Egfor slowly pulled his arm out from under Idhrandir, kissing the man's cheek carefully before sliding out of bed, careful not to wake him up. He pushes himself up to stand, quickly and quietly moving to get dressed before his lover woke up.
It was the middle of the night and that is exactly what he wanted. He did not want to be found out or caught. Questions about what he was doing up and where he was going at an absurd how would foil his plans and rouse suspicions. He fastened his mantle and cloak of deer furs around his shoulders and crept out of the room. He hesitates, debating on taking his bow, but decided against it. His knowledge of the lands could likely help him outrun any predator or attacker.
He slipped outside, saddling up his stallion and pulling himself up into the saddle. With nothing but the sound of clattering hooves on cobble announcing his departure, he rode swiftly North and East.
Egfor rode into Far Chetwood, the city light and din far behind him. He slowed down and eventually stopped. He dismounted, leaving his horse near a copse of trees and continued on foot for a while. He wandered off in no particular direction, only stopping when it felt right to him. He dropped down, building a very small fire, just enough to illuminate only the area he was in. He sat on the frosted grass, rubbing his cheeks briefly, his face cold from the ride.
He leaned back, digging through the bag he carried with him. he pulls out a small cloth wrapped bundle. He sought out the same mushrooms he had accidentally picked earlier, curious about what would happen if he intentionally took them. He looks around his surroundings again. Seeing no threats, he lifts one to his mouth, popping it into his mouth. He makes a face and devours it.
Egfor rests his elbows on his knees, eyes closed, waiting for it to take effect. He opened his eyes as he felt that falling sensation once more, looking up. Startled, he bolted upright, not expecting to see a man crouching on the other side of the fire, staring right at him. He stared at the man. He appeared to be an elderly Dunlending man. He was garbed in hides and furs, many glass and metal beards adorned him, feathers as well. He crouched before the fire opposite of Egfor, leaning on a twisted and gnarled staff.
Egfor dared to ask, "Are you an apparation or... actually here?"
The man gave a toothy smile, just saying at first, "Yes." After several long moments, that smile vanished, replaced by a look of disgust, "My daughter decided to marry a Forgoil. Silly child." The man got up slightly, waddling around till he was on the other side of the fire, crouching before Egfor, leaning uncomfortably close to peer at his face, "Old eyes..." He squints at the blonde man for a long moment before nodding slowly, "You are a sturdy, fine man. All her children are as beautiful as she is. Of course." He raised a hand, pressing it to Egfor's forehead. His skin was cold and dry. The man closed his eyes, nodding once more, "And your spirit... Even stronger. Shame you are a Forgoil, you would be an astounding Seer. What a waste."
Egfor purses his lips, not sure how to feel about that, "I take it you must be my grandfather." The man nods, grabbing Egfor's hand, pressing their hands together, palm to palm, "I see myself in you, spirit wise at least. Consider myself as your guide. I would rather have taught you when I was alive and in person, but this will do. I will have to settle through your dreams and visions. This knowledge must be passed on! It cannot die! You must pass it to your children."
Egfor hesitates, "Ah... I have no children nor any intention; I erm.. Grandfather. I sleep with and am in love with a man." The elderly man's bushy brows shot up in surprise, then he nods quickly in understanding, patting Egfor's shoulder, "That is quite alright. Your sister's have children. At least one of them will turn to our path. Seems like you are more like me than I thought." The old man stares at him for a moment then shakes his head, "Family history will come later. Your time between worlds is coming to an end."
The elderly man rises up, leaning on his staff, "Learn your lessons from the stag first and foremost. That is where your spirit lies. That is... you and who you are." Egfor looks confused, "Wait, what lessons?" The old man raises a hand to silence him, "Learn." He says nothing else and steps back, vanishing abruptly.
Egfor snapped back and sobered up to reality, looking around in confusion. The fire had died down to dying embers and the dawn was coming. A dark shape caught his eyes, staring eye to eye with a stag. The two stared at each other, their breath clouding the air in the first light of the coming dawn. There was no fear in either the hunter or the stag. Abruptly, the stag broke trance first, turning and bolting off into the woods. As the stag ran away, it shifted into a pure white stag. Egfor stood and watched it till it was out of sight. He turned and raised his hand to his mouth, whistling sharply. He stopped to listen, running off at once in the direction he hearrd the shrill whinny of his horse, eager to get back to Idh and a warm bed, hoping to be back before he woke up.
