The forest was still unfamiliar to Eadwulf. All of Vallo was, but he had spent more time getting used to the noise and bustle of Vallo City, as both his government-assigned home and his new place of employment were there. The forest had its own pull on his imagination, though, fueled by the stories of those who had responded to him on the network and animated by his own stupid yearning for familiarity.
It was for this reason as much as sensible, ulterior motives, that he had contacted Vax’ildan in the first place. True, he wished to know more about Vax’s armor and his connection to the Raven Queen, but Eadwulf was also aware of Vax’s living arrangements. This was one person in Bren’s orbit who wasn’t yet predisposed to despise him. He had agreed to meet with Eadwulf, at least.
Even as he considered the possibility of Vax standing him up, Eadwulf had to appreciate the efficacy of his directions; the Keep he’d spoken of was easy to find, solidifying between the trees in a great composition of stonework, a few steps leading up to a tall front door - and a long-haired half-elf dressed all in black seated upon them.
Eadwulf slowed his gait. He, too, wore black, but his clothing had been chosen to help him fit in with Vallo City fashions. Only his boots and the pendant he wore were left to remind him of home. He had come unarmed, at least as far as first impressions might denote, but there was nothing to be done about his height or the breadth of his shoulders. He was a big man and he could be imposing.
“Hello,” he greeted, a faintly uncertain note in his voice. “I apologize if I am late.”