He had never seen totems like these... Not even in all of his times in Forochel. The beast stood head and shoulders even above The Little Lion who simply gripped his axe a little tighter as the creature snarled. He wore a wolves fur over his face and body, crawling and stomping around on all fours. He knew he wasn't alone. Two more had taken up behind the trees just to this ones left... Some more just behind the river, he could hear their claws scraping across the bark of the white oaks. Ioranir turned to Owain and offered a knowing smile.
"Smile, boy. We're safe here."
Early mornings and late nights had become habitual within the encampment. Clearing the grove and making ways for the tents and the laying the foundations for the great hall and other buildings sprawled throughout the swath of land that was comfortably nestled among the mountains of the Westfold.
"You're making sure the lashings are tight?" Ioranir questioned before taking a long swig of coffee while peering out over the camp and watching the workers darting this way and that, before turning his gaze to the young man he had appointed as the foreman.
The boy was no more than twenty four winters, if that. A sturdy jaw and strong head set upon a pair of squared shoulders and what would be considered a stocky build for his people. His voice was soft and warm, often a surpirse to those whom had only met him.
"Of course our lashings are tight. I've tied knots tighter than your grip on your axe." Owain snorted and folded his arms across his chest as he watched for The pale haired mans reaction. Only to find him scowl slightly and loft a brow at the coffee he had just handed him.
"Lets hope for your sake you tie better than you brew coffee or chase cows." Ior grinned, whether he was serious or simply pulling the young mans chain remained to be seen. The two stood and watched the happenings for several long moments in silence before he finished his cup of coffee and gave a long sigh.
"I want the foundation laid today for the main hall. Hopefully the weather holds and we have no rain... Have our scouts returned from the hills to the south?" The Northling inquired as the two made their way deeper into the camp, observing the building and tasks within, with cautious eyes.
"Yes sir. The foundation will be laid shortly. As well the forge, as per your request. We already have a blacksmithing tent available, so I do not understand as to why that was to be done first and foremost?"" Owain stated before dudging a wagon transporting more lumber from one of the other sites and giving a rather exhasperated sigh of frusteration before catching up with Ioranir once more and trying to match his stride.
"I didn't hire you to ask questions, boy." Ioranir stated firmly before placing a hand on one of the carvings in a tent post before grinning to himself and continuing."Baralinion made mention of a capable smithy that he has acquired and was bid to take care of. He gave me orders to make sure that the smithy was to be operational before his arrival."
"Yes sir. It will be done. As, far as the scouts are concerned... No, they have not come back yet but they have only been gone three days. Perhaps they found a good hunt? Or some resources at our fingertips?" Owain nodded as he folded his arms across his chest.
"I hope so, youngin'. I hope so. Very well.. Continue the work and make sure everything is going accordingly. I'm going north to the lake just below the foot of the mountains for a bath and to explore. Should be back before nightfall." Ioranir placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and gave a nod with a smile.
"Smile, boy. We're safe here."
