Skill : 「none」

---

Freya could feel herself pressing her smaller body into the security of his sturdy build, melting into the comfort of his dense coat as the winter gusts ripped past them. She’d listened to his voice carefully, fearful she might forget something vital should her mind wander if even for a moment. Her ear that pressed to his chest could hear the steady beating of his heart and the calm breaths he naturally took, the other caught that information of where he lived. Not this mountain, but another, with a group called Dawnbreak. A place she could be safe—a place her children could be safe.

“You will be coming home.”.

Home. She… would be coming home? How could Nóttin make such a statement without any signs of uncertainty? His heart remained beating steadily, yet her own was hammering nearly out of her chest at the declaration. He seemed so calm compared to the tempest that was Freya’s soul, her pulse sounding like drums in her ears as she considered the true possibility of escaping the Saints and coming home.

He’d mentioned his sister, Sol, was there with him. Freya’s ears shot up and her muzzle pointed upward in an attempt to meet his gaze. Sólúlfur, the black sun of the Jawbone, was with Nóttin in this new world. Then…? What of Nico? Or Mirra? Or Tullio? Could they really be out there, somewhere?

Freya’s head dropped back down, nuzzled back into the depths of his fur as he asked if he could share the details of their encounter. Silently, the woman nodded her head, rubbing it against him as she did so. It would be difficult to leave the new found comfort of her friend’s embrace, but she knew it would be unavoidable in the long run.

The feeling of Freya's body against him brought about a feeling of strong familiarity. A part of him and his past that he had once thought lost. And despite the feeling of dread that she brought with her, her tension and anxiety through her heartbeat, he couldn't help but relish in their reunion. She looked up at him with eyes so scared and lost, but holding a flicker of hope that dared not go out. He smiled at her, sharing his calm and collected energy has best he could. Her nod was all that he needed to know. Alright, it's settled then. I will speak with Sol and the rest of our pack. We are going to rescue you. I don't care what it takes. I promise.

It was a promise that he fully intended to keep. But he did have to swing this to the others as quickly as he could. There was no time to waste. But in the meanwhile, N​ó​ttin would enjoy what time he had with her while he had the chance. Alright then, no more tears. It's going to be okay. The Glacier wiped away her tears with his right paw, attempting to calm her down. Let's just enjoy our time here while we have it. Do anything or talk about anything your heart desires. It was about time someone considered her thoughts and feelings; her wants and dreams.

Skill : 「none」

---

Did his voice always sound so comforting? Distantly she could hear Jaxxon and Joxer’s voices, a Spanish accent lacing their tongues in a way that was so different from the northern tinge that was rolled into Nóttin’s. The words from the devils were once considered warm and reassuring, but now it was the frá Norðri that roused such a powerful comfort. Shakily Freya sighed into his coat, soaking up his warmth greedily as she did her best to stabilize. He’d said he would talk to Sol and the rest, all that was left to do was trust him and his promises.

Thank you, Nóttin, a quiet, cracking voice as she refused to pull away from the place she’d dubbed as her own haven—her nose nestled into the crook of his neck, just beneath his chin.

…After the tourney, I will go home with the Saints. I will gather my children, and I will prepare them to flee. Should we make it safely to the north, we will search for you. search for the safety of Dawnbreak.

Freya’s tail patted the ground anxiously, unsure what she was meant to be displaying in the moment or how she was meant to behave around him. Guilt wracked her as she wondered if it was too rude to be pressed against him, invading his personal space so callously. Was she demanding too much of her childhood friend? To risk so much for the sake of her and her children? She’d shattered whatever peace he was living with in the blink of an eye.

…Can you tell me about your home? About Dawnbreak?

N​ó​ttin listened closely as she spoke again, her appreciation shining through. You need not thank me. But it is appreciated. Just doing what is right. It was his duty. Freya spoke of her next plans, setting the stage for what was to come when the time was right. The newest appointed Pillar soaked in the information like a spongue. It was going to be hard to let the pack know of this, but they had to do something.

Rescue was in order. There was no other option in his mind. I will assemble my pack, and be ready to take you in. I will try to meet with you if I can. Just so we can guide you home. It was sure to be a terrifying endeavor indeed. So much could happen. Potential lives could be lost. But he had to make it work. He had to keep his promise.

Freya seemed to relax a bit more, her tail patting against the ground as they continued to share each other's space. He could still feel her tucked beneath his throat, berried in his chest. She then asked about the Vale. It is a beautiful place. A home surrounded by the protection of mountains. Deep within its grasp, there is a forest that expands the whole territory. And a pond that is formed from a melting glacier. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. A true haven for us all.

N​ó​ttin did his best to paint a picture of his home. A place where he finally felt like he belonged, and no longer in his mother's shadow. You will love it there. And everyone will love you. I'm sure that Sol will be glad to see you as well. After all, how could anyone not love Freya Nightshade? What was not to love?

Skill : 「None」

---

Freya felt some of the tension leave her once-rigid body, a small sigh slipping past her lips as she allowed herself to melt into the frá Norðri’s embrace. One ear listened to the steady beating of his heart and rhythm of his breaths, and the other ear listened to the way he had explained his home—potentially hers and her children’s future home—in great detail. Mountains walled it off from the world, but her imagination was able to tell her these peaks would not be fogged over with gloomy mist nor carry the same shrouded aura that Mistveil was known for. This new home was a fresh start for herself, for her children.

Forests, glacier sourced lakes, beautiful summits that touched the clouds; it was like something from a fairy tale. Freya smiled inwardly, tucked away beneath the man’s chin. She felt like a girl again, as if she and Nóttin were still no more than five months old, thriving in the Jawbone with their siblings and parents. That happiness was truly a lifetime ago, and adulthood was not the fantasy she had always daydreamed it to be. The real world was dark and scary. It was not her rose-tinted, childhood romance dream of her and Nóttin getting married, or Sol and Nico or Tullio marrying, or even Mirra and Rokkvi combing the two families—it was not a warm, heartfelt story of children growing up and falling in love with their best friend, it was a story of them losing everything and being forced to survive in an unknown place, all alone.

Things could be different, at least for her children. They could grow up in a safe, loving group. They could make friends that they can keep for a lifetime. They could avoid the world-shattering experience of being stolen from your home and thrown into the wilds of an unknown land. It would be different, it would be better.

It sounds… Freya’s voice failed her, or more so it was her mind that failed. Was there even a word that could explain how wonderful it sounded? A solution to her woes and the key to her family’s happiness? It sounds too good to be true, the words uttered into his fur as she rubbed her muzzle gently against his chest.

Nóttin had said she’d love it, that she would be loved, that Sol would be happy to see her. Was it truly that simple? Freya wished desperately for it to be so. I am sure I would love them all, too, anyone that showed kindness and care, she would love until the end of time.

N​ó​ttin listened intently to Freya's heartbeat, noticing now how much it was trying to imitate his own. Her breathing was starting to relax again as well, though there was a feeling of utter exhaustion that threatened to send her asunder. But he would hold on to her delicate form. Make sure that she would feel safe and wanted, at least in this moment they shared together. You will see, all of your children will see, that is truth. That I will promise you.

It was a promise that he had intended fully to keep. He looked down at her, raising her eyes to meet his own with his right paw. Though still aiming to keep her calm and steady. When do you depart back to the Saints? And when should I keep a look out for you? I need to prepare the others so that we can all be ready to help. The more time they had to prepare, the better things would hopefully go.

Skill : 「None」

---

Nóttin had promised, and his words alone were enough for her to trust his intentions. Somehow, someday she would get there with her children. Their new home, their new family, their new future.

Freya smiled warmly up at him as his paw guided her muzzle upward to meet his gaze. Even now—with him towering over her and his body filled out with well trained muscles and lean fat—all Freya could see was the boy she’d played with within the ísblóð. Nóttin would always be special, as would Sólúlfur, and of course Rökkvi too, should he ever return. Memories of Gíslaug’s children flashed in her mind—Bjarki, Eira, Isrun—would she ever see them again?

When the tourney ends, we will return home. I— her words fumbled, and hesitantly Freya bit her tongue briefly. I’m unsure when we will be able to leave. It may be days or it could be months… The Saints are not a group a pet can easily leave from, especially with children in tow, how long would she have to wait until this hope could actually become reality?

Freya listened well to his promise, a smile though small appearing on her lips. It was nice to see the hope come to life in her eyes, to feel it in the beating of her heart. Freya had always struck a special soft spot for Nóttin. As did the rest of her family. It would be wonderful to have family members back from the Isblod, joining together with their Dawnbreak family. A more serious tone shifted back when she answered his question. It seemed that this pack was not fond of losing its members, and that not all were seen as equal in their importance. Pet? What do you mean, pet? An eyebrow rose in concern, a canine poking out from his lips in sudden irritation. Though it was not directed at her. Who on earth called a wolf a pet? Utterly preposterous if you asked him.

Skill : 「 None */5 」

---

The sound of Nóttin’s voice was calming, but the words he spoke caused her to flinch. Silence lingered for a moment as Freya mulled her answer over, unsure what was correct to say—was there even a correct thing to say? How was she meant to explain it? What did she mean by pet? Sharply she swallowed, green eyes falling to their feet as she sought a distraciton.

With splayed ears, the woman’s refused to seek his gaze again. The Saints… well… How was one meant to explain them and their ways? They find wolves and they force them to come home, or… they trick you to follow them… She’d recalled how Jaxxon managed to trick her into following him. He was crying for help, for a healer to help his brother—she never got to see Āzon again…

The leaders—the brothers—take ownership of these individuals and dub them as pets… or slaves… Pets are less than members. We are watched and we have rules we must follow. It’s not uncommon for them to harm us, as they own us and it is their right, at least that is what she was taught while living with them for so long.

She was property, and Joxer owned her.

Nóttin had nearly regretted the way he questioned her. The feeling of her body tensing and freezing in his embrace almost forced him to recoil in shame. She had been through enough, so why did he bring about more bad reactions and feelings to her? The Pillar mentally kicked himself in the gut, ashamed that he had caused her to have such a reaction. Freya looked away from him, bringing the male even more internally to his knees. But he tried to stay calm and be that savior for her. To be a good friend and a good listener. I see...

Nóttin continued to listen to her story, this way of life for The Saints. It was a horrible existence for anyone to live, being a prisoner, a mere slave. Who on earth gave them the right!? It is never someone's right to own another living being. I hope you know that truth, Freya. It was a truth that she needed to relearn, and he was to be her teacher. And if they ever touch you again, I'll kill them myself. A fang revealed itself once more from his mouth, fire in his eyes and ice in his heart. But the coldness in his soul would only remain for so long. It would melt again at the sight of Freya's gaze, and the storm would be calmed once he was home again with Dalmatia: his spotted dove. He would have to tell her that when he came back, amongst other things.