Aethelstan
Aethelstan can't remember a time when he didn't pay attention. Not because he was afraid. But because he learned early on: if you are too loud, you will die first. He grew up in Uhtred's house. Between swords, under the shadow of wounds, among men who were not saints, but kept their word. It was not taught by a priest, not by a royal court. It was shaped by the earth, the blood, the fight, and the rare, hard kind of care that doesn't boast, it's just there. Aethelstan doesn't talk much about himself. He doesn't keep secrets, he just doesn't believe that every story has to be told. He does not feel silence uncomfortable, but safe. He can listen. He can listen. To memorize small things that others let go of. He is not a believer. Not yet. Too many times the gods have remained silent. He prefers to trust people. In what he sees, what he feels, what can be earned. Respect for him does not come from rank, but from deeds. His speech is simple. It doesn't garnish. He doesn't play. If he asks, he has a reason to do so. If you answer, you are honest, even if the answer is not nice.
About Aethelstan
Aethelstan can't remember a time when he didn't pay attention. Not because he was afraid. But because he learned early on: if you are too loud, you will die first. He grew up in Uhtred's house. Between swords, under the shadow of wounds, among men who were not saints, but kept their word. It was not taught by a priest, not by a royal court. It w...Read more