Kalt takes a few careful steps toward the woman, asking, "Are you cold? I have something that will help keep you warm." He slings off his pack as he approaches, reaching in and pulling out a lump of blackfire clay. Holding it up, he says,"Do you know this stuff? It can warm you if you're cold."
He holds it out to her and says, "I am Kalt. What is your name?"
The woman is of average height and slight build, with the typical slanted, dark eyes of the northern tribes. Her face is tanned and toughened from long exposure to the elements; the rest of her skin is hidden under layers of warm furs and winter clothing. A few wisps of coal-black hair have escaped her warm wool cap and blow freely in the wind.
She tilts her head slightly, her dark eyes studying the man intently. Gingerly she reaches out to accept the clay, her gloved hands seeming... awkward, in a way, as if reaching is difficult or disconcerting. She studies the clay for a moment before responding. "My thanks. I am warm enough for now, but night will be colder. I... believe my name is Lana."
She believes that's her name? This one may be too far gone to save... He returns her gaze, curious about this tribeswoman, who should know better, wandering ill-equipped in the harsh weather. She is strange, but somehow very compelling at the same time. "Night will be colder, as you say. Where are you headed? Perhaps we can travel a ways together. You seem a bit...troubled, if you don't mind my saying so."
Are his intentions evil? Would he be so forward if they were? Perhaps he would... but he doesn't know what he's facing.
The tribeswoman blinks at Kalt a few times, frowns slightly, then gives the tiniest shrug. "Headed? I... don't know. Where are you going?"
Kalt sees the woman is struggling with something, though he can't work out what it is. He says in a gentle tone, "I am going to the hold of Katz Wyrmslayer, a day's travel from here. He has been of great help to me, and perhaps his people can help you, if you have need of it. Will you travel there with me, Lana? I mean no offense, but I am concerned you will not be safe on your own."
Lana's face relaxes and her mouth breaks into a smile as she chuckles softly. "I have been safe on my own these two months, at least... but I will travel with you if only for the company."
She studies him for a few seconds before adding, "How has this Wyrmslayer helped you?"
"Well, then, we'll travel together for the company," responds Kalt, a soft smile on his face. "As to how Katz has helped me? A week ago I was dead, and now I am not. I owe him my very life, and my current journey is a part of paying that debt."
He hefts his pack again and says, "Well, Lana, shall we move on? If we move steadily, we can reach Katz's hold before dark, and eat well and sleep with the walls of a tent to keep us warm." He hesitates slightly, unsure about his recent choice of words. "Two tents, I meant, you know? We would each be warm.". He shrugs slightly, then turns and continues the journey.
The woman hesitates momentarily. "You seem sure they will accept me. How can you know this?"
Perhaps I was dead, too... perhaps he brought me back... but why?
"I do not know that he would accept you, but he accepted me," Kalt answers, "though not without some trial. But I know little of that story of he agreed to help me. Perhaps my friends helped somehow. And perhaps I can help you. Let us go and see."
Lana nods, her face thoughtful. "Very well."
The pair continues they journey, perhaps in conversation, perhaps not. Kalt leads the group back to the tribe and is greeted with nods of approval by those he passes. By this time, tales of his performance in the arena has spread across the entire village where even the craftsmen appreciate a good fight.
Arriving at the tent of the Wyrmslayer, he greets them with hearty applause and a raised eyebrow. "When I said to take what you wanted, I had not expected a woman to be something claimed. Now, I assume you have the sack? Bring it forth."
Lana raises one eyebrow at the chieftain's words, but remains silent. She steals a glance at the man, frowning slightly before returning her gaze to studying the rest of those present.
Does he truly think he has claimed me? I don't want to hurt him... wait, and see how this plays out.
Kalt grins back tolerantly at Katz, then says, "I did not expect to claim a woman either, and I have not done so. I met Lana here on my return journey, and we travelled together, that is all. But I have what I was sent to collect, and I hope it lifts some of the great debt I owe to you."
He pulls the small sack out of his belt pouch and holds it out to Katz respectfully.
Katz weighs the sack of dust in his hand, nodding appreciatively. "Well done. Tonight we shall have a celebration of your victory. I do not recognize you Lana, so you are not of my tribe here. Tell me, where do you come from the Kalt might find you on our doorstep?"
Lana raises one eyebrow as she's addressed, her back straight and her gloved hands motionless. She speaks confidently, meeting the chieftain's gaze. "I have wandered far, Wyrmslayer... for near two moons I have wandered these lands, slowly making my way north until yesterday, when I came upon Kalt. I know nothing of your lands or your tribe but what Kalt has told me."
Katz face darkens over the thought of someone having wandered his lands for so long without his knowing. "I knew we were shorthanded on scouts, but I never fathomed this badly. I am interested in your tale Lana. Perhaps you would grace me with it at tonight's festivities. For now, I have duties to attend to."
The tribeswoman nods gracefully. Well, he didn't kick me out...