Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Goodbye, Svella," Herryk called over his shoulder before the door closed behind him. His arms were laden with their bags and the basket so he could not wrap an arm around her like he would've liked. No matter. They were on the tail end of this particular journey.

"Herryk will bring Freya back to visit soon," he said softly, a smile on his lips. He was relieved that they'd gotten along. Herryk had been worried that Svella had planned on going on a tangent about the downfalls of valkyries, but he'd been very adamant that Svella behave herself.

"Freya is also welcome to visit on her own. Svella is a very nice witch." He gave her a quick look. "Herryk apologizes for not having brought Freya sooner.. it just.. well, it didn't seem like the best time."

There was but one street that ran the length of the town. As they leisurely made their way to the end of the road, a thickly wooded forest loomed before them. Herryk hesitated for a brief moment. Would she even be interested in what he'd planned to show her?

Herryk cleared his throat as they moved deeper into the woods. This had been a terrible idea. Would she understand how much this meant to him? Herryk hoped so. He wasn't sure what he would do if she didn't understand.

"Herryk is.. nervous." He gave a short laugh. It was stilted and strained but he couldn't help it.

They broke into a small clearing. The earth was rich and coated with fallen leaves. It was rather secluded and quiet where they were, and Herryk set their bags on the ground at his feet. He placed the basket down as well, turning to offer Freya a hesitant smile.

"Here." He reached for the blanket, spreading it out and indicating that Freya should take a seat. "This is where Herryk wanted to bring Freya."

Herryk sat next to Freya and placed the basket before her. He leaned back on his elbows, crossed his ankles and watched her closely.

"This is where Herryk came from. Where Herryk ... woke up." He gestured with a broad hand in a vague motion. "This area, at least. Herryk does not know exactly where. It was very confusing in the beginning." The draugr traced his fingers up her arm, jerking his chin at the basket.

"Open it."

Freya's assumptions would be correct. The basket was packed to the brim with various delicacies: meatballs in a peppery savory sauce; the odd cut of venison in a thick brown gravy which was paired with a dense loaf of sliced bread; vegetable and meat dumplings; biscuits and sweet jam; rich mutton soup with potatoes and other root vegetables; and even a few bits of jerky. Utensils and napkins were also included, as were plates, mugs and small bowls. To drink, a large jug of spiced cider, and for dessert there were two options: a thick sponge cake topped with apples or a rich custard with a tart berry compote.

"Herryk wanted to cook these things for Freya, but nothing was coming together right." He gave a small laugh, sitting up and rearranging himself so that he was seated behind Freya, his legs spread out on either side of her. A comfortable, muscled chair that she could lean against if she desired -- and Herryk could busy himself with touching her while she ate. "Herryk spoke to Svella, and Svella helped Herryk plan this meal. Herryk hopes these are all things that Freya will enjoy eating."

Herryk wrapped his hands around her waist, just enjoying the feel of her body beneath his hands. He continued speaking but his hands were in constant motion against her soft flesh. Gentle brushes against her waist, the trailing touch of his fingers against her back.

"Freya looks so very beautiful today," he murmured against her shoulder before dropping a kiss there. "This place.. it is important to Herryk and so Herryk wanted to share this place with his most beloved."

Herryk settled his hands aroud Freya's waist, a soft smile settling on his lips. He just stared at her face for the longest time before he leaned down to press a kiss to her lips. It was a quick kiss, almost reverent. "Herryk loves Freya," he whispered softly, "and ... now Freya should eat. Does this food look good?" He wasn't entirely sure if she would find all of the food appetizing which is why he'd requested that Svella prepare a variety of different things.

"Herryk would like to feed Freya if this is acceptable," he went on almost shyly, squeezing her hips with his hands. He dipped his head again and brushed his lips against her collarbone, slowly nibbling up her throat to her ear. He nipped at the lobe of her ear before pulling away to watch her intently.

Herryk couldn't stop the chuckle that burst from his lips as he wrapped his arms even tighter around Freya. It faded quickly at her next words. No, no. He had this all planned out. Food first. Food first, and then he would see where things went from there. It was just difficult to stay on track when she was curled up in his lap.

Maybe food could wait. There was one thing that couldn't, though.

"Freya," Herryk spoke softly, his voice utterly serious. "There is just one other thing that Herryk..." He cleared his throat. This was proving to be more daunting than he'd anticipated. "Meatballs first?" Food was the safest topic. For now, at least.

Herryk's mouth worked and no noises came out. Finally he just grabbed the piece of meat off of the prongs of the fork and pressed the tender bit against Freya's lips. No, he had no intention of feeding the ghoul with forks and knives and spoons. He had no interest in the food itself -- if Freya was going to enjoy the food, Herryk was going to enjoy her while she enjoyed the food.

And he didn't give a Jack how messy it got.

The thick gravy threatened to dribble down Freya's chin if she didn't open her mouth, and Herryk just waited expectantly, brows lifted.