Neverwinter Forest It's called: Freefall

for @Cicero Dvořák

Pangur strolled through the campsite, a skip to her step while she rounded the Heimtre. In her jaws, the limp form of a particularly meaty rabbit. She had said a prayer for it, its death had been swift and clean, and its spirit offered to the gods. 

On the other side however, she saw a figure she did not recognize. Not the brawny hide of Luhtar, or the huntress' figure of Eydis.  Round ears pricked with intrigue, and she wasted no time in bringing herself closer, the rabbit placed gently onto the ground in the meantime, freeing up her jaws for words. Hallo! You are new here? Pangur weaseled her way over, a curious gleam dancing in warm hazel eyes, mischief veiled beneath.

@Pangur

after a long and early morning spent familiarizing himself with the land—and simultaneously scavenging around for any herbs that fought against winter's icy grip—the rekkr's limbs ached. his hind leg was always his foley, and it seemed it'd be cumbersome until the weather warmed up and the chill no longer made the underdeveloped muscles ache.

resting by the home tree, his eyes were closed, and he wore an expression of serenity. the land was beginning to feel like his own, or perhaps like home. it was getting acquainted with the rest of forneskja's populace that was proving to be a stubborn endeavor. 

perhaps he'd have to try harder at being social. 

there's a feminine voice that calls out to him, one unfamiliar. his ears pivoted before his head did, and he found himself leering at the dame, who wore a pelt of coppers and creams. a spritely thing she seemed to be. cicero forced a polite smile, a bow of his head. a sign of respect.

"hello. i am—i just joined not too long ago. i am cicero." he greeted, voice even and calm.  

his eyes drifted to the plump rabbit that lay stiff at her paws. "you must be swift on your feet."

As she got closer, she took in his figure, dusky greys and deep charcoals; alike the feathers of Odin's ravens. And! Poor thing! He looked skinny! Cicero. Sih-ser-oh. Oh no, a challenge on her tongue a she tried to parrot it back to him. It is good to meet you, Si—...See-cero... 

A moment of silence between them, and Pangur stared ahead with her maw slightly agape. Butchered, utterly. What a wonderful first impression she was making.

Shoulders rolled back, trying to quickly move past that. She would straighten her posture and fidget with her paws against the earth. I am Pangur! She exclaimed next, light-tufted chest puffed out. 

Her attention trailed down to the rabbit at her feet, and she offered a nod Oh yes—Pamgur is quick! but mostly lucky see? Its leg caught a root in the ground as I chased. A golden paw inched forward to nudge at the rabbit's hide, her head shot back up in an instant, eyes gleaming as they matched with his own. Would you like it?

a rarity of a chuckle rumbled in his throat. warm and amused, though it wasn't his intention to pick fun at her strife. "the pleasure is all mine. if it may be easier for you, you can call me cic." he offered. an olive branch, a potential for more than just acquaintanceship. a small, foreign part of him, the one so used to being alone, wished she'd take it. 

pangur. such a unique name for a unique woman. he made note to remember it. once again his silver gaze fell to the hare that laid between them. his chest bloomed with a warmth long forgotten at her inquiry. 

part of him felt guilty, as he could offer her nothing in return. with a pleasant grin, he nodded, the hunger that often clawed at his insides rearing its ugly head. he rarely often could indulge in a fresh meal. 

"i would love to accept this...but are you sure? i am in no state to return the gesture. i...can offer you nothing but company, i'm afraid." hopefully, that was enough. his tail swished once, twice, an amicable gesture.

Pangur felt a weight lift from her shoulders as he offered a shorter, far easier version of his name for her to speak; she would take it, though a part of her did feel guilt for struggling. Names were of great importance, after all, she did not wish to make him shed his own for her comfort. Cic! It is a nice name, Pangur will just have to practice. She assured with a light-hearted laugh, and let her ear flick briefly. 

Pangur's tail thumps against the ground once, then twice. The silver of his eyes gleamed at her offer, muted and almost shameful; there was nothing to feel shame for! Yes—take take take She lowered her muzzle to shuffle the rabbit to the base of his paws. I will catch many more, for you and for the others! If you are careful with your teeth, I will clean and prepare the hide for you, and you can use it for your den, or, whatever you like. It is small but ah- it is a start. 

She would settle next to him, lighter haunches meeting with the frozen ground, her nails clawed shallow indents into the wet snow. Company is the greatest of offerings. I accept. She flashed him a grin and let out a short exhale, allowing him to eat a little before she spoke again, making conversation. How did you come to join Forneskja?

i am so sorry it took so long for this response! ;;

cicero accepted the hare pushed to his paws with a grateful, small smile. she was so kind, so giving; a wonderful hunter, too. a gift to forneskja. "you are very kind, pangur. thank you for this gift." he hummed politely. guilt set aside, he lowered his muzzle to dig into the hare's stomach. carefully, as she had suggested; the pelt would be a nice and warm addition to his rather desolate den. a large part of him wished that he could be more useful. that his leg wasn't lame, and that he could join her on a hunt. it was a pleasant thought, one he'd hold onto. perhaps if he continued to try and strengthen that limb...

after swallowing a mouthful, he lifted his head to peer at her. "i'd been aimless for a while, before sólhárr found me. for reasons unknown, he saw...promise within me. led me here." he paused, thoughtfully. "i was a healer once, long ago. i hope to continue my craft here." it was a blessing, he felt. that he'd been allowed a second chance, within a kin so giving and strong.

"what about you, pangur? how did you find yourself here?"

No worries whatsoever! :)

She listened with perked ears and fervent enthusiasm for his story, a healer for their ranks, and what a delight too! Pangur was a disaster of reckless injury.

So Solharr had approved of him personally... Pangur needed nothing else to know that he would be a fine addition to Forneskja's ranks. You will see much of me, if you do continue to heal. She gave a half laugh, lowering herself more casually onto her stomach.

I was traveller most of my life! I have walked a million steps and more, met many peoples and learned of their ways. Still, there was a spark of passion for this, even if she had planted roots here. But, I travelled alone when I left those places, so I fed myself. I ah- challenged the wrong mountain cat for his deer, so he cut me up for it. Ears pinned back in flustered embarassment, she extended a peachy forelimb to him, where feint scars of cougar's claws had made their way onto her body. I came to the borders to ask for help! Solharr brought me back and Callyope saw to my wounds.

A soft breath fell from her jaws, tender and certain, the words that came next. I.. could have gone when i healed but.. I believe the gods are closest here, and.. I might be a little too attached to go now. It is.. the first home I have had for a very long time. I am grateful for it.