Neverwinter Forest gravesinger

@Callyope (forgot to tag you :p) but also AW

wind carried the scent of the pack long before Kalyska reached their borders. it was strong and layered—pine resin, mountain air, and the unmistakable musk of wolves living and thriving together. she paused just beyond the scent line, her paws sinking into the snow as she took a steadying breath. this was it. the choice she had made in the frozen silence of solitude now brought her here, to the edge of a new beginning.  

her hazel eyes scanned the expanse before her, the rugged terrain of Forneskja stretching out like a promise and a challenge. wolves moved in the distance, their shapes sharp against the white backdrop of snow, and their presence made her stomach twist with nerves. Kalyska had been part of a pack before, but that had been a lifetime ago—before the wildfire, before her purpose had been reduced to ashes.  

she wouldn’t falter now. Sólhárr had seen something in her worth inviting, and she would not waste the chance to prove him right.  

tilting her head back, she let out a clear, deliberate howl that cut through the still air. It wasn’t a plea or a demand, but a declaration: she was here, and she sought to join.  

as the echoes faded, the forest seemed to hold its breath. she waited, her ears perked, her stance firm even as the seconds stretched on. when movement finally stirred at the edge of the trees, Kalyska’s muscles tensed. wolves emerged—broad-shouldered hunters with watchful eyes, their stances wary but curious.

a woman of warm colors, soft and inviting.

callyope drew near without a second thought. she knew the eyes of forneskja would let no dangerous stranger stay long on their borders.

you have found forneskja, her first words were strong but warm. she did not exactly carry the heavy presence that her beloved @Solharr did. in this way they balanced each other.

what has brought you, wanderer?

head lowered, Kalyska offered no sign of challenge. she took note of the softer tones of the other woman's voice, a stark contrast to the man who pointed her here.

Told to come by Sólhárr. Say good place for learn, for grow, for belong.

she lifted her crown slightly, her hazel eyes meeting hers. she held no malice, purely desire for the opportunity to grow.

he say seiðkona waits.

for a moment, she was silent.

gaze looking over the woman for anything that might need assistance. sometimes even wounds of the soul showed on the flesh.

regardless — it is Seiðkona who sees you now. her voice rang with gentle tones.

belonging takes time, but learning and growing make it happen. there was appreciation when she spoke. perhaps she had a bit of a soft heart for those still learning, those who welcomed change and its growth. perhaps because she still did such herself.

what is your name?

lifting her head, she held herself with confidence. father was meek, she was not and had no desire to follow in such shadows.

Kalyska. there was a warmth, empathy the way one who cares for others, the way one stood by the side of another taking their final breaths so their journey to the other side was not alone.

In training to heal but fire take home. I wander days but heal many. Sólhárr hurt by badger but let me help. Desire to finish training to be better help.

kalyska.

a woman who had suffered so great a loss — and yet kept walking despite it. into the unknown, into forneskja.

seiðkona is a woman softened by this. too often had she seen loss now.

your training here would be fulfilling. start here and then i might send you to family villages for learning, too. there is no shortage of healers in the wilderness it seems. this is a good thing. it means there will always be someone free, someone able.

if hárkonungr trust you enough to mend, then i do too. come with me.

she is inviting and encouraging now.

Kalyska dipped her head respectfully, her hazel eyes softening as she regarded Seiðkona. the words were a balm in themselves, soothing the raw edges of doubt that still clung to her heart.  

I not waste chance, she said, her voice steady despite the weight of her emotions. Wander long without purpose.

her gaze lifted, filled with quiet determination. Show me where begin, I not falter. My paws steady, my heart ready.

Kalyska straightened, the hint of a faint smile touching her lips. Thank you, Seiðkona.

the girl is not so young, but callyope feels as though she has gained a younger sister.

perhaps it is a flaw — looking for more sisters in each feminine face she claims. yet she knows there is no peace in her spirit without the presence of the feminine.

i will show you the Heimtré and there you should rest, you should eat. for it seemed as though she had endured much. then you should see our Læknir @Iruna — perhaps our Sögumaðr @Rokkur too.

she wishes for the woman to meet all of the faces forneskja had to offer.

yet she thinks this is a good starting point, such strong forces of the heart of forneskja. they will guide her well in recovery and teachings.

i have faith in you, kalyska.

Kalyska’s ears twitched, and a faint smile softened her expression. Callyope’s words warmed something within her, like the first rays of sunlight breaking through a cold, clouded sky.

thank you, she said softly, her voice carrying a quiet sincerity. Heimtré sound like place of much peace to be able to eat a meal without looking over her shoulders offered her a sense of comfort, a sentiment that was starting to become foreign. 

her hazel eyes glimmered with curiosity as she lifted her head slightly. Iruna, Rokkur... she tested the names on her tongue. new stories to learn from others offered valuable knowledge, something she noted she would need to understand the traditions held.