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Crowns of Ice - A Tale of Blood and Betrayal
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<blockquote data-quote="Jago" data-source="post: 7030505" data-attributes="member: 6855130"><p>[ooc]And Now, The Conclusion[/ooc]</p><p></p><p>Eben watched the plundered vessel turn itself with all haste and retreat away from the heavily armed <em>snekkja</em>, still keeping his gaze on the Silver Dragon at the head. Many vessels would use dragons as their crest, for what could be more fearsome than such a creature? Yet <em>silver</em> ...</p><p></p><p>It was probably nothing.</p><p></p><p>Their own ship flitted across the waves, the wind producing a fair number of swells in the ocean that the <em>Sjorvindr</em> rode with practiced ease. In his head, Eben was rather pleased with their lightning raid: nobody was killed, wealth was had, goals were achieved, and all within minutes. Einherjar themselves could not have found victory and glory so swiftly. When Thorir finally returned from dealing with the princess, Eben removed his helm and came to his brother, offering the sword of Inge, that old man that had so stubbornly clung to the heirloom weapon.</p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" Tyr blesses our cause today,"</span> Eben gave thanks to the Gods, <span style="color: #008080">" But I suppose our men availed themselves as well."</span></p><p></p><p>He chuckled warmly, clasping Thorir on the shoulder and giving him a slight shake of camaraderie.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" So who is our Bride-To-Be? Aside from the unluckiest woman on the Whale Road this morn?"</span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">" She is a feisty one, brother. All fire and pride."</span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000"></span></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" Aren't they all, kin? At least until the first night hungry."</span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p>Thorir and Eben shared a laugh: they themselves, though the sons of a Jarl, had known starvation. Had known setbacks. What, if anything, could this <em>princess</em> have ever faced that was anything as daunting as the brothers Volundson had weathered?</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">" I'd imagine she'd retain that fire. Strange to have such heat for a MacTier, though. I'd have expected a chillier reception."</span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000"></span></p><p>Eben felt all mirth suddenly leave him, his blood running as cold as the ocean all around them. Quickly looking around to make sure that no prying ears would eavesdrop on the pair, Eben pulled Thorir closer, whispering conspiratorially, his blue eyes wide and stark.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" What did you say ..?"</span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">" I ... said that I assumed a MacTier would be more frigid than passionate?"</span> Thorir extrapolated, raising his eyebrows at the younger of the two.</p><p></p><p>Eben shook his head, releasing his grip on Thorir and stumbling backwards a step. He could feel his heart pounding in his ears, drowning out all the sound of the sea despite the strength of the wind. His teeth bit down sharply onto the inside of his cheek, chewing it voraciously as if the pain would bring him back to the real world, where that name had not passed from his brother's lips.</p><p></p><p>The red hair. The Silver Dragon. No. It couldn't be. Not in all the strands of the Norns could they have possibly plucked out <em>this </em>particular one. It was clearly some cruel twist of the wind, caressing his ears with sweet and terrible lies.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" ... MacTier?"</span> Eben repeated slowly.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">" Yes, Eben. MacTier. Why do yo-"</span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000"></span></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" Sylvia, right?"</span> he asked quickly, cutting off Thorir and suddenly finding it hard to breathe.</p><p></p><p>It had to be the younger. It had to be. It <em>must </em>be. To think otherwise, to <em>know </em>otherwise whose ship they had boarded ...</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" Her name is Sylvia, Sylvia MacTier."</span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">" No, it isn't."</span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000"></span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"><em>By Tyr's given hand … </em><em><strong>no</strong></em></span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">" Her name is As--"</span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000"></span></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" Astrid,"</span> Eben finished the name alongside Thorir, prompting a look from the latter. Before he could be pressed to explain, Eben threw his helmet to the deck, storming off towards the back of the ship.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" Loki takes me for his toy today, Brother!"</span> Eben bewailed to the sky, causing even the other brigands to look upon the Skald in his rush to the back of the ship.</p><p></p><p>It had been three years.</p><p></p><p>Three. Long. Years.</p><p></p><p>Years spent mourning the loss of her, the loss that he had mortally inflicted upon himself in a suicide of love. Years spent trying to forget her, being coaxed by the other sailors and even his own brother to enjoy the company of women in port, when he could never bring himself to. Years spent thinking of her name when he lay injured, wondering if she would do the same of him in times of trouble. Years trying to assume she was safe, years spent trying not to think on how surely she had moved on by now, years, years, years!</p><p></p><p>It was all for naught. To leave her to save her, and now he had kidnapped her. As if the Gods were not vengeful enough! To be born a Bastard that he might never have her hand, and now to insure that he drove himself from her heart as well, should he even still have a place there!</p><p></p><p>With little ceremony, Eben reached the stern and threw the curtain back, stepping beyond that thin portal into the hold of The Wyrd.</p><p></p><p>And there she was.</p><p></p><p>Her hair was as redden as ever, thick and full as he recalled. Those green eyes, the green of the forest they had escaped to time and again, a verdant haven where he had promised himself to her above all else. The soft curve of her face, the way her lips slowly parted even as he was speaking her name in a tone of bittersweet madness. For what man could remain sane to know that such a horrible and joyful circumstance had been thrust upon him?</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" A ... Astrid?"</span> he choked out, stepping forward once and bringing his hand to cover his mouth, as if the sound of his own breathing would disturb the moment and it would be torn from him, a dream and nothing more.</p><p></p><p>But it persisted. She was there. She, Astrid MacTier, was before him. Three Years faded away into nothingness, replaced only by the woman he loved, had always loved, and had never been able to forget.</p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" It's you ... Merciful Gods, it's <em>you</em>!"</span> Eben cried, boldly striding the rest of the distance between them with haste and sweeping her up into his arms.</p><p></p><p>He was not on the deck of a ship. He was not a warrior, a raider. He knew not his brother nor the men he sailed with. He considered nothing of how Astrid had been traveling to be wed. All of this was left behind: Eben was back home, back in Viuland, before his foolish pride had made him abandon everything that was necessary to life. He could smell the pines of the forest and the honey of her skin, and still she fit against him as she always had. Three Years rewound in an instant, and he could think of nothing, in that moment, that would ever make him want to walk away from her like he did on that cold, dark night.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" I was a fool, I was Fortune's Fool to think I'd find you out here when I already had you in my arms," </span>he cried,<span style="color: #008080"> " And yet here you are! Fate is Cruel and Kind, and I curse and thank her equally!"</span></p><p></p><p>Astrid had been deep into her prayers, her eyes closed in concentration when one of the warriors burst into her little sanctuary, which startled her and caused her to jump. Before she had a moment to process what was happening he said her name and embraced her tightly. She threw up her bound hands between them and attempted to beat him and push him off herself. She hadn’t expected to have to defend herself so soon after their Sea King had departed.</p><p></p><p>Ruby growled at the Viking and tried to knock him off of her Master, and the wolf managed to push him back a few inches.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ee82ee">“Unhand me you cretin! How dare you put your hands on me…”</span> her words trailed off as her fists pounded against his chainmail.</p><p></p><p>Astrid’s senses struggled to keep up. He’d been talking nonsense about being a fool and having her in his arms but it wasn’t that - it was his voice, that voice she could never mistake, and the way she fit so perfectly in his arms…</p><p></p><p>But that could only be her own senses playing tricks on her, after all she’d been dreaming of HER him all this day, not only for days, for years; she’d been dreaming he would come back for her, to save her, to save <em>them</em>, to love her forever like he’d promised; she heard his silvery voice in every song, in every whisper calling to her, she could feel his warm breath on her in the lightest breeze, his scent -the mix of salty ocean and his musk- lingered in the air by the seaport, in the longhouse, to drive her mad, she saw traces of him everywhere she went, around every corner, behind every tree in their forest, it was as if he was always just there and she had just missed him.</p><p></p><p>But it was never him. He never came.</p><p></p><p>And she finally had to drag herself away, and leave the dream of him, and them, behind.</p><p></p><p>Not for herself but for another.</p><p></p><p>So this man standing before her could not possibly be <em>him</em>. Not when she had just been praying for a miracle.</p><p></p><p>This man was inches taller, his dark beard was filled in and lush, his hair longer, his chest and shoulders broader, he was much more muscular - this man before her was a fearsome fighter, not a skinny boy poet.</p><p></p><p>This man who was standing only inches away from her had so much different about him but he was standing there staring at her with those eyes of blue she had lost herself in so many, many times.</p><p></p><p>She stood there, staring back, in disbelief. <span style="color: #ee82ee">“Eben?”</span> </p><p></p><p>It couldn’t be.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ee82ee">“You are… you are alive?”</span></p><p><span style="color: #ee82ee"></span></p><p>A long moment passed between them gazing into each other’s eyes before Astrid threw herself at Eben and back into his arms, pressing herself up against him tightly, back into that spot where she always just belonged. She spoke rapidly, her whole body trembling as she did.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ee82ee">“You are alive! You are alive, I thought maybe you were dead, I did, I thought something happened to you when you did not return, when you did not come back. I was sure something must have happened to you to make you not retu-“</span></p><p></p><p>The words pouring from her came to a sudden halt. She was reluctant to separate herself from the warrior again so she just pulled her face back, looking up at him with wide eyes.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ee82ee">“Why… why did you not return to me Eben? I… I waited so long.”</span> </p><p></p><p>Her bottom lip trembled as she waited for him to answer her, she was so conflicted, so overjoyed to see him, to share the same air as him again yet she had so many questions and there was so, so much...</p><p></p><p>Though she rendered her fury onto Eben and the poor poet was even left contending with a small wolf with the strength of Fenrir in her tiny body, Astrid eventually came to see <em>who </em>was before her, and the tone of their reunion went from one of anger and fear to only the deepest of joys. It was as if one of Bragi's ballads, for just as that God's songs brought love, so too did they often end in sorrow, for the woman of Eben's life asked him why he would ever leave it.</p><p></p><p>His eyes wavered and watered, unsure of what to tell her. What he wanted was to kiss her, to promise her safety and to get her off of this boat as quickly as possible, but that was a hopeless dream, as hopeless as he had once thought his love for her was. He'd never secure her release from Thorir, not after what they had gone through to get her. Not after what the crew would gain from her. But for her, for Astrid, Eben would still try.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" I am alive, I am alive,"</span> Eben affirmed to his love, <span style="color: #008080">" And not once did a day go by where you did not remain in my thoughts, <em>min kjærlighet</em>, not once. But I could not return, Astrid."</span></p><p></p><p>Eben looked down, unable to meet her soft, green eyes. His fingers, roughened from many years at sea and in uncivil work, brushed lightly against her cheek, coaxing her crimson tresses back behind her small ears.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" When last I saw you, I told you I have to leave. I told you I could not come back; you were in <em>grave danger </em>if I had stayed, I was told as such that very night."</span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p>The poet took a small step backwards, laying his hands upon her shoulders. She had grown: she was not the teenager he had once known. There was a strength in her poise, even as a prisoner, a certain force of will that had not been there before. Not to say Astrid was not a willful woman, but ... it was almost as if her tender features had been sharpened, the flush of youth blossoming into the beauty of adulthood. She was not a girl any longer, Eben realized: Astrid had become a woman in many ways. Ways that made him nervous, as he recalled <em>where </em>she had been headed.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" A man. A member of the Clergy, he told me to flee from you. That we had been discovered, that your father would disinherit you and do far worse to me. I wanted to stay, Astrid, sweet Astrid, but how could I if I thought it meant the end of us regardless? Though love had brought us together, t'was love that ... That made me abandon you. That caused me to inflict such pain, to my everlasting regret. I thought ... I thought at least to spare you from further suffering."</span></p><p></p><p>It was not easy to confess, to tell her that meager fear had kept them apart for this long, but Eben made to look into her eyes and tell her the truth. He owed her that much, and so much more beyond.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" I ... I assumed you would move on. Find someone that would be less ... troublesome."</span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p>A knot grew in his stomach, his teeth grinding in a fierce way as Eben turned his head to the side, wounded from his thought he spoke aloud.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" It seems you have. My Half-Brother. Einar. Einar, the man who made to kill me, and now you're ... you're <em>marrying </em>him ..!"</span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p>Eben pulled her close once more, gently, as if for the first time. As if for the last time.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" You must listen to me, if ever you still carry a shred of love for me, as I carry oceans for you: You <em>cannot </em>be with this man. I will find a way to make sure you go home free, but you must promise me Astrid, you <em>must </em>go home to Viuland. Do not continue on to Grandael, or I truly believe you would be in far more jeopardy than even I ever put you in."</span></p><p></p><p>Astrid watched his face as he spoke, and he told his story, and so much pain filled her heart. So much pain. She knew the story, she knew <em>why </em>he left. <em>HE </em>did not know why he left. He knew <em>nothing</em> of what caused their separation and their story to come to an abrupt and tragic end the way it did.</p><p></p><p>She closed her eyes and put her head on his chest, and for a long moment cherished his strong arms around her, his warm breath again on her face, his musky scent surrounding her, his heart pounding in time with her own.</p><p></p><p>When she reluctantly opened her eyes again, she took her bound hands and managed to get a palm open to press against one of Eben’s cheeks. <span style="color: #ee82ee">“Every promise I made you whether under the full moon or next to a dying fire is still true Eben Marenson, I will never love another in this lifetime as I love you. You have to believe that."</span></p><p></p><p>There was a long pause as she fell deep into those blue eyes, the pain ripping her heart in two, considering how much to say. She never thought she would have to face Eben with the truth. <span style="color: #ee82ee">"You may never understand just how powerful our love has been.”</span> For the longest moment she gazed into those eyes not wanting to let go, before she finally stepped back away from him.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ee82ee">“I did not know Einar was your brother, nor did I know Thorir was your brother,”</span> She swallowed hard and stiffened her back. She continued, anguish filling her voice, <span style="color: #ee82ee">“I have to marry Einar, and you must make sure that I arrive safely to him Eben, it is of the utmost importance.”</span></p><p></p><p>Tears she'd been holding back threatened to come as her eyes started to well up with water and she practically choked on her own words. <span style="color: #ee82ee">"I do not know if I can ever forgive you for not returning to me Eben. But even if I do, I still have to marry Einar."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" You <em>don't understand</em>, Astrid, you <em>canno</em> --!"</span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">"Awwww,"</span> came a sound from behind Eben. </p><p></p><p>There was Thorir, arms crossed, leaning against a railing. He had been there listening and watching, for some time apparently while Astrid and Eben's world was only them. </p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">"Well isn't this a sweet little reunion,"</span> drawled Thorir as he grinned, <span style="color: #ff0000">"Obviously there is quite the saga here. But that will all wait until we have a big barrel of mead, and are sitting around a roaring fire. I don't care who you love, or who you marry little jarlinna, but you will remain my captive until <em>somebody </em>pays your ransom. Meanwhile brother, I would alike a <em>word </em>with you in the prow. We will leave you to relax in your royal surroundings little jarlinna," </span>Thorir mockingly said.</p><p></p><p>He then took Eben by the shoulder, turned him around and pushed him towards the prow. As the two reached the prow and had some measure of privacy, Thorir stopped and faced Eben. Thorir's arms crossed and Eben couldn't quite tell what emotions were crossing his face; amusement, anger, annoyance, or acceptance. </p><p></p><p>Thorir stood there in silence for a moment considering his brother. This may have explained some of Eben peculiarities, but that wasn't important now. Thorir needed facts, he needed to know what this meant for the kidnapping, and if Eben now had more information they could use to their advantage. </p><p><span style="color: #ff0000"></span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">"So brother, apparently you know my prisoner. I don't need the whole story now. Later perhaps. For now I need to know what you know. What will help this crew of which you are a part and second in command."</span></p><p></p><p>Eben was white-hot with anger and frustration. Anger for knowing Astrid's intentions, despite what it would mean for her. Frustration towards his brother, for stopping him before he could get answers, and now that same brother in kind demanded an explanation. The Skald ground his teeth and curled his fists, damning the Gods for today and each day afterwards: In one raid, his entire life had been thrown to the sea and Thor had seen fit to raise a fierce storm to honor the occasion.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" I know her well, brother,"</span> Eben began slowly, trying to force the tightness in his chest to subside that he may actually speak to Thorir. He wanted to rage at the man, but for what? Thorir had no clue that Astrid was the bride in question. There was little that could have been done to prevent this. If he had known, would that have changed his treatment of her? Perhaps only for the sake of Eben, the Poet thought.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" Astrid MacTier. Daughter of Alec and Saria MacTier. Her father supposedly has the blood of dragons flowing through him: magics beyond that ken of mortal men. We have made a grave enemy today that will not be so easy to outwit."</span></p><p></p><p>Alec had ... been an odd man to Eben. Never outright unkind, and his mother, Maren, had always been welcome into the man's longhouse when she returned from her trading missions. Still, there was a clear distinction: Alec was nobility. Eben was a heathen bastard. A line had been well drawn.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" Astrid and I ... I've known her since she was as big as that wolf with her. We were friends as youths, and more as we grew older, lovers in secret due to my ... My status. She is the reason I sought Father in the first place: to bestow upon me the name Volundson that I may properly wed her. But that did not happen, and now with Einar in the way, it never will."</span></p><p></p><p>Eben turned from his brother, gazing out over the ocean. The wind was strong: the sail strained against the strength of the gale, ushering them forward towards a sacred rock in the middle of the wide sea's embrace. Towards a thousand questions and Eben doubted as many answers.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" When last I saw her, a member of the Clergy, the Church of The Demiurge, informed me that our love had not been as secret as we teenagers assumed. We had been discovered. Alec would be told lest I fled with all haste and never returned to Viuland. So, I did. I came back to you, Brother. I came to this ship, to this home we have within Njord's country."</span></p><p><span style="color: #008080"></span></p><p>He sighed, taking in the salty air with a painful sting to his chest.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" But not once have I forgotten her. She, too, has the gift of magic, but last I saw her it was not as strong as her father's. The wolf is unfamiliar to me as well. But Alec is a man of his daughters: he will come for her personally."</span></p><p></p><p>Eben finally turned around to face his brother, expression dour and somber as ever, a unique painting upon a normally joyous man.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" I doubt he would bring silver. I know that his court had pressured both himself and Astrid to marry; his wife passed when I was young. This betrothal to Einar probably means as much to Viuland as it does to Grandael. We must proceed with the utmost caution: Alec alone, we may deal with, as would Einar alone. Together? I am unsure. Neither is an ordinary Jarl."</span></p><p></p><p>The Skald sighed, finally moving closer to Thorir and laying a hand upon his brother's shoulder.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #008080">" I know what we plan to do with her. I know that my duty is to keep this ship and this crew safe. But despite years apart, I love this woman as the gull loves sea and sky. This is ... I will need to think on this. When we reach the Isle, I will know better."</span></p><p></p><p>In his heart of hearts, though, Eben already knew what he did not speak aloud: Astrid could not marry Einar. To do so would be to watch the love of his life walk willingly into the maw of the wolf, and Eben was resolved to stop that outcome, no matter the cost.</p><p></p><p>Thorir sighed. </p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">"By Odin's beard, Eben, you have had a crooked skein woven for you." </span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000"></span></p><p>Thorir put his left hand on Eben's shoulder. </p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">"However, your behavior was not acceptable."</span></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000"></span></p><p>Thorir punched Eben hard in the gut with his right hand. As Eben doubled over the crew started to mutter and look over.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">"Back to the sails, you piles of troll dung!"</span> snarled Thorir to the crew. Turning back to Eben who was still trying to catch his breath, Thorir pulled his brother upright. </p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">"Coward,"</span> Thorir grunted contemptuously, <span style="color: #ff0000">"Not that I would have guessed from the last few years. Maybe you grew out of that. If you are to remain my brother you will find your courage, the courage that failed you back then." </span></p><p></p><p>Eben was still sucking air a bit as his brother held his shoulders. </p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">"I don't care if Alec has all the powers of Odin. Steel has never failed me. And it will not this time. If he does not bring silver, he will not have his daughter. Perhaps that works out for you, who knows. I don't give a tinker's cuss about Einar or even Alec. Or Astrid for that matter. If you love this, this sharp tongued harpy, so be it. Show it, act on it. If that means you die fighting for her, then you have shown your love for her. If you run away from anything again I will personally put an axe in your back. Am I clear?"</span> Thorir says with chilling seriousness.</p><p></p><p>Eben gulped and nodded; he had seldom seen this side of Thorir, normally only directed at crew members who needed to be put into place, never at him. </p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff0000">"You WILL face your destiny with courage, or you will cease to be my brother. For now, stay here in the prow. Away from her,"</span> Thorir jerked his head back towards Astrid, <span style="color: #ff0000">"Sit here and think. You can talk to her once we reach the isle. Nothing has changed in our plan. The only thing that has changed is what may happen after we collect our ransom. That will be up to you. I should remind you that bastard or no, you are second in command to a Sea King. And while that is not a noble title, it carries much weight with warriors and jarls."</span></p><p></p><p>Thorir gave his brother a squeeze on his shoulder and turned to head back to the tent where Astrid was. He stopped and stared at her for a moment, that piercing, evaluative look of his. No grin was on his face now though; his face was serious, fierce. Astrid saw where the legends about him were so true. He looked capable of any kind of violence. Thorir said nothing to her, but turned and relieved Harald at the tiller. Taking it himself, he steered a swift course towards the island that all the skeins of the Norns seemed to be weaving together.</p><p></p><p>Astrid watched helplessly as the large warrior directed her former lover away from her. She’d had only moments with him and desperately wanted to follow, and began to, but the fierce looks from a few scary looking crew members right outside the covered area sent her directly back inside it.</p><p></p><p>She paced inside across the wooden floor, her wolf eager to follow behind her, glad for the distraction. Her mind swirled with everything she took in the last few minutes and she spoke to her wolf in soft tones.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ee82ee">“Eben is the brother of both this Sea King Thorir AND Einar Vouldson? Einar?!? How in the Demiurge’s name did THAT happen?? How? And by what design did I then choose Einar to marry, for him to be the one to help me? Perhaps that is the fate of it all…?”</span> she asked herself in disbelief. She shook her head, her long, auburn hair blowing wildly in the wind now that the ship was quickly under way.</p><p></p><p>Her brows furrowed together as she continued to reflect. <span style="color: #ee82ee">“Eben said Einar tried to have him killed… why would he do that? He is… afraid of Eben? But why would that be? Even if he is blood he is only half blood and with a full blooded brother like Thorir I cannot conceive Einar would think Eben a threat to the throne…”</span> The girl stopped her pacing and looked down at her wolf, who finally looked a little less miserable. <span style="color: #ee82ee">“I do not know Ruby girl, I am confused by this.”</span></p><p></p><p>She looked up and out across the ship and to her horror Thorir swung his meaty fist and punched Eben right in the stomach! Her hands flew to cover the loud gasp that escaped her mouth and she watched intently as Eben righted himself; slowly but he did it. And he looked all right. Angry but keeping it inside, and yet still his brother was speaking to him and Eben stood his ground, face to face. This Sea King scared Astrid more and more by the minute. His reputation was well earned.</p><p></p><p>She started pacing again, <span style="color: #ee82ee">“And what is he doing out here on the sea with these, these, brutes? These marauders? These thieves and brigands and and whatever else they do out here… These…”</span> she heaved a heavy breath. <span style="color: #ee82ee">“Is he no longer the poet I knew? Who used to sing about love and romance and magic and adventure?”</span> she asked the white wolf in a sad tone. <span style="color: #ee82ee">“That would be a terrible loss…”</span></p><p></p><p>She started up more forcefully, <span style="color: #ee82ee">“And why, why, WHY did he not return to me? Things would be so different right now if he had…”</span> She began to pause but quickly pushed on, as if she hadn’t spent years thinking on that particular what-if, <span style="color: #ee82ee">“There is so much he doesn’t know, there is so much I should tell him, about what occurred, that night, and right after, about, you know, even why you are here…”</span></p><p><span style="color: #ee82ee"></span></p><p>She stopped pacing again and knelt down to pet the wolf, looking her in her icy blue eyes, <span style="color: #ee82ee">“But SHOULD I tell him? It will only bring him pain for him to know the truth, it will only injure his heart forever to know and not be able to act on any of it.”</span> She sighed at the wolf, <span style="color: #ee82ee">“I know, he does deserve to know Ruby, you are right, he does. But I do not want to wound him when it just cannot be. None of it can be now.”</span></p><p></p><p>She stood up and wandered as close to the front of the covered area as she dared. <span style="color: #ee82ee">“But Eben, oh, my Eben, my Love, he IS alive and well, QUITE well, he is grown, he is no longer a boy, he is a man, and so handsome... he still has my heart Ruby, he still makes it pound like no one else ever has, maybe even more so now…”</span> she sighed a little happy sigh and tried to catch a glance at the skald up at the front of the ship. He was still being spoken to by the Sea King and didn’t look very happy but it made her heart a little lighter just to know he was there, in the same air as she was.</p><p></p><p>She moved to the side of the boat and rested her head up against a beam, her hair and thin shift still floating around her in the wind. The shift kept trying to escape off her shoulder but she didn’t care, she held it up with bound hands to keep herself decent. If it was cold she didn’t feel it as she gazed out at her lost-love now found longingly.</p><p></p><p>She was so lost in her little dream that it was quite sudden when Thorir showed up in front of her, scowling at her. His grin was missing and the look on his face scared Astrid, the look said violence could be imminent. For the first time she cowered a little bit under that scowl and said nothing to irritate the man. She profusely thanked her god when he said nothing in return, he just moved away to go steer the ship.</p><p></p><p>She breathed in and out a handful of times before she relaxed a little bit and returned to her daydreams, leaning up against the railings once more and letting the salty sea air temporarily take her back to a place of bliss where Eben and herself had a chance at being happy together again.</p><p></p><p> [MENTION=6855545]Archon Basileus[/MENTION] [MENTION=6855204]tglassy[/MENTION] [MENTION=8058]Queenie[/MENTION] [MENTION=2820]Fenris[/MENTION]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Jago, post: 7030505, member: 6855130"] [ooc]And Now, The Conclusion[/ooc] Eben watched the plundered vessel turn itself with all haste and retreat away from the heavily armed [I]snekkja[/I], still keeping his gaze on the Silver Dragon at the head. Many vessels would use dragons as their crest, for what could be more fearsome than such a creature? Yet [I]silver[/I] ... It was probably nothing. Their own ship flitted across the waves, the wind producing a fair number of swells in the ocean that the [I]Sjorvindr[/I] rode with practiced ease. In his head, Eben was rather pleased with their lightning raid: nobody was killed, wealth was had, goals were achieved, and all within minutes. Einherjar themselves could not have found victory and glory so swiftly. When Thorir finally returned from dealing with the princess, Eben removed his helm and came to his brother, offering the sword of Inge, that old man that had so stubbornly clung to the heirloom weapon. [COLOR=#008080] " Tyr blesses our cause today,"[/COLOR] Eben gave thanks to the Gods, [COLOR=#008080]" But I suppose our men availed themselves as well."[/COLOR] He chuckled warmly, clasping Thorir on the shoulder and giving him a slight shake of camaraderie. [COLOR=#008080]" So who is our Bride-To-Be? Aside from the unluckiest woman on the Whale Road this morn?" [/COLOR] [COLOR=#ff0000]" She is a feisty one, brother. All fire and pride." [/COLOR] [COLOR=#008080]" Aren't they all, kin? At least until the first night hungry." [/COLOR] Thorir and Eben shared a laugh: they themselves, though the sons of a Jarl, had known starvation. Had known setbacks. What, if anything, could this [I]princess[/I] have ever faced that was anything as daunting as the brothers Volundson had weathered? [COLOR=#ff0000]" I'd imagine she'd retain that fire. Strange to have such heat for a MacTier, though. I'd have expected a chillier reception." [/COLOR] Eben felt all mirth suddenly leave him, his blood running as cold as the ocean all around them. Quickly looking around to make sure that no prying ears would eavesdrop on the pair, Eben pulled Thorir closer, whispering conspiratorially, his blue eyes wide and stark. [COLOR=#008080]" What did you say ..?" [/COLOR] [COLOR=#ff0000]" I ... said that I assumed a MacTier would be more frigid than passionate?"[/COLOR] Thorir extrapolated, raising his eyebrows at the younger of the two. Eben shook his head, releasing his grip on Thorir and stumbling backwards a step. He could feel his heart pounding in his ears, drowning out all the sound of the sea despite the strength of the wind. His teeth bit down sharply onto the inside of his cheek, chewing it voraciously as if the pain would bring him back to the real world, where that name had not passed from his brother's lips. The red hair. The Silver Dragon. No. It couldn't be. Not in all the strands of the Norns could they have possibly plucked out [I]this [/I]particular one. It was clearly some cruel twist of the wind, caressing his ears with sweet and terrible lies. [COLOR=#008080]" ... MacTier?"[/COLOR] Eben repeated slowly. [COLOR=#ff0000]" Yes, Eben. MacTier. Why do yo-" [/COLOR] [COLOR=#008080]" Sylvia, right?"[/COLOR] he asked quickly, cutting off Thorir and suddenly finding it hard to breathe. It had to be the younger. It had to be. It [I]must [/I]be. To think otherwise, to [I]know [/I]otherwise whose ship they had boarded ... [COLOR=#008080]" Her name is Sylvia, Sylvia MacTier." [/COLOR] [COLOR=#ff0000]" No, it isn't." [/COLOR] [COLOR=#008080][I]By Tyr's given hand … [/I][I][B]no[/B][/I] [/COLOR] [COLOR=#ff0000]" Her name is As--" [/COLOR] [COLOR=#008080]" Astrid,"[/COLOR] Eben finished the name alongside Thorir, prompting a look from the latter. Before he could be pressed to explain, Eben threw his helmet to the deck, storming off towards the back of the ship. [COLOR=#008080]" Loki takes me for his toy today, Brother!"[/COLOR] Eben bewailed to the sky, causing even the other brigands to look upon the Skald in his rush to the back of the ship. It had been three years. Three. Long. Years. Years spent mourning the loss of her, the loss that he had mortally inflicted upon himself in a suicide of love. Years spent trying to forget her, being coaxed by the other sailors and even his own brother to enjoy the company of women in port, when he could never bring himself to. Years spent thinking of her name when he lay injured, wondering if she would do the same of him in times of trouble. Years trying to assume she was safe, years spent trying not to think on how surely she had moved on by now, years, years, years! It was all for naught. To leave her to save her, and now he had kidnapped her. As if the Gods were not vengeful enough! To be born a Bastard that he might never have her hand, and now to insure that he drove himself from her heart as well, should he even still have a place there! With little ceremony, Eben reached the stern and threw the curtain back, stepping beyond that thin portal into the hold of The Wyrd. And there she was. Her hair was as redden as ever, thick and full as he recalled. Those green eyes, the green of the forest they had escaped to time and again, a verdant haven where he had promised himself to her above all else. The soft curve of her face, the way her lips slowly parted even as he was speaking her name in a tone of bittersweet madness. For what man could remain sane to know that such a horrible and joyful circumstance had been thrust upon him? [COLOR=#008080]" A ... Astrid?"[/COLOR] he choked out, stepping forward once and bringing his hand to cover his mouth, as if the sound of his own breathing would disturb the moment and it would be torn from him, a dream and nothing more. But it persisted. She was there. She, Astrid MacTier, was before him. Three Years faded away into nothingness, replaced only by the woman he loved, had always loved, and had never been able to forget. [COLOR=#008080] " It's you ... Merciful Gods, it's [I]you[/I]!"[/COLOR] Eben cried, boldly striding the rest of the distance between them with haste and sweeping her up into his arms. He was not on the deck of a ship. He was not a warrior, a raider. He knew not his brother nor the men he sailed with. He considered nothing of how Astrid had been traveling to be wed. All of this was left behind: Eben was back home, back in Viuland, before his foolish pride had made him abandon everything that was necessary to life. He could smell the pines of the forest and the honey of her skin, and still she fit against him as she always had. Three Years rewound in an instant, and he could think of nothing, in that moment, that would ever make him want to walk away from her like he did on that cold, dark night. [COLOR=#008080]" I was a fool, I was Fortune's Fool to think I'd find you out here when I already had you in my arms," [/COLOR]he cried,[COLOR=#008080] " And yet here you are! Fate is Cruel and Kind, and I curse and thank her equally!"[/COLOR] Astrid had been deep into her prayers, her eyes closed in concentration when one of the warriors burst into her little sanctuary, which startled her and caused her to jump. Before she had a moment to process what was happening he said her name and embraced her tightly. She threw up her bound hands between them and attempted to beat him and push him off herself. She hadn’t expected to have to defend herself so soon after their Sea King had departed. Ruby growled at the Viking and tried to knock him off of her Master, and the wolf managed to push him back a few inches. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“Unhand me you cretin! How dare you put your hands on me…”[/COLOR] her words trailed off as her fists pounded against his chainmail. Astrid’s senses struggled to keep up. He’d been talking nonsense about being a fool and having her in his arms but it wasn’t that - it was his voice, that voice she could never mistake, and the way she fit so perfectly in his arms… But that could only be her own senses playing tricks on her, after all she’d been dreaming of HER him all this day, not only for days, for years; she’d been dreaming he would come back for her, to save her, to save [I]them[/I], to love her forever like he’d promised; she heard his silvery voice in every song, in every whisper calling to her, she could feel his warm breath on her in the lightest breeze, his scent -the mix of salty ocean and his musk- lingered in the air by the seaport, in the longhouse, to drive her mad, she saw traces of him everywhere she went, around every corner, behind every tree in their forest, it was as if he was always just there and she had just missed him. But it was never him. He never came. And she finally had to drag herself away, and leave the dream of him, and them, behind. Not for herself but for another. So this man standing before her could not possibly be [I]him[/I]. Not when she had just been praying for a miracle. This man was inches taller, his dark beard was filled in and lush, his hair longer, his chest and shoulders broader, he was much more muscular - this man before her was a fearsome fighter, not a skinny boy poet. This man who was standing only inches away from her had so much different about him but he was standing there staring at her with those eyes of blue she had lost herself in so many, many times. She stood there, staring back, in disbelief. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“Eben?”[/COLOR] It couldn’t be. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“You are… you are alive?” [/COLOR] A long moment passed between them gazing into each other’s eyes before Astrid threw herself at Eben and back into his arms, pressing herself up against him tightly, back into that spot where she always just belonged. She spoke rapidly, her whole body trembling as she did. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“You are alive! You are alive, I thought maybe you were dead, I did, I thought something happened to you when you did not return, when you did not come back. I was sure something must have happened to you to make you not retu-“[/COLOR] The words pouring from her came to a sudden halt. She was reluctant to separate herself from the warrior again so she just pulled her face back, looking up at him with wide eyes. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“Why… why did you not return to me Eben? I… I waited so long.”[/COLOR] Her bottom lip trembled as she waited for him to answer her, she was so conflicted, so overjoyed to see him, to share the same air as him again yet she had so many questions and there was so, so much... Though she rendered her fury onto Eben and the poor poet was even left contending with a small wolf with the strength of Fenrir in her tiny body, Astrid eventually came to see [I]who [/I]was before her, and the tone of their reunion went from one of anger and fear to only the deepest of joys. It was as if one of Bragi's ballads, for just as that God's songs brought love, so too did they often end in sorrow, for the woman of Eben's life asked him why he would ever leave it. His eyes wavered and watered, unsure of what to tell her. What he wanted was to kiss her, to promise her safety and to get her off of this boat as quickly as possible, but that was a hopeless dream, as hopeless as he had once thought his love for her was. He'd never secure her release from Thorir, not after what they had gone through to get her. Not after what the crew would gain from her. But for her, for Astrid, Eben would still try. [COLOR=#008080]" I am alive, I am alive,"[/COLOR] Eben affirmed to his love, [COLOR=#008080]" And not once did a day go by where you did not remain in my thoughts, [I]min kjærlighet[/I], not once. But I could not return, Astrid."[/COLOR] Eben looked down, unable to meet her soft, green eyes. His fingers, roughened from many years at sea and in uncivil work, brushed lightly against her cheek, coaxing her crimson tresses back behind her small ears. [COLOR=#008080]" When last I saw you, I told you I have to leave. I told you I could not come back; you were in [I]grave danger [/I]if I had stayed, I was told as such that very night." [/COLOR] The poet took a small step backwards, laying his hands upon her shoulders. She had grown: she was not the teenager he had once known. There was a strength in her poise, even as a prisoner, a certain force of will that had not been there before. Not to say Astrid was not a willful woman, but ... it was almost as if her tender features had been sharpened, the flush of youth blossoming into the beauty of adulthood. She was not a girl any longer, Eben realized: Astrid had become a woman in many ways. Ways that made him nervous, as he recalled [I]where [/I]she had been headed. [COLOR=#008080]" A man. A member of the Clergy, he told me to flee from you. That we had been discovered, that your father would disinherit you and do far worse to me. I wanted to stay, Astrid, sweet Astrid, but how could I if I thought it meant the end of us regardless? Though love had brought us together, t'was love that ... That made me abandon you. That caused me to inflict such pain, to my everlasting regret. I thought ... I thought at least to spare you from further suffering."[/COLOR] It was not easy to confess, to tell her that meager fear had kept them apart for this long, but Eben made to look into her eyes and tell her the truth. He owed her that much, and so much more beyond. [COLOR=#008080]" I ... I assumed you would move on. Find someone that would be less ... troublesome." [/COLOR] A knot grew in his stomach, his teeth grinding in a fierce way as Eben turned his head to the side, wounded from his thought he spoke aloud. [COLOR=#008080]" It seems you have. My Half-Brother. Einar. Einar, the man who made to kill me, and now you're ... you're [I]marrying [/I]him ..!" [/COLOR] Eben pulled her close once more, gently, as if for the first time. As if for the last time. [COLOR=#008080]" You must listen to me, if ever you still carry a shred of love for me, as I carry oceans for you: You [I]cannot [/I]be with this man. I will find a way to make sure you go home free, but you must promise me Astrid, you [I]must [/I]go home to Viuland. Do not continue on to Grandael, or I truly believe you would be in far more jeopardy than even I ever put you in."[/COLOR] Astrid watched his face as he spoke, and he told his story, and so much pain filled her heart. So much pain. She knew the story, she knew [I]why [/I]he left. [I]HE [/I]did not know why he left. He knew [I]nothing[/I] of what caused their separation and their story to come to an abrupt and tragic end the way it did. She closed her eyes and put her head on his chest, and for a long moment cherished his strong arms around her, his warm breath again on her face, his musky scent surrounding her, his heart pounding in time with her own. When she reluctantly opened her eyes again, she took her bound hands and managed to get a palm open to press against one of Eben’s cheeks. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“Every promise I made you whether under the full moon or next to a dying fire is still true Eben Marenson, I will never love another in this lifetime as I love you. You have to believe that."[/COLOR] There was a long pause as she fell deep into those blue eyes, the pain ripping her heart in two, considering how much to say. She never thought she would have to face Eben with the truth. [COLOR=#ee82ee]"You may never understand just how powerful our love has been.”[/COLOR] For the longest moment she gazed into those eyes not wanting to let go, before she finally stepped back away from him. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“I did not know Einar was your brother, nor did I know Thorir was your brother,”[/COLOR] She swallowed hard and stiffened her back. She continued, anguish filling her voice, [COLOR=#ee82ee]“I have to marry Einar, and you must make sure that I arrive safely to him Eben, it is of the utmost importance.”[/COLOR] Tears she'd been holding back threatened to come as her eyes started to well up with water and she practically choked on her own words. [COLOR=#ee82ee]"I do not know if I can ever forgive you for not returning to me Eben. But even if I do, I still have to marry Einar."[/COLOR] [COLOR=#008080]" You [I]don't understand[/I], Astrid, you [I]canno[/I] --!" [/COLOR] [COLOR=#ff0000]"Awwww,"[/COLOR] came a sound from behind Eben. There was Thorir, arms crossed, leaning against a railing. He had been there listening and watching, for some time apparently while Astrid and Eben's world was only them. [COLOR=#ff0000]"Well isn't this a sweet little reunion,"[/COLOR] drawled Thorir as he grinned, [COLOR=#ff0000]"Obviously there is quite the saga here. But that will all wait until we have a big barrel of mead, and are sitting around a roaring fire. I don't care who you love, or who you marry little jarlinna, but you will remain my captive until [I]somebody [/I]pays your ransom. Meanwhile brother, I would alike a [I]word [/I]with you in the prow. We will leave you to relax in your royal surroundings little jarlinna," [/COLOR]Thorir mockingly said. He then took Eben by the shoulder, turned him around and pushed him towards the prow. As the two reached the prow and had some measure of privacy, Thorir stopped and faced Eben. Thorir's arms crossed and Eben couldn't quite tell what emotions were crossing his face; amusement, anger, annoyance, or acceptance. Thorir stood there in silence for a moment considering his brother. This may have explained some of Eben peculiarities, but that wasn't important now. Thorir needed facts, he needed to know what this meant for the kidnapping, and if Eben now had more information they could use to their advantage. [COLOR=#ff0000] "So brother, apparently you know my prisoner. I don't need the whole story now. Later perhaps. For now I need to know what you know. What will help this crew of which you are a part and second in command."[/COLOR] Eben was white-hot with anger and frustration. Anger for knowing Astrid's intentions, despite what it would mean for her. Frustration towards his brother, for stopping him before he could get answers, and now that same brother in kind demanded an explanation. The Skald ground his teeth and curled his fists, damning the Gods for today and each day afterwards: In one raid, his entire life had been thrown to the sea and Thor had seen fit to raise a fierce storm to honor the occasion. [COLOR=#008080]" I know her well, brother,"[/COLOR] Eben began slowly, trying to force the tightness in his chest to subside that he may actually speak to Thorir. He wanted to rage at the man, but for what? Thorir had no clue that Astrid was the bride in question. There was little that could have been done to prevent this. If he had known, would that have changed his treatment of her? Perhaps only for the sake of Eben, the Poet thought. [COLOR=#008080]" Astrid MacTier. Daughter of Alec and Saria MacTier. Her father supposedly has the blood of dragons flowing through him: magics beyond that ken of mortal men. We have made a grave enemy today that will not be so easy to outwit."[/COLOR] Alec had ... been an odd man to Eben. Never outright unkind, and his mother, Maren, had always been welcome into the man's longhouse when she returned from her trading missions. Still, there was a clear distinction: Alec was nobility. Eben was a heathen bastard. A line had been well drawn. [COLOR=#008080]" Astrid and I ... I've known her since she was as big as that wolf with her. We were friends as youths, and more as we grew older, lovers in secret due to my ... My status. She is the reason I sought Father in the first place: to bestow upon me the name Volundson that I may properly wed her. But that did not happen, and now with Einar in the way, it never will."[/COLOR] Eben turned from his brother, gazing out over the ocean. The wind was strong: the sail strained against the strength of the gale, ushering them forward towards a sacred rock in the middle of the wide sea's embrace. Towards a thousand questions and Eben doubted as many answers. [COLOR=#008080]" When last I saw her, a member of the Clergy, the Church of The Demiurge, informed me that our love had not been as secret as we teenagers assumed. We had been discovered. Alec would be told lest I fled with all haste and never returned to Viuland. So, I did. I came back to you, Brother. I came to this ship, to this home we have within Njord's country." [/COLOR] He sighed, taking in the salty air with a painful sting to his chest. [COLOR=#008080]" But not once have I forgotten her. She, too, has the gift of magic, but last I saw her it was not as strong as her father's. The wolf is unfamiliar to me as well. But Alec is a man of his daughters: he will come for her personally."[/COLOR] Eben finally turned around to face his brother, expression dour and somber as ever, a unique painting upon a normally joyous man. [COLOR=#008080]" I doubt he would bring silver. I know that his court had pressured both himself and Astrid to marry; his wife passed when I was young. This betrothal to Einar probably means as much to Viuland as it does to Grandael. We must proceed with the utmost caution: Alec alone, we may deal with, as would Einar alone. Together? I am unsure. Neither is an ordinary Jarl."[/COLOR] The Skald sighed, finally moving closer to Thorir and laying a hand upon his brother's shoulder. [COLOR=#008080]" I know what we plan to do with her. I know that my duty is to keep this ship and this crew safe. But despite years apart, I love this woman as the gull loves sea and sky. This is ... I will need to think on this. When we reach the Isle, I will know better."[/COLOR] In his heart of hearts, though, Eben already knew what he did not speak aloud: Astrid could not marry Einar. To do so would be to watch the love of his life walk willingly into the maw of the wolf, and Eben was resolved to stop that outcome, no matter the cost. Thorir sighed. [COLOR=#ff0000]"By Odin's beard, Eben, you have had a crooked skein woven for you." [/COLOR] Thorir put his left hand on Eben's shoulder. [COLOR=#ff0000]"However, your behavior was not acceptable." [/COLOR] Thorir punched Eben hard in the gut with his right hand. As Eben doubled over the crew started to mutter and look over. [COLOR=#ff0000]"Back to the sails, you piles of troll dung!"[/COLOR] snarled Thorir to the crew. Turning back to Eben who was still trying to catch his breath, Thorir pulled his brother upright. [COLOR=#ff0000]"Coward,"[/COLOR] Thorir grunted contemptuously, [COLOR=#ff0000]"Not that I would have guessed from the last few years. Maybe you grew out of that. If you are to remain my brother you will find your courage, the courage that failed you back then." [/COLOR] Eben was still sucking air a bit as his brother held his shoulders. [COLOR=#ff0000]"I don't care if Alec has all the powers of Odin. Steel has never failed me. And it will not this time. If he does not bring silver, he will not have his daughter. Perhaps that works out for you, who knows. I don't give a tinker's cuss about Einar or even Alec. Or Astrid for that matter. If you love this, this sharp tongued harpy, so be it. Show it, act on it. If that means you die fighting for her, then you have shown your love for her. If you run away from anything again I will personally put an axe in your back. Am I clear?"[/COLOR] Thorir says with chilling seriousness. Eben gulped and nodded; he had seldom seen this side of Thorir, normally only directed at crew members who needed to be put into place, never at him. [COLOR=#ff0000]"You WILL face your destiny with courage, or you will cease to be my brother. For now, stay here in the prow. Away from her,"[/COLOR] Thorir jerked his head back towards Astrid, [COLOR=#ff0000]"Sit here and think. You can talk to her once we reach the isle. Nothing has changed in our plan. The only thing that has changed is what may happen after we collect our ransom. That will be up to you. I should remind you that bastard or no, you are second in command to a Sea King. And while that is not a noble title, it carries much weight with warriors and jarls."[/COLOR] Thorir gave his brother a squeeze on his shoulder and turned to head back to the tent where Astrid was. He stopped and stared at her for a moment, that piercing, evaluative look of his. No grin was on his face now though; his face was serious, fierce. Astrid saw where the legends about him were so true. He looked capable of any kind of violence. Thorir said nothing to her, but turned and relieved Harald at the tiller. Taking it himself, he steered a swift course towards the island that all the skeins of the Norns seemed to be weaving together. Astrid watched helplessly as the large warrior directed her former lover away from her. She’d had only moments with him and desperately wanted to follow, and began to, but the fierce looks from a few scary looking crew members right outside the covered area sent her directly back inside it. She paced inside across the wooden floor, her wolf eager to follow behind her, glad for the distraction. Her mind swirled with everything she took in the last few minutes and she spoke to her wolf in soft tones. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“Eben is the brother of both this Sea King Thorir AND Einar Vouldson? Einar?!? How in the Demiurge’s name did THAT happen?? How? And by what design did I then choose Einar to marry, for him to be the one to help me? Perhaps that is the fate of it all…?”[/COLOR] she asked herself in disbelief. She shook her head, her long, auburn hair blowing wildly in the wind now that the ship was quickly under way. Her brows furrowed together as she continued to reflect. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“Eben said Einar tried to have him killed… why would he do that? He is… afraid of Eben? But why would that be? Even if he is blood he is only half blood and with a full blooded brother like Thorir I cannot conceive Einar would think Eben a threat to the throne…”[/COLOR] The girl stopped her pacing and looked down at her wolf, who finally looked a little less miserable. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“I do not know Ruby girl, I am confused by this.”[/COLOR] She looked up and out across the ship and to her horror Thorir swung his meaty fist and punched Eben right in the stomach! Her hands flew to cover the loud gasp that escaped her mouth and she watched intently as Eben righted himself; slowly but he did it. And he looked all right. Angry but keeping it inside, and yet still his brother was speaking to him and Eben stood his ground, face to face. This Sea King scared Astrid more and more by the minute. His reputation was well earned. She started pacing again, [COLOR=#ee82ee]“And what is he doing out here on the sea with these, these, brutes? These marauders? These thieves and brigands and and whatever else they do out here… These…”[/COLOR] she heaved a heavy breath. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“Is he no longer the poet I knew? Who used to sing about love and romance and magic and adventure?”[/COLOR] she asked the white wolf in a sad tone. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“That would be a terrible loss…”[/COLOR] She started up more forcefully, [COLOR=#ee82ee]“And why, why, WHY did he not return to me? Things would be so different right now if he had…”[/COLOR] She began to pause but quickly pushed on, as if she hadn’t spent years thinking on that particular what-if, [COLOR=#ee82ee]“There is so much he doesn’t know, there is so much I should tell him, about what occurred, that night, and right after, about, you know, even why you are here…” [/COLOR] She stopped pacing again and knelt down to pet the wolf, looking her in her icy blue eyes, [COLOR=#ee82ee]“But SHOULD I tell him? It will only bring him pain for him to know the truth, it will only injure his heart forever to know and not be able to act on any of it.”[/COLOR] She sighed at the wolf, [COLOR=#ee82ee]“I know, he does deserve to know Ruby, you are right, he does. But I do not want to wound him when it just cannot be. None of it can be now.”[/COLOR] She stood up and wandered as close to the front of the covered area as she dared. [COLOR=#ee82ee]“But Eben, oh, my Eben, my Love, he IS alive and well, QUITE well, he is grown, he is no longer a boy, he is a man, and so handsome... he still has my heart Ruby, he still makes it pound like no one else ever has, maybe even more so now…”[/COLOR] she sighed a little happy sigh and tried to catch a glance at the skald up at the front of the ship. He was still being spoken to by the Sea King and didn’t look very happy but it made her heart a little lighter just to know he was there, in the same air as she was. She moved to the side of the boat and rested her head up against a beam, her hair and thin shift still floating around her in the wind. The shift kept trying to escape off her shoulder but she didn’t care, she held it up with bound hands to keep herself decent. If it was cold she didn’t feel it as she gazed out at her lost-love now found longingly. She was so lost in her little dream that it was quite sudden when Thorir showed up in front of her, scowling at her. His grin was missing and the look on his face scared Astrid, the look said violence could be imminent. For the first time she cowered a little bit under that scowl and said nothing to irritate the man. She profusely thanked her god when he said nothing in return, he just moved away to go steer the ship. She breathed in and out a handful of times before she relaxed a little bit and returned to her daydreams, leaning up against the railings once more and letting the salty sea air temporarily take her back to a place of bliss where Eben and herself had a chance at being happy together again. [MENTION=6855545]Archon Basileus[/MENTION] [MENTION=6855204]tglassy[/MENTION] [MENTION=8058]Queenie[/MENTION] [MENTION=2820]Fenris[/MENTION] [/QUOTE]
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Crowns of Ice - A Tale of Blood and Betrayal
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