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Post by Brandwyn on May 20, 2011 12:33:10 GMT -5
(OOC: Aribjorn and Bunt)
"I am sorry sir dese tings must be very insignificant to you but I am afraid I just don't know who to ask and yet alot may ride on de vay I handle dese tings diplomatically. Please sir I would appreciate your wisdom in dis."
Bunt let Ari take his time to air his observations and questions, refraining from smiling, though the corner of his mouth did quirk upward a couple of times in remembrance of his own early days the first time he had encountered a ‘ranger girl’. Then he took a few minutes of riding in silence while he debated on what to say to the young man.
Fortunately he could understand Ari’s cultural confusion because of his brief time as a Skandian slave. He had learned the differences in their cultures and had found the dynamics between men and women’s roles and interactions quite fascinating – when he’d had the opportunity to notice between all the menial tasks and hunger pains.
Bunt cleared his throat and said, “Well, first of all, I think ya been doing right fine in dealing with that gaggle-o-girls so far,” he winked at Aribjorn. “Not an easy thang when they all seem ta have a likin’ fer ya. I hope ya can keep from breakin’ there poor little hearts down tha road iffin ya find yerself likin one o’re tha others.”
Bunt paused, noting they were soon going to be at the castle and their conversation would be interrupted. “From my ‘sperience with women tha’ have become rangers, tha best way to treat them, is jest as ya would treat a regular ranger – most of the time anyway. They’s still girls, though, so tha occasional compliment probably won’t hurt, jest be sincere. Women can tell when yer not sincere or don’ mean what yer saying. Ranger girls are ten times better at detectin’ lies and such.” Bunt looked at Aribjorn thoughtfully, “Yer best bet is to be yerself, be honest with them and treat them with respect, just as you should be doing with anyone else.” He patted Ari on the shoulder, “Don’ worry, lad, ya been doing jest fine and ya have a good heart. Follow yer instincts and ya won’t go wrong and if’n ya do make a mistake here or there, well tha’ jest means yer human.” He grinned. “An if ya ever figure Them gals out, ya let me know, cuz you’ll be one up on every other man in tha’ world.” He chuckled.
They were almost in the courtyard of the castle and Bunt saw the Chatelaine on the battlements looking out over the grounds. He also noted the man’s frown as he looked down on the old ranger and the young Skandian warrior. Bunt turned toward the barracks where the Constable’s office was housed, nodding to the few faces he recognized. Most of the people seemed to eye him suspiciously, but Bunt was used that reaction to rangers and didn’t let it phase him. They entered the Constable’s office and he greeted them both cordially, though he looked rather harried and it was obvious he hadn’t gotten any more sleep than Bunt had last night.
“You find anything more out, Ranger?” he asked in a deep, gravelly voice. The Constable was a large man, though not fat. He looked to be in uncommonly good shape with massive chest and arm muscles quivering under a dark blue, tight fitting tunic. His bald head was currently uncovered, although there was a foppish hat sporting the Caraway Arms sitting on his desk. His beard was neatly trimmed with narrow bands reaching up to his ears and connecting his red mustache. There were smile wrinkles around his eyes and mouth and one got the sense that he was normally quite a pleasant fellow in spite of his job. “How’s the woman doing this morning?”
Bunt shook his hand and sat down in the pro-offered chair, indicating to Aribjorn that he should sit also. “She’s okay fer the most part. Trying to put on a brave front and pretend it is not botherin’ her, but I have seen that ‘afor. I’ll keep my eye on her and I have jes the man ta be there fer her when she needs ta talk about it. I think she will be fine.” Bunt turned to Aribjorn and introduced him. “The lad here saw much of what happened an’ I wanted him ta come down an’ tell ya about it.” Bunt nodded to Ari, “Go ahead an’ tell him what happened, son.”
(OOC: Ringulf, You can advance to Polaris Estate if you want to, or Tandar, you could walk in on us if you want. Would be good to wrap this one up I guess.)
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Post by Ringulf on May 27, 2011 11:41:01 GMT -5
(OOC: Aribjorn and Bunt)
Bunt turned to Aribjorn and introduced him. “The lad here saw much of what happened an’ I wanted him ta come down an’ tell ya about it.” Bunt nodded to Ari, “Go ahead an’ tell him what happened, son.”
Aribjorn cleared his throat and recounted events from the point at which he heard the sound of the men molesting the scandian beauty in the clearing.
He told of his stealthy movement to a better vantage point as he knew he was outnumbered, so that he could formulate a plan to rescue her.
He told the constable that things were getting desperate and that no plan had become evident that would save the helpless woman from the evident violations she was about to experience at the hands of the uncouth farmers. and how just before they were to perpetrate their brutal act he threw himself at the violators not having much hope of doing much else save delaying Fin's fate.
It was then as Ari rolled with the leading ruffian that he heard the arrows hitting the others with fleshy sickening thuds and saw the attacking band drop to the ground one at a time.
He recounted the rest of the evenings activities as Bunt and the constable listened then sat silently as they all ruminated on his story.
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Post by Ringulf on Jun 14, 2011 21:44:31 GMT -5
(OOC: Ringulf, Ogmund and Tory)
Bunt and Ari had left, Finn had gone with Smidja and Ogmund and Ari had carefully carried Tory down to sit with Ringulf. Mylia and Ivy left after breakfast had been cleaned up and the dishes washed and Ogmund watched over the two invalid Rangers in his care.
"Ringulf vould you like anodder mug off de coffee? I tink der iss enough for us bote an a bit more for Tory if you vant some young lady?"
He brought over the big kettle and poured more for Ringulf and himself and then he put the remainder in another mug with a chunk of some dark waxy peice that he took from a small box he dug out of his pouch.
"Here..." he said "Dis iss a treat I got from a trader from de land of Iberia, dey make sauces ant tings out of it but I tink vit some honey mixed in it makes a very nice sweet for de bitternes of coffee!"
He handed the dark silky liquid to the young girl and both men watched her take her first hesitant sip.
"Why does that remind me of you and a horse?" Ringulf said with a strange expression on his face as he questioned Tory.
"Coffee and chocolate remint you off a horse?...Are you sure your head iss getting better or iss it getting vorse?" Ogmund said.
"It was just a passing thought, a feeling really...I don't know something that you may have told me about a long time ago Tory, I mean I understand we have not known each other all that long, but it seems like years ago to me." Ringulf said a bit sadly in his confusion.
I wish I could remember more clearly what has happened since we met. maybe you can tell me about some of our journey while we sit and don't leave out anything about you and Mylia either. It is important to me that I put things back in place before you all leave for Araluen. Speaking of which has anyone seen Tandar? Is he not going to be accompanying you girles and Aribjorn if I am not able to make the trip?"
"Ya dat seems to be de plan dat I heard, but I haf not seen him since ve ver all on de boat before comin up to de cabin." Ogmund related.
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Post by Brandwyn on Jun 16, 2011 22:14:03 GMT -5
(OOC: Ringulf, Ogmund and Tory)
Tory settled in on the couch in front of the fireplace and stared at the flames for a moment, feeling very left out and sorry for herself. It took a moment to realize Ogmund had asked her a question. Coffee, he must have asked her if she wanted some. She nodded figuring it wouldn’t hurt her. She didn’t care about the stuff one way or the other, but maybe it would perk her up a bit right now.
She watched curiously as Ogmund put something in her mug and then realized what it was. At once she was plunged back to Meric and the last time she had carried a bowl of chocolate shavings up to her Mistress. She couldn’t recall what had led to the beating that day. There usually didn’t need to be much of a reason. Probably it was because she had gotten caught skimming some of the chocolate from the bowl. The stuff was delicious though, once you got past the bitter after taste.
She accepted the cup and sniffed it. It smelled wonderful; too good for a servant girl, so she hesitated before taking a sip. Chastising herself for thinking like a servant, she took a sip, and then another.
"Why does that remind me of you and a horse?" Ringulf said with a strange expression on his face as he questioned Tory.
Tory flicked him a concerned look and then smiled. “Chocolate Chip,” She quipped.
"Coffee and chocolate remint you off a horse?...Are you sure your head iss getting better or iss it getting vorse?" Ogmund said.
"It was just a passing thought, a feeling really...I don't know something that you may have told me about a long time ago Tory, I mean I understand we have not known each other all that long, but it seems like years ago to me." Ringulf said a bit sadly in his confusion.
Tory’s grin widened. “Well, not that long ago, really. Chip is the name of my pony; Chocolate Chip.” She answered his question. “He is white with large chocolate brown spots all over him and I named him Chocolate Chip.” Her face fell then as she recalled her ranger horse was back in Araluen and then it turned from sadness to a hint of anger. “Crowley made me leave him behind and I miss him!”
Ringulf’s voice broke into her own melancholy thoughts. “I wish I could remember more clearly what has happened since we met. Maybe you can tell me about some of our journey while we sit, and don't leave out anything about you and Mylia either. It is important to me that I put things back in place before you all leave for Araluen. Speaking of which has anyone seen Tandar? Is he not going to be accompanying you girles and Aribjorn if I am not able to make the trip?"
"Ya dat seems to be de plan dat I heard, but I haf not seen him since ve ver all on de boat before comin up to de cabin." Ogmund related.
“I thought I heard Fin say you are supposed to remember things on your own?” Tory wondered if she should tell him everything or not. Remembering something Ogmund had said, Tory offered, “Okay, I can I tell you all about that and then after can Ogmund tells us that story he was going to earlier? I believe it has to do with your past or your father or something. At least it sounded like that to me, right before you all got interrupted.”
Tory then recounted her first meeting with Ringulf and all the events she could remember leading right up to the attack of their ship by the river pirates and then the rescue by Smidja and Ariborn and crew. She tended to embellish Ringulf and Mylia’s activity in the battle and downplay her own heroics. The time passed far quicker than she had thought as she refreshed Ringulf’s memory, hoping she wasn’t making a huge mistake.
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Post by Ringulf on Jun 17, 2011 11:46:33 GMT -5
(OOC: Ringulf, Ogmund and Tory)
After Tory had finished her tale, Ringulf sat and looked very pensive. He was deep in thought and was trying to separate what was story and what was memory.
Just then Ogmund said, "Well dat vas a fine tail young lady, I vill have to write it down to tell in de vay of de skalds vit your permission.
But now I vill tell you vat ve call de Hvitbjorn Saga as it started vit Ringulf's grandfather ant ends right here!
Ogmund cleared his throat and started to speek, as he did so he took on another form altogether. He was no longer the scruffy, one eyed, mirthful, companion to their friend Aribjorn. He was a Scandian Skald with all the power and command of the story being told as the Allfather would have had over life itself. It almost seemed as if the man grew taller and straiter and his voice became rich and deep and ominous. Then he began.
Ragnar Hvitbjorn was the common ancestor being grandfather to both Aribjorn and Ringulf.
Ragnar was a smith and craftsman who married a beautiful girl named Thorfinna. They loved each other very much and Thorfinna bore him a son that they named Ulfbjorn.
They had a good life until Thorfinna was taken with sickness after trajically falling through the ice one winter.
Ragnar was devastated by the loss of his wife and so became a raider and wolfship captain.
He did very well for himself and amassed some wealth and land and retained a good following of men, but the majority of his riches were spent on his ship which was a marvel among Skandian wolfships, its name was the Starwalker.
Eventually he was able to impress a landed widow by the name of Astrid. They married to combine there holdings and fortune. Ragnar cared for her and was a good husband but there was never the love between them that was between he and Thorfinna.
Ulfbjorn had been fostered with the wife of Ragnar's young helmsman Smidja Myrkvatn. He grew strong and was very clever and was trained by him till he was old enough to sail as a cabin boy on Ragnar's wolfship.
When Ragnar married Astrid he came to live with his father and stepmother in the combined hold of the couple.
When Ulfbjorn was 10 years old Astrid bore Ragnar his second son and they named him Haakon. He was a strong boy and very handsome and became a favored son as Astrid wanted Haakon, who was her own flesh and blood, to inherit their holding and not Ulfbjorn.
Astrids mind changed as it set itself against Ulfbjorn, Much grief was then shared between Astrid and Ulfbjorn after Haakon was born, but Haakon looked up to his big brother and loved him in his innocence.
Ragnar was gone much of the time either raiding or sitting in council at the Althing as he had become a very respected Chieftain. Thus he was not home often enough to see the strife building between his oldest son and his new wife.
Ragnar became an adviser to the Jarl.
Jarl Harold Red Hand was an evil and greedy man and try though he might; Ragnar could not keep him from being true to his nature.
Upon seeing Ragnar's holdings and the Starwalker, the Jarl in his greed, coveted all that Ragnar possessed. So it was that Harold set upon seducing Astrid, poisining her mind and plotting with her to murder Ragnar and make her his queen.
Through devious means Harold had Ragnar murdered and very shortly after took all that he had for himself, including Astrid. He would have taken the Starwalker too except for the captain, Smidja Myrkvatn, who stood up for Ulfbjorn and said to the Jarl that by rights Ulfbjorn was owed his fathers inheritence if not his entire holding.
Unfortunately, since so much of what Ragnar had was of Astrid, nothing could be separated out from their fortune except the Starwalker itself.
Smidja convinced the Jarl to allow Ulfbjorn to have the ship and command the crew, but to have the crew swear oaths to the Jarl. That way they would always be his men and a cut of all the plunder would always revert to him.
It was agreed upon reluctantly by the Jarl who desired the Starwalker more than anything else Ragnar had possesed and Ulfbjorn became the owner of the most remarkable of wolfships.
He was lucky in battle and with Smidja's help did very well for himself, as Ragnar had before him. He even won an Araluenic bride from a raid on the small fife of Seacliff. A chestnut haired beauty with deep green eyes by the name of Bronwynn became his wife and bore him a son that they named Ringulf.
Ringulf was then Ragnar's heir, though Ulfbjorn had laid no claim to anything but his father's ship.
Jarl looked with envy and jealousy as he did with Ragnar at Ulfbjorn, his riches, his ship, his beautiful wife and especially his son.
For try though he might, Harold could not produce an heir. So he poured himself into hatred of Ulfbjorn and he advanced young Haakon with his favor.
As time passed Ulfbjorn became wealthy and powerful, making his Jarl wealthy and powerful along with him.
Haakon also grew strong and had every advantage a Jarl could give his son
Young Ringulf was growing and even as a boy showed tremendous quality and strength.
But this was more than the Jarl could bare. Astrid was becoming advanced in years, quite fat and homely and the Jarl was still ever as lecherous, despite his age, so he plotted evil once more.
He sent Ulfbjorn away raiding, and called for the Beautiful Bronwynn and tried to force himself upon her, She fought the evil Jarl and at the sounds of her struggle, Ringulf, though not yet a man, took into his hands the manly deed of defending his mother's honor.
He took a small hand axe that he and Haakon had been practicing with in the courtyard and threw it with strength and accuracy at the Jarl, hitting him in the face and ruining his nose.
He retrieved his mother, Bronwynn from the Jarl's clutches and fled into hiding.
Very soon after on that day Ulfbjorn returned and hearing of trouble from his servants, sent Smidja to find his wife and son, He then went to confront the Jarl, Sword in hand.
When he came upon the Jarl resting from his wound, he stayed his hand to listen to his explanation. The Jarl twisted the events of the day to say that Bronwynn had tried to seduce him for a greater share of inheritance for her son and when he said he would not fall to such whiles, the insolent pup Ringulf, threw an axe at him!
Ulfbjorn could not believe his ears and came to his senses, knowing the Jarl for the liar he was.
As he raised his sword to strike the old Villain, the Jarl pierced him through the heart with a hidden dagger he was keeping below his sheets.
He had Ulfbjorns head removed and put on a spear outside his hall and told all how his treacherous wife and son had injured him and how he slayed Ulfbjorn in hand to hand combat over the honor of his unfaithful wife and ungrateful son.
Upon hearing these proclamations Bronwynn, from her place of hiding became fearful for her life and the life of her son Ringulf.
She found Smidja who had been searching high and low for her, and pleaded with him to help her escape with her son back to Araluen. He agreed out of loyalty to his Friend Ulfbjorn and took a few men in a small Knarr that was originally to ship out on a trading mission, and fled the country.
Knowing the truth of the Jarl's treachery, Haakon went to the Jarl and in front of all, accused him, the Jarl, chased him in his rage threatening his life with a sword. Haakon picked up a hammer from the forge and avoiding the Jarls attack, brought the hammer down upon the Jarl's head, between the eyes, crushing his skull like an egg and killing him instantly.
Thus was the name of Ragnar Hvitbjornson and Ulfbjorn Ragnarson avenged by his step brother Haakon Hammerhand, for that is what he was known as from that day forth.
The young Haakon became Jarl and in a few years married a young girl from the village who Astrid hated but was good and faithful.
Her name was Ingrid and she was Aribjorn's mother, though he was born some years later.
As for Bronwynn and Ringulf, They escaped to Araluen.
Smidja left them off on the coast and did not follow them so none could know were they went or find them. He gave young Ringulf his father's helmet as they parted and did not see them again. Of course Smidja did not know of the slaying of the Jarl or of Haakon becoming Jarl in his place until he returned.
Because of the hostilities between Skandia and Araluen Bronwynn and Ringulf could not be found nor did they ever know they were no longer hunted.
It was not until after the death of Morganth and the hostilities were over with Araluen, that Smidja finally found out that Ringulf at least still lived, though poor Bronwynn had died a scullery maid in the kings kitchen in Castle Araluen.
The Starwalker is now the proud flagships of Haakon Hammerhand and Aribjorn Haakonson has come to Araluen to become a Knight, as is his dream, to fight for goodness rather than greed and become more than just a warrior.
Ogmund lowered his head and none of the listeners could tell at that moment if a cload had passed over the sun outside or it was something that Skalds could do, but the light dimmed and when it returned Ogmund seemed to be just Ogmund and their were othrs that were standing behind the couch that none of them had heard enter.
Mylia, Ivy, Bunt and Ari had stood quietly behind the couch listening to the Saga and now Ari, who was more than a little uncomfortable tried to shift the mood.
"Very nice story Ogmund! vould anyvone care for some lunch I am starving!"
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Post by Brandwyn on Jun 17, 2011 14:22:33 GMT -5
(OOC: Bunt and Aribjorn)
After Aribjorn gave his account of the previous night's events to the Constable, Bunt led him back through the city and out of town to the Polaris Estate to speak with Ranger Tandar.
Upon reaching the gates of the elaborate private residence, Bunt was informed by the Chatelaine that Tandar was unavailable at the moment. Bunt scribbled down a note, leaving the ranger's mark on the outside of the parchment and handed it to the Chatelaine.
"Be sure he geis this straight away. It's very important." Bunt gave the Chatelaine a warning look, figuring the man was just trying to weed out unwanted visitors from those that had ligitimate business with the new head of the household. "You tell him Ranger Bunt needs to speak with him urgently about ranger business and hand him that note."
"I will Sir, I assure you I will give it to him as soon as he is available." The Chatelaine's eyes strayed to Bunt's arrows and he looked at the bow nervously. "As soon as possible," he said and strode back into the castle.
Satisfied, Bunt led Aribjorn out of the courtyard and back through Caraway City once more. "I sure hope he don't wait too long to git tha' note to'im. I'd like him ta come speak with Tory some time t'day. You and Mylia need ta carryon with Ringulf's 'signment as soon as Tory cin travel. I'm 'fraid Ringulf is gonna need a bit longer ta heal, though, so Tandar is gonna hafta take the lot o' you young-uns back to Araluen."
Bunt lead Ari down to the docks where they had temporarily left Ari's horses the night before. Mylia and Ivy were waiting for them and they rounded them up and began to heard them back to Bunt's cabin and their new home for the next few days.
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Note to Tandar: R. Tandar, Please meet back at my cabin as soon as you get this. Need your assistance in ranger matter. Bunt
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Post by Tandar on Jun 17, 2011 21:44:05 GMT -5
(OOC: Bunt, Tandar, Ogmund, Aribjorn, Mylia, Ringulf, Ivy)
Ranger Polaris knocked briefly on the door of Bunt’s cabin before letting himself in. The home was occupied by quite a few people, which was uncommon for a Ranger’s residence. Everyone was gathered in the living room as if someone had just finished speaking. Tandar headed toward Bunt, familiarizing himself with the layout of the house as the others appeared to be breaking for luncheon. He found himself looking for his apprentice, Tory, amongst the group.
“You sent for me, Ranger Levinsson?”
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Post by Brandwyn on Jun 22, 2011 12:08:05 GMT -5
(OOC: Bunt, Tandar, Ogmund, Aribjorn, Mylia, Ringulf, Ivy)
Bunt came in on the tail end of Ogmund’s story, but he had already heard the tale from Ringulf, at least one version of it anyway, a few years ago. He admired Ogmund’s oratory skills and remembered listening to the Skandian Skald telling a saga while he was hauling water from the icy wells into the kitchen during his rather brief stint as a Skandian slave. He had been impressed by that man’s story telling ability, although he wasn’t in a position to appreciate it at the time. The memory sparked off just a hint of the old bitterness toward Skandians and he struggled internally for a moment to stamp the feelings back down.
Fortunately Aribjorn broke the spell after Ogmund finished and lightened the mood considerably with his retort, “Very nice story Ogmund! vould anyvone care for some lunch I am starving!" Bunt burst out laughing.
“When aren’t ya starving my boy? I must say, Aribjorn, you restore my faith in your race.” Bunt laughed and hung his bow on the rack by the door along with his quiver of arrows and his cloak.
Although the cabin was very large, for a ranger’s cabin, it was filled to the brim and Bunt leaned against the doorframe of his room for a moment enjoying the company. It was then that he noticed Tandar moving through the throng of people preparing lunch.
Tandar headed for him and asked, “You sent for me, Ranger Levinsson?”
Bunt nodded and motioned toward the nearest chair at the dining table. “Please, call me Bunt. I don’ stand on no ceremony ‘round here. Have a seat.” Bunt looked toward Ringulf and Tory on the couch. They both seemed to be both absorbed in their own thoughts.
Turning back to Tandar he sat down at the table as well and said, “I thought we should work out how to fulfill Ringulf’s assignment, if you don’t mind.” He lowered his voice and leaned forward, “The doc tole me that he shouldn’ do no travelling for several weeks if not a couple o’ months. He took quite a knock ta his head and back an’ it addled his brains a bit. It’s gonna take a while ta git back ta normal and remember everything he done forgot.” Bunt explained, then gestured toward Mylia.
“Mylia an’ Ringulf had brought Tory with ‘em ta git these horses of Ari’s back to Araluen, Tory being tha one with all the horse sense in the group,” Bunt chuckled at his rather lame pun, then continued, “anyway, I can’t let them young-uns go off on their own with all them horses when none of them knows how ta ride ‘cept Tory.” Bunt watched Ari and Mylia preparing lunch for everyone. “Sides, I think those two are gonna need a chaperone.” He grinned and pointed at Mylia and Aribjorn.
“So I was wondering, if it don’t go against yer orders from Crowley, if ya could take this lot back to Araluen on yer way to Meric – assuming ya are still going that way. I know it is a wee bit of the long way ‘round ta Meric, but Tory has ta go git her horse in Araluen anyhow. The doc thinks she might be able ta ride in a week or two at the most. Seems this seaweed mud pack is doin’ tha trick on keeping that wound closed. Long as she doesn’t do anything too strenuous or provoke my ‘prentice from throwing her off the balcony again, she otta be jes’ fine in no time.”
Bunt forestalled an immediate answer from Tandar by raising his hand and motioning him to wait on his reply. He lowered his voice even further, so it was barely audible over the din the others were making. “’Sides that, I think it might give you an’ Tory some time ta come ta terms wi’ each other an’ work out yer differences. She was very sorry after she pitched her little fit on tha boat tha other day. I think if’n ya can talk ta her, you’ll find out it’s not you she’s ‘fraid of, it’s something she’s gotta face back in Meric. Poor little thing was abused terribly an if’n I ever run across this Korrin fella, I’ll see he don’ whip no other kids ever again.” Bunt’s eyes glinted with controlled rage as he looked at Tory, seeing one of the whip scars that poked up from her shirt and disappeared into her hairline on the back of her neck. “Have ya seen tha scars on that poor girl?” Bunt asked Tandar, then shook his head, “Yer gonna hafta go easy on that one. She’s a good kid, but she’s been pushed too far an’ yer gonna hafta handle her jes right ta git her ta face her fears. You can do it, though, son, I am sure of it. I saw ya with Drenith an’ ya did right fine by him.” Bunt sat back and raised his voice back to normal conversation level. “How is the boy anyway? Have you heard from him lately? Damn shame about his arm. I sure thought he was gonna be one of tha best new rangers of his year.”
Bunt realized he had been monopolizing the conversation – something he found himself doing a lot more of since coming to Caraway and gaining an apprentice – and sat forward again, rubbing his right knee to ease the ache in his joints. It might be spring, but he still felt the cold in this northern climate. He studied Tandar’s face, trying to figure out just what state of mind the young ranger was in. Remembering that he had recently lost his father, Bunt added, “I sure am sorry ta hear ‘bout your Dad, Tandar. You let me know if’n there is anything I can do ta help. I know being thrust inta running an estate is a heavy burden and there seems ta be some trouble here in Caraway from what I have seen so far. I only been here a couple of weeks though, so I am still investigating things. But ya can count on me if ya need me. We rangers gotta look out fer each other, ya know.”
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Post by Brandwyn on Jun 22, 2011 13:10:19 GMT -5
(OCC: Fin and Smidja)
Fin stayed close to Smidja as they made their way back to the docks and the Knarr Harrmarr that morning. She looked around nervously and jumped at the slightest sound when they walked through the wooded area of the trail near Bunt’s cabin. She hated that she was so jumpy, but just couldn’t seem to help it. She kept her hands tucked under her arms as if cold to keep them from shaking.
Smidja helped distract her from her fears though, especially after they reached his wolfship. He showed her a great deal of merchandise and Finn wished she had the means to take the bulk of it off his hands. She knew she didn’t have quite the market for all of it yet, though, and certainly not the coin to pay him for it.
She did purchase the materials she needed to finish her commission for the handsome Scotti warrior, Heath, however and packaged the stones, glass beads and elk horn up in a bundle of snow rabbit fur which she tucked into the bosom of Ari’s tunic she was still wearing causing her to have a rather odd profile with one breast seeming to be hideously larger than the other. She’d collected her torn clothing from the previous night’s terrors as she and Smidja had passed the spot and she bundled that in some gray wolf fur she got from Smidja, promising him coins once they got back to her wagon. She slung the furs over one shoulder, carrying them by the string that held them in their neat bundle.
There were a number of items that she seriously wanted from Smidja, such as the bulk of the horn and furs, as well as some Skandian forged pot metal that was great for making any number of useful household items from spits and pots to utensils and fine drinking goblets. The metal seemed to be more pure than much of the raw material she was getting locally and she was able to manipulate it into fine details for decoration on her items. She had run out of the previous stock of the metal over a year ago and fussed at the replacement metal she had gotten in Picta last year. It just didn’t melt the same, flow the same or ‘carve’ correctly. She tallied up her list and pointed out the items she wanted.
“Okay, Smidja, now ya come ant see vwhat I make wid all dis goot raw materials, eh?” Fin offered as they headed back up on deck. “I haf some tings ya might be able to sell back in Skandia dat looks Araluen but I made dem!” Fin chuckled but then she grew serious. “Besides after last night, I do not vwant ta vwalk aroundt here alone. Vwould ya mind escorting a fair young damsel in distress?” She laughed nervously, but was really only half joking. Her confidence had been shaken and she wasn’t at all sure that she wasn’t still being watched by the one that got away last night. It was quite likely he would be back to exact revenge on her escape and although she was capable of fighting, he had bested her once and she knew that if it had not been for Aribjorn and Ringulf, she probably would have been dead this morning – or worse; wishing she were dead. She shuddered at the thought of what the men had been planning to do to her.
Besides her feelings of vulnerability, she found she really liked Smidja’s company. He was charming and funny and she rather enjoyed his unveiled flirting. It seemed he was doing his best to take her mind off last night and she found that very sweet and thoughtful of him. She also really wanted to show him the weapons she had forged as well as several items of jewelry and trinkets that were rare in Skandia.
“I tink if vwe vwork togethder, Smidja, dat vwe can be rolling in da coins and living in da lap ohf luxury.” She grinned, taking ahold of the crook of his arm as he led her down the gangplank. “Perhaps vwe can do some tradin for dose materials Ah haf me eye on, yes?”
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