Owned by: Catherine Fisher
Warning: suggestion of J/K
Note: Thanks to Suzu for the much-appreciated correction!
Dauntless Pluck
6: Proud
Summary: As they prepare for Jarlshold, Brochael and Kari have an interesting discussion.
Brochael was known for many things: brute strength, subtle cunning, and, of course, his abnormally-large stature. He was, however, also a father-figure to none other than Kari Ragnarsson. The rune-speaker had been placed in his care by the Gudrun at a very early age, and ever since Brochael had watched over him in the way a father would his own son, instructing him on life and helping him along. So, like all father-figures, he would be forced to let his "son" go out into the world and live, even if it concerned him to no end.
The case was such when the pale boy had approached him with a serious demeanor (more so than usual) and a resolve shining bright within his eyes. It was then that Brochael realized Kari would soon set out on another journey, one that he could not accompany him on.
"Brochael ... the ice is melting." This was not news to either of them; Gudrun's magic had slowly begun to die away since her defeat. "Thasirshall's old as it is, and with the water corrosion, it'll be dangerous to stay here. Perhaps we should take Wulfgar's offer to take up residence at the Jarlshold …"
"Yes, he's asked a number of times. I think it's more or less him missing our company than needing our help." There were some matters the Jarl had asked their assistance in, and they had always obliged; however, more often they found themselves at Wulfgar's fortress for celebrations. "Perhaps he wants us there permanently so he doesn't have to continuously summon us?"
"Either way," Kari's voice softened slightly, and Brochael prepared himself, "I think we should go. There's not much left for us here."
Now Brochael sobered, eying Kari knowingly, "You have ulterior motives, don't you? No need to hide them; I'm sure they're legit."
Kari flushed an extremely-light shade of pink, and Brochael grinned cheekily. "I knew it! Something embarrassing, too, by the way you're coloring." The boy averted his gaze, inclining his head so his hair shielded his face from view.
"Is it . . . a girly?" Brochael found the boy's discomfort amusing and slightly heartening; despite the ostracism he'd been dealt and the abnormality of his childhood, he'd at least retained some semblance of a normal young-adulthood.
"Brochael!" The Snow Walker hissed, the light pink that marred his face darkening. "That's a little cruel, don't you think?"
"I suppose, but it isn't every day that I'm able to see you express so much emotion," the burly man replied honestly. Kari had been opening up over the past few months and it had brought much joy to him. "And it's fun."
Kari groaned again, and Brochael decided to pursue the subject.
"It's Jessa, isn't it?"
The boy went rigid, and Brochael grinned. They had been particularly close during the journey to defeat Gudrun, but Brochael had never truly realized the emotions that may have lain between them. And then, all too suddenly, he felt his heart constricting in his chest and the smile falter.
"It seems you've finally bucked up," the man managed to bring another smile to his lips, but his tone had lowered considerably. "I'm . . . proud of you."
Kari's eyes widened and he could do nothing but stare at Brochael. He'd never received such praise before, and it was startling. A silence ensued, neither awkward nor comfortable; merely a silence filled with recognition.
"Well, if we're to be to Jarlshold as quickly as possible, I suggest you get your belongings and we leave straightaway!" Kari nodded numbly, and with that, the journey to Wulfgar's castle began.