[h2][color=8dc73f]Ylva Lindstrom 
Location: Ylva's Homestead in Ballara[/color][/h2]
                                        

Ylva sat at her long table, sipping a rich mead out of a horn leisurely as one of her guests, Ofeig Braesisson, the chief miner of the Aldur mines closest to the hobgoblin territory, joked about how one of the miners peed his pants when a few of the men used a hobgoblin skull to play a jab at the fellow. The other two men at her table, Gils Thormodsson and Liut Slodisson were heartily feasting on dire-boar caught by her and Ragnar this morning. It was sweetened by local herbs and honey over an open fire, and served with small potatoes and carrots grown in her own personal gardens by the animal sheds. Ragnar nibbled his own thigh by the fire, and the atmosphere seemed warm and comfortable. Ylva sipped her mead and turned to Liut, the only trader in the group who had some interactions with the hobgoblins. He was fairly close to Rollo and met him on the road multiple times. She spoke evenly her voice breaking through the laughter,"[color=8dc73f]I am happy you could make it here Slodisson, I know you should be on the road, but Odinkar wishes me to obtain information about the hobglobin tribes in the area. What you have provided was incredibly useful. I am indebted to you.[/color]"

She was indebted, Liut was a great friend and she was lucky to catch him before he left for the season. Rollo always trusted him, and even though her husband was gone, he had a knack for knowing a person by instinct. Liut gave her a charming smile, his green eyes and long braided hair made him handsome, almost too handsome if she had to admit. His mouth was another thing all together, he was witty and confident and he always like to tease her when he had the opportunity. She allowed it, because not many others dared to try. 
"[color=fff200]Of course, Ylva, and again you can call me Liut. Anytime I get invited into your home is a pleasure, especially when you serve such succulent boar. Rollo married well, when he asked your father for your hand.[/color]" Liut replied pleasantly.

HA! More like my father begged him to take my ugly mug because no other man would. Plus he damn well knows I didn't cook this boar myself. She gave a wry smile, taking a sip from her horn,"[color=8dc73f]Well he certainly never complained much when he was here. Shame your own wife doesn't get the opportunity to see you as often as she likes, your two little ones must miss you.[/color]"

Liut frowned, a sadness creeping into his eyes, "[color=fff200]Yes, I miss Frigg probably as much as Odin does when he is away. As for my little ones, they are almost full grown. Waltheof will be joining me next season to learn the roads. He is already my height, growing boy that he is.[/color]"

Gils gave a chuckle beside him,"[color=f26522]You'll have to introduce him to mine own, Magnus, built like an Ox and swings a pick-axe like Thor using Mjolner.[/color]"

Gils was Ylva's favourite at the table, a plump man with six children and a mind that forgot nothing. If anyone knew anything about the territory in the area it was Gils. He was a seasoned hunter with his family lineage stretching over thousands of generations in Ballara. To the common people, he would seem of little importance, seeming as his skills weren't well known, but this man was a trove of knowledge gathered over history and time that Ylva always found invaluable. She never started a mission without speaking to Gils. For example when she last took on a raid across the water, it was Gils knowledge of boat crafting and the level of the tides that helped her defeat some long boats with some well placed pikes. Sometimes he was useful, other times he was just another person she liked to call a friend, or even a mentor. 

"[color=8dc73f]I've actually seen Magnus in action, shame there isn't a spear in that hand. It is a good choice for him to become a miner though, I'm sure every maester needs their apprentice. Aside from this prattle though, I must go over what you have all shared and come up with a plan to save our economy. Ofeig Braesisson if you can get me some miners willing to travel with us and are prominent enough for the others to trust, I would be glad to take them. I'll come for the men in a week, and they will be protected. I assure you on my honor I will keep your men safe.[/color]" Ylva swore earnestly

Ofeig nodded,"[color=8493ca]I trust your word Lindstrom, even if you're a woman. A jest that Odin put such a strong warrior in the body of a female. Frigg must have forced his hand on that one. Now aside from business have you heard the second one's coming back. Thorbrand I hear?[/color]"

Ylva kept her expression calm,"[color=8dc73f]That is what Thane Odinkar has told me. Didn't give me a reason.[/color]"

Liut chirped in quickly,"[color=fff200]Apparently his wife passed. Something about her eating a bad fish of some sort. He has no reason to stay now, so he has decided to return, which is what I have heard from a few traders that reside there.[/color]"

Gils laughed,"[color=f26522]I still remember that little blond haired brat. He was always trying to follow his big brother around. Brave little thing, he was.[/color]"

Ylva smirked,"[color=8dc73f]I'm sure Baldur will be pleased to recieve his brother, I haven't seen my youngest since he decided to travel to the south and get married.[/color]"

Gils spoke again, "[color=f26522]Oh I'm sure Baldur will be thrilled that he has another contender for chief. Aside from you of course Ylva.[/color]"

Ylva's smile turned slightly sour, as she poured a few horns of mead and passed them around,"[color=8dc73f]Don't speak such words, Gils. I do not have the right or even the lineage to claim that honor. Baldur has no threat in me.[/color]"

Liut laughed,"[color=fff200]You act as if it is your choice Ylva. If you're chosen, then you must take the throne.[/color]"

Ylva slumped slightly, hating that he was right,"[color=8dc73f]Let's stop discussing such trivial topics. This is just old people at a table talking about politics. Who are we to know what the people, or even the gods want. The men love Baldur, and he is Odinkar's son, the people will choose wisely, I have no doubt. As for now, it's probably time for you all to be on your way. I have a busy night of planning, and with hope I can come up with some plan to deal with these pesky hobgoblins. Again thank you all for the help. You are welcome under my roof anytime. Now Liut you can take a guest bed if you wish to leave in the morning.[/color]"

Liut gave her a charming smile,"[color=fff200]I'm afraid I wouldn't trust myself with you alone, beauty.[/color]"

Ylva detested how much she enjoyed his teasing,"[color=8dc73f]Well it wouldn't be just us Liut, Ragnar always shares my room now that Rollo had passed.[/color]"

Liut looked over at Ragnar who was currently gnawing on his bone,"[color=fff200]I suppose its for the best that I should be on my way. I have paid for a room already, I might as well use it.[/color]"

Ylva almost laughed,"[color=8dc73f]Very well then.[/color]"

The evening ended quickly, with the men leaving her alone with nothing but thoughts, dirty dishes and knowledge for the future. After helping her servants clean up she headed to bed, crawling under her blankets and skins to get warm, with Ragnar coming up to slump against her feet as he had done since he was a puppy. She couldn't tell you how comforting he was when Rollo had passed. Too many nights, tears had stained her bed, now all that was left was his blue scarf that hung loosely on a hoof by her shield. She kept it in eyes view, as it gave her comfort when the world seemed so complicated. It was also the last thing she saw before she shut her eyes, finally finding some sleep.