The early spring warmth could be felt as the sun rose on the Othrikar mining outpost. Hilfar was standing near the gate catching the early light while smoking his pipeweed. He was quite pleased that the cold winter was slowly coming to an end, it would surely improve the mood and productivity of the workforce. Hilfar emptied his pipe when he noticed a grumbling sound coming from outside the gate. He walked out and saw a poney struggling to pull a cart full of ale kegs on the steep entranceway towards Othrikar, next to that he saw his father Ullfar. His father had his same old grumpy mood as he yelled at the poor poney "Come on you lazy four legged lump of meat". Ullfar pushed the wagon as they slowly entered Othrikar. Hilfar smiled looking at his father and the ale cargo "By my beard, you have returned! Did mother kick you out of the hall?". Ullfar grumbled at that and patted the shoulder of his son "No you did with your rediculous requests! Good to see ye, my boy!". They both looked at the cargo, it were at least twenty kegs tight with many ropes together on a wooden wagon with metal platings. Ullfar felt the sun on his skin "This is quite a nice place for a smoke, I'd say." Ullfar readied his pipe and rested his bones after a long trip to Othrikar. Ullfar puffed on his pipe "Zigilgund... something tells me I am going to regret this journey". Hilfar was inspecting the barrels "I share your concern father, its not the easiest road as far as I have heard. But can you imagine serving into that frozen region without ale!?". Ullfar blew out some smoke "Hmm, poor lads".
Hilfar nodded pleased "The kegs and the wagon are in perfect condition, I will get a tool kit and a spare wheel from the warehouse, just in case we need it". Ullfar grumbled "And replace the poney as well, this one is only suited above a fire!". Hilfar chuckled as he went into the warehouse. The warehouse was a messy room with all kind of tools and spare parts to serve every repair need. A toolkit and a spare wheel were found quick enough. Back at the wagon Hilfar did the final checks "Lets see, repair kit, warm clothing, rations, ale kegs, spare wheel, what else?". Ullfar looked up and mumbled "You want to go without a weapon?". Hilfar hit his forehead and walked to the armory. He went through the weapons racks "Sword.. no too cold for that. A mace? Hrm, yes that will do". Hilfar took the mace from the rack and bound an iron shield on his back. He approached his father who was emptying his pipe "Ready?". Ullfar nodded firmly as the slowly pulled the wagon out of Othrikar heading towards Zigilgund. After all the months of deskwork it felt good to be on the road again like the days before his DFTC employment. Hilfar smiled "How is mother?", Ullfar grumbled something about women in general.
