Nadine frowned as she felt the desiccated, freezing skull crack and give way between the fingers of her gauntlet. The undead warrior gasped out a dry raspy breath before it slumped onto the snow covered ground, finally able to rest in peace. The warriors of Iceberg were far too stubborn for their own good, and that went doubly so for those that died in the region of Harrogath. Paying no more attention to the broken corpse the woman shivered beneath her jacket as she surveyed her surroundings.

The darkness dominated the snow covered woodlands, but her eyes saw clearly through the night. More undead, these Draugr as the locals called them, stalked aimlessly through the trees. They were few in number and scattered, but Nadine wasn’t fond of the idea of letting them wander so close to her camp. Shaking off the cold gore from her gauntlet she carried on with her patrol.

Once she was sure there were no threats lurking in the area, then she would return to the abandoned cabin she had been using as a shelter. It was a simple log cabin with a short chimneystack, and above the front door outside was a piece of wood with carvings on it. Nadine just assumed it was to mark whoever’s house this used to be, but she couldn’t read Icebergian.
Several patches of newly overgrown plants covered holes in the structure with their roots grasping firmly to the cabin’s logs, keeping the heat in and the cold air out.

Inside the furniture was sparse. Whatever Nadine had deemed unnecessary and was combustible had been broken and moved next to the fireplace, where a fire roasted several skinned and skewered rabbits. Taking a seat on a fur covered couch the woman sipped hot water from a mug. Her eyes inevitably fell upon the dagger she had stabbed into the armrest earlier. It was an ancient looking thing she had picked up off of a Draugr, its blade etched with runes and its pommel decorated with a carving resembling a bird’s skull.

She wondered if it had ties to the ruins of an even older fortress deeper in the woods. Perhaps she would investigate further in the morning.

For many in the north this area was the sort that brought a disgruntled look to their face. It was where a lot of Draugr lay and may struggling clans never even though to look at the place. Lucretia remembered it differently. Where the people of her clan used the draugr to effectively hide themselves away from the world when they were weak. The undead had no interest in them if you played your cards right.

She remembered a lot of sleepless nights where the groaning of the draugr kept her up and many more where she felt like they would attack only for them to wander off. It was a harrowing experience for her when she was so young to see the undead like that. Biting the inside of her lip as she made her way over the crest of the hill and was greeted with a band of the wretches.

They hadn’t noticed her and she’d like to keep it that way. Being a hunter meant that you had some skill in remaining hidden but given the sheer size of the woman she doubted it would stay like that for long. She’d briefly scan the area and shake her head. There were a lot of mussed up places around here too and the prior clanlings would use them as landmarks but steer clear of them overall.

So with the crunching of her boots hidden by the ample amount of groaning and growling from the draugr she made her way past them. Not even sparing them a second glance. If they wanted a fight she was pretty sure her blade would make mincemeat out of them.  Passing through a set of trees she’d glance back, noting that the draugr were moving away from where she was going. A little bit of luck to be sure…

But lucretia wasn’t the sort to press her luck, so she continued onwards without bothering a second glance after that. She knew of one area where the undead tended to avoid; or at least they used to. So she’d go there.

Only to find that there was some smoke coming from the chimney; the crackle and light of the fire from outside just barely there. She’d glance up at the piece of wood. Setting her jaw and her hand going up to the hilt of the large blade she now carried… The woman was ready for a fight and adjusting her mask down over her face the woman was pretty sure that either some bandits made home here or that it was another wildling.

That being said…

Was it courtesy to knock in these parts still? Or just open the damn door? With a growl she’d decide on the former; whomever was inside would likely be alarmed and on guard if she just blood kicked down the door. And if they were bandits she’d simply just vanish into the night.

”Oi? You friendly or bandits? Or am I gonna hear a bunch of groaning from some fresh draugr?”

While she hadn’t been completely at ease, the sudden knocking on the door did startle Nadine into a battle ready alertness. Her head immediately faced the door, but she didn’t answer the disembodied voice just yet. Unsure of if this would be the last time she’d get the chance to drink something she finished off her hot water and stood up from the couch. Indra’s Gauntlet was soon fastened onto her right hand. One couldn’t be too careful in the middle of nowhere, stuck in a region full of walking dead and a country full of tribal raiders.

“Open the door if you are keen on finding out, mon ami,” she’d finally call back in a pleasant tone, inserting a bit of her native tongue in a cheeky effort.

Her free hand plucked the ancient dagger from the couch’s armrest and raised it up in preparation to throw the weapon. Nadine was facing the door, but stood off to the side giving her a clear line of sight to the outside if the door did start to crack open. There was a small chance that whoever was outside meant no harm. It was because of this possibility being such a small probability though that put Nadine on edge.

“How things play out from here is completely up to you.”

Lucretia couldn’t help but hesitate a little bit as she could hear some motion behind those doors. She’d bite on the inside of her cheek as she figured that whomever it was was getting ready for a fight. She couldn’t really blame them if that was the case; these woods were pretty unforgiving for the careless. But then came the call out and lucretia blinked a few times.

Wait that couldn’t be right could it?

The woman squinted a bit and wasn’t sure if she was hearing things; that distinctly sounded like someone she recognized. But… the chances of her running into anyone she knew up in iceberg were so vastly small that it likely was a trick. Either by her mind or by something else entirely. Narrowing her eyes she’d push the door open with one hand. Standing with it wiiiide open.

If this was a trick it was a damn good one. With the way that the other was speaking and the way they looked there was no getting around it. It was Nadine. Up in Iceberg. In the middle of no where. Lucretia stood there, but to the other woman she’d look like a stranger. The mask hiding her visage, her equipment vastly different than what she used to wear for what felt like ages ago.

Letting out a derisive snort she’d reach up to push the mask up; a bit of mirth in her eyes and the hand that was ready on her hilt instead found itself on her hip. Up until the mask was taken off she couldn’t help but chuckle.

”Nadine. Out of all the people for me to run into in the north… I wasn’t expecting you.”

It didn't surprise her to see the door start to open. Shelter was hard to find in the wilds of Iceberg, and this region in particular was inhospitable to the living. The person opening the door was quite tall. Lucretia's mask was a peculiar one, though; it's ability was something that made Nadine mildly uncomfortable as a hunter.

Lucretia?

The demi-human's brows furrowed together as Lucretia started to push her mask up. Realization slapped Nadine in the face as she blinked in confusion, her hand slowly lowering the dagger from a throwing position as the werewolf offered a greeting.

Werewolf?!

As helpful as her newfound insight was, it could be rather disorienting when it flooded her with new information on people she already knew beforehand.

"Madame Wolfenstein?" Well, that explained the name at least. Nadine exhaled a breath in the form of a smirk before stabbing the dagger back into the couch's armrest. Figuring Lucretia had always been a werewolf Nadine chose to ignore that bit of information for now. In all fairness Nadine had never asked about Lucretia's surname before, either.

"The same to you, mon ami." This time, those two foreign words were said with a bit of warmth. "Come inside! Hosenka or Harrogath, you are always welcomed company." Nadine would wave an arm out to her side to gesture for the other woman to join her, not knowing just who this cabin really belonged to.

Start of Infinity Wolves posts

The look on Nadine's face probably meant to Lucretia that she wasn’t expecting to see her friend again so soon. Or at least what she figured was a friend. Quirking her head to one side the woman had to wonder what the rapid blinking was for. She’d scratch at the back of her head, snorting a little bit. Yeah she’d be surprised to meet her up here all the same too.

”Yeah I uh… I spose it would be strange to run up into one another here.”

That’s what she figured that confused questioning tone was for; but the use of that particular combination brought a moment of redness to her cheeks. She’d pretend it was just the cold getting to her and would carefully shut the door behind her. Choosing to ignore what she could only guess was a warning sign above it. Old icebergian was… hard to translate for people even part of the culture.

”I’d be hard pressed to say no. Bit cold outside.”

She’d chuckle lightly and place her mask on a loop on her belt. Smiling warmly while approaching the other. If Nadine didn’t mind she’d offer to clasp hands; grateful to meet her friend. Also to check if she wasn’t bloody crazy or something!

”I can say the same! It’s good to see you again. I take it you’ve been well?”

Lucretia smiled warmly and looked about. Finding that most of the inside had been used to make a fire didn’t fill her with frustration at all. It was better that this worn out place got some kind of treatment. Even if it was from someone that was from far far far away…

”What brings you up here? Not many come up to Iceberg to see the sights and all that.”

“Strange, but again not unwelcome. Although, cold as it is outside, I doubt that there’s anything out there that could kill you,” she said with a chuckle, regaining her composure as she accepted the offered hand with her own. Once the friendly gesture ended Nadine smiled as she unclasped her gauntlet from her hand. “I have been doing well for myself, yes. Finding more work on the side, diversifying my repertoire, and rewarding myself with a few things.” She held up Indra’s Gauntlet for emphasis before setting it down on a table. Her golden eyes strayed to Lucretia’s own weapon, Yoru. At a glance she could already discern its special properties, but her selfish gift would limit what she was allowed to say.

“You’ve been busy yourself? That’s quite a sword you have there. Just about right for someone of your size.” As she talked Nadine casually circled around Lucretia to admire the two meter long blade. Its potential for destruction far outweighed that of her gauntlet, but she couldn’t help but wonder what it might be like to fight against a sword like this. Her appraising stare moved onto Lucretia’s coat next. It was an interesting aesthetic, but fitting for someone who hunted in the dark.

“I came here for the hunting, and as a small getaway from work. It seems I traveled too far though, and ended up in Draugr territory. There’s a fortress not far from here that I was going to explore tomorrow, but now that you’re here, plans may change.” As she came around Lucretia’s side again the demi-human smiled. She then jerked her head in the direction of the couch.

“Have a seat, and relax. It’s not a hot spring, but you can still let your eyes wander again, if that suits you.” Nadine chuckled playfully as she coaxed the older woman to sit down with a gentle push. Moving to the fireplace she lowered herself to one knee to check on the rabbits. “What brings you up here yourself, if you do not mind me asking?”

”In this neck of the woods? Probably not. Undead this weak would find peasants and drunk guards better sport.”

The woman scoffed at the idea of one of them being able to take her on their own. Maybe when they were in their prime or even alive they would have posed more of a threat. But a seasoned hunter would have the confidence practically oozing off of them. Though lucretia knew that her equipment offered one hell of an edge here.

”I can see that. I don’t know what weapon that is but… it certainly looks well earned.”

The woman flashed a grin to the other and inspected the weapon; it was durable from what she could gather at a glance but it’d take a lot for her to figure something out like this. She was unaware of Nadine’s gift and what it meant for her. She’d look up at the other and smile warmly.

”Rather. The city of Dahila had a nest or two I ended up clearing out among other things. Generous benefactors and other sorts offered me assistance in monetary fashion. Buy this or that they said. So that’s what I did. Most of them were wanting to get back to the fields and being able to sleep peacefully without being culled in their sleep made their pockets a bit deeper. I plan on more visits there to make sure that my weapons and armor weren’t just wasted time or money on their part. Yoru is… a strange kind of blade. Bites deep against those from the dark and deeper still to those that know how to use it I figure.”

Two handed swords were a little bit out of her expertise but… she was going to make sure without a doubt she’d have them trained and ready for those in the night. Feeling the eyes of the other on her and inspecting her coat she’d examine it for herself for a moment.

”A fortress not too far? I wonder… Might be an interesting stop. Going there in the dark would take a lot of work and I bet the both of us are a little tired. Maybe resting for a little while wouldn’t be too out of line. I’m all for it though.”

Lucretia’s smile warmed and she’d glance at the couch; then came that little flirt from the other. Letting her eyes wander? Lucretia felt her face grow a bit warm and she’d cough softly, taking a seat as the other pushed her to do so. She found her eyes wandering again and she’d take in nadine for a moment. They had been training from what lucretia could see. The both of them… well they were much stronger than when they first met.

”Jeez was it that obvious? Oh.”

Lucretia sighed a bit and rubbed at the back of her neck, adjusting yoru and deciding to put it behind the couch once she realized there was no real good way to have it sit with her.

”My clan’s old stomping grounds used to be around here, we used it to hide from larger more fierce ones to survive the winter. The undead didn’t bother us at the time. So I’m here to see if they’re in the neighborhood and barring that…”

She knew that there were a couple things of interest here and the woman clenched her hands.

”Finding where they made their graves if they’re no longer in the land of the living. It’s only right if they’re dead that they stay that way.”

Nadine could only smile when Lucretia called her weapon well earned. It had taken a fair bit of blood to earn, both of the innocent and guilty variety. Hearing her talk about Dahlia only stirred up bad memories, but she nodded attentively as the Icebergian recounted some of her adventures there. It didn’t sound like the city had gotten any better, but she was at least glad that Lucretia found purpose in her work. In Dahlia, there would always be work.

“The fortress can wait. It hasn’t gone anywhere in generations, and I don’t think it’ll be gone if we take our time, either.” Carefully she picked up one of the skewers to gently blow the steam away from the cooked rabbit. Her lips cracked into a smile however and she chuckled after Lucretia sheepishly replied to her teasing. She looked over her shoulder to hold the other woman’s stare.

“So you were staring?” she asked as her voice trailed off into another sultry chuckle. “Madame Wolfenstein, what am I to do with you? You are an honest one, though.”

Any hint of playfulness disappeared from her mannerisms though once Lucretia talked about her clan. Nadine had to wonder for a moment if this very cabin once belonged to the other woman’s group. Turning back to the fire she grabbed another skewered rabbit and made her way back to the couch. She held one out to Lucretia after sitting next to her.

“Eat. We’ll head out at first light and look for your friends then. I haven’t noticed anyone else in the area, but with your expertise in these lands, maybe we’ll find something after all. I’m not particularly spiritual myself, but I agree that the dead deserve their rest.”

Lucretia scratched at her chin thoughtfully; with the other agreeing that they could take their time with the fortress she visibly relaxed. What was she to do about this? Yoru couldn’t be used all too well in the confines of the halls but… She’d glance down at her fists. They’d work. They’d have to work and she’d bob her head in a nod.

”No. The homes and forts that have dotted the landscape often only get taken by the draugr, bandits or desperate clans. Building isn’t in their repertoire so they find places like this. ‘Shelter’ or ‘last homes’ as some of them call it. I think this one was something like that. Icebergian is always a mess when wrote in a hurry. Can never tell if it’s a warning or an invitation.”

The woman grumbled a bit and with the other holding her gaze, she felt her blush return and she’d sheepishly look away. She had to be honest; it wouldn’t be fair to either of them if she wasn’t!

”Look can you really blame me? To me you’re exotic, curious and well. The first not to try to rip out my throat if I’m being honest. But sea lions and shark based demi humans are… more in my expertise. So you uh… yeah.”

Lucretia felt like she was digging herself in a pit but thankfully the topic moved on. The woman sighed a little bit and shook her head; accepting the skewer. First light? Looking for her friends? She’d muse for a moment and then just shake her head slowly.

”Tell me which fort it is, we holed up in one of them and also in a few cabins near it. If it’s the one I’m thinking of it’s potentially another that they’d take shelter in. Even if it wasn’t… even any mention of other clans in the area will lead to clues. Draugr or not. I ah…. My clansmen believed in rebirth after death, many of them did at least. So being a draugr would be something like hell for them. I don’t share that value so much but I do believe that the draugr don’t deserve to be stuck like this. A soul needs its time to heal even if it’s after death.”

Lucretia grimly bit into the rabbit and then stopped, breaking away and chewing with a nod. She was thankful for this and for the meal, wondering after a few long moments…

”Thank you for this. Where did you even find these? My hunts didn’t really bear any fruit. Just more undead that were too happy to slaughter a deer.”

The history lesson about the area was a bit intriguing. Fighting the undead for the scraps of civilization didn’t sound smart to her as a foreigner, but like Lucretia mentioned desperation was often a factor for the living. They themselves could very well be taking refuge in a ‘last home’ as the other woman called it. After she was done eating Nadine decided that she would take the sign down from outside and toss it in the fire later.

Hearing Lucretia call her ‘exotic’ among other things. Honestly, Nadine had never thought that anything from a swamp would be called exotic, but the sentiment returned a pleased smile to her lips regardless. With their homes being two very different climates and cultures the demi-human could see why they were fascinated with each other. It was a topic she would revisit later, after the gravitas from their conversation abated.

“It’s to the north of here; a bunch of ruined stone structures surrounding a tall hill with a tower on top. Maybe a kilometer or two at most. Once daylight breaks you should be able to see it from outside this cabin. Once you get closer there’s a lot of bird iconography and statues. Like the dagger there.” Nadine gestured to the weapon she had stabbed into the couch arm that was nearest to Lucretia. The bird skull shaped pommel was what had initially attracted Nadine here. It was carved with unusual care for something a Draugr would carry around. She took a healthy bite off of her rabbit as she pondered over the idea of an afterlife. She wasn’t sure what to say here, despite being perfectly willing to lay to rest Lucretia’s old comrades if it came to that.

“I haven’t been here in Harrogath very long. I was in the Udgard Wilds before this. Plenty of game there, so I picked up some friends for the road. As for here?” Nadine paused with a thoughtful look to the fire as she took another bite. “Draugr scare the prey, and predators follow the prey. It’s going to be slim pickings here.” Saying that fact out loud made her frown. Three rabbits might have lasted her till noon, but with Lucretia here things were going to get interesting later on.

Many clans that came to this area were desperate, on their last legs. This place hadn’t been a bastion of security for what seemed like hundreds of years. The woman sat there for a few long moments considering that the building they were in was practically the safest one you could get to for the moment. The ‘warning’ didn’t really do much to dissuade them; merely meaning to some that it wasn’t a good place to fight in. More just to hide in.

The woman noted the smile on nadine’s face and she had to avert her eyes for the moment lest a blush creep on her face again. Some of the topics that they broached on weren’t that serious but… There were a few that made lucretia wonder just how vastly different the two of them were. In the same sense she wondered if they had shared the same life what would their approaches be?

Hearing that the fortress was to the north and was only a few kilometers away. Being able to see it from the cabin was a huge improvement but… Then came the iconography and the statues. Lucretia’s eyes drifted to the dagger and she’d slowly go to get that dagger before sitting down again. She’d frown a bit and then after a little bit longer she’d go back to eating the offered rabbit.

”An ancient clan, believed in freedom but also in personal strength. Like the birds. At least their early point in time. They’re all draugr now so you can guess what happened to them. Their fort was one of the ones I scouted out when a kid; we didn’t stay there then… but given it’s been a decade or more I know that any of the current flock would consider it if things went poorly.”

She’d stare at the other as they spoke; quietly tilting her head as they said that the udgard wilds was where they happened along the rabbits. She’d look down to the food she had left over with the rabbit and just slowly nodded.

”Slim pickings but don’t worry I brought enough food for the both of us I reckon. If you don’t mind dried and salted meat or bread meant to last long periods of time.”

Lucretia shook her head a little bit; it wasn’t the most satisfying of meals but she had to say that it would do wonders to keep them going later. There was still prey around here and there would be chances for them to hunt properly if they needed to but it wasn’t like they were going to stay here for weeks and weeks. Or even months. They could also try to find a proper village somewhere…

”But. If we really need to there are a few… places we can go.”

Nadine continued to eat her rabbit as Lucretia studied the dagger. Truthfully if it hadn’t been for the ornamental pommel Nadine wouldn’t have bothered picking it up from the snow. Hearing Lucretia provide context for the iconography was certainly helpful, though. It turned out that the fortress in question even happened to be an old stomping ground for the other woman’s clan.

“One lead is as good as any when we’re hunting a cold trail. I guess we’ll be visiting the fort tomorrow after all.” She was fine with the idea of course, offering no form or hint of protest. If the situation were reversed Nadine was sure that Lucretia would help without a second thought as well. “Over a decade’s worth of time could mean the area isn’t as safe as it used to be, but dry bones and rusted swords shouldn’t give us any trouble.”

When Lucretia said she had brought enough food for the both of them, Nadine gave the other woman a skeptical look arching a brow. Even as she chewed on a bit of rabbit meat she chuckled, though. Come to think of it, she hadn’t talked about her appetite yet. She smiled though as to not be rude before shrugging her shoulders.

“I’m used to always being hungry, so you’ll have to forgive my amusement. Anything in these empty lands would be gratefully accepted. In light of that, I’m going to apologize in advance if my hunger gets the best of me and I get out of hand. Maybe it’s my demi-human origins mixing with my magic, but that’s always been something of a problem for me.” Again Nadine shrugged, smiling wider this time to show her teeth.

“I think you’re sturdy enough to survive a bite or two. I didn’t think we’d be able to find a village this far out, but you know this country better than I do, so I’ll follow your lead.”

Lucretia nodded her head and couldn’t help but stare at the dagger. She had heard tales about some of the warriors of that clan. But she couldn’t for the life of her remember what it was named. Just freedom sat and rang in her head. She’d rub at the back of her neck and consider the idea that it wasn’t as safe anymore.

”The two of us would definitely be enough to handle any draugr that would stomp around in there.”

She’d pause and with that skeptical brow the woman would provide the bag that she had brought along with her. Sure it didn’t look like much but the hunter was used to rationing out meals for a long while. The shrug made her tilt her head to one side and then… well.

”Well, If that’s the case we’ll just have to keep an eye out for any game in the area. I uh… well that’s fair I suppose. Your magic makes you hungry?”

Lucretia looked confused and seeing those teeth she couldn’t help but let out a small whistle. She’d definitely be able to survive more than a few bites she figured. The icebergian was a lot tougher than many would give her credit for.

”I think I’ll be alright yeah. Not the first thing I’d think of truth to be told..”

The woman chuckled a bit and offered the remaining bit of her rabbit to the other. She was full and it wouldn’t be a good idea to let it go to waste. If nadine could make them last longer she wouldn’t mind it. She also had a few thoughts…

”Yeah there’s one group that made their home in this area a little more permanent. Plenty of wards, warriors and tricks to keep them safe. If their luck held out at least. I know the draugr can be unrelenting.”

Lucretia sighed a bit and leaned back in her seat, feeling the couch supporting her weight a little more firmly and she couldn’t help but wonder something…

”Why the fortress if you don’t mind me asking? Looking for something?”

At least Lucretia seemed to agree that they wouldn’t encounter anything the two of them couldn’t deal with. Quite done with her rabbit by then Nadine tossed the skewer and the boney carcass onto a plate on the table next to her gauntlet. All in all, the other woman didn’t seem to understand the depths of Nadine’s hunger problems, but it wasn’t as if the demi-human had been very clear, either. Perhaps that was for the best, though; they had enough problems already and it wasn’t an issue right now.

“My magic mixing with my demi-human blood, maybe. I’m not sure what causes it, but that’s why I’m always eating or snacking. However, like with the Draugr, the both of us here should be able to keep things under control.” She paused when offered the rest of Lucretia’s rabbit, eyeing the item for a moment before taking it with a grateful nod. Munching on the meat without hesitation she listened patiently as Lucretia spoke of the natives here who might still be alive.

“I don’t know if that’s brave or foolish, but if there’s anyone that could make a living in these conditions it’d be you Icebergians.” As Lucretia noted the Draugr were relentless. The dead had all the time in the world, and they had numbers here in Harrogath. A settlement here would surely attract unwanted attention. When asked about the fortress directly Nadine shrugged her shoulders, eyeing the other woman thoughtfully.

“Looked like it might be a good place for trophy hunting,” she said without shame. She didn’t mind Lucretia asking at all, and if they were going to go there together anyways, it was probably best to be up front about what she was doing here, potential desecration aside. “Not to sell, mind you. For my own collection.”

The idea of them running into strong undead in this area was sort of amusing to Lucretia. Draugr were a nuisance to individuals sporting any sort of power really. Yes they were undead and yes they had all the time in the world but she’d be damned that even if she was half dead that the draugr wouldn’t take her down easily. She’d smile a bit as Nadine took the food from her.

”I’m no expert in how magic interacts with the body but that just sounds like your body just wants to make sure you have mana or energy to spare. Could be wrong though.”

The woman gave a small shrug at the thought but eventually just sat there with her hands folded. A thoughtful expression crossing her face; Brave or foolish? With that clan it’d be both. They were a bit crazy in the head; the ice had gotten to them a long time ago. But they were survivors and nasty fighters.

”Brave, foolish and crazy I think would suffice for them. But they’re resourceful and friendly to anything that isn’t undead in these parts. Well. Cept for the few bandits that are dumb enough to try to make a posting here without their ‘research’.”

Lucretia chuckled upon hearing why the other was up in this area and why she had picked the fortress of all places. A good place for trophy hunting indeed. Whether it be beast or dead… There could be something that would make for a decent story. She’d tap at that dagger with a thoughtful hum.

”Well I know the clan of old would be more than happy to part with an item or two if someone proved themselves worthy enough to take it. Trophy hunting goes deep in some of our cultures. At least with the clans. Can’t really tell for the cityfolk icbergians.”

Lucretia wasn’t worried about her friend here; she knew that nadine wasn’t the sort to pine after money. No she wanted the thrill of the hunt, much like how lucretia wanted back when she was a tad younger. Now she just wanted people to be safe. Friends included of course!

”The fortress could also have some interesting things left over too. Not many want to go into a draugr haunt when the wards are down.”

“Extra mana? Maybe. If it starts to become a problem I’ll let you know.” Lucretia seemed to be putting a lot of esteem into the Icebergians who properly called Harrogath home. It was rather surprising to hear as well that they would be friendly to outsiders. How they managed to feed a community in this region was a mystery to Nadine, but the locals here probably knew a lot more about the land than she did.

“Maybe just crazy then,” she said with a smirk as she settled on one word for those people. Her gaze shifted to the dagger when the other woman tapped on it.

“That’s a strange way to look at being mugged, but it’s not as if the dead have a say in things anymore.” The cultural difference between Iceberg and Minstrel was as wide as the gap between the countries themselves it seemed. Being able to prove that you were strong enough to take something didn’t erase the fact you were stealing, at least to Nadine. However, if the clans of old wouldn’t have a problem with her antics, then she was fine with that, too. After finishing off the second rabbit the woman put the carcass on the plate next to the first.

“Hmm, probably. I’m sure Draugr are looked upon with mixed feelings here, but they’re not much different than any other undead to me. It’s still interesting that they keep reappearing here, though; almost like the pride of the old clans refuse to give the land to the living.”

”Don’t know how filling bread and jerky will be but here’s hoping I guess.”

Lucretia chuckled a bit and leand back in her seat; she held those here in a position of respect. They were staunch enough and daring enough to keep this place going. She would have heard from her friend if they had been taken out. Either by one clan or the draugr. She’d rub at the back of her neck and grin at Nadine.

”Crazy isn’t bad mind you. But I’d be a bit myself if I didn’t agree.”

Lucretia tilted her head to one side; raising a brow at the idea of the dead being ‘mugged’. If you were a draugr it wasn’t like you were much more than a shambling horror begging to be put down. They often didn’t have intelligence and were no better than zombies a lot of the time. She’d shake her head slowly.

”I wouldn’t really call it being mugged so much as just taking what the dead don’t need. Especially undead in this case. If they were a warrior their spirit or soul or whatever would be thankful their equipment was being put to better use.”

Even if that equipment was a trophy for someone; it would be doing it’s job to remind people that they were still out there and were still a problem. Lucretia noted the other woman’s hunger and for a brief moment wondered if her rations would be enough for the two of them. It’d be difficult to ascertain but… They’d cross that bridge when they came to it.

”Some folks respect them, some folks consider them worse than your usual undead. To me and my clan they were warriors of old rising again for one last battle. So we did our best when able to give them that and make sure they didn’t come back. For why they’re coming back…”

Many draugr were the case of a necromancer or ill will building up long enough to make it so that the draugr did come back when they perished. The woman bit the inside of her cheek.

”It’s hard to say, but in this area it’s likely because of the magic seeped into the land from so much bloodshed that the undead rose again. Giving ample enough ‘spirit’ or ‘soul’ to those that fell. Either way they don’t deserve this. A lot of the older clans would find this amusing too.”

Lucretia shook her head and looked about the cabin; as though taking it in properly for the first time. She wasn’t sure where they were going to sleep properly if that came down to it but at the same time… The couch was ample enough. Lucretia however felt that this next part was needed.

”My father would say something about how we should give it our all. My mother would have begged us to lay them to rest. Me? I want to do the right thing and make sure they don’t come back.”

Lucretia seemed to be open minded about Nadine’s true goals here, and the demi-human was all right with that being the case. She shrugged and conceded a point.

“Even if something is taken away as a trophy, it still gives glory to the warriors of old, huh? Never thought about it that way. I suppose it’s even noble in a sense, in allowing the legacy of those long gone to remain in earthland.” Minstrel’s outlook on warrior culture was skewed in favor of the country’s navy. Having served in the navy herself, Nadine remembered either sending a fallen comrade’s personal valuables home or burying it with them, either back home or at sea. “If that’s how you feel, then I’ll be sure to be on the lookout for the best trophy in the fortress. Might as well make it worthwhile if I’m bringing it back to Fiore.”

On the topic of the Draugr, it surprised Nadine to see that even Lucretia wasn’t sure on exactly what caused the dead to rise here. The problem was simply that old that it predated modern Icebergian history. If it was caused by an ungodly amount of death here, then maybe that really would do the trick. Folding her arms across her chest Nadine stared at the fireplace.

“I agree that we should lay them to rest. They are not themselves anymore, and everything in nature must keep the cycle of life and death flowing.”

Lucretia flatly wasn’t sure what else to say about the topic. With the query poised the woman slowly nodded her head. A warrior that was remembered whether dead or not was one that would continue living through the one that had taken their weapon or armor. Lucretia looked down at her hands thoughtfully. She hoped when the time came that she would be laid to rest in the fashion that only could be described as… well icbergian. In the field of battle against the foes of mankind.

”Very much so. I’d only hope for the same treatment if the worst ever came.”

The woman raised her brow a bit as the other boasted about finding the best trophy in the locale. She couldn’t help but chuckle a bit and leaned, nudging Nadine a bit with an arm.

”I’ll make sure that I don’t accidentally take your trophy then. Iffin I spot it first that is.”

On the topic of draugr the woman had to wonder what really did make them. Maybe if she had enough resources she could find out and put them to rest. Permanently. But it was the sort of thing that a young hunter would dream of. Not one that had oodles of experience. She’d bite the inside of her cheek as the other agreed with her. Nature huh?

”If we’re of the same mind then there’s not really much more to be said. Though I know of a few bands around here that would need attention later. You could spend a lifetime putting them back into the ground…”

Lucretia mumbled and closed her eyes with a sigh. She didn’t seem tired, in fact she seemed like she had plenty of energy to spare but fighting draugr at night and traveling at night in these lands would be a different story. Given how far that fortress was…

”How much longer you reckon that fire will be good for?”

The demi-human scoffed at what Lucretia said.

“A warrior like you? The worst you’ll have to deal with is chasing off grandchildren who woke you up too early.” Nadine chuckled before shaking her head with a smile. When nudged by Lulcretia she held up a fist in a playfully threatening gesture. “You worry too much; if you did, I’d remind you who such treasures rightfully belong to!” Although she had said that she wasn’t sure if she’d brawl Lucretia over a trinket. When working with a partner she liked, Nadine usually respected the unspoken law of finder’s keepers. Usually, anyways.

“A lifetime, huh? I think the both of us have other plans than spending our lives burying the undead. If you ever find out what’s causing all the unrest in Harrogath, though? Come find me back in Fiore. That’s a hunt that I’d be more than happy to join in on.”

Now, that would be a story worth bringing back home, and any trophies won from the struggle would surely make a great centerpiece. As lofty as the proposed goal was though the promise of camaraderie was genuine. Glancing back to the fire when Lucretia mentioned it Nadine shrugged.

“I’ll make it last the night, if that’s what you’re worried about. I can see fine in the dark, so getting more wood won’t be a problem.” Glancing back to Lucretia she saw that the other woman had closed her eyes.

“Take a nap if you’d like. I can take the first watch tonight.”

”Nadine I’ve seen thirty winters and I don’t have children yet. I doubt that’ll change unless someone really wants to have kids with me.”

Lucretia rubbed her neck sheepishly; the idea of her having grandchildren…? It was something that when she was much younger had dreamt about but now? She could hardly see herself living for another twenty winters. Unless she somehow defied fate in some crazy fashion. She only hoped that if she did have kids that they would choose their own paths rather than trying to follow their mothers.

But she’d support them regardless of it; cause that’s what a good parent did. Nothing like her father that wanted her to just simply be a trophy daughter until… She’d push those thoughts to the side and grin a bit as the other reminded her who had the claim to the treasure. Truth be told… if there was a treasure?

Nadine would likely earn it through blood, sweat and furious resolve. Lucretia’s grin didn’t waiver and snickered at the thought of spending a lifetime burying the draugr. Sure as a hunter there was few that would questions hat choice but…

”Oh I wouldn’t even struggle against that without a lot of backing Nadine. I’m not about to throw away my life fighting endless hordes of draugr without any respite! But if I ever find out you’ll be the first to know.”

Once again they had an agreed point and the woman held up her hand making a closed fist and bumping it against nadine’s raised one. Hearing that the other would be able to get it in the dark… Well Lucretia shrugged after a few long moments.

”I spose. Then again ever since getting my new equipment after all that werewolf business I’ve been able to do the same. Though the abilities listed on the items were different than nightvision I’m not going to argue.”

She’d sigh softly at the idea of taking a nap… the trek was long and she had been tired but… Was it fair to leave Nadine on her own like this? Lucretia was hesitant but. Something ached inside of her and she felt the strings of exhaustion beckon.

”All right just give me a good kick if something decides to break down the door or when it’s my turn all right?”

“You think that idea is crazy, but here we are sitting comfy as can be in the land of the walking dead, thinking about pilfering a centuries old fortress just because we can.” Nadine chuckled through a wide, sly smile. The world was as untamed as it was unpredictable. After her talk with a Fairy Tail mage in the Udgard Wilds the idea of having kids didn’t seem so strange anymore. It was still a long shot, but still within the realm of possibility, too.

“You be sure that you do; I’m sure that such an act would solidify those heroes in history. A trophy like that would be worth the trouble.” What greater storypiece could Nadine ask for than to become a part of history itself? Something like that would not violate her view on the necessity of death. When Lucretia said that she could also see in the dark now that information made Nadine pause momentarily. For a second she wondered if Lucretia came across an artifact like the one she had found in the Fieros Girdle. However, then she remembered what Lucretia was. Why only now would her night vision develop was strange, but it didn’t seem important enough to ask about.

“If something happens I’m sure you’ll come running to my rescue, Madame Wolfenstein.”

She rose up from the couch in case Lucretia wanted to lay down, and moved to an empty chair near the fireplace to keep watch.

”I’ve… never really thought about it since leaving my clan.”

Lucretia’s brows furrowed and she’d wonder quietly if nadine had a point. Maybe she’d outlive her work… if she was successful. One could only hope; there was a soft flush on her cheeks at seeing that sly smile and lucretia couldn’t help but look away.

”Mmm. Who knows what we’ll find up there. Here’s hoping we do find something you like as a trophy.”

Silence followed after a moment and lucretia tilted her head as it deepened. Though when the other decided to get up to give lucretia most of the couch the hunter couldn’t help but wonder… What sort of clan nadine came from, what sort of family she had to earn her this type of lifestyle. But then came that little tease again and the woman let out a soft cough.

”You aren’t wrong…”

She stared at Nadine for a few long moments, her expression relaxing a little bit and she’d lay down properly on the couch. Finding her peace quickly. For a hunter she was fast to fall asleep and nadine would be left with lucretia’s soft breaths being the only thing coming from the large woman.

…

While lucretia rarely had dreams it somehow didn’t surprise her to find herself amidst the fog of it. Something that she felt only could really occur whilst within it. A mix of fog, grass and a dull sun off in the distance made her wonder what on earth was going on here. Leaving her casting about; the soft breathing replaced by low growling and a heartbeat within her mind.

She could see something in the distance but she wasn’t sure what. So without fear she strode forward. Towards what she thought to be some kind of shadow of a man. Was it maybe her dreaming of her father from all those years ago?

Time seemed to pass slowly as Lucretia slept behind her. Nadine wondered if she should let the other woman sleep for longer than what had been agreed upon. Well, they hadn’t exactly set times so Nadine would just wait and see. With only the crackling of the fire to keep her company it left Nadine to reflect upon some of her recent decisions. Her tongue idly rubbed against the teeth of her upper jaw, lightly pressing that green symbol against the sharpened points. Strength at any and all costs. Maybe it was wrong to join a dark guild, but what good was the Fioran King’s laws when he allowed a nightmare like Dahlia to exist? A city diseased by the wild and unholy, where its citizens were slain by horrors on a daily basis.

As always, whenever she thought of that town her mind strayed to a particular job she had done there. Murdering a family of five for a deranged religious official. She could still see those two children huddled in a corner, fearful of her approach. What she had done that night was heinous in the extreme, and although she took no pleasure in killing children for profit Nadine had to wonder if her quick murders were a hidden mercy in a city like Dahlia