and she's buying her stairway to heaven; rodrik

[Rodrik]

The hour of the wolf is when he rises from his slumber. He makes sure not to disturb the sleeping Brunhild at his side. She needed more rest as the months came closer to the birth of their first foal. Rodrik does not always wish to part with her on such days, afraid something might happen to her, but a duty calls him. A journey is on the agenda today to visit an island called Ischia. He has only ever heard of the island and never seen it for himself, but today that would be different. He leaves the wasteland and all his dusty glory behind him. It was not truly an ideal home he inspired to live in, but it was for the residents within the land that he needed. The wastelanders greed would eventually pay off for what he needed when the time came—hopefully at least. Rodrik submitted quickly to his duty in the land. His work so far has paid off, but simply old habits did not fade away. The rhythm of committing to the land was built within his heart and mind. However, he did not and would not put the kingdom above himself. Rodrik was too selfish for such loyalty. It was always for him, but now it would be for the family he was starting. Rodrik pushes through over mountains and hills. He passes through forests and bodies of water. There is never a time he stops to linger, always following the task at hand. Rodrik was known for keeping to his duties, always following through with his choices he made and promises he kept. At the end of the day Ischia would be right before him. He still hasn’t thought of how he will cross the huge body of water. It was a decision that could only be made when he reached the shore of water. The red devil pushes through the forest line. He can feel the droplets falling onto his body just as he emerges. Rodrik is quick to take in the environment around him. He is always analyzing and figuring out what and who is around. The sky is quiet dark and it is obviously raining, but it is the white and bay mare that quickly takes his attention from the meadow. She is obviously frustrated by her words of displeasure. Suddenly, he is sprayed by droplets of water as she shakes her coat from the rain. Rodrik is not keen on the idea of being more wet. However, he cannot help but find amusement in her appearance once she stops flickering water at him. The mare was oblivious of his presence before, so he simply lets it slide. Rodrik perhaps would not have before but lately he has been rather soft hearted—Brunhild had that effect on him. “It looks like you got caught up in a bad situation with the rain,” he says with a mischief grin at her. The stallion does not allow his amusement to hide away. “No need to apologize. A little rain never hurt me anyway,” he chuckles softly. “I’m Rodrik by the way.” A simple man and simple name in this world now.

character info: here | character reference: here | image © rostyslav zagornov