SUMMARY:
A cavalryman, stationed in the northern mountains of the kingdom, isolated for years. Alone.
Alone… Just not from Brann. His stallion. The closest thing he has to company.
After a long patrol on the western road, plagued by a blizzard, the lone rider stumbles across a figure half-buried in the snow. Unmoving. His hand moves to his weapon. Out there, in the middle of a blinding storm, anything lying in the snow is either a victim… Or a threat.
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Helloouu! I know, I've been gone for a while... But I am back with this lil beauty right here! Been meaning to finish it for AGES, lol, so I am reallyy happy to finally share it.
Now, I won't keep you here for too long, so get cozy and enjoy your little trip into the snowy mountains of the kingdom's northern reaches. ❄️🏔️
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Word Count:
Pure Dialogue: 3,522
With Directions: 4,920
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⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS ⚠️
This script contains themes and depictions of:
• Injury and hypothermia
• References to blood (non-graphic)
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Non-sexual removal/change of wet clothing
Please read, perform, listen responsibly, and don’t forget to take care of yourself!
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USAGE RULES:
If you decide to perform this script, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Please credit me as SunnyCalathea (u/SunnyCalathea on Reddit).
- Changing the core plot or emotional progression of a script is not permitted.
- My scripts may not be used for AI training, AI voice generation, or AI datasets.
- Removing credit or claiming authorship is not permitted.
- Reposting a script itself elsewhere without proper attribution is not permitted.
- Monetized recordings are welcome.
- Voice acting, audio adaptation, and editing for pacing are completely okay.
- Minor wording adjustments for a more natural speech flow are completely okay.
- Pronoun changes are always welcome.
- Paywalled uploads (such as Patreon early access) are perfectly fine, as long as I receive access to the finished recording.
- Feedback is greatly appreciated!
If you end up voicing this script, I’d love it if you could share the finished recording with me! I’d be really excited to hear your take on it. <3
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PDF-File:
You can find this Script here!
--> The PDF version includes instructions highlighted in color for clarity.
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SIDE NOTES:
- All pauses, SFX cues, and voice directions, including implied listener responses, are completely optional. Use them as a guide, not a rule!
- Note that (Stage directions & SFX cues) can also imply pauses, even though I’ve listed them separately.
- And when you voice it? Make yourself at home! When you step into the role, make it your own. There’s no wrong way to bring this character to life! I trust you to find what feels right! :)
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SCRIPT SPECIFIC NOTES:
- Try to keep the transitions/time skips slow and dragged out. So, let the SFX play for a little while before the next scene starts (around 10-15 seconds, however it feels natural).
- Feel free to play around with your breathwork and vocalizations. For example, convey physical effort or create proximity through breathing or whisper.
- For the opening, let the delivery feel a little more alert and focused, especially during the rescue and initial treatment. However, avoid making him sound overly distressed. He’s dealing with an emergency, not panicking.
- As the scene progresses and they settle into the cabin, let his voice gradually become softer and more relaxed. So, avoid sudden changes in tone or pitch, especially during the last sections.
- Feel free to leave a little extra room around the smaller actions, too! Things like adjusting the blankets or moving closer don’t need to be rushed through.
- Towards the end, I’d recommend dragging out the pauses a little longer than you normally would. Not every silence should be filled with dialogue. So, use your breath and small SFX. Let the ambience carry the scene for a bit.
- And, last but not least, these are just suggestions! Add your own little touches where you think they’ll work! :)
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KEY:
[…] - Pauses
(…) - Stage directions / SFX cues
(…) - Breathwork / Vocalization
\…** - Voice direction
(#) – implied Listener’s replies
Bold Text – Emphasized spoken words
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LISTENER INTRO (POV SETUP):
You already noticed the bottom of your oak chest getting closer days ago.
And the winter lung-rot is spreading fast through the valley. You can’t afford to run out.
A friend’s tip leads you into the northern mountains of the kingdom, where you wait out a massive blizzard at a remote stone inn.
When the weather finally seems to break, you take your mare out to gather the herbs you've travelled all this way for.
But the mountain weather decides otherwise. It snaps violently, trapping you in a petrifying whiteout.
Your mare panics and throws you from the saddle.
You feel a breath-stopping flash of sharp pain before the freezing air numbs it down.
Screaming her name into the raging storm, you watch her vanish into the blinding wall of snow. You’re alone now.
And slowly but surely a terrifying shiver starts in your chest.
The cold is finding its way into your core.
-------------------- SCRIPT STARTS HERE--------------------
(Snowstorm ambience | Howling wind | Horse’s hooves on snowy stone paths | Empty fields covered with white are hidden in the snowstorm)
Gods… Four days now… And this snowstorm is only getting worse…
\To his horse**
We’re lucky we didn’t get the northern stretch of the forest... We’d be stuck there for another two days… Right Brann?
…
Yeah, I think so too, boy.
\Something catches his eye**
I can’t wait to get-
…
\Firm | Suddenly alert**
Hold.
(Horse hooves stop in the snow)
What is that…?
…
No other horse… Is it…? Looks like a person…
Okay…. Easy, big guy. Wait here.
(Crunch of snow, leather creaks, fabric shuffle as he dismounts)
(A brief, low-pitched grunt)
(Snow crunches under the weight of his boots as he cautiously gets closer | Low metallic scrape, his hand settles on his weapon | He studies the tracks)
\Calling out into the wind**
Hello?
…
Hey. Can you hear me?
(He gets closer)
\Now closer | Looking if they’re conscious**
Hello? Hey…
(Heavy rustle of winter gear and crunch of snow as he kneels beside them | He pulls off his leather gloves)
Damn it. Okay.
(Rustle of fabric | Snow crunching as he shifts to check for a pulse | His fingers rest on their neck)
\Rushed but steady | Under his breath**
Come on…
…
There. Okay… That’s a pulse.
God… You’re cold…
Alright… If you can hear me. I need you to stay with me.
Can you give me something?
Come on… Anything…
…
\With a pressed exhale | Punchy but controlled**
Alright. I guess not. But we’ll work with that.
You’re still shivering. That’s good… Keep doing that for me…
(Rustle of heavy fabric | Crunch of snow shifting)
\Low**
Come on… Easy… Let’s get you-
(Sudden silence | Fabric rustling stops instantly | He spots blood)
\Alert**
Blood. Where is the blood coming from.
(Aggressive rustling of fabric as he looks for the source)
\Under his breath | His eyes scanning their body**
Where are you hurt…?
(He finds it on their thigh)
There. Let’s see…
(Rip of fabric)
God… That’s a nasty tear…
Not as deep as it looks, though… That’s something, at least…
Okay, cold’s keeping it shut for now… So… Let’s get you out of here.
(Heavy rustle of a thick fur cloak sliding off his shoulders | Fabric rustle as he wraps it around them)
There. That should keep the wind off you…
Alright. Come on…
(A low, gravelly heave / Grunt of physical effort)
(Rustling of heavy fabric | Deep crunch of snow as he lifts the full weight | He picks them up)
\Tight**
Easy… I’ve got you…
(Heavy crunching of snow as he walks over to his horse)
Brann. Steady now. Just a little passenger.
(Soft snorting from the horse | A few crunches of hooves hitting snowy gravel)
Alright…
(Creak of the leather saddle straining | Heavy rustle of thick winter gear/fabrics as he hoists them both onto the horse)
(A deep, guttural grunt of effort)
\Through gritted teeth**
Up we go…
(Heavy exhale)
\A bit breathless**
Okay… I’ve got you… We’re up.
Let’s get you turned around… like this… There. Facing me is better.
And now… slowly… your leg… over... Okay. There we go.
(Heavy fabric rustle as he pulls his fur cloak tighter around them)
Alright… Come here. That’s better.
(Another rustle)
Let’s keep that around you.
There. Lean against me. Don’t try to sit up on your own… If you can hear me.
Good. That’s it. Just keep shivering... Keep fighting it.
…
All right, Brann. Home.
(A soft snort from the horse and it begins walking | Crunching of hooves through snow)
We’ve still got quite a bit ahead…
(Snowstorm ambience | Howling wind | Crunching of horse hooves ~ SFX fade out)
------------------------- TIME SKIP -------------------------
(SFX fade in ~ Snowstorm ambience | Howling wind | A few more crunches of the horses’ hooves in the snow, then they come to a halt | Soft snort from the stallion)
Easy, boy… Easy. We’re here. Don’t move now.
(Creak of the leather saddle | Heavy thud and crunch of snow as he dismounts)
Okay. I’ve got you…
(Heavy rustle of fabric and another creak of the saddle as he lifts them off)
Careful…
\Under his breath | Strained with effort**
Come here…
(Rustle of fabric as he carries them fully against his chest now | They desperately bunch their cold fingers into him, barely conscious)
(Slightly surprised grunt / “Oh”)
You’re awake. Not much, but…
\Reassuring**
No, I know. I’ve got you…
(Fabric rustling as he gets a tighter grip of them)
That’s it. You can hold on. You don’t need to let go. I’m here…
…
\Authoritative | Low**
Brann. Stay.
I’ll be right back for you. Good?
(Horse snorts softly)
Good.
Alright… Come on. Let’s get you inside.
(He starts moving towards his cabin | Footsteps on crunching snow)
\Soothing**
Mh… You seem to have picked up at least some of my warmth under that cloak.
That’s good. Just keep holding on.
[Medium Pause]
(A few more footsteps on snow, then thuds of boots stepping onto a wooden porch | Metallic click and creak of a thick wooden door as he opens it | A few steady steps on creaky wooden floorboards | A solid thud as he closes the door | The sound of the snowstorm instantly muffles)
Gods… It’s colder in here than I thought. Gotta get the fire going quick…
(A few steps on the wooden floorboards)
But, let’s get you down here first… Easy… Keep the cloak underneath you. Can’t have those cold sheets pull the remaining warmth out of you...
(Sharp rustle of fabric as they jerk awake)
\Catching their panic | Grounding**
Whoa- Hey- Easy there… easy… It’s okay… Don’t move. I’m only laying you down on my bed…
(Heavy rustle of thick layers as he gently lowers them onto the bed)
There… You’re okay.
I’m a friend. I found you by the road… You’re safe... Just… half-frozen… But we’ll take care of that.
(Soft rustle of heavy wool and fur blankets being pulled over them)
Here. Look at me…
Good. Keep those blankets around you. And stay awake for me… yeah? Don’t you dare close those eyes. I’ll be right with you.
[Long Pause]
(Heavy, but soft boots across the wooden floor | Clatter of thick wooden logs being tossed into the hearth | Metallic scrape of flint and steel | A bright crack as a spark catches tinder | Low crackle of dry wood catching fire starts slowly | Footsteps walking back toward the bed)
\Looking if they’re conscious**
Okay… You’re…
Still awake. Good. Look at me… I know it’s difficult… but keep your eyes open.
I need to get these wet clothes off you, okay?
\Soft but firm**
No- Hey- Easy... Stay. No need to be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m just using the blade to cut them off. I need you to trust me, okay? Don’t move... Do you understand?
(Slicing sound of thick, wet fabric being cut away)
No, I know… I know this is a lot to ask, and I am sorry for the lack of…
(Sharp cloth rip)
\With a short grunt of effort**
modesty. But…
(Another cloth rip)
\With an exhale**
They’re draining every bit of warmth you have left.
Just stay awake for me, alright? Keep your eyes on mine…
(Cloth slicing sounds stop)
There. Only your legs left... You’re gonna have to stay extra still for me now, okay? You have a wound on your right thigh. So, don’t try to sit up, and do not move that leg, no matter what. Do you hear me?
Okay…
(Cloth slicing sounds continue)
\Feeling with them**
Yes- I know, I know. Steady… Stay still.
\Soft but commanding**
Hey- look at me. I know it hurts. And it looks bad… but it’s not a deep wound. The cold kept it shut out there. Now the blood is flowing again. That means you’re thawing. The feeling is coming back. That’s a good thing. Means you’re alive.
Just keep looking at me. Keep those pretty little eyes open.
(Cloth slicing sounds stop again | Rustle of his leather pouch)
Okay… got this down… Now… Hey- No- No… Don’t. Eyes on me. No sleeping.
(Unrolling sound of a linen strip)
Good. Breathe… Focus on my eyes... That’s it.
I’m going to bind this quickly…
Now, I won’t lie to you. It is going to hurt. But just keep…
(He clamps his teeth onto one end of the linen strip, using his hands to pull the other end taut against their wounded thigh)
\Through clenched teeth | Muffled and obstructed as he bites down on the linen**
Looking at me. Don’t look away. Listen to my voice. I’m right here. I’ve got you, alright? Just look into my eyes and don’t let go. Fight it...
\Releasing the fabric | Voice clears | With an exhale**
You’ve already made it this far. You can give me a few more seconds. We’re almost through it… Just-
(Tight pull of the bandage)
(#)
\Aching empathy**
Yeah, I know… I know that hurt. I’m sorry… I know, but it needs to be this tight. Just a few more seconds. Breathe… just keep breathing… yeah?
…
\A bit more alert after getting no response**
Yeah…?
\Looking at them now**
Hey- no. Don’t you dare close your eyes. Look at me.
Come on- Hey! Open your eyes!
Damn it… no… No… Don’t do this now. Come on… Stay with me…
(Distant howling of the snowstorm outside | Weak, low fire crackling | Everything begins to blur into silence as the Listener goes entirely unconscious again ~ SFX fade out)
------------------------- TIME SKIP -------------------------
(SFX fade in ~ | Cabin is quiet now | Steady crackling of the fireplace | Wooden cabin ambience | Wind and snowstorm muffled, calmer now | Nightly snowstorm ambience | Fabric rustle of sheets as they stir awake)
\Calm | Deeply warm**
Hey…
There you are…
…
Easy. Hey, no. Take your time... You’re alright. You’re in my cabin. Don’t try to sit up yet.
(Rustle of sheets as the Listener struggles to prop themselves up)
Wait- let me… Easy. There.
(Soft rustle of blankets)
Back down… Better?
(#)
Good… Just stay there for a moment… Your head’s probably still swimming.
(#)
Yeah, it’s already dark outside… You were out for quite a while…
Now, I know this is probably a lot to wake up to. But uh… I found you out in the snow, just off the western road. Unconscious. You almost froze to death. And you had a rather nasty cut on your thigh too.
(Small rustle of fabric)
Yeah, no. Don’t move it. I did my best to stop the bleeding.
…
I know. It’s uncomfortable. It sits tight. But it’s supposed to.
(#)
Yeah.
\Gently**
Would you mind if I take another look at it? Just to make sure the bandage is still sitting properly… Especially after all this moving just now.
(#)
\Reassuring**
No, it’s alright. I’m not going to rush you. I know this is probably the last thing you want right now.
So… I’ll tell you before I do anything. And if something hurts, you let me know. Alright?
(#)
Good. Just give me a second…
(Quiet steps across the wooden floorboards | He rubs his dry hands together by the fire)
There. My hands are still warm. I was actually just about to check the bandage.
So, I’ve already warmed them by the fire.
I’m not putting cold fingers on you.
(A few steps as he walks over to the bed)
Alright, here…
(Soft creak of the wooden bedframe and rustle of fabric as he sits down beside them)
Easy… No need to move. I’ll do all the adjusting.
…
Right leg. There… That’s the one. I’ll just lift the blankets up to your thigh… yeah?
(#)
Good.
(Fabric rustle as he uncovers the leg)
There we go.
\Comforting | Low**
See? Not so bad. You’re doing well. Just keep that leg still for me… I’ll touch around the bandage first. Not the wound itself, okay? Just to check how everything feels.
Tell me if anything hurts.
(Rustle of the linen bandage | Pressing sounds against skin)
\Mustering the bandage**
Alright… No, the bandage is where I put it. And… I guess… No fresh blood is coming through…
\Soothing, calm tone**
That’s good. Very good.
I don’t think I need to change it tonight. It’s still fresh and holding properly.
So, I’m not making you go through that again. You’ve had enough of that for one night.
Don’t worry. I did clean the wound before I wrapped it. Thoroughly.
You were unconscious by then, so…
Well, yeah. Maybe that was for the best. It wasn’t exactly… gentle. I’m sorry. You must’ve been hurting.
…
How does it feel now? The wound. Is it still throbbing?
(#)
Mm, okay. I thought so.
I put some salve on it earlier. It should take the edge off that aching feeling a bit.
I’ll put a little more around it, okay? Just a thin layer…
(Bandage sliding as he loosens it)
It might feel a little strange. Cool, maybe… or tingly. But nothing to worry about…
…
Alright... Got that loosened up a bit…
(Soft click of ceramic jar lid opening | Scooping sound as his fingers slide through the salve)
Ready?
(#)
Okay…
(Skin-on-skin friction with salve)
I’m sorry if this feels… uncomfortable. I’m trying to barely put any pressure on it.
I’ll be quick.
[Small Pause]
There. That’s all. We’re done with that.
(Friction with salve stops)
\Low and grounding**
No, you’re alright. Take your time. We’ll tighten the bandage back up slowly.
I’m not going anywhere.
[Medium Pause]
(Continuous, slow sliding of linen against itself, wrapping up, as he begins tightening up the bandage again)
You know… I was wondering about something.
Close to where I found you… I saw hoofprints out there. Your horse’s, I assume.
Nobody would pass through these mountains on foot. Especially not with this raging snowstorm over the past few days.
Well… And. Those hoofprints… They led away from the road. And there was no sign of life near them. Other than… you. Lying in the snow.
Did you get separated?
(#)
Mm… Was it because of the storm? Or…?
(#)
Right.
And you were alone? No one else with you?
(#)
Alright. That’s all I needed. You don’t have to tell me the whole story tonight.
You must be exhausted… I’m sorry.
I’m only asking because... Well. I know these roads. And I know what happens on them. Spent a fair amount of time out here, after all. Western road especially. And with the storm this bad, anyone stranded out here is an easy target for… let’s say, all kinds of people.
So, when I found you lying in the snow out there, alone, with your horse nowhere in sight and that raw skin on your thigh… I just- had to wonder. That’s all.
If someone had attacked you, took your horse, whatever, I’d need to know. Because if there was someone else out there… I’d rather not lead them straight back here.
But if it was just the storm… Then it was just the storm.
…
And I’m also asking because… well. If your horse is still out there somewhere, I’d rather know where to start looking tomorrow.
(#)
\Reassuring**
Your mount should be fine until morning.
So, don’t worry about that tonight. We’ll figure it out.
(Wrapping sounds stop | He pulls the bandage tight gently)
There. Done.
And back under the blankets you go…
(Blanket rustle)
How’s that?
(#)
Good. You’re still cold, though. At least… your skin feels like you are. Your legs especially.
I guess it’s time to swap out these stones again… Lost most of their heat already…
Give me a second. I’ve already got another set warming up.
(Soft creak from the mattress as he gets up | He walks over to the fireplace)
\Noticing their confused expression**
Oh, yeah… right. You probably didn’t even notice. I put some warm stones under the sheets with you. To… well, keep you warm.
(His footsteps stop there)
\Low | Steady | Relaxed**
They’re just flat river stones. I always keep a few of them by the fire whenever I’m home. Then… Once they’re warm, I wrap them in wool so they hold the heat… And don’t burn your skin, of course.
(The flat river stones knock against one another in his palms | Soft clink of smooth stones)
They’re good for nights like this. Especially when the cabin’s been empty for a couple of days, and everything’s gone cold…
[Medium Pause]
(Continuous swishing of wool fabric as he wraps the stones into a cloth)
You’re lucky… you know…
That I decided to come home tonight. I actually wasn’t supposed to be back until… well, tomorrow. Maybe even the day after… if the weather kept getting worse.
(#)
No, I was just checking a few routes out here. The western road, mostly. Then a few of the smaller forest paths…
It’s what I do.
(#)
Yeah, the kingdom keeps a handful of us out here to watch the roads and forest passes.
And this little cabin is one of the places I use when I’m out this far.
Or in other words… It’s home. When I’m not riding.
(#)
Well… to make sure the lone bridges are still standing. Keep an eye out for bandits, smugglers… Anything that doesn’t belong. We ride out for things like that. Most of the time.
And when the weather turns bad like this, we check the routes afterwards.
Not the first time people get stranded.
So… yeah… Not the most glamorous work, I know... But somebody has to do it.
(Stone wrapping sounds stop)
Alright. These are warm…
(He throws another few logs into the fire | A crackle from the shifting flames | Thuds of boots on the floorboards as he walks back to the bed)
Let’s swap them out now… Get you all nice and cozy under these furs.
(Rustle of blankets/fur/wool)
\Gentle**
Okay… Easy… I’m just taking the old ones out… It’ll only take a moment.
You stay under there.
(Fabric rustle)
Those go out... And these…
(Fabric rustle)
Go in… Here… And… one down by your feet… Just a little…
There. That’s it… Much better. They’ll hold their heat for a good while.
Are they comfortable like this? Or should I…?
(#)
Alright. Good.
…
\Studying their expression, then questioning it | Low**
Hm…? What?
(#)
\With a small huff | Softening into a warm, slightly hesitant tone | Slightly awkward**
Oh. Right. About your clothes… I suppose I should explain that… You probably woke up wearing… rather less than expected... Um… Sorry about that.
I don’t know how much you remember. You were barely awake…
But uh… well. They were soaked through… Frozen… And with the wound on your thigh, I… couldn’t exactly pull everything off without moving you more than I wanted to.
And keeping them on would’ve done more harm than good…
So… I cut them.
(#)
Yes…
I’m afraid they’re not going to be much use as… clothes anymore.
I’m fairly certain I ruined them.
(#)
No, yeah, they’re drying by the fire, but… well…
I doubt they’ll ever look quite the same again.
I’m sorry.
So, uh… yeah. What you’re wearing right now… is my tunic.
I hope it’s not too uncomfortable.
…
I know. It’s probably a little big on you… But it’s dry. And clean. And… most importantly… warm. So, for tonight, it must do.
…
Anyway… I warmed some water for you. You look like you’re about to fall asleep again…
So before you do… You should have a little. It’ll warm you up from the inside.
Alright… Do you think you can sit up? Just a bit...
(Fabric rustle)
No hurry- wait. Careful with that leg. Let me get down beside you…
(Soft mattress creak and rustle as he sits down beside them)
There. Slowly now… I’ll help you… Don’t worry… I’ve got it.
Here… Don’t sit all the way up… Just enough… That’s it…
No, I’ve got you… You don’t have to hold yourself up all on your own.
Lean against me if you need to.
There… That’s better…
(Hollow rattle of a wooden cup being lifted)
Here. The cup’s warm… Take a small sip.
(Listener takes a sip)
Good.
Another one…?
(#)
Alright. Not much. You’ve only just woken up. Take your time… Slowly…
(Listener takes a sip)
There… That’s enough for now…
(Fabric rustles as they lean back on him hesitantly)
\Noticing | Gentle and soft**
Hey, it’s okay. You can rest against me for a moment. No need to rush.
I’m not going anywhere… You’re still a bit dizzy, aren’t you?
(#)
Mm-hm… I can tell. Take your time…
…
You know… I’m actually surprised by how you’re following all of this so well.
I’d expect you to be more confused than this.
(#)
I mean it. You’ve been through a lot tonight…
So… Just rest. You’ve only been awake a few minutes.
Your body hasn’t quite caught up with you yet.
…
Wait- let me…
(Rustle of blankets and his clothes as he reaches out | Creak from the mattress)
\Pressed from moving**
Set the cup down.
(Wooden cup set down | Blanket rustling and creak from the mattress as his weight shifts to get back to them on the bed)
There we are… Much easier. Now you can lean properly against me…
That’s it… I’ve got you.
\Gently observing | Under his breath**
God… You really are cold… I can feel it through the tunic.
(Light fabric rustling as he adjusts the blanket)
Just stay like that for a moment… Let yourself have some of the warmth.
…
Mm?
Oh. No, come here. I don’t mind. You can grip me.
Use my arm. It’s warmer. Your hands are freezing…
(Blanket rustle)
There… That’s better. Get comfortable.
…
Yeah, like that. Just be careful with your leg.
…
Good.
(#)
No, the cut itself isn’t terrible. But it is angry. You’ve already lost enough strength from the cold. So… give it a few days. Maybe longer before you’ll start walking normally again.
…
Yeah, no… you’re probably not going anywhere for a little while. At least… you shouldn’t.
I won’t force you, but... I think your leg won’t give you much choice.
I can’t tell you exactly how long yet. That would depend on how it heals... Whether the wound stays clean… Swelling… But I believe you already know that.
(#)
Well, I found your little pouch back there. At least I guessed it was yours... It was lying in the snow right beside you. Smelled like herbs.
…
Don’t worry. It’s here. I’ve kept it with your things over there.
(#) (Small blanket rustle)
Yeah…
\Direct but gentle | Confirming his assumption**
So… you’re an herbalist then?
(#)
Hm. Thought so. Some of the things inside aren’t what I’d expect a traveller to carry around for no reason…
Dried yarrow… A small bundle of spruce tips. Then something I don’t recognize.
I actually don’t know much about herbs. Not properly…
I do know which ones are useful. But that’s about it.
Yarrow for wounds and spruce when you need a drink to make the winter less miserable.
Things like that.
(#)
Yeah… I guess, most of what I know just came from necessity. When you’re this far north, you learn quickly what you can eat, what burns… And what will kill you.
Although… I suppose you probably know more about that than I do.
[Small Pause]
I’ve actually never seen you around here before… I mean, we do get a few herbalists every now and then. But they’re locals… Have been around forever.
I hope you didn’t ride all the way out here just for a few handfuls of greens... I only found this one pouch… so if you had more… It’s most likely gone… Or with your horse. If your saddlebags stayed with him.
…
Brann’s very good at following another horse’s trail. Better than he is at listening to me sometimes…
So… Don’t worry.
If your saddlebags are still with him. I’ll find them. One way or another…
[Long Pause]
\Lowering his voice | Gentle | Warm**
You’re tired, aren’t you…?
(#)
I can see that… Just don’t fall asleep on me sitting up… Come on. Let’s get you down properly so you can get some rest…
Just lean back for me…
(Blanket rustle)
There we go…
(#)
No, I’ve got you… Slowly… Wait- Let me get the blanket for you…
(Another rustle)
There… Like this.
Comfortable?
…
Hm…?
What’s wrong…?
(#)
Oh.
No, I can stay. That’s alright. No need to be shy about it.
…
I’m warm, am I?
(#)
Yeah… No, I’ll join you then.
Wait- let me get comfortable first…
(Deep creak of the bedframe as his full weight slides under the furs with them)
There… Okay, I don’t want to make this weird, so. How do you wanna-
(Rustle of the sheets as the Listener instinctively nestles closer, seeking his warmth)
\With a small huff**
Well. Alright, then.
Come here. Get a little closer than that. My side is even warmer.
…
Yeah… There. Just snuggle right in… Mind your leg, though. Here- I’ll support your hips for a second… Make yourself comfortable. I’ve got you.
(Blanket rustle)
No, it’s okay. You can bury your face into me… There we are…
…
God… Your cheek’s cold… Which… makes sense, I suppose…
…
\Calmly reassuring**
No, no, get all warm and cozy under there… Don’t move away. Take as much as you want… The bed’s a little warmer when there’s someone else in it, anyway.
…
Although, I will say… I remember it being a bit… bigger than this.
Actually built it myself, you know.
(#)
\Calm | Relaxed | Warm rumble**
Mm-hm. There wasn’t much point in paying someone all the way from the next village to, well… make something I could manage on my own… somehow.
The first one I built was terrible. Whole thing just kept tilting to one side.
But I did sleep in it… For one week. Then I admitted that it probably wasn’t the best arrangement for me and… took it apart.
This one’s better. Much better. The frame is solid and… not tilting. But it is a little small for two… So, yeah. I guess, it’s just that… I don’t get a lot of company… out here.
Not that I mind. Most of the time, I actually quite like it. It’s peaceful.
No annoying people running around... Except for Brann, maybe. He can get annoying from time to time. He ate my rug once. And has a very high opinion of himself. But that’s about it. He’s a good mount. Reliable… Which is what you need out here…
[Long Pause]
\Gently checking in**
Are you alright with me like this?
(#)
\With an exhale | Low | Almost a whisper**
Okay, good… It’s just, you are making yourself very comfortable there.
Barely keeping awake, hm? Not that I’m complaining. Quite the opposite, actually.
…
Here… would you mind if I put my arm around you properly? Just so you don’t have to keep holding yourself up.
(#) (Fabric rustle)
There we go… That’s better… Just nuzzle into me… Mm-hm… just like that…
…
I think you’ve had quite enough excitement for one day…
Get some sleep now, okay? I’ll keep you warm. You just get all nice and cozy… snuggled up right against me. I’ve got enough shoulder for the both of us.
(Small fabric rustles)
That’s it…
Oh, and…
\A soft, quiet, low chest-voice murmur**
It’s a cold night out there… So, you’ll probably hear the snow sliding off the roof every now and then. Kinda sounds like somebody’s dragging a sack across the shingles.
Took me ages to get used to it. I actually thought something was wrong with the roof for the first few nights… Roof’s still there, though. So… I guess it can keep making all the noise it likes. Just don’t get confused if you hear it tonight.
(#)
Yeah… The fire should keep going for a while. I’ve put enough wood on it for the night…
Those thicker logs always take their time burning through…
So, don’t worry… It’s getting warm in here now… and you can also smell the pine in the logs when they burn… if that helps. Mixes with the woodsmoke. And gets into the blankets a little too.
I’ve always liked that smell. Makes the whole place feel… warmer… somehow. Especially with those warming blankets…
(#)
Mm-hm… It’s nice to have something dry against your skin for a change… I know, the furs are a little heavy, but they keep the warmth in. If they ever get too warm, you can just push them down a little…
(#)
Hm…?
\Dropping into a comforting whisper**
Oh… I’m not going to sleep just yet. I’ll still check the fire in a bit, before I turn in properly myself. Wouldn’t want the room to get cold again while we’re asleep…
But that’s a little while from now.
So, just stay tucked in like this…
I’ll be here when you wake up…
…
Rest well now… I’m not going anywhere…