[center][i][h2][color=82ca9d]JOURNEY TO GUTHRAM[/color][/h2][/i][/center]


Now with a new objective, Vestar took Marewen’s hand to leave from the healer’s hut the following morning to meet with his fellow vikings to start their travels to the next destination. Vestar gathered the men, leading the way on the road to Guthram, thinking of what his comrades would think about the news he was going to share with them. While enroute, they were already traveling for a few hours before having to stop to eat lunch. Having their horses tied and gathered in the shade, Vestar, looking at Marewen smirked. [color=green]“I’m going to speak to them now. I figure before we go any further, I’ll share more detail.”[/color] Moving from her. 

Vestar approached the 5 while they scarfed down their dried meat, hearing Grimar talking about the last whore that nearly bit off his manhood simply because he refused to share his ale with her. Vestar shook his head and cleared his throat.[color=green] “Brothers...I have some news to share with you.”[/color] Bard and the others turned to look over to Vestar. [color=green]“I want to share my gratitude with you helping me get back my woman. I promised you a raid and you even allowed me to take her to the healers.” [/color]

Bard lifted his water sack[color=yellow] “All for our brethren and hero we’ve witnessed!” [/color]The others gave out a yell in agreeing with Bard’s words. Vestar smirked.[color=green] “Which is why I’m grateful. And because of your selfless pursuit… I figure it fair that I share something with you.”[/color] Grimar spoke. [color=yellow] “There’s to be no raid!?”[/color] He asked. Haf then spoke.[color=red] “We are going to gather more whores!”[/color] Bard then spoke.[color=orange] “You wish to keep us as permanent raid members and take new lands?” [/color]Vestar raised an eyebrow. [color=green]“Well...I’ll just come out and speak on it...I’m sure you’ve heard what happened to King Philip’s son am I correct?” [/color]Bard and the others nodded. [color=orange]“Yes, about time we have good news. The king now has a son and a daughter gone. He has no heir!”[/color] Vestar nodded.[color=green] “Correct but...the daughter...I know her...in fact...you...saved her. My woman, Mary...is actually Marewen of Mercia. King Philip’s daughter.”[/color]

Mentioning this, Bard and the others just stared at Vestar, speechless and baffled looking over to Marewen, then back to Vestar. Bard stood and walked over to Vestar.[color=orange] “Is this real or is your tongue speaking falsely towards us?” [/color]Vestar shook his head.[color=green] “My tongue speaks truth. Before you judge brother...I found her after she ran away from her kingdom. She left so not to marry Edgar. Many know about Edgar’s perverse nature. Marewen did not want to marry that monster. She gave her virginity to me and she risked her life to stay away from her father and kingdom. Yes, I did not tell you who she really was but would you have helped me if I did?”[/color]

Bard looked a bit upset and looked at Marewen the whole time, breathing heavy before Grimar spoke.[color=orange] “Oden’s cock! Vestar, I respect you. I hold you to the highest regard. I even trust you but her being with us, we will have his entire army coming for us!”[/color] Vestar huffed.[color=green] “Brothers calm yourself. Allow me to explain more. If after what I explain still leaves you with fire in your eyes, then wait until afterwards to face me in battle to satisfy your rage.”[/color] Vestar mentioned. 

[color=green]“We are heading to Guthram to get married. That way, we are in another kingdom and her father cannot annul the marriage and we have to do this with a crowd of witnesses. With me marrying her, we can overthrow her father and gain power for the vikings. Brothers, Marewen is committing treason to bring an end to her father and Edgar. And our armies will rise. This is to our advantage! I’m still asking if you see reason, to stick with us while we rise to power. If you want a raid, this is a grand one” [/color]Vestar told them, waiting for their reaction while staring at their expressions. Bard still looked a bit upset but now he was pondering this new news. Grimar was a little bewildered but looked at the others to see their reactions. Haf walked over to Vestar and stared at him. Right then, he punched Vestar in the face making Vestar stumble and then looked over while holding his jaw, staring at Haf. The giant of a man gave a stern staredown. [color=red]“That was for your false tongue…” [/color]He then walked over and placed his hand on Vestar’s shoulder, initially making Vestar step back a little thinking he was going to get struck by the brute again. 

Haf chuckled[color=red] “But your back is watched by me. I will be by your side when we stand over the carcasses of Philip and Edgar.”[/color] Vestar smirked [color=green]“You could have started with that before the hit.” [/color]Bard and Grimar came over as both of them punched Vestar as well and showed the same gesture as Haf showing their support, placing their hands on his shoulders. The other two spearmen brothers by blood, Vog and Mar went to show their support for this new quest. Bard walked over to Marewen after all was said and stood in front of her.[color=orange] “Who would think that an English Princess would be the deciding figure to give the vikings the advantage to grow….willingly...if Vestar trusts you then I will look after your back as I would Vestar.”[/color] Giving her a smile and moving away to join the others while Vestar came back over to join Marewen. 

Marewen had watched and blushed as the men were told and she completely understood their anger. Their loyalty was both heartfelt and welcome in her eyes. She knew that vikings were a violent group so the punches were not unexpected. In fact she chuckled softly at the rough banter between them. When Bard walked over to her and pledged his help to them she wiped the happy tears out of her eyes and held her hand out to him as was the custom. He took it as gently as he knew and kissed her hand. 

The rest of the group came over to her and did the same. [color=bc8dbf]“I can not thank you enough for supporting us in this. You are right it will be dangerous. Edgar’s armies will doubtless be chasing us down as fast as he can which is why we must make haste and not waste any time. From what little I know about the viking army is that they are south of here. We must marry, and meet up with them to take my father’s kingdom.”[/color]

Marewen grabbed something out of the bags on the horse she was riding and then she mounted her horse. [color=bc8dbf]“Take the time you need but we must hurry.”[/color]

Vestar, Bard, and Grimar stared at Marewen, agreeing to leave post haste. As the men got on their horses, Vestar rode right to Marewen’s side, looking her in the eyes.[color=green] “Now that is settled...there are no secrets between us now.”[/color] 

[i]With:[/i] [@Wick]