RP:A Foreigner Joins Frostmaw

Part of the The Ice Plague Cometh Arc

Characters: Hildegarde, Ragni.
Location: Frostmaw Tavern.
Synopsis: Ragni joins the military of Frostmaw.

RP:A Foreigner Joins Frostmaw

Frostmaw Tavern

Slightly chilled, the tavern is still a far warmer location than the outdoors of Frostmaw. If the cold is too much for a visitor, they can take a seat near the tavern's center, a place dominated by a large firepit dug neatly into the earth. A fire is always burning within, fed by large logs and, strangely, scraps of leftovers flung in by passing patrons--to those in the know, this is to feed Aodhan, the fire wyrmling occupant of the pit and keeper of the flames. Aside from the stone and earth of the firepit, the rest of the flooring is of a dark wood, clearly a sturdy material to routinely bears the weight of many Frost Giants, their armor, and their frequent brawls. A similar wood, lighter in color, makes up the raftered ceiling with its steeped roof. Tightly packed stones create the lower half of the walls, the upper planks of wood built close together to keep out the cold. Booths, tables, armchairs, and stools of various sizes can be found throughout the tavern in no particular arrangement. Frost Giant lasses move skillfully among the crowds to serve ale and warm meals, occasionally stopping to regale a newcomer with the stories behind the many trophies hung upon the walls: sabercat fangs, mounted mammoth heads, aged weapons, dented shields, war banners, and a dragon skull hanging central from the ceiling, horns and jaws wrapped in blue chains. A rather bulky and well toned frost giant stands behind the bar. Upon his blinded left eye, a scar travels down and along his jaw. The large bartender, Drargon, simply watches the patrons, awaiting orders... or trouble, considering the massive war-axe resting beside him.

Ragni sits at the bar, both hands clasping an empty mug of Frostmaw ale within a well calloused, thick fingered grip. The berserker is adorned in fur-lined armor, and has naught but a zoned out look upon his features. The foreigner is lost in the years of his previous life and anxious to get things started anew within these lands. It seems that this particular country favored the same things he had. At the thought, right hand moves to his side to check his armament; a runic axe and sword lie tied at either hip and dangle freely. Of course, they sat there like always. A long dirty blonde, braided beard covers much of his visible features, which was perhaps grown to help endure the cold. Here Ragni sits in silence waiting for a response to his notice upon the boards.

Hildegarde was tailed into the tavern by three members of the Queensguard, big strapping giants who had a proud stride and wary look in their eyes; ever watchful and ever ready for battle. "I have given you your command," the woman repeated to them, infinitely smaller in comparison to them - standing only over six foot, while they towered over twenty feet tall - but seemingly bearing more authority and power than them, "as your captain, you will carry out these orders and you will do it proudly. Need I give them to someone else? To someone more willing? Or need I do it myself?" she asked them, slowly coming to a halt so she might turn to face them as her fingers flexed reflexively around the shaft of her halberd. Each giant shook his head in turn, consenting to whatever order she had bid, before turning and heading out the door. The knight waited a few moments longer, as if watching the door for any who might return, before heading towards the bar. "Any news?" she asked Drargon.

Ragni momentarily lifts his gaze from the empty mug to the commotion coming in through the door. The iron curtain shroud of silence in the tavern had finally dropped, and it was enough to scrape him from his thoughts. Giants, were just the same here as they were back home. Massive and sometimes considered unintelligent; whether this was true or not mattered little. Their prowess in combat was not something to trifle with. It was awkward however, to watch them take orders from one so small. There was certainly much more to this stranger then one might think upon seeing her. She had to be strong. Instead of outright interrupting her and the barkeep, a nod is given in her direction. Until her conversation was over with Drargon, Ragni would not speak. It was apparent she was here for a purpose.

Hildegarde glimpsed the nod and responded with a polite, if not curt as not to disturb Drargon's chat, "Hail, stranger," before she continued conversing with the giant barkeep. The giant had little to tell her, a few strangers in the tavern every so often; little discontent amongst troops, only some nervousness; the usual bravado of the younger ones, eager to prove their worth; an increasing in shaman visits. News that wasn't particularly troubling or enough to put the woman at unease, as evidenced from her exhale of relief and polite smile offered to him, "Thank you kindly, Drargon, I appreciate your assistance in these times."

Ragni finally turns in response to her comment. “Greetings.” From her obvious show of power, derived from her previous mission commands, he gathered that she might be someone he sought. “I’ve heard of the war here in Frostmaw.” Though it might be obvious to all, Ragni was still new to these lands. “Do you know someone I can enlist with and lend my aid?” Silver flecked blue eyes sure to attempt at direct eye contact. “I’m not looking for any special position. Just a soldier looking to put his blades to use again.”

Hildegarde was often uncomfortable in making grand shows of power, she preferred a humble route and a path of modesty. But when people refused to listen to her or accept her authority, it often became necessary to cast such feelings aside and to focus on what was needed, rather than wanted. "You've heard correctly," she confirmed politely, listening to him ask about enlisting. She was surprised, as evidenced by the little quirk of her brow. Not many ventured to Frostmaw for fear of the danger, fewer still willingly came looking for a fight. "I am the commander of the army," she said gently, with no swelling pride or smug demeanour, just a statement, "and captain of the Queensguard. If you're looking to enlist, then I suppose you are speaking to the right person," she offered him a smile. "But first, might I fetch you some food? Few travel here without feeling the bite of hunger, for it is no easy climb or travel by any means." Eye contact was established at that point, the knight's sole eye boring into one of Ragni's, given that her mutilated eye was concealed by a leather patch.

Ragni kept the eye contact up, seeing it as rude to not hold gaze with the one you converse with. “It was a bit of a climb, but Frostmaw and Xalious are very similar to my home.” For a moment, the warrior goes silent, memories scratching at the surface of his mind; he could never go back. For now, Frostmaw was the closest to what he called home. Though few things are different, it would certainly do to reestablish himself as a renown warrior. “I thank you for the offer of food, it seems the coin I brought has no value here, and I have very little from this land.” Truth is, he was barely able to cover the ale he just drank. “My names Ragni,” he adds with a tilting of his head. “Might you have use of another soldier?”

Hildegarde noted the silence at the mention of home but she didn't ask about it. It might seem a bit disrespectful of her to immediately ask about his past, his home, why the silence, everything her curiosity wanted to ask. "You can go to the bank later, see if they'll trade some coins for yours. It might be melted down into something useful, who knows," she said with a shrug, beckoning Drargon over, "Please, fetch this man here whatever it is his gut desires," she smiled, offering the giant a polite nod of her head. "I am Hildegarde the Silver," she replied, extending her hand as if for a shake. "There is always a need for soldiers, of course. I fear our war will come to an end soon, mind you. The exiles have been issued their final warning and each side now prepares for battle."

Ragni was thankful to not have to answer personal questions. Instead he preferred to keep such things to himself. The warrior accepts her handshake, clasping it firmly. “Thank you ma’am. For both the food and the chance to fight again.” The first show of emotion is now readily visible, by way of a smile which stretched his beard covered lips. This was what he had sought. “Where should I report?” Straight to business as usual. The food could wait. Ragni didn’t need to know the details, he only needed a target, an objective. It wasn’t his job to ponder over what might happen. He would only ensure that whatever task was given to him, would be completed. A narrow minded simpleton, some might say. Others would simply refer to him as a mindless soldier who’s responses never go beyond yes, sir or ma’am.

Hildegarde said to you, "You may report to either the fort, if you wish for direct duties form myself, or you may report to our arena for drills and spar training."

Ragni nods in confirmation. “Yes ma’am.” As for the food, Ragni turns to the barkeep and places an order for wild boar stew. Attention is quickly placed back on the commander Hildegarde, “I’m sure you’re busy so I won’t take up anymore of your time. I will seek out the arena and the fort as soon as my meal is over. Thank you.” Eyes now hungrily gaze over the food which has been placed before him.

Hildegarde watched as the food was placed before him, rising from her seat and gripping her halberd as if she was ready to leave the tavern. "Know this, Sir Ragni, if you betray my army or my people, there will be no place where you will be safe," she said carefully, showing that the threat was made in all seriousness but in a way that suggested that the knight disliked resorting to threats. "I trust you will not do such a thing, but this warning goes to any and all who serve Frostmaw; myself included. I am aware if I betray the trust of my Queen, she will cause unimaginable pains before allowing me to die. Frostmaw is a harsh land," she warned, "do not tackle it unless you are certain you can take her wrath." After a pause, she spoke again, "We will see how well your service fares in the battle to come and what skirmishes may take place before then. If you perform well and my soldiers commend you, we shall consider a permanent or more fitting arrangement, yes?"

Ragni moved his sights from the bowl before him to the standing commander near him as she spoke. Frostmaw is sounding more and more like home. The warrior sits up straight and slams a fist to his chest in salute. “Yes, ma’am,” he states proudly, acknowledging the threat which was just received. Though Ragni did not take it as one, but more of a personal promise to end his life should he bring any form of harm to Frostmaw. “I will not falter in my tasks.” These were the only words given in response. His life was hers for the taking if he was deemed traitorous. This was not something he intended to do. Frostmaw was his home now and so he would fiercely defend it to his very last breath.

Hildegarde offered a genuine smile at his response, "You are the type of man Frostmaw looks for," she said, offering a little nod to go with it. "That will go well in your favour. I suggest that you make friends with the giants, lest they try to kick the 'little man' around. Make your japes, spar with them, drink with them. For the love of the gods, don't insult them, I'd hate to see a promising soldier die without seeing them in the field first." That said, the knight nodded and made her way out.

Ragni watched as she left, keeping his rigid posture until she was out of sight. Once she was gone, he promptly finished his food, thanked the barkeep and left the tavern himself. Now he had to find the arena and break the rust off his combat. It has been -far- too long.