#thedeserthowler

The cold sat as a mist gently gliding along the water, as if the ghosts of the sea wandered in a fog, carried by the brisk northern winds. Vigor stepped forward, pulled out a spyglass and scouted the sea ahead.

A simple nod towards Galmar as the general and Ulfric made hushed conversation while Vigor kept his eye on the ship, the ethereal waves breaking against a Harpie as it parted the sea with ease.

The whole matter was unassuming. No more than the Thane and his right-hand alongside a small garrison of guards. Vigor was simply a mediator in the war who could be trusted to escort royalty; a neutral party, able to hold their own on the field and in a formal court.

Vigor slowly lowered the spyglass as the ship docked into the quiet bay. Everything hushed. The Sandsnake itself did not bare a grand cloth on its sails. Vigor took in every little detail, the drum of the cold wind beating against his ear the only thing keeping the silence of the affair at bay. Noting the few guards, as well as one alongside her company donned in an array of small daggers. He hadn’t prepared for the strange brass masks that covered them, though any mistrust was left unspoken, broken as Uflric spoke, his voice commanding against the rushing wind. A simple greeting from Galmar, and the more formal matters where left to Vigor.

He slowly stepped forward. Removing a glove as he leaned in with a careful grace, gently taking her hand. Only with heavy preparation did his voice not falter. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Your Majesty.” Vigor spoke with clarity amidst his Nordic drawl. “I’m Vigor. A mediator---”

He stopped. Running a careful thumb over her hand before the world paused, the roaring wind of the sea silenced by a thunderous shout overheard. His breathing heavy as he searched the sky. His face darting to Galmar. The fear echoed out in silence until Galmar call out against the sky- “Dragon!”

Vigor gripped Plava’s hand, pushing her forward as he began running, trying to shield her as a stream of fire rained down. Blocking out the screams as he focused everything on a small inlay of rocks. Ducking them both down he turned her around to look at her. There wasn’t a moments hesitation in his panicked state. Vigor ushered her into the safety of the small cove, shielding the entrance with his back.

The small garrison were falling as he watched on. “You need to stay here.” Begging her as the last wail of a guard as they crashed to the ground beside them; their body frozen, but their bow was fine.

Three Things You Associate With Me

Vigor still wasn’t used to sleeping in. But he’d been so tired lately. He wasn’t a young man no more.

He hadn’t awoke, till he felt Amber on his chest.

“Mhmm.” Vigor mumbled, his eyes tired and his old bones heavy. “Morning!” As excitable as ever, her red hair bobbing around as she jumped up when she heard him, her hair gently falling over her face. “Get up!”

Vigor meekly mumbled again. Tired, but still grinning. She was so sweet. Amber often woke him on days like this. She whimpered like a begging puppy, curled up on his chest as he slowly lifted himself from bed. “Morning, Pup.”

He lifted her up. She was still small, even for her age. He could still enjoy carrying her around, giving her piggyback rides and just holding her in his arms. “You’ve had breakfast, right?” He asked, still smiling. The tiredness melting away as his morning was bright just at her sweet presence.

Amber eagerly nodded. “You’re going to show me the forge today, right?” Her voice could barely contain her excitement. Blacksmithing was not the most exciting job, but Amber was keen about every little thing. She listened just as intently at his old stories about his travels as she was about new plants, small bugs, or the rain.

“Well, what did your mother say?” A slight laughter in his voice. Amber could easily hide truths by being so keen and excited, because she was always keen and excited. “She said yes!” Amber peaked up. Vigor gave her a sly little look, raising his brow and smirking down at the young girl. He poked his head around the corner, shouting across the home to Gwen, lighting the hearth. “Gwen! Can Amber come to the forge?”

“I said no such thing.” Gwen shouted back, less amused than her husband at Gwen’s little lie. He looked back down at Amber, trying to hide his smile. Vigor trotted over and knelt down beside his wife. With gentle, calloused hands he swept back the bold red hair the two shared, and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll be careful.” Honest and gentle he whispered. Still not amused, she give him a slight hint that she accepted it.

Vigor walked back over, still grinning. “Come on, Pup.” He would be careful. He was always careful, and Gwen understood that.

When Plaava found him, Haaki was clapping his hands together and blowing on the fingertips, trying to fight the cold out of them. The gloves were a welcome addition and he was so eager to put them on, he didn’t get around to thanking her until his hands were snug inside.

Vigor’s initial stun quickly faded into merry joy. A warm smile blossomed on his face as he looked down at the young lady before him. “Thank you.” He managed to not shutter, but he was still visibly flustered. “I haven’t gotten you anything.” He muttered that, feeling bad that he hadn’t given her anything. “I’ll get you something, I promise.”