Are
The creak of the bow and glint of the arrow froze his steps faster than any barked order ever could. A wolf, maybe even a bear, that he could handle. Look formidable enough of a threat that you weren't worth the flesh on your bones. He knew it by heart from the day he got his first knife and roamed the woods with his father.
Two-legged predators where a whole 'nother thing, far too jumpy and prone to send a sharp one straight through your heart if you as much as sneezed. Very reassuring thoughts as he stared down the shaft towards brown, steely eyes. He swallowed hard, a gulp that felt like it'd echo at least a fjerdingsvei and was loud enough to wake the dead. Or make a jumpy one let the string slip.
Are swallowed again, but nodded at the order. Without taking his eyes off the arrow he reached down with a shaky hand and unbuttoned the frog keeping his now beloved hand-axe safe. He dangled it between thumb and forefinger and tossed it aside.
Breathe.
He didn't even realize he'd been holding his breath until the first rush of fresh air streamed through his nose, a smell of damp moss and budding flowers coaxing his muscles to loosen a tad. His jaw unlocked with a lock-like click and allowed him to wet his lips. Another breath.
"Heil og sæl, I am Are. Please, I mean no harm. I am a cobbler with nothing to my name. Don't loose. I am just looking for someone."
Two-legged predators where a whole 'nother thing, far too jumpy and prone to send a sharp one straight through your heart if you as much as sneezed. Very reassuring thoughts as he stared down the shaft towards brown, steely eyes. He swallowed hard, a gulp that felt like it'd echo at least a fjerdingsvei and was loud enough to wake the dead. Or make a jumpy one let the string slip.
Are swallowed again, but nodded at the order. Without taking his eyes off the arrow he reached down with a shaky hand and unbuttoned the frog keeping his now beloved hand-axe safe. He dangled it between thumb and forefinger and tossed it aside.
Breathe.
He didn't even realize he'd been holding his breath until the first rush of fresh air streamed through his nose, a smell of damp moss and budding flowers coaxing his muscles to loosen a tad. His jaw unlocked with a lock-like click and allowed him to wet his lips. Another breath.
"Heil og sæl, I am Are. Please, I mean no harm. I am a cobbler with nothing to my name. Don't loose. I am just looking for someone."
