A Day for the Gods (Children of Midvinter)

[Judah Lesan]

Winter Solstice it was an important part of the year for those who called themselves Valkyri. Of course Eddval considered it the most important date, but that was due to the fact it was his day of birth. He was a Son of the Winter Moon, as he often referred to it. Part of him was not keen on sharing his day of birth with the holiday, but the significance of the day eased the jealousy.

Valkyri from all of Midvinter would be making their way to Thaínbroek for this celebration. It was the one day when all could celebrate as equals, whether slave or free. The one time of year when Christer Ragnarson allowed his slaves to choose to serve or not. He was not as superstitious as Eddval, but he would at least honor the gods. The high king of the pantheon himself was said to be the leader of the Wild Hunt. Supernatural activity was said to increase this time of year, and all Valkyri seemed to have their own stories to prove such traditions true.

The Mead Hall of the palace was a busy sight to be seen. Evergreen filled the room as decoration, the smell of it overpowering the roast beast which had been slow roasting all day over the pit which lay in the center of the room. There was plenty of mead to be had and gifts for all. It was the one time of year one could get lost in a crowd of people in Thaínbroek without moving a muscle. It was enough to make one feel insignificant, but yet through it all, Eddval Ragnarson refused to feel that way. For the first time since his mother had passed, the gods had answered his prayers.

His blue eyes danced about the room as the guests arrived, looking for his shield maiden [member="Saga Björk"]. Though it was not true yet, he had taken to calling her that to build her confidence. In truth she was more than his shield maiden. She was his lover, a secret they both kept. Each noble was regarded as he looked for her, every slave received a welcome from his bright eyes. The celebration looked to be larger than the previous year. It was a day for the gods of Midvinter.

 

[Alleycat]

Today was going to be a grand day. It always was on Midvinter, but this year the celebration would have much more meaning. Since slaves were allowed to participate just as anyone else who was free, Saga chose to attend the Winter Solstice Festival with [member="Eddval Ragnarson"], the third son of Christer Ragnarson, Earl and Chieftain of Reykjaa.

The dirty blonde slave girl wore a blue dress with her hair pulled back from her face with multiple plaits tied together at the crown of her head, then the rest of her long hair fell down her back. Saga almost felt like a princess, almost. After helping get the feast ready for all those gathered, she finally was done and went to join Edd as he wandered through the crowds of Mead Hall.

"Greetings, m'lord, and happy lifeday to you as well," Saga smiled softly up at the blonde noble Valkyr to whom she shared her affections with. "I hope the day is treating you well so far. I am glad to share it with you."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Eddval Ragnarson"] | [member="Saga Björk"]​

​

She had only arrived in Thaínbroek the day before the festival, this would be the last Winter Solstice Aerin would celebrate for some time. Her mind uneasy for the last few weeks, much had happened to her and she was no longer the girl she was before the arrival of the Offworlders. However, the festival came timely really .. normally she would do her best to avoid such occasions but she needed something to take her mind off things for a while. The hall provided such distractions, and she enjoyed looking at the celebrations and the decorations for a time. Her dress, typical of her station, daughter of a Chieftain and traditional.

Aerin moved around the room, not really engaging with anyone, but smiling and offering the customary courtesies to those she passed. She would miss this, she could not deny that much, the smells and sounds of Midvinter would always live in her heart, but there is so much that she is trying to escape from and they are more palpable. But only time will tell of the tale.

 

[Olfrid The Iron Hammer]

[member="Ærin Firebrand"] @Saga Bjork [member="Eddval Ragnarson"]
The celebration was grand, fit for all Valkyri, Olfrid temporarily left his hold to join the festival. The chieftain wore his ceremonial armor crafted by him for events such as these, no weapons were brought. This was a holiday for kark sake, if anyone where to attack him, his brute strength would suffice. Many who looked at the old coot could see that even if he was old, he was in amazing shape. The old berserker had to, he ruled his own village now, such a ruler needed strength. Aside, from this The Iron Hammer had decided to sit, and conserve his energy, this was done through drinking. It, had already been five rounds of mead in this drinking game he was in. A crowd had gathered up to see who would win, the youngster competing with him had said loudly " You may be tough, but how long can an oldie like you hold your mead? Your going down Olfrid!" . This was hilarious, obviously there was no harm in being competitive, but arrogance. This had to be toned down " I don't think so Ice brain!" . Rounds continued, who would win?

 

[Judah Lesan]

[member="Olfrid The Iron Hammer"] [member="Ærin Firebrand"] [member="Saga Björk"]

When Edd's eyes finally fell upon Saga's form, he smiled. It was the first time he had seen her dressed as she was. While the dress was not as fancy as some, it suited her, made her look even more radiant than she was. His eyes said it loudly as they she closed the distance between them. Eddval moved to her as well, closing the distance, and offered her a nod.

His attire was not as dressy as others either. All kinds of dress could be seen here, and it was acceptable. The occasion was about the holiday, not who dressed the best. Though to some it seemed to be about who could drink the most. Edd didn't even care about that. His thoughts were on the woman who stood before him, a free woman for a night.

"You look beautiful,' he said not bothering to answer he question right away. "It is a good day, and our presence has only made it better. I am happy you chose to celebrate with me today when you could have chosen others."

He could have gotten after her about referring to him so formally, but he didn't dare. Not today, today she was free to call him whatever she wished. An offered arm was extended to Saga. She was free to accept it. For tonight no one would look down upon her for thinking to aspire to the company of Eddval Ragnarson. As they moved, Edd's eyes fell upon a familar Valkyr, and he pointed her out to Saga.

"Shall we say hello m'lady?"

 

[Alleycat]

"You are too kind," Saga replied to [member="Eddval Ragnarson"] with a blushing smile as they stood facing each other, close due to the crowded nature of the hall, then she added with sincerity as her blue gaze met his intensely. "There is no one else I would rather spend this special day with but you, Edd."

A roar of laughter and boasting caught the dirty blonde slave girl's attention as she spotted where the jovial conduct was coming from. Drinking games were plentiful today and it seemed [member="Olfrid The Iron Hammer"] would be winning one shortly as the older Chieftain slammed another mead down his gullet. She was so glad not to be serving the honey wine today.

When Eddval pointed out the red-haired shieldmaiden, a delighted smile came to her face as Saga had not been able to chat freely as much as she would liked with [member="Ærin Firebrand"] that day the offworlders had come to visit.

"Yes, indeed we should," Saga nodded, then the young couple made their way over to where Aerin was at the moment.

"Greetings, m'lady. It is a pleasure to see you again. Is you sister, [member="Inger Strömfire"], here with you as well?"


[member="High King Beorlund"] [member="Farnyr"] [member="Lok Jorunn"] [member="Balgruf Lothbrok"] [member="Bryndís Silvertide"] [member="Buliwyf Jarhulda"] [member="Darren Shaw"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Ásbjörn Olafsson"] [member="Bjornveld Skjoldsen"] [member="Impetus"] @all other Valkyri

 

[Olfrid The Iron Hammer]

Alas! The drinking game was won, his opponent after his twentieth drink fell flat on his butt. Many thought The Iron Hammer would as well, but it seemed to many that he was not even drunk. This was true, it would take double what his opponent had to even come close to being drunk! The old clan leader's reputation was defended, he had been doing this for a long time, and could definitely keep up with the others at any contest . After winning, the Valkyri gave a wide smile to the festival. It was well planned, and conducted, his eyes came to Eddval Ragarson , a very young Yarl, it seemed he had a lady friend with him as well. Obviously, Eddval was slightly more powerful considering he had more land , and warriors. It would be best to get to know him, if Olfrid wanted to be the next High King some day it would be best to have powerful friends and allies. Otherwise, plainly said regardless of his physical prowess he may as well be screwed. He slugged his way to the group casually, it was time to talk " Excuse me, but are you Yarl Eddval? If so, I would like to introduce myself friend.". The fearless warrior paused " I am Olfrid chieftain of clan battle born , maybe you have not noticed. But, we are neighbors up south of your hold." . It would only be smart to let Eddval speak now, if Olfrid continued talking it would sound bossy, this could not happen. Hence, ally hunting has always been hard for him.


[member="Eddval Ragnarson"]
[member="Saga Björk"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Eddval Ragnarson | Saga Björk | [member="Olfrid The Iron Hammer"]​

​

Her head turned at the greeting and a smile crossed her face. Aerin remembered their faces from the mead hall when they encountered to strangers for Mandalore .. such strange beings they where indeed. "It is a good eve indeed and well met", she said as she bowed her head slightly toward the girl. "It was unfortunate that we did not have opportunity to speak more that night, but I do remember you both", she now turned to Eddval.

"The festivities are grand indeed .. and I do believe we celebrate you day of birth. I have something for you", she reached deep into her vast sleeves of her dress and reveled her gift. She laid the dagger across her palms and presented the gift to Eddval with a slight bow of the head. "I hope it is to your liking".

Speaking to Saga once more, "I do hope my Sister will be here", she smiled uncertain now of her whereabouts, which gave Aerin an air of concern. "Forgive me but I do not recall if you told me your name back in the mead hall". She asked the girl with a little embrassment.

Her attention now turned to another that approached the small group. An older man it appear and one she had not met. "Greetings Olfrid, I am Aerin Firebrand of Clan Sabina also to the south". She offered her introduction after his.

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Were it not for the fact I was expected to be here, I could have taken you to your family, so on a day you were free to choose, you honor me greatly with your presence," he reaffirmed before pressing a kiss to her forehead, not caring who saw as it was so crowded no one really would.

Saga was quick to say hello after Edd pointed out the redhaired Valkyr they had met in mead hall some time ago. It always surprised Eddval how people seemed to know the business of others. He was likely not the only one who celebrated his life day in conjunction with the yuletide. Still the gesture was appreciated, and the dagger accepted with a nod.

"It will serve me well, of that I have no doubt. Your gift and generosity are very appreciated."

There had not been more time for further words as a rather large Valkyr, the one who had drinking a lightweight under the table, introduced himself following an inquiry. Edd was not sure if this was a benefit to being responsible for most of the mead production on all of Midvinter or not. At least he was not yet in the position to be able to forge such an alliance, as Edd had not yet replaced his father, Christer as Earl and Chieftain of Reykjaa.

"Well met Olfrid, but you confuse my position with that of my father Ragnarson the Elder. Yet I am Eddval Ragnarson, and I cannot say I have ventured south much. My business keeps me in Reykjaa or here in Thaínbroek," Eddval said being very honest. Then he let something slip which was sure to be a surprise to Saga. [/color=blue]"I have a trip planned up north to visit the port we control in Hüsavik, perhaps when my business is finished there I will have to make a visit to the south. I am sure my father could spare myself and Saga for a day or two more."[/color]

[member="Saga Björk"] [member="Olfrid The Iron Hammer"] [member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Olfrid The Iron Hammer]

[member="Eddval Ragnarson"]
" I apologize for the confusion" . Olfrid paused seeming very embarrassed before responding to the offer, " I very much appreciate it, I will begin planning a glory proving for your arrival. It is clan tradition, to honor a special celebration, having met such a figure as yourself honors me." . While, he may not be in power yet, it would be nice to meet someone new. Especially a fellow warrior, Olfrid could tell be Eddval''s body type that he could most likely hold his own. "Would you three like a drink?" . The conversation was one of the more interesting ones in the festival, not many people have heard of him, or his small clan, except neighbors, and the High King. Yet, they showed him respect, something very rare from the higher ups. So, The Iron Hammer decided this is where he would spend the remaining hours of the festival.