Hushed Willows Heart Beat Here

The last note of Njord’s song waned, echoing into the silent winter twilight. There was no applause from the  audience of bare willow trees… and for a moment he thought himself a fool. With Raven’s Watch disbanded, how would she ever still be here? Njord’s lips tightened as his gaze flicked about in the fading light. It was getting colder. Sapphique would expect him home.

But then, a miracle.

Valmúa emerged from her hiding place, distinct golden ruff and slender figure unmistakable to Njord’s keen sight. Had she been here all this while? They quickly closed the distance between one another. Njord’s heart jumped into his throat. He had dreamt of her nightly since being bested by Kigipigak and had allowed his imagination, and heart, to run wild with affectionate fixation. Now she was here, in the flesh, and Njord remember that they barely knew each other.

This fact didn’t stop his fast approach. But, now Njord could see how the hard season had weathered her body. Her once strong frame was gaunt… fur dull and thin. She seemed fatigued, or run down, and her demeanor was unusually soft and reserved. Gæludýrið mitt, how long it has been, she whispered with a lyrical accent. A pang of guilt shot through him. He had waited too long to call upon her.

Njord wasted no time to close the remaining space between them. Though he wished to scoop her up and embrace her tightly, the seafarer was not certain she would have him. He reached out to gently press his nose against her cheek. First contact.

“Too long,” Njord admitted, voice wan. “Valmúa, you are ‘ere alone?” he asked, “I passed through tha Raven’s Watch… ‘an tha borders had faded. I thought you ‘ad gone… Where’s Kigipigak?” He was shocked she had been left to fend for herself through such a terrible winter season. He traced Valmúa‘s cheekbone to the ruff of her ear and began to preen her fur as Erzulie had, to comfort the beauty. A bubbling brew of anger, guilt, and affection boiled in his breast.