The Sun had started to rise from its slumber, rays of warmth started to crest over the horizon and fall upon Aegrihamn. Despite the hour, the city was already coming to life as the merchant tents were teaming with those in search of the best deals. Clouds of smoke and noxious fumes hovered over the alchemy table as a pair of novice Kobolds worked industrially on learning their craft. The ground moaned the arrival of a quartet of Troll warriors as it vibrated under their lumbering steps. The Kobolds retreated towards the corner, keeping a close eye on the mammoth beasts, not wanting to be crushed beneath one of their massive feet. Nearby a crabby dwarf argued with his trainer about the length of time and dedication it would require to master the way of the Modi.

Resting against one of the immense walls, Joridgend sat and observed his surroundings. To his left sat a pile of supplies, a mixture of wood and feathers, he had gathered before the merchants grew to busy. Materials that would be transformed into finely crafted arrows that would pierce even the strongest armor. Leaning against his ride side was Nautiza, his hunting companion. The white haired wolf was ever loyal, keeping close to Joridgend’s side through even the most gruesome battles. The animal’s eyes remained closed as it shifted its weight and rested its head on his master’s lap. A soft whimper could be heard from the wolf when Joridgend gently rubbed the scruff of the wolf’s neck.

To passing onlookers, most would see a serene scene, Man and beast joined through Nature as they welcomed the morning. The reality was they could barely move if they wanted to. Their bodies were racked with pain and injuries from the previous night’s venture to Caledonia. Though the pain lessened as the hours passed, it still lingered as a harsh reminder to their failure on the battlefield.

The demise on the battlefield caused Joridgend to question his way of being. Months have been spent following the advice of the House of Skadi. The advice he received often help Joridgend determine his path. Over this time during his hunt in the vast wilderness, Nautiza was often his only companion. The few times it differed were when Chaelyn Darksong was present. The woman’s guidance under the house of Thor was a welcomed edge in dealing with the Morvalts and the murderous fawns around Bjarken. Her companionship helped to alleviate the depression of the worst weather conditions. But over recent weeks, other chores kept both from crossing each other’s paths and away from the hunt. Even with the lengthy departure, the fire still burned within.

The solitary night never bothered Joridgend before, until his path brought him to Caledonia. The enemy forces had continued to grow, roaming the frontiers and laying waster to any in their path. Joridgend spent his first few visits observing the enemies tactics from a far. Though his skill with the bow and sword were better than most, it was still no match for as those that outnumbered him. Joridgend laid in wait most often, searching for a lost or weakened enemy to test the craftsmanship of his arrows. The times came few and far in between, leaving the Hunter alone with his thoughts on the course his life has taken.

However Joridgend soon learned it was not his enemies though that made him question the path that was chosen, but those from his own homeland. The real disgrace came the night prior. One had invited him to join their group as they prepared for a siege on the keep. Though the forces were low in numbers, their will was strong. Proud to be asked, Joridgend accepted without hesitation. But mere moments later, he was asked to leave, to return to the lonesome path of the Hunter. Joridgend honored the request of the Thane and moved his separate way.

Remaining under the cover of his surroundings, Joridgend kept close to the party as they started the siege upon the keep. An attack that lasted less than Joridgend’s welcome into the group. This moment of irony did not last long as a pair of Nightshades uncovered the Hunter and left him for dead with numerous puncture wounds.

Nautiza gave a low growl as a Valykn wandered close to the lathe. Snarling his lips at the pair, the Valykn turned and scampered back towards the merchant tents. A pat of reassurance from Joridgend calmed his protector down, as one of them at least deserved that.
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Joridgend Volubrjotr
~Master Huntsman of Nottmorden