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Yeah, the dialect thing was what I was going to use to explain away differences, actually.


Hey, I went back and read your character a bit more. I'd imagine a reputation would follow Seothrunn. The Man who Winds Favor or something like that. If he is a prince (which I'm not sure?) then surely there might rumors and stories about him. Stuff that Vala would hear.
As long as the dynamic doesn't lead to, well, death. XD

I did a bit of research on Old Norse (And it's evolution into the modern day Scandinavian languages) once, mainly to explore the idea of William the Bastard losing the battle of Hastings and the English language continuing to evolve based on it's Nordic and Germanic roots. Riveting stuff, but ultimately I chose Icelandic for my base since it's the closest we have to Old Norse in present times.


As the only other Northern there and under a Southern Roof, Seothrunn will be fine.

I will probably go the same route then and use Icelandic. I know that they would probably have different dialects but that'll probably just happen naturally as we use different methods of it. It'll probably be safe to assume, though, that they can understand each other despite using different wording.
Just a note, I made up the language on the fly with not much thought put into it other than my conlang resources and a google translate set to Icelandic and Irish. ._. So it might not make sense some all most of the time.


I was just about to ask. I'm using a mixture of Word Reference for Danish and a site which boasts terms an older Nordic. I was a bit worried you knew the language well enough so that I'd have to keep up.

Anyway, I'm liking the dynamic here. Northern Raider meets Southern Farmaðr.
<Snipped quote by Pirouette>

Yeah, same approximate area, but I have Seothrunn coming from the island chain further north. I guess it should not really matter unless the journey takes them back home, but thought I'd clear things up.


Ah, I understand.
Did a quick post 'cause I didn't think I did too good a job the last time at getting Seothrunn involved.


I do believe Seothrunn and Vala come from the same area approximately. I thought of the Northwestern part of Ecen, too.
It had been about a month at sea but Vala could never really tell anymore. The sun had just escaped behind the horizon and Vala's destination was just coming in sight. Ecen's Capitol looked magnificent at such a distance as the city's various torches and lanterns sparked life into the view. But it was all an illusion of magnificence. Being downwind, Vala had already begun smelling the filth that came with such large settlements.

The brief moment of excitement that Vala had felt when the city first came into view now faded away as feelings of regret and nervousness crept in. Whatever the Sounding was, Vala had come to accept that she might never see Marstal again. It was a huge price to pay but Vala wasn't in any position to refuse a King's summons. Perhaps if she just kept her mouth shut, she could live out her life without ever leaving the icy coasts of the Northern Seas... but where would those tales of brave, exciting adventure if she stayed behind?

Vala spent her last moments on her ship, fiddling with tangled rope as there was no need for the Master-at-Arms in such friendly seas. It wasn't until they had to dock that Vala was sprung into action by her captain. The crew were in high spirits as they scurried about the deck, preparing to jump ship for simpler pleasures. Vala hadn't know these men for very long but they were all at least kind enough to give her a nod or a handshake before scrambling for the nearest tavern. With a nod from her captain, she was relieved from duty. She gathered her belongings, which all fit in a rather large potato sack, and began her long climb up the gradual slope that lead to Dragonstead.

--

An awestruck crowd of people had gathered at the entrance, being held back by the threat armed guards. It took a bit of some aggression on her part, but Vala managed to navigate the crowd and find a spot at the end of a shortening line. Most were being turned away and suddenly, Vala felt like this was a big mistake. The possibility of being screened and turned away for whatever reason suddenly crept into her mind. If that was the case, she'd at least have a chance to rejoin her ship but after word had spread that she was some type of "Chosen", it would be such an embarrassing affair if all she brought back was, "They turned me away..."

Finally it was her turn and the moment she took her step forward, she was immediately nodded at. "Please step inside!" The older man said as he stepped aside. Shocked, Vala only mouthed a 'thank you' before stepping inside. A nicely dressed man approached her and offered to take her belongings. There was a bit of hesitation but she willing gave him the sack, containing all her weaponry and armor. Her shield was tossed over her shoulder and another man came and take that.

Unburdened by her equipment, she was lead to a large dining hall where several people had already gathered. All of them looked the part of being from all corners of Ecen but Vala had expected more. Surely there were others but a growing sense of Vala being the last one to arrive felt like a real possibility. In any case, she was most relieved to see a pale man with light brown hair but blue eyes sitting in silence. She took the seat next to him and gave him a nod. "Frændi." (Kinsman) She said sternly as she pulled out the seat and sat next to the man, who probably hailed from the same region as her.

A servant arrived just a moment later and offered wine. "Something harder..." She said, looking at the servant, shortly after her kinsmen had asked for something. The accent was something familiar and suddenly Vala was feeling better. Her accent mirrored his. "Erm.. Please." She added quickly. The prospect of a heavy drink felt like it would be soothing to Vala's growing nerves. Thankfully she knew the Southern language well enough.

Appearance:
At 5’9” and a smaller build, Vala looks like a typical Northern with blue eyes, blonde hair, which is usually kept up in a braid, and fairly pale skin. For the most part, her skin is rather free of marks and scars but there are a few exceptions. Right shoulder has a small scar from an arrow and a scar right around her right hip where a sword pierced through her entirely.

Name: Vala Lynstad
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual
Occupation: Master-at-Arms for the Sae Hrafn
Weaponry:
Vala primarily uses a standard long sword with a rounded-shield for protection. As a backup, she has a knife. For variety, she is pretty accurate with a short axe, both as a primary weapon and a projectile.

Apparel:
Vala dresses rather plainly and conservatively in commoner clothing. For times of battle, she adorns herself in hardened leather armor.
Equipment:
Waterskin, scraps of cloth usually for the purpose of cleaning her weapons,
Skills:
Vala comes from a Northern Longship and has established her sea legs and can handle rough waters. She lead men into the defense of said Longship and can help direct forces in battle. Her primary skill is her ability in combat, both with weapons and without.

Magical abilities: None

Personality:
On first impression, Vala is a bit cold with strangers and first-time acquaintances. She isn’t outright rude, however, and she believes that everyone deserves a chance. Displays of serious determination or willpower go a long way in her eyes. Her humor is a bit dry or a bit harsh at another’s expense because that was a common go-to for her crew members. Despite being a bit rough around the edges, Vala does have some softness at her core. She is extremely loyal, to the point of blind trust, when it comes to blood brothers and sisters (anyone who fights alongside her after a while). She also secretly enjoys being courted by people, especially if she is being fought over. But she’ll never say that.

Backstory:
Vala hails from Northern Coasts of Ecen, specifically a lonely island just off the coast called Marstal, and if you are living in Marstal, you probably either fish or sail for the navy. The sea always plays a big part of those who live on that tiny island and for Vala, she grew up just like any kid, craving the adventure that the older generations tell tales of. Of course when you finally get there, life at sea is a bit crueler and less dreamy than the tales.

It wasn’t too typical for women to join up with fishing crews, as there was no guarantee that your shipmates would have pure intentions, and in order to join the military ships, where things like that would never happen, you had to have at least a year of experience on the sea. So Vala sighed onto her Uncle’s ship where she was protected as her Uncle’s attendant.

After her year was up, she signed into the navy. Starting as a simple oarsmen, she eventually rose to the rank Master-At-Arms at the age of 21. Four years she went from ship to ship, not really settling down anywhere permanently. Then the Sounding happened… Even though a part of her didn’t want to, she was being mandated to by her superiors. So she departed for the capital, missing the sea but also enjoying the break as she hoped the Sounding was good news and not bad.
Thank you!

I will post pretty darn soon then.

I didn't go with two because Ive got a few other RPs.
Oh, btw, @Pirouette, I really love your character and not just for having a certain resemblance to Lagertha (Yay Vikings!). I hope you'll be approved soon - and is your profile picture from the Banner Saga? I never played it, but the animation style looks so familiar!


Thank you very much!

I have seen a few episodes of Vikings but haven't gotten to her Shieldmadien days, yet.

But you are correct! I love the Banner Saga for its art style mainly.
I retract my initial misgivings.

♫ you see, I learned something today; you shouldn't just say stuff based on insufficient knowledge of the canon. But, if you do, you can see it as an opportunity to learn something new ♫


Oh my gosh!

I just did that musical note thing in a recent comment!

Eerie... Are you secretly following me? ;p
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