|
|
Post by Raven on Feb 20, 2023 20:23:29 GMT -5
Signe looked to the woman and nodded “I suppose you are right… I have lost my touch” she chuckled. “But.. don’t forget, I am paying for my actions now, I didn’t exactly make great ones when I was mortal” she let a sigh release from her lips. “Whatever you choose to do, I am with you… Good night, Captain” she nodded her head and she gathered herself.
Her booted steps lead her down into the lower deck of the ship and towards the guest room that was offered to her. Though - she did not rest, it was no longer a requirement. While she could drink, eat, and sleep – her body did not actually need it. Though, thankfully she could enjoy the joy of it, if she bothered.
During the night she decided to spy into the future, as would most Seers. Within her room she drew a sigil on the floor in a dark red paint, mixed up with the powders of assorted herbs
In the center of the sigil she placed a wooden bowl – where she placed several small artifacts. A feather – supposedly from a Phoenix. A scale – from a dragon. A tooth from a sabretooth tiger… And then Yseroot, the mother of flowers. She held a hand forward and a small flame lit the bowl. A green flame flickered upward, steady and kept.
Signe on the outer edge of the rune and shut her eyes – when she opened them once more – they glowed a bright green. She spied upon a dream – the King pulling on the Captain.
Where is she?
The witch watched the vision, as if invisible. She moved about the chambers of the throne room. She took in as many details as she could. What the King was wearing, the guards, the tone of his voice – every piece she could manage. If anything did not match up in the moment – she would know it was a false dream…as often she could glimpse into the wrong reality…
When the dream faded – she gasped awake and the flame had gone out, though the trinkets were some how untouched. The same she had used for years and years. Losing even one piece would mean her inability to cast the spell. Signe gathered the items and slipped them away into a specific pouch. Then she swiftly jot down the notes of the dream into a piece of parchment, sitting at the small desk that was provided to her.
There was a knock on her door – Emery slowly cracked the door open and peered inside. “Come in” Signe spoke and then stood.
Emery glanced to the floor – surprised on the detailed paint on the floor, though he did not question it. “The Captain requests you” he nodded and stepped back, waiting for her to follow.
“Of course” Signe gathered her pouch and followed behind him. They came to the deck and approached the Captain. “As you wish, Captain.” She nodded and she held her hand forward. The orb appeared in her hand and she peered into it. The glowing golden swirls of magic shifted colors to a dark green, matching the glow of her eyes as she quietly cast a spell over it. “The next person who’s blood touches this orb – will be poisoned. So make sure it isn’t you, okay?” she smiled and handed it back over to her.
“Your dream?” She questioned with a lifted brow. “Was it a dream of the King, holding you in shackles, accusing you of stealing me?” she questioned curiously. “The King wore a crown of gold and silver, a large red ruby in the center, then blue sapphires all around the edges? He wore two lion pauldrons upon his shoulders, with a suit that didn’t quite fit?” she gave a chuckle.
“Last night I peered into the future, I wonder if we shared the same vision… it can… happen. To whom I am connected to, under certain circumstances…” she lifted her head. “But, the visions I see are only a possible future. The fact we speak of it now could very well alter the reality of it… so rest assured…” she placed a hand on the shoulder of the woman.
“I will return to my orb, as it is a place I can reside beyond this world. So, I will not return until after the King is poisoned… you must be confident, be strong…” she briefly grasped the hand of the Captain, giving it a friendly squeeze. “Good Luck, Captain” she then disappeared swirling golden ash, which collected and zipped into the orb…
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 20, 2023 23:13:38 GMT -5
Hadley kept her eyes on the ships as they approached. She called out to her crew and they pulled up the sails to slow the ship. She looked to the witch as she repeated the dream – every detail of it was precise. Her brows tugged together more. “Yes….that is exactly it...his crown even...” The panic began to rise in her eyes. The strong captain was more fearful than her crew could even imagine. Especially now that she knew she shared such a dream...a vision of the future. “Certain circumstances….huh….” Hadley looked to the ships as they grew closer and closer. “Only a possibility? We….can stop it?” She asked her eyes locked upon Signe. She looked to the hand of the woman as she grasped her, her breath shook slightly. It could go well...or it could go terribly wrong.
She stared to the orb that resided in her hand, once again it showed the woman seated upon the top of the orb. “Thank you, Signe.” She whispered softly. She lifted her eyes as she drew in a breath, a serious look in her eyes. “Emery!” She called out as she pushed down her fear. “Take the helm.” She spoke as he came to her side. “I’ll deliver the orb to our king. If I am not back...” She bit her lip slightly. “Well you know what I’m going to say don’t you? Do I even need to say it?” A playful grin curved up the Captain’s lips.
Emery stared to his Captain, “You’ll come back...” He looked around. “Where is….Signe?” He looked around for the woman.
Hadley grinned as she held the orb up slightly, “Right here.” She spoke before she slipped the orb into her pouch at her hip. “You know what to do if I do not come back.” She searched his eyes a long moment. “I trust you, Emery.” She slipped down the stairs and into her quarters. She thumbed through her closet and pulled out a jacket from her wardrobe. It was blue and black with silver buttons upon the front. It gave her an almost regal appearance. Hadley stepped from her quarters just as the knights boarded her ship.
“Captain Addington.” One of the knights stepped forward. “You’ll be coming with us – quietly or we can take you the more interesting route.” He grinned. Her crew pulled their swords as they looked upon the knights.
“It’s alright boys.” She held her hands up. “I have business with our king.” She smiled and stepped forward. “You know, you don’t have to threaten a girl on her own ship.” She raised a brow. “I have what the king wants.” She pulled the globe from within her pouch. The knight swiped forward to grab it and Hadley pulled her hand back and slipped it away swiftly. “Now, now. I found it. I’ll deliver it.” She eyed him carefully.
The knight grumbled slightly. “No weapons.” He pointed to her swords that she wore upon her hips and her pistol and dagger.
“Don’t you trust me?” Hadley asked with a sweet smile. The knight narrowed his brows and then nodded to two of his knights that stepped forward swiftly. They grasped a hold of the Captain’s arms. “Temper, temper.” Hadley spoke, she still held an amused grin. “Take a girl on a date first hm?” She looked to the knight as he stripped her weapons from her body.
“Not likely.” He replied as he slipped her dagger from her thigh. “Shackle her.” He ordered, “Let’s go.” He looked to the crew whom watched their captain as she was carted from the ship.
Emery walked down to the deck and watched as the royal fleet floated away slowly. “If she isn’t back by sundown – we go get her.” He looked to them. “We won’t leave our Captain to die at the hands of the king.”
**
Hadley was walked through the halls of the castle. A bit different from the vision were she was dragged along. She winced as the men carted her forward with rough grips upon her arms. She was walked into the throne room and the backs of her knees were harshly kicked by the knight that she had decided was a lieutenant. Hadley fell to her knees and lowered her head. “My king.” The knight spoke up. “I have retrieved Captain Addington of the Night’s Rose for you.”
The king drank from a goblet a chuckle came over his lips. “Well you brought her in good shape even.” He spoke as he walked down the stairs from his throne. “Up.” He ordered her and she stood. The king still towered over her small form. He grinned as he looked down upon her. “Release her.” He ordered. The two knights quickly unlocked the shackles. “That’s no way to treat the woman who is going to deliver the end of the war to my fingertips.” He gave a wide grin. “Come, Captain Addington.” He motioned for her to follow him.
Hadley glanced to the knights that stayed right at her sides. Her heart was pounding within her chest. She rubbed at her wrists and her arms where they had held her. “Do you want the globe?” She questioned.
“Of course.” The King spoke as he walked her into a large ballroom that was filled with people. “But I want my son to have its power.”
Hadley stuttered in her steps, she was shoved forward by the knights. Her eyes widened slightly, “What do you mean power?” She questioned quickly.
“Oh you’ll see. It is a remarkable piece.” The king replied as he walked her across the room and to a table that held the royal family. She looked to the queen, the prince, and the young princess. The king grinned as he motioned for her to sit across from the prince and next to the princess. The knights still stood nearby.
“Are you so certain this is the place to be doing this?” Hadley questioned, her mouth felt dry. The king would kill her. Hell if the king didn’t kill her the knights would.
The king watched Hadley, “Don’t be so nervous. I’m not going to arrest you. After you give over the artifact you can leave after the ceremony.”
Hadley gave a smile, “Right. Right. I’m not dressed for the occasion is all.” She spoke as she pulled the globe from her pouch. “Here it is.” She stated as the golden liquid swirled about within the globe, she held it toward the king.
The king grinned as he took it into his hands. “This is the end of the war son, and every war to come. This is why I entrust it to you. You will live much longer than I.” He turned the globe about. “I can feel it.” He chuckled in a giddy manner.
“Well now...I should be going.” Hadley made to stand but felt a firm grip on her shoulder as the knight held her in place.
“What is it you are in such a hurry to do, Captain?” The knight questioned in her ear as the king called the attention of the room and began to announce the artifact. “You seem awfully skittish.” The knight didn’t release his grip for a few more moments before he took a step back once again.
Hadley swallowed as she watched the king upon a lifted stage with his son the prince. Her heart felt as though it would leap up her throat and out of her mouth. She could barely breathe. She reached forward to a glass of wine and downed it. She could only watch now. The king took several minutes to get through his speech. So many so that she poured herself another two glasses of wine which she drank swiftly. The princess whom sat next to her looked to her with a concerned glance. “Miss Addington. Are you alright? You look quite pale.” Her voice was as smooth as silk and heavily accented.
Hadley looked to the princess, “I...” She tapped the side of her wine glass nervously. “I am good yes.” She forced a smile for the princess and looked back to the stage as the king cut into his son’s hand. She held her breath. Hadley watched as the king clasped the hand of the prince over the globe which soaked up his blood and immediately it began to swirl with a green light and a black ooze seeped from it and crawled up his arm. The globe melted away as the king assured his son that it was normal, that everything would be okay. The prince had black lines that began to form on his skin as he began to gasp. His eyes wide with terror. Hadley bit her lip as she tapped the table uncomfortably.
“What’s happening to my brother?” The princess questioned, worry in her voice.
“That’s the trouble with old artifacts...” Hadley whispered softly. “The stories are coated in a silver lining….they hide all the dangers...” She lied. She felt the knight grip onto her shoulder as the apothecary attempted to help the prince whom was bleeding from his mouth and eyes at this point.
The entire room grew silent. The king pointed his finger. “Seize the captain!” He snapped, his eyes full of rage. Oh yes. This was the look the king had in his eyes in her dream.
Hadley ducked just as the knight went to elbow her in the head. “Listen!” She grabbed a tray and blocked another hit with it, the metal bent easily to the blow from the knight. “Stop! Listen to me!” She cried as she scrambled about. She rolled and dodged several attacks as knights began to converge on her. “Signe….” She spoke with a terrified tone. “A little help would be much appreciated.” Her heart pounded within her ears.
“Kill her!” The King ordered, his voice filled the room.
“No! No don’t kill me!” Hadley cried as she climbed on a table and bounced from table to table with her nimble dexterity. “I’m not the one you want to kill!” She landed back on the floor and dodged another attack before she darted out into the hallway. She ducked and weaved. Without weapons it was all she could do to run. Hadley ran with a stagger from all the wine she had nervously downed. “Signe!!!!” She nearly screamed as she raced up a spiraling set of stairs. She found herself on a balcony. No where to run. She turned as she heard the clatter of armored footsteps behind her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Feb 20, 2023 23:27:46 GMT -5
From within the Orb Signe could see everything, a deep sigh from her chest as the Prince’s hand lingered over the Orb. It was too late to reverse the spell, and it was ultimately what Hadley wished for. Though, a secondary wish kicked in and the witch could feel her strength brewing. The wish to protect the Captain allowed her to come forth.
In the tall height of the ball room was colorful paned glass – that of very decorated artistry. The glass shattered in a huge burst as a giant Black Dragon of darkness and smoke bust through it. It landed upon the ground of the ball room, the smoke churning as it morphed into the Witch.
She held her hands upward – every Knight in the room was lifted from the ground – black tendrils of smoke gripped them about their chest and throat – squeezing with the threat of asphyxiation. “You have summoned me… Signe Helvig, the Witch of Glauryig” she squeezed her hands into fists – each knight choked and fought against her grip, but she did not kill them – yet.
“Mythologies and delights trick your corrupted mind into believing that you are worthy of power… but you are not” her voice was loud, booming even – the entire room was focused on her. “You believe you get to choose who is the keeper of my strength?” she spoke and stepped toward the King. A tendril of smoke reached upward and flicked his chin slightly, before wrapping around his arms to keep him from trying to stab her, not that it would do any good.
“It was the Captain who seized me from the Isle of Atisoll, she faced the wrath of Freyja, she was tested – not – you” she spoke through her teeth. “Your greed has cost you the life of your son.. and you will not bear the strength of the Black Witch.” She looked to the Captain then. “I choose the Captain, she is worthy. Not you.” She lifted a brow. “She leaves in peace, or I finish the deed” she gripped her fist harder – the cries of the knights pleaded to their King. “Or so help me…. I will take pleasure in feasting on your soul” she theatrically claimed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 21, 2023 0:01:14 GMT -5
The king stood before his son as he crumpled to the floor, his body trembled. The anger grew in the king’s eyes. “Kill her!” He ordered over and over as each of his knight’s failed to grasp the pirate. Then as the glass shattered cries of terror filled the room as the noble men and women scattered about. The king stood with wide eyes as he stared to the witch, his jaw loose. He stared to the knights that were held up, writhing in the grip of the tendrils.
The king pulled his sword as she approached. “You are supposed to do as I command! As your master commands!” He called out to her, his eyes full of rage. As the tendrils wrapped around him he groaned as his sword clattered to the ground. He couldn’t fight her. No he was no god. He grit his teeth as she spoke that she chose the Captain. “You…..” He growled. “You choose that lowlife? That scum of this planet?!” He fought against the tendrils.
“Father!” The princess rushed forward from her chair. “Please.” She fell to her knees before the witch. “Please do not take him.” She begged, she gazed up to the woman with soft ocean eyes that were filled with tears. “He...he didn’t know...please...”
The king looked to the knights the pled for their lives. “I will let her leave….” He spoke after he gazed to his daughter whom had tears streaming down her cheeks at this point. She held the lifeless hand of her brother that lay on the ground before the witch.
**
Hadley bit her lip as she backed up against the cool stone of the balcony. She heard the crash of the glass of the ballroom, and the booming voice of Signe. She lifted her eyes as knights rushed up the stairs with their swords pulled, ready for the attack. Hadley narrowly dodged an attack from one, she felt the slice of a blade along her thigh from another. Then as she fell to the ground, she twisted to see a knight as he lunged toward her with his sword. The sword stopped just an inch from her chest. The knight groaned and was lifted away from her, the sword clattered to the ground. Her lips parted as she watched him writhe and fight against the smokey darkness. The Captain grasped the sword and stood swiftly. Blood oozed from the wound on her thigh. She looked around. “Signe?” She questioned as she moved around the suspended knights that all pleaded for her to help them. This magic. It was dark. She could feel it. Almost like a cool icy breeze came from the tendrils. She reached forward and touched one of the tendrils out of curiosity.
Her breath was stolen from her chest as the darkness encased her, a cry came from her lips and then suddenly she stood next to Signe upon the lifted stage. Her chest heaved her eyes wide. She still held the sword in her hand. Her eyes looked to the king, and then slowly around the room as the nobles stared to her. She in turn looked to Signe with her emerald hues. She couldn’t find her voice. The king looked to his daughter whom trembled as she looked up to the pirate. “Please...just go….” The king spoke. “You’re free...no harm will come to you or your crew.” He pled.
Hadley could feel her blood as it soaked into the material of her leggings. “Oh good. Glad we’ve come to that conclusion.” She looked to Signe. “We should...go...right?” She asked the witch.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Feb 21, 2023 0:15:04 GMT -5
“Lords and Ladies… your King is a coward. He retreated to myths of legend, despite knowing the darkness within it. No… you will not have my strength to fight your war, the Gods have not willed it. You will fight and die with honor, you can only prevail with your own strength and will.” Signe turned her gaze to the Princess who came before her, eyes full of tears – begging the Witch to stop.
By this time – Hadley had suddenly appeared. Signe turned to the Princess and her eyes softened slightly – she lowered her hands and the tendrils lowered the knights, but they did not let go. The King was still forced to watch as the Witch approached the Princess.
Mystically Signe reached forward and caught the chin of the Princess, this was a thing she clearly did – though it had its own strength and demand. She tilted the Princess’s head from side to side as she observed her eyes. “You will be a fine Queen one day” she spoke softly and then she placed a single kiss upon the Princess’s forehead. “A week before the blue moon, a flying star shall kiss the northern star – a great blizzard will form… you will lead the army to Mount Corilstar, to which a great battle will commence… in your brother’s wake you should be victorious, should you bring 5,000 men…” she leaned back and nodded slowly.
“Consider that my gift to you, as your soul is the only one worthy of such sage sight…” she turned and looked to the Captain.
“It was you who retrieved me, it is you the Gods choose. The Isle of Atisoll nearly ripped you to the bone, and you survived the fury of Freyja, you are the chosen one…” she procured her orb and held it forward. “Make the sacrifice” she spoke, though it was all a ruse – theatrics to the world knew. “Let them see that is Captain Hadley Addington that is worthy of the power of the Ancients…” she lifted a brow.
Once the sacrifice was made – they both vanished in black smoke. They appeared back on the deck of the Night’s Rose. Signe let out a deep sigh and then offered the orb back to Hadley. “I will need ale after that…” she let out a sigh. As if she had maybe spent the evening doing chores, or lifting some heavy boxes, she was not phased much but obviously some level of effort was involved.
“We should leave though” she chuckled as she peered to huge open window – where she shattered the glass - of the castle in the distance. “We will need to work on your form, I can’t believe you let one of those sad ass Knights hurt you” she smirked and pat the shoulder of the Captain.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 21, 2023 0:46:51 GMT -5
Hadley gazed to Signe and then to the room that was focused upon them. She brought her eyes to the princess as the witch grasped her chin. The princess trembled slightly, but stood before the witch and allowed her to inspect her. She gazed into the woman’s crystal hues. “The blue moon...” The princess spoke after the woman spoke the words. The blue moon was only in a few days. She nodded, “Yes...of course.” She bowed her head. “Thank you.” She glanced to Hadley and then back to the witch. The king grit his teeth as he watched the witch he writhed against her grasp. But he chose wisely not to speak.
The captain on the other hand turned toward Signe as she spoke for all in the room to hear. She reached her hand forward and sliced her palm with the sword. She winced and then grasped onto the orb. Her blood soaked into it and it began to swirl and glow with light. Her eyes lifted to Signe just as they disappeared into the rush of black smoke. She staggered slightly as the witch offered her the orb. She slipped it into her pouch as she looked to the woman. “I’ll get you ale….thank you...” She could hear the almost bored tone in the woman’s voice.
Hadley then smiled when she heard the chuckle from Signe. “Shouldn’t wait around to see if the king changes his mind?” She questioned as she took a step toward the stairs the led up from the deck to the wheel of the ship. When Signe made her next comment and pat the Captain’s shoulder Hadley gave her a cross look. “I had nothing to defend myself with. You told me not to die.” She smirked. “Should I have just let them stab me through? Because that is what would have happened if I hadn’t ran. I don’t have fancy magical powers like you.” She waved her hand in a playful manner before she giggled. “I can handle myself quite well, if I have even just a dagger.” She smirked as she walked toward the stairs with a slight limp.
Emery rushed down the stairs, “Captain.” He reached forward to help her but she waved her hand to him.
“Get Signe an ale, would you?” She spoke and offered him a smile before she pat his shoulder. Hadley climbed the stairs and made her way to her wheel. “Lines!” She called. “Sails!” She ordered. The crew began to move about the ship in a well oiled manner. She continued to call out commands and soon enough the Night’s Rose was on the move, the runes upon the sides of the ship glowed slightly and it picked up pace swiftly. The mist of the sea carried over the railing of the ship.
**
Emery looked to Signe and walked to her, “Ale then?” He asked and smiled as he motioned for her to follow him. He walked below the decks and into the galley where he approached a barrel in the back. He paused a moment before he grasped two mugs. “You’ll like this one. It’s a dopplebock style. Dark beer.” He poured it with the perfect foam head at the top. He then held the mug forward to Signe before he poured another. Emery then looked to Signe a long moment. “It didn’t go well did it?” He questioned and then took a swig from his ale. A chuckle came over his lips. “Hadley...ah...Hadley has a knack for getting into quite interesting situations.” He grinned as he watched her a long moment. “I’ll follow her to the grave, but she’s been in trouble more times than I can count.”
The first mate walked over and sat at the long table. “I’ve followed her for about eight years now. We’ve had our ups and downs.” He took another long swig. “She had a tiny ship when I first met her. One that I wasn’t even sure should be on the ocean. But she managed.” He snickered lightly. “Hadley always manages.” He downed the rest of his drink. It was clear the respect he had for his Captain. “So tell me how it went.” He grinned and looked to Signe. “I missed all the action out here on the ship.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Feb 21, 2023 1:04:28 GMT -5
“I see I see” Signe entertained the defensive captain. She turned her gaze to the sailors that emerged from the depths and grasped the lines. One pulled the anchor and another untied them from the docks. One climbed the mast and stood within the crows nest. Another released the sails, while tying the line to be taught. The ship began to pull away from the harbor in seconds, and before she knew it the city was drifting away from them.
Signe glanced to the captain who manned the helm, a hand calmly placed over a stud of the wheel. She then glanced to Emery and followed him down into the depths of the ship. She raised a brow as he spoke of their history – as if she asked. A hidden sigh escaped her lips as she knew she was now forced to entertain this man, and his stories that she really didn’t care about.
“Dopplebock style?” she took the mug and sniffed It, then a long sip. “Hmm…” she gave an approving nod. “That is different… I.. like it” she took another sip. She was used to wheat ales and meads, this was a different take that had a unique flavor to her, a hint of sweetness, nuts and spices that were charming.
“She seems to manage on whim” Signe responded in his comment of how she seemingly makes it through.
“It went as well as it could have. The Prince is dead, the King is pissed, and they are under the impression that I and the Gods denied the King and chose the Captain instead. So, she is on thin ice, but off the hook. I was quite theatric in my powers to give them a scare… I doubt they’ll bother in the hunt… but they certainly wont forget the death of the Prince…” she shrugged slightly. “The Price the King pays for being a greedy bastard, I think” she took a long swig.
“She is free enough, for now…” the witch finished her ale with ease and set the mug down. “So tell me, with what you know – with all the freedom and power in the world… what is one thing the Captain always wanted to do, but never had the gall, or ability?” she questioned with a curious eye. “She has the world under her fingertip now, yet she is too shy and humble to do what she truthfully pleases. She is free, yet chained to herself” she leaned back in the chair. “As her…” she glanced to him “friend – what do you know her deepest desires to be”
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 21, 2023 1:28:30 GMT -5
Emery smiled as he looked to her with his dark hues. He chuckled lightly, “Yes, yes part of the Captain’s private reserve of ales.” He winked. “She won’t mind sharing with you.” He added after a moment. “Glad you like it.” He seemed pleased that she liked the ale. He chuckled to her next comment. “Oh, she manages.” He smirked. He took a swig of his ale and set his mug down upon the wooden table.
He then focused in on her as she spoke of the tale of what happened. His brows raised slightly. “The prince….is dead?” He questioned, he seemed surprised. “I fear that the king may remember his hatred later on...even if you have struck the fear of the gods in him.” He took another swig. He shook his head slightly. “I do hope that the princess can step up to the plate. She’s quite young. But from what I understand she has a kind heart.”
Emery raised a brow slightly as Signe questioned about the Captain and her wants. He gave a chuckle as he leaned back against the old seat, the back of it creaked to his weight. “Hadley...what are her deepest desires?” He questioned and raised a brow slightly. He finished off his ale. “Now that, is a question that most everyone would want an answer to.” He spoke as he stood and walked to the barrel. He poured himself another mug and then came back to his seat. “She’s always been interested in the books of magic, you should see her collection in her chest in her room. Everywhere we go she picks up these old tattered books. She reads them, and if she can’t read them she figures out how to read them. Hell we have gone across the sea to meet with an old scholar several times just to translate these books. Lucky for her the tavern has good ale. Otherwise the crew might complain.” He winked and then seemed to ponder again.
The first mate took a swig of his ale. “She never takes time for herself...aside from getting those books translated.” He shrugged slightly. “Hadley is a different creature, she isn’t like most of the ship captains. I worked for a guy before her. He was a real asshole. She really takes care of the crew...” He took another long swig. “But we are her family. She’s never had a family. I know that eats her up on the inside. I can’t imagine. To know absolutely nothing about your family...that is soul crushing. She doesn’t even know why she was given to the orphanage.” He shrugged and then shook his head. “I think she just wants to live, you know? Truthfully. To live free. That’s what this is all about.” He motioned to the room – the ship around them.
The door pushed open and the uneven gait of Hadley entered the room. She looked to Emery and then to Signe. “Ah did he get you a good ale?” She questioned. “Is he talking your ear off? I can handle that.” She poured herself an ale and lifted it in a cheers motion before she sat at the table.
“Who has the wheel?” Emery questioned.
Hadley chuckled as she looked to him. “You know. There are others capable besides you. I just trust you the most.” She winked before she took a long swig of her ale. She looked to Signe, “Where you telling the truth about the princess? Or was that all a ruse?” She pried.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Feb 21, 2023 1:51:21 GMT -5
Signe listened to the man and a curve tugged at the edges of her lips, he was quite fond of her – she could tell easily. “She has a deep lineage, I can feel it. Whatever her story of spirits is – it runs deep in the roots of the world. It calls to her, that is why she investigates… she can hear it, like a whispering in her mind, her soul asks for more knowledge of its truth” she spoke like the seer she was, it was hard not to. She was very in-tune with the earth, the spirits, the magic around them, she knew that something was special about the Captain, yet she wasn’t sure what yet.
“Not knowing where you came from… being abandoned like that.. I can see how hard it can be. Much like this crew, my people are that of a village. Many grow up without parents, but the village is the family that takes them whole. We never felt lost, that is for sure…” she turned her gaze as she heard the steps of someone coming, some one familiar.
“The good ale indeed” Signe raised the mug “Skol” she took a swig and then listened to the banter between the two. Energy thick as honey weaved them together, she could nearly taste it.
“The Princess?” she leaned back. “No, it was true. However, it is unlikely the King will allow her to lead the army, but only if she does should they persevere. They also do not have 5,000 men on hand, the King would need to hang his ego and ask for aid from his allies… it is truthfully – a victory if the King can submit to his pride. The mountain and blizzard – both true…” she leaned back and took in a breath.
“The blizzard will push the incoming army into the mountains to recover, the King would ambush them and take out the largest army to account for. All visions I had briefly the night prior, knowing the landscape and likelihood, it is a very high chance that I am correct.. but there is always a chance…” she lifted a brow. “But I am good at what I do” she finished her ale.
“Back in my time – the Seer’s primary job was to provide guidance in the moments of war… we became trained to think tactically… almost always aligning your attacks to use nature’s power as your axe – was the way to victory. A dirty warfare, but all is fair in love and war” she chuckled.
“The princess though has a warm soul, she will bring Peace to that Kingdom, one day… sometimes, I can just tell. The color of the soul, the peace in their aura…” she lifted a brow as she knew she caught their interest.
“Like you, Emery. Your color is a warm orange, like that of a comforting fire. The sort of fire that would light its enemies but warm its allies, but you can be protective – nearly aggressively. Your emotions rage with just about the same amount of strength, but you suppress them and limit them to the confines of the forge, or fireplace…” she nodded slowly. "Indicators of a brave and loyal friend, until death takes you – you will abide, follow, and protect, almost foolishly” she chuckled. “A first mate suits you well”
“And the Captain…” she thought for a moment. Her blue crystal eyes met Hadleys and she studied her for a moment. “You are a stream, flowing from the highest of mountains. I see every variation of blue, from the fast moving rapids to the depths and calm… you are the foundation of life, and the shaper of mountains… Water is one of the most powerful forces out there.. needed to live, and yet powerful enough to rip foes apart. Your nature is calm, but full of potential – full of strength… you hold your crew together, and guide them forward, carving the way. Though, you don’t let yourself get bogged down by thoughts and problems, often times it may lead your team to make leaps of faith, like waterfalls over cliffs… but there is beauty in those actions, that often leads to the next adventure…” she leaned back and smirked.
“The last water aura I met was Ragnar Lothbrok, who lead the viking tribes to their greatest point. He united the lands and brought peace to our people, and yet filled us with courage and strength… those were our best times…” Signe pushed her empty mug forward.
“So fire, and water…” she leaned back and crossed her arms. “Interesting…”
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 21, 2023 20:17:54 GMT -5
Emery watched the smile that pulled at the edges of Signe’s lips, it only caused his smile to widen. “A deep lineage?” He questioned, his eyes full of curiosity. He gave a chuckle, “Perhaps you should use your magic to see what her history is? I feel...she would enjoy that...being abandoned as she was.” He pressed his lips together in thought. He watched her, listening as she spoke of her people. His lips parted to pose a question but the approaching footsteps drew his attention. Emery had grinned to the presence of the captain.
Hadley chuckled as Signe stated it was the good ale and shot a glance to Emery, “My ale hm?” She lifted his glass and sniffed it. She watched him with a flat gaze for a long moment before she’d laughed. She paid close attention to Signe as she spoke of the princess. “I want her victory to become a truth.” She spoke at the end of it. “Someone needs to show this world that the king needs to be replaced. Who better than his daughter?” She smirked. “The princess has a good heart, each time I’ve been near her I can feel that.” Hadley spoke and searched the eyes of the witch. She listened as she spoke of her time. The purpose of a seer.
“Is it truly dirty if you are using nature on your side? It’s smart.” Hadley smiled, “I’ve read a story...it was an old tattered book but from what I could make out.” She leaned back in her chair and took a long swig of her ale. “Vikings mounted their long boats – it was the end of winter. The bay had just barely thawed enough for the waves to break the ice. It had been a harsh winter. They made way to a settlement that they knew had planned an attack on them during the winter. The enemy had killed several of their people – but now they had the attack well planned...they had nature on their side.” She grinned as she watched Signe. “They took the entire village with ease...in the midst of the night. The book...I have it...it was a journal...I will have to show it to you sometime.”
Emery leaned forward as the conversation moved to him. “Orange?” He questioned as she spoke of the color of his soul. His lips parted slightly as she spoke of what it meant. It was him to the T. He glanced to Hadley and gave a slight smile. Signe’s impression of him was correct, he was fond of his captain. Too fond perhaps. But that is what made him protect her so well. Wasn’t it?
Hadley chuckled lightly, “Me next.” She spoke as she locked eyes with the witch. She had a grin upon her lips. Her grin turned into that of a curious smile and then of awe. “Ragnar?” She questioned, her brows raised slightly. She giggled lightly and then took a long swig of her ale. “Hm, I’m not...uh...no...” She shook her head.
“But you could be the one that changes the fate of this world, Hadley.” Emery spoke up, his voice hopeful.
“Fire and water. Hm. Those mix just as well as oil and water don’t they?” She raised a brow as she looked to Emery. “I’m not Ragnar.” She shook her head. “I’m not some savior of the people.” She finished her ale. “I’m a Captain – of a ship. Not to mention I’m a pirate.” She winked as she stood. “You want to see that journal. Come to my quarters later.” She spoke as she stood and left the room.
Emery sighed, defeated. “She is worth more than she’ll ever allow herself to become.” He spoke as he stood from the table as well. “If you need anything let me know, Signe.” He lifted his empty mug. “Here’s to a bright future for our captain. Hm?” He stepped away from the long table and from the galley.
**
Later as the sun began to set over the horizon – Hadley stood upon the bow of the ship as the ocean spray filtered over the front of the ship from the speed at which it moved. The most curious thing was that the wind from the pace of the ship did not seem to push her back. The magic behind the runes was incredible. Hadley had chosen a destination – an old island known to inhabit vikings nearly 1000 years ago. She’d always wanted to make the voyage but it was so far out of the way she’d never done it. There was said to be many ancient things upon the island hidden away.
Hadley held a book in her hands, she had the book cracked open and a puzzled expression on her face. It held ancient nordic runes. A sigh escaped her – no matter how hard she’d tried to learn – no one could ever teach her so most everything within the old books was a mystery to her. Aside from the beautiful artwork.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Feb 27, 2023 19:54:12 GMT -5
Signe’s thin lips curved into a gentle smile as Hadley spoke of the Viking attack, of the story written within a journal. “I would very much like to read that journal, I have lost touch with my roots, and there are times I do miss it so…” she leaned back in her chair. Their conversation eventually came to an end, though it was surely a delightful conversation to her. How many times she had simply been ordered around, it was nice to mingle for once.
“Just because I say you are like Ragnar, does not make you Rangar Lothbrok, my friend” she smirked “no one can be Ragnar Lothbrok” she spoke over the rim of her mug as she finished her drink. “I will see you then, Captain” she nodded as the woman left the table.
Signe lifted a brow and glanced to Emery – who spoke of her fondly. “To the Captain” she raised her mug and finished the final sip. When he left – she simply sat for a moment, observing the room and enjoying the gentle rock of the sea. She eventually got up and waved a single hand – the mugs had become clean and stored away.
The remainder of her evening – she sat in her room and decorated it, unpacking her things from a magical bag. She hung several bone ornaments from the ceiling – which would jingle slightly in the sway of the ship; which would cleanse the energy and prevent dark souls from lingering around her.
She waved her hand and the desk in the room disappeared and was replaced with a small round table. In the center she placed a small wooden bowl. It had a tree etched into it – used for rituals, or scrying. Shelves appeared along the walls and were soon full of her herbs and bottles, within some time the place became her little witch-hut in a boat.
Signe emerged from the innards of the boat and climbed the steps to the front deck. She gripped the gray skirt of her robe, tucking it inward as a cool breeze wafted from the ocean, spraying her with a gentle mist of salt and comfort. She spied the Captain poking through a book comfortably at the bow of the ship…
Signe slowly approached, though her boots gave her away. She tucked a lock of her own raven hair behind her ear as she peered over the shoulder of the woman to the book she held open. “Are you trying to impress me, Captain?” she questioned softly with a smirk across her lips.
Signe approached her side and glanced over once more – though her brows suddenly squeezed together. The writing was familiar – the etching of the runes that spelled the ancient words out upon the page were so striking. As she read it – she was swarmed with memory.
“Where… did you get this?” Signe questioned as she slowly reached forward, taking the book from the Captain to look over it. She flipped it to the first page and looked it over – her eyes nearly twitching with the swift glance, she flipped the page. Signe’s lips came together as she clearly looked slightly confused, but also intrigued.
“This journal is that of a Seer, a long time ago… when she first started to discover her gifts…” she gave a chuckle as she read over a familiar line. “Can you read this?” she questioned as she gave the book back. “I suppose I could teach you… you seem pretty intrigued by my people, Freyja picked well” she chuckled and eyed the book once more.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 27, 2023 21:25:19 GMT -5
Hadley lifted her emerald hues from the page to glance in the direction of the witch as she approached. “Impress you?” She questioned with a curious look in her eyes before she looked back down to the pages before her. She turned as she allowed Signe to lifted the old book from her hands, “Hm...this one?” She questioned as she looked to the expression upon the woman’s face. The way her brows knitted together. The way she pressed her lips together in confusion it seemed. “I found it when I was a child actually.” She gave a half smirk as she leaned against the railing, her elbows rested upon the smooth wood. “I grew up in a town that rests nestled in a valley between the mountains that leads into the ocean. It’s called Esalens.” The captain thought for a moment, “I used to explore the forests near the city when I was a child. No one cares much to protect the safety of an orphan girl.” A chuckle came over her lips. “So I found myself exploring many things. I found a cut into the mountain – it must have been a hut or a home. At least...I think that is what it was. I used to spend a lot of time there...there were old strings that held up pieces of bones...jars of dust...I can only imagine what they might have been long ago. Many of the shelves were carved right into the stone of the mountain. You could see every strike of the hammer and chisel that cut away to make such a dwelling...though the outside wall of the home is gone now...it must have collapsed from something years ago.” She spoke softly as she closed her eyes to remember the site. “There were other areas...a lost city I think…no one could ever tell me what it was. I found….” She opened her eyes and reached to her hip. She pulled a small dagger that was tucked into the fold beneath her corset – it was hidden from view unlike her swords, her dagger upon her thigh, and her pistol. “This.” Hadley held forward the small dagger. It was clearly handmade and clearly old. The handle looked to be made of gold and wood. A wolf design upon the handle was carefully crafted and another etching was along the back side of the blade. It was small enough to conceal – large enough to cause fatal damage if need be. She smiled as she watched Signe a moment. When the woman spoke of what the journal was her eyes seemed to light with curiosity. “Someone like you then?” She questioned, her smile widened. “Can I read it...erm...” She pressed her lips together as she looked to the unfamiliar runes upon the pages. “This...um...” She glanced to Signe – a nervous look in her eyes. “This speaks of Yggdrasil...it is the...tree that is of the realms...right?” She was close. She took the journal into her hands and flipped about in it, her expression puzzled. “Oh this...this here is called Valknut...” Her accent didn’t match the viking words well. She drew in a breath in thought. “This part must be speaking about a death...or um...the power of death...I think...” She bit her lip slightly and shook her head. “Much if not all of this language has been lost, Signe.” A sigh escaped her lips. “I’ve found few that can help and those that could help refuse to teach me the dark ways of your people...I think they are just trying to snuff the free nature of the vikings from this world.” The captain held the book back toward Signe. When Signe offered to teach her she grinned, “Intrigued?” She questioned and then gave a light laugh. “It was all I wanted to know when I was a child...and not much has changed.” She smirked and then gazed ahead of them to the clouds. She could have sworn she saw something. “Did you…?” Her brows tugged together slightly. She placed her hands upon the railing as she stared up to the clouds in the distance. Her eyes lowered to the horizon after a long moment. “I must be seeing things.” She muttered to herself and then looked to Signe. “I’ve routed us to an island that has been uninhabited for nearly 1000 years. It was said to be a great viking island...it is quite far from any other land so I’ve never had the luxury to go. But with the speed you’ve given the Rose.” She tapped the railing. “It is merely a detour.” She winked and gave a chuckle. The clouds above the ship gave a rumble and rain began to fall down upon the two. Hadley lifted her gaze and then motioned for Signe to follow her. “I have more books, if you would like to see.” She spoke as she walked away and climbed the stairs to enter her quarters. Emery looked down to the two from the wheel of the ship, her nodded to Signe with a smile upon his lips. The Captain hung her hat upon a hook and brushed her fingertips through her hair to push the fiery locks from her eyes. She poured two glasses of whiskey and then she lifted her glass and walked over to a chest. “I’ve been collecting for quite awhile.” She spoke as she flipped open the lid and then she took a sip from her glass once more. “You’re welcome to any of the books so long as you return them.” She then grinned, “In exchange for you teaching me your language of course.” The Captain had a playful look in her eyes as she took another swig from her glass. The chest was carefully stacked with books, trinkets, and strange odds and ends that she had found over the years. |
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Feb 27, 2023 22:17:24 GMT -5
Signe peered to the woman with her crystal blue eyes and listened to her tale of her childhood. How the young Orphan would sneak away to the forest. “Interesting….” She drew her lips together as the woman described the home she came upon. So incredibly familiar… With gingerly fingers – Signe plucked the dagger from her hands and turned It around. With a single finger she traced the incredibly sharp edge of the blade – yet it did not cut her. “Fenrir” she whispered as her thumb ran over the snout of the wolf that was carved. “This dagger would be used for rituals and blood sacrifices…” she held it back to her. “It has seen many a ritual too” she smirked and glanced to the sky briefly. A drop of water landed upon her forehead and dripped down her nose… “Someone… like me, yes” she glanced back up as the Captain glanced to the sky once more. She squinted slightly and shook her head – she didn’t see anything. “Come on – let us talk more then, inside” she followed behind the woman as the rain began. “Yggdrasil” she spoke with a heavier accent, her tongue rolling slightly to the word in a mystical fashion. “The tree that holds the 9 realms together…” she walked over to the desk on one side of the room and grasped a spare piece of parchment. She came back over to the sitting table and she pulled her necklace from under her blouse. It was a large wolf fang – with leather wrapped about it carefully. She pricked her thumb and pressed it to the paper. With a glow of magic – an image appeared. It was that of a large tree, it had several planes among the trunk of the tree, but several round spheres held by other branches, each with a illustration of something within it, and a rune to describe it. “The realms of existence are held together by the tree… you have Asgard here at the top – where Aesir or as you call them; our..” she thought of the proper word. “Major Gods reside, such as Odin and his many sons – in the grand city of Asgard…” Her finger traced downward on the tree. “If you follow the tree – the primary realms of power are hoisted by her huge core.. but others exist too, all connected by the tree… Midgard is where we reside, the realm of humanity. Alfheim of the light elves, Muspelheim of the demons and fire giants.. then Vanaheim where our.. other Gods reside, such as Freyja – who is the one that lead you to me and tested you..” she glanced to the woman and then continued. “Nidavellir – the Dwarves, Jotunheim of the Giants and Titans, Helheim – our place for the dead, then lastly Niflheim – of barren cold and ice, nothing much resides there..” she pushed the paper forward for her to look it over. “And the tree holds it all together, traveling between the realms can only be done by the Gods, or by the extremely powerful” she chuckled “and before you ask, no, I’ve never traveled beyond Midgard, though I have had dreams and glimpses of the other realms…” She sat down at the chair and accepted the whisky from her. “But, at one point – many came to Midgard… giants, dragons, elves, dwarves – we all lived together. Though, some conflict, argument, and eventually a war – influenced by the Gods drove the kinds back to their original realms, or to their death… it is why you do not see much of any… though rare. Those Elven Wars were influenced by the gods, with the intent to send them back to Alfheim.. and so on.” She sucked in a breath “We like to think that humans are the horrible ones… but no, it is the Gods and their play upon humans, driving them to do their own bidding as the Gods fight among each other…” she gave a chuckle. “They’re not as perfect as the tales would lead them to be, honor and glory is not exactly a common theme” she chuckled. “Basically… the Aesir battle among each other, while the Vanir gods clean up the mess to keep the Yggrasil and her inhabitants safe” “That book.. will teach you a lot about the different realms, the wars that went on, the inner workings of the Gods…” she lifted a brow. “The stories of the Sagas, and then the real stories…” Signe took a sip of her whisky and nodded in approval. Signe stood and approached the chest – she crouched before it and sifted through it. “You like your odds and ends” she smirked and lifted a glass orb. It appeared completely empty – but she gave it a wave of her hand. It had a small ocean with in it “We would use this to predict the tides” she turned it about in her hand. “The Viking commanders would come to me and ask for the best times to ride the tide out – this told me everything I needed… though a bit of interpretation is required” she chuckled and set the orb back down, the ocean vanishing within it. She lifted a book up – it was thick with a leather binding. She cracked it open and peered to the runes within it. “I would… like to read this one… It speaks of what happened after Glauryig passed…” her voice grew quiet and she shut the book and stood back up. Signe placed the book on the table and then stood behind the captain “Sit” she told her as she peered to the woman’s red locks. When the captain sat down – she reached forward as she stood behind her and ran her fingers through her hair. Signe began to braid her hair, two thin braids on the side of her hair, and then a loose braid going down the center of hair, though this would take some time to complete in their chatter. She took the time to explain the Valknut symbol, its many different meanings. “Tell me of this Island, what do they say about it these days?” she questioned, about the Island they were headed to. |
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 27, 2023 23:27:15 GMT -5
The captain’s eyes lit up with excitement as she listened to the thick accent of the Seer. She looked to the parchment that came to life from the blood of the woman upon it. The beautiful image that looked as though it had taken days to paint...appeared before her eyes. “Oh….” Her lips parted as she stood next to Signe. “This...” She looked it over. She’d seen depictions of it in some of the books that she’d found. “This is beautiful.” She finally managed to utter the words. Her eyes gazed to the woman’s finger as it traced along the tree. As she spoke of the Realms of Yggdrasil. She was completely in awe. She didn’t even sip from her whiskey as she listened, she was so enthralled. She touched the page and gently ran her fingertip over the artwork as Signe had pushed it to her. She lifted it into her hands gingerly as though she expected it to vanish. She looked over the realms with interest. “So elves are real?” She questioned with a smile, “And giants?” She looked to Signe as she began to speak that the different creatures of the realms had once all resided here on this plane. “Why would they do that?” She questioned as Signe spoke of the war. Her brows tugged together. “I’ve never seen an elf before, or a dwarf….and well...we already spoke of the dragons...” A sigh escaped her lips. The world seemed limitless as she gazed to the page before her. “Will Freyja test me again? Will it be something that I have to be prepared for?” She questioned after a moment. “What if the gods do not like that you are telling me of the histories that have been erased from this world? What if that is their doing more than it is humanities doing?” The gears in her mind began to churn. “What...if you could travel to the other realms?...I know you said that you haven’t...but what if you could?” Her voice was full of excitement. “This...” She looked to the parchment again and then set it down before she took a swig from her glass and filled it once again. “If all of this is true...this world is shaped by the Gods themselves...not humans.” She smiled as a laugh came over her lips. “As much as the corrupted kings believe that they are fully in control...it is the gods that have pushed them one direction or another...the gods that have led them to act as they do...” She took another long drink. She topped off her glass once again and leaned against the wall next to the chest. She glanced out the window to the ocean behind them as the waves from the whip were left in their wake. “I do like a variety of things yes...just...things that draw my eye though. I don’t take or buy things unless they seem to call to me.” She spoke as she gazed down into the chest as Signe looked through it. When the woman pulled out the orb she watched curiously with her emerald hues. “I bought that from a shopkeep in Harkaven. He practically gave it to me.” She took a sip of her whiskey. As the orb came to life with the ocean inside of it her lips parted. “How did you do that?” She questioned in awe. Hadley truly was intrigued by magic more than anything – perhaps that was part of her draw to the viking people. The mystery that they were surrounded in – the magic that they were said to have had. The captain gazed to the thick book that Signe eventually lifted from the chest. She watched the woman as she spoke in a soft tone. “Of course...I have a few others with bindings like that too...” She spoke as she stepped toward her desk and took another swig of her whiskey. Her cheeks had taken on a glow, her muscles were loose. “Sit?” She questioned and raised a brow slightly. She sat down and poured herself another glass as she stared to the parchment that Signe had created the image on. When the woman ran her fingertips through her hair she froze slightly. She shifted and looked to the parchment once again. “No one wants to talk about the vikings...and here I am...in the presence of a great viking seer.” She spoke, her words slurred slightly. She laughed as she felt the braids begin to form on her head. “The island?” She questioned and closed her eyes as she allowed Signe to braid her hair. “The island is called Reykjavellir.” Once again her accent did not line up with the viking words. She gave a light chuckle. “It has its original name...I believe...at least that is what I’ve been told. Most cities have been lost, but this island has stayed the same over the years...” She paused in thought for a long moment. “The island is difficult to get to and far to the north...ice makes the island difficult to gain access to and I’ve heard that the storms are unbearable. But I only believe so much of what I am told – there are tales to keep people away from beautiful places.” She smirked and took a swig. “There are great mountains on this island...within the mountains is said to be an ancient dragon egg. Though I’m afraid that may be just a myth...” She gave a sigh softly. “I doubt one could survive all these years in the mountains alone...” She pondered for a long moment. “The village is said to be one of the greatest viking villages to have existed...at least from what I can make out in books...not much as you can tell.” She gave a light chuckle. She reached forward and plucked a scroll from a silver vase upon her desk. She unraveled it and revealed the map of Reykjavellir that she’d found years ago. “This is the island...did you ever go there? Do you know of it? Did the dragons live here?” She asked the questions just as Signe had finished her hair. Hadley stood and stepped to the mirror to inspect herself. She looked fierce. Like any shield maiden might have in the day. She grinned as she turned and looked to Signe. “This is beautiful.” She ran her fingertips over the intricate braiding. “Thank you.” She stepped back over and finished off her drink once again. A warm smile upon her lips as she looked to the woman. “What was it like? In the village at night? Were the celebrations as intense as---….” A yell came from above on the deck. Hadley’s brows tugged together and without a word she slipped from her quarters. The loose and relaxed captain seemed to sober immediately. As she opened the door more yelling and shouts could be heard. The ship banked to the right to narrowly dodge a large iceberg. Hadley gripped onto the railing as she was nearly flung over the side of the ship. She rushed up the stairs and gripped onto the wheel. “What are you doing Emery?” She questioned with a sharp tone. “That could have sank the ship.” She looked ahead and quickly adjusted the wheel to avoid another block of thick jagged ice. “Tie the sails! Slow us down!” She called out and the men began to rush about the decks. She continued to adjust the ship and she listened to the calls from the crow’s nest above. Suddenly the bow of the ship groaned as the ship cut deeply into the ice. Snow had begun to fall from the skies. The huge ship came to a grinding halt within the water. It had cut the full length of the ship into the thick cover of ice. Hadley stared ahead, the front of her body pressed against the wheel. She could make out the shadowy form of a huge range of mountains in the distance. Though – the snow seemed to shroud nearly everything away. “Is that it?” Emery questioned. “Already?” He was surprised. They had made incredible time with the help of the runes that Signe provided. Hadley stepped away from the wheel and walked down the stairs slowly. She made her way to the bow of the ship as snowflakes land about her body and hair. She placed her hands upon the railing as she stared to the shadow of the island she could see in the distance. They had to be at least a mile out from the island. The ice was not a myth. It was cold her. Colder than what she was used to. A shiver ran down her spine as her body began to quake from the cold. “Signe.” Hadley found the woman and walked to her. “How do we break through the ice to get to the island? Can you get us there?” She questioned. |
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Feb 28, 2023 0:02:49 GMT -5
Signe simply smiled when the Captain began to ask many questions, she let the woman’s thoughts ramble before she interrupted the train of thought. “It is the way it has always been, they are conscious beings with emotions, just like us. Imagine living for thousands and thousands of years – the idea of having a role to play in the way of the living fades, I expect nothing less. There are even some that have gone mad, lost to the knowledge of endless time…” her fingers braided as she spoke.
“I will give you an example – the Gods do not innately appear before us, no, they work behind the scenes through manipulation. Or in my case – I was confronted. Punished for my deeds, I am an artifact that provides power. Freyja keeps the balance by choosing people that will receive my power, and just by the very act of me existing – the Gods are manipulating the world…” she paused briefly, her fingers gently weaving.
“For instance, the one who commanded me last used to me to destroy the Fae. The Gods very well knew whos hands they put me in, and knew that this fate would come… Things like that, gifts of power to the correct hands to alter the flow… of course, there is always some political advantage, of which I tried to uncover.” She sighed softly.
“The Gods don’t care of me, or whom I tell their tale. They would only act if I had caused a surge of religious sway – it would have to be great. Otherwise… they don’t listen all that closely, why should they? Either way, I don’t know if Freyja would test you again. A test comes before a gift of power, so… you’d have to be gaining something in order for her to bother. Her work with you is done. She might watch to see how her plan turns out, but otherwise…” she finished the braid and stepped around to preview it.
The braid was perfection, despite it having been a thousand years since she had done one.
“Midgard may be the home to humans, but humans don’t control the realm, no…” she chuckled slightly. “It is almost like a plaything for them, something to keep them busy… Like a game of chess, almost” Signe paused as the Captain pulled a map out.
“Reykjavellir” her pronounciation was completely different than Hadley’s, which made the seer chuckle a little. “Yes… it the mothership of Viking culture. The greatest temple rests here. The greatest of events occurred here in the deep winter, Yule. Where we would make sacrifices to the gods on the full Yule moon. The greatest warriors, leaders and seers would come…” she smiled to the memory.
“When we would arrive – it would be an endless sea of long boats. Often 200-300 or so boats, all lined up along the coast… where all the Viking Clans would come, despite our hatreds. For the Gods reign eternal, so this place… a refuge of peace, it is the land of the Gods. I look forward to going” Signe smiled brightly then and turned as Hadley asked more questions.
The ship suddenly jolted and there was shouting about – the Captain gone in an instant. Signe stepped out onto the deck – moving calmly as ever as the others about her frantically ran about. Signe chuckled – this was expected, though she didn’t expect to have arrived so soon either.
The familiar mountains in the distance painted a beautiful line across the horizon, one she could recall seeing over and over again from the low perspective of a long boat. She could nearly hear the men rowing with anticipation of her dreams, and the mutterings of a good ale and fire.
“Yes, as you wish” Signe spoke and approached the bow of the ship. She peered to the thick ice and then she held her hand upward. A gust of wind flew by and then she threw her hand forward. The wind gathered and struck the ice – a huge crack cut down the ice. Then with two hands she motioned in the air – pulling her hands apart the two huge sheets of ice began to move apart. Within a few minutes she created a perfect channel, from the ship all the way to the shore, by splitting the ice and moving it with the power of wind.
As they began forward she watched for any remaining ice – using her abilities to break the chunks of ice and push them away, or even pushing an entire iceburg out of the way by several feet. She gripped the railing as they pushed forward, the snow blocking their view – the anticipation of the village in the crest of the island bubbled within her like a strewing cauldron.
|
|
