2nd of Winter, 515 AV. Midday. Merevaika's home.
The life of the Drykas was one of flux. But there was a familiarity in the constant change and it spanned countless generations. That blood never forgot the harsh winters, the deaths, and the births. Joys and sorrows, all of it could be traced back to time out of memory. Even if the present clans did not remember, within their spirits, it was written, instinctive in every action they performed. Such was the way of the Drykas. For the Sunspears, it was a day of change and toil. The people had reached the Winter Grounds but a moon ago, and already Endrykas had erected itself around them and took the shape of the nomadic city.
Erikal's muscles ached from the work. Raising pavilion poles, hammering down stakes, digging troughs and firepits, feeding and watering livestock, the horses, and all of the other routines that went into settling in.
"You've done enough, Erik. Your father and I plan to hunt while the women forage. Go fight. Train well."
"Ha! My mother would tan your hide to hear your words, Kudas. She can hold her own with a bow any day. You sure you don't need another? I could whip up an excuse for the Champion. Family always comes first, afterall."
The hulking man laughed, but did not disagree with the young Drykas's statement. The man stooped and shifted a massive rock in place, closing the outer ring of the firepit. He peered up at Erikal. "Blood first. But we can handle it. Your skill with spear could be very important in the coming days. There are reasons we do what we do, cousin. We all have a role to play in this life. Yours is with spear and shield." Kudas stood, clapped Erikal on the back, nearly knocking him down onto the layer of snow that covered the grassy area, and left him.
Erikal traversed the frosty paths between tents, weaving his way through Endrykas. He saw faces he recognized and greeted them warmly. Cookfires were going up all around. Smoke and the smells of burning meat permeated his senses. A simple wool cloak of gold wreathed the tall figure, denoting the spear design of his pavilion across its back. Beneath the cloak he wore leathers. The wood shaft of a spear held loosely between callused fingers.
His current destination was that of a woman's tent on the edge of the city. He figured he had enough time before training at the War Storm Pavilion to meet the woman Shahar had called, Merevaika, to discuss the potential trade of a pup. On the trek west he had spoken briefly to his hunting friend, expressing his own desire to have a loyal animal at his side, much like Shahar's Snow. As was typical of the man, he spoke little, presenting a sign to indicate consideration. Then after a short time he spoke of the woman, Merevaika. According to the rugged hunter, she had pups and might just be willing to sell or trade one of them.
The foot traffic became sparse the further he traveled toward the city's outskirts, the tents few and far between. Erikal found himself standing outside the specified tent. It was a rather plain looking setup. A single firepit not far from the entrance. Three horses grazed in the front. His blue-gray gaze lingered on the beautiful beige mare who of the three, was the only one that offered any reaction at all to his arrival. Unfortunately, she appeared somewhat skittish in his presence, taking a few wary steps back.
Just when Erikal was feeling much like an unwanted guest and wondering if he had perhaps visited the wrong tent, he heard the barks and then saw a hunting dog race round the side of the tent, three pups in tow. Erikal grinned.
Perhaps he had found the right place after all....
