Brone Heavyaxe

"A toast to a life of adventure"

Crows and ravens met in the gray sky. Caws and deep croaking echoed between them. To some, the sight could be unsettling, like an omen of something to come. Those who spotted the formation of the avians would also notice the encroaching clouds that was extending towards the settlement. The murder of the crows and the unkindness of the ravens dispersed, soaring through the sky and scattering to reach different parts of the nearby settlement while some tried to keep to the area outside, though finding it difficult, some would perch themselves on trees where the rain would fall. One kept an eye on the approaching duo who seemed to catch its glance.

Two of the ravens flew overhead and once passed the walls of the settlement, had dove down and navigated the streets before reaching the local armory where the armored dwarf stood atop the archer's tower. Standing still, with his eyes closed and arms crossed in meditation, one would mistaken him to be a statue at first glance, especially given that his skin matched the color of stone. The wind from the approaching storm blew the red red cape, making it look to be a flag set on a statue.

Both ravens would perch on either shoulder of the dwarf. They would whisper into his ears, his eyes soon shoot open to reveal bronze colored pupils, "A knight and a priestess?" Brone would look out towards the direction of where the ravens came from, seeing dark gray clouds making their way to embrace the sky above the settlement; a raindrop fell upon his nose. "Any of Lumi's boys tell her yet?" he asked as he began to walk down the spiral staircase. Once the ravens confirm into his ears, he nodded. Given the fact that he had accompanied his niece to one of her errands, he figured he would wait in the armory to pass the time; he wasn't sure what exactly she needed to do, probably more paperwork or social diplomacy, since this was mostly her activity throughout Iceberg since she was always planning something now that she is the guild leader of Paradise Dawn.

The dwarf would find his tempest wolf Geri in front of the tower's base. The wolf would quickly stand once seeing his rider. The moment Brone mounted him, they were quickly off, rushing through the streets towards the gate; though the settlement was small, and their gates were barely wooden, with their largest structure being the small fort, it held strong through allies and it's own warriors.

Brone didn't know why Huginn and Muninn had stirred up the murder and the unkindness as well as informing him of this knight and priestess, but there was always a reason when it came to those two ravens were now flew above him. With the sight and knowledge they have, they could tell him more, but most of the time choose to leave him in mystery to find out for himself, either way, the dwarf has gotten use to their playful secrecy. The dwarf didn't know if these travelers were important or dangerous, but it kept him from his boredom and wandering thoughts as his meditation was doing. As for Lumikki, he would leave her to her errands, not wanting to disturb her as she is a proper young woman with obligations... but Brone knew well that once word reaches her ears, she may fly her way to the visitors as she is still in a way the curious child he always remembered her to be.

The wolf rushed out of the gate, the rain fell upon them, but didn't slow them. They would soon reach the travelers as described and came to a halt. Brone dismounted, his mantle wrapped around him like a cloak while the base flew in the wind, "Mâlûn, Faramîr!" Brone greeted them as he stood by his wolf who towered over him as if he was a horse to a human; he would pet him as he gave a nod to the travelers as a sign of respect and a small smile to show there was no hostility. Seeing them to be a knight and priestess, he wondered if they were on a pilgrimage, if that was the case, he would feel that it would be his obligation as a mercenary of honor to be able to help in some way, "What brings ye te our fair land?"

"With good company and good tales"

Brone Heavyaxe

"A toast to a life of adventure"

Brone took note of their demeanor. As they introduced themselves, he gave a respectful nod in acknowledgment. He would have introduced himself, but before he let out a word, he realized they seem to be aware of him and on top of that, they were seeking Lumikki. They would mention his niece as their sister, but the wording seem to imply the verbiage wasn't indicating any kinship by blood, but possibly through respect, maybe even through battle.

The name 'Ryuko' didn't ring a bell, though she said it with great vigor which the dwarf can respect. Huginn and Muninn would fly down and landed upon his shoulders again, with one of the ravens whispering into his ear. Brone's eyes widen in realization of whom the warrior was standing before him; he hadn't met her or read about her directly, but he knew the void storm situation was trouble that affected many people, especially Taras Lagarr. "Pleasure te meet ya both, we can send word te my guild master and meet her" he said now baring a smirk, showing comfort in their interaction. Hearing that they knew of them and seemed to show intention of peace had relaxed his nature.

The dwarf was surprised to hear the priestess was in search of him. When she refer to a hero she met in the void cavern, it took him a second to realize who she may be speaking of, "Ye speakin' of Therlin?" he asked, his voice a bit softer with growing concern.

Suddenly Lumikki had arrived, catching Brone's attention. He was surprised she was able to arrive so quickly, but then again, this was expected of the Raven Queen, ever watchful, ever present. "Tis no adventure, lass- uh, guild master, this is Ryuko and Veles, the former wishes te speak with ye" The dwarf caught himself, remembering to keep the image of class so that everyone he meets for the first time to know the authority his niece holds.

"With good company and good tales"

Brone Heavyaxe

"A toast to a life of adventure"

Seeing their greeting of one another, Brone could see that the two strangers weren't unfamiliar to Lumikki, which did give him a sense of comfort knowing they weren't a threat, as far as he could tell. What did confuse the dwarf was that he couldn't follow the conversation, nor could he get a grasp of the tone. He felt there was something he was missing, information that seemed important, but he didn't press on it, figuring if it was important, he would be informed. "A drink sounds like a good plan" he smirked as he followed his niece as they started making their way back into town.

During the walk, Brone pulled up his hood to keep his hair from getting drenched in the rain. They would reach the tavern and as Lumikki did, the dwarf left Geri by the entrance; the wolf laid upon the floor and laid his head on Hugo, relying on each other's warmth. The dwarf inhaled deep, taking in the scent of the place, "Wonderful" he sighed as he walked across the way and sat at one of the tables He would pull down his hood and run a hand over his hair to make sure it wasn't too damp. With Lumikki claiming to drink whatever Brone is having while Veles and Ryuko stating they would order whatever Lumikki will have, the dwarf shrugged, "Suit yerself, we're all having Mountain Mead then" he said with a chuckle, then he would look to the bartender who had heard him and nodded.

"Stories always bring people together" Brone smiled and nudged Lumikki playfully, feeling that no matter the differences a group of people may have, there was always hope for communion and enjoyment between them. His mood was bright before Veles had brought up Therlin's name again, she would then explain what happened during the attack of the void when a raid was fought against the mighty Darkfang. Brone clenched a fist, cursing under his breath for not being there to protect Therlin when she needed him. Veles would conjure forth a golden chalice and the dwarf would stare at it while hearing the tale of what the young dwarf had done to save Earthland, "A mighty fine dwarf she was... till the end".

Veles would continue with her story, and though Brone was still eyeing the golden chalice, he was still listening intently to the two as they explained. One of the waiters would arrive with four mugs and a large jug and placed them on the table; the dwarf nodded his thanks to the young man before he took off. The dwarf would grab the jug and pour into all four mugs, the scent of honey and herbs wafted as the liquid filled up, then lastly he would pour some into the chalice, "For the lass, she yearned her spot at the table" he said somberly though with a comforting smile. When Brone finally sat back down and grabbed his mug, he finally looked towards Veles to catch her staring at him, not realizing she had been doing so for a bit. He raised his mug in salute.

"With good company and good tales"

Brone Heavyaxe

"A toast to a life of adventure"

"Humble'? Pfft Brone's eyes immediately went to Lumikki just as he was about to take a sip of his drink. His voice had previously lingered in a somber tone, but the demoness always knew how to drag the dwarf out of it and he knew it well, "Mountains tend to fall silent and still, speaking not of their might nor of their battles against those who scale their sides, both the respectful and the foolish" he happily scoffed before taking a deep swig of ale. In truth, he did indeed enjoy the idea of stories being told of him, great and small, though he acknowledges himself that he tends to prefer remaining silent of his own accomplishments; either way, he would shrug at the thought, knowing that if his actions were worth the stories to the people, then the stories will travel without his say-so, "If ye want te look for me, lass, just search yer own stories, I might be in the footnotes" he bellowed a laughter that jostled him so much some of his ale spilled onto the table and his armor, the drips of the latter immediately froze.

He turned to Veles in response to her inquiry of Therlin. Instead of falling back into the somber tone, he smiled warmly at her, "I'm sure the valkyries were there to take her to her new home" The dwarf would then reach over and lightly tap his mug against the chalice, nearly causing it to tip over, the ale spilled just a bit, dripping down the side. He nodded, taking in Lumikki's idea. As he stared at the goblet, he smirked again while thinking about different ways he could reforge it without changing it entirely, "Aye, though I'll be keeping it as a grail, it will be reforged into a dwarven one" he then took another swig, nearly emptying his mug, each gulp gave him another idea he could apply to the treasure; he then gasped and sighed heavily as the mug left his lips, then slammed the container onto the table, the goblet jumped but once again remained standing, "Whether it lost its power or not, it will remain a reflection of the grail Therlin fought to obtain; if any of them void-things come to claim it..." Brone then unhooked his golden axe from his back and placed it on the floor, leaning it against the table as he himself leaned back into his chair, "They'll deal with a tundra of problems" he then smiled and exhaled deeply; because of the cold aura from his golden axe and his breastplate, his breath froze, making it look as if the frozen torrent of air was blowing from his nose like a dragon.

When it came to the question of the war, the dwarf didn't answer, but reached out for the pitcher. They were still in the early stages of preparation. Whether he knew everything or not, he dared not speak openly when the High Jarl was sitting right at the table who was leading this entire thing. This was war and Brone well that speaking anything concerning the coming battles could be risky, even to allies, so he made sure to follow the chain-of-command and allowed Lumikki to answer and initiate such conversations before he spoke up.

He would reach over the table and refill everyone's cup, "We found Hugo in the void dungeon along with Pete, but Pete is at home right now, the older one over there is Geri, I found him in the mountains of Iceberg... yer got some eyes on ye" Brone would answer Veles. He didn't know much of her, but from what he has been picking up in conversation along with the magical energy emanating from her, he figured she must be a very skillful mage, but surely not normal. "Split in two, huh?"

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"With good company and good tales"