Freezing Winds

[Cheese 8891]

 

⥼───────────────────⥽ 👁 ⥼────────────────────⥽

 

 

⥼───────────────────⥽ 👁 ⥼────────────────────⥽

 

EYDĺS was not unused to being alone– in fact, she quite preferred it. She found solace in the dark alleyways that broke the wind and the muffled crunch of her shoes on the frost-covered mountain slopes. For many years, the closest friends she had were the strangers who offered her a shred of kindness. A warm meal there, a few stray mina there. If she were to be really lucky, they would offer her a room for the night. But aside from that, EYDĺS kept to herself. She was content with watching from the sidelines; with being unknown.

 

It was dark, the first time EYDĺS saw ÅSMUND. The moon shone dimly through thick clouds that threatened to engulf Solgaard in a snowstorm. He, like many others, offered her a respite from the freezing nights that flushed her ears red and her lips blue. EYDĺS, as she had grown used to, accepted the warmth he offered. Unlike most others, however, ÅSMUND didn’t leave. It was most unusual to EYDĺS, how he came back over and over. But she was not one to turn down warmth, and so she allowed him to stay. 

 

In fact, EYDĺS was quick to latch onto ÅSMUND in return, and within months the two were helplessly inseparable. While he was unable to read, EYDĺS was quick to transcribe letters and missives. She kept their house clean and warm for them both; it was a haven, one that she enjoyed sharing with ÅSMUND as he pursued his Templar studies and hunted all sorts of beasts and other terrors.

 

⥼───────────────────⥽ 👁 ⥼────────────────────⥽

 

 

⥼───────────────────⥽ 👁 ⥼────────────────────⥽

 

Just as any other day, EYDĺS spent her hours traveling with ÅSMUND. Hiking through the woods and climbing atop ruins was mundane, until a rider approached. Twisted and malicious with horns that sprouted from its helmet, it demanded a sacrifice. Neither EYDĺS nor ÅSMUND would offer such; it was preposterous. 

 

The crimson flames summoned by the warlock licked and bit into ÅSMUND’S skin. EYDĺS was bid to run, and yet, as she could see the malflame etch itself into her partner’s features, she could not bring herself to. She was quick to pivot and charge at the distracted assailant, stopping for not a moment as she leapt to bring her blade into the monster. She brought her sword down, over and over again. Nothing but red filled the vision of EYDĺS. It was red, but then, it all went black. A crippling agony tore through her skull; her eyes felt like they were exploding. They were. With a scream, EYDĺS fell to the ground, allowing ÅSMUND to sever the attacker’s head at last.

 

Everything hurt. EYDĺS’ eyes burned, while the rest of her just about froze. ÅSMUND was quick to her side, attempting to soothe the Norn as she wailed. He huddled her beneath his furs, as he had done many times before, and carried her back to Norland. The medics worked swiftly, but the demon had left its damage; ÅSMUND was left with the burns of malflame, and EYDĺS was left without her sight. It was a miserable night, but through it, ÅSMUND remained at her bedside. EYDĺS clung to him until the agony and the frozen droplets of blood that sealed her eyes shut dragged her into a dreamless sleep.

 

⥼───────────────────⥽ 👁 ⥼────────────────────⥽

 

 

⥼───────────────────⥽ 👁 ⥼───────────────────⥽

 

The shadows EYDĺS once found comfort in no longer brought any solace; only terror. Walking a world where she was the only thing of certainty was lonely to EYDĺS, but it was not the solitude she had so readily welcomed in her youth. ÅSMUND was still present– in fact, he was even less willing to leave her side now than before. But despite the warm hand that guided her, EYDĺS felt colder than ever. No longer could they take trips to the secluded library for EYDĺS to read to him; no longer could she fulfill her promise to heal him of his wounds sustained during hunts.

 

Very rarely did EYDĺS want, and even more rarely did she allow herself to embrace desperation. Desperation deprived one of all rationale, and EYDĺS found that it often led one to their demise rather than the survival they clawed for. But after having been alone for so long; for being shrouded in darkness; for being cold. To be so dependent, to be so helpless, was lonely for EYDĺS, and all she truly wished for was reprieve from the blindness that had so wholly consumed her.

 

And so, for the first time in many years, EYDĺS prayed. To the All-Father, maybe, but also to any willing to listen. She pleaded and begged to the vast universe, and was soon blessed with a response. The presence was invisible, but EYDĺS knew it was there. Its hands, bearing a fleeting warmth that seemed to always be just out of reach, tugged the fur of her hooded cloak over her eyes. And it bid her that this protection from the cold would bring her to the light. 

 

It was dark again, when EYDĺS opened her eyes. She turned her head, and she saw ÅSMUND. He had stayed with her; he protected her, provided for her, and nursed her back to health. And now, she could finally repay the favor to him. She would re-learn to navigate the world, but this time, EYDĺS would never have to worry about being alone. No matter the cost; no matter who thought to stand in her way ever again.