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Tryston 1

“Are you seriously going to leave to escort her back to Tale?”

Tryston nodded at one of his brothers. The iceling was focused on sharpening his blade, the silver metal letting out something almost like a melody to his ears, “It won’t be long.” He promised before holding up the sword to catch the morning light. The words were spoken nonchalantly, but each syllable truly stabbed him in the heart. He hadn’t wanted to think of Constynce leaving but he knew that it was for the best. Zena was a frozen land, far too cold for the plant loving woman from Tale. Even though he had shown her some of Zena’s beauty over the last couple of years, Tryston knew that it wasn’t the same as Tale. They had stayed in a Sanctuary in the southern region near where the mountains gave way to the open plains of Sauti. In that area he could give some hope that Constynce could be somewhat comfortable because the seasons did change there and he had delighted her with the beauty of Zena’s nature.

Out here though? The cold winds were bitter and the warmest day still had snow coating the land. The village was in the heart of the country and with it came the constant feeling of winter. It was not as dire as the far north where the snow kissed mountains touched the skies but it was bitter enough. She had her home, her family back in Tale and because of her dead husb-no, awful attachment, he was certain that she would have a mess to clean up as well. They had thankfully stopped the evil plans of the council and had rooted out the corruption from the brotherhood, but damage still had been done. The local villages would need to recover what was lost and order would be had again. While Constynce was set to help her village in Tale, Serana and Tryston were needed to help Zena. His childhood friend had already taken charge of things and easily stood where her ancestors once ruled over the village. Noble and fierce, as usual.
“Tryston, why don’t you just trust us to escort her?” A protest broke Tryston’s thoughts. The younger brother was standing with his arms crossed, his expression stern, “Are we not good enough? The corrupted brothers have been taken care of and you know you can trust us. We need you here to help lead us back to where we belong.”

“I know.” Tryston stood and sheathed his sword, the dark leather sheath blending in with his dark leather tunic decorated with gray furs, “Still, I owe this much to her. It won’t be for long and I will only take her to the border. I trust you all will take care of her the rest of the way into Tale.” His words while softly spoken were firm and sealed when he placed his hand against the other man’s shoulder in dismissal. He had enough of this bickering. He had made up his mind about the escort and it was his duty to see Constynce at least part of the way home. Is that all it is? His jaw clenched as the traitorous thought crossed his mind. The answer lay in his aching heart which skipped a beat when he saw her across the way. It was easy enough to spot her among the snow and Zenans, especially when several tents were the only other thing blocking his way.

The village was full of the brotherhood, many of them packing up supplies to take back to their encampment which they had recently recovered, and the villagers had helped to set up sturdy leather tents to use during their stay. Some had healers to help with the wounded while others were for sleeping and even a larger one was turned into a mess hall for when the tavern was too full of men. As he approached quietly, Tryston had to take a breath before finally speaking, “How….are you with supplies?” He managed quietly as he studied Constynce, a faint breeze brushing the dark blue and white strands of hair from his face.

Tryston 2

Tryston's gaze softened when he studied Constynce's expression. It was obvious that the recent events had worried her and like many others it would be no surprise if she were wary of the future. Unrooting the corruption had taken a lot out of everyone and it was still uncertain how the villages would react. He trusted Serana to take care of the matters here but it would take a bit to get the Brotherhood back on track. They had to rebuild trust with the other local villages and build their strength back up. They had needed a leader and he was it. The thought would have once filled him with pride and while a hint of that emotion remained something else had made its way into his heart and mind.

It was so hard to not reach out for Constynce so that he could comfort her.

All he could do now was make certain she was safe while she was in Zena and that the others would protect her on the way back to Tale. The thought made his jaw clench in frustration. Was this really okay? His frustration faded, however, when Constynce reached up to tuck back his hair. Quietly, the man just reached for her hand as it hovered there and gave it a gentle squeeze, "You're fine." He replied quietly, his fingers lingering over her own before finally letting go, "It's my responsibility to make certain you're safe for as long as I can." He had a lot of things to do certainly, but Constynce was just as important. Surely the Brotherhood could function for a week or so without him. He would leave instructions and he trusted the others to know what to do.

Moving to her side, Tryston crouched so that he could peer towards her pack. Was she really ready? Did she forget anything? Have enough furs? His brow furrowed in curiosity before he glanced back at Constynce, "Another day." He stated with a firm nod, "Come into the village with me?" He could find more supplies for her and give her the items that he had ordered specifically with Constynce in mind.

Tryston 3
"Did it?" Tryston's brow slightly raised as he stood up from the ground. He wanted to tease that perhaps a renewal was in order but the words stuck in his throat. He couldn't even joke about extending their time together in this current situation. Tomorrow they would leave the village and head down towards the southern pass out of Zena and into Sauti. At the edge of Sauti was when he would say goodbye to Constynce. That was what everyone had agreed upon and what was best.

A small hint of a smile tugged at his mouth when she agreed to follow him, "It's a long trip." He replied casually with a light shrug of his shoulders, "More supplies will be best in case of a storm." One never knew when the Zenan winds would bring an onslaught of snow to cover the lands in a matter of hours if not minutes. He had been lost and covered deep in the snow once before and refused to be unprepared for such a situation again. At least that was what he told himself though his interest was in spending more time with Constynce before they were surrounded by brothers and more focused on safely traveling through the pass. In the village he could somewhat lower his guard while out in the wilds he knew that he would not be able to relax as much.

The village would be right over the hill. It was a cluster of stone houses, their grayish blue outlines almost blending in with the gently falling snow, and each had dark tiled roofs with chimneys breathing swirls of smoke into the cold morning air. Stone paths circled throughout the village and came together around a great square with a giant tree decorated in lanterns which were hung a few nights previously in memory of loved ones lost that year, many to the recent fighting. Near the tree was a stone platform where the village leader usually made announcements for the council. Statues and other decorative pieces decorated the square as an important area and it was in that direction which Tryston would lead Constynce.
The shops were right behind the center square after all. The small tavern was also there and the smell of fresh bread lingered in the air from the bakery next to it. A couple of other small shops decorated the square and it was there that he would gather more supplies. He just hoped that the tailor was ready with his request. Even in the busy days that they had following the coup the man had managed to come to the village a few days earlier. Tryston tilted his head thoughtfully as studied the village before glancing back at Constynce and offering her his arm to see if she was ready to follow him.

Tryston 4

Tryston's chest tightened in happiness as Constynce took his arm. It was simple enough because many escorted ladies on their arms when walking through town, but for Tryston it was precious contact. He treasured every chance he would get to be close with Constynce in their remaining days together. His silver gaze followed her own towards the tree and his right hand twitched in his desire to comfort her somehow. Did she actually mourn the man who had made her life miserable? No, he doubted it. Perhaps regret or that haunting feeling from a life being taken by your own hands?

He still remembered the first time he was forced to kill a man...

Tryston's focus went back to Constynce as she spoke, "I'm glad you think so." He replied quietly before her next question gave him pause, "If you would like." He finally answered after a long moment, "I'm sure they would be glad to have you, Serana especially." If she wanted to visit then surely she was welcome but even Tryston didn't know if he would be in the village. When the brotherhood roamed back to their main encampment it would be isolated from the villages to avoid corruption, they would be on call for the council and spread out in units to protect Zena. The rumors of Dretch as well was another worry haunting his people. A new battle was brewing and even Tryston didn't know how it would effect their futures up here in the frozen mountains. All he knew was that he would have to help the Brotherhood to strengthen their numbers again so that they could be prepared for whatever challenges came their way.
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Snowflakes floated before them as he led Constynce around the square and towards one of the shops. Through the glass windows you could see materials decorating the shelves and when Tryston opened the door the gentle jingle of a bell could be heard. Immediately a robust woman with a bright smile came out from a back room, "Oh! Tryston!" The older iceling turned back on her heel and grabbed at something, "You have great timing! I prepared what you ordered."

Tryston managed a slight nod before taking Constynce's hand from his arm and nudging her forward. The tailor immediately held out a warm cloak made of soft leathers and decorated in the softest of furs. Embroidery of golden vines went along the side of the cloak's material while the furs were a pale cream against the deep chocolate color of the cloak.

Tryston 5

A small smile decorated Tryston's lips as he nodded towards Constynce. The cloak had been specifically ordered by the iceling for her. The furs were of the finest quality, not for novelty's sake but for the fact that they would offer her the most warmth and the design he noticed was a small additional detail which the tailor must have created herself. He was thankful that she had done such beautiful work and that Constynce seemed to love it. Her reaction to the gift melted something in those silver eyes and warmth shimmered there as he smiled at her, "Beautiful." He commented quietly.

The compliment was not simply for the cloak and Tryston's gaze was fairly obvious when he smiled at Constynce. After a moment he reached over to thank the tailor and gave her a pouch of coin. The older iceling bustled with a laugh at the gesture and the reaction of the leafling woman, "Glad to see that my work was not for waste! You really are lovely, dearie. I hope it keeps you warm. A certain someone was super concerned about you feeling the Zenan chill." She reached over with a soft leather bag with brass buttons and fine embroidery, "I also made this leather satchel for you. There's some gloves, a scarf, and fur to cover your ears. It's quite a hike through our country so please keep safe and warm." Even if they didn't outright say it most of the villagers had noticed the leader of the brotherhood and the companion who had helped to overturn the corruption. It had been a challenging task and they wouldn't forget their gratitude for it.

Tryston nodded encouragingly towards Constynce before heading towards the door, "We will also need to pick up more food when you're ready."

Tryston 6

A rare flush immediately decorated the iceling's face at the contact, "You're welcome." He replied softly with the slightest of smiles, "I'm glad that you enjoy it." He always knew she was sensitive to the cold of Zena and secretly, perhaps a bit selfishly, he wanted to get her a lasting gift that would remind her of him. If he couldn't keep her warm then at least the cloak could provide the warmth in his stead. When she went to Tale he wouldn't be there any longer like he had been for her in the past three years. The thought made his stomach tighten uncomfortably but Tryston's calm expression revealed none of the inner turmoil. Today he would focus on getting her prepared and then tomorrow they would head out with the dawn.

And just like that the warmth of her hug was gone.

As Constynce left the shop, Tryston felt his heart drop. The hug hadn't lasted nearly long enough and was over far too soon. The thought made his cheeks burn a little bit more before he glanced back at the shopkeeper who smirked at him knowingly. Shaking his head at the older woman the iceling darted from the shop and reached for Constynce's hand, "The village is known for delicious sweets." He mentioned quietly, his gaze on the path ahead and not directly on Constynce, "You could take some back for your family in the village or for yourself. The escort already backed the basic necessities, this would be just for personal pleasure. Would there be anything else that you would like?"

Tryston 7

Tryston nodded. It was a simple enough reason and one that he fully agreed with. It would be better for the riders to travel with the bare necessities and maybe a few spare items. Sweets and a cloak for Constynce definitely would not make or break the journey but if they had wanted a whole additional load of gifts then perhaps the mountain paths of Zena would not be so kind. Constynce was fair minded and far from being greedy. It was another reason that he had found himself liking the leaf woman in the first place. Well that was she didn't ask for much save from the growing horde of plants which she teased about already. The comment almost brought a smile to his lips and Tryston simply shook his head in amusement as they walked along.

"Hmm." Tryston's lips curled upwards at Constynce's comment about not being tolerated at home and he couldn't resist glancing her way almost teasingly, "Perhaps." If she couldn't be tolerated in Tale then surely she would just have to return to Zena. His gaze teased the words but they never left his lips. Helping Constynce up a few rough stone stairs they headed into a small shop full of local sweets. An older iceling and his grandaughter ran the shop connected to the bakery and it was here that Tryston started to pick and choose from a selection of sweet breads, spun sugar snowflakes, hard crystal candies of various colors that actually melted in your mouth and other such novalties.

"A full box with a bit of everything please." He requested and watched as the little girl bounced around excitedly. She was eager to help out her grandfather and soon was darting about the small store filling up a wooden box with little square dividers full of their prized sweets, "Here. To warm you up." Tryston reached for a warm bag of toasted nuts, coated in spices and sugar, and held them out towards Constynce, "We can try anything that you would like as well." Perhaps he really was trying to spoil her so that she would think of Zena more than Tale.