'dark ambient' is released. it's an EP including 'isolation,' 'wasteland' and 'solitude.' all tracks are very dreamy, dark-ambient and new-age. The EP is out now, enjoy :)

Extract from interlude 1- Kåel 

Snowflakes clung to Kåel’s flushed cheeks. The snow fell heavily from a white sky, relentless and unforgiving. Up ahead, the ruddy lights of Slörden flickered dimly, the log cabins mere silhouettes in the falling snow.  

His breath came in ragged puffs, crystalizing in the thin air. A biting wind blew from behind, stirring his thick bearskin cloak and causing the falling snowflakes to swirl and dance. They landed on his lashes, his lips. He struggled onward.  

Behind him, the sled carved a deep track in the untouched snow. A young deer lay strewn across the wooden beams, jolting with every step he took. Game was getting harder and harder to find, these days. 

When he was still a way off, he heard a distant shout. He looked up, squinting. Two hazy figures stood together at the edge of the village. One was pointing at him. He smiled. Florbak. He knew that stocky shape all too well.  

Florbak started jogging toward him. So long, he thought, even though it had only been three days. Still...  

‘Kåel!’ Florbak bellowed, breathless. He grabbed Kåel’s shoulders and squeezed, blue eyes crinkled. Kael stopped and embraced the hoary man in a great bear hug. Florbak chuckled into his skins, then broke apart, glancing at the limp form on the sled. 

“Where was it?” he asked. 

“Found it near the outpost,’ Kåel said. ‘It was already half dead.’ 

“Mmm.” Florbak mused, “We shall have a feast!” He leaned in close, “Kama’s been brewing some shacem, I hear.” 

Kåel laughed. Good. “Best be getting back, then.”  

Florbak nodded, clapped him on the shoulder, and yanked the reigns from him. When Kåel tried to refuse, Florbak just looked at him. “You’ve been through enough.” Kåel hesitated, but nodded. 

By the time they arrived back, Florbak was puffing from the exertion, cheeks flushed a deep pink beneath his grey whiskers. Rustür approached them, eyeing the deer with a critical eye. 

He said nothing, but nodded before turning away, trudging through the fallen snow. “Har!” Florbak said, “Always a quiet one, that lad.” 

Kåel was about to reply when he saw Kama emerge from one of the cabins, rubbing her hands together through thick gloves. Her gaze wandered, settled on him. She smiled before heading down the opposite direction, through the snow swept streets.  

“Hmmm,” Florbak said, looking at Kåel. He glanced back. “Well, better get this to the hall,” he gestured at the deer on the sled. “Kathen would like to know I’m back.” 

Florbak grunted and slapped him on the shoulder as he handed him the reins. Kåel watched him trudge away, boots sinking deep into the smooth surface of snow. He sighed, before starting once more toward the feasting hall with the sled in tow, every step a strain on his muscles. 

He continued through the main street. Lanterns hung on wooden posts, creaking in an unseen breeze, fires licking greedily at the thick panes. Snowdrifts clung to the sides of houses, broken twigs and piles of dirt sticking out in dirty patches here and there.  

The snow was falling heavier now, swirling onto Kael’s nose and lips, melting. He quickened his pace.  

(Unfinished, to be continued and refined.)