The Lady of the Ice Fort

Aneira's Love and Rage

He awoke before dawn for his morning walk around the Fort to clear his mind of yesterday’s tidings. He quite liked walking around the thick walls made even thicker by the ice. Rulf made his way to the Lady’s chamber knowing she’d just be awakening. His heavy steps were heard throughout the main hall as the guards looked at him passing. He approached the ones manning Aneira’s chamber. They opened the doors without speaking a word. He found Aneira holding Bledri at her breast and soothing him with her words.

Rulf poured Aneira a flagon of ale and sat down with her at the table. For a moment, he considered informing her of the message he recieved last night but decided not to for Ulric’s sake. She was bound to find out soon.

Aneira got up and put Bledri on the floor to play with the blanket that was given to him upon his birth. She took a mouthful of the ale and handed the cup back to Rulf to refill. Rulf took the pouring jug and tilted it. He missed the cup and ale poured over the table. Aneira shot up as to not spoil her clothing but her attempt was futile. Her face was scarlet with anger.

“RULF! You fat bastard!” she blared over her child’s tears.

“I- I- am so sorry, my lady. Oh god- please forgive me” the child began to shake with horror.

Her voice had become silent to not rouse the guards and to silence her son, “If you were my brother’s squire, the table would be fucking dripping with your scum blood.”

Rulf felt like he was about to cry, piss and shit at the same time. He was used to her random fits of rage but never to this extent. Perhaps the stresses of being a mother and Lady is finally breaking through her calloused skin.

The Lady was soothing her child. She then directed her glare at Rulf, “however, I am not my brother and you are very useful and trustworthy. Besides, my axe needs sharpening before any beheadings. Leave me and find your head before I take it!”

“Apologies, my lady and I thank you.” The squire half ran out of her chamber into the grey corridor. The walk to his own chamber was made difficult by his, suddenly, weak knees. His breathing had slowed down by the time he got to his chamber. He saw the fire had already been lit by the maids. The warmth wrapped around; he imagined Aneira wrapping around him but that soon turned to her hands wrapping around his neck.