Winter walked over outside the kitchens and used the hand pump to quickly wash up. Refreshed, she slipped through the kitchens and used a side door to the main hall. There was already a crowd inside. Family for the most part but a few servants and hired positions as well as the mercenaries that the StormRiders sent. She quietly moved to the back and settled in the shadows.
Bradford stood up on the dais and waited. Of all the borderholds, his was in comparison average. Neither big nor small. Bradford wished his forefathers had named their hold something more manly or courageous. WhiteFeather Hold was just an insult giving ties to the Companions. Nothing against gryphons. They made good soldiers. But they had the brain the size of a pea and were vain, arrogant creatures that liked to pose and talk smack. Companions were just the same as regular gryphons - nothing more.
Winter could tell her father's emotions were irritable. What could be bothering him so much? He cleared his throat. She braced herself. Whatever this gathering was for, it couldn't be good. Dreary setting for unsettling news. The stone walls and wooden beams were comforting for many, but the drafty air and dark corners had always been a source of depression for Winter. However, announcements for large groups were better heard in here where sound could echo than out in the courtyard.
Bradford firmly started, "I would like to officially welcome the StormRiders. A dozen men who responded to our job offer. They will be helping us inspect and resupply the outposts we have near the border. Then they will split into four teams and man those outposts with us. It will take a lot of work and time but I am sure we can be done before winter. We have plenty to provision the outposts with as this harvest was very good." He paused. Winter winced. This was the part that caused his worry. She really didn't want to be here for this. She despised conflict so much. Not a trait to have when you live in a borderhold.
"There is another matter that needs to be given attention. The Herald who visited last year asked that we build and maintain a second waystation. The waystation they have is in excellent condition and well provisioned. However they want a place for their Compansions and Heralds to stay closer to the border in case of inter-border travel. I just received via messenger an update. This waystation has to be completed before winter and camouflaged. It has to be larger with more than the normal provisions and supplies. Unheard request and unusual for any place to have to care for more than one, but what our King wants we will definitely comply with. We are the WhiteFeather Hold and we have pride in our support of our country. We received permission to hire mercenaries to help with this as well." Bradford turned to the mercenaries, "The crown is willing to compensate. If you would see if your company would send another two dozen for this, I would like to keep my dealings with just one single mercenary company. I know it isn't the most glorious job, but we have need of the help." One of them nodded in affirmation. Bradford nodded back. Turning to face his family, he gave them leave to go, "That is all, back to work."
Winter felt relieved and gave no further thought to her father's words. She turned and exited, the first to reach the warm sunshine and open space of the courtyard. The soft dirt beneath her boots and warm breeze brushing her bare shoulders. Her sleeveless brown dress taking in the sun's rays. For a moment she was alone and free of the emotions of others. The relief was incredible.
Then a strong presence broke through her calm. Opening her eyes, she looked up above the forest line as a white gryphon flew up and into view. It came with such speed. She felt it's purpose and intense desire. Barely hearing anyone as the rest of the family, hired hands, and mercenaries started to trickle out behind her, she could only stare in shock as a Companion landed in front of her. It's majestic white feathers almost sparkling in the sunlight. It's shoulders barely above hers and it's head towering above her. Slender and smaller, more like a falcon than most gryphons who reminded one of a hawk, this one had a grace to it that she felt attracted to.
The Companion Mindspoke to her, "Winter, I Chose You." It looked with it's blue eyes into hers and she felt herself falling into it's depths. Everything dropped away accept for her love for this Companion and the incredible depths of love the Companion had for her.
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