The Warden | A For Honor Fanfiction

In the Caves

It was another cold morning as I waited by the front gates of Morrowgale for the auburn haired women. I had already assembled my pack and my equipment, and was ready to be on my way. My decision was to simply move towards the east, towards the unmarked village of Herongale. If what David had told me was true, it would be free of any Blackstone, or any other legion that might be looking for me. Still, this was a double edged sword, the lack of any established legion within the area would make Herongale popular with smugglers and bandits. I suspect that the auburn haired woman knew of this as well.

Turning to the streets, I could see the members of the village beginning to stir within. Men had begun clearing the fresh snowfall away from the entryways of buildings, while the women began bringing in firewood and drinks stored outside. Among them, I noticed out of the corner of my eye a familiar looking woman. Turning to face her, I saw the figure notice me and raise an arm, waving gently to me.

"There you are, Warden! I was worried you had left without me." She said, her voice confirming her as the auburn haired woman. As she grew closer, I gained a better look of what she was wearing.  She had covered herself in a white, woolen coat. Dark brown and black furs adorned her shoulders, wrapping around to cover most of her front, with a black woolen cap adorning her head. There appeared to be a light brown satchel by her side, slightly smaller than the pack I carried with me. Slung across her back was a medium sized, lute shaped case.

"Of course not. I would not abandon you after giving my word." I said in response. The woman smiled sweetly as she strolled beside me.

"Easy Warden, just pulling your chain a little is all." She said. Her face shifted into one of thought for a moment as she crossed her arms and raised her gloved hand to her chin. After a brief delay, she continued. "Oh wait, I'm thinking of Conquerors, aren't I?" I couldn't help but give a weary sigh as she smirked and gave a light chuckle. I could already tell this was going to be a long trip. Without responding, I turned back to the gates. Atop of them were the same guards from the day before. For a moment I wondered if they had been there for the entirety of my stay, I hoped that they were being compensated if they had been. One of the guards walked towards a set of wooden steps to the right of the wall. I recognized her immediately as the one I had spoken to the day before.

"Off so soon, Warden?" She asked, placing her hand on the railing of the steps. I nodded.

"My business in Morrowgale is finished, I must be on my way." I responded. The guard did not respond immediately, instead she turned her attention to the auburn haired woman at my side. I could just make out the hints of a smile on her face.

"And with some company I see." She mused, much to my frustration. Not even a day, and that had been pointed out twice already. I wondered just how many times this would be brought to my attention before my journey was over. "Safe travels Warden. God be with you." She finished. The guard turned to one of her compatriots and gave a signal. Before long, the wooden gates were again grinding open. Beside me, my companion shifted her furs and let out a long breath.

"You have no idea how good this feels Warden, getting back out on the road after being cooped up for so long, it's exhilarating!" She exclaimed. I simply began marching forward, pressing fresh snow deep into the earth. Not long after, I could hear my companion follow after me.

"I don't believe I ever asked your name." I said. The woman quickened her stride, coming right beside as we stepped through the open gates, out onto the well worn path. Ashfeld was once again before me.

"I suppose you didn't." She responded, glee and vigor dripping from every word. "The name is Beuer, Deborah Beuer. A pleasure to make your acquaintance Warden."

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Our trek towards Herongale only lasted a few hours. Heavy snowfall from the previous night had rendered much of the road nearly untraversable. To make matters worse, our path led us straight through landscapes that had been ripped apart, creating geysers that would eject hot steam and gas that could boil our skin in a matter of seconds. Although we tried pressing on regardless, Beuer and I simply were not equipped to handle such treacherous terrain. I knew it would be in our best interest to set up a camp before night fell, and delay the rest of our travel until the next morning. Thankfully, Beuer agreed with me. Through our cooperation, we were able to find a shallow cave in one of the larger hills. The cave sat at the base of the hill, and the entrance was difficult to see through the thick layer of trees.