Company

I traveled for several days. Through the lake-lands and then southwards, towards where the smallfolk live their merry lives. I didn't dare traversing the accursed fields, war or no war, something about that place is not quite right. Besides, it gave me an opportunity to trade - for herbs and fruit gathered on my way, I was given enough yarn to make a linen scarf. This one will be for me. Last winter, I gave mine away, and thus needed a new one.

Traversing the river through a raft gave me time to think, and again, awoke the memories of Starmere Lake. I decided to cut my way short through there, but on the way, a foraging boar with a pair of squeakers delayed my travel for much longer than the shortcut saved. I knew making it to my shack was impossible at this point, instead, I decided to camp in the ruins overnight.

Headed there, I saw a fire, and a man oblivious to my presence. First I thought him to be a local farmer on an adventure, but as we spoke, it became clear that he is no such person. A nomad, however he did know of the Hunting Lodge and their customs. He shared his name and I shared mine. After brief hesitation. Believing the name given to be false, as it was local-sounding, however different enough to notice, and with the man being an outlander, the suspicion only grew.
The more we spoke, however, the more at ease I found myself. We share an outlook on hunting and the wilds, and he seemed to be curious in my family's customs and traditions, rather than dismissive or self-absorbed, like the locals and outlanders respectively are. I trusted the man enough to fall asleep, albeit shallowly, still carrying the memory and scar of when I trusted someone this much in the past.

The trust, this time, was well placed. As the rain only grew stronger, we headed to my shack, using tents and packs to shield ourselves from rain. Even then, by the time we got there, it soaked us right through. Glad I am that mother taught me to always leave logs and kindling covered before I leave home, it made the cold more bearable - soon enough the fire was blazing and warming up the house, and a bottle of wine my guest have brought. He mentioned having trouble with drinking too much of it in the past, so I limited myself as well, for support.
We spoke for hours and it felt pleasant. After staying awake for all night, like a stubborn fool, he went to sleep soon and I cleaned the house. He will wake up shortly, and I will have stew ready by then. We will eat and he will leave.

But we will meet again, and I will anticipate the meeting. He is good company.