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Post by Jesserell Haig on Jun 14, 2024 22:20:27 GMT -5
[Tag: OPEN]
Jesserell stood at the edge of the Lutrian camp, her stunning blue eyes scanning the horizon as the sun began to dip below the distant hills. The golden light cast a warm glow over the rolling plains, illuminating the clusters of tents and the faint trails of smoke rising from cooking fires. Her long, dark hair fluttered gently in the evening breeze, and she absentmindedly brushed a stray lock behind her ear.
Her son, Hedrick, played nearby, his laughter ringing out as he chased a makeshift ball with some of the other children. His blonde hair shone like a halo in the fading light, a poignant reminder of her late husband. The sight of him always brought a mix of joy and sorrow to her heart, a bittersweet reminder of the past.
Jess’ hands were stained with the remnants of herbs and salves, the familiar scents of lavender and chamomile clinging to her skin. As the local healer, her days were filled with tending to wounds, brewing poultices, and crafting salves for the various ailments that befell the nomadic tribe. Her knowledge of medicinal plants and her gentle touch had earned her the respect and trust of her people, and she took pride in her work, knowing it was vital to the community’s well-being.
She turned her attention back to the camp, her gaze lingering on the central fire where the elders were beginning to gather. Tonight, they would discuss the plans for the next journey, deciding which direction the tribe would take as they followed the seasonal migration patterns. The decision weighed heavily on everyone’s mind, for the path they chose would determine the prosperity and safety of the tribe for months to come.
Jesserell took a deep breath, savoring the crisp evening air. Despite the hardships of nomadic life, she felt a profound sense of belonging here. The Lutrians had become her family, their shared struggles and triumphs binding them together. She glanced over at Hedrick again, his exuberant energy a stark contrast to the weight she often felt on her shoulders.
"Time to come in, Hedrick," She called gently, her voice carrying across the camp. "We need to prepare for the evening meal."
Hedrick looked up, his bright blue eyes—so much like his father’s— meeting hers with a gleeful grin. "Coming, Mama!" He shouted, and with one last kick of the ball, he ran towards her, his cheeks flushed with excitement.
As he reached her side, she ruffled his hair affectionately. "Did you have fun?" She asked, her smile softening the tired lines of her face.
"Yes, Mama! I almost scored a goal!” He exclaimed, his enthusiasm contagious.
"Well, maybe next time you'll get it.” She replied, her heart swelling with love for her son. Together, they walked back towards their tent, the evening shadows lengthening around them. As they moved through the camp, the sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air, a comforting reminder that they were not alone.
For now, Jess allowed herself to enjoy the simple pleasures of the evening, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and decisions. But whatever the future held, she was determined to face it with the strength and resilience that had carried her this far. After all, she had her son, her skills, and the support of her tribe. And in this unpredictable world, that was more than enough.
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North
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46 posts
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Lutrian
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Post by Espen Varangr on Jun 15, 2024 11:31:45 GMT -5
Espen walked back to his tent, wiping an arm across his brow, exhausted from having spent the day repairing and setting up two tents that had collapsed. It wasn't exactly the hunt he had hoped to go on, but the Elder was confident that thane was more than capable of finding game without him. He was no tracker himself really, and with the herd having moved to parts unknown to them... Well, he hoped the man would bring something back.
The mundane work did little to keep his mind from the decision tonight. The tribe was used to moving. To setting up temporary tents for a handful of moons and then moving on as the herd of northern elk moved on. But this time...the herd had lingered in the same stretch of land for a long time, deeper into winter than they were used to. It was probably why some of the tents hadn't held up, as they were trying to imitate the permanent structures of the southerners when the canvas and hide and poles weren't used to so much wear and tear.
Although tonight would be the official decision, Espen already knew what the decision would be. In fact, he was tempted not to attend, as his voice, especially as the youngest member of the council, would change nothing. But...he wanted to show his respect for being given the honor of Elder. And his mother would hunt him down and drag him out from whichever woman he bedded tonight and that would be the end of him. So much for a glorious death.
His boots crunched against the frost hard grass. It hadn't snowed heavily yet, but he could taste it in the air. The skies were heavy with grey clouds, blocking out the sun as it sunk low. He glanced between groupings of tents, on a quest to retrieve his own daughter, who had, as usual, run off to find some of the older boys to play with. She was a tough girl, his Lise, and even at only five years, reminded him of her mother. She'd make a find warrior one day.
His familiar, Is, padded almost silently behind him. The frost fox was an independent sort, not often found so close to her person. But she was just as interested in his daughter's wellbeing as he was. Plus, meals were starting to become scarce closer to camp. With all the familiars around, it was easier to spend winter closer to the camp. The bright white of the fox's fur stood out in the camp full of beige tents, elk hide and mud. But due to the spiritual nature of the beast, rather than have mud stick to her paws, she left little frozen pawprints in it. She darted forward toward a pack of muddy children kicking a ball around, circling them at a distance and seeming pleased with herself that she had found their target first.
"Lise! What did I tell you about running off from Eira?" The woman wasn't his wife. Not yet. But while she had once been a slave he captured, she was fitting in quite well and the pair had a lot of...affection for each other. Plus, Lise seemed to like having a mother figure around. Mostly.
The girl ducked around one of the boys, the poor lad tripping over her and landing in the mud where Lise seemed perfectly capable of staying on her feet. She at least had the sense to look like she was in trouble. "She was busy making dinner and said I could play. I don't wanna make dinner," she said, scrunching up her face.
Espen couldn't help but laugh. He ruffled her hair. "I don't like making dinner either. Come on. I need to get to a meeting."
"Bout the mig-ation?"
"Migration, yes."
They made it around the next group of tents and then Lise was off again. "Hedrick!" Espen looked up as the young girl dashed toward an older boy, one she had probably just been playing with, from the look of the mud on both of them. He recognized Jesserell, one of the healers. He'd never sought her services, considering his brother was the shaman and he trusted the man more than her. But they had spoken on occasion and he had been friends with her late husband. It wasn't easy, losing the other half of one's family. He knew the feeling well. But he had also learned to move on. Winter was harsh. Love shouldn't be. "You wanna play tomorrow?" She stopped just short of Jesserell, almost like she might reach out and grab her clothes. Lise didn't really do personal space and if she had met someone once, they were basically family. "My Da said...he's gonna teach me archery."
"Your Da said no such thing, little warrior!" He called after her with a chuckle, shaking his head. Well, admittedly, he might. He wasn't so good at games and choirs around the house as he was at fighting and hunting.
"But Da!"
"Evening, Jesserell," he said, ignoring his impetuous daughter for a moment. Is trailed farther behind them, watching carefully. |
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Post by Jesserell Haig on Jun 18, 2024 23:56:36 GMT -5
Both Jesserell and Hedrick turned at the sound of his name being called out, a soft smile pulled at the edge of her lips after catching sight of the younger girl. She recognized her as Espen’s daughter, Lise. Her father was one of the Elders in the camp, and he followed not to far behind her. ”’Course, but it will have to be after chores.“ Hedrick said with a look toward his mother, who nodded softly in approval. Jess knew Hedrick was always excited to enjoy time with the other children, almost making her remorseful that he didn’t have any siblings.
At least there was Myre to help keep an eye on him, her familiar, though he tended to keep to the edge of the campsite. The wraith wasn’t big on being so near to camp, but every evening he returned to their tent and stayed close. The snowy looking wolf paced at the edge of the tree line, flicking his tail impatiently as he watched Jess and Hedrick. Her gaze returned to Espen as he offered a greeting.
“Good evening Espen.” She said with a dip of her head, then offered a half smile. “She’s quite the spirited one, you definitely have your work cut out for you there.” Jess gave a bemused smirk, looking back toward the children, Hedrick was already fast as work with a few snowballs.
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North
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46 posts
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Lutrian
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Post by Espen Varangr on Jul 15, 2024 17:44:50 GMT -5
Lise looked back at her father with a slight frown and then proceed to explain to Hedrick what little she knew about archery to the older boy. Probably he knew something more than she did, but Lise was rather chatty and very determined to explain everything she knew. Though she wasn't so stubborn to not include any more experienced information given to her. In fact, if Espen didn't know better, he might think her topic of conversation a ploy to get Hedrick to teach her.
Is caught up to Espen's side, the white fox keeping a wary eye on the other humans about. Espen glanced down at her with an amused smile and then back up to Jess.
"She is...much more of a handful than my last one..." He had a teenage son, Jesper, who he had "helped" raise when he was younger, but Espen and the boy's mother didn't exactly get along. Not to mention he had been young himself and not really great at the whole "parenting" thing. He still really wasn't now but with Lise's mother passed, he had to do something. And while he had help, there was something about knowing he was her only family in the world that made him tried to be a better father. Or...at least be present. That was a bridge he was still repairing with his son.
"How are the two of you holding up?" He asked.
Lise too wasted no time in dashing for cover, coming up with a snowball of her own. Her aim was pretty good for her size, but she wasn't very great at long distances, so she had to figure out a way to get in close without getting creamed. Which of course she found hilarious anyway. |
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Post by Jesserell Haig on Jul 21, 2024 20:27:20 GMT -5
Jesserell chuckled, her eyes following Lise's enthusiastic attempts to share her knowledge with Hedrick. "She's got quite the spirit," She remarked with a fond smile. "Reminds me of myself when I was her age, always eager to learn and even more eager to share what little I knew."
She glanced at Espen, her expression softening with empathy. "Parenting isn't easy, especially when you're trying to navigate it alone. It sounds like you're doing your best, and that's what matters. Lise needs someone who cares and is there for her, and it seems like you're doing a great job."
At Espen's question, Jesserell sighed softly but offered a reassuring smile. "We're managing. Some days are harder than others, but we find our way through. It helps to have moments like these, where we can find a bit of joy amidst the chaos."
Her gaze followed Lise as she dashed for cover, a snowball in hand. "She's got a good aim for her size. With a bit more practice, she'll be quite the sharpshooter," She said with a grin. "It's these small moments of happiness that make all the struggles worthwhile, don't you think?"
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