Wick

Vikings Westward (closed)

@King Tai

Accepted! Love him already! Plz put the cs in a hider in the char tab. You are good to write.

Vikings Westward (closed)

MAREWEN’S JOURNEY

Trying not to lose her footing Marewen slid over the wet ground and grabbed hold of a low hanging tree branch to save her from falling completely. She gasped as the thorns from the bush tore at her skirts and scratched at her ankles. After several hours she finally lay against a tree and covered herself up with her cloak. She’d had no idea that getting through the woods on foot would be so harrowing.

She had been there for maybe an hour when she heard animal noises. Startled Marewen sat up and looked around as she got to her feet. The sun was peering through the trees and she couldn’t ever remember being so grateful to see the light. Her trek overnight showed her a different looking person than the one who entered the woods in the wee hours of the morning. This young woman’s hair was dishevelled, her face had dirt smudges as did her clothing as well as some tattered edges from the thorny bushes and burrs in the woods. Marewen had open scratches on her hands and blood marred her soft hands. Her eyes were perhaps the biggest change. They had been confident in her decision and now they were mostly fearful.

A dog ran at her and Marewen just froze. The little girl laughing and following the dog stopped suddenly at seeing her and as she became more curious she edged a little closer and put her hand on her dog’s head.

“Toby sit!” The dog sat but kept his toothy expression and his eyes on Marewen. “Who are you? You look terrible. You should come see my mother. She will help you.” The child saw her hands and became upset. “You are bleeding! Come miss, this way!” The child pulled the dog with her and lead Marewen to a nearby village.

The child asked her “What is your name?” and grabbed Marewen’s hand in her own small one. She looked down at the child’s hand and replied.

“My name is Mary.” The little girl smiled.

“My mother will like that. Her name is Mary too. She gets upset though because my father works at the palace and is not home often.”

Panic set in and Marewen’s heart started to thump loudly in her chest. “How far away from the palace are we?”

The little girl stopped and thought hard for a moment. “About three hours by horse at a walk papa says.”

“I’m sorry little one but I need to get somewhere and I won’t have time to stop to see your mama. Which way is the road?” The little girl hugged her at the waist and she pointed her in the right direction. Marewen smiled and waved at her and she headed that way but made sure to stay off of the main road. She had to make sure she didn’t look like the princess and she sure wasn’t going to go back. She picked up her pace til she was running. The ground was mostly flat here and she needed to put some real distance between her and the palace.

Over the next week Marewen stayed mostly in the woods next to the road. She managed to survive on berries. Some of the nearby villagers children would feed her when she came close enough to them. Unsure of how long she could stay hidden in the woods she just prayed it wouldn't rain on her.

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

Alexis

Realizing as he disappeared into the water that they still didn't have the answers as to who had attacked Sophie. "Wait! Johann!" When he didn't come back she turned and followed Wayne. "Did he tell you? He didn't tell me anything!" Frustration felt like a glowing hot coal inside her stomach. She had never been one for being patient. She followed Wayne out of the caves and to the exit of the underground city.

Alexis watched as he performed the pricking of his finger to unlock the door to the outside world and wondered if she would die or if she could do it since she was half hexenbiest. "Wayne? Am I able to get into this place on my own now or is my blood going to set poison on me if I am pricked by that thing?"

He seemed quiet so she left him alone to his thoughts while she felt the tension and the excitement in her own body. She both dreaded and couldn't wait to tell Elias what had happened. She knew this time she was not going to get scared and run off. She needed to talk to Elias and get his opinion and help. She wondered what Sophie would say and she had a ton of questions for her aunt. She wasn't going to let her off without getting some answers.

Once inside the manor Alexis broke off from Wayne and she went to Elias' room. It was night again. They had been gone nigh on 24 hours or so. It seemed like an eternity and she was suddenly exhausted. She couldn't tell if Elias was asleep so she kicked her shoes off and just crawled into the bed. Her eyes were closed before her head hit the pillow.

@December

Vikings Westward (closed)

MAREWEN

Marewen giggled softly as she slipped into the room. She wasn’t usually so disobedient but her father had said that he had a large surprise for her and she was curious as to what it was. Upon hearing her father speak to another in that voice she was instantly brought to attention. Not recognizing the man he was negotiating with she peered through the drapes she was hidden behind and caught the sight of King Harold of East Anglia. He was a portly man. Heavy handed in his dealings with just about everyone, even her father King Phillip. Paying more attention to his appearance than the subject she was startled to hear her name brought up.

Marewen sat up straighter and her breath became slower as she listened to hear what they were talking about that she was to be a part of.

“King Harold, I assure you that my daughter Marewen is a more than suitable match for your son Prince Edgar. Her mother and I have discussed it at length and we believe she would be happy.”

“Edgar is very taken with her beauty and is greatly looking forward to the marriage….Now the armies would arrive the day of the wedding….”

The instant fear that accompanied those words aided her in leaving the room quietly. Her mother already knew and wasn’t fighting her father on it? She and her mother had discussed whom she thought her father would marry her off to eventually but she had never thought it would be so soon nor to this particular man’s son. Her father must have a great need of an army from Harold if he was willing to saddle her with Edgar. Marewen quickly made her way to her room. She grabbed some money and a dark cloak. She knew she would have to wait at least another hour before she snuck out. The fear in her stomach was nothing to the fear in her heart of what would happen if she married Edgar. She had to leave, there was no other way.

Marewen changed into one of her day dresses. It looked less royal and more like a commoner would wear. She didn’t want to be out of place looking. Slipping her money into her pockets she packed a small bag of essentials and made certain that she was wearing simple slippers that were not adorned. She pulled her hair down and pulled the jewels out of her locks before tucking her hair underneath her cloak. Shoving her brush into her bag she pulled it closed and then she pulled her door open and listened. Slipping out of the room she skirted the hallways in the dark. It was well after 2am and the castle was mostly asleep.

Once she was out of the royal family’s home she moved quicker as she ran past the back of the buildings and homes of many of the people that she had known all her life. Her heart was thudding so hard in her chest that she was afraid that the others around her would be awakened by it. The gates were opened only slightly overnight but they were manned and there was a very awake sentry guarding it. Marewen looked around her and she spied a prostitute across the way with a man who was boldly touching her. Marewen felt a little nauseated but when the woman was done with the man Marewen motioned for her to approach her.

“M’lady? What is a lady doing out at this hour?”

Marewen pulled her hood over her a little more. She was afraid the woman would figure out who she was. “I need to get out of the gates unseen. Can you arrange for a distraction so I can slip out?”

“It’ll cost ya. I don’t really fancy getting beaten up for nothing.” The woman tried to gleen a better look at her and Marewen stepped backwards into the shadows. color=yellow]“Who are ya?”[/color]

Marewen pulled out a handful of gold and the woman nearly squealed with delight and took it fast enough. “Never mind girl, I don’t need to know who you are. Gimme a minute.” She smiled at Marewen. “Be safe girl.”

A couple of moments later a small group of drunkards and prostitutes came out of a tavern and made a lot of noise before starting a fight in the middle of the street. Marewen watched the guards and when they ran to break up the fight she slipped through the gates and into the woods.

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

Alexis

Alexis replied, "Thank you!" She was truly proud of herself. She had done it with no training at all. She felt a little tingly and it felt good. She walked back with Wayne and she couldn't help but wonder what Elias would say if he'd seen her using magic. She followed Wayne into the caves once again.

Alexis had waited patiently outside of the room but when Wayne was knocked off his feet the water had pushed her back and held her at bay. She had been unable to move through the water at first. Her magic was instinctive and she had started to push her way through a little bit at a time but when the water realized it, it had flung her back out into the caves. She had hit her head and for a moment she saw stars. Getting to her feet she ran back to see Wayne being lifted to his feet carefully by Johann.

Upon entering the room Alexis looked at a frazzled Wayne and became protective of him instantly. Not bothering with whatever protocols she was unaware of, she walked up to him and looked him over. "Wayne? Are you okay?" After making sure that the bird man was alright she turned and looked at Johann.

"I think you should give us the answers we need now. Who hurt Sophie?" A small smile appeared and grew wider as she waited. "...and you knew what I am didn't you? Is that why you sent me after the pearls? Your magic couldn't reach there but you knew I had magic that I was unaware of. How very strategic of you Johann. Bravo!"

@December

Vikings Westward (closed)

@Nightwing95

@Sigurd is right. The story takes place somewhere between 870 and 1064. I purposely left it unstated what the exact year is. It doesn't follow the real timeline in history at all except for the basic era of the viking. I can tell you they are earlier in the story as the first set of kings are in play at the moment.

Vikings Westward (closed)

Later that evening, after the sacrifice

Conall sat looking into the fire. Something about the flames always drew him in. He often times found his mind going back to that fateful day. Conall was already prepared for his journey to the isles, having wiped the blood that had been thrown on his face. Conall had already sharpened his axes but didn't feel like going to the boats quite yet as he knew few of the other raiders and didn't know quite how that encounter would go. There was also the fact that he could run into the Earl who was currently not very high on his “to meet” list after his activities with Reidun.

Harek stood up after having the blood smeared on his face by the priestess and began to look for a place to sit. After wandering around for a bit he saw a familiar face and moved over to the sitting form. Even sitting down the figure was unnaturally tall, and his red hair was easily distinguishable. Harek pounded his hand on the mans back and sat down next to him.

“So no one has cut that long neck of yours off yet? That is quite surprising seeing how big of a target you are.”

Conall instantly knew who the voice belonged to. He turned to see the only man he had met who could fight him to a draw. He smiled at the friend he hadn't seen in 2 years. “As if anyone could touch me.” Conall boasted with confidence “I see no one has put you out of your misery old man.” Conall now had a wide smile on his face at having his mood significantly increased.

“Eh many have tried, all have failed. One got closer than the others, that is why I decided to take a quick rest here before heading back to the isles.” Harek was glad to see the the boastful giant was going on this raid. Harek knew Conall was worth his weight in the battlefield.

“So have you managed to piss off the Earl yet? You have a magical way with authority that seems to get you in trouble no matter where you go.”

Conall held a nervous grin while moving his eyes around trying not to make direct eye contact. “I should be in the clear, she did say he wouldn’t do anything anyway.”

“She?” Harek let out an exasperated sigh, hand looked up towards the stars. “Why is it always women with you? Someday you’ll either learn to keep it in your pants, or you won't have anymore hands to pull down your pants.”

“What do you mean all the time?” Conall looked shocked in a sort of funny way “that was only one other time. The others I had nothing to do with.” Conall having a more serious face “Besides I think this one is different from the other women we’ve met in our times at sea. But I doubt it will last either way.”

“Just be careful.” Harek stared into the fire as if looking for something. Letting out a sigh he slumped backwards and laid on the ground with his hands behind his head. “I wonder what the priestess saw in the omens. Maybe they are terrible and the fleet sinks before even reaching the isles.”

“I doubt it. Your gods always seem to favor you before battle.” Conall then looked over to his friend grabbing him by the shoulder and shaking him lightly. “Besides how else will they meet the fury of the invincible deartháireacha Conall Cassidy and Harek Hallson?”

“Now what the blazes is a deartháireacha?!?!” Harek had a grin back on his face and was laughing.

Conall just rolled his eyes at Hareks reaction to his statement “It means brothers. Though I suppose if we were brothers I got away with the looks, brains, and brawn.” Conall began laughing as the last of his words came out of his mouth.

“I have to wonder where you got that confidence from seeing how mirrors exist.” Tears were starting to come to his eyes he was laughing so hard.

“Well the fact that my mirror wouldn't break I think is evidence enough.” Conall was finding it hard to breath at this point at how the two of them acted as if they were still kids.

Reidun walked the path along the beach and her eyes searched the groups of men and women for Conall. Once her eyes laid claim to his form she smiled and walked over to him and his friend. She was still wearing her ceremonial garb and was covered in blood. Carefully she leaned over and whispered into his ear with a soft smile. “I’ll be cleansing in the waters then retiring for the evening and I’d like you to join me Conall.” Her lips softly lingered near his ear and she kissed his neck before parting.

She smiled at Harek and nodded respectfully and her hand dragged across Conall’s shoulder and arm as she continued walking towards the water nearest her lodgings. She hoped he would follow.

Conall perked his head as he felt Reidun’s touch. Once she had left he turned to Harek with a slight smirk. “I believe that was my cue to leave.” He said standing up and beginning to follow her. “I'll see you tomorrow when we load up for the raid.” He said turning his head so Harek could hear him. Conall raised his hand to wave as he retreated into the night.

Collab with @pandapolio and @sly13

Vikings Westward (closed)

LEARNING TO SWIM

(Day before they leave Kattegat)
Reidun looked up at Aksel a little hesitant at his directions. “And you are certain I must put my face in the water?”

“Yes I am quite certain your face will get wet. Get into the water kick off and keep kicking your legs and raise your arms up and dive them in like this.” Aksel got into the water for a moment and showed her how. He swam circles around her and then forwards to the boat dock. “See! It’s easy.”

Reidun looked at him and grumbled a little to herself. She looked down at herself and decided that the dress was not going to work on the journey or to learn to swim in. She ran back to her lodging and put on her breeches and came back to the water. Aksel caught her eye and she saw him laugh and she gave him a laughing but obscene gesture in jest.

Aksel raised himself out of the water and headed towards the boats. He was getting them ready to go out for the journey to England. They had purposely brought many boats with only the minimum of people needed to oar. He had known that they would be gaining quite a few people when they got to Kattegat.

She felt the hair stand up on her arms and she chided herself on her fear of water. “Come on Reidun you’re a bit old to be scared of the water.” She was so nervous that she couldn’t seem to focus on actually going in past her chest. Then she caught a break she saw Aksel wave her over to the dock. Thinking she had been given a reprieve she walked around and went up to him.

He was giving directions and asking a question to one of the men. When she got there he turned quickly and shoved her backwards off of the dock. Reidun flew into the cold waters and she came up spluttering curses at him like mad.

“You son of a bitch! Are you trying to kill me? I can’t swim you ass!” She screamed at him as she tread water in at least ten foot waters. At his laughter she got even madder and started to threaten him for the millionth time.

Aksel’s grin was a mile wide as he picked on his favorite target. “Looks like you are swimming to me. What do I know of such things? You would be dead if you weren’t swimming right now.” He put his hands on his hips in grand laughter.

Reidun realized that he was right but she would have cut her own tongue out before admitting it. Her smile was all the satisfaction he needed and she swam away awkwardly at first, splashing herself in the face. "You're an ass Aksel!"

Aksel chuckled at her but got back to his business and kept an eye on her progress. He would look rather dimwitted if he let her drown after shoving her into the water. This thought made him grin for well over an hour.
Aksel had met many who were joining the raid to England. Many were hoping for treasures, some wanted land and all wanted glory in battle and to better themselves. Aksel wanted to win. His wants were simple. He wanted the others to achieve their goals but he was interested in the land and titles that went with it.

Realizing that there might be more men than ships he started counting the men that would fit into the boats and the amount of food and weapons that they were taking.

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

Alexis

Alexis looked at Wayne as if he had suddenly sprouted a second head and turned purple. Was he serious? Could she really dismantle it. She had no idea what she could do yet, let alone how she could dismantle a spell put there by another. She looked at him and chewed on her bottom lip, a nervous habit she'd had since childhood. She stepped backwards into the hallway and rolled her shoulders to loosen them from the tension that was suddenly tightening her body. She took a deep breath and concentrated hard on the pearls and in her mind she demanded the wards be dropped and she started to feel something stirring in her but it was taking a lot of energy, akin to waking from a coma. After a moment she dropped the attempt and she looked at Wayne unsure of herself. She took another deep breath and nothing.

Alexis felt bad and leaned against the wall in the hallway. Tears of frustration came to well up in her eyes. She could hear Elias' voice in her head telling her to push forward and that she could do it like he had so many times before. Feeling more confident she stood up and walked to the door. When she opened her eyes there was a distinctive look of determination about her and she pushed her palm outwards focusing the outward flow of mystical energy into the room. Alexis felt the magic burst forth and she could actually see the wards fall away. Alexis's eyes had darkened while using magic and they went back to normal afterwards. As soon as the wards fell she walked into the room and picked up the pearls and walked back handing them to Wayne. "Wow, what a rush that was!"

On their way back to Johann Alexis couldn't help but think that Johann had to know what she was and that she could use magic. Why else would he send them to do that particular task? Alexis had more questions than ever and she wondered if Wayne, Elias and Sophie were going to be able to help her figure out the answers. Once again entering the cool caves she felt Johann's presence and this time she could sense him and block him from her mind. Once she had tapped into the magic in her mind she could do it almost instinctively now. She stayed back and let Wayne deliver the pearls.

@December

Vikings Westward (closed)

Aksel left the barmaid in the main hall and made his way to the lodging that Reidun had gave him. He entered and shut the door quietly so as not to wake her. Stopping partway across the room he stared at the other bedroom door quizzically. Obviously there was at least two people in there. He hesitated then he knocked lightly on the door. "Reidun? Are you well?"

Conall had felt his heart stop upon hearing the voice of the man. For one he had no idea that there would be another man in the house. What made it worse was Conall had no idea who this voice belonged to. It had sounded familiar in some way but he couldnt put his finger on it. She could have at least told me there was someone else gonna be here he swore to himself. He had looked to her trying to find any sense of worry or panic.

Reidun's smile turned a little pinker as she blushed. "I'm well Aksel. Go to bed. I'll see you in the morn." She spoke out loudly. Then she returned her lips to Conalls and murmured into his ear. "Don't worry, it's just the Earl."

Conall let the words sink in. 'just the Earl'. Conall thought it best to remain as quiet as possible not really wanting to get on the bad side of the Earl. Not that he was afraid of him, oh no I can surely take him Conall told himself trying to make the whole ordeal less stressful. "Why is it always the pretty ones that wind up being the most trouble?" he said in low voice with a playful smile.

Reidun gasped in shock and then grinned a little. "You think I'm pretty and that I will be trouble for you?" Her grin was unmistakable in the light. Her eyes were kind and in that light the green shone through the brown and she raised her chin slightly. "You have no idea what kind of trouble I could be if I set my mind to it." She responded cheekily.

Aksel quickly moved away from the door and chuckled to himself. He knew he shouldn't be listening but he couldn't help himself. Reidun had a man in her room and he hadn't expected that at all. She was not usually so ...approachable. His grin held til he fell fast asleep.

"Well in that case I guess I will just have to keep you happy then wont I?" Conall said with a slight grin but his face showed he meant it. Then getting a sly grin on his face "I do warn you though you've got no idea what madness comes with being near me." he said somewhat jokingly but something in his eyes was serious. Almost as if they warning her, telling her to run and never turn back.

For a half a second Reidun was uncertain of what he meant. "Well as I have no intention of becoming your enemy I doubt it would be something to worry myself about. I am a shield maiden and quite capable of protecting myself ...even against you if I needed to." Looking into the depths of his eyes she moved slightly underneath him and saw the urgency building in his eyes and grinned. "Do I have something to fear from you?"

Conall didnt quite know how to anwser her last question. He had what felt like a battle going on inside him over what to say. On one side he seemed drawn to her and didnt want to scare her away from his side but that emotion wanted him to warn her. "No of course not." he hadnt even realized what had come out of his mouth before he had finished. Trying desperately to find a way to take the focus off of him for a second, he looked for anything to get him out of this situation. "Well if you think you can take me on i'm sorry to break the bad news but i've never lost." It wasnt a complete lie he told himself sure there was that one time but that really didnt count.

Reidun could feel the tension in him as he seemed almost panicked. "I've no intention of fighting you. Besides, I would win. I'd dazzle you with my assets and you'd fall at my feet in love." She was kissing his neck as she said these words and could feel the tension lessening as he relaxed again. She felt his arms wrap tighter about her and his mouth was close enough that his breath was on her neck which made her feel secure.

Conall relaxed at her comment. Well at least she went along with it he thought. He smiled at her, there was something in her eyes that kept him drawn in. Something about them reminded him of his own. They seemed to have a hidden kindness in them. He leaned in and planted a kiss on her head and tightened his hold of her almost as if he was scared of losing her.

@sly13