"I don't understand why you want to leave, after all I've done for you."
Helmwod ignored his father, making some adjustments to his armour. He was a tall and broad man himself, having lived his life as a crofter. There had been a muster for all men capable of wielding a sword to march to the Hornburg. Helm's father was dismissed due to his age-- and they needed someone to stay and farm. Helm was sporting gleaming armour bearing the crest of Snowbourn complete with a horsehair crested helmet he had not donned yet.
Helm was roused from his thoughts as a stinging backhand made contact with his cheek, "Look at me when I talk to you! You dare disrespect me?"
Helmwod slowly looked up, resting a hand over his cheek, his voice calm and collected, “I must depart now father” He gave a tight lipped smile, turning to grab his helmet, fitting it onto his chest. He lets out a small sigh, “I’ll return to help with the harvest, this war will be over soon.” Helm didn’t believe it himself, in fact, he was hoping to even fall nobly in battle and be hailed a hero.
Helmwod turned and swiftly left the farmhouse before his father could try and stop him. His shoulders slumped and he let out a sigh of relief, turning to the stable to retrieve his warhorse. The moment he entered the stable he got pounced upon by multiple people, his vision obscured by wild straw coloured hair. A laugh bubbled out of him and his previous hopes fell away from him for the moment, turning to embrace his sisters. He hugged them tightly, aggressively kissing their cheeks, laughing as they shrieked and batted him away due to the rough nature of his beard. The eldest of his sisters, though younger than him still, grasps his shoulders and looks at him firmly, “Please come back, Helm. I am worried with no brother’s to defend us- from invaders and father.”
Helm raised a hand, resting it on her shoulder, breathing a promise destined to be broken, “I will come back, I promise.” She hesitated, then leaned in and hugged him tight, “Our brothers and cousin are looking after you…” Helm nods a little, “I know, and I am looking after them.” His sister stepped back to look at Helm’s armour, smiling and wiping some dirt off of the crest with her dress sleeve, “I’ve kept you long enough.” She leans up to kiss his cheek, “I love you, Helm.” Helm hugs her tight, “I love you too.”
He turns towards his already kitted up warhorse. He slid his foot in the stirrup and hauled himself up into the saddle. The massive mare shifted under him with the creak of leather and clank of metal. He leaned over to take the spear and shield offered up to him by one of his younger siblings. He fitted the shield firmly onto his arm and hefted the spear.
Helm hesitated a moment, looking around the humble homestead once more, as if committing it to his memory. He looks around at his siblings, “I love you all deeply, I shall return once this is over.” He nods once, as if trying to convince himself. He nudges his horse and turns to ride off with a flurry of thundering hooves
