The Firestorm and the Eye
This is a story I wrote for @krogans-give-the-best-cuddles as a Christmas present to them.
Every legend, every hero, has to start somewhere. Before they can become friends of kings and saviors of the world, they must be a hero of their town. Before their deeds can be known in every realm, their names must first be mentioned by friends affected. Distressed children and awestruck adults must first tell tale of the hero’s original deeds. And so it was that two men, good friends, found themselves in a tavern, drinking and discussing one of the local heroes that had taken it upon themselves to defend the town.
“Well, Eirr, ya heard it yerself,” the first man said, “Vae wants volunteers to go with vaer and finally take care of that nest of wraiths that’s been plaguing us.”
The second man, Eirr, snorted before taking a long swig of his ale. “Still find it hard to believe that vae and vaer brother couldn’t take it down on their own. I sure hope you don’t plan on going with the two, Roland,” He finished, having just noticed the sword leaning on the first man’s chair.
“Eh heh, well… it’s just, you kno-“
“Out with it already!”
“The Firestorm, vae’s done so much to keep this town safe, ever since vae first showed up here. They both have, really, but…”
Eirr gave a soft smile in response, and when he spoke, it was a quiet voice, full of sympathy. “I know. Your sister would be dead had it not been for The Firestorm vaerself. But,” he continued before Roland could start, “you’re a baker. Do you even know how to use that sword?”
Roland stared down at the sword leaning on his chair, before looking back up at Eirr, fire in his eyes. “Ya know, vae’s been saying vaerself that we need to learn how to defend ourselves. Maybe vae’s willing to teach us. Wouldn’t it be something, learning how to fight from The Firestorm vaerself? Then we could finally be able to pick ourselves up! We could actually keep our nerves when the sun goes down!”
Eirr was at a loss for words. Here, in front of him, was a direct result of what having The Firestorm and The Eye did to people. The two warriors had confidence, and it was seeping into the townsfolk. Even he and his family had been able to get full night’s rests without him or his wife having to keep watch through the night. The two siblings had come bringing nothing but strength and protection, yet now they also provided confidence and hope. They had saved lives time and time again, and had asked for nothing more than a warm meal every now and again. People that had never before wielded a weapon were now more willing than ever to fight in order to protect their home. People that had been planning on leaving everything behind to go and find a safer town had been convinced to stay due to the actions of the two heroes. Maybe his young friend just wanted to repay them for all the good they had done.
After a long moment of silence, just as Roland was beginning to think that his friend wasn’t going to respond, Eirr opened his mouth. “Fine. You want to run into a suicidal battle against a cursed battlement where the only experienced fighters are The Firestorm and The Eye? Go ahead,” Eirr chuckled to himself as he saw Roland’s crestfallen look, before continuing, a smile on his face. “Just know that I’ll be by your side every step of the way.”