Pale eyes raised from the meagre meal that rested on captain's table, flashing they took in the red-clad form before him. The tankard was raised from trestle in saluted greeting. ''Westhu hāl.''
Ceolswith greeted in return, "Westhu hal, Æthelwigend. I heard you returned. I just wanted to see how you fare."
Régnwald rose tall, white teeth bared in a faint grin that ghosted his features. He drank deeply of the chipped wooden tankard, just stopping himself from cuffing wet lips against his chest clad in repaired chain-mail. Licking them instead, he set the vessel down, bowing his head as he did ''I didn't expect company in here quite as soon Céolswíð.''
''I am well, battered a little but you know me. What of you?''
Ceolswith bowed her head, "I am well. I met with a man that a few of our sperewigends brought it. He was found beaten from Alf's gang... But if you are resting and not wanting company, I can wait to finish when you are ready."
Régnwald would walk over towards her, as he twisted his head to the side like how Gramlic would when offered a rotten fruit. ''No, I don't mean to watch you leave. 'Tis good to see you again. Well, things progressed differently, but that Alfgarid must be dead now... by Béma's will.'' he eyed her a beat.
Ceolswith turned to him. Her brow rose in surprise before a smile grew, "Dead?! That is good news! How... what happened on your last patrol?"
Régnwald drew in a deep breath before he began to recount the events of the last patrol, 'We were rightly informed. Half-whispers led us to brigands' hut, but before we could breath to make our plan, a blow of horn was heard. The orcs, yeah...'' he straightened as he ran the tankard to his mouth, taking several long drafts.
Ceolswith suddenly frowned. Her cheerful demeanor quickly shifting into one of dread, "Orcs? Oh dear... Tidhelm was correct when he spoke of them in the Maerc, but here?" She put a hand to her chin before looking down, "We trade one trouble for another..."
Régnwald nodded with a solemn air about him, 'If only we could flank them alone... Alas, I found him in the field. My blade was true, cut his sword-arm. Then I lost sight of him, but he should be dead by now.'' he firmed his jaw at the thought.
Ceolswith stayed silent in thought. She reached out to fix his shawl, then patting his chest after it is readjusted, "Rest then. I'll go find a maegisterwigend to have the Riders prepare for orcs."
Régnwald would bow his head ''You didn't tell me how you fare. What of your sickness?...'' he looked her in the eye with a glow of compassion, perhaps even more, though he himself would not see it.
Ceolswith crossed her arms, "It is residing. Langhund suspects the water in town so we have been going to the Limlight for water. It has not cured all, but it seems to be helping."
Régnwald nodded once with what sounded like a grunt, eyes brimming with his habitual solemnity. ''May Foldéwyn heal your pain... Well then, I will see you soon, Céolswíð.'' his gaze shifted towards a man who interrupted, trading a few words with him.
Ceolswith nodded as he spoke with the new face. She turned away, heading towards the door.
