|
Post by Ringulf on Dec 25, 2010 16:52:07 GMT -5
The group had caught up with Fin later on that afternoon, Ringulf was especially glad to see the large wagon off in the distance.
"Well that would be Fin, not another rig like that in all of Araluen! And we are catching her only a few miles from the bridge."
The gateway to the Fife of Marshwood was the town of Headsbridge, The bridge was a covered one that spanned the river Nemath. Then the bustling town beyond was the point at which the road forked.
The road to the North was the North road that lead to Stoneheath and the East road was called the Low Road and followed the Banklands between the marsh and the forest all the way to Marshwood.
"If we push a ways into the evening, we can most likely make Edgeway before we need to stop for the night, then we can push on to the Port of Marshwood in the morning." said Ringulf.
Which was just what they did. they formed a small circle with the tents and wagon, picketed there troop of horses and build a large cozy fire that they cooked their dinner on and they sang and reveled around after they finished.
Just as they all decided to turn in it started to snow . It was light at first but it became a bit heavier as they went into their tents.
In the morning, they woke to a white world whose trees bore a sparkling sheathing of ice. It was very beautiful and almost enchanted, but it made breaking camp a bit more difficult than usual.
They traveled the Low road all day passing through the towns of Willoughbey and Westmarch. After they left Westmarch, it started to snow rather hard. It continued till the were in sight of the Port. The wind had picked up and they were traveling right into it so they kept their hoods drawn and their heads down until the Ranger Cabin was in view.
"Hmmm That's odd," said Ringulf "Seems as though the cabin is quite well lit, perhaps the Wardens are having a meeting."
"Whoever it is certainly has fires going in all the fireplaces look at the smoke coming out of all the chimneys!"
They all brought there horses around back to the stables and noticed several scandians in a circle playing dice and tending a large brazier of hot coals, it seemed as though the stables had been mucked and filled with straw and ground cover and there were several hammocks strung in the warm building.
"Good evening gentlemen can I ask if you are all part of the Harrmarr party?" Ringulf guessed a bit mirthfully.
"Ya Master Ringulf, Smidja iss in de house vaitin for you all, ve vill take careof all de horses you all go insite." The Skandian Helmsman Gunner said with a big smile.
They all gave over their reigns some more reluctantly than others and headed for the cabin. As they opened the door they were greeted by a warm, well lit room that had a scent of good food cooking and pine.
As they entered Smidja stood in the great room with open arms and a long green robe that was lined with white fur, The entire cabin was decorated in pine boughs and candles.
Velcom back travelers I took de liberty of sprucing up de place! (litaraly) you are just in time for de Yuletide eve feast hurry come in take off does wet cloaks and come haf some of dis to varm up wit!" he said pointing to a large black cauldron filled with some wonderfully pungent warm beverage.
"It iss de best nog I ever made and it is just de right temperature!"
The long table had been set for many and the seats and smaller tables were place all around with foods and bottles of drink of all kinds just then two of the other Skandians brought out a huge roast boar on a large truncheon almost the size of a battle shield.
"Ant de main course is now served!" Smidja said thoroughly enjoying playing the host.
They all sat down at the long table and Ringulf sat at the head looking down he saw Mylia on one side close to him and Tory sat next her followed by Simone. On the other side Finn and Smidja and Geir then there was several Skandians and a few Wardens
Aside from the boar there were several fowl mostly Duck and geese as well as fish and shellfish and many vegetable dishes as well. large loaves of dark bread were piled on two platters and mounds of butter and pots of honey were all over.
When everyone had taken a seat Ringulf stood up and raised his mug of nog and said, "Well here is to the Skandians who have been so good as to throw us a feast in our own cabin, which looks very cheerful and Yule like I must say! And here is to all of our Friends, the ones we sit with and the ones who could not..."
Just then the door burst open and several good sized figure came in letting in a frosty breeze and shaking snow from them.
"Are ve too late for de feast Kinsman?" The bright eyes of Aribjorn sparkled as he smiled and looked at the throng assembled. Ogmunds shaggy one eyed head poked out from be hind him as did a new figure.
"Ve met a special person traveling on de road ant ve thought you vould not mint if he came too. Let me present to you, Yule Valkotuka and he comes bearing gifts, but dey are for after dinner ve are starved!"
Ringulf raised the glass as Ari slid into the seat between Mylia and Tory and the rest found room at the big table.
"As I was saying...and those who could not be with us, though that number has now decreased, and may we be blessed with peace and joy this year as we strengthen and revel in the bonds of our companions, SKOAL!"
|
|
|
Post by Brandwyn on Dec 26, 2010 11:57:24 GMT -5
Finn's horses alerted her to the presence of a rather large group of riders coming up behind her in the trail. She scooted over and peeked around the side of her wagon behind her and saw Ringulf on his large chestnut horse and grinned at him.
As he pulled up alongside of her she reached out her hand and squeezed his in greeting, a big smile on her face. "I vwas tinking yah vwould be catchin up vwit meh soon."
They rode on and made camp and Fin thoroughly enjoyed the evening around the campfire. The air was growing colder and she had donned her Skandian furs, which pretty much covered all of her and she was toasty warm. As the others sat around the fire exchanging news and stories and a few songs, she was carving on a small block of wood. She held the wood most of the time so that the others could not see her carving. She was nearly done with it and before she retired for the evening, she was able to add that final little carving to the pile of all the others. Her yuletide gifts were now complete, including a few general extra ones for those unexpected guests that sometimes dropped in.
This would be the first Yule she'd had in Araluen in a real house and not just along some road or Inn peddling her trade out of her wagon. She was looking forward to it.
The next morning she awoke to the glitter of new fallen snow sparkling in the early morning sun as she stepped out of her wagon, bedecked in white and gray furs. The air was brisk and she took in a deep breath and stretched and then grinned, looking around her. "Tis just like meh home in Bruinheim." she said softly, still standing on the bottom step of her wagon.
Then she saw the snow caked on her draft horses backs as they lay under the snow laden trees on the picket line. She stepped off the wagon and crunched over to them and began to feed them as the others in the camp began to stir.
Soon they were on the road and then finally, after a rather cold day in which Fin was having a great time, telling Ringulf how this tree or that stream reminded her of home in the winter wonderland, they arrived at the Ranger cabin in Marshwood.
She greeted her countrymen with enthusiasm and had no problems letting them care for the horses as she went inside with Ringulf to greet Smidja with a great bear hug and a warm kiss on the cheek.
The whole evening she spent with her eyes on Ringulf and thinking that she could get used to many a Yule tide such as this one. The smile never left her face all evening.
|
|
|
Post by Brandwyn on Dec 26, 2010 12:21:56 GMT -5
Tory was cold that last day and very glad when they had reached the ranger cabin at last. She'd spent the night before freezing in her little make shift tent that had been placed too far from the fire. Eventually she had gotten so cold that she just pulled the thing down, strode over to where Chip was huddled under a low-hanging pine tree and crawled in next to him. She threw the tarp over them both and curled up against his back. He rested his nose on her shoulder and she finally fell asleep as the snow piled onto the tarp above them.
Now they were at the ranger cabin and there seemed to be Skandians looming all over the place. Tory searched their faces, wondering if just maybe Aribjorn was there, but she didn't see him. One of them reached for Chip's reins and Chip reared, laying his ears back.
"vwe vwill see ta yer horse, little ranger girl," the man said, but Tory shook her head.
"Thank you for the offer, but I will put him in the stall myself. He is trained not to let anyone else touch him." She said apologetically. "Besides, there are way too many people going into that house right now." she nodded to the noisy crowd that was making their way into the cabin laughing and joking. "I think maybe I will stay out here with him for a little while, yah know what I mean?" She asked the big Skandian. He seemed pretty nice, and she didn't want to offend him, but she wasn't going to hand over the reins of Chip to a stranger, no matter what the local customs were.
After giving Chip a rub down and letting the Skandian help her get him grain and hay she sighed and made her way into the cabin, stealing herself against the loud boisterous noise emanating from the great table as she entered. She slipped into her chair just a little before the opening toast, smiling at Mylia, but a little apprehensive to be in such a crowd.
Then the doors opened suddenly and there he was! Aribjorn stepped inside with a rather old looking man with a long white beard. Her face lit up as he made his greetings and she grinned at Mylia. Quickly they made room between them and Ari slipped into the spot.
"Happy Yuletide, Ari!" Tory said and gave him a lop-sided hug from her chair after he sat down. "I am glad you are here!" She watched him greet Mylia and took a sip of her cider. Now she was beginning to enjoy the celebration as a small smile played about her lips and her eyes danced merrily, watching and listening to all that was going on around her.
|
|
|
Post by Firehead on Dec 27, 2010 11:25:26 GMT -5
The Frost was indeed a glorious sight to behold, Simone thought, but only to those who's bodies actually liked it. She winced as she climbed to her feet, her leg muscles aching, and went about her business limping more than usual. She wondered if she would ever actually get used to the cold wether up here and decided probably not.
She managed to keep up with the others when they rode out later that morning, although she stuck fairly close to the wagon, and eventually took advantage of it by putting her saddle in the back and riding bareback. The horses' body heat warmed her considerably, losening cramped muscles and making the ride more barable.
When they reached the cabin later that afternoon and saw the cabin alight, Simone felt uneasy, thinking perhaps the cabin was occupied by a hostile force. It turned out to be no such thing, only a group of quite friendly Skandians who were waiting for them to arrive. Like Tory, she refused to let them take Snap, citing that Snap had earned his name for a reason, and besides, she owed it to Snap. After giving Snap an esspecially good rubdown, she fed him and headed inside behind Tory. Her leg had again stiffened, and she grimaced to herself as she limped inside. Maybe she should have let the Skandian care for Snap--he did have manners after all, and if she told him to behave, he would do so.
She seated herself next to Tory at the table and listened to Ringulf's toast. "As I was saying...and those who could not be with us, though that number has now decreased, and may we be blessed with peace and joy this year as we strengthen and revel in the bonds of our companions, SKOAL!"
"Skoal!" she responded. She still had no clue what that meant, but it always seemed to deserve an answer whenever Ringulf shouted it out like that. So she answered. ---------------------------------------------------
Mylia sat close to Ringulf and grinned. The festivies lifted her spirits tremendously, the laughter and comraderie making it impossible to remain sombre for any length of time. She joined in with a will. When Ari arrived she nodded to him and gave a wave, exchanging a wide grin with Tory as they moved to make room for him. Tory beat her to the greeting, giving him a warm hug, so Mylia remained aside and simply gave him a wide friendly smile.
|
|
|
Post by Ringulf on Dec 27, 2010 20:02:38 GMT -5
Later on that evening as they had all eaten their fill and almost waddled from the table, some of Skandians an wardens moved the table up against the wall and set out much of the rustic furniture that filled the great room. It was all cleverly designed light and strong but with very natural wood whose grayish brown bark still remained on the furniture, giving it a very woodsy natural look.
The large stone fireplace went high up to the vaulted roof and had several mounted heads of game as well as many fish and birds captured in flight. Ringulf was a subsistence hunter himself, eating the meat and using every piece of the creature for some purpose, not one to shoot game as trophies, but he felt that having the mounts there and visible could help with appreciation and identification of the wildlife the Wardens were sworn to protect.
There were also many woodcarvings around of various birds and fish and many of the lights and sconces as well as the huge central chandelier, were formed of interwoven antlers of many types. (these were dropped each year by the animals and harvested by the wardens and rangers for many uses including grips for knives swords and eating utensils.)
stuffed cushions made of deerskin made the rustic furniture very comfortable and the heat from the two fireplaces made the cabin quite cozy.
Ari was chatting merrily with Mylia and Tory engaged in so humorous tale about his training and they sat in a cluster on the comfortable seats. Ringulf had dragged a few large cushioned chairs over to the fire in a ring making sure Simone had a warm place to keep the chill from her leg. He had notice how it still pained her and her acute limp. He had some definite ideas about what might help her. He went to Fin and spoke to her about what he was intending on doing for his old comrade and asked her if she would find some sort of salve or lineament that could bring some temporary relief to her.
As everyone settled Ringulf got every ones attention and introduced Yule the peddler and let him take the floor.
|
|
|
Post by Brandwyn on Jan 5, 2011 11:37:44 GMT -5
Fin glanced at Simone when Ringulf asked her about a salve and nodded, “I haf something dat vwill vwork I tink.” Fin said and smiled at Ringulf. “It is goot of you ta tink aboot yer frendt dat vway.” She rose and couldn’t resist giving Ringulf a quick kiss on the lips as she did so, a mischevious grin on her face. “I haf ta get some tings from my vwagon. I vwill be right back vwit da salve.” She quickly strode to the door and slipped on her fur coat and ducked outside.
She greeted the few Skandians that were outside smoking pipes or standing watch. She exchanged yuletide greetings but didn’t linger long, going into her wagon and pulling out a rather large basket laden with many tiny bundles of wrapped wool. She rummaged around a bit and brought out a small tin, opened it and sniffed and nodded, then closed the tin and picked out one of the bundles from the basket, opening it, she tucked the tin inside and rewrapped it and placed it specifically in the basket. Then she picked the basket up and made her way back through the crunching snow to the cabin.
As she opened the door to go back in, two dark shapes darted between and around her legs and into the door, nearly tripping her. Fin saw Tory and Mylia’s kittens make a run for their prospective masters, the snow flying from their fur as they ran. Pounce launched herself into Tory’s lap and Fin laughed at the girl’s startled look. Apparently the two kittens, that were almost full-size now, had been waiting for their chance to get inside where it was warm.
Fin made her way over to the fire just in time to squeeze in next to Ringulf after he gave Yule the floor. She sat her basket at her feet and waited for a good time to present her own gifts and enjoyed the feel of Ringulf’s arm around her shoulders as she leaned into his chest. She felt like she was hostess and mother and he was the father and all their family was gathered around them. The only thing that prevented it from being perfect was that her own parents and siblings were not present, but her smile only temporarily dimmed at that thought and she gazed up at Ringulf with love in her eyes and a huge smile on her face as Yule began to speak.
|
|
|
Post by Firehead on Jan 24, 2011 10:28:33 GMT -5
Mylia excused herself from the room to go out to the stable and fetch in her saddlebags--in particular, the one with her presents stored inside. She had debated long and hard over what to give each one of her party and thought that the results were excellent. She had gotten Ringulf a small fist-sized carving of a bear, standing on its hind legs and snarling, ready to defend the smaller animals that hovered in its shadow--somehow it had seemed appropriate.
For Fin, she had gotten a sky-blue silk handkerchief with her name stitched in neat white thread, and for Tory she had gotten a puzzle ring--it looked like an ordinary band but if you twisted it right, the interlocking pieces slid around and formed a sort of lock pick key. For Gyr, she had a "worrystone" worn smooth by river water, and for Ari she had shaped an arrowhead into a hawk. It was more geometrically shaped than imitation-shaped, but she hoped he would like it.
Lastly, for their newest companion, of whom she had a feeling she'd see a lot more of over the next couple of years, she had a small carved stone horse that she'd picked up at the faire. The body screwed apart at the middle to reveal a hollow core in which could be stored a thin strip of paper with a message written on it. Mylia had thought it might come in useful for leaving messages for others when the conventional way was to dangerous for some reason.
Returning to the warm cabin, she again took her seat and waited for Yule to speak.
The fireside was quite warm and Simone held in a groan of relief as she sat and stretched out her leg, rubbing the muscles gently to loosen them.
Simone had brought no presents, not knowing the size of the group--she'd assumed that it would only be herself and Ringulf and his Apprentice--nor having forethought about the need for them. But over the past twenty-four hours, she'd been able to give it some thought. She had noticed the way Ringulf looked at Fin and vice-versa and now gave a shrug --throwing caution to the wind--and brought out a small, cloth-wrapped object.
Delicately made of the purest silver it was set with three stones, the two outer ones of square-shaped, cut obsidian that flashed the colors of the rainbow when the light hit them right, the middle one an oval-shaped dark midnight blue sapphire.
Ringulf might ask her where she had gotten such a ring, but she intended to keep her mouth shut about its real origins--he didn't need to know that it had once been hers, the one Garret had given her for their engagement. Just like he would never know that Garret had been planing on asking him to be his best man for the wedding.
She too, waited as Yule took the floor.
|
|
|
Post by Ringulf on Jan 24, 2011 16:00:15 GMT -5
It had been a long trip for Aribjorn and Ogmund down from Stoneheath castle, fortunately Sir Ecosse had felt the need to head out from the fair immediately after their last dinner at the Boarshead. They really had not been back long and the semester was at a close, so he conferred with Ogmund and asked him if rather than spending Yule alone, he would mind taking the ride down to Marshwood Port to spend it with Ringulf and Fin. Of course Ogmund was delighted by the prospect and had heard from Fin at the fair, that Smidja was minding the cabin , so the prospects of seeing him and some of his shipmates, and getting some news from home was very good. Perhaps he would even get a chance to send word to the Jarl of his son's progress and complete that part of his mission too. So the two loaded up their things and some small gifts and took their mounts on the road. Their first stop was a small in at the crossroads of the High Road and the Ridge Road called "The Sword and Crook" It was a cozy little inn that catered to the travelers along those two roads and fell in nicely with their plans as they just had enough time to get from Stoneheath to the crossroads by night fall and mealtime. The two enjoyed a hearty meal of shepherds pie and Ale and turned in early so as to get a very early start in the morning. After a mug of coffee and a bowl of oat meal they got on the road and traveled south east toward Muttonton. They made it to Muttonton just before midday and saw that the village was just cleaning up and settling down from their own fair. Muttonton as can be assumed from the name is Marshwoods center for all things sheep related and is central to most of the small ricks and cots and farmsteads in the area that ply the trade of sheep for meat and wool. They saw the many buildings that supported the sheering and the spinning and dying of wool and other areas that pertained to the harvesting of the animals for their meat as well. The large open air market was scaling down to it's normal size as it ran weekly through the year. They got some more ale and some mutton joints for the road as the next stretch of road would get them in quite late in the evening if they lingered. It was well before sundown when they found themselves at the door of the Tavern at Bridledale. They had stabled their mounts in the large common stables and asked the Farrier there to have the horses groomed and rubbed as well as re-shod, something Ari had intended to do since the long trip to the fair and the activities of travel and tourney. It made sense since this was horse country here in Marshwood and the most efficient use of time, talent and their funds to do these things here. They now looked up at the Tavern sign as the prepared to enter. The picture of an eight legged horse on a field of green with a polished brass rim made sense to them both as the name of the Inn was "Sleipnir's Rest", The magical steed of the Skandian Allfather was a concept and a featured character in many stories that they both knew well. They entered and saw that it was a bit more elegant than most of the Taverns they had visited so far, rich dark wood trimmed the hunter green walls and there were many paintings of horses and hunting scenes all about as well as tack and horns and other decorative items that either had been retired, or had special significance. They stepped to the bar where a large blond man with bushy sideburns and rolled up sleeves welcomed them. They immediately detected a Skandian accent! He introduced himself a Lars and they responded with big friendly grins and told them their names and where they were from. Lars became very friendly and talkative telling them of the background of the area and the reason for the small pocket of Scandians here in Bridledale. He then gave them a very nice room and told them he would see to it that they both received a good meal and hot water to be drawn for baths. They both felt very happy about those prospects and thanked him profusely. They slept well that night but Ari, anticipating the fact that he would soon be again among his kin and friends, was up early and had all prepared before Ogmund rotated the patch off his good eye and greeted the sunlight. "Come you sleeping beauty, get up! ve neet to get out of dis town and to Marshvood dere is snow all over from last night. I not as much as back home but it is supposed to be more coming I tink." Ari said good naturedly. They saddled up and started out of town but that is where their detour began. In the snowfall there were some laden branches that were forced to droop down obstructing the signs that indicated the Marsh road and the Dale road. Thinking that the Marsh road would be the most direct to Marshwood Port they continued on it south toward Westmarch They passed through the gap between the Anglewood and the rest of the Greenbelt to the west and found them selves at high noon in the town of Westmarsh. "I knew ve vere traveling to far to de sout ve should have been heading more east to have gotten to de Port, ve vould have been dere already if ve had taken de right road!" Said Ari rather upset with himself for the delay. But in the end there was nothing to do but turn their noses into the wind and head east along the Low Road and the trudge to the Port. They watered the horses and got some lunch but kept going and made it to the Port a few hours past night fall, not to long after Ringulf's party had arrived themselves. As they neared the bend to the southern peninsula were the ranger cabin was situated they saw a curious figure walking ahead of them. When the caught up to him they were astounded that he , though only a wandering tinker, looked so much like father Christmas that it had to be more than a coincidence and felt it a bad omen not to invite him along to spend Yule's Eve with them. The Tinker laughed and agreed and told them his name. "Your name is really Yule?" asked Ogmund in disbelief, "Dat is more den a coincidence I tink it is kinda scary!" Yule laughed and and said, "Yeah I get that allot this time of year but I will be happy and rather thankful to share a meal and a bed no matter how humble on a special night like this, lead the way young one!" Just then the door burst open and several good sized figure came in letting in a frosty breeze and shaking snow from them.
"Are ve too late for de feast Kinsman?" The bright eyes of Aribjorn sparkled as he smiled and looked at the throng assembled. Ogmunds shaggy one eyed head poked out from be hind him as did a new figure.
"Ve met a special person traveling on de road ant ve thought you vould not mint if he came too. Let me present to you, Yule Valkotuka and he comes bearing gifts, but dey are for after dinner ve are starved!"
Ringulf raised the glass as Ari slid into the seat between Mylia and Tory and the rest found room at the big table.The dinner was tremendous and it was a wonderful time of fun and camaraderie, They all felt like they were one big family. Ari was very happy to be with his friends and the girls seemed as happy to see him. When it was time to give gifts he reached down into his bag and pulled out two leather sacks that were actually belt sheaths and had flaps on the tops of their axe-like shapes. "Vell der is no mistaken vat dey are from de shape but take alook inside dem! Said Ari and he gave the girls one each. They were small throwing and utility axes in the Skandian style with dark black iron heads and a melded fine sharp steel edge welded on to them with a handle of dark reddish brown wood and a green leather hand wrapping. the pattern on the heads was quite intricate and done in the pounded silver work called "Niello", one could tell by the heft and balance as well as the lovely decoration that these axes were of very good quality. He gave them each a big hug and a rather warm kiss, and said, "Tank you, tank you both for being my friends, ve haf an exciting road ahead of us togedder but I know ve vill be victorious!"
|
|
|
Post by Firehead on Jan 26, 2011 12:12:02 GMT -5
Even though she didn't know much about axes, Mylia could tell just by the look of it that the one she held now in her hands was of the highest quality. She'd have to ask Ringulf to teach her how to throw it correctly, she thought, even if she wouldn't use it all that much. "Thanks Ari." Mylia turned quite red when he kissed her and could stared down at her ax as she tried to conceal her blush, feeling eturnally grateful that she hadn't found the time to trim her hair the short length she usually kept it at.
She hastily moved to hand out her own gifts for everyone. "I hope you like this." she managed to mumble.
Simone felt a tinge of sympathy for the girl, remembering the first time Garret had kissed her in public. She'd gone red and had slapped him before she could stop herself. Garret had been an easy-going sort, at least with her, and had laughed it off....And proposed two minutes later. In public.
Simone managed to keep her face devoid of what she was thinking, remaining calm and composed as she watched the exchange of gifts going on around her. At what she felt was an opportune time, she gave Ringulf a quick nudge and palmed off her gift to him. "You might need that, sometime." she said by way of explanation, guesturing at the wrapped bundle in his lap.
|
|
|
Post by Ringulf on Feb 8, 2011 9:17:57 GMT -5
Ringulf looked at Fin and gave her a wink and nodded toward Mylia, Aribjorn and Tory. The girls both held up a Skandian axe and for a moment he thought they had figured out how to "share" the hulking Skandian knights apprentice. Ringulf surpressed visions of the King Solomon and the baby story as he got up and excused himself. He went to the baggage that he had placed in his room from out of Fin's wagon.
He took out two nicely wrapped bundles with a satin bow on each. One was blue and the other yellow.
He returned to the gathering and motioned to Fin to join him. Then they made there way over to the group of young people.
"Happy Yule my young freinds, Ari I am glad to see you could make it I was not sure after I invited you at the fair whether you would be able to get down here in time. I will have to give you your present later but for now My two favorite Apprentices need to get theirs!" He said with a smile.
"Happy Yuletide Ladies you have had quite a year of rangering so these are a bit off the track, I hope you enjoy them."
He gave them each a package, Tory got the yellow ribbon and Mylia got the blue. As he handed it to his apprentice he gave her a very warm smile almost like he was a little embarassed but it passed and left just a twinkle in his blue eyes.
When they were opened Tory held up a matching set of riding boots and gloves and a wide leather belt that covered her waist from hips to just below her ribs and had three smaller straps with silver buckles that closed it in the front.
Mylia held up the top of what looked to be a very lovely blue dress with blue trim and a dyed cord for the waist.
"Well you spend so much time being rough tough rangers that I thought you might like to explore being pretty girls for a change," he said a little defensivly and much more sheepishly than was common for the big gruff mentor. "Fin helped me pick them out at the fair." He smiled.
|
|
|
Post by Brandwyn on Feb 8, 2011 12:19:05 GMT -5
Tory examined her axe from Ari almost reverently. She didn’t have to check the blade to tell it was razor sharp with the way the firelight glinted off of it. The decoration was intricate and beautiful. In her whole life no one had ever given her such a fine gift and she was so choked up a bit with emotion that she almost missed Ari giving Mylia a kiss. Then he was suddenly kissing her and Tory trembled like a poplar leaf and thought she was going to faint. As he stepped back, beaming Tory struggled to get her emotions under control as tears of gratitude welled up in her eyes. She cleared her throat and managed to croak out, “It is wonderful Aribjorn! It is too pretty to use, even if I knew how to use it.” She turned it over and over, tracing out the patterns on the blade and looking at it from every angle before finely putting it back in its wrappings loosely and setting it aside for the moment.
Then Mylia was handing her a present and when Tory unwrapped it she discovered a puzzle much to her delight. “I love puzzles!” She exclaimed and gave Mylia a big hug and then reached into her bag and handed Mylia a small package wrapped a black rabbit fur. The next layer was a pale blue linen handkerchief with tiny flowers embroidered in the corner interspersed with Mylia’s name. Inside the hanky was a blue leather bound book with blank pages except for the second page which contained a charcoal sketch of Mylia standing at the rail of a ship with the wind blowing her hair back. The drawing wasn’t perfect but it was close enough to be able to tell it was Mylia and not just some random young lady.
“I made the book and the hanky. I hope the pages don’t fall out, my sewing is not the best.” Tory said as she watched Mylia. “I thought you might be able to record your adventures in there or use it to draw pictures” She grinned at her best friend.
She pulled out a rather long hard waxed leather tube from her overstuffed satchel and handed the scroll case to Aribjorn. “I thought this might help you learn more about Araluen.” Inside the tube was a roll of goatskin parchment and on it was a map of Araluen. Certain areas of the map were very sparse, but other areas, like Meric, Araluen, Caraway and Marshwood were fairly detailed. “Basically this is a copy of the map I am detailing as I travel around the Kingdom. I think the distances are fairly accurate, but go by the notes rather than the drawing if you want to know how long it takes to get someplace. I logged how many days it took to get from Meric to Araluen and stuff like that on it.” Tory looked up at him hesitantly. She thought it was a pretty lame gift after the one he had just given her, so she was anxious about whether he would like it or not.
Then Ringulf was handing her a gift and Tory carefully undid the pretty yellow ribbon to reveal the riding boots, gloves and belt. She immediately donned them all to check the fit and they were perfect. She took the yellow ribbon and looped it around her head to pull her hair back from her face and tied it with a bow just above her left ear. “Thank you Ringulf! These are wonderful. I love them!” She sat there staring at all of her gifts, turning her feet this way and that to admire the boots and thinking that she had never had as good a time at Yule except once when she was a very small child and both her parents had been present.
Tory then passed out the rest of her gifts. To Fin she gave an ivory comb and matching hair sticks. They all were carved with horse heads and rather crude knotwork. “I think I need to practice carving more. Yours is so much better than mine.” She half apologized and Fin shook her head at her, “Day are lovely ant I tink yah are doing a fine job. Remember dat I haf been carving for nearly thirdy years now ant my first tings were not anywhere so nice as deze. Tank yah, Tory.” Tory smiled at her, please she liked them.
She gave Gyr a dozen razor sharp metal arrow points, not knowing him well enough to know what he liked; she figured he could always use arrow tips since he was an archer. She also gave him two Tumajii twisted bowstrings of the highest quality that she had purchased at the fair. “I made those arrow points.” She smiled at him. “I finally found something I can make out of metal that is easy to do!” The arrow points were not only sharp, but each one was etched with a tiny hawk on one side so there would be no doubt of what were Gyr’s kills with such distinctive arrows.
To Ringulf she handed another map case that looked nearly identical to Aribjorn's, only it had green leather accents instead of the red leather on Ari’s. Inside was a very detailed map of Gallica showing nearly every area of the country in fine detail right down to streams and water holes and even trees that presented good vantage points or camping spots. Tory’s own map also included some secret hideouts, but they were marked in code so anyone looking at it probably would think they were just terrain features like caves, settlements or shrines. She knew better than to reveal where the Brethren set up their bases. She also knew that for every one marked on her map there were probably three or four that weren’t marked. They had hidey holes all over Gallica and she had only seen a fraction of them. Most of them were disguised so they appeared like a common cellar or barn or shop in the city and no one would be the wiser even if they discovered one.
“I had a lot of time on my hands and took a lot of notes while I was over there. I don’t know if you will ever go there, but if you do, this should help you out.” Tory gave Ringulf a big hug. “Thanks for everything, Ringulf and have a happy Yuletide!”
Tory didn’t know Simone well yet, but she felt bad about not having prepared a gift for her specifically. She rummaged through her satchel and decided to give her the book she had just completed only the day before. It was going to be a journal for her, since her own was nearly full, but she could make another one. She would have to tan some more parchment, but she might have time to get some started the following day. She pulled out a large scrap of linen that was the rejected portion of fabric from Mylia’s handkerchief. The edges weren’t finished, but she supposed it would work as a kerchief anyway. She wrapped the book in it, while still holding the book in her satchel and then pulled out the wrapped bundle and handed it to Simone, “Happy Yuletide!”
|
|
|
Post by Brandwyn on Feb 8, 2011 12:22:48 GMT -5
Fin watched the exchange of gifts with a big grin on her face and her eyes glowing. She waited until everyone was nearly done passing out gifts and then presented her own. Each person received a tiny bundle wrapped in coarse fabric and tied with thin steel wire. They were all close to the same size.
To Simone she gave the ointment that would penetrate a warming sensation deep into her joints and yet had medicinal qualities to reduce swelling and relieve pain. The ointment had a rather pungent scent that she had tried to mask with mint, but it didn’t completely hide the odor. “If yah can standt deh smell, dis vwill help wit yah joints ant eez deh pain ant aches.” Fin explained as she watched Simone unwrap the present. “It vwas Ringulf’s idea tah gif yah dis.”
To Mylia she gave a tiny, cast statue of a Skandian forest cat in attack position protecting a large bear as the bear was scooping up a fish in its big paw. The two figures had been carved and cast from bronze separately and then set into a strip of steel that represented the ground they stood on. The river was made from a ribbon of blue glass Fin had melted onto the steel. The entire figurine could rest in the palm of Fin’s hand. “Ah gif dis tah yah because yah are like deh little forest cat; very svweet at first but very fierce vwhen yur family is threatened.” Fin figured Mylia would understand that the bear represented Ringulf who was trying to provide for her while she, as the forest cat, was covering his back, just as a mentor and apprentice should be doing.
To Tory Fin gave another figurine of Tory riding Chip at a full gallop with her bow drawn and the arrow set on the string. The bronze showed every minute detail as accurately as Fin could recall them right down to the belt Tory now wore that was a gift from Ringulf. “Dis is how Ah vwill remember yah most since dis is vwhat yah were doing vwen Ah first saw yah at deh faire. I am sorry dey ended up cuttin’ deh mounted archery from deh tournaments. I know yah would haf won.” Fin smiled at her and watched Tory turning the bronze figure over and around in her hand admiring the detail and workmanship.
“You must teach me how to do this, Fin! This looks like so much fun to make.” Tory gave the Skandian woman a hug and then just sat staring at her gifts. Fin smiled and turned to Aribjorn.
To Ari she handed a bit larger bundle that was cylindrical in shape. Inside the wrappings was a finely crafted throwing dagger in a leather sheath. The handle was wooden and intricately carved into a bear’s body with the head and front legs making the pommel. Skandian runes describing Aribjorn’s lineage were etched into the blade among tiny knotwork designs. “Tah get yah out o’ dose tight spots,” Fin winked at him.
To Gyr she handed a slightly larger bundle that contained a longer hunting knife. The handle on this blade was also wood and carved into the likeness of a peregrine falcon. The blade was darkened so that it would not catch and reflect sunlight as readily as a shiny blade. “Ah must tell yah dat it vwas darn near impossible tah make dis ting witout yah seeing meh workin’ on it.” Fin laughed and winked at Gyr. “Yah haf been so good wit helping wit deh wagon ant stuff. Ah tought dat dis could come in handy at some point.” Fin smiled at Gyr. “But if yah vwant a matching sword, yah are going to haf to learn tah make dat yourself.” She exclaimed. “ant I don’t recommend yah do a sword until yah haf made a good dagger.”
Turning to Ringulf she whispered in his ear, “My gift for yah vwill haf ta vwait until later my Lofve!” She chuckled as she brushed her lips against his earlobe.
|
|
|
Post by Firehead on Feb 8, 2011 13:09:45 GMT -5
Mylia was glad to see that everyone seemed to like their presents, especially Tory, who gave her a hug, and then presented Mylia with her gift. The first wrapping was a black rabit fur. "Hey, I now have mittens!" Mylia exclaimed holding up the fur and grinning widely. Laying aside the fur, she peeled off the second layer and exclaimed over the handkerchief as well. "This is beautif--1" she broke off suddenly, upon seeing the blue leather journal. "Tory, these are....They're amazing! Thanks!" It was now her turn to hug her best friend.
Then Ringulf approached with a package for each of them, and Mylia opened hers curiously. Whatever was inside was rather soft and not at all hard. The sight of blue cloth made her even more puzzled as she wonderingly picked up the top layer to see it in full. Could it be a shirt? But why would---No, it was a dress! "Ringulf!" Mylia shoved the package to one side and crossed the distance between her and her mentor in a single bound, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. "I haven't had a dress in years! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
After a moment's embrace, she stepped back to her seat, and sat studying the pretty dress in all its simple detail. She finally laid it aside in order to accept the gift from Fin. The small statue was humorous on the surface but she could also see the deeper meaning beneath as well. "Thank you Fin." she said, a smile on her face. ------------------------------
Simone sat watching as gifts were exchanged, and was both startled and surprised when first Mylia, then Tory, and then Fin each gave her a present. Mylia's gift to her was a stone message capsule shaped like a horse, no bigger than her thumb; Tory's was a leather journal similar to Mylia's; and Fin's was a small tin of ointment. “If yah can standt deh smell, dis vwill help wit yah joints ant eez deh pain ant aches.” Fin explained as she watched Simone unwrap the present. “It vwas Ringulf’s idea tah gif yah dis.”
"Oh. Thanks. Much obliged." she managed to mumble, hoping that her embarrassment was hidden from sight. She was embarrassed to receive such gifts when she had none to give in return. Rising she muttered, "I think I hear Snap calling my name."
She hastily palmed off her gift to Ringulf--the ring inside--and exited the large cabin heading for the sables where she could hide her flushed face from the others. On her way out the door, she palmed an apple as a treat for the horses. Out in the stable, she greeted the horses and sliced the apple into quarters, giving each pony a piece of the delisious fruit.
"If only people were as easy to provide for, I wouldn't have to worry about recieving their presents." she told the Ranger mounts as she shared the last slices between them. Snap nodded sagely as if in agreement. Simone chuckled and reached out to give him a pat on the shoulder.
|
|
|
Post by Ringulf on Feb 8, 2011 14:15:44 GMT -5
"If only people were as easy to provide for, I wouldn't have to worry about receiving their presents." she told the Ranger mounts as she shared the last slices between them. Snap nodded sagely as if in agreement. Simone chuckled and reached out to give him a pat on the shoulder.
"You need not worry about provision my friend..." Ringulf said from about three feet behind her. " You will have a good position here with plenty of things to do that you are most skillful at doing. As for gifts do not be embarrassed you were a bit of a surprise to most of them so they were not prepared to give you something that you would like but they all gave spontaneously and I think that shows how much they all care for you. You made a good impression! Now as to your gift...what are you thinking, I can't except such a thing, you are generous beyond measure! I have a feeling about what this ring was to be, how are you fairing with all of this...without him. I miss him too but he would be happy for you, I think, to know you are among friends and looking at a good future. I have a gift that will help you in your position, hang on for a moment I will get it."
He turned and went again to Fin's wagon removing a rather odd set of boots and returned.
"These are Skandian, Smidja brought Fin and I each a pair but hers are not long enough or of the right size so we talked about it and felt you should have them, they are certainly your size and you will have need of them."
He produced the pair of supple leather boots. They were a dark brown and were stitched with lighter sinew, the inside was of fleece but the strangest part about them was that they could when unrolled at the top go all the way up her leg to the top, then an ear strap was fitted in a loop at the outside top rim.
They are walrus hide with a fleece interior, the hide is totally waterproof and the fleece is filled with lanolin (sheep oil) to keep the moisture away. Even if the water gets in the wool will stay warm when wet. They roll up and you put your belt through the loop when you want to wade in the water and not get your feet wet. I think they would also be good when you are in small boats in the midst of your duties. They will keep you warm and dry, help that leg.
Why don't you try them on and give me your boots for a second I wanted to check something anyway."
He let her put on the waders and he disappeared with her boots into the work room with all the tack and his tools.
He came back in a few minutes after Simone was done.
"OK, thanks, My Yule gift will take a bit longer as I still need to make it for you but forget about that now, just get in there and enjoy the food and the company, you will need to get all the comfort and rest you can before you start and it might be a good opportunity to get to know some of your men, many are here tonight. We will go to Westmarsh in a few days and you will be introduced and allowed to assume your quarters. I have arranged for a friend of mine to guide you for a week or so, so you can get a feel for your position His name is Woody and though he is not one of your wardens, he is about the best Marshman in the Fife."
|
|
|
Post by Firehead on Feb 9, 2011 10:05:21 GMT -5
"You need not worry about provision my friend..." Ringulf said from about three feet behind her.
Simone jumped and spun around, startled. She thought she'd been alone in the barn. "Ringulf! What are you doing out here?" she demanded, slightly peeved, now that she was over the scare he'd given her. "You just about gave me a heart attack then!"
" You will have a good position here with plenty of things to do that you are most skillful at doing. As for gifts do not be embarrassed you were a bit of a surprise to most of them so they were not prepared to give you something that you would like but they all gave spontaneously and I think that shows how much they all care for you. You made a good impression!"
"That's not what--" she stopped and tried to say it in a way that would make sense when it came out. "I didn't have anything for them in return."
"Now as to your gift...what are you thinking, I can't except such a thing, you are generous beyond measure!"
"I know," Simone said drily, taking a rag and ducking the rail to stand at Snap's side and give him an unnecessary rubbing over. "And now that you've flattered me beyond reason...I'm thinking that that ring will be more useful to you on Fin's finger than it will be to me in my saddlebags."
"I have a feeling about what this ring was to be, how are you fairing with all of this...without him. I miss him too but he would be happy for you, I think, to know you are among friends and looking at a good future."
Simone gave a sigh and faced him, one hand on Snap to mark where she'd left off the rubbing down. "Dangit Ringulf, you didn't use to be this perceptive. How long have you known about me and Garret? No one else knew, we didn't tell anyone-- how did you guess?" she demanded.
"I have a gift that will help you in your position, hang on for a moment I will get it."
"Fine, but I still want to know." she grumbled at his back as he left the room. she gave Snap a quick pat in silent appology for the interruption, and ducked back under the rail.
Ringulf returned with a pair of boots the like of which she hadn't seen for several years. They were the sort that every good swamper wore--if they had any common sense.
"These are Skandian, Smidja brought Fin and I each a pair but hers are not long enough or of the right size so we talked about it and felt you should have them, they are certainly your size and you will have need of them.
"They are walrus hide with a fleece interior, the hide is totally waterproof and the fleece is filled with lanolin (sheep oil) to keep the moisture away. Even if the water gets in the wool will stay warm when wet. They roll up and you put your belt through the loop when you want to wade in the water and not get your feet wet. I think they would also be good when you are in small boats in the midst of your duties. They will keep you warm and dry, help that leg.
Why don't you try them on and give me your boots for a second I wanted to check something anyway."
Simone sat on the ground and pulled off her boots, handing them to him without a word. As he laft once again--she hoped that he would bring them back-- she tugged on the new pair, standing and unrolling them to see how well they actually fit. SUrprise, surprise, they fit quite well. She sat back down and tugged them off again, a sneaking suspision in her mind that Ringulf was fudging the truth just a bit. What earthly reason was there that FIn would need a pair of boots like these for?
Ringulf returned then, her boots in hand, and returned them to her saying, "OK, thanks, My Yule gift will take a bit longer as I still need to make it for you but forget about that now, just get in there and enjoy the food and the company, you will need to get all the comfort and rest you can before you start and it might be a good opportunity to get to know some of your men, many are here tonight.
We will go to Westmarsh in a few days and you will be introduced and allowed to assume your quarters. I have arranged for a friend of mine to guide you for a week or so, so you can get a feel for your position His name is Woody and though he is not one of your wardens, he is about the best Marshman in the Fife."
"Uh-huh. One thing, Ringulf." Simone said, as she pulled her old boots on and stood to her feet, dusting off the seat of her britches as she did so. "You still haven't explained about how you knew."
"I sincerly hope you haven't mentioned anything to Crowley, he's analyzing my phycological state enough as it is." she grumbled.
|
|