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

[Neurotic]

"Indeed, Einar. I was hoping for a chance to tell you, but everything happened quickly. There were assassins waiting for us. Why? I don't know and such news can wait for after the feast. Your bride is safe."

Arvid looks carefully at this new Einar.
It's not that he's paranoid, it's just that this is not the man he left behind. He looks hard at the man he knew, the pupil he taught. And every little change through the years.

[sblock=Actions]
Will roll to disbelieve an illusion: 1D20+6 = [6]+6 = 12
[/sblock]

 

[Archon Basileus]

Arvid's eyes do not betray him. Despite the distinctions, this is Einar, no doubt about it. The sudden lifting of the shadow that clouded his heart is intriguing, indeed, but it can't be counted as the result of a magical disguise. He gestures to the inner chambers, receiving the arrivals with attention and concern. Even as they seat to feast Einar shows an unusual satisfaction, translated in solid laughter and great appetite. He even relinquishes the chair at the distant corner of the table, the one he began to use in place of his father years ago, seating in his former place, the one he'd occupy in front of his younger brother. He invites Alec to occupy a place of honor right in the middle of the table, siding him and granting Astrid her place by the side of her father.

The table is plentiful as it would fit a celebration. The food pleases both northern and southern tastes as the hearth burns bright and strong.

"Well... Forgive me... But I'm at a loss. Much has happened, I believe. I am sorry for the troubles, Jarl Alec. I would never put lady Astrid in the way of harm, had I known. Your name alone should suffice to drive any opportunist away from your daughter's vessel, but I see that common sense is a rarity these days..." - he then turns to his brother.

"And Thorir... The gods themselves sent you, I'm sure! It has been so long, brother, and I have great joy in seeing you well..." - he smiles as he fills his brother's horn with mead. "My lady..." - he does the same for Astrid, Alec and Arvid, letting the jar rest upon the table afterwards - "...this man here always showed great promise as a warrior... No man in this land doubted him as he grew up..." - he points towards Thorir - "...and we have our mentor to prove it." - he turns to Arvid.

"Now, please, tell me everything about your journey, as well as your arrival..." - he turns a concerned gaze to the arrivals.
[MENTION=24380]Neurotic[/MENTION] [MENTION=6855204]tglassy[/MENTION] [MENTION=8058]Queenie[/MENTION] [MENTION=2820]Fenris[/MENTION]

 

[Neurotic]

Arvid partakes in the wine lightly and keeps silent as "his superior" plays gracious host. He half-bows at the praise, but otherwise doesn't comment, leaving for Astrid and Thorir to tell their tales.

 

[Queenie]

"My Lord Einar, I am not certain this celebration is the time to go over such matters," she gave him a small smile, "But if you insist."

Astrid went on to dramatically tell the tale of her abduction and how frightened she was during the ordeal. She embellished the story they had all agreed upon, that Thorir and his crew saved her from the pirates right before her father showed up. Then she proceeded to tell the tale of their arrival, the strange attack, how one of the archers got away but the people impressed her by helping subdue some of the bandits who were now being held in his dungeons.

"Now we are here, safe with you My Lord, and such a fine feast this is. We are honored you would lay out your finest for us."

 

[Fenris]

Thorir embraced his brother warmly back, his face radiant even as his thoughts were dimmed by confusion, suspicion, and doubt. He took his place at the table and raised his glass to Einar and cut his food, but made only a pretense of drinking and eating. Thorir was all smiles and attention though during the retelling of the tale.

 

[Queenie]

[MENTION=6855545]Archon Basileus[/MENTION] Are you waiting for us to do more?


Sent from my iPad using EN World

 

[Archon Basileus]

Sorry, guys! World's end here! I'm preparing the next entry! Will post till tomorrow!

 

[Queenie]

Hope everything is okay, end of the world is not good! Trying to patiently wait for an update... we haven’t heard from you in almost two months so I’ve been worried


Sent from my iPad using EN World

 

[Archon Basileus]

Einar seems do to his best to comfort Astrid. He excuses himself for his curiosity, dismissing any fears with warm and solid vows of protection, and then proceeds to rejoice the return of his brother. Glasses are raised and food is partaken, and soon enough he brings the travelers to the heart of the festivities. At first, it seems the ceremony will indeed take place in that very same day, but Einar himself insists that Astrid take the day to famliarize herself with her accomodations. "I wouldn't forgive myself if the day of our union was sullied by sad, brutal memories" - he repeated more than a few times, and soon enough left the arrivals to rest on two distinct cottages, not too far from the longhouse itself.

Only by nightfall, after much drinking and dancing, would the conspirators be free to engage yet again with one another. That might not have been the case, if not for a mysterious ally, one that called for a late-night meeting, not far from the cottages that served the travelers. "Meet me at the shack by the Crow Tree", said the message. Even for a foreigner, the meeting place was an easy finding. The Crow Tree had been, in ages past, the cruel fate of many a criminal. Many were hung from the branches of the crooked, massive thing. Because of it, the place became ideal for secret gatherings. Most people avoided the area, considering it to be haunted.

[You may engage in all sorts of activities during the day, meet NPCs, make plans, and so on. If you choose to go to the meeting by night, just describe your arrival; all PCs are invited. If you choose to do something else, just describe it as well. Welcome back, everyone, and sorry for the delay. Work, sickness and trouble stirred life a bit, and this thread is particularly filled with details. This is why kept it silent as I walked through the worst of the troubles.]
[MENTION=2820]Fenris[/MENTION] [MENTION=8058]Queenie[/MENTION] [MENTION=6855204]tglassy[/MENTION] [MENTION=24380]Neurotic[/MENTION]

 

[Neurotic]

Arvid prepares for the evening by sending a runner to inform old Ulm where he'll be. Other than that, he finds out from others if they plan on going and if they need him to show them where it is.

"If you don't need me, I could do few quick checks and put the feelers down, so to speak. But I can always do that tomorrow. I'll be glad to escort you."

OOC: if you decline my company, you just might meet Garmmörk at the meeting place