Wick

Vikings Westward (closed)

MEMORIES FROM A HORROR SHOW

As she walked along Reidun thought about earlier and her spontaneous kiss to Aksel’s lips. Her cheeks flushed softly as it made her remember a memory from long ago.

Five years ago….
Reidun was laughing as she ran from Aksel. He could run faster and he grabbed around the waist and held her over his shoulder and dropped to his knees and kissed her deeply. “I love you Reidun.” His words and his hands made her feel alive like she had never felt before and she would have done anything to keep it.

Flash forward….
Reidun walked out of the house and saw Aksel staring at a young woman a year or two older than Reidun. His eyes were glued to her. Looking at the girl she asked Aksel, “Who is that?” It took him a minute to realize that Reidun was there and he couldn’t meet her eyes.

“It’s Brona,” He turned to Reidun and his eyes said everything. “I’m sorry Reidun.”
Aksel had turned and kissed her on the forehead like a sister and ran after Brona. Brona, his former girlfriend had moved back. Reidun felt her heart explode into tiny pieces. Three months later he had married Brona and she was pregnant soon after. Reidun had been training with the midwife and healer to deliver babies and handle injuries and illnesses.

At this point Reidun tilted her head back and wiped her tears using the sun as an excuse for her watery eyes. Pushing onward hoping the next settlement wasn’t too far Reidun’s emotions were still high from her thoughts….

The healer was gone with the raiding party and the midwife had died before Brona went into labor. Reidun was at home getting ready for bed when Aksel burst into the house carrying a bleeding and unconscious Brona and laid her on the table in a panic. “Help her! She just started bleeding and I can’t stop it.” Reidun looked at her. There was so much blood and it was nearly already creating a pool near his feet.

Reidun looked at the girl, fear running down to the pit of her stomach. “Brona! Wake up! She isn’t due yet. She is too early!” Getting the necessary things she hurried and she had not seen a birth like this one. None of the others were this early and none were bleeding to death. Reidun did everything she knew to do but in the end there was nothing to be done. Brona’s body had gone into premature labor and she had hemorrhaged. The baby was only seven months and neither the baby nor its mother survived. Aksel completely fell apart. She had hoped that delivering the baby even when Brona was taking her last breath would somehow make it less horrific. She had cut into its mother and pulled the baby out but she couldn’t get it to breathe. It had been a boy. She laid the baby in its mother’s arms and she covered the rest of Brona’s body with a blanket so that the only thing visible was the baby and it’s mother’s face.

Aksel’s tortured face as he saw his tiny life deprived son was more than Reidun could bare. Her tears were heavy on her heart. Reidun had stood there covered in blood shaking as Aksel’s wails of heartbreak shattered the night.

“HALT!” She said, “We break here for an hour!” She went about securing the area perimeter herself. She had never gotten over certain things in her past and she needed a few minutes of privacy. She had walked into the woods for a few minutes.

Conall had been walking along towards the back of the group. He had said it was to cover their rear in case the english tried and attacked but he knew that was a bold faced lie. He kept his head down as he walked trying to make sence of the events leading him to this point. ‘Why does this shite always happen?’ he thought to himself. He had hoped he could explain himself to Reidun earlier that morning but clearly that didn't go according to plan. He didn't know what to make of the actions that followed after he found her. Of course there was the obvious, being that he fought the Earl openly in front of the entire raiding party and not only that but it had to be broken up else he would have tried to kill the man.

Then of course there was that punch. He brought his hand up to his face where he had been hit so hard he had nearly been knocked off his feet. The only reason he could still feel the sting of it was not because of how hard the punch but because of why. He had hit her like a wicked man and then simply left her with no explanation. Then there was that kiss she had given Aksel. That had felt like he was stabbed straight through the heart. He was angry at both himself and at Aksel.

‘HALT’ Conall’s head shot up at the sound of Reiduns voice commanding the party as they travelled. As the rest of the raiders began moving and continuing with setting up camp Conall had one goal in mind. Finding Reidun and trying to patch things up with her. Seeing her moving towards the forest he followed her until they were out of ear shot from the everyone else. “Reidun” he said slightly louder than usual to make sure she heard him “we need to talk. Or more so I need to talk.” He had hoped she would allow him to explain himself.

Reidun wiped her tears away from her eyes and continued scouting the perimeter. “So talk.” She didn’t stop what she was doing until he blocked her way. She sighed and her eyes met his. “What is it Conall?”

“I needed to tell you i'm sorry for what i have done and the hurt i have caused you. It was never my intention to harm you in anyway.” Conall could feel that she was still angry with him. “I only left last night because i was ashamed of what i had done and needed to clear my head after what i had saw.” Conall looked at her hoping what he was doing would help to calm her down.

Reidun nodded, “You are lucky that Aksel didn’t punish you for attacking him. You shouldn’t be mad at him, I am the one that did the kissing, not him.” She was feeling emotional from her memories and she looked past Conall and at the men goofing off behind him. “I’m not sure we should be together anymore.”

Before she knew it tears were rolling down her face and she turned away quickly, surprised that she had lost control of herself that way. Quickly wiping the tears away she could feel his presence close behind her. She wanted to be as strong as the men were but emotionally she was lacking some of their strength. Reidun turned and found herself wrapping her arms around his large frame and burying her head in his chest.

Conall was surprised by the sudden emotions coming from Reidun. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly trying to assure that he was here for her. It was tearing him apart inside when she had said she no longer wanted to be with him. It was odd to him. This was what he had originally wanted for her to push him away so she would be safe but now he couldn’t bare the thought of it. Still holding her tight Conall looked down at her “Reidun if that is what you truly want the I will honor your wish. But know that I will never quite loving you nor will I ever stop trying to defend you from all harm that comes your way.” Conall couldn’t believe the words that had just come out of his mouth. He had never said anything like that to any one. After he was done he leaned down and kissed her on the top of her head. In the suspense he felt his hold on her tighten slightly just Incase this was the last time he had this chance.

Wanting to make sure he got everything off his chest while he could he continued. “I mean it when I say that I have never felt the same about a women in my life. I feel safer around you. I feel stronger like I could take on every army in all the lands if it meant you would be safe.” He could feel tears forming in his eyes. “I thank my gods everyday I met you that night by the fire.”

Reidun sobbed quietly for a few minutes and then raised her lips to his and kissed him. “I love you too. Just ignore what I said. I am just overly emotional today I guess.” She wiped her tears and just stood there quietly in his arms until she was calm. A few minutes after that she heard Aksel call the group back in and she took Conall’s hand and walked back with him.

Conall was overjoyed at the news and had a large smile on his face. “Don’t worry about me and Aksel. I’ll make sure nothing that happens between us hurts you.” while Reidun had said not to be mad at Aksel Conall couldn't help but have the intense urge to fight Aksel again and not be interrupted. Thinking it over more “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened between you and Aksel? He brought up that you two used to be together in our little chat.” Conall had said the last part with a slight chuckle.

Reidun’s heart stopped when he said that Aksel had mentioned their past relationship. The bile rose up in her throat. What does he know? Does he know what I did? I think I may have to vomit. Her heartbeat was racing but outwardly she tried to appear calm. “The love of his life moved back to town and he left me for her. Why? What did he say?”

Conall could feel a twitch in his face out of anger. Trying to hold it down out of his voice so he didn't worry Reidun about what he wanted to do to Aksel at the moment. “Nothing much really. He just said something about never hitting you, unlike me.” As he finished the last part he felt another pang of guilt for what he had done. “And I was just wondering why he would let someone so beautiful get away from him.” He finished with a smile trying to be as smooth as possible. Then as he began to think it over he realized that he had not seen Aksel with any women. “Where is this ‘Love of his life’ anyway? I haven't seen her around the camp at all.”

Reidun’s voice took on a slightly softer tone. “She and the baby died during childbirth. It almost killed him. We don’t talk about it.” She couldn’t get the image of Brona and the tiny baby out of her mind. The worst was the agonizing look on Aksel’s face when he realized they were both gone. He had sunk into a deep depression and it had taken a long time to get him out of it. She shook her head trying to evict the memory. “They were together less than a year after she came back.”

While Conall still didn’t like Aksel, he understood that the loss of a loved one was a difficult road to travel. It rarely left men unchanged. Conall heard the change in Reiduns tone and could tell something was wrong but figured that whatever it was he wouldn’t press any further for the time being.

“You should probably thank Harek for breakIng up the fight earlier. If it wasn’t for him me and Aksel would have torn each other apart.” Conall kinda laughed at it. “He always seems to have the best timing when my temper gets me into to more trouble then I can get myself out of.”

Reidun smiled slightly. “I guess I’ll have to do that then.”
@sly13

Vikings Westward (closed)

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

Reidun awoke and slipped out early to take a quick bath in the waters before they had to head out to their next stop. Since the boats were gone they had a lot less supplies and now they would have to hunt or steal food as well so she was taking advantage of the water. She walked out into the cool waves and her hair floated out around her as she disappeared under the water. She came out of the water with her eyes closed and she shook her head and ended up laughing as her long tresses stuck to her as she walked out of the chilly water a few minutes later.

She was in a good mood despite the events of the previous night. Slipping back into her dress she wrung her hair out and ran her comb through it as best as she could. Often times she’d had help with her hair, if not one of her female friends then Aksel would often be seen helping her with the tangles. When she had asked him why he helped he’d answered that he liked how it looked when it was combed and she needed much longer arms to get it right on her own. This was the memory she was thinking of as she struggled with her locks.

Aksel had packed his stuff and looked around the camp as the others were just getting up and moving. The sun was beginning it’s ascent and he saw Reidun making her way back from the ocean. Her hair was wet and she was struggling with it as usual. He grinned and turned to one of the men nearest him and kicked his boots to wake him. “Wake your arses! We shall be leaving for the inland soon!” After that announcement he saw some of the others come to talk to him about their next destination.

Conall could hear yelling and the sounds of movement back at the campsite. He had assumed that they would be getting ready to leave soon considering the boats being burned and how there was nothing left to really raid. Groaning Conall stood up from his position against a tree. He had already packed all his gears since he had not been able to sleep well the night before.

Conall had begun to wander around the campsite laughing at the sight of men rushing and scrambling to pack everything at the sound of aksel yelling. Most of them couldn't even keep proper balance from the previous nights drinking and partying.

Reidun gave up on her knotted hair and grabbed out a knife and she was getting ready to start hacking it off when Aksel grabbed the knife from her hand.

“Oh now that’s a horrible thing to do to your beautiful hair. I’ll not allow it. You shall not desecrate it because it frustrates you.”

Reidun’s irritation with him was fierce and disappeared just as quickly. “Just like men? You all irritate me but I’ll not give up on you. If you don’t want me to cut it then you’d better help me with it. I can’t get the knots out and my head can’t take it anymore.” She handed him the comb and turned around so he could work on it.

Chuckling deeply he watched a bunch of drunken vikings stir and work on packing things as he combed knots out of her hair.

Reidun asked Aksel a question that had burning in her mind since she had awakened. “Where are we going next? Do you have a location in mind?”

“Aye, I do.” He answered, purposely not saying anything else.

Getting frustrated with him she pulled her knife out again. “Are you going to tell me or do I have to cut off your manhood?” She asked with a menacing grin.

Putting his hands up he feigned fear and laughed playfully. “We go to Guthram. I’m thinking London. It’s a big city and we should definitely be able to take a grand haul on the road there. I want to get the lay of the land from there and see where the rulers stand.” Reidun nodded in agreement.

Conall had been wandering around the campsite looking for Reidun. He hoped that she would understand why he had left last night and had not returned. I'm really not in the mood for an ear full. he thought to himself. Finally turning the corner he saw her sitting on a log with Aksel helping her with her hair. For some reason when he saw her sitting with him he felt something. Almost something like an anger or almost a jealousy. “Glad i found you before i left.” Conall said with a smile hoping it would somehow make her less mad with him.

Reidun looked up at Conall. She hadn’t looked for him. She was upset that he had hit her in his sleep then pushed her away and went off on his own. She had realized thanks to Aksel reminding her, that she and Conall had a connection but that they had only been together for a couple of weeks.

Aksel looked at Conall then at Reidun’s expression and he stepped back and leaned against the tree behind him. He wanted to see what she was going to do next. Reidun spoke up. “What excuse do you have? Normally I’d kill a man that hit me. I know you were asleep but you could have said something about it. Then you just walk off as if I mean nothing.” The look of anger in her eyes was cold like steel when she cocked her fist back and punched him square in the face. Then she turned around and kissed Aksel to punish him further. Aksel was surprised and started to return the kiss when she broke off and handed him the comb.

Conall could feel feel the anger in her voice. He had felt bad that he had just left her but he honestly didn't know what to do after he had done it. Part way through thinking this however he felt a heavy punch square on his nose. Conall took a step back nearly falling over from the impact. Bringing his hands up to his face as he bent over in pain swearing something in a language neither Aksel or Reidun could understand. But none of that compared to what he had felt when he saw her kiss Aksel. What's worse was that bastard seemed to enjoy it. Looking Aksel dead in the eyes with a stare that could freeze over hell “you bastard!” he yelled as he charged at the man. Grabbing Aksel he spun the unsuspecting man around slamming him into a tree. “You caused this didn't you!” as soon as the words came out of his mouth he threw Aksel to the side yet again. “there will be a lesson learned today.” he said with anger dripping in every word as he raised his fist into his fighting stance.

Aksel was as surprised as Reidun was that Conall went after him. “Conall? What in Valhalla is wrong with you? She kissed me!” Aksel though smaller in size than Conall he refused to back down. He was the Earl after all and he got it by fighting, not backing down.

“Conall” Reidun said as she watched the two readying themselves to fight. “Conall! Leave him alone before he has you arrested and imprisoned!”

“Be quiet woman!” Aksel said calmly with fierce determination in his voice. Raising her eyebrows in annoyance she walked over to her stuff, grabbed her bag and walked out of camp. “You are both…...unbelievable!” She declared on her way out.

Conall has almost thought about stopping and chasing after Reidun until he heard the words fall out of Aksels mouth. Hearing him refer to her in such a manner seemed to be the final straw. “You dare speak to her that way you bastard!” He said mid swing right before his left hand made a loud impact on Aksels cheek. Seeing Aksel was a little jared from the surprise punch Conall took the moment saying “I may have made my mistakes with her but you will show her the respect she deserves or i will beat it out of you.”

Aksel moved his jaw back and forth making sure it was not broken. “Good shot, almost broke it.” Pacing back and forth for a moment he angrily shouted at him. “Funny thing Conall, in the five years we were together I never hit her!” Aksel punched Conall in the neck as hard as he could knowing it would keep him from hitting back. He had counted on it to take his breath away. He'd known it probably wouldn’t kill him because his neck muscles were so thick.

Conall in the one moment he had looked to see if Reidun had left, felt a massive pain in his neck. Doubling over in pain it began to be hard to breathe. Knowing it wasn't Broken Conall knew he would be fine but he didn't have much time. He would start breathing again soon but in that time Aksel could jump on him. Conall using all the strength he could stood up and planted his massive boot into the chest of Aksel. The idea was that he would have the force to knock the wind out of Aksel and maybe break a rib or two.

Finally being able to breath and talk again Conall shot back at Aksel “you don't know me or what happened that night. I would gladly face down death for her.” Taking a moment to get more air to his lungs since he had a slight hitch in his voice. “And who are you to lecture me? You clearly did something to force her away from you so dont act high and mighty around me amadán gan sos!”

Harek quickly pulled Conall off Aksel and tripped him over his foot. As Conall stumbled backwards Harek kicked the ground in Aksel’s direction, causing the man on the ground to be temporarily blinded. He stepped heavily on Aksel’s knee and pulled his sword out and held it pointed at the chest of Conall. “Can someone please explain this to me before I get angry?”

Aksel was almost up when dirt was kicked into his face. He reached over and knocked Harek’s foot off of his knee and stood up properly. Aksel glared at Harek and then at Conall. Heaving a little from the kick to the chest he yanked his shoulders out of the arms helping him up. “Keep your friend on a leash Harek. I won’t imprison him this time, for Reidun’s sake but if there is a next time….” Aksel stared straight into Conall’s eyes. “...or if you hurt her again, I’ll kill you. That is not a threat, it’s a promise.” Aksel stated and walked back to get his things.

Conall stood for a moment letting his hands drop by his sides as he relaxed his muscles. Conall had almost said something along the lines of making sure next time Aksel wouldn’t stand long enough to give the order for his death but thought it better to keep it to himself as Harek still had a sword to his chest. Turning his attention to his best friend Conall became aggravated at his interference. “What was that about huh? I had it under control.” after finishing this Conall pushed the end of the sword away from him.

“Oh, so it was your plan to make a fool of yourself and then get executed? I am so sorry for interfering, how could I not see the brilliance behind what you were doing. How could threatening a Jarl, and not to mention your current raid captain, possibly be a bad idea?”

Harek sheathed his sword and shook his head at Conall. “At least die to the English, not to your own allies.”

“That man is no ally of mine.” Conall spat. Realizing that Reidun was nowhere to be found amongst the onlookers he turned away from Harek. “Whatever im going to find Reidun before we must leave.” Conall began to walk off towards the last direction he had seen Reidun.

Reidun had hollered at the men outside of the outpost that they were heading out and she had acquired a group following after her. London huh? She grinned as she thought about the trip. It was supposed to have been partially by boat from here but that had been altered by fate and the English.
@pandapolio@sly13

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

Alexis

Sophie glanced over to Alexis' form and saw her eyes open and she yelled to her. "Alexis! Protect yourself!" Alexis crawled to her feet and pulled herself up to stand. She was a little wobbly at first but once she could keep her eyes open she caught a stench and made a face.

"Yikes those things stink!" Unable to see them in her human form she tried to wake herself up more. Alexis bounced up and down and shook herself to wake up more fully. When something grabbed her by the shoulder and whipped her into the air as if to fly away with her she felt her adrenaline start pumping and she felt the magic coursing through her. Looking up towards the invisible goblin through eyes glowing with a bright white light she could see it. She had woged and although her face was not changed by much her claws came out and she ripped the talons holding her in the air apart and when she fell she was able to slow her decent and land delicately on the ground.

Immediately looking around her she saw the others fighting the goblins. She had the advantage of being able to see them through her magic. Seeing that Sophie was in danger she let out a sudden hex scream and it diverted attention to herself allowing Sophie to get out of danger. Sophie looked up to see Alexis staring right behind her and she stabbed backwards and heard the scream of an injured goblin. Turning around she climbed up it and dug her blade into its head.

Alexis turned slowly in place looking for Elias. She saw Wayne and when she saw Elias she couldn't help but smile until she saw more of them heading towards him. Angrily she ran over to him and took a defensive position protecting his back. "I got your back!" Alexis glanced over her shoulder. "They are circling us. Stay right behind me!"

Alexis felt the anger and fear for her friends lives and the magic coursed through her and she shoved her power out in a telekinetic push and she saw the goblins near her and Elias thrown into the nearby trees. As she depleted the last of her energy she felt herself dropping to the ground. "Elias" She murmured before falling unconscious onto the ground.

Sophie had caught sight of what Alexis did and she smiled at her until she saw her collapse. Running over to take her place she protected Elias' back and kept Alexis safely between them. She glanced up and saw Wayne. "I think we need to go while we can!"

@December

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

Alexis

Alexis caught their scents before she felt Elias pull her into his arms. His warmth surrounded her like a blanket and she sighed and snuggled into him. She felt him cup her face and ask Sophie "How's she doing?"

Sophie went to speak but Alexis' eyes fluttered open and she spoke softly. "They tried to kill me." Her eyes kept trying to shut from her exhaustion. She grabbed Elias' shirt and pulled herself up more hoping it would help her to wake up. Reaching over she kissed Elias softly on the lips and then she looked at Sophie too tired to blush. Feeling ashamed she looked into Elias' eyes. "I'm sorry I probably scared you earlier. I had to leave through the window or I might have hurt you and I would die inside if I had done that."

Alexis was dirty and her clothes were torn and she had some scratches Sophie noticed. "What do you mean they tried to kill you? Who rescued you?"

Alexis sat up more in Elias' lap and hugged his arms around her. Looking around for Wayne she made sure he could hear her and then told them what happened. When she was done the look on Sophie's face was surprise and she looked toward Wayne for his reaction. Alexis felt Elias' arms tighten around her and she hoped beyond everything that he wouldn't be afraid of her and that he would stay with her. Alexis looked at Sophie. "What did I do to cause them to stop using magic? Isn't that their signature move?"

Sophie nodded. "It sounds like you have a power negation of sorts. It should affect all magic in your immediate vicinity. It is a rare power in Hexenbiests but it is a known power of theirs. The second power would have been telekinesis. That is how you used it to shove them all off of you."

Thinking to herself Alexis looked confused. "...but I don't know how I tapped into them. It had to be fear and instincts." She laid her head back on Elias' shoulder. "All I know is that my body isn't used to handling magic and it's exhausting me. Can we go home?"

Since her kiss she had avoided looking Elias in the eyes and she wasn't looking at him when she asked this either. She was shaking inside at the thought that he might not be able to handle this. She turned into his chest and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

@December

Vikings Westward (closed)

WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Reidun found Conall right where she had left him, with Aksel. Aksel was telling the end of a story and the others started laughing. Reidun walked up behind Conall and sat next to him. “My final battle is done for the evening. That jerk won’t be so quick to hit them again. I saw the others still over there raiding and the like.”

Conall looked over to where Reidun had just sat down. Smiling at her presence he said “Aye there's still quite a few out there who are never satisfied with the raiding we do.” Then realizing what she had meant she went to confront the farmer he became worried that she left by herself. “You didn't leave the outpost all alone did ya?” he was generally worried for her especially considering that they didn't know if there was still an army out there or what dangers were left in these woods.

Reidun smiled softly at his worrying about her. “No, I took Harek with me. He seems preoccupied of late. How are you doing? Is the ale helping you to relax at all?” She moved to the log behind him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders and laid her head on his shoulder. “I hate to see you upset.”

Conall smiled at her show of affection. He looked down at yet another bottle of ale he drank. “Aye it is. Don't worry though I can handle it much better than my brother Harek. I bet he was barely able to stand when he went with you right?” He kind of chuckled at that. It was always quite a show when Harek drank and after a fight like today Harek was sure to be up to his eyes in ale. He rested his head on Reiduns just looking into the fire.

Reidun chuckled softly and moved to sit on the ground next to him. Pulling his arm around her she remarked, “He didn’t appear to be drunk but he was tripping over things a little more than he should have been I’d say.” She glanced up and caught Aksel staring at her and Conall with a smirk on his face. Wondering what he was thinking she raised an eyebrow at him. “Something wrong Aksel?”

Aksel’s smirk disappeared and he seemed off of his normal self. “How did you guys get into the castle?” He took another swig of his ale and stared at her.

Reidun grinned and chuckled. “I was wondering when you’d ask about that. I found a sewage grate around the back of the wall and we went in that way.” Aksel’s eyes sparkled with laughter as he pictured a group of them going into the sewage tunnel. Reidun couldn’t get the hilarity of it out of her mind.

“Aye it was great being a giant trying to crawl through a tiny hole in the wall that was full of shite.” Conall try as he might couldn't help himself but laugh at the fact they had done it. Rubbing the top of his head he began “I think hitting my head on that ceiling was the worst injury I got in the fight. But it was all fine once me and Harek finally got through and got in on the action.”

Reidun smiled at hearing Conall’s laughter. It warmed her heart. She grabbed a mug of ale and pulled off her boots and let her feet feel the grass as she sat on the ground. Sighing happily, however, she couldn’t get it out of her mind that Aksel was just a little off of his usual demeanor. He seemed to watch her as he got up and went to talk to some of the others. Barely paying it any mind she figured her hair was probably crazy looking and that would explain the odd staring.

Conall had seen Aksel giving him a strange look as he walked off but paid it no mind. He turned his attention to Reidun who he held close. “Thank you for staying with me today and sorry for giving you such a scare.” After finishing that he held her a little tighter as if he was afraid to let her go. “I am glad though that Harek seemed back to his normal self. I was worried that I might have to go beat some sense into the fool.” He laughed at the thought of them both fighting once again like they did so long ago.

Reidun laughed at his words while she looked at his hands up against hers. “I’m betting that when your mother had you that you nearly split her in two. Your hands are twice the size of mine and mine are not small for a woman’s hands. Do you think she would have liked me?” Reidun looked at Conall and she caught Aksel looking at her out of the corner of her eye.

Conall rubbed his chin with his free hand acting like it was difficult question to answer “I'm not sure.” Seeing her slightly worried look out of the corner of his eye Conall dropped the act with a little laugh. “I'm kidding of course she would’ve liked you. I’d go as far to say that she would’ve loved you.” Conall looking her in the eyes saw some relief as he continued ”“I mean how could she not like a strong woman with a strong will and one that could keep me in my place. That and the fact you're not a mindless killer but that you save the women and children.” Conall began to laugh as he brought up his next point. ” “That on top of your red hair she would have welcomed you easily as part of the family.”

Reidun smiled, happy to think of his mother liking her and accepting her as part of the family. “I would have loved to meet her too.” After a few moments she started pulling her hair down from it’s wild braids and crazy updo. “I need to get the brush for my hair. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Reidun got up, kissed him on the lips quickly and walked towards where they had put their things.

Searching through her bag she found it and felt hands behind her gently pulling her hair down. Reidun assumed it was Conall and she let him continue to undo her hair. Her eyes were closed and when lips kissed her neck her eyes opened in a hurry. This person had a beard. Turning quickly she saw Aksel and she stepped back.

“What are you doing kissing my neck. You know I’m with Conall. What is wrong with you!” Reidun angrily demanded from him.

Aksel apologized, “I’m sorry, I’ve had a lot to drink. I guess I just missed ‘us’.”

Reidun shook her head. “You had your chance five years ago. I’m happy now. I-”

Aksel grabbed her by the arms and pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly but Reidun pushed him back from her and touched her mouth. “Reidun, Conall is dangerous. He is not someone you should be with.”

Reidun ignored him and grabbed her brush. “You say nothing of this. I’ll not have you upsetting him for nothing. And if you touch me again-” Reidun reared back and punched him in the jaw. Her chest was heaving in anger and Aksel’s head spun from her hit. “Just don’t, Aksel!”

Too wound up she sat down and started unknotting her hair. Aksel walked away slowly and went back to get more to drink.

Conall had stayed sitting as with his back against the log as he continued to drink from a bottle of ale from one of the taverns from Watford. After finishing it he tossed the bottle aside with a disgusted face “is this what these people call ale?” he said to himself. He yearned for a drink much like the ones made back home but he only had one bottle left in his pack and he was saving that for a special occasion. Looking up from where he had tossed the bottle he saw Aksel walking back towards the fire.Weird he thought to himself as he didn't remember seeing him leave. “Oi Aksel over here” Conall said in a loud voice as he waved the Earl over as he rose to sit on the log itself.

Seeing Conall wave him over Aksel hesitated just a second but he turned to him and walked over and sat down. “What’s on your mind Conall?” Aksel offered him a jug of ale that he had just gotten. “Need a refill?” Aksel felt his jaw clicking thanks to Reidun and he smirked a little.

“Aye thanks” Conall was never the man to pass up a free drink. ]“Nothing of great importance really just felt like talking.” Conall felt that since he was very close with Reidun he assumed he should try to be on good terms with Aksel considering he had taken care of her and seemed to take protecting her quite seriously. “I didn't get much of a chance to talk to you since.” he pondered for a moment. “Well actually we haven't really talked much.”

Aksel looked at Conall and tried to see what Reidun saw in him. “No, the first time I heard anything about you you were in her bed.” Aksel stared into the fire a little bit. “I hear you have quite a past.” He took a large swig of his drink and smiled at the fire.

Conall put a hand on the back of his head as he carried a cheeky grin. “So you did hear me that night. I had kind of hoped you didn't know I was there.” Suddenly though Conall dropped all the playfulness in his face when he realized that Aksel had acted as if he knew about his past. Conall tensed up “Aye I do, what do you know of it? I enjoy hearing what rumors are passed around this fire.” Conall had hoped what Aksel thought he knew was just a stupid rumor like most that were passed around fires where ever Conall raided. “It seems that people can never help themselves but try to figure out where I come from and why im here.”

“Why are you here? Other than Reidun and raiding, is there something else? I’ve heard a lot of things. I prefer to ask you rather than just guessing. Reidun is ...well she is not like most women. If you hurt her… well-” Aksel kind of rolled his head and cracked his neck. “I’d hate to have to blood eagle you.”

“Well I do always enjoy a good fight. That's part of the reason.” sitting up straight making sure he used all of his height that he could. While he had warned Reidun himself that was out of love and not wanting her to be hurt. Aksels words however Conall swore had a different meaning behind them. But besides that Conall also took it as an insult that Aksel thought he would hurt her. “You don't have to worry about me hurting her. She's a strong one and I won't let harm come to her.” Conall narrowed his eyes towards the earl trying to find what exactly he was getting at.

Aksel caught sight of Reidun walking towards the fire. Her hair was down and she was eyeing him oddly. Sitting down next to Conall she slipped her hand into his. “What’s going on?” She asked suspiciously. “Is everything okay?” She looked up at Aksel and narrowed her eyes threateningly and he got up.

“Not much of anything. I just brought Conall some ale. I have to go do something over there.” He haphazardly waved his hand vaguely off to the left. When Aksel was gone she looked at Conall. “What did he say to you? He is acting a little weird. I think something is bothering him.”

Conall relaxed a bit as Aksel walked off and gripped Reiduns hand. “Nothing really we were just talking. Nothing you need to worry about.” Conall made one last glance over to Aksel. It was odd for him, he usually wasn’t like this with people. Most could testify that he was very easy going and made friends with most he met but something about Aksel was throwing him off. Turning his attention to Reidun he smiled at her as he placed his arm around her pulling her close and rest his head on hers. “What about you are you fine?”

“Aye, I’m a little tired though. It’s been a long day. At least my hair is down now. It was too tight on my head. Sorry it took me a little while to unravel it." Reidun stood up and pulled Conall to his feet chuckling softly. “Let’s head to bed. I know the outpost will be safe tonight. They have posted guards and the gates are closed and locked.” She lead Conall to the back of the encampment where she had set up their bed and tent. Reidun smiled as Conall took his boots off. She changed out of her fighting clothes and put on a dress that she usually wore. Her axe was always in reach though. Laying next to Conall she covered them up and fell asleep in his arms.

Fire. Fire and death was all Conall could see. Conall found himself in a giant city with stone buildings and a large castle in its center. Looking around he found that it all was on fire and bodies laid everywhere. “What happened here?” Conall said to himself as he wandered wandered around the city. He had realized that he was in his normal raiding gear and was covered in blood. Looking down he realized he was gripping his axes which were also covered in the blood of the slain. Conall began to get worried about what was happening, he didn’t remember any of this. “Reidun!” He shouted “where are you.” He began sprinting looking for her hoping nothing had happened to her. As he ran he found himself entering the castle that in all the devastation was still surprisingly intact. The sight that awaited Conall when he entered the throne room almost made him puke. Blood was splattered every as well bodies that seemed to be torn apart limb from limb. Hearing what sounded like crying Conall continued into the room.

“Why? Why did you do it?” said a voice coming from the bodies. When Conall looked the voice had come from one of the raiders he had seen with Aksel around the fire. “I thought you were one of us?” Conall stepped back out of fear at what the man was saying. When Conall backed up he kicked another body that was sitting up with its back against the steps leading to the throne. When Conall looked at the body he saw the lifeless body of Harek still wearing a face of betrayal.

“What happened to you brother?” Conall said with with a mix of anger and despair. Conall received his answer however when he saw one of his one family axes planted firmly in the chest of Harek. Conall tripped up the stairs as he tried to get away from the body. “No no no no. I didn't. I couldn't have.” Conalls hand made contact with yet another body. Turning around Conall saw the sight that would haunt him. Laying on her back with a puddle of blood around her was the women he could say he loved. “Reidun.” He said as he pulled her head to him as he began cradling her lifeless body. “No no no no. why you why you? It should be me not you.”

“Yes it should have been you. It's all your fault that I am dead.” Reidun said to him. Hearing this Conall dropped her back to her lying position with a genuine look of horror at what he was seeing. “It's your fault we’re all dead. You said you could protect us. You said you were our friend. Why didn't you warn us.” Reidun was now screaming at him “You could have stopped this but no you insisted on staying with me even though you know the kind of monster you are.” Conall was crying hard by this point at what he was hearing. “I'm sorry I Lov…” “NO you didnt if you truly loved me then you would have ran or better yet died to protect me!”

“No!” Conall shouted as he shot up with tears streaming down his face in a cold sweat.

Reidun had awoke at Conall’s thrashing in his sleep. She was currently laying out of range from his flailing arms. When he shot up awake she moved towards him and put her arms around him calmly. “It was a dream Conall. You are safe and you haven’t done anything wrong. Shh.”

Reidun climbed into his lap and let him hug her as she calmed him as best as she could. She remembered her own nightmares for a long time after her family died. She had always felt guilty and she knew he was feeling that way still. “You are safe and I am here.” She gave him reassuring butterfly kisses across his face and she wiped his tears.

“But you were, and Harek was…” Conall was having trouble speaking after what he saw. Conall held her close scared that he would lose her. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.” Conall wiped the tears away from his eyes. “I need to go for a walk and clear my head.” Conall sat up and headed out of the tent.

Reidun walked out of the tent and stood there watching him as he walked off. His shoulders were slumped and he looked dejected and exhausted to her. She felt Aksel approach her rather than heard him. He had his eyes on Conall and then turned to Reidun. “I told you, he is dangerous.” Aksel looks her over and sees her arm reddened and his voice tenses angrily. “He hit you?”

Reidun looked up at him and shook her head. “Not exactly, he was having a nightmare and he flung his arm out. That’s all. I’m fine. I’m more concerned that he is so hurt.”

Aksel put his hands on her shoulders and moved in front of her. “You’ve only been together for two weeks or so. Don’t get so invested that you can’t see daylight for his shadows.” He looked into her eyes and she nodded.

“And if he hits you again, asleep or no...I’ll hit him back for it.” Aksel kissed her forehead lightly and walked back to his friends.

Wandering aimlessly around the camp he came upon Harek sitting staring into the fire. “What are you doing up this late old man?” Conall said sitting down next to him as he picked up a bottle of ale off the floor studying it to see if it was fit to drink before he took a swig.

Harek barely noticed as Conall sat down next to him. Jolted out of his haze by Conall’s words he looked up blearily as the tall man sat down next to him. “Just enjoying the heat. Why aren’t you in bed with Reidun?” Harek began to poke the dying fire to try and get it going again.

“Couldn’t sleep. Thought I might be able to relax with a fire in front of me.” Conall Stared into the fire as he Thought about his dream. “Harek may I ask you a question?” Conall said everything without looking away from the fire.

“Sure, what do you need?” Harek tossed the stick into the fire as the fire came back to life.

Conall kept his gaze on the fire for a moment before turning to look at Harek in the eyes with a look of concern. “Am I a bad man?” It was a simple question but Conall felt it the most important in the world.

“No, I have met quite a few bad men in my time. You are not one of them. You are a just a man that bad stuff has happened to.”

“You hold the same words as Reidun did.” Conall turned his gaze back to the fire. When his gazed reached the fire he saw himself standing at its center. He saw his face fade as it was replaced by the faces of those he had seen fall in combat, both friend and foe. “Do you still see their faces Harek?”

“It is a curse people like us must bear. Warriors with consciences...such irony”

Conall chuckled at the statement. It was indeed funny how great warriors who thrived in battle could be haunted as they were. “I’ll admit brother, I fear I’m becoming worse with every passing moon. The night terrors get more vivid and are no longer of the past but what is to come.” Conall hasn’t taken his eyes off the fire at all during this time.

Tossing an empty bottle off to the side “and I can’t even hide those fears under a drunken state with what they call ale here.” Conall laughed as the words left his lips. Seeing Harek still holding his ale he laughed once again. “Funny how these horrid things where the reason we met isn’t it.” He has said as he picked up yet another mostly empty bottle that once held ale.
@pandapolio@sly13

In Grimm Times (December x Wick)

Alexis

Alexis was shooting off sparks without control and her fear was making her more dangerous. "I'm not here to hurt anyone I need your help!" Alexis was on the verge of tears, her frustration and need for answers was worse than ever in the past. They were bombarding her mind trying to get her to open her mind so they could get in but she wouldn't. Finally she yelled at them once they had encircled her and they were all just out of her reach.

"Get away from me you ugly bitches!" With that she opened her mind and thrust her hands out from her sides with her palms flat out to them. Her hands shot out a pulse of sorts that immediately stopped them from using their magic. Unaware what the magic that she was using was doing she kept it up as her frustration fueled her anger and soon the hexenbiests grabbed their heads and some collapsed while others attacked her with weapons or fists.

Scared they would kill her she just went on her instincts and followed what felt right. She screeched as she pulled her hands in and shoved them back out with great force. That telekinetic push flung them away from her. The rest of the hexenbiests ran off or disappeared into the trees. Exhausted, Alexis collapsed onto the ground. Her body woged back to normal and she was just Alexis Grimm again. Alexis was surprised to realize that her face did not change the same way the other witches did. Maybe it was the Grimm blood that kept her face looking almost normal. Her hair had turned white and her teeth had elongated and her nails had turned into claws. In her mind she was still on high alert so her body slept but her mind listened for anyone that might sneak up on her.

An unknown amount of time later Alexis woke and crawled to a nearby tree and lay with her back to it. Wrapping her arms around her entire body she hugged herself. It was cold out but she didn't feel it. Her mind was too preoccupied trying to understand what she did. Reliving the moments in her head she continued to realize that she could do more than she had originally thought. She didn't know whether or not to feel happy or afraid. One thing was for sure, she was a force to be reckoned with if she could repel or at least mostly repel an entire coven of witches all at once. She smiled softly at her accomplishment and then she spoke softly to herself, "What if Elias can't accept me like this? What about the rest of the Grimm family? What will Uncle Marcus and Elenora say? If they knew this could happen why didn't they say anything to warn me? What if they want to kill me?"

Sophie Weston

Sophie looked incredulous. She swung her legs out of the bed adjusting the bottom of her dress as she did. Slipping her shoes on she started getting things around her room and looked at them. "Well hurry up, If I were her I'd go straight to others of my kind to find out what being a hex is and what it means. Who else can teach her that?" She reached for her coat. Looking straight at Elias she said, "Where were the last Hexenbiests that you fought off?"

Sophie stopped and looked at Elias. "You'd better figure out now how you feel about this. If you can't accept her like this there is no good outcome....but if you can, she could be the biggest help when fighting wesen."

The World of Telduria [Always open for applications]

@Zhaliora I'll subscribe to this one and keep an eye on it. I haven't decided quite yet but it does look interesting.

Vikings Westward (closed)

THE ABUSER

Reidun was able to get Conall settled with a tall bottle of strong ale. He was sitting round a fire with some of the others. She had asked Aksel to keep an eye on him. She was in a rough mood so she thought she might go see to that farmer who hit his wife or daughter. She saw Harek. “Hey you want to go with me? I’m gonna kill a man.”

Harek looked up in surprise from the fire he was warming his hands at. Grabbing his sword and a skin full of ale. “Aye I’ll come to make sure you don’t get yourself killed.” Jogging to catch up to her he took a long drink from the skin and splashed his face with some ale to wake him up more. “So who are we gonna be killin? Did you find who burnt the boats?”

Shaking her head Reidun’s voice hardened slightly. “No, we know it was them but not the specifics of who. I want to kill a man in the village I saw mistreating his family last eve before dark. My poor Conall is having bad memories thanks to the ones who ruined the ships and killed those at the outpost.” She massaged her neck a little trying to lessen the tension. “I need to be extremely violent.”

“I guess I could supervise you while you do that. What would Conall do to me if I let you get lost in the woods.” Grinning at his own humor he tripped on a root coming up from the ground. Gaining his balance he glared back at the root and muttered something about hostile trees. “I won’t stop you from beating the man up, but I must advise not killing the man. That won’t do the family any good.”

Reidun looked irritated. She saw his logic but she wasn’t happy about it. “Fine, but I’m going to scare the piss out of him. And that bastard is going to hurt for a week at least.” They walked through the trees to Oakshire. She knew there were others raiding there and she only cared about that one family. She went to open the door and felt it barred. She smiled. Good. I hope he is already scared. After two hard kicks the door came open and it took her only one good hard shove to knock over the table and other furniture against it.The family was a boy of seven or eight and a girl about twenty and a man about thirty years old.

Reidun was fierce looking standing in the doorway. An axe on her waist with one in her hand she was in traditional fighting garb. Tight pants that went to her boots. She had on armor of the best leather and a shield that she set down on the table near the door. She wore her long red hair in a ferocious looking updo that twisted into a messy waterfall of a braid. Her pretty face was covered in angry lines and painted runes as was her neck and arms. She walked into the room in her bad mood which became ten times worse when she saw the young woman with bruises on her arms and a black eye. The little boy was hiding behind her whimpering.

She took a step towards the girl and the boy when the man stepped forward from behind the bedroom curtain. Reidun motioned to the girl and boy to move away from the man. Scared and confused they went to where she pointed. They saw Harek in the doorway and weren’t keen on getting too close to him. Reidun walked straight up to the man and grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him towards her. She slammed his back into the wall and she got in his face. He was only about three inches taller than she was.

“I saw you yesterday. You like to hit women and children. I like to hit men who beat on women and children. See, women where I come from train with the men and we fight with them. This is why we are stronger than you english. Men and women are equal and we can do everything a man can.”

She looked at the man’s eyes who seemed to be extremely perturbed that a woman was manhandling him so easily. He spit at her and her eyes narrowed. “You bitch! Who do you-” Turning her head just a little she allowed the man to lean against her body just a little.

“There is no softness in warriors.” She said.

Reidun let him go and then she kneed him in the groin and slammed her axe about a half an inch away from his head. His eyes widened in fear. She called the children over, “Come, stand there.” Looking at the girl she said, “Women should not allow a man to beat her or her children. Who is he to you?”

The frightened girl said, “He is our uncle. Our parents are dead.” Reidun nodded.

“You know how to use an axe right?” Watching the girl nod she said, “Good, the next time he hits you or your brother you cut something of his off!” The startled girl nodded. Then Reidun waved the children back and she pulled her arm back and she slammed her fist into his face repeatedly and then started on body shots. When the man fell to the ground she looked at the girl. “I mean it girl. You kill him if you have to but don’t take that from any man.”

The young woman looked at Reidun and smiled at her as she left the home. Reidun was still a little hot about the abuse and she looked unapproachable to everyone except Harek.

“Well that was quite exciting, now wasn’t it. I do wonder if the uncle is going to try anything more now?” With that Harek jumped a step ahead and began to walk backwards. “I am just wondering if that got your rage out or not. I am terrified that maybe when walking back a terrible bloodlust will consume you and I get a blade to the back of the head.” Smiling Harek turned back around and nearly walked into a tree. Spinning out of the way he gave the tree a glare that would have made a hardened warrior collapse in fear. “I swear I will be killed by a murderous tree. Damn trees have long memories.”

Reidun watched Harek trip again and laughed at him. Grinning she asked him, “You’ve been tripping a lot how much ale did you drink before we left?”

“Hey, one must always celebrate a victory, no matter the cost they came at. If victory isn’t celebrated, what is the point of winning.” Harek looked through the trees to see the light from the camp and sighed. [color=00aeef “Everytime I come back to a raiding camp it feels like home.” [/color] Getting extremely quiet he muttered, [color=00aeef“Maybe someday I’ll get a real one.”[/color]

“Thank you for bringing me along on this little excursion of yours, it has been quite entertaining.”

Reidun heard what he muttered. “Aye, I’d like that too. I’m hoping we can get some land here and make our home. I think I’m almost ready to settle down. Now that I’ve found Conall… I wouldn’t mind a babe or two in the next few years.” She glanced over at him. “Is that what you are thinking too? Any ladies in mind?” She grinned. She wanted her friend to be happy.

“Maybe, just maybe you gossip. If I said anything you would tell Conall, and that man can’t hold a secret for his life. Honesty and alcohol is never a good mix.” Harek shook his head and smiled, “That happens to be the reason we met. The giant was bragging about how he had never been beat in combat and I wanted to have a peaceful drink. Unfortunately for him he decided I was short enough to use as an armrest. Ask him how well that went for him.” Harek had begun laughing at the old memories.

Reidun laughed. She could imagine how well that went. “Well he is rather tall. He thinks everyone is short so you are not alone there.” She grinned to herself at the thought. “I left him with Aksel and a large bottle of ale. He needs to sleep and calm down. I am worried about him. What advice would you give me? He is having troubles from the past in his mind.”

Harek’s eyes softened hearing what his friend is going through. “All he needs is for you to be there for him. With a person to lean on he will be fine eventually. You should go check on him, he is probably so drunk he might try to fondle Aksel. He will be much less useful without a hand.”

Reidun laughed and reached over and touched his hand softly. “Thanks Harek. I’m glad you came with me.” Reaching over she kissed his cheek and then ran towards Conall and Aksel.

Harek turned away from Reidun and wondered if he would be able to find his spot by the fire again. Taking another drink he began to walk towards the general direction of his fire. As he sat back down at the fire he looked into the blaze. He saw villages on fire, people screaming, horses stampeding. All the terrible things he had done in his life were flashing before his eyes. He couldn’t pull his eyes away from the fire, from the visions.
@Pandapolio

Vikings Westward (closed)

THE HEIR

The healer was tending to the fire and their dinner while Vestar and Marewen discussed their situation when a single rider from the palace happened to ride into the village. He had an announcement. The healer glanced at the door to her hut and she was relieved to see it firmly shut.

"Villagers! I come to you with sad news. Our young prince was accidentally killed in a hunting accident. I can not stress how important it is to the kingdom to find Princess Marawen. She is now the heir to the crown." The man stopped and listened to the shocked expressions of the boy's death. "The King and queen beg you to help us find her." The man waited several moments before getting down and accepting a bowl of stew to eat.

The healer walked casually to her cabin and opened the door accidentally hitting Marewen with the door. "Excuse me girl! Your problems just get bigger and bigger." She sighed and closed the door.

Marewen was still trying to respond to Vestar's declaration of devotion to her and noticed that the woman seemed upset. "What is it Adelaide?"

Putting her hands on the girl's arms she told her "There is a messenger outside. He just announced that your brother has died from an accident while hunting. Marewen, you are the new heir to the throne of Mercia. Your father and Edgar can no longer kill you but they will never stop looking for you either. Without you your family's bloodline would disappear."

Marewen looked dumbfounded as to what to say or do. She looked at Vestar and she sat back down on the bed and stared at her hands.

Vestar was willing to prove that he was not going to leave her nor let her die for him. That's for damn sure. He turned to notice the commotion going on and raised an eyebrow from the unexpected news. Her brother, now dead and then on top of that, Marewen's death was now null and void.

He stared back at Marewen after what was said and wondered what her reaction would be. Yes it's good that she's possibly no longer in danger but the sad news involving her brother... The prospects of them finding her, and an unknown future was at hand. Vestar walked over. "Mare...." He called her in short. He sat next to her. "What is on your mind?" He asked.

Marewen looked up at Vestar and said, "Vestar, would you marry me and be my king?" She knew she had to go back now. She was nervous as she waited for his answer. Adelaide's response was to choke on her stew and cough so hard that Marewen got up and slapped her on the back. Turning back to him she said, "If we marry in a church then we can overthrow my father with the viking armies. You could rule by my side. We would be free."

The question Marewen asked him caught Vestar off guard. Usually it was the man that asked for the hand in marriage. For a moment, Vestar didn't answer but averting his eyes, he gave it a quick thought. "Usually men ask that but...me....king? Me having power that stretch over the land? A chance to bring about more power to the Vikings......it would be an honor..."

"So...maybe I should make the proper gesture. We must be favored by the gods to give us chance at true change. I can't help but marvel at the devastating blow your father and Edgar will suffer." Vestar took Marewen by the hand with a smirk and the confidence he's displayed before and continued "So...Marewen of Mercia, it would be my honor to have your hand in marriage." He knew she'd say yes since she initially asked him but hey, why not do this the proper and traditional way by being the one to ask her. "Will you marry me and allow me to be your king?"

Marewen grinned at him happily and wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him. "Yes, I would be honored to have you for my husband and king. We have to find a priest and get married as soon as we can."

Returning her kiss, wrapping his arms around her back, Vestar gave a grin to the idea of having to find a priest quickly. "Ah! Yes! Let's find out if there is one close by. Unless you know any personally that's close by?" he asked, taking a hand wanting to start the search immediately. "Shall I have my former raid companions accompany us?"

Marewen nodded, "I think that would be wise. Edgar will kill you faster than look at you. We need to avoid Edgar at all costs. He wants my father's crown more than anything. We should go to Guthram to get married in another kingdom where there are a lot of witnesses and the roman catholic church. My father can't anul it then and marry me to someone else."

Adelaide looked at them with her chin on the ground. "Are you out of your mind girl? Do you realize you are plotting treason?" Marewen nodded.

i.imgur.com/IoeeNfX.png

"Yes, I am aware that I am plotting the course for my own life and that as such it is treasonous." After looking to Vestar she asked Adelaide, "Can you make certain that the castle gentleman is gone please?" Adelaide left the cabin and returned a moment or two later.

"He is gone but be careful I don't know what direction he went in."

"Understood. I'll speak to the men if they would agree to assist. But they still do not know of who and what you are. Let me reach them and hope to come to an agreement. I will surely inform them of the results of what comes after our marriage. That may be the motivation and comfort they need to agree."

Vestar looked to Adelaide and smirked. "We can go to Guthram if your strength will allow us to travel now." Vestar suggested.

Grimar, Bard, Haf and the 2 spearmen were still in town but simply waited for news from Vestar about what's to come now since they've reached the destination and yet, still had a bargain. They watched when a messenger came and spoke about the death of King Philip's son. To the vikings, that sounded like wonderful news. One less potential ruler to give them problems. What about this princess though? She was missing? It sounded unusual but if it brought the kingdom to panic, this was the advantage they needed.
@King tai

Vikings Westward (closed)

SHIPS AFIRE

After talking to Harek and checking in with Aksel, Reidun was helping gather the weapons and shields from the dead when she heard a familiar voice.

Conall had been helping with moving some of the wounded and the dead and whatever else he could do to help. After helping some, he saw Reidun helping with the dead. Approaching he said in a caring tone “Glad to see you’re alright. Do you need any help?” As he finished he motioned to take the weapons she was carrying to lighten her load.

Reidun let him take some of it from her and she smiled. “No, this is the last of it. Aksel will split the monetary treasures accordingly and we will re-arm those that lost their equipment in battle.” Reidun glanced up at Conall. “At some point it might be a good idea for you to check up on Harek. I spoke to him earlier and he seems a little off down. Maybe it’s just the battle today, Maybe not. How are you faring? Any battle wounds to heal up?” She asked as she casually looked him over for injuries.

Conall let what she had just said about Harek sink in. It was odd as he never remembered him being this way after combat. Then again it had been a long time since their last raid together so something may have happened since then. “Ay I’ll make sure to check up on old fool.” Conall looked down at her to see her looking him over with a hint of fear that he might be hurt. This made him smile at the thought of someone caring so much for him. “I should be fine I only got glanced in the shoulder by a arrow.” he said using his thumb to point to his left shoulder. “What about you? Did someone dare lay a hand on you?” He said with a serious tone like he was ready to kill someone but held somewhat joking tone.

Reidun chuckled at his question. “Oh they dared but they did not succeed in stopping me and some lost a hand for it, others lost a life. I’m not so easily killed as that. Just a couple of scrapes and cuts to clean up. There is nothing serious to worry about.” Picking up the last of the weapons she carried them to a stack they had piled up just inside the castle.

Reidun got to the edge of the castle and looked up at the sky towards the water. Smoke? Why would there be smoke? Oh no! The ships! Racing out of the castle and towards the water she could see their ships on fire. Rushing past Conall she yelled, “They’ve set the ships afire!”

Conall had barely entered the castle when he saw Reidun rush past him in a fit of anger and surprise. After hearing about the ships Conall dropped what he was holding and rushed after Reidun making sure to keep and eye out for the culprits of burning their ships.

Staring at what little was left as the ships blazed like an inferno Reidun’s heart raced. “They must have gone around and-” Reidun’s eyes widened at the thought of those at the outpost. She reached down and grabbed her axe from her waist and headed towards the outpost at a full run towards the woods. Aksel saw Reidun and Conall ahead and turned towards the outpost assuming that they would have gone there next. His war cry sounded in Reidun’s ears as she reached the outpost.

Conall had for the most part zoned out only seeing red from his anger at letting the enemy sneak past him and burn their ships. This anger fueled his sprint to the outpost as he sped past the other raiders. Finally arriving at the outpost what he saw enraged him, 5 fellow raiders lay on their backs with lifeless faces. Conall let out a roar that would have scared death itself. Conall ran at a full sprint in the direction that the bodies had pointed to. Entering the forest Conall had lost all sense in what was happening all he could focus on was finding who did this and tearing them limb from limb for what they had done.

Reidun watched Conall and heard his anguish. That scared her more than anything she had seen thus far. He was faster than she was and he had much longer legs. When she caught up to him it was to find the outpost empty of soldiers and all that was there were bodies of dead vikings. She ignored Aksel when he got there and started yelling orders and curses. Conall looked to be losing his mind with grief. He darted into the darkness of the woods.

Reidun ran into the woods with a little more caution than Conall did. She wasn’t sure what animals lived in these woods and she didn’t want to run off of a cliff because she didn’t see it. “Conall!” Hearing him barrelling through the trees up ahead she sprinted after him. She knew the English soldiers wouldn’t stick around. They were vastly outnumbered it would be suicide to stay and fight the vikings. “Conall please! They are gone!”

Conall’s sight had finally come back to him at the sound of Reidun’s voice. Conall slowed down to a stop as he finally got his senses. Conall stopped for a moment before finally dropping to his knees letting out another roar full of anger and despair. Finishing the hellish sound Conall slammed both of his fists into the ground. He kept seeing flashes of his past and of the events of that night in his village. He was using all of his will to stop from entering into a blind fit of rage again or from breaking down into a crying infant.

Reidun finally caught sight of him and slowed to a walk. She saw him on his knees and it tore at her heart. Figuring that this brought back old memories she put her hand on his shoulder and walked in front of him and dropped to her knees. Reaching out to him she pulled herself into his arms and when his arms wrapped around her she could feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Everything will be okay. We’ll find them and then they will die. This is not our fault. It’s not your fault. It just is...the gods’ will. We don’t have to understand it. Maybe Odin wanted them to fight and punished them for not doing so.”

Conall could barely keep the tears back when he felt Reidun slip next to him or when he heard her reassuring words. Conall honestly tried to take her words to heart but he couldn't deep down he thought that he could have done something. Conall sat for a moment in silence trying to gain his baring in the swirl of emotions he was feeling. “Whoever did this had to have been in the city and ran making it my fault so don't dare tell me it is the way of your gods” he said in anger snapping at Reidun as he unintentionally threw her away from him. Once he had finished his head slumped back down at the realization of what he had just done. Tears began streaming down his face as he yet again buried his face in the dirt. “What a monster I have become that I would hurt the people I love most.” He said to himself in a low voice that unbeknownst to him she had heard. What he said next he made sure was loud enough for her to hear. “Reidun you need to run and get away from me I'm too much a danger to be near you.”

Reidun had only fallen backwards but she stared at him as she heard his words. She picked herself back up and went back to him. “I’m not leaving you. Let me help you.” Gently she sat next to him and rubbed his back hoping it would help him to know she was there for him. “I’m not so delicate as all that and I know you won’t hurt me. I know your heart.”

Conall was touched that she was trying to help him but was worried that he would hurt her or worse she would die because of him. “But you don't know what I have done, the things that been caused because of me.” He said feeling the floodgates opening. “It feels like i'm constantly followed by death itself as it takes from me everyone I hold dear. And what about just now? I hurt you out of a small anger. What happens when I completely lose it when I'm near you?”

Reidun thought for a moment and said, “You did not hurt me. Death follows all of us, it is not just you. I’ve lost all except you and Aksel. If you think that you just hurt me you must think I’m as frail as a flower. I am not and if you started fighting with me I would kick your arse. Don’t even think twice about it. You are no monster. If you were I could hardly love you now could I?”

Conall had been shocked at her statement. Sure the part about beating him was a stretch but he would let it slide for now. He chuckled at the thought of him actually losing to her. But then Conalls thoughts went back to her statement. He had thought he had the same feelings for her otherwise he wouldn't be opening up this much. It also seemed as though the weight he carried with him was less when around her. He sat there for a moment just thinking about everything that was happening and contemplating how much he should tell her of his past.

Reidun smiled at the look on his face when she told him that she loved him. Taking his hand in hers she wondered where they would be in a year or so. “What is on your mind that has you so upset? Your old village? That was not your fault either. You can’t save everyone Conall.” Reidun leaned into him.

“Aye it is my old village. Well what's left of it anyways.” saying those words hurt Conall to his core. “And I know I cant save everyone but that is how I was brought up since I was a lad in me tribe.” Conall looked down once again, he hated opening up these old wounds. “And it's more of what I did that night that tears at me heart every night.” Holding her hand tight he felt fresh tears roll down his face. “That was the night you could say I truly earned my title of Berserker as your people call it or as mine called me. ‘Demon of the Wolves’.”

Reidun wiped the tears from his eyes softly. “Tell me what happened that made you so fierce.” She said quietly seeing his grief.

Conall could still see the events as clear as day. “My clan was one of many in our homeland. While our island was full of many tribes ours was considered to be one of the forces in all the lands. We would raid the english coast and be feared when ever we stepped foot on the beaches. However we were different from most clans. Unlike most we were not savages. We never killed the civilians or burned down their houses. We also would make sure to leave enough supplies for the surviving families to live off of until they got aid from their king.” Conall took a breather letting Reidun soak it all in. Beginning again Conall started. “Unlike yours and Aksel’s homeland were the tribes for the most part stay out of each other's way, my lands are in constant war with each other and constantly trying to strike the others down. While this rarely happens in full effect i've seen it happen twice in my time on this earth. Once my clan utterly decimated one of our southern neighbors for betraying us. To some it may seem harsh but to our clan where loyalty is everything this is the gravest of sins. The other time was a group of clans that formed together because they feared my people. They are known as Ulster.” Conall’s breath hitched a bit at remembering his clan's greatest opponent and unknowingly at the time, their last.

Reidun listened intently and nodded in understanding. “Alright. Keep going.” She said seeing him upset by the memory. She rubbed his upper back softly as he spoke to her. She wanted to calm him.

Finding it easier to continue with her support he continued with the tale. “When there was another clan that wiped out another i was talking about the Ulster clan. One night we were celebrating and preparing for a raid on the Coast line of these here isles. However that raid never came. Come the morning my home was a wasteland of fires and of dead bodies. We had been attacked in the night by the Ulster clan. They had hoped that we would unprepared but luckily because we were expecting a raid most of the men had their weapons handy. The battle was intense and furious unlike any i have seen to this day, and it only got worse. In the middle of fighting i heard my name called out in pain. When i turned to look i saw my mother....” Conall took as quick pause this was the moment that changed his life forever, this solid moment was the event that lead him to this point. “I saw my mother being cut down in front of me. The last thing i remember was seeing nothing but red and entering something like most berserkers do but many times stronger. I completely lost it killing anything that moved in my path.” he buried his face in Reiduns shoulder. “I wouldn't care if it was only the enemy but i can see the faces and the voices of those in my tribe. Those i fought with and would've laid down my life for all dead by my hand. When I came to I was the only living thing left. The village was a mass of dead bodies and burning buildings.” Conall stayed quiet for a moment. “I am the last of my people, the last of the MacTyre tribe. I guess that is my curse from my gods, to be the last of my kind and to be haunted by their faces and screams every night.”

Conall stayed quite waiting to see how Reidun would react to this story. He in all honesty didn't know what to expect he had never let out that information before to most he just said he left his tribe long ago.

Reidun felt her own tears well up and she wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. She let him cry and get his feelings out. “It’s over now. You are not cursed. You are just a man with a lot of terrible pain in his past. Most men are not strong enough to stay pure of heart after something like that. You are. I think that makes you a man that you can be proud of. A man that I am proud of.” She reached up and kissed him softly.
@sly13