Nulburnad - Tumblr Posts
Character Introduction: Nulburnad Thorne aka Lim
Their charms might fool you, but never underestimate the close advisor of the King. They’ve got the city tightly clutched into their clawed hands, the young King their marionette. Better keep your heart safely locked away, for they would steal it too.
NULBURNAD THORN
thirties? | they/them | 180 cm | Half-Dragoneer | Bullmarian
Facts hold your feet to the ground
Mind wanders off, chasing the sound
Of the storm clouds that whispered of home
From in between the truth and what we see
The thunder calls out what we choose to perceive
Echoing the size of our world
Ooooh, time will pass, and reduce to ash, our bones
— Will Cady
[ 1 ] [ 2 ]
Prompt from:@oc-tober2023
[ I am not following the same order ]
~ Souvenir
Nimble hands ghost over the neatly folded papers and books that lie on the extravagant desk. The scribbles on it told her nothing, but the pictures intrigued her. The broom along with her duties long forgotten as she curiously bends over the desk.
"I’m certain there are more pressing matters you should attend to."
The sudden voice spooks her, nearly dropping her broom as she spins around to the speaker.
"I am so sorry. I didn't mean to, it's not ever going to happen again. Please." Her pleading eyes met Nulburnad casually leaning against the doorframe, one eye was glowing yellow and the other was black. "Forgive me."
The servant dips her head low, shivers running through her fragile body. She was properly scared.
Nulburnad had noticed it rather early. Those not opposed to showing their dislike for them openly, were afraid of them. It's nothing Nulburnad personally bothered to correct or diminish, perhaps they even found some kind of delight in it. Reminding them of better times, when others still had good reason to fear them.
Nowadays there is little reason to fear them at all. It was an unnecessary struggle in their eyes, trying to hold onto the past.
"Stealing is a fairly good reason for someone in your situation to be replaced." They enter their study room, a dark green silk robe billowing behind after each step they take. Nulburnad ignores the whimpering servant and instead goes over to check if all was still in place. It was.
"It appears your only crime today is slacking off on your work."
The young servant breaks down properly now, tears streaming down her face as she crashes to the ground, weeping as she presses her face onto the floor.
"Thank you, Your Highness. Your kindness is too much for me to take."
They lift an impatient eyebrow. "I can punish you, if you'd prefer." Before adding: "And its Sovereign."
"I no!" She sits upwards in an instant, eyes wide, "I-I mean no, your eh, Sovereign. Please don't eat me."
Nulburnad rolls their eyes. Their ignorance is a constant thorn in their eyes.
"I don't eat people." That was the truth, but they couldn't hide a small smirk accompanying their next words: "Too many bones."
Her eyes widened further. "I- I did not mean to disrespect you. It's just the rumours-" she bit down on her tongue, looking to the side.
"They are just that. Rumours. You should make up your own opinion." Nulburnad pushes their coat skirt over the chair, before sitting down at their desk. "No one from the east is eating human flesh. We are not so different from you as you may think. Check the facts first, before you believe what others tell you."
"Ooh." She clutches her broom tighter as she gets back to her feet, clinging to her Sovereigns every word. "So you can't breathe fire either?"
Nulburnad lifts a skeptical eyebrow, silently questioning her intelligence. "I cannot. No." It seems necessary to clarify.
She nods, one hand wandering to her chin, apparently there were more questions wanting to escape her.
"If that is all, you may leave-" They were about to dismiss her, when their eyes wandered to an empty spot at the corner of their desk. There was certainly something missing there. Something very valuable.
"Where is it?" Nulburnad jumps from their chair, pointing at the empty corner of their desk.
The servant blinks, following their finger. "I don't-"
"I have placed something very valuable right at the corner of my desk. Don't tell me it hasn't been there. I memorised all my prized possessions, you can't fool me."
She stutters, the tears once more daring to fall. "I-I was just cleaning. I didn't take nothing. I swear."
"Cleaning?" Nulburnad walks around the desk and right where it was supposed to lay, they bend downwards, looking below. There it was, fallen beneath the table, reflecting the light off the fire, it almost looks like it was calling for them. With relief they take the small trinket into their hands, dusting it off with careful hands.
"I-I didn't see it. I must have knocked it over by accident. It wasn't my intention to steal."
Nulburnad sighs, keeping it close to their person, shielding it from the servant's eyes.
"Do your task more properly next time. Now leave." They waited until she was out of sight, closing the door behind her.
Only then they walk closer to the fire, revealing a small silver ring in their palm. It had a very simple engraving on its top, lacking the elegance their currently worn jewelry exhibits. Silver too, wasn't a material they wore often.
Yet they clung to it, like it was the most precious item they possessed.
Turning it towards the light, the engraving reflected off the fire revealing the weak image of a wingless dragon. They smile at the memory attached to it. It had been a merry festival held in the east, to celebrate their dragon god Lim. Nulburnad had never gone to one before, but after relentless nagging, his friend convinced him to go and while there, brought this little souvenir for them, as a keepsake of their time together. A gift. A memory.
Nulburnad took off one of their golden rings and put on the silver one instead. It looked very out of place on their long fingers, but they did not mind the incompatibility.
Afterall, it did reflect Nulburnads relationship with their friend perfectly. He had been charming, warm and carefree. All qualities Nulburnad had been told they lacked. Nulburnad always knew what they wanted and they were good at getting it. That was just a fact. Emotions and needs of others played a very little role in it. Sometimes even his own were left behind. How else could one achieve their goals? How else could one keep their promises?
Looking at the ring, it seemed almost like yesterday when he had given them the souvenir. When Nulburnad's ambitions had cost their friendship. And yet they have no regrets. They are closer to their goal than ever before, and that tells them it was worth it. That was all the jewel was there to remind them of. The past can fade into the back of your mind. A souvenir cannot.
[ ~1050 words ]
(I really like where this was going and then I wanted to write their first meeting so here it is. Very long compared to the rest but it was so much fun!)
~Fun (?) 2
"Hey, you're good." Merko praised Ralof, after the training session ended, "Got me real good there for one second, if you hadn't hesitated, you'd have won."
At some point they all discarded the armour, since they only wield practice swords, they weren't too shy about a few bruises. On top of that, the armour didn't quite fit and made moving more difficult. In the end, the shirt went flying too. It was a hot day, despite the cloudy sky and a few looks from the other recruits, no one said a word.
"It didn't feel right, hitting a fellow guard. We're supposed to work together, not against each other."
"It's just training, they can't have us face off Underfolk right off the bat, we'd all be cursed at the end of the day." Merko explains.
"You think we all make it?" Salek asked for the tenth time today, "What if only one of us is being taken for recruitment?"
"Relax, Salek." Merko slung an arm around the bulkier man, "We will know by tomorrow, nothing we can do about it now. So stop asking."
"There is one thing we can do." Ralof says. "We should celebrate. We all did good no matter what the results will be tomorrow. We should have a drink together."
"Ooh, I couldn't agree more!" Merko clapped his hands together, "I know just the place, down the street is the best dwarven tavern in all of Skaeld and the prettiest ladies too." He winks.
"Ah, so is that where this Opelia of yours lives? She is the barmaid isn't she?" Salek turns to Ralof with a smile, "It's always the barmaids that gets you, you know what I mean, Ralof."
Ralof laughs. "I happen to know a few that work there. Just saying."
Salek whistles, "Merko you hear that! You got competition, you sure you can win against pretty boy when it comes to the ladies too?"
"What, you calling me unattractive?!"
Salek narrows his eyes, fingers pushed together, "Just a little ugly."
"Shut up." Merko boxed Salek and both laughed.
"Both of you are horrible friends. I won't introduce you to any of ‘em!" Merko makes a face.
Then Salek pinches his cheek, Merko pushes him off and suddenly they are all shoving and wrestling each other, laughter following their every move.
Suddenly someone clears their throat.
Seeing the old Commander suddenly stand in front of them, makes them all stand up straight right away.
"Commander." They greet in unison.
"You there." The Commander seems annoyed, pointing at Ralof with disinterest.
"Yes, sir!" Ralof answers right away.
"The Sovereign wants to see you. Right now. They're in my office." Without waiting for a reply the Commander turns around and goes back to the training fields.
"Recruits!" He shouts, "Gather up, the last one can go back home right away!"
Ralof turns to his two new friends.
"Guess drinks have to wait. You better get going." Salek says.
"They probably want to talk about me being late." Ralof bites down on his lip, nervousness spreading. Merko had said to better not raise their attention. "I'll better head there right away!"
"I doubt they noticed-"
Ralof already turned around.
"Wait! You should probably take on a shirt at least." Merko shouts after him.
"No, time! I can't be late again!" Indeed, what if they want to throw him out of the recruitment for being late! He better hurry!
"Ralof-!" He heard Merko shout after him but the Commander was already roaring over whatever he was going to say. Ralof sprinted as fast as he could to where he believed the Commander's office to be.
There was one heavy door at the outskirts of the wall. That must be it. Without further ado and without once slowing his sprint, he burst through the door, nearly taking it off its hinges as he stumbled into the room. He quickly catches the wobbly wood in his hands as it suddenly tipped to the side.
"Have your manners lost you completely, Comman-"
The Sovereign halts, turning around to find Ralof holding the door upright.
"I'm on time!" He breathes out, getting a quirked brow from the Sovereign.
"Have you lost your manners together with your shirt, recruit?"
"I- no, I just-" He wanted to move closer, but there was still a door in his hands. "Just one second, I can fix that."
With one pull he takes the door clean off to better inspect the damage done to it. On further inspection, it wasn't too bad. One hinge was only slightly off. It's an easy fix. He grabs the end of it and with a little push, has it back in place. With a triumphant smile, he heft the door back in its place.
"As good as new." He dusts off his hands, feeling the piercing gaze of the Sovereign on him.
"New?" They raise a questionable eyebrow and Ralof remembers Merko telling him they come from the east. Maybe they don’t know the saying.
"That means-"
"I know what it means." They snap and Ralof notices irritation in their voice. He might have just insulted them.
Slightly embarrassed he scratches the back of his head, showing them a nervous smile, "You wanted to speak to me? I came as quickly as possible. I thought-"
"You thought?" They interrupt, yellow eyes watching closely, "You thought breaking the door was the most sensible way to enter a conversation with me? I fear there weren't any notions behind your actions at all."
"Ah." He wasn't quite sure what the Sovereign was saying to him, but their gaze was enough to make him feel embarrassed for barging in, "I guess I was a bit too eager. Didn't want to have you waiting."
The Sovereign smacks their tongue, "Then you'd be the first."
The Sovereign looks around the room, sparse wooden furniture and wet corners are what makes out the Commander's office. They then draw a finger over the wooden table, watching it come off dirty.
They grimaced. "New is not a word I would describe this place with. It is a mess, not just visibly." They gesture towards a few scattered pages lying on the table, "No wonder the Commander even failed to tell me the number of recruits, if there even is enough space to take on new ones."
"I can go count them for you!" Ralof points out the door, already swinging around, noticing too late that he had just put the door back in place and almost ran into it for the second time this day.
"No need." The Sovereign stops his enthusiasm, "The Commander will do his job and make the recruits count in the courtyard for me right about now."
Ralof nods but then notices. "Then I won't be in the count."
The Sovereign gives him a deadpan look. "I am able to add one recruit to the list."
"Oh, good." Ralof breathed out in relief, "I can't be erased from the list already. I haven't even finished the day."
"Do you think you've done something to deserve to be erased?"
Ralof frowns confused over the odd question. "You just said the Commander is counting the possible recruits right now. And I am not there to be counted."
The Sovereign was frowning now too. Then they shake themselves out of it. Moving on:
"I've been watching the recruitment process for a few days now and it seems most of them come from the higher districts. The Commander did good work to spread the word there. Hard work just does not seem to be in their bones."
Ralof just listens, not really knowing anything to add.
"The lower district however, he seems to avoid." The Sovereign walks around the desk, now taking a seat in the squeaky wooden chair, "How did you hear of the recruitment?"
Ralof was quick to speak, happy to be of help, "The people around the market mentioned it. I heard they were recruiting down by the walls and I went there to sign up. They always like to talk about the things happening in the Fortress and the world and everything really."
The Sovereign nods, "How do you and your company like the process of the training so far? I assume you all come from the lower district."
"It's a great opportunity, I've always prefered doing something with my hands, you know." Ralof beams, so engrossed in talking that he simply took a seat opposite of them, "I've been training as a blacksmith before so I am used to long and exhausting days, but training together is more fun. Being able to share that with others."
"What would you suggest to do for someone that isnt used to this kind of physical work? How can they adjust?"
"Keep at it." He shrugs, "Getting a routine is helpful, eventually they adjust, but I'd suggest taking a few more breaks at the start to let them catch their breath. I never had the opportunity to do so, but I wish I had. It's important to notice your own progress."
The Sovereign seems to contemplate it for a moment, before they continue: "Did you hear of any other complains?"
Ralof wanted to grab is armour, realising he took it off long ago, "The armour doesn't really fit most of us. Whoever wore it before, must have been smaller." He laughs at that.
The Sovereign leans slightly forward, holding their head up with a hand dipped below their chin. Almost a smile gracing their features, as the shining jewelry around their wrist clink together, "Is that the reason why you took it off?"
Ralof shrugs, "And I was warm."
They were smirking now. "Of course."
Then they lean back again, always sitting straight as if wanting to touch the chair as little as possible.
"I've been watching you train. You're good with the sword, you have the skills to becoming a great warrior, but your compassion held you back. If you were out there, that hesitation could have cost you your life."
"Merko is not my enemy. Why would I want to hurt him?"
"He hurt you." They point out.
Ralof shakes his head, "He wanted to win, I can take it."
"And you didn't want to win?"
Ralof frowns. "No I wanted to win. I just…" he wasnt sure, it just didnt feel right in the moment.
"What if I tell you that you've impressed me today. That you can come back tomorrow. Practice as a full recruit and I promise you'll be rewarded for your hard work."
"Really?!" Ralof can barely belief it. He succeded, he had made it into the recruitment!
"All you'd have to do is tell me if there are any more complains, how the training is fairing and what you would change."
"Oh, I can do that. I like helping out and if you need someone to talk to, well, I am more than up for it." He smiles brightly, before getting off the chair, "I gotta tell the others, they'll be so happy to hear we made it."
"Not them." The Sovereign stops him, "It's not your companions I will recommend, only you."
Ralofs smile drops. "Then do they make it into the recruitment too?"
"That's up to the Commander."
Ralof was quiet for a moment trying to process that information. "So they might not make it."
"That is a possibility." They nod, "Would you decline my offer for an unlikely outcome?"
Ralof purses his lips, but there was not much to think about, "Yes."
The Sovereign seems surprised. "Don't you trust in their abilities to make it on their own?"
Ralof wasn't sure if he once again, insulted the Sovereign, he wasn't very good at reading between the lines, but even if he did, that was nothing that bothered him right now. What made him stand up straighter was the fact that the Sovereign seems to not value the guards code. Standing together or dying alone.
"Being treated differently isn't what I want. We're a team. We should support each other and have our backs. The success of one is not important when it doesn't benefit us all."
"You could make a difference on your own."
Ralof makes a disgrunted face, "The codex of the guards says to always act as a unity. It's a team effort. I wouldn't honour it if I were to accept your offer and I wouldn't be able to carry that title with pride."
"You actually read it." They muse calmly.
"Of course." Ralof pushes his shoulders back. What a silly question.
"I didn't actually write it." The Sovereign holds their chin up, "There were parts I wanted to change, but it seems many did not even take a glance at it. So you get my surprise."
"They said it's the codex everything was built upon. What do you mean, no one read it?" Ralof was confused.
"The Commander created his own codex on how to train his guards. He found it more effective."
"What? No that can't be."
"That's the truth." They look at Ralof more closely, almost studying him, but Ralof didn't know why they were telling him that. Were they messing with him?
"Then why give out the codex? If he doesn't follow it… It had reasonable points. We are a team, we are to protect the city, why would he not support that?"
"To quote him: 'No one has the nerve to read that many pages'."
"You read it." Ralof notices.
The Sovereign nods casually. "I have."
"But no one else..."
Ralof ruffles his hair, that was world shattering. The codex was solid, it was all why he had signed up to begin with. Then he remembers the warnings. His father, then at the market. They were right and he was a fool for believing otherwise.
Should he have stayed as a blacksmith? Had he made a mistake?
"You seem troubled by that."
Ralof couldn't answer the Sovereign. He let himself fall back into the wooden chair, arms and legs spreading away from him carelessly. Did he even want to know what he just signed up for?
"What does the Commander teach instead?" He dares to ask.
"Strength, skill and discipline. He sees the guards as an army. They are trained as soldiers and he picks them as such."
Ralof let out a loud groan, letting his head fall back, looking at the moldy ceiling. He suddenly felt cold, slinging his arms around himself. "Everyone warned me of that, but I didn't listen. I thought the codex meant something here. I wanted to help people. It was all I had hoped for."
There was no answer for a long moment and Ralof nearly looks up to see if the Sovereign was even still there. Then they spoke.
"I agree with the Commander. We need soldiers, not guards."
Ralof groans again, covering his eyes with his hands dramatically. He didn't want to be a soldier. He wanted comradery, he wanted to help people, support the inhabitants of the city, like he had promised, not fight where he was unable to listen to their concerns. How would he know what he's doing is even effective?
"If you want to change that, do so."
Ralof looks up surprised - not expecting encouragement from the Sovereign.
"I am giving you an opportunity here. Become a guard, hold onto your beliefs and one day take the place as Commander and then you can handle the recruitment as you see fit." They flick their wrist, "With approval from me of course."
"Is that why you became the Sovereign?" Ralof wonders, "You wanted to change the system?"
A shadow flickered over the Sovereigns face, the confidence they displayed throughout the conversation was suddenly replaced with a placid mask.
"My motivations are nothing for you to worry about." They deflect, "You have the skills on becoming a Commander in due time. You should take it. The city is not going to get saver, we need to be prepared for when the tides turn."
Ralof blinks. "What do you mean? What else could happen?"
"What is already happening, you mean." They take a deep breath, "The Underfolk are increasing, more and more people are getting invected by the Rot. It won't take long and the whole city will be down. So, I either find a cure before its too late or we get rid of those more unfortunate for the healthy ones sakes."
Ralof was stunned for a moment. Getting rid of the sick? Why is that an option. "We can't just abandon the sick ones. You swore to protect them."
"When they become a burden to the others, that is what needs doing. To prevent that from happening, you and the other guards need to be trained to counter the Underfolk increase. That too isn't a long term solution, but I am working on an alternative."
He never thought it would be that bad a situation. "There must be more that I can do. I want to help the people in the city, they are my family. We could work together in securing their safety."
"We?" The Sovereign lifts a curious eyebrow, "I have sworn myself to the people of the north when I took the throne. That is my burden to carry - not yours. All you need to do is play to your own strengths, aim for whatever ambitions you see fit. Let the safety of the city be my concern. As I said, I am working on it and you can hold me up to that promise."
"You can't possibly do all that alone. Let me help you." Ralof inches closer, "I can ask the people if they know of anything helpful, we can find out where it breaks through. We could help to inform the people on how they can protect themselves. We can all work together. Trust me, they would want to help too."
The Sovereign frowns deeply.
"I only discuss those matters with my advisors or the very least the Commander. You have no voice beyond the information I requested from you. Know your place, recruit."
Commander? Well, perhaps he did have to become the Commander then. It sounded surreal, he wanted comradery, not a rivalry, but perhaps it was necessary if he wanted to actually help the people. At least it got him talking to the Sovereign. It seems he was at the right place to achieve all he wanted.
"I accept your offer." Ralof outstretches his hand over the scattered papers on the desk between them, "Although, can you help my friends too?"
The Sovereign just looks at his hand, not in the slightest moving to take it.
"Already asking of favours. What do you offer me in return?" The Sovereign remained impassive, as they stared at Ralof.
What could he offer? There wasn't much he actually had and he doubted whatever he had on him, the Sovereign would want. Then he remembers the conversation he had with Merko and Salek. Looking back up towards the Sovereign he still barely saw them smile.
"I bet I can make you smile." Ralof grins, inching closer again.
"That is not even nearly a viable-"
"I can also offer you a hug." He stands up, arms outstretched, "I've been told I give the best."
The Sovereign tensed, but otherwise showed no reaction. "Do you not know who you're talking to?"
"Everyone needs a hug from time to time, no matter who they are." Ralof says, still standing with arms outstretched, only the desk in his way to reach the Sovereign.
The Sovereign looks at him for a moment, eyes travelling down Ralofs toned body, an approving eyebrow lifts for one second, before they meet Ralofs gaze again. A certain shimmer was in their golden eye that reminded Ralof of their jewelry.
"I decline." They say smugly. "What else you got?"
"Ah, then I have to make you smile to be even." Ralof looks at the Sovereign, "Are you ticklish?"
The Sovereign frowns, but there seems to be less vigor behind their expression than before.
"It is a very bad habit of you Nords addressing your Sovereign so casually. I am certain there is nothing about me that encourages it."
Ralof shrugs. "Can't say I ever met the former Queen, but she never invited me for a chat before." He purses his lips, "You seem very approachable."
"I do?"
"Yeah, I don't know how to say it." They gesticulate wildly towards the Sovereign, "Just easy to talk to."
They almost smile.
This is working, Ralof thought delighted.
"I won't stop until I succeed." Ralof smiles brightly himself, a playful glint in his eyes, “See. It feels nice to smile.”
"If you want to see me smile for you, you have to do better than that." The Sovereign challenges him, studying Ralof with a newfound interest.
He had noticed it before, but there was a dangerous shimmer in their golden eye. It was almost impossible to guess the Sovereign's thoughts, but their eyes dare to deceive them. They did not shy away in the least as Ralof studied them closer, leaning an arm onto the table between them. Trying to imagine how a smile would suit them. Would their eyes crinkle?
"Is that supposed to make me smile?" The Sovereign asked, though there was a hint of amusement in their voice.
"You have a nice smile, I can tell." Ralof grinned.
The Sovereign's lips quirked up slightly at the corners, almost imperceptibly.
Ralof saw it though and his grin widened. "See? I knew you could smile. It's not so bad, is it?" he said.
The Sovereign's gaze flickered back to Ralof's face and he saw the glint in their golden eye again. He felt a shiver run down his spine at the intensity of it.
"What is it that you want, Ralof?" the Sovereign asked, their voice suddenly low and husky. Ralof noticed that it had been the first time they had called him by his name. Ralof swallowed, suddenly feeling more than a little nervous. But he couldn't back down now.
"I want to help the people, like I said before. And I want to be your ally in that. But I also want my friends to join me.”
"Is that all?" They stood their ground, Ralof had the distant feeling that they wanted to hear something specific, but Ralof had never been good at guessing so he had no idea what it could be.
"I will tell you everything you want to know. And, well, I've been told before that I talk too much, if you give me a free pass, I could very well talk your ears off. So you can just remind me of that and I stop."
"You'd tell me everything? That is a dangerous promise to make." They watch Ralof unblinking.
"I'm an open book." He shrugs. "What do you say?"
"You are persistent, I'll give you that."
"So, you agree?" Ralof asks hopefully, stemming his other hand onto the table as well.
"Well, what do you say? Are we even?" Then the Sovereign smiles, a real proper smile. Ralof saw sharply pointed teeth peek through and he knew it. It was a beautiful smile.
It reached their eyes and made their stoic features so much softer. Attentive eyes never leaving Ralofs and he notices them barely ever blinking.
Ralof couldn't help but return the smile. It was infectious.
"You wanted to have a longer chat, right? I am free right now, I just need to grab my things and we can go." He turns to leave trying to remember where he had left his shirt and armour.
"I think you misunderstand our arrangement."
"You asked me to hang out with you. I got it clear as day." He opens the door, swinging it a few times to see if it will hold. "See, good as new. It will hold out a storm."
"The storm being… you." The Sovereign lifts a sceptical eyebrow.
Ralof rubs the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "I did fix it. I am good at fixing things, you know. I wasn't a blacksmiths apprentice for nothing. Broken doors were a common occurance actually. Now that I think about it."
"You may break the Commanders door as often as you like." The Sovereigns face showed no emotion, but Ralof could hear it in their voice - they were lighter, "As long as you do not break down my door."
Ralof laughs, heartedly, seeing the onsets of a smile growing in the Sovereigns corners as well.
Salek was wrong afterall. They can smile.
"I knew you were fun." Ralof stems both hands into his side, he had been right about the Sovereign from the start.
"Of course, I am fun." They smirk widely, an elegant hand dipping below their chin, "I can be anything I want to be."
[ too many words ]
RALOF REILIFSON
Prompt from @oc-tober2023
[ I am not following the same order ]
[ 1 ] [ 2 ]
~ Fun
"They seem important. Are they our trainer?"
Merko, the young recruit next to him, shook his head, "That's the new Sovereign. You remember the tournament held in the city? No one expected it, but they were the one competitor that won the throne. People call them the foreign scholar."
"Don't they live in the castle?" Ralof asks, confused.
Merko laughs: "That doesn't mean they can't leave. Despite, if we become guards, we'll be under their command. I guess they just want to inspect the new recruits. Get a better picture to decide who is worth coming back."
"Oh, so they will decide who can come back?" Ralof stands straighter, trying to catch the Sovereign's attention with a wave of his hand, "I could ask them, tell them of our ambitions and maybe get a good word in for the three of us."
"Are you mad!" Merko pulls him back, making him stumble. "You don't just go and approach someone like them!"
"Why not?" Ralof frowns.
"You have to be careful with whose attention you grab. I heard they are a real snob, just look at all the jewelry. They think themselves better than us and I don't want to know what they'd do with your enthusiasm. Better to stay down, friend."
"Merko's right." It was Salek that joined them, a close friend of Merkos, all three seemingly the only ones here today coming from the lower districts, "I heard they even yelled at the merchant's guild for making their floor dirty. Made them run back out with their tails between their legs. The scholar is daring and cunning and they don't understand no fun."
Ralof frowns. "That sounds stressful."
Merko laughs, clapping Ralof on the back. "Don't break your head over it. Trust me, they don't care one bit about us either."
Ralof couldn't quite believe that. After all, they were training to become their guards, they must care about that. Otherwise, why would they be here?
He takes another look up to the walls, the Sovereign stands tall, hands clasped behind their back, speaking with the older man, their Commander, beside them. They did not smile once and maybe Salek was right. They hadn't had any fun in awhile, hadn't smiled in a long time. Ralof wondered how anyone could want to live like that. He's certain that it can't be by choice.
"Hurry, Ralof." Merko shouted, snapping Ralof out of it only to realise that everyone was gathering to line up. Damn, he was late again.
"Coming!" He ran as fast as he could, seeing Merko and Salek have saved him a spot next to them.
[ ~ 400 words ]
As a blacksmith he was used to only working with his dad and at times alone too, but he had to admit, training together was already alot of fun. If working together would be the same, he might have just found his callig. If he makes it into the recruitment that is.
He looks up one last time and noticed the Sovereign was watching them now. As if they were feeling his gaze on them, their eyes meet and with a kind smile and a little wave of his hand, Ralof greeted them. No smile from the Sovereign however. Then the Commander roared for their attention and Ralof had to look away.
NULBURNAD
[ 1 ] [ 2 ]
~ History
The wind was ice cold so high up on the mountaintops, the path snakes along through the gaps of the rocks, unsteady and loose.
Nulburnad was cold when they arrived at the top, another reminder of their mortality.
There stood a statue, the image of a giant wolf with long teeth and three eyes looking down at the fortress below. The people of Skaeld had built it to honour their god, but knowing the god of mountains, its size did nothing to his real image.
"I need a favour." Nulburnad throws the dead rabbit they had carried onto the stoney ground in front of them.
Suddenly, the rock before them moved, it leaped into the air and landed only inches from them. Now in the form of a gigantic wolf, blaring its teeth.
"Not even polite enough to grant me a reaction, sibling." The wolf smacks his tongue, backing away disappointed at Nulburnads absence of a reaction.
"And all you bring me is a tiny rabbit." The wolf pushed the dead body with his paw, watching it flop over, "Should I eat you instead?"
"I am here on serious business."
"Why not chat with me first? I've met Arcos the other day, they said they wanted the items back they gifted you." The wolf cackles, a strange sound coming from a giant animal.
"You told them of me?" Nulburnad frowns displeased.
The wolf just walks around them, wagging his tail as he does, "I told them that you supposedly died. Thought you both were quite close to each other back then. Guess I was wrong. They were more interested in the lost treasure that you hid away. I still wonder, why did you come to me for help and not them?"
"I had to finish what I had started." Nulburnad says, serious.
The wolf flops down next to them, inching closer to the small Sovereign.
"You've made yourself quite cozy in the fortress have you not? Didn't the former Queen help in killing you? Sounds to me like you're after revenge."
Nulburnad scoffs, "I am not so petty. It's just a bad coincidence."
"Coincidence." The wolf muses, lifting his paws to draw the Sovereign closer to him, "Your heart tells a different story."
Nulburnad turns away from the wolf's penetrating gaze, his nosiness nothing they enjoy.
"I want to open mines into your mountain. Help the north support itself."
The wolf didn't seem eager to talk about business, as he flops down on his side with a huff.
"Whatever you want to do, you always have good arguments for it. Do what you must." The wolf yawns, scratching its chin, "I'm glad you came actually. Heard alot about you stirring up trouble with that one mortal. You're rather fond of him, aren't you? Ralof, isn't it? He is one of my most loyal followers. I could tell you what he thinks of you too." The wolf smiles a toothy grin.
Nulburnad heard their heart beat faster, daring to deceive them. "I came here to discuss the mines. The Nords respect you greatly, Ulgrim. They wouldn't let me proceed without asking you first. I wouldn't be here otherwise."
"What are you afraid of? You know I can read your thoughts." Ulgrim smiles delightedly as he plants his giant head flat onto the stone, one yellow eye looking closely at the small person beside him, "Oh, he reminds you of someone. He is not so different to Ral the sun god, your former friend. Both are very positive and honest personalities. Wearing their emotions on their sleeves. How very human of them. You do have a type, don't you? I can see the resemblance now."
"Get out of my head." Nulburnad hisses, irritation in their movements as they pierce the wolf with a warning glare.
"Then you shouldn't have become my follower, you know. I always wondered what was going on in your head. Even back then when we were racing through the lands. You were so distant, so cold, but I liked your ruthlessness." The wolf then lifts their head again, placing one leg over the other, thinking, "Wasn't Ral there with us? I've barely ever seen you two apart. He was always a delight, wins everyone's hearts so easily, doesn't he? I never thought he could melt yours too. You have a lot of history together. Don't you wonder how he is doing today? If he regrets killing you or do you think he would try again?"
"There is no need to think about what is no longer important. I came to you for matters that impact the present." Nulburnad stared at the wolf, daring him to say anything else about the topic.
The wolf hummed, Nulburnad knew he would have liked to say more, but at least he knew when to stop. It seems the respect they both had for each other, had remained.
Ulgrim walks to the edge of the mountain. Below them sleeps the fortress of Skaeld restless and vulnerable. After a while Nulburnad joins him.
"There are many that disapprove of your arrival. They fear the changes that you will bring, the ones you already made. The Nords value tradition very much - threaten their beliefs and they will cut you down."
"They wouldn't be the first." Nulburnad crosses their arms in front of their chest, looking passively down onto the city, "I am not playing their parent like the former Queen had, there is no need to coddle them. The situation is getting worse, change is inevitable."
The wolf snickers. "You always loved stirring trouble, speaking words no one wants to hear. Don't make it sound like you had no other choice. You're enjoying it, I can tell. It's why Ral cut you down too, there are only so many rules one can break without angering a few."
"Let them be angry then." Nulburnad says, "Someone has to say how is it. I wouldn't want to remain ignorant either. Besides, never thought you interested in the politics of mortals."
"Despite what our siblings say, I am not a feral beast like Shlaegor." The wolf growls, "I have my reasons."
They were silent for a moment, enjoying the night air, the blackened starless night sky pressing down on them from above.
"It's not so much the mortals that worry me. Some gods have become aware of your presence." The wolf was serious now, "Uwila has always been meddlesome in human affairs. She had asked me to investigate you and give her information."
Nulburnad looks at the wolf, the one confidant they entrusted their circumstances with and the one they had asked to keep it a secret.
The wolf cackles then. "I told her to suck it!"
Nulburnad found no amusement in it. Uwila was nothing but persistent. If they had raised her interest, she would soon send someone to investigate them.
"Even the old gods seem to take an interest in you. Seems like the old days, doesn't it? You are only here for a month now and already stepping on everyone's feet." The wolf speaks, restlessness making him stand back up on his paws.
Then he gets serious, head tilting downwards to better perceive Nulburnads small form.
"What I am concerned about is their constant presence. The old gods are lingering around my domain. They never cared for it before." The wolf fletched his teeth for a moment, a nervous habit perhaps, "I can live with you stirring up trouble with the mortals, but you are starting to attract the old gods, endangering my followers. Fate had watched Ralof rather closely as of late. I fear your meeting with him was entirely made by Fate themselves. So tell me, what have you done to get the old gods so interested?"
"Fate had sent the former Queen after me before, in an attempt to stop me. I am not going to fall for the same trick twice. If Fate wants Ralof to stand in my way, I will not be moved by it. The darkness has gone out of control and I will stop it."
The wolf tilts his head. "In all our history together, I never thought you had gained the title god of ice for your personality but I am starting to believe it now. Do as you please, but I draw the line at dragging my followers into your mess. We do not want the old gods here. If you keep antagonising them, I feel forced to act."
Nulburnad almost smiles at Ulgrims threat, it meant very little to them.
"Every god had turned a blind eye to the increasing darkness. As gods, mortals swear on our protection. Who else should be responsible for the misery that has befallen mortality if not to us. Your domain is said to have the highest increase of Underfolk, that should be something you worry about and not the interest Fate has in me."
"We were doing just fine hunting those bastards." The wolf bared his teeth, "It keeps them at bay and it will keep doing so. You're just holding onto your misplaced heroism because you're afraid that Ral has been right in stopping your madness!"
"Fighting them won't help the situation." Nulburnad remained calm, "You can't kill what's already dead. Don't you see? You're just avoiding the inevitable The darkness doesn't spare gods and if you keep eating them, you'll be the next to fall. They will devour you from the inside."
"Ral had killed you for overstepping all the boundaries there are. You are doing it again!" The Wolf barks, "I protect my domain as I see fit. Your criticism is not welcome here!"
"I am doing my responsibility as a god. I promised my followers protection and I will not let them down."
"And see where that has taken you. You are no god any more, dear sibling. Your influence is limited. Give up now, before it's too late."
Ulgrim looks down at Nulburnads small form. Mortal and fragile, but they refused to believe they hold no power. They had seen this coming. Friends and siblings turning on them, it was to be expected when Fate was on their game, but something they can look past. It's not their fault to not see clearly.
Nulburnad knew that they can succeed in their goal. No matter the cost. To achieve it, they could not waver, especially not when they want it the most. Even when they have to stand alone, facing friends and foes alike. Fate was nothing but persistent, but so could they.
Ral had caught them off guard once, it won't happen again with Ralof.
History will not repeat itself. This time, Nulburnad will be prepared and they will defy Fate and cure the darkness for good.
When your Sovereign says they'll be with you in a moment... zZzZz
man i love drawing 🤸 im becoming Even More of a linework person
*edit* set complete hohoho im very satisfied.. on to colour!
