Pathfinder 1E Crowns of Ice - A Tale of Blood and Betrayal - Chapter I - The Isle of Heildam

Fenris

Fenris

Adventurer
"If Baldur is not offensive to the MacTier's I think Baldur works well. So son of Ingvar lets us know it is a trusted courier. Let's use the island, or some reference to the island as signal as a warning to be on guard, leaving Baldur as our code for immediate help. Agreed?" asks Thorir glad of the momentary distraction.
 

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Queenie

Queenie

Queen of Everything
"It might seem odd for my father or I to call on Balder, as that is your God and not our own. But it is fine with me to use it this way. The rest is also acceptable."

Astrid hadn't had much chance to think of extraordinary things on that Island, but at times she'd felt peace there even during all the turmoil. Something just felt... special... about that place. She couldn't describe it.

She felt jittery and nervous the closer they got to the shore. The men with her had all gone into actual battle before, had probably felt this kind of anticipation before. She'd been in court with not so friendly people, but it was always her father's court, and she'd always felt safe. Even when they confronted cultists, she'd felt safe.

This was altogether nerve wracking because of just how important it was to succeed and the unknown danger ahead churned her stomach into knots.

Her long red hair blew on the warm breeze as they approached the port, and she smoothed it down to distract herself. She wondered if Einar would have the nerve to come greet her himself, after everything that had happened.

She turned to her father with big eyes and said softly under her breath, so the others couldn't hear, "I am a little frightened about all this. Do you think it will be okay?"




Sent from my iPad using EN World mobile app
 
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A

Archon Basileus

First Post
EVERYONE

The longboats approach the deck destined to them. Clearly the hosts expected a big entourage, since a vast area was reserved for the arrivals. As the traveling party step onto the boardwalk, they see several curious faces glancing at them, mostly commoners gathered to take a peek at jarldom’s life. Young ladies spread flower petals around, festive and unceremonious. Men and women gather nearby, trying to watch the bride – and praising her beauty as they accomplish their goal. Drinking horns are raised and, in the back, animals are slaughtered before passing eyes, a demonstration of abundance and a welcoming act in the eyes of grandaelian pagans.

THORIR

“Hahaha! Raise your glasses for the bride, men! You won’t see dragons and kings together again in a lifetime!” – the blond and fat loudmouth says from the deck of a longboat, his left arm thrown around a thin girl dressed in leather and furs. The man looks straight at Thorir, a sly smile lacking one tooth right in the middle... Rolf the Biter. Pirate, warrior, sell-sword. Thorir’s old nemesis, occasional ally, as greedy and cunning as they come. His lady, Black Sigun, known as the Hand of Hella, is a skilled assassin and the second in command for his crew.

They might have not recognized the Sea King. It’s been a long time since they last met. Still, what in Odin’s name are they doing here? Looking for a fence? Working for the locals? One thing is certain: they’re always chasing a fat purse and strong allies.

ASTRID/ALEC
As the crowd cheers, father and daughter see a line of mounted women arriving at the end of the boardwalk. They are well-dressed, fine clothes covered in impressive pieces of armor. All of them use their hairs long and adorned, riding with pride among the others. The crowd bends and allows them passage. Five in total, their leader is especially impressive. Her golden hair hurts the eye under the summer light. Her armor shines as if polished against sand moments ago. She wears a round shield in her back and a pair of swords at her belt. She’s no shieldmaiden, both MacTiers understand. Valkyries. The warrior-queens of the north. The colors and banners attached to the raiders confirm their suspicions, the white and golden warring swans over red bending in the wind.
The leader dismounts and marches towards bride and father. Measuring Astrid’s apron, she looks surprised, almost disappointed. Still, she continues, a genuine smile upon her rosy visage.

“Greetings, sister!” – she extends her welcomes towards Astrid. “Jarl Alec” – she remarks, on a serious, brief tone. “We are here to serve as your escort. Such was the honor granted to us by Jarl Volund. Your hosts await anxiously at the longhouse.” – she gestures towards the horses. “We… Did not expect you to be so eagerly ready to the ceremony. We were to serve as your maidens during the wedding, but seeing that you are clothed and ready, I trust it won’t be necessary.” – she refers to the pagan tradition of undressing and bathing the bride before the wedding. “No matter! Tearing such a lovely dress would be sad, and I trust at least some demiurgian traditions should be kept, after all, during the ceremony.” – her tone strikes hard. Despite not being rude, it does sound forceful.

ARVID

As the master and advisor studies his surroundings, he realizes that Einar feared the worst. To most people, the presence of archers all around the cliffs might seem as regular protection for important arrivals, but their positioning presumes an ambush. Also, on the two sides of the boardwalk longboats of his fleet remain apparently unoccupied. He’d bet his good leg there are several armed men hidden there, and also in the crowd. A pair of Einar’s personal servants – two girls to be more precise – throw incisive glances at Arvid, as if trying to understand the situation to report to the Jarl’s son. Horses nearby will probably be used as soon as a report is given.

This does not surprise Arvid. What concerns him, though, is the presence of a certain dark man, the very same that visited Einar’s chambers before, among the crowd. He observes in silence, moving from side to side of the boardwalk with skilled, calculated steps, barely noticeable. He seems to be looking for something or someone with haste and concern.

@Queenie @Fenris @Neurotic @tglassy
 
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Neurotic

Neurotic

I plan on living forever. Or die trying.
Archon Basileus said:
This does not surprise Arvid. What concerns him, though, is the presence of a certain dark man, the very same that visited Einar’s chambers before, among the crowd. He observes in silence, moving from side to side of the boardwalk with skilled, calculated steps, barely noticeable. He seems to be looking for something or someone with haste and concern.
Click to expand...

Arvid comes next to Thorir.
"We're being watched, Thorir. Notice the dark man, following us yet appearing not to. He looks for something or someone instead of looking at us. He's the man I told you about, the one who held Einar back. And Valkyres are great honor, but we seem to be heading for the wedding directly. I'll try to divert them, but you'll need to announce yourself if I fail."

Moving quickly next to McTiers, Arvid raises his voice slightly.
"Lady Astrid is certainly eager for the wedding, but not so much that she will rush into it after ordeal like this."
Arvid looks to father and daughter for confirmation sign

[sblock=If Arvid gets go on sign or no sign at all]
"She's dressed like this because kidnappers took her possessions away. After this ordeal I would expect Einar to show some understanding and give her time to recover! And properly lodge Jarl Alec with full honors."
[/sblock]


OOC: there should be another If (valkyre rejects and I reveal Thorir as instrumental help for freeing Astrid :) ) But Arvid talks too much and besides, other may have something to say before I run with the story :p
 

Queenie

Queenie

Queen of Everything
Astrid gave a small bow to the warriors before her. Their disapproving glances did not go unnoticed but Astrid reasoned they knew nothing about her, and likely assumed since she was not a warrior, she was just a spoiled princess.

"Well met to you all," she responded with an easy smile, now that she was in the situation her nerves had calmed. "Lord Vouldson honors me with your appointment, and I thank you for your service."

A displeasurable look crossed her fair face. "I would certainly not like to tear another dress, after that frightful experience, once was quite enough - though of course I would dress to meet the Lord and Master today. It is kind of you to offer your services for prewedding pampering, perhaps your tradition will still come to be." She gave them a sweet smile while keeping in her true thoughts about that.

"Master Arvid is correct, I do not wish to rush into a ceremony if it can be helped. I request at least a few days of rest and comfort before we start our new life together."

She glanced around at the gathered crowd. "Where is Lord Einar, did he not come to greet me himself?"
[MENTION=6855545]Archon Basileus[/MENTION] [MENTION=24380]Neurotic[/MENTION] [MENTION=6855204]tglassy[/MENTION]
 
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Fenris

Fenris

Adventurer
Thorir nods as Arvid speaks to him. "I see him. He isn't the only friend here either I see. If we need to reveal me now so be it, though I would rather do so later."

Thorir smiles and nods to himself at Astrid's words. That would slow them down. Folks loved their traditions. And everyone besides Einar would love it. All the drinking and celebrating leading up to the wedding was not to be missed.
 

A

Archon Basileus

First Post
EVERYONE

"She's dressed like this because kidnappers took her possessions away. After this ordeal I would expect Einar to show some understanding and give her time to recover! And properly lodge Jarl Alec with full honors."
Click to expand...

A displeasurable look crossed her fair face. "I would certainly not like to tear another dress, after that frightful experience, once was quite enough - though of course I would dress to meet the Lord and Master today. It is kind of you to offer your services for prewedding pampering, perhaps your tradition will still come to be." She gave them a sweet smile while keeping in her true thoughts about that.
Click to expand...

A disgruntled expression runs through the Valkyrie’s face. “Certainly, a dreadful experience, lady Astrid, especially for a bride. I hope no harm has come to you? She studies Astrid’s face and seems content with the mere expression she meets in response. “All in all, we shall treat you as it should be, according to generosity and tradition both.” – her expression becomes welcoming and satisfied.
"Master Arvid is correct, I do not wish to rush into a ceremony if it can be helped. I request at least a few days of rest and comfort before we start our new life together."
Click to expand...

“And you shan’t. You should stay with us.” – she says, without as much as a glance of acknowledgment towards Alec.

She glanced around at the gathered crowd. "Where is Lord Einar, did he not come to greet me himself?"
Click to expand...

The Valkyrie looks at Arvid, and then at her own companions. She seems at a loss for a second. Shortly after, she looks straight at Astrid. “You do not recognize me, I see. It’s only natural. I am Brynhilde Helgadóttir, ruling queen of the Valkyries of Swan’s Pass.” – she stands proud as she names herself. “You have not Einar, but a queen nonetheless comes to embrace you, sister. He’s engaged in the rites, as you shall soon be.” – she smiles lightly, reaching for Astrid’s shoulder with a heavy hand.

Thorir nods as Arvid speaks to him. "I see him. He isn't the only friend here either I see. If we need to reveal me now so be it, though I would rather do so later."
Click to expand...

Rolf seems to study Thorir’s manners as he walks the board. After a quick comment towards Sigur, both of them avert their eyes, ignoring Thorir. Odds are they understand the Sea King’s wishes, considering his inconspicuous arrival.
Thorir smiles and nods to himself at Astrid's words. That would slow them down. Folks loved their traditions. And everyone besides Einar would love it. All the drinking and celebrating leading up to the wedding was not to be missed.
Click to expand...

Thorir’s words ring true. The companions see that the ale houses around are wide open, and people have been drinking for long hours, apparently. Some have surrendered to a cold sleep under the skies, while others show signs of unruly excitation under the watchful eye of the archers. In such occasions, conflict is bound to happen. Fights are bound to happen, sooner or later, and this wedding will be no exception, clearly. No one expected it to begin so early, though…

At the back, part of the crowd erupts in a fight. Yelling can be heard as five men – probably drunk – fist fight each other, taking parts of the surrounding crowd along with them. A man rises from amongst the others, pointing towards the bride. “My father would rue the day a demiurgian enters the halls of our Jarls!” – he yells. A female’s voice rises. “The gods turn red in rage! Shame on you, shame on Brynhilde Helgadóttir for accepting this!” – several cries follow these, some defending the travelers and the Valkyries, others attacking them. A few vegetables leap from the crowd, trying to reach the bride, but ending their flight too soon. The noise rises, and the fight grows a bit. Some twelve men are now involved as the archers prepare their bows.

THORIR

By Rolf’s side, Sigur scouts the crowd. Suddenly, she rises from her seat, as if something caught her attention. Something dangerous…

ARVID

The dark man’s eyes are now fixed at Astrid and the Valkyries. He desperately tries to open his way towards the bride!

ALEC

As the fight erupts, a certain hawk flies around in a twisted, almost desperate, way. He moves close to Alec’s head and returns to the crowd, as if trying to point something out. Amidst the people, it seems that at least three distinct people try to make way towards the dock the travelers now occupy.

[If Alec does not wish to have his familiar flying around freely, please, inform me, and I’ll edit the post!]

ASTRID

“The gods turn red in rage! Shame on you, shame on Brynhilde Helgadóttir for accepting this!”
Click to expand...

“WHAT!!??” - Brynhilde’s features twist at the provocations and her hand slides to her weapon. Her companions spin their horses and move against the crowd, clearly irritated by the offense directed to their leader.


[Aaaah, Viking politics! Please roll for perception, everyone! Alec gets +2 because of his loyal feathered watcher’s warnings – if he chooses to let the hawk loose as he arrives. Also, roll for initiative – after all, you never know if the next cabbage will hit! :p Just kidding, forget the cabbages; but roll for initiative. Really. It took me a while, but hopefully I got this scene right, hehe.]

Map updated
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FcB--LvawOzOiZLEB6KS9F5tICD7TByvTm2UO7LbKdk/edit#gid=0

@Queenie [MENTION=2820]Fenris[/MENTION] @tglassy @Neurotic
 




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