Broken Antler Fen meet me on the equinox

for @Cathal !

the two had been moving, now, for days. the small, yappy dog walked alongside the knight, of which walked a measured pace to allow his squire to remain by his side comfortably. golden-blonde fur rippled along his body as they went, his green gaze flickering from what was ahead of them down to his travelling companion.

and he would speak, then ; a man of few words, laced with the tongue of his past, thick and gaelic. before his words would form, he would give a small hum, and then they would exit his lips in stoic cadence and careful structure: you are curious of this new land? iseldur asked, tail swaying back and forth. hopeful for this future.

paler paws carried him, and he scanned the horizon, now. to their right, a large forest, dark and gloomy. their left, a tall mountain, grey and sharp, like a jaw of teeth. and right ahead of them, a lake that spanned for meters. curious as to where the pair would head first. likely the lake, should cathal wish for a drink. where you like?

Cathal knew to stay close, often running around the feet of his older companion. His curled tail always high, their travels had kept him in high spirits.

Accent for the most part adopted from Iseldur, he grinned up at him as he responded. How can I not be? They had never gone this far from home before.

Tail waving, his eyes focused on the lake in front of them. Rather than speaking, his answer was to bound forward.

voice of a higher pitch responded to the knight, and he found himself with an easy grin at his squires' words. and at his next question, the boy did not respond, rather he focused his gaze on the lake ahead of them and bounded towards it, making moves on stubby legs. the boy earnt a chuckle from iseldur, and he followed loosely behind.

then it is lake that we go, he rumbled, head tilting with a sort of confidence as they went. a contentedness lingered within his feet, carrying him along in melodic stride. again, verdant eyes would seek his companions smaller figure, smiling, now, as he said: you are thirsty, cathal? i quite need to bathe.

and although a blanket of winter sat underfoot, the lake ahead of them spanned a size large enough that iseldur did not think it would freeze. perfect to drink and bathe.

He gave an easy nod as Iseldur spoke. It would be a good idea for him to do the same, though pàpa usually did a good job of keeping him cleaned up.

After, where do we go? He asked with perked ears. He could smell wolves in the area, but he was unsure if Iseldur intended to enter their territories or avoid them completely.

He knew he would be left happy either way, for he knew that by the side of the blonde man no harm would come to him.

we be alert, cathal, iseldur instructed, firm in his words and yet gentle in his expression. eyes glanced over his mac, nodding his head. we find good people, but first, we drink, bathe, find game. something to eat, something to replenish them from their travels, and then they would sleep beneath starlight, and rise as the sun does.

he tested the air with his nose, then, the cold biting at his salmon skin. scents were faint on the wind, but they were not alone. you smell anything, gille? an almost mischievous glimmer behind his eyes, as if he were testing the boy and his senses. an encouraging smile upon iseldur's face as he gave a soft nod.

Head lowered lapping at the water, he soon lifted to sniff at the passing winds. Fowl? He asked, looking to Iseldur for approval.

He hoped be was right - it would be plenty a good meal for him.

Do you think ducks are still here? the snow that Cathal had to either hop through or be carried through most of the way said no, but some parts of the wilds could be warmer.

fowl, i am unsure, he said. the lake, still a dot on the horizon, though larger than it had been many minutes ago, showed little sign of activity. deer, likely.

and he looked down at the boy, then, smiling with a shake of his head. ducks? no. not unless there is blàth-àite for them to migrate towards. white carpet beneath their toes, darkening clouds within the otherwise pale sky made such a thing obvious to the knight. he moved through the snow with precision, guiding the smaller canine.

i bring down deer for you, cathal. they be weak from winter.

At the mention of deer, his eyes lit up. Let me help! though of course, his nips could do nothing against an ungulate no matter how weak they were.

He was always eager to help, always doing what he could to try and grow into Iseldur's much larger shoes. It was endearing, but his attempts were of course doomed to fail.

Despite this, his tail still wagged furiously as though something may change.

you try, beag-ridire, the man smiled, with a soft hum lacing his tone. the boy was endearing, yes. and although it was unfortunate that he may not be able to aid his athair on hunts, the boy could be his eyes ; his ears ; his nose.

iseldur saw his size as an attribute that the boy could use to his advantage, only wishing for his boy to grow into his abilities, rather than feeling he should grow into the wolves' paws. a breath, then, as he would gently nudge his arm against cathal's small body. and he would speak: but you are scout. no need for teeth ; use eyes.

encouraging. supportive. make haste, he looked at the sky, then. soon, darkness falls. water will be much colder at night, no good for drinking, nor bathing. and so he would hurry his pace, then, having the boy follow his lead, his pace.

feel free to fade with your next post! <3

Right - a scout. He was a scout. Cathal smiled, nodding to his pàpa. Yes! Simple words before he bounded forward on little paws.

His tongue lolled out the side of his mouth, every inch of him twitching in pure child-like excitement.