WAR . . . war was what had taken them across the vast ocean, what carried them through thor’s storm of monstrous waves and bellowing winds. it was what led them across the grassy hills of wessex and to the open plains before the gates of a kingdom rich in treasures and alive with the fears of mortal men. kol had felt it in his blood like some living, breathing creature that uncurled within him like the body of a snake rearing it’s head to strike, unable to sit still, unable to keep his mind at ease, kol had left the familiar comfort of the fire pit and the tents of his shield brothers in search for a spot near enough to camp to be safe from an archers bow but far enough that he could not hear the sounds of his fellow warriors.
they had set up camp beside a stream, the sound of running water over bald stones allowing him a moment of tranquility as he tipped his chin back to bask in the light of the crescent moon and her stars. he had come to the west for war. to prove himself in battle against the saxons -- not bandits and thieves, not other clansmen but of the foreigners whose steel was superior to their own, whom shielded their bodies in chainmail and iron helmets.
the serenity of the spot on the edge of the stream was broken by the sound of snapping branches and the approach of footsteps however and instantly, kol’s hand grasped the head of his axe, shoulders bunched forward as he rounded on where the sound was coming from, hiding himself amongst the shadows of the woodland line.
“ show yourself ! ” kol demanded, pulling his axe from his belt as he took several steps back and to the right. at worst, the saxons were makiing a move against the camp under cover of night -- and at best, kol was shouting at one of his own comrades and was moments from being teased mercilessly for his jumpiness. // @halysi ♡’d for a starter for war