AMNESIA'S TYRANNY

Chapter 26 | Not Going Down Without a Fight

Lily was incredibly fortunate that he came to her aid.

She laid in his arms bridal style, head nestled into his chest. The man had wrapped her in his cloak, leaving his appearance exposed to her greedy eyes.

The sun had slowly begun to peak above the mountains, coating the land with her warm gaze. Looking at the sun reminded her of someone- but it hurt her head to think more about it.

She always preferred the moon.

Mindlessly, her fingertips delicately traced his tattoos. Amongst the sharp turns and Nordic symbols, there was writing along his shoulder and forearm in a language she didn't understand. 

He hummed in contentment as she touched him. Seems that was an easy way to relax him.

"Aren't you cold?" She asked delicately. She knew the answer because his body radiated heat like no tomorrow. "Not one bit." He'd say.

How strange. "Why?" She questioned, leaning her head near his collarbone. 

He tensed, avoiding her gaze, before speaking. "I'm going to leave you near them." He told her, "I can't let them see my appearance."

Lily furrowed her brows. That was... the worst attempt at a diversion she's ever heard.

Or, well, the worst she remembers. 

He'd slowly put her on the ground. Her feet were wrapped up with cloth they took from the cabin. She felt awful for stealing, but the man didn't care one bit. He only cared about keeping her warm.
She kept her hand on his bicep, turning to look up at him. His extreme height was always a shock, but she began to find comfort in it. Pursing his lips, he appeared reluctant to walk away. She was just as hesitant.

"I hope I learn your name soon." She smiled softly, watching him melt at the sight of it. "I think I'm falling in love with you."

His breath caught in his throat. The man averted his gaze, bashfully unable to meet her gaze.

Clearing his throat, the flustered man stepped away. "... Stay safe." 

Lily giggled quietly as he trotted away, hiding the red invading his face. His vulnerability was absolutely adorable, making her heart ache for him more.

She holds the large cloak close, bundling herself up in it like a blanket. It was huge compared to her- dragging on the ground due to her inferior height. The inside was fluffy, obviously made from a warm pelt.

Walking through winter's tears was cold, but it was satisfyingly beautiful. She noticed the moon was beautifully complimented by the whitened landscape.

Up ahead, she began to approach an archery.

Aun wasn't too bothered about being awoken early this time.

With slightly widened eyes, he watched Vor get chewed out like a piece of gum. 

Baldur roared at her, flailing his hands and constantly grabbing her to shake or hit her for her insolence. 

He constantly threw around the world Sacrilege- which wasn't a term he used lightly. Vor had royally fucked up this time.

Nearby Tribe members anxiously stood on the sidelines. They held their bows, awaiting for the trio to move out of the way. Baldur had run up to Vor while she was walking back from the target with her arrows, and his verbal assault has continued there ever since.
Aun approached not soon after, but he didn't speak a word. Fortunately- Baldur seemed solely focused on the Ek, for now. It was unlike him to be this angry since he tends to brush things off and not treat them very seriously.

In other words, Baldur was very laid back.

This was nearly as shocking as when Aun watched Eir get angry for the first time.

"I mean, really?!" Baldur hissed, "I know you get angry easily, but this is fucking stupid!" He flailed his hands, "I even told you how bad of an idea this is!"

Suddenly, the Aðal's gaze landed on Aun. He tensed up.

Baldur pointed at him, "Did you know about this scheme?"

He had an idea of what Vor had done. "No, sir." He pursed his lips, trying to avoid his own personal screaming match.

"Wow." He deadpanned, sounding like a disappointed parent. "So you did this all by yourself, Vor?" He looked at the Ek.

She was blankly staring at the ground. Aun couldn't tell if she was angry, ashamed, or miserable. Perhaps all of the above.

"I asked you a fucking question." He hissed, getting up in her face. The Ek hurriedly nodded, "Yes, sir."

She earned herself another 10 minutes of yelling. 

Aun perked at the sound of snow crunching nearby. He looked around the archery before noticing a woman coming from the woods. The normally emotionless Fjǫrðr raised his brows in shock.

Lily had returned. Her arrival, especially in a cloak and small clothing pieces, told him that his suspicions were correct. 

Vor literally dumped her outside pack land.

"... Sir." He spoke up. The taller man whipped his gaze toward the Fjǫrðr, searing his gaze deep into his soul. Aun gestured toward Lily, "She's back."

Almost giving himself whiplash, Baldur immediately turned his head toward her.

He bolted up to her, quickly bowing his head. "I'm so sorry." He apologized, "I'm so sorry for her insolence."

Looking at the Ek, she stared at Lily in absolute shock. Her eyebrows were raised high, eyes wide open, and lips slightly parted. She definitely didn't expect the guest to make her own way back.

"She was gone for five hours..." Vor muttered, "How...?"

Aun leaned toward Vor, whispering quietly, "You're definitely getting your ass kicked."

She threw him a harsh glare before they both flinched as Baldur roared.

"ESCORT HER TO THE HEALER!"