moments. He observed them with a calm air surrounding him, taking small sips from his horn-cup.
Céolswith glanced over to the newcomer as she spotted him. A gentle nod was sent his way as she made her last comment to the shieldmaiden, excusing herself. She would then make her way towards Régnwald. ''Wes thu, Régnwald hal.''
Régnwald would let out a clear smile, bowing his head ''Fér thu, Céolswith hal.'' he uttered with a breath, taking his time to observe her belly for the briefest of moments and eyed her. ''Good to see you. I rode here this morning to fetch a few supplies Saewaru asked me to bring.'' pausing for another goodly swig, he added, head cocking ''..How fare you?''
Céolswith said, 'I've been... well, to say in the least. Walstow has been good. How have you fared? And Saewaru? She had always been kind when I have spoken to her.' She crossed her arms in front of her, giving him a smile.
Régnwald took a gulp, wiping the remnant taste of sweet honey mead from his lips with his elbow clad in leather and chain. He scanned the ground for the barest of moments and cocked his head ''I've been well.'' he paused ''So is my sister. She also told me to see you before my departure to deliver her best wishes and regards. Ye better try to visit us more often, I mean - she's been missing you.''
Céolswith gave him a chuckle, "I will try as I can. It's harder now, to travel alone. But I will when I am in Snowbourn. Send your sister my regards when you see her next." She paused for a moment before furrowing her brow, "What are you up to nowadays?"
Régnwald let his narrowed eyes met her furrowed gaze, head held high ''Of late, I have worked in the stables except from a few runaways out in the fields. An unnatural calmness I daresay, hard to get used to it.'' he confirmed himself with a slight nod. And yes, surely 'tis hard for a woman with child to travel alone, bearing a child. I'd almost overlook that one.''
Céolswith nodded grinning some, "Oh dear, stables... Aye, I am ready to be done and meet the child. Not a day goes by without being sore." She rubbed her arms some, unsure of what more to say.
Régnwald gave a content nod, drifting his gaze as if seeking a place to sit nearby ''Perhaps we should have our conversation sitting.'' and he edged himself from that corner slightly, halting only to allow the maiden lead the way.
Céolswith put a hand on his shoulder, "A seat would be perfect." She then would turn, deciding on the empty table.
Céolswith asked, 'How has Snowbourn treated you? Well, I hope."'
Régnwald sighed deeply ''I cannot complain. I take what comes as ever. The treat is good. Except I don't feel all that happy with the friend meetings my sister makes me join over and over with strange goals and gossip.'' the mid-aged Eorling shook his head.
Céolswith said, 'Gossip? About what?'
Régnwald gazed about, appearing unsure what to say ''I'd owe much to say I know not... 'Bout lords and their wives, yes. And marriage plans.'
Céolswith leaned on an elbow. Her scarred hand ran over her belly as she nodded, "They haven't matched you up then? I hope to hear word if you have been. Though, listening about others' lives doesn't seem like a hobby for you. Perhaps it is best that you haven't had to sit with them."
Régnwald spared a bow of his head uneasily ''Aye.'' He moved his chest forward and he would rest his hands on the wooden table, horn-cup in hand. ''Forget about me. Still yours must be a hopeful wait. Did you think of any names?'' his eyes landed upon her belly.
Céolswith replied, 'I was hoping to name the child after one of my brothers. It is a hopeful wait and a blessing. My only regret is that neither my brothers nor my mother will have a chance to meet the child. We are still thinking of names though. Torwiga is certain it is a boy.'
Régnwald gave a faint, almost ghost of a smile, gazing aside briefly ''Still, your father will. I am sure he'll be very proud if it be a son.'' he breathed, clearing his throat ''How has your husband been faring of late?''
Céolswith shook her head as she grinned, "My father is overjoyed. He finally left Harwick and visited us. The mere thought of being a grandfather has brought him joy that he hasn't had in years. And Torwiga's doing well. He is working in the lumbermills again."
Régnwald smiled some at the mention of a father's contentedness and his smile remained a sombre one as she spoke. ''That's good.'' he merely said.
Céolswith leaned forward some, as far as she could, "You don't approve of it, do you?"
Régnwald looked at Céolswith with eyes hardened as chains ''How do you mean?'' seeking to hear more of her presuming.
Céolswith said, 'I mean, you don't approve of my marriage to Torwiga. I know you too well to tell when you a disappointed. Even behind your smiles."'
Régnwald spoke in loud voice mayhap to express his seriousness even though she was that close by reach. ''I believe 'tis not to my concern. If you love him, words of others shouldn't matter.'' as his words sank, the man straightened some.
Céolswith watched his expression for a bit longer before nodding, "Well, the child will need an uncle of some sort. It would mean a lot to me."
Régnwald scanned the logs with a vacant stare, drifting his gaze to eye her. Mayhap he didn't get an answer he had hoped. ''After my father, aged from earth, died at war. Our uncle took me and little Saewaru under his wings, so I'm aware of the weight of it. Worry not, Céolswith.'' he offered her an assuring look, eyes gleaming.
Céolswith smiled wider, "I'm gladdened to hear." She then paused a moment, "Are you doing well? You seem hesitant, more so than before."
''Yes, I'm just not quite sure if I loaded my saddle with everything she listed...'
Régnwald smiled too, reaching to her arm warmly.
Céolswith said, 'Saewaru seems like she enjoys having you around, even if you forget something. Though, it won't hurt to look again.' She placed her other hand on his, "She looks up to you."
''Yeahh.'' the Eorling approved of it in stout mood. Soon after he would rise tall, ''Hour grows late and a night ride will be nice for me.''
Céolswith said, 'Travel safe, Régnwald. It's always good to see you."'
The man smiled sincerely ''You too, Céolswith. I hope to see you again in a near future, and let me know if there's anything you need.'' he spoke in his habitual stout tone.
Ceolswith said, 'If you are ever in Walstow, come by. I will cook you something.'
Régnwald adjusted his belt, heralding his departure and then waved a hand slightly, smiling with a nod. Soon he would depart, making for the stables.
