#✰ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴ. ➤ I'ʟʟ ʙᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ʙᴇsɪᴅᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ғᴏʀ ᴡʜᴇɴ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ ᴡᴇᴀʀs ᴛʜɪɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟʟ sᴇᴇᴍs ʟᴏsᴛ. ( ɪsʟᴀɴᴅɪɪs )

[offreedom]

Suppose it comes from a place of love & genuine concern ; to be protective of the people who she allowed to cross very secure boundaries. To be observant & hyper-aware of the needs of others, even when they claim to be alright, a flaw in her design but she honours like a badge. For Fannar, she'd always be that support from the sidelines ; anything he ever needs, she'll provide to the best of her ability.

❝ Can't get warm, huh? ❞ She teases, hand reaching forward to brush his bangs from his field of vision. It's a silent language, his shyness paired with her sensitivity, an odd combination that just seems to work purely for them. He needn't ask, Keira took the subtle signs & sat beside him. Gently pulling the other end of the blanket & wrapping it around her shoulders. The benefits of being a human furnace, Keira rarely became cold, it would have been rude not to share the blessing.

❝ Here, you can have some of my warmth. ❞

@islandiis from x

[offreedom]

The demeanor of a nervous child in a strange new place is nothing short of recognizable. Abigail understood better than most ; to be a stranger with no one to call family or a place to properly call home. Naturally, she kept herself a safe distance ; an open invitation to allow Eirik to become comfortable with her before taking the leap of faith.

He's coughing - expected of someone who recently suffered a rather violent disruption of their lands ; she wants to offer some sort of comfort but stops the moment his hand rose to convey that he was indeed, okay. Or at least, what could have been defined as okay for them.

Relief comes when she finally heard him speak - English. Whilst she did appreciate his efforts in trying to communicate with her in a language more fluent to her ; he was meant to be the one comforted. He was a guest, after all. ❝ I've never been to Iceland, but I hear it's rather beautiful. Your people have said nothing but the nicest things about it while I've spent time with them, to help ease the language barriers. It seems only natural to want to make the ones coming here feel comfortable, isn't it? ❞

An irritating flaw of breaking down barriers ; easy to build but so hard to crack down. She's been blessed with the quick ability to learn - but even she isn't impervious to mistakes. It only felt right to make sure this first impression would make the tension & nerves ease.

Even though Abigail shows obvious concern for the persistent cough ; she does extend her hand to gently grip his hand in acceptance to the shake. He's cold, she's noticed. ❝ Please, don't be sorry. It's a pleasure to meet you, Erik. I'm Abigail but you can call me Abby if you'd like. I'm pleased to have you here in America. ❞

So that was, indeed, Abigail. Eirik's stomach flips, for some reason, when she waves back. He's nervous. It's probably apparent to absolutely everyone, given the sound of his breathing. But still, he smiles, rubbing a hand bashfully over one arm as she nears, and taking a step closer, himself.

But then, she speaks his language. The language dearest to his heart, which has so often felt like a second language to Danish... Eirik just appears to short circuit, and his cheeks positively flush.

Then, after a minute, he starts coughing. This is all so much. It's a loud, grating sound, and he turns his head away to muffle the worst of it in one hand, while the other is held up apologetically. When he regains himself, a little shaky but appearing not to be too concerned, that flush still lingers.

In English, he stutters, "You— f-from Iceland?"

His English is weak, to put it nicely, and after a second of fumbling he realises — she speaks Icelandic. Why is he trying (and failing) to conduct himself in English?

The switch is immediate, and his Icelandic comes much more eloquently, but in a torrent:

"You are not an Icelander, are you? May I ask why you speak— how you speak Icelandic? I— I didn't even know it was possible to learn it outside of Iceland, we are so small— unless you learned it from an Icelander who emigrated—?"

Eirik promptly cuts himself off. That was rude, impolite— he hadn't even introduced himself properly yet. The realisation has him promptly dissolving back into coughing. When he comes out of it, he bows his head apologetically, and leans the most of his weight into his suitcase.

"P-please, forgive my poor manners— I'm sorry. I got excited," the hand that had been bracing himself on his suitcase is held out, and he fixes her with a polite (too polite, almost rehearsed) smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss. My name is Eirik, the Kingdom of Iceland."

As they part, though, his smile widens into something much more genuine, with the corners of his eyes crinkling. Breathlessly, but with so much warmth in his tone, he adds: "It is wonderful to be here, and to meet you. Thank you for having me."

[offreedom]

SLEEPOVER :  for one muse to stay the night at the other’s place.

Rare was it that anyone came to visit longer than a few hours. If anyone was welcome to stay the night it was always Fannar, his presence was always calming & warm. Los Angeles was less than stellar when it came to the air quality, knowing full well his health wasn't always the best, but she appreciated his company even for a short while.

❝ Make yourself comfortable, the guest room is ready for you. You're welcome to anything in the fridge, but if you need anything don't hesitate to ask.❞

[offreedom]

To say she was tired had been an understatement. Twelve-hour flights with layovers were bound to be the death of her; but for Fannar? She'd do it without complaint. ❝Coffee would be great, ❞ She said stepping through the doorway & into his home, worry still painted on her face as she looked at him. It wasn't her place to worry; she shouldn't have jumped the gun in showing up unannounced but suppose that was the price to pay when she considers him a close friend. A brother, even.

❝Are you sure you're okay? ❞

@islandiis from here x

[offreedom]

💭

Send 💭 for a thought my muse has had about yours // @islandiis

'He's such a good guy. He's sweet, fun & smart. Everything about him just radiates good energy & always does his best to make sure everyone is comfortable around him. It's not often a soul that beautiful is found. '

Abrupt thoughts cut short - a smile slow to pull at the corners of her mouth as she watched from afar, looking as he gave dutiful attention to the design coming to life in the fabric he was currently knitting. Keira could see how diligent he was, being so careful to avoid making a mistake less he has to start over. He was so cute when he was concentrating.

'He deserves so much more than this.'

[offreedom]

[He's just going to lean his forehead against her shoulder - out of character for the normally skittish Fannar - and close his eyes for a minute. It's been a while, hasn't it?]

Hello. I've missed you.

Still, afraid of any sudden movements to frighten the poor boy back into his protective shell. Keira couldn't help the smile that motioned to her lips, her cheek delicately resting against the crown of his head & her book temporarily cast aside. Taking a mere moment to breathe him in ; appreciating the comfort brought forward from time spent apart. Never did she intend to put time between them, but such is life when they become too busy.

❝ I've missed you more, sætur eldfjall.❞

[offreedom]

❛  can you tell me more about your adventures?  ❜

❝ My adventures? ❞ There's a small laugh, attention immediately drawn to Fannar, nails still damp with lavender polish. Delving into old memories were a privilege, especially for someone still so young, but that was the beauty of their shared curse. So many lives passed & they remained the same. Wiser, older.

Well, not really much older, but the saying remains the same. Keira was never known to be ashamed of the extensive history of her young country, but there were memories that should remained buried in the past.

❝ Pick a time period. ❞

[offreedom]

❝  wait— have you been here all night?  ❞

Jolting awake from the sudden noise, hand nearly knocking the mug of half drank coffee that had been neglected & become cold. "What time is it?" Voice heavy & groggy with sleep, picking her head up from the countertop that had been her makeshift pillow; her laptop open & the screen dark from inactivity. It wasn't entirely out of the ordinary for Keira to fall asleep whilst finishing up last-minute work emails, but it seemed as though time had gotten the better of her. Shit, her back hurt.

Arms raised above her head to stretch her back, her reward given in the form of a couple of pops of the stiff bones before she began rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Sorry, didn't mean to surprise you like that."

[offreedom]

It was no small effort on her part to reach out, try as she may even she knew attempts often fell upon deaf ears. Keira knew the limitations of a fragile mental headspace & of course she knew if he wanted her, he'd reach out. Akin to a brother, Keira knew when to step back & give Fannar time, no matter how long it would take. Suppose that's the reason she felt so at home with him, a bond that couldn't be broken despite the times spent apart.

❝ You have nothing to apologize over, you didn't need to get me anything or see me. ❞ Not that she was ungrateful, but rather she respected his time & any minute he was willing to spare was special. ❝ It was fine, traveled back home for a while. Can't have Christmas without snow, ya know. ❞ She laughed softly, nudging her attention to the drawer in the table stand next to the couch. ❝ I'm not the best at crochet, but I made you some sheep wool mittens. ❞

continued / @offreedom

Admittedly, it's hardly Keira's fault it's been a while — life had been anything but kind lately and, in typical Fannar fashion, he had gone completely AWOL for some time. He's starting to vaguely find his feet again, although things aren't likely to change much for a while yet. Still, he knows Keira won't blame him, and that's comforting. He's safe with her, and he loves her. Seeking her out just comes naturally.

"How are you? I'm sorry I didn't see you over the holidays. I don't even have anything for you. Did you have a nice time? Did it snow?"

[offreedom]

❰❰ LEAN ❱❱ sender leans against receiver !!

All was quiet, night has fallen over the city and lured it into a distant rumble of an occasional car or motorcycle passing by. Candles provided ambient light, just enough to move along the apartment without tripping.

An offering to put on a tv show they had been divulged in, a bottle of wine left forgotten on the glass coffee table along with a pair of phones, faced down and turned on silent to avoid being disturbed during their binge.

Somehow during the evening, Keira had fallen asleep unintentionally. Curled up on her end of the couch with her legs tucked under her body and a blanket haphazardly draped over her legs. When she attempted to move, something weighed down her arm and prevented free movement. Sleepily, she glanced over to notice Fannar had taken perch against her body, sound asleep.

Unable to keep a smile off her lips, she shifted just slightly to make it more comfortable for him. Her fingers ran through strands of thick platinum, soothing him to restful sleep as her free arm reached for the remote and turned the tv off, deciding to pick up where they left off for another time.

[offreedom]

Observe! (I don't remember if I sent one like 5 minutes ago or if I only thought about it so if this is a duplicate pls ignore it LMAO)

It's the way he smiles when the animals greet him.

He goes on and on about each one, cute little kittens and puppies in their cages pawing at the bars to get an ounce of attention, going over their names and how old they were, how long they've been in the shelter. The smile he wears is different than the one she's grown accustomed to ;; it's real and genuine, Keira could see the crinkles around his eyes.

He's beautiful when he smiles.

This side of Fannar is what she wishes to see. Carefree, thoughtful, so delicate with animals that makes his eyes sparkle in the light. Maybe she should suggest he look into taking this role more seriously, but to spoil this moment would be a crime.

Somehow he even convinces her to adopt a puppy. How could she say no to him when he's so happy? Her sætur eldfjall isn't so little now, is he?

@islandiis || meme

[offreedom]

islandiis​:

@offreedom | continued.

He jolts when she does, although he has much less to knock over from where he’s standing by the doorframe. He does feel a little guilty, but he doesn’t want her sleeping at her desk any longer than she already has. It’s morning now, obviously, and a glance at his phone confirms it. “It’s 8:47,” he answers, softly. He holds his hands up. “No, no, it’s okay. I do it a lot, myself.” He says that with a sheepish grin and a hand rubbing at the nape of his neck.

“I can make some coffee for us, if that’s okay?” Despite the amount of time he spends here, and how often Keira tells him he doesn’t need to ask — he asks. Every time, still. “And… Um — I have a tiny little heat pack, in my bag. You heat it up in the microwave. It’s good if you have a stiff neck or anything.” A smile, and then he points back towards the kitchen. “So, coffee?”

❝ Good to know I'm not the only one with bad habits. ❞ She laughed reaching forward to shut the lid of her laptop. Keira leaned back into her seat in order to give her back a momentary reprieve from being stuck in the same position for what she could have only assumed to be hours, or however long it had been. She was never good at managing it, even when company was present. ❝ Coffee sounds fantastic right now. ❞

Pushing herself up, Keira followed towards the kitchen, taking her perch up on the countertop. ❝ You remember where everything is? ❞ She asked, reaching into the nearby cupboard to grab a pair of mugs. It was sweet that he always had the need to ask for permission, even when she's always allowed him to have free-range of her home. It was one of the many qualities she adored about him, always so polite. ❝ Did you sleep okay? Nothing too uncomfortable for you? ❞

[offreedom]

❝ I naturally run warm, you don't have to worry about me. ❞ It came from a place of love ; to be curious of her wellbeing. Arms instinctively wrap around the other, tugging him closer to gain benefit of not only her warmth, but the security of the blanket still wrapped around them.

Never did he need to ask for permission to relax into her, it was an open invitation at any time of his choosing. Keira would never deny him the comfort of her company, she wouldn't deny him in general, that was a pure benefit of their friendship. Always the overthinker, suppose it was a relief that she was the type to do little things without needing to be asked. ❝ Plenty, but you're the priority here.❞

Oh, thank God. She knows him, knows exactly what he had been trying to ask — He still wears that embarrassed, vaguely guilty look as she strokes back his hair, but when she settles in beside him tense shoulders slowly begin to relax. He shifts to give her more blanket, turning himself a little closer to her. She is warm, but more than that, it's just nice having some contact with the people he loves the most.

"Are you warm enough?" He asks, too, looking up slightly to her. They fit so nicely together, brother-and-sister but oceans apart— it's comforting, truly. That tension is back in Fannar's muscles, however, as he tries to gauge if it is alright he gets any closer to her, or relaxes into their embrace. He'd like to properly relax into her side, curl up and just chill out for a while. They've done it before, and yet here he is; always the overthinker, this one. "Have you got enough blanket?"

[offreedom]

The promise of a new start ; a glimmer of hope found within the New World that beckoned many from afar to start anew. The recent arrivals of immigrants from Europe, a new beginning for many to find their place on her land & growing cities ; a spike of pride & joy upon a nation so young, a pep in her step to show that she had made it ; without the help of an empire or anyone's guiding hand.

Papers of recent volcanic activity in Iceland had circulated ; an interest piqued. It would not be uncommon for Abigail to welcome the newcomers, strangers scared & weary of leaving their old homes behind & starting again in a strange land where the language barriers would keep them apart. Attempts were made ; to learn the language & bits of their culture ; to make them feel as though they were home.

Word came in a single letter ; a correspondence with Denmark, despite never meeting the supposed King of the North, she knew of the influences the old Kingdoms made. A visitor would be joining a new incoming group of Icelandic immigrants ; a brother. With the toxicity of the gas permiating the air, there would be no doubt lung damage would be present - to send a nation younger than herself overseas by himself? A curiosity indeed.

The only good part of the train system would be the convenience of saving time. Surely, there was no better alternative than seeing the grassy planes drift away & the gentle rock of train wheels beneath one's feet. There would be no doubt that the boy would be on the coming train ; much like the odd sensation she felt whenever Arthur or even her brother came into her lands, that same feeling washed over mere moments after his own arrival. He had to be here. A mere human couldn't bring the joy & giddiness upon her like another one of her kind.

Rocking impatiently in her heels, Abigail watched with child-like wonder as the train finally docked ; a flood of people slipping past the open doors. Families shoved past, waiting to greet their loved ones & find their way back home. All, except one. A lonely boy with silver hair & made himself so small in comparison ; there was no doubt at this point. A wide smile graced painted lips as her hand rose to return the gentle gesture of a wave, her feet carrying over in a slight jog but slowed when she came within inches of his personal bubble ; the last thing she wished to do was scare the poor thing.

❝ Ég vona að ferðin hafi ekki verið of erfið fyrir þig. ❞

1873; United States | @offreedom

It had been a long journey — understatement of the century, really. It was only merciful he already resided in Denmark at the time, or he would have been forced to add a leg out from Iceland, also. He had boarded the ship in Copenhagen just over a month prior, despite the extensive fussing of his brother and the attempts to convince him otherwise. This trip would likely have been exhausting for just about anyone, let alone someone of Eirik's fragile constitution. Their relationship was close, if not a little on the codependent side, and he had great qualms about his frail little brother making the month long journey to the New World. But Eirik was stubborn as a mule, as he always had been, and he insisted that the trip might be good for him. There was no way to change his mind, ultimately.

It had, indeed, been exhausting. Eirik realised fairly quickly after leaving the port in Leith that this was not going to be an easy trip. There were simply too many people in cramped quarters, although it was made slightly easier upon learning that a fair few of these passengers were fellow Icelanders, emigrating. There was also the issue of the coal-burning ship, which Eirik hadn't accounted for, and nerves growing by the second as he wondered what awaited him on the other side of the Atlantic. He had spent the voyage mostly reading and writing, or socialising with his countrymen. On the days where his body buckled under the exhaustion or illness snuck up on him - which, he'd never admit to his brother, happened more ofren than he'd like - he always found his people sitting by his bed to keep him company. The trip was long, but a nice little community was formed, and he even gave several his address in Copenhagen so they could write one another once they had settled. Something in him ached, knowing they were leaving their home under these circumstances, but Eirik couldn't blame them. Laki had affected them all.

The trip from New York to West Virginia was much quieter, and Eirik found himself yearning for the companionship of his fellow Icelanders, or his brother across the Atlantic. But it was a short ride, in comparison - only about 7 hours - and although he tried to sleep, he simply couldn't. The views outside the windows were dim, but unlike anything he'd seen in Iceland. Everything here was so incredibly huge, as well - especially what little he saw of New York. It was rather overwhelming, but nothing moreso than the uncertainty of what awaited him on his arrival into West Virginia. The entirety of the train ride was spent fidgeting, staring out windows, drumming his heel, waiting.

When the train docks, he feels like he can't move. But here he is: West Virginia, United States of America. How grand.

He can feel himself shaking as he steps off the train, and his breathing is audibly rasping. People push past him off the train and he looks rather unnerved by the hustle-and-bustle, but then the crowd parts and he's the only one left on the platform. Not that he was hard to spot in the first place: a young man, probably bordering on eighteen, as white as snow and looking completely bewildered. And he is easily spotted; his eyes land on a woman he believes might be Abigail, and she looks back at him. Timidly, he gives her a little half-smile and waves, but he's hesitant to close the distance himself in case he might be wrong. This is all so... New, after all.