Neverwinter Forest longfur

the glade lay quiet, blanketed in frost that shimmered beneath the pale light of the winter sun. sólhárr's towering figure stood amidst the stillness, his fiery pelt stark against the cold, muted hues of the season. the air was crisp, each breath forming soft clouds that dissipated into the sky.

he stood still for a moment, head bowed slightly as he surveyed the land around him. then, with a deep inhale, sólhárr tilted his head back, his lone golden eye catching the light as a haunting, resonant call broke the silence. it echoed through the trees, a summons carried on the wind to wherever @Kalyska roamed.

he waited, his gaze steady, ears flicking to catch any hint of movement. his stance was calm yet expectant, the weight of his presence undeniable as the glade seemed to hold its breath. he called not out of urgency, but with purpose, a steady thread of connection extended to her.

the call reached her like a ripple over still water, threading through the frost-laden trees and brushing against her ears with a haunting familiarity. Kalyska lifted her head, her breath curling in the cold air as her hazel eyes flicked toward the direction of the sound.  

gathering herself, she rose from where she’d been pawing at a patch of frozen earth and started toward the sound, her steps deliberate yet unhurried.  

as she entered the glade, the sight of him brought her to a halt. Sólhárr stood like the breaking of dawn, the heart of a furnace keeping the cold at bay.

call for me she said softly, her voice carrying through the crisp air. her tail swayed lightly behind her as she stepped closer, her gaze meeting his without hesitation. assist need?

not this time, sólhárr said, his golden eye steady on her. the glade’s frost caught in the fiery hues of his pelt as he shifted slightly, his breath misting in the cold air.

i wanted to see how you are settling in, he added, the weight of his voice softened by genuine curiosity. he studied her, the way her frame carried itself, the flicker of confidence or doubt in her expression. forneskja demanded much of its own, and he needed to know she was prepared to meet it.

is it what you expected? he asked, tilting his head slightly, his focus unwavering.

Kalyska met his golden gaze, her hazel eyes steady despite the quiet storm of emotions she carried. she shifted her weight slightly, the frost crunching beneath her paws, and let the silence stretch for a beat before speaking.  

it... more than expected, she admitted, her voice thoughtful, though not uncertain. long time since surrounded by so many. quiet of solitude... lingers.

She glanced briefly toward the edge of the glade, where the forest stretched endlessly beyond, then back to him. but i adjust. i start gathering herbs to build cache. small but it a start. her tail flicked lightly behind her, a gesture of resolve.  

pack feel strong. purposeful she continued, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

this is good, sólhárr rumbled, the approval evident in his low voice. his golden eye remained fixed on her, the weight of his gaze as steady as the ground beneath their paws.

he tilted his head slightly, considering her words, the faint flicker of a smile that touched her features. is healing what you wish to do? he asked, his tone carrying genuine curiosity.

his breath curled in the cold air between them, his imposing frame somehow softened by the openness in his question. he waited, patient, as though her answer held the weight of shaping her role within forneskja.

Kalyska’s ears flicked at his question, her gaze dropping momentarily to the frosted ground. rhe weight of Sólhárr’s words pulled her thoughts to the surface—ones she’d long kept buried.  

not always she began quietly, her voice carrying the remnants of old uncertainty. healing was expected of me, skill that would make me valuable, desirable, asset the pack could trade away.  

she lifted her gaze to meet his, her hazel eyes steady now despite the memories lingering in their depths. long thought it was just that—so i  begin learn. it became way to distract from that fate.

she paused, her voice softening. but, i see the way healing holds it own power, to pull someone back from death, see new life come into world... it something sacred. something i grow to care for.

then you shall be our jurtvörður, sólhárr said, his golden eye steady on her, his voice low but firm, carrying the weight of his decision.

he stepped closer, his presence commanding yet calm, like the sun breaking through the frost. you will tend to the earth, to the cycles that bind us all. your hands will cultivate life, healing the wounds of both wolf and land. a sacred duty, one that speaks to your skill and reverence.

his gaze softened slightly, though his tone remained resolute. this is more than expectation. it is purpose. strength. you will not be traded, nor cast aside. you will be rooted here, kalyska, as vital as the forest that surrounds us.

he drew back just enough to see her expression, waiting for her response, a faint flicker of something proud glinting in his eye.

the warmth in Sólhárr’s voice, the weight of his words—it was unexpected, striking her in a way that made her chest tighten.  

jurtvörður, she repeated softly, the word tasting unfamiliar yet fitting on her tongue. her hazel eyes shimmered, caught between surprise and humility as she lifted her gaze to his. i... thank you, hárkonungr.

her voice was steady, but the faintest hint of a blush warmed her cheeks beneath her fur, the vulnerability of being seen—not as a tool, not as a transaction, but as something vital—settling into her heart.

she dipped her head slightly, a gesture of respect and gratitude with a resolve rooted in gratitude and purpose. thank you, Sólhárr, for seeing me.

you’ve earned it, kalyska. the words rumbled from him with a finality that left no room for doubt. sólhrárr stepped closer, his golden eye locking onto hers, unwavering.

this role isn’t given lightly, he said, his tone carrying both gravity and trust. it’s yours to carry, to shape, to strengthen. i trust you’ll do it justice.

he lingered for a moment, his presence solid and steady, before giving a small nod. you are seen because you deserve to be. remember that.