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10:59, 10th May 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Posted by FateFor group 0
Fate
GM, 8509 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Mon 20 Nov 2023
at 08:26
  • msg #1

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

For Sasikia ...

It was a stormy and gloomy night and the veil between this world and the next was at it's thinniest.  It was nights like these that things passed between.  When the supernatural might come to visit, and the mortal get lost in worlds not of these familiar lands... or... so the story went around the campfires.

Sasikia was spending some time at a Fairy Fort near Laytown.  It was a sort of halfway community, where the mortals and the Sidhe could meet to do business and enjoy each other's company.  It was also a defensive holding that the Sidhe relied on for shelter and comfort.

Hallow's Eve was one of these occassions that had the defensive earthmound bustling with activity.  She had done as she was bid, delivering some messages, and purchasing some wares for her house, and her time at the moment was her own.  Presuming she spent it responsibly and didn't lose the parcel of purchases she'd made all would be well.

At the moment she was sharing the fire and company of strangers as eerie tales and spooky stories were passed around to pass the time and entertain.  Sasikia had been granted permission to stay over at Ringfort which was only a few leagues travel from home.

While there was a good bit of pranks and tricks going around, treats were in abundance too not the least of which were the s'mores toasting and melting at the fires.  The Sidhe had a sweet tooth, and the occassion was want to highlight there specialty.

Much exhausted and in good cheer she retires for the eve, content for the moment.  The parcel beneath her head as a pillow and her travelling cloak pulled over to stay warm and she snoozes on her travelling bedding.

Perhaps listening to a tale or two, too many, she has a nightmare.  She wakes in a cold sweat.  The blur of Blackbloods, and nightmarish things assailing a city fortress.  It does not end well for the city fortress.  She wakes in a clammy sweat that leaves her shivering on the cold eve.

"YES! YES!  A THOUSAND TIMES!  YES!  How many nights have passed... weeks... months...  squandered away in pointless pursuits and activites!", Saskia sees nothing amiss, but there is a very loooooud voice and insistent voice that feels like howling wind in her ears.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 92 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Mon 20 Nov 2023
at 19:30
  • msg #2

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia awoke with a start.  The dream had been so frighteningly real.  Too real.  She could feel the perspiration on her hands and back despite the evening chill.  A slight moan emanated from her burgundy lips even as one of her hands went to rubbing her temples and forehead.  The other hand instinctively went out to steady herself and then to check for her package-turned-pillow.

Plus, the reverberations of the booming voice were still echoing in her ears - not giving her a moment's peace.

"Wh-Who's there?" the young redhead ventured, bleary-eyed and with her voice trembling.  Saskia's wavering tone betrayed the fear she felt as the disorientation of just waking up mingled with the lingering dread from the vivid vision she'd experienced only moments before.

At this point, Saskia felt the best she could hope for that it was only a pixie or brownie play a simple prank,  But on this night - of all nights - with the Veil so very, very thin, anything might have come through and be wreaking havoc upon the land.

"Show yourself..." the frightened scion of Morrigan urged her unknown assailant, half-pleading since the unknown was far more terrible than the knowing.
Fate
GM, 8514 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Mon 20 Nov 2023
at 21:51
  • msg #3

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

The blur of a shadow, a vague silhouette perhaps against the Luna's good graces to shine upon the night to keep Nyx from holding full sway during these hours.  Tonight off all nights Saskia thought she appreciated her presence.

"Uvitende tosk...", it was a low grumbling voice thick with an accent that Saskia found hard to place.  One of the numerous Euro dialects she thought.

"The world you know of is in danger and you sleep like the dead without a care in the world.", there was a bitter grief to the man's voice.

The vague silhouette moves, shifting and shimmer in the uncertain light like water off a lake who's water has been disturbed.  He was a big man... a really big man.  Large enough to set you to unease.

"We have the luck or curse... to be bound to one another.  I loathe to admit it, but i need you and know it or not... You and all you hold dear, need me too.", he shambles forward a little more.  It's a thing that looks closer to the dead than the living.  A body that has been hacked up by a dozen lethal looking wounds that she can see and hints of dozens more that she can only guess at.


"I... am Vǫlundr... Vǫlundr Amundrson...", he pauses for a moment marveling at the sound of his voice again.  How long it has been since he's been able to hear his own voice in any form.  For Saskia, she marvels that he can speak at all with a jaw that looks like it was dislocated and lips that has been flayed and scarred by what looks like a skull rending blow to the face by a long bladed injury of some sort.

"I will be heard... one way or another.", Volundr stares at you intensely with his one boogling eye, the other eye socket a void blood mess where the eye had been gouged out by some injury or another.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 93 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Tue 21 Nov 2023
at 00:54
  • msg #4

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

A sharp, startled intake of air was accompanied by the hand that had been massaging her temples covering her mouth.  Saskia stared wide-eyed at the hulking apparition.  "Vǫlundr..." she breathed with palpable tension and fear.  Yet, the name sounded or rather felt so very familiar, "What are you?"  Her green eyes could not pull themselves away from looking at the massive apparition of stitched flesh sewn hastily together; the pull of morbid fascination held her gaze.  Unwavering and relentless.

"We are linked?" she ventured, feeling the edge of an adrenaline surge coming - the uptick in heart rate and the sheen of perspiration on her fingertips, "How do you mean?  You cannot be an ancestor of mine..."  It was inconceivable to her fifteen year old mind that this ... thing ... was related to her.  And yet, she knew in her heart of hearts that the truth had been spoken.  That something linked them.  Her heart raced as the varied and conflicted emotions roiled inside of her.

She pursed her lips, for the dead ... and the fey ... and seemingly whatever this abomination was, were allowed to crossover on This Night.  The Veil was thin indeed.  Saskia felt the need to stand; even if this creature was bigger than her, perhaps she might be able to outrun it - it seemed rather ungainly.  But more than that, she needed to take a different perspective.

For looks could be deceiving.  And on this of all night's the dead would need to be heard.  Her brow furrowed, "Say your piece, Vǫlundr.  So, that you might have peace.  Why have you come to me, sought me out?  And what must be done to allow you to rest?"  For right now, she still considered him a restless spirit.  Yet, the harsh defiance in her voice was just a brittle facade around the gnawing fear that lay beneath.
Fate
GM, 8515 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Tue 21 Nov 2023
at 05:46
  • msg #5

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"I ... am an Einherjar... or perhaps... more accurately, was...", there was a pause as he considered that.  You have no idea what an Eiherjar is... maybe Zander might know... failing that there was always the Misty Valley Library, "Now... i am perhaps a herald of warning to act.  Act and perhaps await the fate of the end of all days."

That one unblinking eye balls stares at you, which is a little unnerving, "I can say with certainty that I am no ancestor of yours... though I can not say that you perhaps may be one of mine.", he seems to contemplate that for a moment.

"The weaver's tapestry has come undone.  All the threads of our days... your days... will be cut.  No more will threads be added to the tapestry of all.  Unless... I can stop it... unless WE can stop it.  As you can see... i have no body fit to serve me.  I have need of a fit strong body worthy of an Einherjar to do battle once again.  Instead... I am left with this soft ... mewling... girl child... Dark days ahead of us i forsee...", Saskia... might not be sure, but she's pretty sure she was just backhandedly insulted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:47, Tue 21 Nov 2023.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 95 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Wed 22 Nov 2023
at 06:49
  • msg #6

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia really tried to keep it together.  It was All Hallow's Eve, the Veil was thin.  But she couldn't handle being berated by whatever this things was without provocation.  "This... this has to be a joke." she muttered, casting about and looking for the youth or fey that had her under its spell.

But seeing none, her gaze returned to the mutilated monstrosity that was addressing her.  "What are you talking about?" her volume was rising unconsciously, as agitation filled her with dread, "What the hell is an Einherjar, Vǫlundr?  And what do you mean the 'End of Everything'?!?  And that we have to stop it?"  Her sixteen year-old psyche couldn't quite comprehend what that might really mean; as far as she was concerned Saskia and her friends were still protected by the invulnerability of youth.  Hell, Clotilde had already cheated death at least once (even if she'd been gifted with a festering wound that refused to heal fully).

She clutched her head, as she tried to make sense of all the random babble, "And you aren't my ancestor because I'm yours?  What the hell does that mean?"  Her green eyes narrowed, "Like you're supposed to be from the future?"  The skepticism peaked, "Yeah, right..."

But then the vivid memory of the collapsing Norse long hall and fiery giants approaching pushed into her vision unbidden - just like on the night of her vigil, the night of her dedication to Luna.  Saskia stifled a scream as she felt her body wracked with phantom sensations and bombarded with stark, visceral stimulus of anger, pain, and inconsolable grief.  "You..." she half-breathed and half-sobbed, "You're the one in my dreams."  The young redhead fell to her knees, sobbing, "You ... What do you want?"  The naked truth of Vǫlundr's proclamations confronted her, gnawing away at the barriers of reason to there expose her to the stark, brutal realities being shown to her.  Terrible and frightening visions of untold silvery skeins snipped, cajoled, and woven by impossibly dexterous hands, guided by cloaked, unseeing eyes flashed before her.  Impossible and incomprehensible things were thrust into her mind.  There to fester.  For once they were seen, they could not be unseen.

Her shoulder slumped, a slick sheen of perspiration coated skin, making it clammy and uncomfortable.  Saskia felt powerless for a long, pregnant moment.

But then her emerald green eyes looked up at the strange, ungainly apparition.  Her head lifted in defiance.  There still tears in her eyes, but there was a steely resolve as well.  "You can't have my body.  You don't want it anyways... " she croaked, lashing out in frustration and anger, "I'll have you exorcised."
Fate
GM, 8518 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Wed 22 Nov 2023
at 15:47
  • msg #7

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Vǫl...un.... dr!", the apparition all but hollers at her with thunderous volume as he enunciates each syllable of his name.

"How do you propose to exorcise me when you can not even pronounce my name properly!"

There was a pause.... a really long one as they regarded each other.  What was it that wanted anyway.  Really...

Long sighted strategic thinking... if he was being honest... was not his strong suit.  Give him an able body... a for to mangle... and the means to do it and he was happier than an Einherjar in Valhalla after a day of hacking up Blackbloods and Spawns of Nyx.

"I'm a warrior... not a talker or thinker.  Skuld... Heska... You need to find them.  They will assist you."

He leans in to look at Saskia intently, "Til then...I'll be watching.", this close... you SHOULD smell something, but instead feel a somewhat un natural chill.  The index of his right hand taps your forehead.

"Call... and... I may answer.", There is a 'whooosh' of a sudden wind blowing through the area and... he's gone as his body seem to carry along with the sudden wind and vanish as his body passes through Saskia.

She's left in a cold sweat... in a dead silent moonlit night.  The reflexive thought that this was all a horrible dream inflicted tries to ease into your thoughts to insulate your over stimulated thoughts.

'I... can... hear... you...', the vague whisper of Vǫlundr's voice echos clearly in her mind.  All the more clearer in the silent night.

At her current level, Saskia may expend mana points to appeal to Vǫlundr for assistance during a fight, new abilities will be granted at third level.  (Einherjar's Heroism)

1 mana point - Vǫlundr's Guidance - +1 to either Attack Roll or Saving Throw.  Cast as a Free or Swift action before a roll is made.  May be applied after a roll for double the mana cost.

2 mana point - Supernatural guidedstrike - +20 bonus to next attack roll, if made by end of next round .  Cast as a Standard action.  May be cast as a free action for double the mana cost.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 97 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Wed 22 Nov 2023
at 23:17
  • msg #8

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia's clenched fists trembled with frustration when Vǫlundr mocked her pronunciation and then her (admittedly) childish and hollow taunt, throwing them back (metaphorically) in her face.

Then he threatened her in his own way, making it abundantly clear that his threats were neither idle nor hollow.  Even if they were clumsy and ham-fisted, they were still effective.  She instinctively recoiled, leaning back when the apparition press forward to emphasize his point.

But to no avail, Vǫlundr was upon her in a flash.  And then he pushed himself through her.  The supernatural chill made her nauseous, painfully so.  She doubled over and tried to retch, but succeeded in only dry-heaving, the contents of her stomach from earlier in the night long digested.  She wiped the bile and spittle from her trembling lower lip.  If her body hadn't reacted so viscerally and violently, Saskia might have discounted it as a nightmare on All Hallow's Eve or a practical joke.  But this was no joke.

"Skuld. Heska." she repeated glumly.  The names were stubbornly stuck in her head and she thought that she could Vǫlundr's disembodied, distant voice laughing at her.   And even though she apparently was not alone, Saskia shuddered and pulled her cloak tightly around her.  She never felt lonelier or at more of a loss as for what to do.

She knew she couldn't tell her parents; they'd think her crazy.  And would really try to have her exorcised; but Vǫlundr wasn't a traditional spirit as far as she could tell.  Nor was this a traditional possession.  A heavy sigh caused lanky frame to tremble.  "Clo..." came to her lips unbidden.  Yes, her friends could be told; Clotilde or Mei or Victoria would know what to do.  One of her circle of friends would have a clue.

With that resolved, Saskia stood and dusted herself off.  Grabbed her package that she was supposed to deliver and trudged off into the night.  It was a long trek home; and though she was still tired, Saskia knew that she wasn't getting any more sleep tonight.  She needed to get her family's manse in Laytown and then back to Misty Valley and her friends.

"Skuld...." she repeated almost as a mantra, "Heska..."
Saskia Morrigan
player, 100 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Thu 23 Nov 2023
at 05:56
  • msg #10

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Looking haggard and feeling even worse than she looks, Saskia mumbled a 'thank you' in Gaelic to gatekeepers and stepped through the portal and into the crisp Misty Valley air.  Normally, the fresh smells and sounds of valley would fill her with joy and wash away her many worries.

But not today.  The young redhead hadn't really slept for a few days now and it showed.  Saskia was afraid of falling asleep now.  It wasn't just the dreamsnightmares of the endless waves of the dead and demons that wash over the land.  As if finding Evil was everywhere - and that the future was overrun with it.  Those were bad.

No. There was more.  More than once after a cat nap, Saskia has found herself somewhere else.  Apparently, sleepwalking is now in vogue with her.  The first time was the night she'd returned to Laytown.  While she'd fallen asleep in her bed, the next thing she knew she was stuffing her face in the kitchen and had scared both the dogs and Maeve, one of their servants, half to death with her demands.  The lack of sleep had made her more irritable and sullen than normal for the teenaged redhead; that night she raided the liquor cabinet and got properly drunk in an attempt to sleep until dawn.  It succeeded (she thinks), but the next day's hangover was terrible.

She blew and errant lock of red hair from her face as she cinched the straps of her pack tighter and set down the path towards Northshire.  With any luck, she'd find one (or more) of her friends along the way.  She knew she was early for the weekend, but such was the dire straits that she found herself experiencing.  She so dearly needed a familiar face to talk to.

The scion of House Morrigan pushed on towards Northshire planning to stop at the wayside inn along the way.
Fate
GM, 8523 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Thu 23 Nov 2023
at 13:43
  • msg #11

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Over the next few days (and nights) Saskia doesn't get much sleep.  In her waking moment she can sense that she's not alone and that eyes are upon her.

Worse when wariness seems to overtake her and she edges towards sleep, she can almost feel him waiting for her in the shadows of her mind.

You arrive at the gate... sometime later... and you just pay the toll to get to the Misty Valley, you dont have the focus of thought at the moment to take yourself there.

It's 'Friday' by the time to you get to the Misty Valley.  You're actually... early.

You've barely had any sleep over the last three nights.  Look snatches here and there, a fitful catnap there.  When you do give in to the irrepressible urge to sleep you always awake regretting it.  It's dark... ever so dark... a world without light... hordes of Black Blood prowl the land outmatted only by the Spawn of Nyx that rove the night looking for what entertainment they might find in it.

You always awake screaming feeling more exhausted than when you slept.  You feel better during the day.  To walk in the day light... even if it is a gloomy turn of the seasons, feels infinitely better than the nights or worse your nightmares.


The thread ... unofficially ... opens at this point.  Subject to whoever Saskia looks for (or just plain runs into at this point).  I'm keeping to the belief that no 'serious' adventuring will take place till after the holidays, and if people are enjoying the roleplaying i might extend it some more.
Fate
GM, 8527 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Sat 25 Nov 2023
at 14:33
  • msg #12

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia arrives at the Northshire Inn, and Miranda gives the Inn Keeper gives her a concerned look.  Food and Drink is brought over and put in front of her without Saskia evening asking for it.

None of Saskia's childhood friends seemed to be about, likely they were still sleeping off the sugar induced comas from the booty gained from Hallow's Eve, or more likely preparing for the Autumn Festival which was just around the corner.

The language and culture she was dealing with was completely new and strange to Saskia, though her friends were rather diverse in culture, and it was possible that some of them might be more in the know about what exactly she was dealing with.

She waited for them to show up.  They had shown up every other Friday, really there was no reason not expect them to miss the usual gathering tonight.  As she waited she realized... she was hungry.  Really... when was the last time she bothered to feel inclined to make a decent meal for herself?  It seemed like a really long time ago.  Actually... while she has been eating... here and there... she can't remember the last thing she actually ate.  The obvious pang in her tummy suggested now as much as any other time was a good time to indulge in the fine fare.


We are in real time initiative at this point.

You arrive in whatever order you actually post in.  If Saskia arrives first she may post her meal... mental state... or anything else she pleases to set the mood on what she looks like as you arrive, else you  may presume she looks like she's been moonlighting as a hobo...
Saskia Morrigan
player, 105 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Sun 26 Nov 2023
at 06:18
  • msg #13

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Haggard.  That probably best described how Saskia looked at this point in time.  She had her parade armor on, though it looked slight worse for wear this time.  She'd obviously not bothered to wipe it down - and the roads must have been extra muddy (and dusty) on this trip.  Her boots were scuffed and caked with mud, while her hair was rough and tumble.  An attempt had been made to pull it back, into a pony tail - but that must have been a while ago as plenty of locks had escaped their restraints had fell haphazardly about the cheeks and neck.

Saskia gratefully accepted the offered food.  She tried to thank Miranda, but suspected that it had mostly come out as a grunt.  Her stomach was rumbling, but she'd been denying filling it until Northshire since the hunger pangs helped to keep her awake and gave her a focus away from the dreadful nightmares and overwhelming fatigue.  Of course, such measures only worked for so long.  As she tucked into the bread, cheese, and stew, Saskia savored the flavors.  The sensation was a strange mix; on the one hand, it was comforting - the Inn's fare was hearty and familiar.  But there was a touch of alien glee and surprise as though the tastes were being felt for the first time in a very long time (or perhaps ever) since such spices and sensations had hit her tongue.  Everything old is new again... she mused silently to herself, knowing that she wasn't really alone.  Truly cold comfort, in these trying times.

Her eyes continually darted towards the door whenever anyone new arrived.  The redheaded healer had to temper her disappointment when it wasn't one of her friends.  She felt as if her heart would burst, if she didn't get to talk to someone about her predicament soon.  But for the moment, Saskia had to keep it bottled up inside.

Which was probably nothing new.  She'd been seemingly doing it for a few months now...
Zander Val Banjur
player, 129 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sun 26 Nov 2023
at 08:55
  • msg #14

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander tosses open the door with no small amount of excitement.  He scans the hall for his friends.  It's still early, but he couldn't wait 'til later when the whole crew was more likely to be around.  Luckily, Saskia is there.

"Heeeeeeeeyyyy, guess what I found." he says, covering the distance from the door to Saskia's table in three springy bounds.

His ever-present guitar is slung over his shoulder, and he's holding the handle of a small, covered basket in his other hand.

"I found it in the stables this morn... afternoon," he corrects.

"Guess what it is.  Guess, guess, guess!"
Saskia Morrigan
player, 107 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Sun 26 Nov 2023
at 23:10
  • msg #15

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia was always amazed by Zander's boundless enthusiasm.  But then the flaxen-haired bard was in his element, whereas the red-headed healer was ... well, she was uncertain of just what her element was.  She'd always been torn between the two worlds.  And now she was torn between (at least) three.  A wan smile touched her burgundy lips and she finished chewing her latest mouthful of stew as she thought.  "Uh," she ventured tentatively trying not to let her weariness poke through and stalled with, "That can't be the Rod of Sol just abandoned in a barn..."

The teen healer blew an errant lock of flame-red hair from her face, then asked, "Is it puppies?  Or kittens?"  Saskia was well aware that the small basket was not nearly large enough to hold even one puppy or kitten most likely.
Clotilde
player, 109 posts
Mon 27 Nov 2023
at 01:31
  • msg #16

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Clotilde/Heska arrived and was dreading the meeting. Clotilde's sleep had been restless, she was having flashbacks to a life that she couldn't remember. The other person in her could though, and for the past few nights her dreams had been about riding her flying horse that she knew was named Frialdana, and battling the Jotun of Jotunheim and Muspellshiem in glorius battle, spear in one hand, reins of the horse in the other. She could smell the fires in the mead hall, and hear the camaraderie of her fellow female warriors. There were pangs of longing that followed those moments, as if they could never be, There had been other things as well, dreams of fire and a large tree that she didn't recognize that had doorways to other worlds, being demolished and consumed by a large wolf and snake. It had been like this for a few months now. Sometimes Clotilde couldn't remember what she'd done what had happened for a long period of time, as if she wasn't present in her own body for periods of time. Her grasp on her reality was tenuous, and she'd been told by others around her that she seemed distant at times, as if she weren't there. For Heska's part, she was getting used to the new body she was in, and was finally learning how Clotilde's fighting style, the weapons she wielded, and the quickness of her new body. It was not strong like her prior body, but was much more flexible and definitely more agile. She was also dark haired, and had a more feminine physique. Heska's old body was muscular, and strong, not lithe and wiry, and it had taken some getting used to.

She was tired. So it was when she entered the establishment that there were dark circles under her eyes. She spied Saskia, and she looked about the same. She saw Zander as well, and made her way to them.
Kristi
player, 36 posts
Mon 27 Nov 2023
at 03:54
  • msg #17

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Fate leads many places and that is why Kristi since coming to this new world has let it take the lead on everything she does.  Although one may think that it is also that she is too clueless to follow signs.  Still be that as it may right now she is on a mission to find whatever it is that she is supposed to find.

As such in font of her is the Northshire inn.  And at the time she was facing north so this just seemed another piece of the path in front and as such one would not want to ignore that.  So Kris entered into the inn.  Maybe she would luck out and would be able to perform.  Maybe she would luck out and whatever it is that brought her here would jump out in front of her.  And what does she see...attractive people.  She liked attractive people as they were pretty.  And well she thought she was pretty too so why not take a chance.

It was then she realized she was so in her own head that she recognized those people and as such shook her head to clear the distractions and come to focus and approaches the table of Saskia and smiles, "Do you mind if I take a seat?"  She asks ever polite and happy there will likely be no yelling back.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Mon 27 Nov 2023.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 130 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Mon 27 Nov 2023
at 07:49
  • msg #18

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander is surprised and pleased.

"Wow, you're good.  Got it on the first try."

He sets the basket down in the middle of the table and lifts the cover.  Up pokes the tiny head of a black kitten.  A paw plants on the rim of the basket and its blue eyes look around with curiosity, but no fear at all.

"A little black kitten.  Just one.  Sorry," he apologizes as if he had mis-filled an order for a whole litter.  "Isn't that the perfect thing right after All Hallows Eve?"

The kitten looks over at the rock artist.  He gives her a small *boop* on the nose.

When Clotilde arrives and shuffles over, Zander slides a chair out for her with his foot.  She looks exhausted, which wasn't uncommon for her these days.  They must really be working Clotilde hard at the temple.  Zander is glad he isn't an adept or priestess or temple guardian (guardianess?).  Life in the fast lane is tiring enough without a bunch of responsibility and duty to...  Is it Luna?  No that's Saskia's god.  Wait, maybe it's Chlotilde's god.  No, he distinctly remembers Saskia going on about The Bright Lady.  Then again, he is pretty sure the temple at the fort is a temple to Luna.  Zander shakes his head, confused.  Better not to bring it up.

"Hey Chloe!  Look who I found."

He ruffles the kitten's fur playfully and rubs behind both ears at once.  The kitten lets out a squeak not easily heard over the relatively quiet background noise of the still mostly empty pub.

"Her name is Lizzy."

It's just then that Kristi walks through the door, looking to all the world like she just stepped into a den of strangers for the first time.  That will not do.  These two young ladies are more than capable of looking after a squirmy fuzzball, so he leaves them to it and goes to greet Kristi with a big hug.  It occurs to Zander that his favorite orphan is more than a bit kittenish herself, but more in a hot way.

"Come meet Lizzy," he says, taking a quarter step back after the hug.  This girl has no need for personal space, so he tends to stand closer to her than would with others to make her feel comfortable.

"Oh, and I've got a special, spooky graveyard song for tonight if you want to sing a duet.  I've been just dying to play it," putting a campy All Hallows sound to the word 'dying'.

He unshoulders the guitar and plays a few haunting bars of the song as they walk to Saskia's table.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:50, Mon 27 Nov 2023.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 89 posts
Shrine Maiden
Tue 28 Nov 2023
at 03:01
  • msg #19

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Good Evening All...", Mei shows up in her Hallow's Eve 'costume'.

It was the traditional robes of a daughter of Creed.  Long black robes, with accents of white here and there.  [sort of like a nun, but with out the head wear?]  It was rather odd, but she blended in more naturally dressed like this than her normal attire, and decided to try wearing it for 'everyday wear' to see if it would make blend in more.

"A new tune to regale us with then Zander?", she does a brief headcount to see who's about and who's missing, "It seems i'm not last for once."

Mei waves a waitress down, "The same as her...", she orders some food pointing to Saskia's meal.  Knowing this bunch it was best to get a head start on food before getting too deep into regaling with Zander.

"Hopefully we all had more treats than tricks this Hallow's Eve?"
Victoria Edenburg
player, 194 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 05:39
  • msg #20

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Not so many treats, a few tricks."  She looked at Zander, daring him.  She had been less than stellar the last outing, and she wanted more.  Or something more.  She stood and beckoned, using her fingers to encourage him.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 131 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 07:42
  • msg #21

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Though unsteady on her feet, the kitten is a little bundle of energy and curiosity.  Lizzy tumbles out of the small basket and goes from Chlotilde to Kristi and back again, not lingering for more than an instant or two.  There is too much else to see and smell.  She briefly visits Sa Mei before trotting towards Saskia, stumbling along the way.  She gets up and hisses at the redhead before sniffing Saskia's plate.


At Mei's and Victoria's beckon Zander starts playing a tune that sounds a little too cheerful for a spooky All-Hallows song.  It is, however, somewhat entrancing.  His lack of setup with Kristi makes it clear that this is not yet the duet he spoke of.  Merely something to keep his restless friends entertained.

"Sun light fall"
"down on the fields."
"Sun light fall"
"down over me."
"Work all day."
"Be all that I can be."

There is no rough edge to the fluid harmony his voice weaves with the strings.  The song is soothing and disarming.  He walks up to Victoria while playing and draws her eyes to his own.  Not all performance is musical or lyrical.

"Haunted love is all that I feel"
"when you're passing by."
"Haunted love is all that I see."
"It's there in your eyes."
Sara
player, 29 posts
Thu 30 Nov 2023
at 20:50
  • msg #22

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Sara slides in without too much of an ado. Her dress is unchanged from her normal garb. She had never been one to celebrate this holiday. Making jest of the darkness that haunts the night felt reckless and disrespectful. The faintest hint of disapproval crosses over her face when she sees those who had partaken of pretending to be something they were not. She carefully breathed in, doing all she could to banish judgement from her face. With any luck none of the would've glimpsed her thoughts expressed through her brow.

She takes a seat quietly and begins to act as if she had always existed in the space.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 195 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Sat 2 Dec 2023
at 04:50
  • msg #23

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria hadn't really dressed for Hallow's Eve.  Her dress was more Aericel's idea, dark blue with silver shots of lightening woven in.  She had used silver on her eyebrows, and but a bit of black and silver together for her lipstick.  Not obnoxious, but striking.

She stood, staring at him, pointing at him as if to draw him in.  And mimicking him, she sang...

"No, no, no, don't pass me over,
No, no, no, don't pass me by,
See I can see good things for you and I..."

And she licked her lips.  Almost a tease.  He could tease, so could she.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 111 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Sat 2 Dec 2023
at 17:37
  • msg #24

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia was glad to see all of her friends here.  It was heartening, even if the thumping in her chest was not due to the proximity of her childhood friends.  Her hand snaked over to give Clotilde's a quick squeeze; it was difficult to see her close friend and paramour in such a similar downtrodden state.  And she would have to loved to have spoken with her in private on so many things.  Her mouth was suddenly dry; so, she slaked it with a swig of mead.  So many things she'd wanted and needed to say to her.

But now was not the time.

Her gaze passed over the small black cat.  When her hand passed close, Lizzy had hissed at her proximity.  Cats are half in the Spirit World already. the disheveled redhead mused to herself, recalling what her father ... or was it Vǫlundr ... had said, No matter.  A piece of meat from her bowl made it onto the table next the bundle of dark fur.  She'd figure out what to do about Lizzy at some point.

But now was not the time.

Looking at Mei, a nod passed to the rather austere black garb.  Black as Saskia's mood.  But that could not be helped.  Such was the burden she was carrying, it seemed.  Saskia blew an errant lock of red hair from her face and wondered if the priestess could see the conflict within her.  She probably should talk to Mei about her condition - she knew that her parents and siblings thought that she was going crazy with the hereditary Lunar Madness that ran in her family.  And perhaps that was part of it, but Saskia knew there was more.  Much more.  And Mei could likely help her to understand it better.  Mei could help.

But now not was the time.

Sara quiet gaze drew her attention and Saskia's eyes darted towards her.  Her burgundy lips parted in greeting.  And she wanted to say more, but thought better of it for the moment.

For now was not the time.

Zander's boundless energy made Saskia smile.  At least, inwardly.  She stuffed another mouthful of stew into her gullet as she watched the golden-haired bard greet Kristi and then start harmonizing with Victoria.  She'd always loved her companion's antics.  It helped to draw people out of their shells.  It'd worked on Saskia long ago.  And now as seeming to work on Victoria and Kristi.  Both had seemed distant in their own ways.  Both resistant to opening up.  She enjoyed watching Zander work, for not all magic was arcane or divinely inspired.  Some of it was purely personal.  Another mouthful of stew to try and calm the butterflies in her stomach, while she let the singing and harmonizing play out.

Her own thoughts turned to how she'd bottled everything up recently.  Deflecting her brothers.  Avoiding her parents.  Lying to herself.  The grating voice in the back of her head that seemed to be judging her every move.  Saskia felt pulled in too many directions at once.  It had to stop.  Something had to be done.

And now was that time.

Saskia took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled.  The tight grip on her spoon relaxed and she finished chewing the last mouthful of stew.  Her gaze swept over her gather companions, "I... It's good to see all of you."  Behind her haggard eyes, a glimmer of pure and genuine affection for all of her childhood friends shown through as she continued, "There's ... Here's the thi..."  The redheaded Lunite stumbled over the words a few times before, forcing herself to settle and center.  All the time, Vǫlundr's condescending glare tickled the hairs on the back of her neck.  "We need to talk." she was finally able to choke out, then swallowing hard, "There's this man, " though she knew that the Einherjar was not a mere mortal, "that needs me to do this thing.  He's ... he's following me all the time.  I ... I need all of your help."
Sara
player, 30 posts
Sun 3 Dec 2023
at 14:43
  • msg #25

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

As Saskia begins to describe her troubles, Sara is quick to scan the room. She takes note of every individual that is here are known to her. Then she rises and makes her way to the window. While she avoids being blatant about it, she looks out the front windows. Hugging the wall, she scans the surroundings taking note of all that are around. The presence of any costumes could make her scan more difficult, but it is not a challenge that she feels is beyond her. "What does this person look like?"
Clotilde
player, 110 posts
Sun 3 Dec 2023
at 20:36
  • msg #26

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

The touch of Saskia's hand on Clotilde, no Heska's hand brought Clotilde's fading memories to the fore, temporarily overriding Heska's. She was clearly bothered by what was going on, and needed their help it seemed with this man. What thing does he need you to do? she asked, curious.

When did he start following you? she also asked.
Kristi
player, 41 posts
Mon 4 Dec 2023
at 04:32
  • msg #27

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Kristi for the most part was focused on the kitten and didn't really even notice anything else yet as she might have partaken in the singing.  But kitten is way more important at this point.

She was also dressed up or attempted to to the best of her ability.  She was cosplaying a skin from a popular game called league of legends and although she could not pull off the multiple tails she thinks she nailed the outfit.  It takes a little while for her to refocus on the rest of the world and realizes not only that there was singing but one person was asking for help.  Also she also realized she had not ordered food yet and she was kind of hungry but that could wait.




"Whatever you need I will happily help with no questions asked."  Kris said to Saskia being completely honest and without question such as is the trusting nature that is her.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 132 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Mon 4 Dec 2023
at 08:58
  • msg #28

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander is unexpectedly pleased that Victoria knows the words to the song.  No chimes and miracles needed.  Had he played it here at the inn or in the graveyard many months ago?  He is even more pleased at how flirty she acts during the song.  A most excellent development, even if it might be just part of the performance.  Oh yeah.  This, Zander could get used to.

"Give, I can give love and attention."
"Give, I can give all time away."
"Only to one heart I can give today."
"Hey hey, hey hey"

They sing the chorus together this time.

"Haunted love is all that I feel"
"when you're passing by."
"Haunted love is all that I see."
"It's there in your eyes."


When the song is over, Zander goes back to the table.  He only catches pieces of the conversation.  It sounds troubling.

"What's this I hear about a stalker?" he asks Saskia.

This creep must be a new problem.  Saskia was fine last time they met.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 90 posts
Shrine Maiden
Tue 5 Dec 2023
at 13:54
  • msg #29

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Mei gives Zander a 'look', was Zander... pressuring Saskia somehow?

"Zander... is certainly suspicious...  clueless even...  but... i think he's misunderstood most of the time...  Zander have you been... misbehaving again?"

It was a fair assessment of how things usually went down on Friday Night Karaoke.  The man seemed to need attention like most people needed air.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 133 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Tue 5 Dec 2023
at 19:08
  • msg #30

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

As is often the case, Zander isn't really sure what Mei is talking about, but he rolls with it.

"Always misbehaving," he says giving Mei a wink.

As he turns his attention back to Saskia the little black kitten pounces on the hand he's resting on the table and starts playfully biting and pawing his pinky finger.  It's OK.  The bites aren't breaking the skin and it's his strumming hand, not his chord hand.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 196 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Wed 6 Dec 2023
at 02:05
  • msg #31

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria blushes with the end of the song, enjoying herself.  She had spent too much time buried in her mixing and such, and getting back out was fun.  Frankly, and she hated to admit it, Zander was fun.

She follows him to the table and just barely hears the end of the conversation.  She frowns.  "Did I miss something?  Everyone looks so very serious.  Except Zander."
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 91 posts
Shrine Maiden
Thu 7 Dec 2023
at 15:37
  • msg #32

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

It was hard to take Zander seriously.  Saskia had known Zander for as long a Mei has and knew that while he was... 'forward' at times, it was harmless... mostly.

"Saskia seems to have a stalker issue... though it appears it isn't Zander so i'm uncertain who else she might have as a stalker?"
Kristi
player, 42 posts
Fri 8 Dec 2023
at 02:30
  • msg #33

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Hearing the serious tone Kris under her breath sings a tune as well to try and lighten the mood.

"I see the stalker in your face."
"The secrets of your skin."
"I keep the wisdom that you need."
"The password that you want."
"I feel the stalker in your mind."
"The fire in your veins."
"No hope to be released."

And gives a smile thinking of the song and how likely it might not exist in this world or a lot of the songs stored in her brain.  She then realizes that it might be in poor taste.  "Sorry it is what jumped in my head."
Fate
GM, 8534 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Fri 8 Dec 2023
at 18:11
  • msg #34

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.



Saskia is quiet... perhaps too quiet consider she brought up the topic of the current conversation.




Saskia strikes the table with a loud thump that draws attention from about everyone.  Saskia was looking at the fist she struck, which was trembling from... emotion?  anger?  too much coffee?
Saskia Morrigan
player, 113 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Sun 10 Dec 2023
at 05:17
  • msg #35

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia had a bit of a 'deer-in-the-headlights' look; she found herself standing at the table.  The chair behind her had been pushed back, tumbling on it side with a scrape and a thud.  Her eyes darted furtively from side to side scanning her friends and then the looks from the other patrons in the common room.  She couldn't bring herself to apologize for killing the more playful mood that was developing, but the mortified and troubled expression on her soft, Irish features immediately showed how conflicted she was.

Lizzy hissed and retreated away from Saskia, hiding behind Clotilde's arm.

Her hands were trembling heavily and Saskia found that she had trouble quelling the tremors.  Saskia swallowed hard and tried hard to center herself, her face flushed red from the sudden outburst and her hands were forced down onto the table on either side of her bowl of stew.  She was fairly certain that the words, "Shut up!" had escaped her burgundy lips, uttered by her (and yet not by her).

Her green eyes were downcast as she tried to take in deep breaths, gulping down the air violently enough cause her lanky frame to shudder with each breath.

Her heart was still racing; undeterred by her efforts to slow it.  "That... that was Vǫlundr." Saskia noted hoping that she'd approximated the moniker correctly, "He's the one that is following me ..."  The beads of sweat on her face were starting to form, her forehead glistening with the sheen of perspiration.

She swallowed hard, "He's not a man... not exactly." and the vision of the shambling mockery of misshapen humanoid flesh flashed before her mind's eye unbidden.  "He's a spook or a twisted fey.  Or something.  He called himself a ... an Einja... Einherjar."   She'd nearly choked on the word, even as she searched for it.  Tears well up from her eyes as her voice cracked slightly, "He says I need to help him prevent the End of Days.  He says that I need to find someone named Skuld."  And her red hair bobbed with shudders and sobs, as more visions of burning long halls and demonic hordes led by giants with flaming swords stabbed at her vision.

"And..." her brow furrowed, "and I am looking for someone else named..." she fought to remember the second name, "Heska. I need to find Heska."

Her tear-stained eyes were raised pleading to her gathered friends, her shoulders slumped slightly.  As if exhausted from a massive exertion or adrenaline high.  A quiet whisper escaped her quivering lips, Saskia croaked, "Help me... Please, help me."
Victoria Edenburg
player, 197 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Sun 10 Dec 2023
at 05:48
  • msg #36

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria's eyes widen, and she wishes she had some of her study books from home.  "You were speaking Norsk, the Nordic language.  And it was not you.  Whomever it was, they were most cross with our... 'childish pratlling.  Those names sound Nordic as well."

She reached out a hand to grasp Saskia's own, moving to kneel in front of her.  "I will help you.  Tell me what you see.  Sometimes visions come with such things.  And if they are frightening, the fright eases with the sharing of those visions."

A complete change from her earlier ramblings, Victoria sounds both serious and suddenly as if she knows of what she speaks.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 136 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sun 10 Dec 2023
at 07:17
  • msg #37

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

At first, when it looked like Saskia was going to get uncharacteristically violent, Zander was prepared to play out some arcane sonic sedation, but things settled down quickly enough on their own.  He's glad to see Victoria taking charge of the situation.  Even though Victoria had told him months ago that she was not a prophet, here she was saying seer things again.

"Hey, I know a Skuld up in Eiswasholm.  She's pretty in a strange way with white hair and pink eyes.  Even though she looks ghostly I doubt that's who this norse haunt is looking for.  Skuld's named after one of the norns, the ladies who water Yggdrasil.  Is Heska a norn too?"

That part made sense to Zander.  If there was something wrong with the tree of life that could certainly spell the end of days.  The part that didn't make sense - why come to them with this problem?  Zander's circle of friends, as great as they were, weren't exactly save-the-world-from-end-of-days caliber.  Maybe this was another situation like the charlatans playing ghoul in the graveyard.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 92 posts
Shrine Maiden
Sun 10 Dec 2023
at 15:05
  • msg #38

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Mei frowns slightly, as she contemplates.

"I'm... rather versed... in the supernatural and things of this sort.  I can't say i've ever heard of a Einherjar...", she gives Sara a puzzled look.  While this did sound like some sort of incursion by the Wyrm, it was not one she had heard of.


Mei tilts her head and regards Zander with something of a bit of surprise and respect... as much as you can respect Zander...


"You're rather well versed in Nordic Lore..."
Clotilde
player, 115 posts
Sun 10 Dec 2023
at 16:20
  • msg #39

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

She listened to Saskia speak and the outburst startled her, but it didn't as well, at least not the other half of her. The other half of her understood every word, clear as day.

Vǫlundr she thought to herself. She knew him. That name. The valkyrie never forgot the name of anyone she'd brought to the Golden Halls.

I don't know that she began but was cut off, or at least it sounded like she was cut off, by herself.

Heska wrested control for a moment, Clotilde's memories fading, as they had been for months, only holding on for the love of Saskia, and Heska, to her credit, was not blind to the emotions, and felt for the girl's soul, but she'd already lingered on too long after her death, and her emotions were confusing Heska at this point. The memories lingered, and clouded the Valkyrie's mind at times. It was making it hard for her to assert control over this body that had been provided to her.

An  Einherjar, a fallen warrior brought to the Golden Halls of Valhalla, after a glorious death. Brought by the mighty Valkyries, so they may enjoy the fruits of the afterlife that are due to them after their glorious death in battle. His spirit is restless, for he has a task he needs to complete Heska said.

Clotilde shook her head. Where did that come from> I, I guess I do know what that is she said.

[Language unknown: Filaic,  Waekpral, na a metho atwi? Hou liutmi hase ma mint evinal?] Clotilde spoke in the tongue of the  Einherjar]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Sun 10 Dec 2023.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 114 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Sun 10 Dec 2023
at 17:24
  • msg #40

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Norsk?" the redheaded healer shook her head, "I... I don't know any Norsk."  She seemed adamant, but an undercurrent of doubt, or was it fear, tinged thet statement, "My family, those on the Emerald Isle know no Norsk..."

Yet at Victoria's prompting, Saskia's brow furrowed and her burgundy lips parted.  "I see..." she intoned and then she stiffened, "[Language unknown: Mo we, sati ivtihe ine avesetave korti peat ofhiwhtohilepr, wewiad petrit il p herandtha Ureeadal rutoutine peprth ntev tock seesev li les Ndivck Fowhpa.  A ove Riwaolre alrea o oneli Oerfortiover Sethos ove tewil Reaconted Thi naos yinlareau o."]  Her eyes glazed over, as she continued, [Language unknown: "La som al Daysanlat ichlatast t ugh Ndpebe-madi Memaan, urevcemi tedoererssta st ave la ven om ei nc andiveoveinewil eefor Ivllch.  Hi astwh ouher i evnc Ardousmen Int thsi in Menallore Notinglin.  San sa rutearderreastr trnt Dintheill stwhi li o whiwertereveort cahi ri Uranch na No!"]

[Language unknown: "Ntentiine."] Saskia, who is not Saskia, proclaimed rather deadpan, [Language unknown: "Repoti vercomers olion th fomen."]

Saskia trembled and her soft Irish lilt returned briefly. "Death." her trembling lips repeated, then continued, "I see..." a sob escaped from her, "I see the Bright Lady ripped from the sky!  Luna shattered, her shards pulled from the Heavens and cannibalized by the Enemy; consumed by hungry, unclean hands.  Her glow gone... forever ..."  Her shoulders slumped and tears welled from her eyes, a defeated, terrified shadow passing over her pale features.

She stiffened again, [Language unknown: "Skuld ilness un ngfi'beil maropl, histi sta of t prehatinence poatekca.  Omca rebefo thi ncecto di thusetnot il nteson'ionund narerillou no, tiesun an pa fi renota fiat mala caitle the iendas re ca urniilca osal si unrut ion olli Heska.  Str ugh na ect, K us nceicaprearerut trvir but, reharo os a i ble lo amesanencastine oreeenerayin o i Eenreaher The.  Ons hascomder p ithta."]

Saskia found herself grinding her teeth.  She shuddered and spoke as she exhaled, "They ... they, Skuld and her sisters, gave themselves completely to undo the the Great Weave, the Tapestry of Everything; so, that we'd have a second chance..."  She seemed stunned and spent, "He says I don't have a choice.  We don't have a choice in the matter."

Her eyes darted towards the blonde fighter, when more Norsk not uttered by her was spoken.

"Clo.." she started, barely able to make out the blonde through her blurred vision.  Then Vǫlundr pushed forward again to answer - but this time he chose a mix of languages, [Language unknown: "M o lo es hiur Heska ro Skuld.  We ntino iv tha ounc Acac'hoal Ai..."] "The Great Lich King and his endless army cannot come to power." her bright green eyes fell upon her friends ending with Zander as Saskia-not-Saskia reiterated, her tone even and barely raised above the din in the common room yet not brooking any reproach even from the blonde guitar-god, "We are tasked with Saving the World."
Zander Val Banjur
player, 137 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Mon 11 Dec 2023
at 00:36
  • msg #41

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

quote:
"You're rather well versed in Nordic Lore..."


"Oh thanks, but it's mostly bedtime story and parable stuff.  I don't know how helpful it is in the real world.  Here, I'll give you an example.  I once asked my mother 'Why do call einherjar 'He who fights alone' if they are are always fighting along side valkyries and other einherjar?'  She told me 'Because even when they fight with others they fight alone.'"

Zander shrugs and shakes his head.

"See what I mean?"

Zander recognized the language, but he couldn't understand it.  You might think Zander spoke Norsk, being born there and all, but his parents moved to The Misty Valley early in Zander's life, and they spoke only Common while here.  On his visits back to Eiswasholm, most everyone spoke Common there too.  The old languages were dying out in this new age.  That didn't bother Zander in the least.  It was a huge pain to translate songs.  Let everybody speak Common and be done with it.

Zander lost interest in what was going on pretty quickly once it was Chloe, Saskia, and Victoria babbling incoherently.

He leaned in closer to Sa Mei and said "Hey, if this goes south can you just kick this old einherjar ghost out of Saskia's body?"

He was careful to say it quietly enough that Volunder wouldn't hear, but there was a lot of shouting and raving, so he doubted the ghost was paying Zander any attention anyhow.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:08, Mon 11 Dec 2023.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 199 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Mon 11 Dec 2023
at 03:28
  • msg #42

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria was almost talking to herself. "Skuld and her sisters, gave themselves completely to undo the the Great Weave, the Tapestry of Everything; so, that we'd have a second chance."  She looked up.  "Reveaving... The web of life.  They rewove... so we could fix this."

She stood up, releasing Saskia's hand, then started wandering the tables, almost in a daze, tapping her fingers on tables as she passed.  "The web of life, cast as we are born... rewoven... to fight the Lich... an unborn reborn as a terror..."  Her words came out as if she were in a dream, repeating what she heard, reworking it in her head.  "A warrior is restless... the die is cast... we must help...  We must..."

She suddenly turned, and strode over to Saskia, putting her arms around her.  "Where do we go?  We accept this task.  Where do we go?  Where to we fight?  Where?  I, Victoria, Accept this task."
Kristi
player, 43 posts
Mon 11 Dec 2023
at 03:35
  • msg #43

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Whatever just happened went well over Kristi's head and in a way that shows that she is not as well verse in this world or of much of anything.  But in the end that is ok to her as with anything she is not unhappy being the under-learned person as there is nowhere to go but up!

So following what she was taught she listens as best she can and learns and even hopes she may understand some of what is being told.  Considering all that has happened she almost hopes a rainbow bridge opens up and she can meet some Asgardians...but in all seriousness that is unlikely.  Sadly though that is about where most of her knowledge of Norse Legends come from and she knows that is no where near the truth.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 93 posts
Shrine Maiden
Mon 11 Dec 2023
at 03:52
  • msg #44

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Mei blinks at the rapid evolution of events.

"All Hallow's Eve has passed...   Is this all some sort of post holiday prank you've arranged to tease me...?", Mei gives Sara a slightly accusatory look, was she in on this too?

"This... this... is all rather outlandish.  You should make your pranks more... believable."

[Mei calls for a disbelieve check, which... is pointless since it's all really happening.]
Saskia Morrigan
player, 117 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Mon 11 Dec 2023
at 23:47
  • msg #45

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

She clasped both Victoria and Clotilde's hands.  Clenching hard, as if afraid to let go.

"I know..." Saskia could see (and understand) Mei's skepticism, "I know, Mei.  I think that I am going crazy, too.  But, this isn't a joke.  Whatever this Vǫlundr is and whatever it wants.  It's real.  He's real.  Or real enough to cause real problems."

She said nothing about the absolute and vivid dreams that played over and over in her mind, even when awake.  Saskia knew that would just get her committed as a full-on nut job.  Which might ultimately thwart Vǫlundr, but Saskia wasn't certain what that would do to her.  Or if it was even the right thing to do.

"And I don't know how to get rid of him." the red head moaned, sitting back down and cradling her head in her own hands.

"Shut up!" she spat out.  Obviously addressing none of her friends in particular, but rather some other disembodied figure; her eyes focused on a middle distance somewhere beyond Mei and Sara and settled upon an empty space, "I told you.  They don't believe you.  Just like I don't...."  But that last sentence lacked true conviction, instead there was more an unsympathetic resignation.  It was obvious that whatever internal conflict that Saskia might be experiencing, it was weighing heavily upon her.
Clotilde
player, 116 posts
Tue 12 Dec 2023
at 00:27
  • msg #46

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

I believe him came Heska's reply, in the voice of the body that was now hers. I have seen it as well, I know full well what he speaks of. It will be the ruin of us all if we don't find some way to stop it she added.

[Language unknown: I ad Of, Bessil, Ie&#tomitheleslar. Ekar der enevit i. N ble lat allugheve strla ee intwa e ntiughsta ntul pre, u rire ulples sonei ineur e lo arelpa. La hisre ectsetion ilmi omeproate wa ncit acad ofdion k isev. It is ounwa fieau rutec som].

It's true, it is you, you've been there. I'm, I'm not ready to go yet Clotilde said, her voice shaking.

Da Jente, I wish there was another way, but the only way to get rid of Vǫlundr, as you put it, is to help him achieve his quest. We were there in the Golden Halls of Valhalla when the fates rewove the threads of time, and that wouldn't have been done if it wasn't necessary. It is your destiny, you and Clotilde, although some give more than others she said, quietly.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 202 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Tue 12 Dec 2023
at 00:49
  • msg #47

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Two vehicles, the two of you.  The old Norsk, calling out."  Victoria reached to take Clotilde's other hand, making a circle of the three.  "I will help, I will go with you.[In broken Norsk: My duty. To you.  To go.]

She swallowed.  In that moment, it was as if wheels were turning in her head, wheels that belied the youth of the Princess.

"To come to this place and time, to take these two.  The Gods and Goddesses, old and new, are speaking.  Mei, this is no prank, it is very real.  And I am am frightened.  Not for me, for my friends.  But..."

She looked at her friends her hands clasped with and it was clear she was speaking to those inside them.  "I am the Princess Victoria.  I will go with you, but you must help us, and help them.  Where do we go?  What do we need?  What can you give us?  What can you give me, to help lead?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Tue 12 Dec 2023.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 95 posts
Shrine Maiden
Tue 12 Dec 2023
at 02:05
  • msg #48

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Mei squints and looks at the three of you not quite buying it.

She's looking around to see if she's the only one with common sense on this one.

Has Zander been slipping Phil's mushrooms into everyone's food or something?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Tue 12 Dec 2023.
Kristi
player, 44 posts
Tue 12 Dec 2023
at 04:11
  • msg #49

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Kristi looks in rapt awe because if this is true, which she really thinks it is considering her experience then it is both scary and cool at the same time.  "I believe you.  And if you will let me I will join in whatever it is you need to help.  I mean fate has led me this far and in my mind fate is putting in a big sign to say this is the next path to follow."  She states in her ever so optimistic way almost vibrating with excitement but also realizing someone here is not necessarily having the best of time with it so trying to temper herself...to the best of her ability that is.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 96 posts
Shrine Maiden
Tue 12 Dec 2023
at 05:11
  • msg #50

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Mei shakes her head slightly in disbelief and leans over slightly to Zander and shakes her head and has a whispered conversation with him.

"This... doesn't sound like a ghostly possession to me.  Which is... good.  Ghost... are formidable and i dont think i could have done much.  As it is, perhaps we should take her to Fort McAlistar's shrine to be... looked over and evaluated?"

This... thing... felt infectious.  Having spread from Saskia... to Clotilde... to Victoria... to Kristi...

Was it just she, Zander and Sara of a sane mind at the moment?

"Do... you feel the urge to join them and save the world?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:12, Tue 12 Dec 2023.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 140 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Tue 12 Dec 2023
at 06:53
  • msg #51

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander smiles at and Mei confidently.

"You know I'll always be there to help my friends."

"Save the world?" he adds.  "Us?  Come on.  It smacks of cults and mind control the way our friends are acting.  If you think taking them to the temple is a good idea, I'm with you.  Shouldn't be too hard.  Chloe practically lives there."

"I just hope we can get some cider and spirits first."

The hubbub they are causing is drawing a lot of attention, but none of that attention is waitresses coming to take Zander's order, so he makes his way around to the side of the table closest to the kitchen, stands on a chair, and waves to the cutest waitress he can spot.
Sara
player, 31 posts
Tue 12 Dec 2023
at 11:58
  • msg #52

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Sara shakes her head. "Problem solving." A simple phrase, that she lets linger for a bit."If they have grown mad, that is a problem that can be dealt with. If they are enchanted or charmed, that is a problem that can be dealt with. If this is a mortal man, that is a problem that can be dealt with. If instead this is a malevolent spirit. infecting and provoking, that is a problem that must be dealt with."
Saskia Morrigan
player, 118 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Wed 13 Dec 2023
at 00:54
  • msg #53

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Heska?" emanated from Saskia's lips.  The word hung there for a moment for with the Nordic inflection, it would have had to have been the redhead's hijacker that broached the question.  Daring to believe that one of the immediate goals was within their grasp.

But then Saskia's huskier lilt intruded, the lapse in concentration or emotion allowing the jostling egos to switch, "It can't be..."  Her green eyes narrowed as her brow furrowed, "How is it possible?  Clotilde is not housing Heska..."

"The next thing we are going to discover is that Kristi is Skuld." Saskia scoffed, "And that Zander's Rod of Sol is essential to defeating the Wyrm who happens to be the current incarnation of the Lich King."  She shook her head as if to dispel cobwebs, obviously conflicted.  For while those things were obviously items she'd fabricated ... there were some things did make sense, if Heska was near.  And Saskia knew it - subconsciously, if not willing to consciously admit it.  Deep down the Truth™ gnawed at her.  She clutched Clo's hand tighter than ever.

"Silence!" the Nordic Einherjar asserted once more - and chastising what he considered is weaker and lesser self, "You know the visions.  And you know that the blonde girl has claimed to see them, too.  It is no coincidence."  Teeth were bared, "It is Fate.  And it cannot be fought."

At the mention of visiting the local shrine, Saskia-who-was-not-Saskia chuffed, "Yes.  Let's talk to your honored elders.  Perhaps they will have more sense than any of you do."  Vǫlundr seemed confident that what they would find was simply the truth as he'd related it.  They wouldn't be able to exorcise him.  No one could, since he wasn't a spirit to cast out.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 203 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Wed 13 Dec 2023
at 03:33
  • msg #54

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria frowned.  "I care not who you are, one who speaks from Saskia.  I am a Princess, and you will treat me as such.  If we go, it is under my control, understand, Norsk invader?  My Goddess protects me, and we will see justice, but we are young and not simply vassals for you to conquer.  Understood?"

She slammed her small fist down on the table.  "I command it!"
Clotilde
player, 117 posts
Fri 15 Dec 2023
at 20:26
  • msg #55

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Yes, this woman's body houses Heska, and to an extent, Clotilde Heska said, the Valkyrie's voice definitely different than Clotildes.

Clotilde fought to stay in the present, but it was a losing battle.

Yes, it explains a lot Clotilde said.

She looked at Saskia and squeezed her hand. I am sorry she said, the tears coming.

Heska rose to the fore again I remember it now. The fates spinning their threads, and I was sent spiralling back as the Golden Halls themselves were consumed in a conflagration. I arrived here in this time, just as this body was breathing it's last breath. Your friend, she died  and the fates sent me back to give this body a second chance, and to give this world a second chance. We must find the Bifrost, since I am without my trusted flying steed, that is the only way she said. Heska looked at Saskia You and her will have to have a final talk before she departs. Her soul wanes here on this plane, she is being called home. I would hope that your friends will give you two the time to say your goodbyes, I will and will not interfere while you do.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:30, Fri 15 Dec 2023.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 97 posts
Shrine Maiden
Fri 15 Dec 2023
at 21:50
  • msg #56

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"What is... Bi... frost?"
Zander Val Banjur
player, 141 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sat 16 Dec 2023
at 05:01
  • msg #57

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Bifrost could be a pair of ice sorceresses I met once.  Sisters,"  Zander says, ever-helpful.

Zander is straining to dredge up memories.  A little sweat beads on his forehead.  It's not like these memories are from long ago, he's just not the best at recalling things.

"One of them is called Snow and the other one...  Elsie?  Not sure where to start looking for these Bifrost sisters, but they had to be on the tour somewhere.  We can ask around.  Spellcasting sisters can't be that common, right?"
Kristi
player, 45 posts
Sat 16 Dec 2023
at 05:29
  • msg #58

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Where I came from there is mention of the Bifrost in a comic book I have read.  I know there is an actual myth and that the comic is mildly linked to but that is nowhere near the same thing that is being mentioned here.  But my knowledge is it is like a gateway or means of travel.  The way it was summoned in the comic was by a magic hammer called mewmew...no wait Mjolnir."  Kristi says knowing that is not helpful probably to the situation.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 142 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sat 16 Dec 2023
at 06:17
  • msg #59

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"You read this in a book by a guy who tells jokes?"
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 98 posts
Shrine Maiden
Sat 16 Dec 2023
at 11:17
  • msg #60

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Comedic... book?"

"I have to admit... this sounds like a dubious source of fiction than actual lore."
Clotilde
player, 118 posts
Sat 16 Dec 2023
at 16:00
  • msg #61

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Bifrost is a bridge that connects Midgard, the realm of mortals, to Asgard, where I once dwelled as a Valkyrie Heska/Clotilde said. Think of it as magical transportation that spans worlds.
Sara
player, 32 posts
Sat 16 Dec 2023
at 19:06
  • msg #62

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"This feels more like the influence of malevolent spirit than anything else, haunting or possession rather than any of these explanations or mass delusion."
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 99 posts
Shrine Maiden
Sat 16 Dec 2023
at 19:38
  • msg #63

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Mei thinks about that.

It was really a no win situation regardless of what the actual answer was.  A 'Prank' was the most harmless of the possible options.

"What... do you suggest we do about all this Sara?"
Saskia Morrigan
player, 120 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Sun 17 Dec 2023
at 00:15
  • msg #64

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia's head tilted to the side and her brow furrowed in a decidedly masculine way, her arms crossed in front of her chest rather nonchalantly, "Your... Highness.  You have fire in you.  But I am not your enemy."

"We..." and she motioned towards Clotilde, "... are not the enemy."

She held up an open hand in a placating gesture, "Save your bile for those that deserve it.  The Enemy has plenty of fodder for you to vent upon."  A light smile touched her lips as Vǫlundr seemed to contemplate things for a moment.

And that was the opening that her younger, feminine side needed to wrest a bit of control.  Saskia's shoulders slumped, "Clotilde?"  She glanced at the sinewy blonde fighter, "Wha ... What do you mean she's dead...?!?"  The pounding confusion in her head when Heska declared that she and not Clotilde was present, sought to drive Saskia's psyche to the brink of madness.  And the emotional wedge was all that the Einherjar needed to wriggle back into the fore.

"The girl shies from the Truth of it." the more masculine Saskia growled, but there was a hint of begrudging admiration, "but she fights on.  As all must, for now is the time to gather our strength and strike at the heart of the Enemy."

A nod sent her red hair bobbing at the mention of the Rainbow Bridge, "The Bifrost.  There's the Truth of it.  Skuld and then the Bifrost.  But Skuld first; she'll know how to untangle the skeins properly."  Any comments about comic books or twins frost sorceresses was completely ignored.  And it seemed that it had been settled that Kristi wasn't Skuld.

"Malevolent?" a light chuckle erupted from Saskia's lips with a scoff, "The Lich King and his his horde are the malevolent ones.  Heska and I are here to fight the Good Fight™."  The words and tone seemed distorted from ones that their redheaded childhood friend might use.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 204 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Mon 18 Dec 2023
at 04:00
  • msg #65

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria was taken aback too.  "Clotilde dead?  Not giving up?"  She swallowed hard, then determinedly dash the growing tears from her eyes.  A ruler could not afford them.

She nodded at the creature inhabiting Saskia.  "I thank you for your recognition.  But please understand, I do not consider you an enemy.  I am merely taken aback when friends and comrades are taken control of by others, but I see the necessity.  Yes, I will fight with you.  My friends, I leave the decision up to you.  But my abilities are yours to untangle the skeins and defeat the Lich King."

She took a deep breath.  "As Princess, I ask only one thing.  When this is done, and if we survive, I ask you return my friend's bodies to them.  As for myself, my help and my life are at your disposal."

Gone was the frivolous and unhappy teenager.  Her voice was strong, and her eyes filled with resolve.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 143 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Mon 18 Dec 2023
at 07:39
  • msg #66

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

There are a lot of claims being thrown around now.  Foremost of which is the notion of Clotilde having died, which is totally uncool.  It's really harshing everyone's mellow.  If that really happened it was probably when she was attacked by the bear, but she clearly came back minus some memories.

"Hey hey now, let's all catch our breath.  Chloe's soul isn't dead and gone.  We've all heard both Clotilde and Heska speak from her body, just like Saskia and Volundr have both spoken.  So she's alive and well.  I'm sure Saskia would've noticed over these past months if Chloe was dead.  Heck, even I'd notice that."

He looks around, frustrated.  There's no one taking his drink order.   He couldn't bust out a rockin' version of Fight the Good Fight when a battle-hungry nordic ghost said it.  He'd lost track of the little black kitten, and now the Great Weave is unravelling or something.  There is only one word to describe the situation - Buzzkill.

"Let's get some food and drink and then head over to the temple of Luna to see what they have to say about these uninvited guests in Saskia and Clotidle.  We can spend the night there and in the morning head out to find Skuld."

"Everyone agree?"

Zander braces for eight dissenting opinions.
Clotilde
player, 119 posts
Mon 18 Dec 2023
at 12:47
  • msg #67

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

It is trueHeska's conscience states regarding Clotilde. Her soul still lingers, but it's time here is short. Luna is calling her home, and has been for some time, but she has refused to go but that time is coming, it is.....inevitable she said.

There was a pause, likely an internal struggle between the two beings inhabiting the body of Clotilde before Clotilde's voice came through.

It....it is true, now that I see it. Things are growing distant for me, and I don't have much time left. Luna pulls at me she said. There were so many things to say, but she wasn't sure she'd have the time. She squeezed Saskia's hand a little tighter.

The body is mine Heska said to Victoria, cutting Clotilde's soul off. I have been reincarnated in the body of your friend, as well as traveling back in time thanks to the fates to inherit it. We must act soon. I will agree to go to this temple if this will solve the matter, as we don't have time to debate every single merit of what you've been told. You will likely not like to have corroboration of what you have been told, but if that is what it takes, then we shall.
Sara
player, 33 posts
Tue 19 Dec 2023
at 20:00
  • msg #68

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

In reply to Sa Mei Cheung (msg # 63):

Sara shakes her head, "I do not know. I want to believe and support our friends. They suggest they fight against the foulest things of beyond our world. That they are beings beyond our world that supports civilization that are influencing them for good reasons. However, that is just what a malevolent entity would do to manipulate good folks into doing horrific tasks."
Alysandra Tomar
player, 872 posts
Level 4 Sorceress
Beautiful and Exotic
Tue 19 Dec 2023
at 21:25
  • msg #69

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Alysandra notices that the table is getting rather loud, "Perhaps... you would like to move your gathering to the private room?"

Zander puts his order in for drinks for everyone.

Alysandra nods and indicates that they'll be served in the private room.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 100 posts
Shrine Maiden
Tue 19 Dec 2023
at 21:27
  • msg #70

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Since things were getting loud... and emotional, it was best for some privacy.

"Yes... please make it some strong spirits... and... leave the bottle.  I suspect it's going to be a long night..."
Kristi
player, 48 posts
Wed 20 Dec 2023
at 04:50
  • msg #71

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Kristi's head at this point is kind of swimming and kind of hurting at the same time for a second as all this hits her and while a lot sails completely over her head.  Still a private room might help but she makes sure to ask, "And some Mead please."  Kristi asks still in her head not being really allowed to drink.
Fate
GM, 8553 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Wed 20 Dec 2023
at 05:12
  • msg #72

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

You're led by Alysandra to one of the private booths/rooms that the Northshire Inn has available.  It's a duo purpose room that can be used for a guest to stay at when it was crowded, or for large parties of patrons to dine at.

The food and drink come and the door clicks shut (and can even be locked) shortly after allowing you some measure of privacy.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 145 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Wed 20 Dec 2023
at 05:58
  • msg #73

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander has always been in favor of public over private.  For one thing, he's not an elitist, but more importantly there are a lot more people to perform for in public.  Oh well, you make do with the audience you've got.  Zander slams a drink as hard as he can and starts banging out a repeated rapid fire riff on his guitar.

"This one goes out to our uninvited guests from up north and beyond the Bifrost."

"Days grow shorter and the nights are getting long."
"Feels like we're running out of time."
"Every day it seems much harder telling right from wrong."
"You got to read between the lines."

"Nothing in my pockets"
"and there's nothing up my sleeve."
"I keep my magic in my heart."

He focuses in to look Chloe in the eyes.

"Keep up your spirit."
"Keep up your faith, baby."
"I am counting on you."
"You know what you've got to do."

Zander plays loud and strong, working the strings for all they are worth.  Let them hear it in the common room, in the alleyways, and in the barracks.  Anyone trying to sleep at this hour should be ashamed of themselves.

"Fight the good fight every moment"
"every minute, every day."
"Fight the good fight every moment."
"It's your only way."
Victoria Edenburg
player, 206 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Wed 20 Dec 2023
at 06:02
  • msg #74

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Thank you Aly.  That was a good thought of you," she tells the girl.  She follows the others.  She takes a seat and pours a stiff drink.

She looked at Zander.  "Well sung, my friend."  Then, she looked at the others.

"I will say it again.  I understand of poor Clotilde.  Luna calls, and she is not patient.  What happens happens.  But for Saskia, I wish it to be her choice.  My choice is to go.  To fight, to help, to lead, whatever is needed.  The Norsk have shieldmaidens, but I am not worthy to be one.  But I will lead, I will help, and my life is forfeit if needed.  A Princess can do no less.  I was trained for this.  You all can argue all you want, but my mind is set."

With that she took a great drink, then looked about the table.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 125 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Sat 23 Dec 2023
at 04:47
  • msg #75

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia thanked Alysandra with a nod of the head.  She sat down almost immediately once the door had closed and the friends were alone in the room.

She looked very tired, once more; the fight draining from her features.  "Vǫlundr can take control for brief periods..." the red-headed healer noted, "But it is extremely taxing for both of us."  Saskia failed to note, or perhaps blithely neglected, that the episodes were becoming more frequent and longer in duration.

The bags under her eyes were more apparent in the fireplace light that bathed the room.  She ran her right hand through her unkempt hair and her eyes were downcast.  She would look up every so often to scan the room; but conspicuously, Saskia refused to meet Heska's eyes.  A wan smile touched her lips as Zander sang; but she tapped not toes nor hummed no melody.  And she refused to drink any more for the time being.

"We need all the help we can get, Victoria." she responded to the one actual princess in the room, the resignation and the stubbornness both present in her voice.  "Thank you." she added with genuine affection, before continuing more perfunctorily, "I am willing to submit to whatever tests you lot wish, as I feel in my gut that we have to stop whatever Vǫlundr and Heska believe is coming."  The vivid dream of Ragnarök replaying on a loop in the dark reaches of her mind, but she knew that the others couldn't share that experience.  Not that she would want them to.

"But I honestly don't know where to start." she ventured, her moderated tone only tinged with a hint of frustration, "It... It's jumbled, but I don't know if the Bifrost exists.  But Vǫlundr seems adamant that Skuld exists.  She told him to seek her out..."  Her brow furrowed, "But I have no idea how.  I would presume go north... but, how to get there?  Presumably, there are portals and ley lines?"  She shook her head in uncertainty, "I ... I just don't know."
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 101 posts
Shrine Maiden
Sat 23 Dec 2023
at 20:09
  • msg #76

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Mei exhales and takes 'a  moment'.

"Lets... presume all this makes sense.  If that's so, presuming that you both ended up... traveling into bodies that are... 'local'.  I suppose... that would make sense that this Skuld also ended up in a body that's... 'local' as well.  So we just have to look for someone acting strange and speaking Nordic... I suppose... would be a hint that we found this Skuld?", yeah, Mei didn't quite believe what she was saying either.  There were a lot of 'supposes' in in her thought.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 149 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sun 24 Dec 2023
at 00:30
  • msg #77

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"We have a better plan for finding Skuld than just wandering around hoping to run into her," he says looking at Clotilde / Heska.  "Right?"

"If not, we're going to need a seer."

This time he looks at Victoria.  He can't help but smile at her.

"Do you still have those mushrooms?  From that wagon guy who wouldn't tell us his name..."

Zander ponders for a moment, snapping his fingers to aid with recall.  This calls for another long swig of hard cider.

"The lotions and potions guy."

He catches himself just before saying the spy guy.

"Phil!  Do you still have the mushrooms you bought from Phil?"

Upon remembering the name he gets the feeling that someone just said his name recently for some reason.  Thank you to that person, whoever she is.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 102 posts
Shrine Maiden
Sun 24 Dec 2023
at 14:07
  • msg #78

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Mei quirks an eyebrow.

Saskia and Clotilde were speaking pretty serious nonsense already and didn't seem to need more encouragement she thought.

"An... intriguing... thought Zander..."
Clotilde
player, 123 posts
Sun 24 Dec 2023
at 15:43
  • msg #79

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Look at me Saskia she said.

A lot of my thoughts are being replaced by Heska's. I don't have much time left. I would prefer to be in Luna's sanctum if possible when the time comes, or under the moon, if that isn't possible she said.

Promise me. I'm sorry that I won't be here to realize what we've started, but you have to help Heska and the others stop what's coming, or else all is lost, for everyone.
Sara
player, 34 posts
Sun 24 Dec 2023
at 19:18
  • msg #80

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Sara moves to Clotilde's side and places a hand on her shoulder. "I do not like this one bit. If I had the power, I would exorcizes this possessor then investigate its claims with you Clotilde."
Kristi
player, 51 posts
Tue 26 Dec 2023
at 04:31
  • msg #81

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"I have already said yes I will help."  Kristi says sipping at her mead.  to her this is simply another path to follow that is laid out in front of her.  The extra bonus she has friends to go down this path with.

"Do you mean like magic mushrooms?"  She asks thinking she knows what is being said although likely different then what she means.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 150 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Tue 26 Dec 2023
at 05:21
  • msg #82

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Ayup."

Zander grins at Kristi and holds his hand out so the two of them can fistbump.
Kristi
player, 52 posts
Tue 26 Dec 2023
at 05:45
  • msg #83

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Kristi returns the fistbump, "I mean I have never had but I know the gang dealt in them."
Victoria Edenburg
player, 208 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Tue 26 Dec 2023
at 18:07
  • msg #84

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria frowned.  "I would take one of the 'interlopers,' as you put it, into mine, if I could share.  At this point, that is what I trust.  As for magic mushrooms and visions, have you every actually had a definitive one, Zander?  Those can be dangerous, you know."
Zander Val Banjur
player, 151 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Wed 27 Dec 2023
at 02:00
  • msg #85

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"I've had some prophetic visions in my few years.  I can't truthfully say any of them were brought on by mushrooms," Zander answers Victoria with complete candor.  "They mostly come to me in vivid dreams after passing out from moderate, healthy consumption of alcohol."

"Here, I'll give you an example!  In this dream I was sitting on the rocks, not too far from shore, with my feet in the ocean and no shirt on, natch.  The ocean was warm when it swept in, cool as it slipped away.  I was playing a tune, mellow and liquid like the water.  The tide provided the baseline."

With that, Zander puts fingers to strings and starts playing the song from his dream.

"We spotted the ocean"
"at the head of the trail."
"Where are we going"
"so far away?"

"A pale mermaid with brilliantly oversaturated crimson hair splashed out of the water and rose between my legs to give me an eye to eye look.  She was wearing a purple seashell bikini top and that didn't seem strange at all.  'Zander Val Bunjur?' she asked, deep blue eyes wide with naivety and wonder."

"'The one and only,' I answered."

Zander keeps playing the instrumental parts of the song while he tells you all about the rest of the dream.

"'I'm here to deliver a message for you, Zander Val Banjur.  There is an intelligent relic you must find - the Rod of Sol.  Find it and bond with it,' she said.  See?  If this was just some dream and not a vision I wouldn't be able to remember all these details so exactly.  I have a hard time remembering which day it is most of the time.  But that's neither here nor there.  Lemme tell you the rest of this vision."

"'Rod of Sol?  Is that some sort of euphemism?' I asked her.  You have to admit, it sounds more like a lewd joke than an actual artifact of the heavens, doesn't it?  But she didn't know what a euphemism was.  She just blinked and smiled at me."

"Then I asked her if it would keep me from turning into a demon, which puzzled her a lot.  'Well, I guess it might,' she said.  'I mean it's an artifact full of Sol's divine positive energy, right?  But that's not really what it's for.'"

"'What is it for?' I asked."

Yes, Zander is still playing that tune about the ocean from his dream.  I will let you know if and when he stops.

"She just shrugged and said she didn't know.  That was good enough for me, so I asked her if she wanted to make out. 'Yes,' she said nodding her head enthusiastically. 'But I don't have any, um... parts, in the fish half, you know.'  Then it was my turn to shrug.  I set down my guitar and gave the mermaid a kiss on the nose."

He takes a long drink before continuing to sing.

"Walk on the ocean."
"Step on the stones."
"Flesh becomes water."
"Wood becomes bone."

Zander seems more interested in playing and singing the song than in explaining how this story will help them in any way to keep the world from coming unravelled, but just when you're all sure he'd continue off on some unnecessary tangent Zander plinks off the last few notes.

"I've got a plan C too, if the mushrooms don't work, or you don't want to try them.  Maybe there's a diviner at the temple of Luna who can catch the moon's reflection just-so off a pool of holy water so as to get a vision of where we might find Skuld."

"Or charm a forked stick to guide us towards her.  Just a little push in the right direction by Luna and we'll do the rest."
Victoria Edenburg
player, 209 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Thu 28 Dec 2023
at 04:54
  • msg #86

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

She shook her head.  "My poor dear Zandar.  You are an artist, and a philanderer.  I still believe them.  And I would give myself to them.  And your drug-enduced fanticies and imaginings will not change that.  I will listen to them.  To my other friends, and to my own training, which is as a Princess.  Please remember that.  If you go on your imaginings yield something, you will tell me.  And I will wait for more information."

She looked at her other friends.  "I apologize if I sound short.  But if we are to save the world, or some part of it, I need to know everthing.  And I need support.  If I have not that support, I will go with those who I trust."  She wiped her eyes.  "I am the Princess.  I must insist on this."
Zander Val Banjur
player, 153 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Thu 28 Dec 2023
at 08:04
  • msg #87

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander is pleased to be so lovingly and correctly identified as an artist and philanderer.  Past that, he sort of loses track of what it is Victoria is actually saying.  Probably something about how his visions will surely help them someday.
Fate
GM, 8559 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Sat 30 Dec 2023
at 20:13
  • msg #88

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Prologue Summary:
Alot was discussed, a lot was to do, eventually (after a few days) when the dust settles several things were determined.

1)  Saskia and Clotilde are not possessed (at least not in the conventional sense) and as such (for the most part) are not in need of an exorcism of any sort.

 a)  Of the two, Saskia's personality/soul seems to be intact, and her situation resembles something akin to a haunting.  As you understand it, Vǫlundr  Amundrson freely admits to being a Einherjar.  A sort of eternal warrior sort, in that when slain, their spirits/souls are collected and returned to Valhalla (a sort of grand hall of some sort) where they return anew in a fresh body to continue on to fight the good fight.  Saskia... inconveniently  being alive, is not done with her body, leaving him in a rather stranded condition similar to a 'haunting'

 b) Heska Ingridsdottir's situation is different.  She was a Valkyrie a sort of all purpose female warrior type with a broad variety of job functions... They fought... they acted as shield maidens... field medics... scouts... even bar wenches...  Really... it sounded sort of bizzare to listen to the recountings but she swears it was so.  Evidently in this event, Clotilde... the person you all knew and grew up with... was indeed killed.  Heska has reincarnated in the vacant body (upon which Volundr is perhaps a little envious about) and is the sole resident of said fleshly vessel.  She has retained Heska's memories... and perhaps some emotional attatchement.  The fresh bodies... seemed to have a stronger attachment of the former host's (Clotilde's) memories, and the shock of taking residence has put Heska on the backfoot of remember who/what she is.  The encounter with Volundr seems to have woken her out of this.

[I am responsible for perhaps 60~70% of the above, the players have stamped their own spin on some of it, which i'm fine with.  I'm just mentioning this here, because i don't want players to think i would micro manage a player history to this degree and force on another player...well, at least not this time around at least.]


2)  The goal... The long term goal here, seems to be that they're from the future and they're trying to avoid the end of the world.  [The Terminator Storyline... not original, but it's a good one]  The short term goal to this end seems to be finding Skuld  [Sarah Conners? who seems to be the theoretical most educated of the three people sent back... and hopefully have the most certain clue as to how to move forward to achieving the long term goals.


3)  The Adventure... for the moment...Saskia seems to remember Bifrost being important to the task to find Skuld...  So here is what you know about Bifrost, and from who.
  a)  Kristi seems to remember it being some sort of Rainbow Bridge that existed in the MCU, and appeared often in the Thor movies through the magic of (bad) CG effects.  She has no idea who Skuld is.  She has no idea what an  Einherjar is... she does sort of vaguely remember Valkyries riding winged horses... and all dying... except for one of color, that becomes the King ... after Odin dies.  Both Heska and Volundr find it interesting that she has a clue about some of thier timeline and being totally inaccurate about other things.  Kristi explains it as a 'Multiverse' thing...which doesn't really help or explain anything.

  b)  Skuld's identity is uncertain.  Both Heska and Volundr have shed their mortal existence and taken up residence in a 'local' it's fair to expect the same has happened to Skuld.  The problem of actually 'finding' her is complicated by this, and it's possible that this whole notion about Bifrost is a clue to her identity.

  c)  It is speculated that perhaps... this whole notion of Rainbows might be a clue to finding Skuld's whereabouts.

  d)  Heska and Volundr both sort of remember it being used for a  means of long distance travel, with the effects of a rainbow involved as a special effect of the travel.

  e)  Saskia (not Volundr), believes the 'Gateways' that use the keystones (for the older players that remember them) might be related, or even a precursor version of Bifrost, and perhaps that would be an means of travel to find Skuld.  There are several possible ways to consider this information.

     1)  Saskia... seems to recall that where there are rainbows... there are gateways to access the world of the Fey (at least back home there are).  The whole Bifrost thing might be a suggestion that Skuld is in the world of the Fey.  Mei speculates, that this 'Fey' world is something she knows as 'The Umbra'.

     2)  Heska and Volundr indicate that Bifrost was most often used as a means to travel to and from 'Asgard'.  That while the Asgard they know may not exist, the physical location of Asgard should exist in some shape or form and perhaps, this was where Skuld was.

     3)  In the hands of a skilled personal, Bifrost, was capable of bringing you not just to a place but bring you to people.  While never done... it's possible that the Gateways could be manipulated to just bring you to Skuld.  It's explained not to be an exact action though, and it's more likely to just bring you to her general vacinity, and works best with some foreknowledge of who you're looking for or at the very least where you're going.


4)  There is at this point... various theories and possible ways to try and solve this problem.  At this point... Victoria purses her lips and contemplates all the above information and tries to sift through it to a possible course of action.

Fate
GM, 8560 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Sat 30 Dec 2023
at 20:21
  • msg #89

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

SO...!

It is a few days later... Karaoke Friday has extended into a weekend long binge of talking... fact checking... consulting of various specialist on various topics... and a greater mutual sharing and understanding of various things by various people.

The clique of friends have at this point been making general plans and preparations for action.  While the detailed specifics were still being worked on, it was clear that some general action was going to be taken.

1)  They could not ignore Clotilde... or rather Heska... (it was hard to determine at this point what to call her) nor could they ignore Saskia.  Not one, but two of their friends seemed to be involved in this, so ignoring the situation was just not something to be contemplated.

2)  It was obvious that you were going to be making an expedition.  Possibly a long one.  You check into the Magic Shoppe to make it known you were going to be out of town indefinitely, and start by packing up enough food for 2 weeks travel.  The possible consideration of a pack mule or pony was a possibility for supplies and camping equipment.  Victoria was going to have to make sure PRINCESS knew she was off the active list for a while, Kristi was going to have to take a leave of absence from her work at Caroline's, but otherwise little needed to be done for preparation.

3)  At this point you just needed to determine how to proceed next, with the information on hand.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 154 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sun 31 Dec 2023
at 06:13
  • msg #90

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Is there someone at the Temple of Luna who can use divination magic of any sort to get us a clue or point us in the direction of Skuld or the Bifrost?
Fate
GM, 8563 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Sun 31 Dec 2023
at 18:29
  • msg #91

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

The temple at Fort Mc Alistar was attended by the eight divine, with a favored stress on Sol/Solaria.  The clerics on duty cycle through a rotation.  At the moment, Kiara was the daughter of the divine 'on duty'.  She was a dainty of form and sunny of nature and bisexual inclined to relationship.  At the moment, she was partnered with a rather stoic squad leader at Fort McAlistar.

A donation of some sort would be expected for such a favor.

The notion of Bifrost was going to be unlikely since their understanding of what it 'is' would be rather limited.  Finding Skuld might not be a useless effort, though something of a personal possession from her would be needed for the diviniation.  Lacking such, means that she wouldn't be able to help, regardless of the donation made to the temple.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 155 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Mon 1 Jan 2024
at 03:58
  • msg #92

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Kiara, I'm really sorry for calling this eight-faith temple 'The Temple of Luna'.  I'm always here visiting my friend Chloe and she's a moon worshiper, so...  well, my mistake."

It occurs to Zander that it's possible he's made this mistake in the past, been apprised of the true situation, and then clean forgotten.  He hoped their patience hadn't worn thin because of his spotty memory.

"As for trading favors for favors, I'm not overly burdened with coin, so it'd have to be some other trade.  I could write you a song or treat you to a night out and a roll in the hay in return for a bit of divination."

Zander knew Kiara was dating a squad leader but he wasn't exactly sure which one or even the gender of said squad leader, but he was pretty sure that he or she wouldn't mind if Zander bedded Kiara in a manly fashion.  She might even learn a deft boudoir maneuver or two from him.  That's a win for everyone!


"Originally, I figured the temple was more interested in the greater good than in material gain.  We are looking for this Skuld person to keep the fabric of the world from unravelling, after all.  That would be a benefit to most if not all the gods, I would imagine.  Say, who are you a priestess of?" he asks Kiara.

There is still a sticking point for this divination.  The Daughter of the Divine mentioned that we'd need one of Skuld's belongings.  This jives with Zander's understanding of divination and scrying.  There is a non-physical gossamer thread between related things that can be seen and followed.  Why, even Zander himself could see the gossamer thread with his mana-vision if the connection was a magical conduit of some sort, like that between a witch and her familiar.

"I don't think we have anything of Skuld's, considering that she's a spirit from the future hijacking a current-time mortal's body.  The whole thing has us at a big disadvantage.  That's why we're grasping around for any sort of help we can get.  You might have to hold off on the divination until we can put our hands on a suitable object, if that ever happens.  The offer on my side of the bargain is available regardless, out of the goodness of my heart."

Lest she think Zander's mind is on the sex part of the offer (which it is), he starts playing a tune and improvising some lyrics.

"Well, you shine like a star."
"You've got a hubcap diamond star halo."
"You shine like starry, tiara."
"You're dirty, sweet and you're my girl."

"Well, you're slim and you're prim."
"You've got the teeth of the hydra upon you."
"You glimmer with light, Kiara."
"You're dirty, sweet and you're my girl."

Then he really starts to rock.

"Get it on!"
"Bang a gong!"
"Get it on!"

Musically, it tails off from there.

"Needs a little work."
Fate
GM, 8564 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Mon 1 Jan 2024
at 14:27
  • msg #93

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

[Paraphasing a summary to help move us along...]

Kiara does appreciate Zander's offer, but the Temple does not feed itself on song itself, some sort of compensation will be needed... eventually... when the time comes to do the work.  She's willing to offer a discount and such for Zander's efforts but Victoria scoffs and tires of this haggling and indicates that she'll talk to 'someone' and make certain that the charitable donation is made.

This seems to please Kiara and a discussion is made on the problem in more depth.

Kiara seems dubious and doubtful of the whole story, but given that Victoria is making a sizable donation to the temple's upkeep humors the discussion.

A divination to find this Skuld just can not be done without some sort of material possession.  Possibly having someone intimately familiar with Skuld might work... like a sibling... spouse... child...or some such... but such a miracle to be done without it just is outside her realm of talent... and she is rather talented if she does say so herself.  She is familiar enough with the upper talents of the Euro Temples and royal request or not, such a miracle is currently beyond their reach...

Discussions about who Skuld is... and her being one of the three weavers of fates seem to intrigue her.  The sphere of influence for destiny and fate falling into Kismit's sphere of influence.  This tapestry of Fate sounded a lot like the Book of Fates... and these threads were perhaps passages... or even pages in her book.

She purses her lips and doesn't seem to like the notion of the Book of Fates being unbound and scattered.  Rather... she prefered to interpret it as the pages being blanked to be re-written... much as how a scribe might remove pages that have been ruined to re-ink proper passages.

She observed, that while there is a shrine at the temple to observe Fate, there was not a proper daughter or champion to guide the faithful.  Her faithful tended to be travellers... Gamblers... and those inclined to live by chance over skill... Those sorts just are not inclined to linger in a static environment like a temple.

This seems to be the extent of useful information to be gathered from Kiara.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 156 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Mon 1 Jan 2024
at 18:38
  • msg #94

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

quote:
A divination to find this Skuld just can not be done without some sort of material possession.  Possibly having someone intimately familiar with Skuld might work... like a sibling... spouse... child...or some such...


This seems promising.

"Volundr and Heska," he says, addressing Saskia's and Clotilde's nordic future ghosts.  "Do you remember where Skuld is from?  We could go to her home village and find her current living ancestors.  Perhaps a parent or grandparent would be a close enough.  Another possibility would be to find some sort of family heirloom there that will be passed down to her in the future.  It couldn't hurt to have both."
Clotilde
player, 125 posts
Wed 3 Jan 2024
at 18:18
  • msg #95

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

She didn't like this. It was one thing to have the threads unraveled to start over to avoid the end of all things, it was another to do so and not leave at least some bread crumbs out for them to pick up a trail from, it might as well have been left undone as far as Heska was concerned. What was the point. She was a Valkyrie, and had the impetuous nature of a warrioress. However, her fading companion that inhabited the same body was a more cautious and conservative type, who liked to weigh her options before committing to a strategy, and some of that was starting to bleed into Heska, even if it likely wouldn't last.

She is known to travel out and about, into the world, unlike her sisters, which is unusual, and may be seen in the company of a pair of Valkyries, which again, is unusual, so if anyone has seen a strange woman, that might be accompanied by a pair of majestic shield maidens, that look out of the ordinary, that would be a clue. She also would likely have an unsual cutting implement, which cuts the threads. Where that would lead us, I don't know, but we could ask around to see if that trio potentially has been seen somewhere she said.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 103 posts
Shrine Maiden
Wed 3 Jan 2024
at 19:47
  • msg #96

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Mei stops to think... "Where you're from... or rather... when, how 'far' in the future are we talking about... Do these Valkyries even exist in this era?"
Victoria Edenburg
player, 210 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Wed 3 Jan 2024
at 20:11
  • msg #97

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"I would think that they could exist anytime," Victoria replied.  "Just as Gods and Goddesses do.  If not, then this will be a lot more difficult."

She had been watching everyone, and taking down notes in a small book, humming very softly as she did so.  Clearly, she wanted to miss nothing.  Or was she using her writing to speculate?  It was not clear.
Clotilde
player, 126 posts
Wed 3 Jan 2024
at 20:17
  • msg #98

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

It is possible that she came back just like we did. If she did, then she's likely to have some traits that mimic her self, and habits that she had then, so that's what we look for. It's not out of the realm of possibility that she brought some other Valkyries back with her. Again, I agree with Victoria, this is unknown territory, but I have to believe that she is here, and would have mannerisms and behavior appropriate for herself.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 130 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Wed 3 Jan 2024
at 21:50
  • msg #99

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia frowned, "Finding Skuld by inspection would be looking for a needle in a haystack.  If they came back to an unwilling host .... like we did ... then they could be anywhere and in less than ideal circumstances."  Her brow furrowed as her frown deepened, "They could be osterasized, ignored, or committed to an asylum, at this point ..." for their own group had contemplated exorcisms and such, "... or worse."  She very much wanted to find the Norn, but was at a complete loss as to how to narrow the search parameters.

Searching everyone in the entire world in time was ... just plain impossible.  And just asking around randomly and stumbling upon Skuld was extremely unlikely to have any positive outcome.

"I feel as though we should go North." the red-headed healer ventured, "If there is anything like our ancestral homeland or a closer link from Midgard to where Asgard will eventually be, it will be there.  Then that might help us to know where to go next."  She held up her hands plaintively, shrugging slightly, "That is as far as my thinking takes me.  For I have nothing concrete from the Norn.  I only have some vague memories."  Skuld had been imposing and rather unapproachable during Vǫlundr's days as an Einherjar.  One never casually trafficked or messed with the Norns; doing so usually meant them literally taking your Fate in their hands (and drawing too much attention to your skein usually got it snipped).
Zander Val Banjur
player, 157 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Thu 4 Jan 2024
at 05:38
  • msg #100

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander is impressed with Saskia's words and nods.

"I agree.  Sending people three people back in time and telling them to gather without any way to find each other is a shitty, ill-conceived plan.  At the very least, they should've agreed on a place to meet up.  We can only assume this was less plan and more desperate, last second improvisation."

He shakes his head.  The situation is a mess.

"However, they do have one thing on their side - Fate.  I keep hearing that Skuld and her sisters are fate weavers.  Maybe it's not needle-in-a-haystack unlikely to run into Skuld by looking around North Shire and the surrounds, like it should be.  Maybe it has been woven so.  Maybe it must happen.  It's worth a try.  If we split up into groups of two and three and ask around about anyone who's been acting strange and speaking Norsk that shouldn't take too long."

"And if that fails, we can try the shrooms, or traveling north, or some other plan."

Zander hopes that they find Skuld here, but he'd also like to witness Seer-Victoria's mushroom induced visions.
Kristi
player, 55 posts
Thu 4 Jan 2024
at 05:39
  • msg #101

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Kristi had nothing to really add to this situation.  Listening though was useful although shortly her short attention span would likely break through  this and cause her to think of other things like butterflies or other things.  But then she realizes she has something that could be useful.  "What is time.  I mean I am from another world and more futuristic.  Or at least without magic and based off of technology.  I mean if that is possible I would think anything is."

She then stops when hearing a direction suggestion she closes her mind.  "North just sounds like fun so I am all good if everyone else wants to head that way."
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 104 posts
Shrine Maiden
Thu 4 Jan 2024
at 12:33
  • msg #102

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria Edenburg:
"I would think that they could exist anytime," Victoria replied.  "Just as Gods and Goddesses do.  If not, then this will be a lot more difficult."

She had been watching everyone, and taking down notes in a small book, humming very softly as she did so.  Clearly, she wanted to miss nothing.  Or was she using her writing to speculate?  It was not clear.



Mei pauses and thinks and gives Victoria a curious look, "So... you're saying they are of the divine?  That Heska and Vol are... not spirits but... gods?"
Zander Val Banjur
player, 159 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Fri 5 Jan 2024
at 05:10
  • msg #103

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

There was still a small language barrier for Mei.  She sometimes misunderstood what people meant.  In this case, Zander figured he'd let Victoria clear things up.

"How does this sound?  Chloe and I will ask around at the fort about anyone acting strangely and speaking an unusual language.  Saskia and Victoria will take the south and east parts of Northshire including the inn.  Sara, Mei, and Kristi will ask around the north and west parts of town including the lodge and the magic shoppe about possible Skuld sightings.  We can talk to a lot of people in just a few hours and meet back at the inn with any leads.  Everybody like that idea?"
Victoria Edenburg
player, 211 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Fri 5 Jan 2024
at 05:31
  • msg #104

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Not gods, but like eternals?  What is someone who dies and lives on?  I know it sounds weird.  But if they are anything like our new friends, they will stick out.  We just got to watch."

She looked at Zander.  "Or maybe Zandar can write a love song naming their loves and habits as told by lore.  Then, when we find her, she'll fall all over him in love with his music and we won't have to look anywhere!"

She giggled, winking at Zandar.  "It works with every other woman, doesn't it, my friend?" she asked playfully.
Clotilde
player, 127 posts
Fri 5 Jan 2024
at 16:19
  • msg #105

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Not a god, in essence, for the simple discussion, my soul was sent back with the unraveling of the threads to inhabit a host body that had died. I know it is hard to hear Heska said but it was the only way the fates could spare Clotilde's body from death, was to basically reincarnate my soul into her body, so not a god. A person who was given a second chance at life, unfortunately at the end of another's. I have been sent back to prevent the unraveling of all life.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 131 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Fri 5 Jan 2024
at 16:42
  • msg #106

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

The redheaded healer looked slightly askance at Kristi at her insistence from being from the future.  It was so strange, feeling the kinship and yet the strangeness of it all.  In any other circumstance, they'd both be committed.

She let Victoria and Heska handle the nature of divinity and their presence.  Vǫlundr might have had his confidence bolstered by such bluster, but Saskia knew better.  she (and the Einherjar she hosted) were anything but divine.

Saskia frowned at Zander's suggestion that they ask around Misty Valley, the skepticism in her voice creeping in, "We can ask around, but It is highly unlikely that Skuld incarnated here in the Valley, Zander.  I was at my homeland, in Laytown, in the Emerald Isles and Clotilde ..." she still couldn't look in her paramour's direction, "was abroad, far from here..."  Her red hair bobbed lightly, "Far from me... "  She couldn't help the bitter undertone as her voice failed her.

Shaking herself from her reverie and collecting what little dignity she could muster, "And so, Skuld may be anywhere in the world, right now.  Incarnated into one of millions, if not billions, of potential hosts..."  She shook her head, "A needle in a haystack."

She shook her head, not in disbelief, but perhaps frustration at the seeming impossibility of it all, "I still say we should go North."
Zander Val Banjur
player, 160 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sat 6 Jan 2024
at 02:23
  • msg #107

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander feels for Saskia.  The whole situation is understandably hitting her hardest.  He doesn't want to argue with her, and he almost doesn't, but he really thinks they'll regret leaving without at least looking into the possibility of Skuld coming to North Shire.

In his friendliest, least confrontational tone, he poses a question to Saskia.

"How unlikely is it that both Volundr and Heska ended up here?  Would million-to-one be a close guess?  Such things do not merely happen by chance.  That coincidence alone had to be guided by fate.  Why couldn't fate lead Skuld here too?  Are we in such a rush to charge off north that we can't spare a few hours asking around in the one place that we know two of our three time travelers ended up?"
Victoria Edenburg
player, 213 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Sat 6 Jan 2024
at 03:43
  • msg #108

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Miffed that Zander ignored her, she chose to ignore him.  "I never said divinities.  I said they were immortals, or at least eternal in a sense they can travel here to guide us. Unraveling and preventing it works for me.  And someone said that going where you showed up is a good start.  Saskia mentioned Laytown.  Might be a trail there.  If not, we go where our other friend found Clotilde."

She was twirling a little coin that was clearly foreign in her fingers.  No one had seen her do that before.

"No puzzle is too big to solve.  Follow the crumbs.  It is better than doing nothing.  Or wandering uselessly.  If one of you wants to do mushrooms for divine intervention, you have my permission.  I think a true divine spell would work better.  Crumbs.  Find the crumbs."

She was clearly lost in thought.  And no one knew what those thoughts were.
Kristi
player, 57 posts
Sat 6 Jan 2024
at 05:38
  • msg #109

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

At this point Kristi had mostly lost interest in the conversation.  Mainly as most of it went over her head.  The other part is her very short attention span.  Still while the discussion and other things are going on she does hum a diddy in her head to which she bobs to that song.
Sara
player, 35 posts
Sat 6 Jan 2024
at 06:01
  • msg #110

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Maintaining a sour look on her face with arms crossed in front of her, Sara continues to listen to those who keep on speaking about such foreign lore. "If we are to assume that these beings are here for a purpose. If we are to assume that there is a plan in place. If these assumption are true, if Skuld is necessary, she is in a place that she can be found."
Victoria Edenburg
player, 214 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Sat 6 Jan 2024
at 06:12
  • msg #111

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

The Princess smiled at Sara, always the bastion of common sense.  "True.  While it might be a whole world to search, this would not be a valid search without the hands of luck and destiny working together.  All we can do is chose a smart start, and see what happens."

She looked at everyone.  "A day to rest and gather supplies, and we move the day after.  That way, we can gather information, say our goodbyes and Zander can have another night of revelry.  Let's plan to go forth then.  I'll arrange for horses and pack animals.  If you need potions, I might be able to do one or two beyond what I have made.  Let us be positive and go forth."

She stood up.  "If anyone wishes to speak to me, please follow.  I welcome any congress with any of you."
Saskia Morrigan
player, 132 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Sat 6 Jan 2024
at 06:22
  • msg #112

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia let out a simple plaintive sigh, she nodded lightly to his argument to look close to home for a start - it was as good of a place to begin as any, "That.. that is fine, Zander.  You are right.  Let us ask around today and tomorrow, while making preparations."

"But we cannot dwell too long here." she cautioned, "I am willing to look around here for a day or two, but after that, I agree with Victoria.  We move on."
Zander Val Banjur
player, 161 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sat 6 Jan 2024
at 08:04
  • msg #113

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander thought Victoria was just needling him with the stuff about writing a love song, especially after he'd offered to write a song for Kiara, but then the princess gave off subtle, but noticeable, irked vibes.  This happens more than he likes to admit, and not just with Victoria.  Zander is pretty sure she wanted attention, and he wants to give her that attention.  Side note: 'congress' is a seldom used euphemism for sexual relations in his circles, but he's sure it means something closer to advising in the royal court.  Was Victoria spinning a double entendre?  He contemplates this a bit too long.  By the time Zander snaps out of it, Victoria is gone and the conversation is over.

More than a touch startled by his return to reality, Zander glances around and then sighs.

"Let's go find out what the folks at the fort know," he says to Clotilde.
Fate
GM, 8567 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Sun 14 Jan 2024
at 13:37
  • msg #114

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

OKay information gathered was alloted in Message 89, and i was hoping to get some action to act on, not more information gathering, but...

We can presume that you're still at Fort McAlistar.  Just finished with your conversation.  You split up and try your various outets for information.

Will give an open summary of what is found.


Clotilde and Zander linger at Fort Mc Alistar.  They get nothing about Norse Lore, but they find a clue in the Barbarian tribes known as 'Nords' existing and raiding settlements up and down the coast North of the Capital.  This would be west of the Badlands.

Saskia comes across Cosette, a Champion (Paladin) of Luna.  They have a 'hypothetical' discussion of their problem.  A discussion of theology brings about the observation that this 'Skuld' feels akin to the sphere of influence closest to 'Kismit'.  That this Skuld involved in the process of the measuring life spans and weaving them into some cosmic tapestry, feels a lot like Kismit's book of fates, a legendary artifact that's said to bend all of creation.  While it doesn't help with 'where' to look, it does help with 'perhaps' the what to look for.

Victoria goes to check with 'PRINCESS', the news is surprisingly little.  Nothing is known about this lore. (the lore does not exist, so no one working on 'current' lore will have anything about it, STOP LOOKING)  She lets them know what she's getting into, and gets approval to be on 'official' business', which lets her access PRINCESS resources for this issue.  You could call in some back up now, but travelling with your friends you're not sure you want the extra complexity of introducing another agent to your friends, you've avoided it as much as possible.  They are personal, and this is business and having the two separated is the best way to keep your frineds from looking at you any odder than they already do, or revealing potentially embarassing things to your working associates.  You find out what you can gathering what you can about possible PRINCESS Operatives that might be useful.  'Rose' packs your 'lunch' and kisses your forehead and telling you to be careful.  Throwing your lunch in your pouch, you tell your mom you will be a little embarassed, and head back to the company of your friends.

Mei and Sara return to their personal quarters where Mei references some old books and scrolls that my have merit.  This whole Ragnarok thing sounds suspiciously to the lore of conduct that the Wyrm is seeking to inflict on the world.  It's not impossible that they are related, and that this threat be something of a more personal nature.  This being the case Mei calls in a few favors and 'borrows' a Klaive for herself, and a half dozen 'Jade' tipped throwing shuriken for Sara.  Against certain Wyrm foes, the jade tips might be rather useful.

Kristi goes to talk to Caroline.  She's mostly useless.  Curious mostly about the notion of magical fabric, and what sort of fashion might be fashioned from it.  You tell her you might be away for some time, and she's pretty casual about it, like it's normal to go out and see the world.  She doesnt mind as long as you pick up anything you think she might be find interesting for her, or learn interesting tidbits of lore that she might find interesting.  Dana thinks it's either a total waste of time, or a really dangerous thing you're doing... she finds that sort of disturbing but pretty typical for your bipolar nature, so perfect.  The orphanage is poor so they don't really have much in the way of anything useful to offer for your adventure.

I... think that's everyone...

After a hour or two of meandering around doing this you gather back together as the Magic Shoppe, as good a place as any to meet.  It's also a good time to settle accounts, depositing or withdrawing what you need, and do last minute shopping.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 163 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sun 14 Jan 2024
at 14:42
  • msg #115

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

We didn't go around town asking about lore, we went around town asking about anyone acting strangely or speaking an unusual language, in an attempt to see if anyone knew of a possible Skuld vessel in the area (without going into the details with them).  This isn't addressed in that post at all.  I will assume we actually asked about this as planned but turned up nothing.

Zander thanks everyone for trying and very uncharacteristically shuts up and quietly follows along with their next move.
Kristi
player, 59 posts
Mon 15 Jan 2024
at 03:57
  • msg #116

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"I promise if I find anything I will bring it back and definitely something no matter what for you Dana."  She offers to Dana and does plan on helping the orphanage as always mainly for everyone there.  For all else she has what she has and that should be good enough for now.

When she arrive where everyone else is she takes a look around not that she has anything to buy with.  Not that she mind window shopping as that was almost always how it was for her.  Never really having enough to every buy anything.  Heck that is why the gang that took her in did a lot of theft.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 133 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Mon 15 Jan 2024
at 20:13
  • msg #117

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"The Book of Fates..." Saskia repeated quietly, "Of course. I knew that the Fates and their skeins sounded familiar."  Naturally, she had Vǫlundr screaming in her metaphysical ear the entire time.  She thanked Cosette profusely, still with the virtual Einherjar prattling on to keep moving on.  But, the red-headed healer herself had found the conversation both useful and comforting.  So, she chose to ignore the rougher edges of Vǫlundr's expletives and focus on how to find Skuld.

North.  It still seemed the best bet to her, where was some subconscious affinity or draw for her (and Vǫlundr, it seemed) to search there first.  And now it could be the Book, the Bridge or the Babe that they might find some sign of.

Having gathered her (meagre) possessions together, she met with the others to start their journey.  "Are we ready?" the red-headed Chosen of Luna asked her boon companions, "To the portal to the Emerald Isle then north to parts unknown?"  That was where she thought they should start, but was willing to entertain any other leads that the others might have scrounged up.  She was excited to be going back to her homeland, even if it was only to pass through.  And she'd been there not more than a few days ago.

Noticing Zander's unusual melancholy, Saskia sidled up next to him as they departed, "What's on going on?  It's not like you to not have a tune on your mind or your lips at any given time..."
Zander Val Banjur
player, 164 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Mon 15 Jan 2024
at 22:28
  • msg #118

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Huh?  What?"  Zander looks a little startled like he's just waking up, but he was clearly awake the whole time.

He grasps on to the last thing in his auditory memory and lets his brain work with that.

"What's this portal like?  I assume it's magical.  How big is it?  And if we're going north from an island, does that mean we're taking a boat after we get to your homeland?"

Saskia and Victoria are both enthusiastic and optimistic about the upcoming journey, and that's good enough for him.  He likes seeing new places, but he's less keen on walking for days on end, especially if he has to lug a bunch of gear and armor around.  This portal of Saskia's sounds like the perfect solution.  He hopes it's nearby.

Was he even going to bring his armor this time?  It feels to him like something in the world changed this year and made armor useless.  Could something like that even happen?  It strikes him that he originally wore his armor on the flower picking adventure based on  ghoul-tastic danger.  Sure, it had turned out to be charlatans, but he hadn't heard any mention of potential dangers on this quest.  Wait, is that right?  Zander thought hard.  There was something about a Lich King's armies of darkness.  Zander and his pals were certainly not fighting those directly.   Nope.  Find Skuld, put her on this Bifrost bridge, problem solved.  Saving the world sounded pretty safe, actually.

Zander startles again, but in a milder fashion this time.  He hopes he didn't miss any of Saskia's answer about the portal and the boat.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 215 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Tue 16 Jan 2024
at 03:19
  • msg #119

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria walked in, then looked around, waiting for a break in conversation.  "I learned little, but I've been released to travel with you.  If you need any equipment, within reason, I can get it.  If we need horses, gear or other items, within reason, I can get it."

She looked a little tired.  "But I am happy to travel with you, presuming you still want me.  As a Princess, I can order it, but I would rather be with you by choice.  I could go alone, but again, I would rather be with you."
Clotilde
player, 130 posts
Tue 16 Jan 2024
at 17:29
  • msg #120

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Ready to go and the voice and manner was Clotilde's, but there was a definite...distance and melancholia attached to the voice, as if it were one who knows that time is short. She was quietly singing something as she arrived.

Moving on is a simple thing
What it leaves behind is hard
You know the sleeping feel no more pain
And the living are scarred
Saskia Morrigan
player, 134 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Wed 17 Jan 2024
at 02:07
  • msg #121

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

The red-headed healer shrugged slightly, when Zander asked about the portals.  "Well," she started and then describe, what little she knew about how they worked.  As far as she was aware, they were a global network of magically-powered quick transportation devices.  She'd no idea who created them or when, and she'd only really ever used the one to travel between the Emerald Isle and Misty Valley; but her parents had assured her that there were many more portals and destinations.

A lot of goods and such were transported that way as it was quick for the relative cost (if you had Mana to spare).  Paying the mana toll was often how she used them.

When she saw Zander's eyes glazing over, she knew that she'd the limit of the conversation.  Saskia poked him in the arm, "But, I remember my mother noting that there was portal that went north from the Isle.  So, I am hoping that we can avail ourselves of that..."

Saskia quirked an eyebrow at Victoria, "Of course we want you, Silly."  She gave the Princess a crooked smile, "What would make you think that you were unwelcome?  Or that we didn't need you."  Her burgundy lips pressed into a frown, "What did your mother say to you?  I know that I, for one, am counting on your breadth of knowledge to keep us pointed in the right direction...."  She looked to the others for some level of confirmation.

When equipment was mentioned, Saskia prompted, "Winter gear?  Can everyone keep warm?  In summer, the North is rumored to be mild.  But once the weather turns..."  She knew she had a heavy woolen cloak, but also knew that might not be enough if the weather turned particularly nasty.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 216 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Wed 17 Jan 2024
at 02:55
  • msg #122

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria blushed at Saskia's comment.  "Yes, we will have pack horses for summer and winter gear.  Think now, while I can request it, and let us go with a little overplanning and less underplanning.  Deal?"
Zander Val Banjur
player, 165 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Wed 17 Jan 2024
at 04:23
  • msg #123

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Two portals, huh?  That's even better than a portal and a boat.  Less chance of shipwreck."

quote:
She looked to the others for some level of confirmation.

Zander gives Victoria a big hug to show his confirmation of Saskia's sentiments.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 166 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Wed 17 Jan 2024
at 04:36
  • msg #124

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander, normally staggering around in little more than his kilt and boots, shows up at the North Shire Exotic Imports and Exports fully wrapped in a very large wool cloak.  Apparently tailored for a hulking brutish man twice his size, the cloak all but envelopes him.  Within this cloak Zander ValBanjur has no hands and only the merest hint of booted feet.  His head and flowing mane of fabulously lush flowing blonde hair pops out the top, much to the cloak's dismay.  It is clear the cloak would prefer him to turtle up and pull the more-than-ample hood up over his head.  But no!  Zander's face must be seen.  The cloak has begrudgingly lost this one battle.  It will bide its time for now, knowing that come darkest night, when Zander succumbs to a fantastic volume of drink, it can finally fully consume his slumbering form.

"Christabel, my glowing ray of sunshine," says Zander's head from atop the cloak. "I have something to deposit."

Zander waits for a moment, then two moments, knowing that showmanship is important and timing is everything.  One must build just the right level of anticipation.  When he senses that the attractive and delightful, but somehow undatable Christabel is about to ask him what it is his wants to deposit he produces a small black kitten from inside the cloak.

"mew..." says the kitten in greeting.

"This is Lizzie.  Take good care of her while I'm away.  She likes chicken and ale, but don't give her too much ale.  She's just a baby, after all."

"As for gear, what was it I got last time?  You keep records, right?  It seemed to work well for my previous journey, so I'll have the same again."

This technique does wonders for Zander at taverns throughout the land as the staff have a much better recall of Zander's food and drink orders than he himself does.  They take good care of him, and he appreciates it.  They also bring him lots of drink, which he also appreciates.  That's one thing he does remember about his last purchase here at the Exotic Imports and Exports...

Two bottles of cheap wine, a bottle of strong spirits, and an empty bottle.

Why the empty bottle?  That's for water, which Zander will fill himself from the town fountain.

"A bedroll," Christabel reads off one of her many meticulous lists.

"What?  No.  I still have the first one.  Don't need it."

"A week's rations, a bar of soap, a spool of fishing line, a hook, flint and steel, a tinder box, 2 burlap sacks."

"You can put the sparkers, the tinderbox, and the sacks back on the shelf."

He didn't really need another spool of fishing line or another hook, but he'd already sent back so much of his order.  It was cheap and never hurt to have extras.

"Think I'll need anything else?" he asks Kristi who he thinks is there.  He looks over his shoulder to see if that's actually the case or not.  Either way, the question drifts to anyone within hearing distance.  Zander isn't a quiet speaker.
Kristi
player, 60 posts
Sun 21 Jan 2024
at 04:07
  • msg #125

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Kristi stops and thinks if she needs anything and hopes she has everything that is needed.  Mainly as she doe not want to be indebted to anyone as that has caused problems in the past.  Sure her stuff might not be nicest but it was hers.

Then it was when she realized she was spoken too by Zander, "What...um yes stuff.  No your list sounds like you have most of everything needed.  I would have to go through my pack to make sure but I should be good I hope."  Kristi responds back.  "But to be honest and fully transparent I am mot exactly the person you should ask for stuff like this.  I doubt I could take care of myself since I got here Dana was the one that made sure I did not screw up.  Now I am just hoping I don't screw up around all of you."  Truth be told that was her biggest fear as it seemed she always made the worst choices.  She only hopes hooking up with this group was not one of them.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 168 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sun 21 Jan 2024
at 05:25
  • msg #126

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

"Don't you worry for even a second, Sugar Cookie.  You're gonna be amazing.  I'll take good care of you and you take care of me.  Deal?"

Suddenly Zander whips his cloak open.  He's holding his guitar and wearing his typical boots and kilt beneath the woolen mass.  Before you know it, he chicka-choos to a funk opening that twists into an unexpected building 4-chord progression lead-in to lyrics.

"You're gonna go faaaaaaaar!"
"You're gonna fly high!"
"You're never gonna die.
"You're gonna make it if you try."
"They're gonna love you."

"I've always had a deep respect."
"I mean that most sincere."

Oddly, you're pretty sure this song has no chorus.

"We're all just knocked out!"
"We're so happy we can hardly count."

"And did we tell you the name of the game, Sugar Cookie?"
"We call it riding the gravy train!"

Zander works the guitar so hard you'd think it had deeply wronged him, but what comes out is quite possibly the most astonishing solo you have ever laid ears on.  Sort of a shame there's no real audience to speak of and the acoustics of North Shire Exotic Imports and Exports are mediocre at best.  Also, Zander's cloak seems to be soaking up a considerable amount of the low end.  Still, the music flickers and dances like a mesmerizing bonfire of sound.  Zander somehow finds an opening to shoot you a finger gun while playing the solo to remind you that this song is for you, Kristi, and you alone.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 217 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Sun 21 Jan 2024
at 06:39
  • msg #127

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria was clearly surprised at Zander's hug.  She couldn't even blurt out a thank you when he was off.  For herself, she gathered cold weather gear, climbing gear (pitons, hammers, rope) and some warm bags for sleep and such.  She also selected some gear for others who might not plan as well (Zander) and plenty of food and such.  She had already secured pack horses, and set a few helpers to load them and get the gear ready so they could leave on the morrow.

"A lovely song, Zander.  How about one to wish us well?  We have a hard trip, portals or not, and we only have each other to depend on.  This is an epic quest, and in those, people can die.  I want no one dying on my shift, especially me, but if I must, I stand before all of you.  Let's pack and pack well, and have a hearty jolt of friendship.  We shall need it.  As Princess, I cannot command it.  It is in each of you to bind us together to one purpose... survival and the completion of this mission."

Exhausted, she sank down in a chair.  She had planned as best she could, and yet, she was worried, but dared not show that to anyone.  If anything, she chose Zander as cheerleader, and the rest would fall into place.

But who would she lean on?
Zander Val Banjur
player, 169 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Sun 21 Jan 2024
at 08:12
  • msg #128

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander spins around.  The cloak had been blocking his view of Victoria.  He's glad she got to hear his glorious guitar solo.  It was quite bitchin'.

"No one is going to die," he assures her, patting her shoulder.  "All we have to do is find a girl and bring her to a bridge.  People don't die doing that.  Plus, we have Saskia and Chloe, who can kick the teeth in of any troublemakers we'd ever meet.  Nothing to worry about."

Zander sure isn't worried.

He ponders Victoria's song request for a moment.  Rock music isn't exactly brimming over with songs where the sentiment is 'Hey, good luck on your trip.'  None-the-less he comes up with one to fit the bill.

He begins with a strong catchy pattern of notes that slips a chord in the pauses to simulate two instruments bantering.  Then he shifts tone a little while still maintaining the back and forth interplay between the single notes and the occasional chord.  Finally, he returns to the original tune and starts singing.

"Once I rose above the noise and confusion,"
"just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion."
"I was soaring ever higher,"
"but I flew too high."

"I hear the voices when I'm dreaming."
"I can hear them say."

"Carry on, my wayward son."
"There'll be peace when you are done."

Yeah, that's good stuff.  You don't want a rock song to be too literal.  Best to leave it on the poetical side.  Chicks dig that.

When he finishes the song he climbs up on the counter to make an announcement.

"Hey!  Like the song said, we're leaving town tomorrow to go save the world.  If this puts any of you ladies in an amorous state of mind, I'm up for a steamy night of feverous lovemaking.  You will NOT regret it."

He gives all the attractive and eligible ladies within the projecting sound of his voice that look with the eyes.  This includes present company.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 135 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Mon 22 Jan 2024
at 00:58
  • msg #129

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia nodded in gratitude to Victoria's largess, thankful the that princess had been able to secure sponsorship for the expedition.  She was well aware of how fanciful it might seem, and knew that it was likely folly to place such trust and resources with such a young group.  To say nothing of quasi-possession and the strange voice in her head that berated her at almost every turn.

The red-headed healer made her way to Victoria's side and gave her a shoulder rub.  She could feel the tension in her friend's shoulders, as her fingers worked to help combat some of the knots.

As her fingers worked, her mind wandered a bit.  Saskia knew that she needed to talk to Clotilde (who was now Heska), and yet had been studiously avoiding doing so.  Part of her knew that procrastinating was the exact wrong thing to do, and yet she hoped beyond all hope that in delaying such a meeting that Saskia could hold onto her childhood friend who was now more than a friend for just a little while longer.  She hoped beyond hope that there was something more that she could do.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 218 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Mon 22 Jan 2024
at 02:52
  • msg #130

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria visibly relaxed.  "Oh my, that feels good."  In some cultures, no one would dare touch a princess to intimately.  Victoria was not that.  These were her friends, and even she considered a superior, she knew that her only superiority could be proven by knowledge, intelligence and success.  She still smarted from her lackluster response at the her gathering.  And to be given permission and to provide was something she thought of as duty, not consideration.  Perhaps that was a fault?

She only barely managed to keep a moan from her as she wiggled a little as Saskia found another knot.

"I know this is hard for you," she said softly.  "Voices in your head, what happened to Clotilde.  I would be stricken, in your place.  But you still feel a sense of duty, and you even take a moment with me.  That means so very much to me.  You're a treasure, with or without your extra person in you.  And I am honored to be your friend."

She broke the mood of the serious speech with a giggle.  "But I'll honor you more if you fix the knot in my neck!" she said with a chuckle.

At this moment, which she appreciated the efforts of Zander, she was not looking at him.  All that mattered were the fingers making her feel better.
Kristi
player, 61 posts
Tue 23 Jan 2024
at 04:17
  • msg #131

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Stress seemed high for some reason and taking a queue from Zander Kristi tries a song.  She would have figured one for Zander ell but could not find the perfect song to what he said.  Still a relaxation song for some,

"I have wist, sin i couthe meen,"
"That children hath by candle light"
"Her shadewe on the wal iseen,"
"And ronne therafter all the night."
"Bisy aboute they han ben"
"To catchen it with all here might."
"And whom they catchen it best wolde wene,"
"Sannest it shet out of her sight,"
"The shadewe catchen they ne might,"
"For no lines that they couthe lay."
"This shadewe i may likne aright"
"To this world and yesterday."

Singing the song in her voice half trained and half natural talent.  And one of the few times she had let loose with a song.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 170 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Tue 23 Jan 2024
at 09:06
  • msg #132

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander bobs his head to Kristi's vocal jam.

He's glad that his favorite orphan is joining them on this trip.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:50, Wed 24 Jan.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 136 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Wed 24 Jan 2024
at 06:42
  • msg #133

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia smiled and hummed along with tune that Kristi was singing.  She had no idea about the words, and was preoccupied continuing to work on Victoria's shoulders.  The redheaded healer simply nodded with genuine affection when Victoria spoke in seriousness about their mission and their parts in it; but she had to chuckle at her erudite friend's remarks about trading favors.  Her hands deftly kneading away some of the tension.

"How are you getting all knotted up like this?" Saskia noted with only half-mock incredulity, "I think that your knots have knots on them..."  She resumed humming, her fingers working in time with the rhythm.
Clotilde
player, 131 posts
Wed 24 Jan 2024
at 18:53
  • msg #134

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Clotilde was in a state of melancholia. She didn't ask for any of this, and although she'd now had an explanation as to why she felt so discombobulated, it was the worst thing she could have heard. Her spirit, or soul, or whatever you wanted to call it, was having a hard time coping, and she hoped Luna could do something about it. She was not ready to go, although with the way others had reacted to Heska's news, it almost felt like some of them were ready to let her go. She was especially hurt by Saskia's lack of communication. She understood the shock, and how hard it might be, but the lack of any sort of communication with her was making it worse.

It didn't help that Heska tended to interrupt or flat out shut her out at times to speak, rendering her unable to voice thoughts, although she wasn't surprised. To hear Heska speak, the body that was hers, was no longer hers, and it was a courtesy that the Valkyrie even let her speak. At least that's what it seemed like to her.

She sat quietly, brooding, stewing, sharing her space with Heska, and generally feeling, for lack of a better term, blue.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:30, Wed 24 Jan.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 219 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Wed 24 Jan 2024
at 19:22
  • msg #135

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria winced as Saskia found those knots on knots.  "I spend to much time writing and reading.  I stay up late trying to research more things to help us magically, and I also write down what we learn so I do not forget it.  And I read just things to amuse me.  But I hunch over when I do those things, many I do in bed in bad light.  And I think I sleep wrong, because I wake up so stiff."

Goddess, she was babbling!

"Forgive me.  That just feels so good I feel like letting everything out.  That's not like me."
Saskia Morrigan
player, 137 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Thu 25 Jan 2024
at 19:50
  • msg #136

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria's stream of consciousness ramble brought a slight, crooked smile of amusement to her burgundy lips.  She'd known that her friend was a boisterous and less-inhibited drunk, but it seemed that there were other ways of getting Victoria to open up as well.  The young lady seemed to have a fair bit (of just about everything, but anxiety seemed the most germane for the moment) pent-up within her.  And Saskia nodded in agreement, "Better than to have to keep it all inside and have it fester ...  You are amongst friends."

She paused for a moment, her hands continuing to work, "But there is time enough..." and Saskia stopped short, "time ... enough..."

Time enough... and the red-headed healer had to look away for a moment.  Her eyes finally falling upon Clotilde-who-was-now-Heska sitting alone off to the side.  Saskia averted her eyes, pursing her lips.

She apologized to Victoria, "There is still plenty to do here... but, I.. I need a break."  Swallowing hard, Saskia didn't really wait for an answer from her erudite friend and disengaged her hands.

She quietly approached Clotilde, not necessarily sneaking up on her, but more a tentative and hesitant gait of someone who didn't quite know what to say or do, but felt compelled to say or do something.  Tucking in behind the grieving blonde, Saskia wrapped her arms around Clotilde.  Resting her chin on Clo's shoulder, she let her forehead touch her friend's neck and cheek.  Saskia held on tight for a long, long moment in silence, stubbornly refusing to let go and to let the time drag out.

A light sniffle escaped her nose and that was when Saskia noticed the tears welling up in her eyes and drifting down her cheeks.  Finally, she asked gently, "Will ... Will you walk with me for a little bit?"
Clotilde
player, 133 posts
Fri 26 Jan 2024
at 00:51
  • msg #137

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

She melted, as she knew she would, when Saskia finally approached her, and wrapped her up. When she saw Saskia's tears, her own tears welled up as well, unable to stop. She nodded in the affirmative, and got up. I'm scared she said, barely getting it out, and she took Saskia's hand, and let her lead her away.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 139 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Sun 28 Jan 2024
at 21:25
  • msg #138

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia got up slowly, but took Clotilde's hand.  She held fast, not wanting to let go and trying to make sure that they weren't separated.  "I ..I know." was the meek reply, "Me, too ... I-I can't lose you ... again..."  The words tumbled out then silence.

She started a slow meander towards the fort and one of their favorite lookouts.  She hoped that there wasn't anyone there, but would make due as needed.

The redheaded healer pursed her lips as she reviewed what Cosette had told her about what was reputed contained in the Book of Fates.  Saskia had asked about those whose time had come, whose skein had been cut.  The exchange had been tense, making angry and then afraid in turn.  The answer had been rather emphatic:
    "No one comes back.  That thread is tied; their Fate sealed."
    "Even prematurely?"
    "Nothing is premature when it comes to the Fates, my child.  Kismet weaves unerringly..."
The response still tasted bitter in her mouth.  a bitter pill.  Another sniffle.  With more tears.

Climbing the stairs to the ramparts in quiet - only the light scuff of leather on cobblestones could be heard, she savored the touch of Clotilde's hand in hers.  When they reached the top, Saskia let her eyes wander over the landscape of the valley as it stretched out before them.  But her eyes always drifted back to the blonde warrior.  "Do you remember that first night?" she reminisced, asking rather rhetorically, "I made a pledge under Luna's gaze to be with you.  That I wouldn't leave you again."  There was sadness in her eyes, as the knowledge that she might not be able to keep that promise weight upon her.  It wasn't just the sacrilege to Luna that hurt though, the ache was deep and even more profound in a different part of her heart.  Saskia fully devoted to Luna, committed in every way.  But, she also loved Clotilde.  And apparently, that was almost too much for her to bear.

Saskia bemoaned, "It's not fair, Clo."  But, it was a flat dry statement, devoid of true passion - more filled with genuine resignation and profound sadness.  "I don't want you to go." she blurted, her eyes pleading and her gravelly timbre a mixture of frustration and terror, "You can't go!"  Then realizing the futility of such a command, she started to plead, "Don't go!  Don't go where I can't follow..."
Victoria Edenburg
player, 220 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Wed 31 Jan 2024
at 04:08
  • msg #139

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria watched Saskia leave, not saying a word.  She whispered a prayer as she left, her heart filling with remorse.  This adventure hadn't even started and already, her heard was filled with dread.  The hands on her shoulders and neck had felt so good, but she still felt worn.  Zander could sing all the songs he wanted, she was feeling nothing but pain.  Pain for her friends.  Pain for the world.  Pain for herself.  Why should she go on?

She looked at the remaining group.  "I... I must leave.  I have to go to my room.  I cannot stay here any longer." she stammered, trying to hold back her tears.  "See... see you in the morning."  With that, she literally ran from the room.
Fate
GM, 8577 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Wed 31 Jan 2024
at 16:26
  • msg #140

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander Val Banjur:
Zander waits for a moment, then two moments, knowing that showmanship is important and timing is everything.  One must build just the right level of anticipation.  When he senses that the attractive and delightful, but somehow undatable Christabel is about to ask him what it is his wants to deposit he produces a small black kitten from inside the cloak.

"mew..." says the kitten in greeting.

"This is Lizzie.  Take good care of her while I'm away.  She likes chicken and ale, but don't give her too much ale.  She's just a baby, after all."



Christa nods, taking custody of the Kitten, "Are you really putting this on 'deposit' there have to be much more practical ... and inexpensive ways to find someone to care for this... perhaps one of Caroline's orphans would be more than pleased for a few coins... "

Christa takes custody of the kitten and does seem pleased to be in possession of the thing, regardless of what she's said, "If you're telling me she needs a home, i might be able to find her a place as familiar for an apprentice witch... or wizard... "

She provides you with the provisions requested, making notations in her ledger on your account.  One of the various clerks gathers your requested supplies for travel, packaging them nicely in tidy parcels wrapped in linen and tied with twine.  The Magic Shoppe was obvious a first class provider of supplies for a reason.
Fate
GM, 8579 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Wed 31 Jan 2024
at 17:26
  • msg #141

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

The day travel is pretty routine.  You're all quite familiar with the Misty Valley at this point, having grown up here.  The Portal itself is an isolated structure, that has been there around for generations.  They even predate generations of elves, which makes them truly old and mysterious on how they came into existence.

Popular theories are wide and varied.  Some presume they're ancient artifacts of a lost age, crafted eons ago, and surviving the knowledge of how they were made.  Others say the Divine brought them into existence and they are an artifact ancient design that requires some sacrifice of mana to operate.  A few determine that they are a natural formation occurring from the ley lines that intersect one another.  Regardless, they exist, and have been in use for longer than anyone can remember.

The Emerald Isles, are actually a little bit of an anomaly, a little bit isolated (by accident or design is uncertain) and requires a native or a guide to properly path to.  It's fortunate that you have both in the form of Saskia.  Most of you know she calls the place home and goes home to visit from time to time most recently over All Hollow's Eve.  You linger the night there to get a good nights rest to start in the morning, and get queued for travel in the morning.  Between Saskia's knowledge of where you're going, and Victoria's resources to cover expenses the arrangements are made smoothly.

For those that have used the portals before, its a little disconcerting.  The 'return' from travel is a little rough leaving most of you disoriented and nauseous.  Saskia is the only one that feels okay stepping out of the portal.  When you feel well enough to look around, you find yourself on a slightly raised mound of ground with stone structures around it an an altar in the center {Think stonehenge}.  You're all positioned around the alter.

It's currently a few days after Halloween (early November), it's morning, and Sol is up, but you all know he'll be retiring early and yielding to Nyx soon enough.  It's further north than the Misty Valley which is reflected in the temperature being a few degrees lower.  It's also clear grass lands just about as far as the eye can see, with light wooded areas here and there allowing for cutting winds to blow freely.
Sa Mei Cheung
player, 105 posts
Shrine Maiden
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 13:06
  • msg #142

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Mei pursed her lips thoughtfully looking about slowly.

She wasn't sure what she was expecting, though this was... interesting.  It felt like a lot of nothing, and a rather cold nothing at that.  Wide acres of rocky soil with tough fauna that grew in the unforgiving climate.

Slender fingers pull her travel cloak a little around her shoulders as a sudden gust blew through the area.

There was nothing in any direction to discern the way they should go.  Worse... there was no portal here to actually go home.  Usually portal travel was linear, taking them from one portal to another.  At the moment... they were definitely not at a portal.  Did something go wrong?  We're they stuck here?


Mei tilts her head to regard Saskia to see if this was the expected outcome or if there was a note of alarm in her demeanor.

"Do you perhaps have a suggestion of direction?"
Zander Val Banjur
player, 175 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 20:11
  • msg #143

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander had been psyched to travel through the magical portal, but then he actually did it, and it was horrible.  It felt like waking up from a nightmare in someone else's body.

Zander quickly checks that he is indeed in his own body.  Yes, all his familiar parts are there, but not all of them functioning as expected.  His inner ears, for example, seem to be slacking.  Zander stumbles sideways two steps and falls over onto his hands and knees.  He stares at the ground which is still dipping and swaying, opens his mouth, and prepares to lose his lunch.  Oddly, nothing happens.

"Why didn't anyone tell me?" he moans, more to the universe than to anyone in particular.

Zander goes from crawling to sitting on the ground.  He pulls a bottle of wine from his pack, tooths the cork loose, and pounds back more than a cup's worth in one pull.

"Give me a few minutes, please."
Saskia Morrigan
player, 141 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 00:19
  • msg #144

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

With the cold, there were very few flowers that were available to pickup along the way to the portal.  Saskia had made sure to bring a small gift - in this case, just a finely polished rock from one of the local stream beds; it was granite, but had a streak of red ferrite running through it which reminded the red-headed healer of her own locks.  She continued to rub the smooth rock in her hand as they'd made their way to the portal and even continued to pass it over her fingers as paid the mana and passed through the gate.

Saskia had forgotten what it was like to travel the first time through the portal.  For her it had become relatively routine, having passed through it many time over the years - both with her family and on her own.    She held up a hand and simply nodded to Zander and the others, "Oh, yeah.  Uh... transition nausea..."  Her burgundy lips were pursed for a moment before she offered, "Just give it a moment to pass."  She tried to gently guide her friends (starting with Clotilde, first, of course) off to the side to ensure they didn't block out any other travellers.

Standing slightly off to the side from the others, while she let them recover, Saskia pulled the fur-lined collar of her heavy woolen cloak up around her neck and ears.  She pushed her hair out of the way, letting it cascade down the outside of the cloak.  She took in a deep breath, allowing the crisp air to fill her lungs.  A light sigh escaped her lips as she exhaled, "Invigorating..."

Turning to answer Mei, a light smile touched her lips.  "Yes..." Saskia breathed, "Well, sort of expected.  This is the southern junction.  So, while this portal services a fair few destinations.  None of them are towards 'The North', which is what I believe we seek."  At least, that is what she presumed.  She'd always been told that was simply the direction that this confluence of ley lines flowed.  Saskia frowned slightly, "It is said, this place is laden with magic and the veil to the First World is thin..." she rubbed her fingers together to emphasize the closeness of the two planes, "I'd hoped we'd see ... some one... some Fey, but apparently not."  She knew they could be shy around strangers.

"Hmm,..." she begged of the others while they recovered, "Give me a moment."

Given the circle of stones, she moved away from the portal and the altar and into the surrounding field for a moment.  When she found a small fairy circle, Saskia simply gave the small river stone a light kiss and then placed it in the middle of the circle of mushrooms.  [Language unknown: "Éoulastill un Tráp (Aional Sa althi oveni)... Om ne res les Herentear Antsanere, te evethuhou."] she intoned before stepping away and rejoining the others.

Rubbing her hands, she asked with a slight bounce in her step, "How is everyone feeling?  My family lives southeast of here.  But, I suspect that we want to head North - towards Belfast.  Or perhaps Donegal."  She seemed slightly less certain about those destinations, which was likely due to the fact that she was less familiar with the North of the Isle and the South, "We should be able to find an inn along the way..."
Zander Val Banjur
player, 177 posts
Here come the jesters 123
All part of my fantasy
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 02:20
  • msg #145

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander perks up a little.  Is it the wine?  If so, it sure acts quickly.

"You want fairies?" he asks Saskia.  "I know a few tricks."

Sitting cross-legged on the ground he takes one more undainty swig of wine, throws open his cloak, and starts plucking out a tune of single notes.  The music rises and falls like gentle, mesmerizing, breeze-blown waves on a lake.  The song is quite mellow and doesn't have the sometimes jarring energetic edge that most of Zander's songs do.  In a second uncharacteristic move Zander starts to whistle an accompanying melody, giving the effect of two artists, one playing the strings and one playing a woodwind.  It's pretty and really does evoke a sense of the mystical fey.

Soon as he stops whistling, shimmering silhouettes of two fairies appear and start frolicking and dancing to the music.

"Anyone else want some wine?" he offers, nodding to the bottle sitting open nearby.

"Kristi, can you call out to fairies magically?" he asks as he plays.

"Sara, Mei, see if you can find small stones and stack them into little balanced columns 5 or 6 high."

"Victoria, do you have anything to write with and some small scraps of paper?  Write these phrases out on separate scraps in as feminine a script as you can and let them float down to the ground:  Do geese see god?"  He pauses a moment to let that sink into her memory.  "Eva, can i stab bats in a cave?"  Another pause.  "Live not on evil."

Zander beams with a glimmer in his eye as if he is just about to tell you, and only you, a juicy secret.  He starts singing.

"In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings."
"Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven."

"There's a feeling I get when I look to the West,"
"and my spirit is crying for leaving."
"In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees,"
"and the voices of those who stand looking."

"And it's whispered that soon if we all call the tune."
"Then the piper will lead us to reason,"
"and a new day will dawn for those who stand long,"
"and the forests will echo with laughter."

This is a long song.  Zander goes on for quite a while before reaching the bridge.  At one point the dancing fairies wink out and disappear, but Zander summons them back, this time they appear a bit more lithe and voluptuous at the same time.  By the time he's reached the instrumental bridge the song has picked up the tempo and energy.  During the lengthy solo it starts sounding more like one of the bard's wailing, power chorded rock songs.  Zander squeezes his eyelids shut for many seconds to concentrate on the solo, sweat beading on his forehead.

He leaps to his feet dramatically.  His long blonde hair flows a half step behind his head and his cloak flutters as if blown by a wind that just isn't there as he dances around in place almost as frenetically as he plays the guitar.  In a high, nearly falsetto voice he belts out...

"And as we wind on down the road"
"our shadows taller than our soul."
"There walks a lady we all know"
"who shines white light and wants to show"
"how everything still turns to gold."

After he plays the final note

"And she's buuuuuuying the staaaaairway to Heeeeeaaaaven."

Zander feels so vivacious and virile when he finishes the song.  He looks around.  Are there any fairies around.  If so he will convivially lift the nearest one of them up with an open hand and plant a welcoming kiss on her.
Clotilde
player, 136 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 03:00
  • msg #146

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Clo nearly retched when stepping through. She'd only does this once before, on the one occasion that she'd come with Saskia to her home, and it was sort of bittersweet that she was returning.

Heska was slightly annoyed that the form she was in would react so, being a Valkyrie she was used to travel of this sort, but she couldn't deny the loveliness of the terrain and the climate, and felt much better in this place. She felt like they were finally getting somewhere.

Ugh said Clotilde, her head still spinning.
Kristi
player, 63 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 04:12
  • msg #147

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Kristi after passing through the portal feels gross....heck she is ready to hurl but forces herself not to.  Hearing it is because of transition she takes a moment to center herself just like they taught her.  Although she was horrible at the monastery she did still pick up a trick or too.  Once her head is on right is when she can pay attention again.

It did not matter if it was cold or not this was an adventure which of all things she loved.  Yes the travel sucked but the here and now was beautiful in it's own right.  She too for now draws her cloak up to help shield against the wind.

When pressed about about magic to do with fey she was about to respond but Zander went into a song again.  While she did not know the song so could not support vocally she could do one other thing.  She could dance and that was another thing she was truly good at...and it helped she enjoyed it too.  Her hopes is if the beauty of music does not work maybe dancing would.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 178 posts
Zander played
guitar
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 05:36
  • msg #148

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Something worked.


00:31, Today: Zander Val Banjur rolled 24 using 1d20+8.  Diplomacy

25 (+1 for charming) if the diplomacy target "could be attracted to" Zander.
Fate
GM, 8586 posts
Lady Luck
Keeper of Fates
Tue 27 Feb 2024
at 23:11
  • msg #149

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Vague clapping can be heard from somewhere around the hilltop.

It's abruptly stopped among a few insistent shushes.

It's soft and very vague and easily overly looked as a trick of the breeze or the wind.



You're free at this point to proceed onward, or if you're inclined you can linger and investigate.
Zander Val Banjur
player, 180 posts
Zander played
guitar
Wed 28 Feb 2024
at 03:14
  • msg #150

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Zander hears clapping.  Now, it must be said that in his mind he hears showers of applause at the end of every performance, but this wasn't just his active imagination.  Was it fairies?  Maybe.  Or maybe it was local children hiding in the bushes.  Either way, Zander is pleased.  They liked the song whoever they are, and that shows they have excellent taste in music.

Calmly, so as not to spook the timid sorts out there, he heads casually in the direction of the claps and shushes.  He nods to Kristi, with an expression that says 'good job, it worked.'  Many of the others had helped too.  Along the way he plays a quieter, more subdued version of the melody.

"Hello new friends.  So glad you liked the song."

He really hopes it's fairies

...or pretty girls.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 223 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Wed 28 Feb 2024
at 05:19
  • msg #151

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria too clapped.  "Bravo, we come as friends.  Let us rejoice and dance with each other.  We have friends, love and joy to spread!"

Victoria was still feeling a little out of sorts, but this was the sort to make things right.  Music, dance, song and love.  That was universal, and she would do all she could to make it happen.
Saskia Morrigan
player, 146 posts
Luck oft enough will save
a man If his courage hold
Wed 6 Mar 2024
at 00:54
  • msg #152

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Saskia chuckled lightly, "They're watching us."  The light lilt in her contralto betrayed her amusement at both Zander's antics and reticence of the fey guardians who usually patrolled near the gate.  The redheaded healer gestured towards the hilltop and grabbed both Victoria's and Clotilde's hands to lead the others there; up and away from the portal proper, "They're eager for more."

Since the more musically inclined pair seemed to ready to engage with the faeries with song, Saskia figured a little time to unwind (and shake off the portal transition) might be in order.  She bade Kristi and Zander to follow and to sing to their hearts content, "C'mon!  You definitely have an appreciative audience waiting ..."
Clotilde
player, 139 posts
Fri 8 Mar 2024
at 17:09
  • msg #153

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Heska/Clotilde followed along happy to be on solid ground.

Heska was a little irritated that their progress might be slowed, but Clotilde on the other hand was eager to have something to be happy about, and the distraction was a good thing.
Kristi
player, 68 posts
Fri 15 Mar 2024
at 02:43
  • msg #154

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Kristi for most part cuts back on the dancing now that the music had stopped and more openly scans and observes the entirety of the area and see if she can glimpse where the claps came from.
Victoria Edenburg
player, 225 posts
Euro Princess
Spoiled and Pretty
Sat 30 Mar 2024
at 05:30
  • msg #155

Chapter Two - Thunder and Lightning.

Victoria sings, as best she can, for she knows Zander's music and this is not so different.  She wants them to to know they are friends, and how better?  She is not much of a dancer, but she will try.  After all, if a Princess cannot dance, what good is she?
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