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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 23, 2007 15:39:08 GMT -5
My hall had been burnt and I had been cast out. The blood feuds had at last caught up to me and there was nothing left for me back in Skaldia. The land of my birth was behind me as we slipped cross the boarder int to Terre d'Ange. All I really had was my ax across my back and the ever loyal Eyvind. Well and good we had started with less before.
We first needed food and we ultimately needed a job. There were just two of us and raping and pillaging would clearly not work in the least. I looked at my loyal Thegn and spoke in my gruff voice "We need food and supplies and we need to get them without stealing and irritating the locals. Normally I would say just take what we need but there are only two of us and the way is forward not backward."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Sept 23, 2007 15:50:23 GMT -5
I had followed Uruz as he fled our home land and toward the land of Terre d'Ange. We had just snuck into the border of Camlach. I was a little worn and dirty. I wondered if we had a look of a couple of people who had just fled from our home. I was a little unhappy with the fact that I could not protect Uruz's stead, but at least I could be here with him and protect the most important thing, his life.
I nodded my agreement with his conjecture and said, "perhaps there is someone here in need of some strong hands."
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 23, 2007 16:04:34 GMT -5
I gave a grim nod "Perhaps, it is really all we have. Though I am not keen on the idea of taking up as farm hands." I paused as a fallen log and unstrung my ax from my back leaning it against the dead wood then settling to sit on the log.
I looked up at Eyvind then "Do you have any iddeas? My best at present is to make our way toward their main City, but I confess I have no idea past that. Not to mention we will need supplies before then."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Sept 23, 2007 16:13:53 GMT -5
I stood near the log, keeping my broad sword on my back for now. I folded my arms and looked around. "a farm hand would be a bit depressing and it would probably end up taking up a lot of our time. If there is any good wild land around here we should at least be able to find food and water without having to rely on someone's coin." I looked down at my travel worn clothes, "though we will probably need some new attire at some point."
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 23, 2007 16:22:35 GMT -5
I grunted in the affirmative "True, and maybe if we are lucky we can snare some game. We have no bows so out and out hunting is out." I scratched vigorously at my beard and considered more. "I would say we could do some temporary work to get coin to travel on. But it is spring not like we can split wood or anything."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Sept 23, 2007 16:35:40 GMT -5
I nodded, though I gave him a smirk and said, "watching you chase some deer with your axe would be quite amusing. I guess we could walk around, if we find a tavern we may find some information there. I anything there is probably a waitress or bar keep who keeps up on the local information."
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 23, 2007 17:51:48 GMT -5
I rumbled a deep chuckle at that "Well you could always chase the deer to me and I could dive from a tree swinging my ax at them." I then stood and replaced said ax on my back. We were speaking our native tongue but would have to speak D'Angeline from now on so I switched "We will be getting some strange looks so we have to be on our best behavior." Then in a lighter tone I added "And if we find an inn maybe they need their stalls mucked out. Odin how we have fallen Eyvind."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Sept 25, 2007 0:10:29 GMT -5
I switched to d'Angeline when Uruz did, though I had always found the language a bit difficult. I would have to learn now. At least I didn't have any problems with the listening skills, my accent probably left much to be desired however.
Sighing I said, "yes, we have fallen, hopefully it will not be for long. This land is spoken of having wealth so perhaps we will be able to find some, though I do not know what the d'Angeline's would want with a couple of Skaldi."
I lovenly touched the handle of my sword, I had a feeling I would not use it much now. It was a bittersweet feeling. I had grown up in a bloody world and it was what I knew. "I guess my blade will be getting a bit of a rest."
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 25, 2007 6:02:44 GMT -5
"Well I am sure they need guards though if they will trust those like us is yet to be seen." I set off on our walk again using the sun to keep a straight eastern line. "And we will have to be sure and act semi civilized" I looked over at him and smirked a bit "Do not want them thinking we are here to rape their fields and pillage their women."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Sept 25, 2007 21:27:28 GMT -5
I easily fell into step beside Uruz, nodding at his mention of being a guard. It would be a nice alternative to stable cleaning or farming. I then laughed loudly at his comment, "I can say I have enjoyed pillaging a few women in my time, but I am sure its not looked on the same way here."
My hands easily at my side I put my thumbs into my pockets, thinking of a few of the many rumors that circled about the d'Angelines. "I have heard, though, that their women are worth visiting."
Though I spoke of them I had lost any feelings I'd had for women years ago. I could not put a finger on why or how, but lately I had let them chase me. I still had sexual desires and I simply sedated myself every now and again when I felt the need. I missed having tha connection though, and I missed feeling like a normal, 'one of the men.'
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 25, 2007 21:33:47 GMT -5
"The fields are best after a hard rain it is a little rough when they are dry." I cocked my head and listened as I heard a carriage in the distance. "Sounds like there is a road over there and if we are going to make a stand we had best walk in the open and not sulk around like raiders."
I turned in that direction "I hear their women are nice if you can afford them. Of course if I could afford women I could also afford to set myself up as a weapons smith. I do still have the talent for that after all. But all that takes coin something we do not have."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Sept 26, 2007 22:45:12 GMT -5
I nodded, "yes starting something a-new is difficult without gold. We aren't completely useless so I feel we will be able to find something soon enough. "
I walked with him toward the sound of the carriage. It would be our first open entrance into any town after our flee and I hoped that it would not prove to be an unpleasant one. If anything we were both weary and I did not want anything harmful to come to Uruz. My poor brother had seen enough pain.
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 27, 2007 5:47:53 GMT -5
"We will make it or fall to Hel's Hall while trying" I grunted and at last a road came into view. It was not one that would be used terribly often but it was a road none the less. As we started walking the better tended path I gaged the sun then looked back to Eyvind "This should lead us to a town and that is where we will start. There are no other options really."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Sept 28, 2007 19:20:41 GMT -5
I nodded my agreement, "I just hope this road isn't an indication of the size, I would prefer a larger town over a smaller one."
I looked around as we started our travel down the road. The land was already showing signs of being tamed, the trees of a lesser number and more grass showing through.
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 28, 2007 19:29:01 GMT -5
"True, but it is not like we are in a place where we can be overly picky" I kept walking and was pleased to see the road widening out. After a bit longer travel, probably a couple hours of silent walking I smelled wood smoke. "I smell smoke I suspect we are getting close to a town." I drew a breath "I suppose an inn or tavern is the best place for us to start looking. Though it would be simpler if we had coin."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Sept 29, 2007 22:44:52 GMT -5
I took a deep breath of air as Uruz mentioned the smoke. It made me think of food and my stomach rumbled in response. Some food would be meet with great happiness but I did not know if we would be that lucky.
I made a sound as if I was about to eat something tasty and said, "some meat would be nice, maybe some poultry, but I have a feeling work will have to come first. I only hope we can find something."
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 29, 2007 22:53:03 GMT -5
"Yes, I agree" and then we came into sight of the small village. Soon we entered walking along the single main street and of course we got more than our share of stares from the villagers coming and going. I offered what passed as a smile for me but it scared a young girl who ran to her mother. That made my shoulders slump a bit ah too many years with my people going to Vike for me to expect a warm reception.
I heard steel ringing on steel from what looked to be a smith's work shop. With an inclination of my head I motioned Eyvind that direction. I then started walking that way the locals parting before the pair of us.
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Sept 30, 2007 16:05:14 GMT -5
I of course noticed the reaction of the locals and sighed inwardly. I kept a pleasant look about my face, however, and faired a little better at it than Uruz. While I had Skaldi written all over me I did not have the roughness that many were born with. In Skaldia it was something I was not happy with, but perhaps here it would be an advantage.
I walked with Uruz toward the blacksmith shop. It was a skill that was more to his advantage then mine, but I could perform the basic tasks without difficulty. Perhaps Uruz and the blacksmith could learn from each other, there had to be a soldier here somewhere who could appreciate the Skadli's strong weapons.
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 30, 2007 16:44:52 GMT -5
Soon we could see the smith working on something. After I watched a moment I could tell it was a plow. The man did not have an assistant with him and was working the bellows and tending the fire at the same time he was trying to work the metal. It had him running back and forth a bit and I saw a possible opportunity.
I spoke up in D'Angeline "Lord Smith" when he turned he looked at Eyvind and myself like we were probably raiders and like he might hit us with his hammer. Understandable I suppose. I carried on none the less "We would be willing to stoke the fire in exchange for a meal."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Sept 30, 2007 20:53:02 GMT -5
I tried to keep my face as pleasing as possible as the Smith looked at us like he thought we were going to tear his limbs apart. I nodded my agreement to Uruz's offer when he looked my way. He looked back at Uruz for a moment and then seemed to settle. I stood dutifully by Uruz's side and let him take care of the proceedings. I was here to serve him before any others.
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Sept 30, 2007 21:20:00 GMT -5
The smith did not say much just pointed at the bellows. I moved to those and looked toward Eyvind "Get some more wood to stoke the fire i will keep the air flowing." So I set my back to pumping the large bellows whilst Edyvind tended the fire. I do not think we shared as many as three words with the stoic smith but at least the work went faster.
There were also some strange looks from passing towns people, but after a bit they seemed to loose interest as well. When our labors were done we were rewarded with a bowl of stew each and a piece of hardtack. I took mine with Eyvind int tow to sit under a tree on a small hill overlooking the town and eat "Well, at least we got a meal though the locals obviously do not like us."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Oct 1, 2007 23:12:05 GMT -5
I did as Uruz asked and worked dilligently. I would do my best, both for my master and so that the smith would not feel we were not a waste of his off kindness.
When the work was done I walked with Uruz to sit and eat. The soup smelled wonderful, though at that point a raw squid would have smelled wonderful. I took a few greatful bites of the soup before saying, "that they don't, but as long as the don't come after us I will not complain. At least I now my belly will stop bothering me."
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Oct 2, 2007 1:01:47 GMT -5
I grunted in answer and watched the village thinking a bit as I chewed "I am thinking that we might be better off if we do not seek more than to fill our bellies while we are near the boarder." I sopped up some of the broth on a piece of the hard bread and indulged in it before carrying on.
"We have full stomachs for a while and if we head down the road we can make some distance. If we are lucky when we get away from the boarder the feelings will not be so raw toward us. Maybe it will go easier then." I looked at him then "What do you think?"
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Oct 3, 2007 20:17:43 GMT -5
"I think you are correct," I said inbetween bites. "I am sure the people here are more cautious. In truth I can not blame them. If something was ever planned again they would be the first to know." I spoke in a hushed tone when I spoke, not wanting anyone to over hear and taking it as an attack. I did not expect there would be another attempt at the d'Angelines for a long time, if ever. Our pride is strong and it was hurt a little the last time.
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Oct 3, 2007 20:28:50 GMT -5
I listened to Eyvind and grunted my agreement. "As I consider it these people are not really much different than our own. Strong and prideful. A hard life toughens one or they fall to Hel's Hall it is as simple as that no matter what gods they worship or place they call home."
I sopped up some more of my stew with my bread and chewed a bit before adding "Oddly the way we were greeted gives me more hope. I can understand these people and maybe if we are lucky they can understand us." I sat aside my bowl and stretched my life hardened muscles popping a bit "Of course there are many of our people who would call me coward for fleeing but I see no honor in dying just to proove a point on my courage."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Oct 4, 2007 19:17:50 GMT -5
I had not thought of the response from these people in that light and it did make sense. "You have a point," I told him. "I do hope that things turn out in that light." I ate as he spoke about dying. "I would not die for something as simple as courage," I told him. "There would need to be more at stake." 'Such as you,' I thought, but I did not speak it. Though being loyal is not unusual in Skaldi I feared that it was more than simple loyalty that drove me.
I laid back on the grass under the tree and stretched my arms. The grass was soft under me and I felt my body complain of need for sleep. I simply laid comfortably though, this was probably not the best place to sleep anyhow.
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Oct 4, 2007 19:27:02 GMT -5
I laid back as well and peered up a the sky "Courage is important but not the be all end all it is often made. More can be gained when dealing with our people by not showing weakness as we are all Vargr at heart." I yawned and stretched "Sleep, we will get some water in the morning and set off. If we are lucky when can make our way toward the City this way working and such as we go."
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Oct 5, 2007 1:07:08 GMT -5
I looked over at Uruz, lieing there beside. I then quickly looked up at the sky, pushing unasked for thoughts from my mind.
I closed my eyes and gave a yawn of my own. "Sleep would be nice, it is at least one thing that we can catch up on here. There were many times in Skaldi that sleep seemed a risk to great to take. Food was good there though." My voice started to drop some as I droned on. I finally shut myself up so that we both could sleep. At least things were not completely hopeless.
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Post by Uruz Teiwaz on Oct 5, 2007 3:58:51 GMT -5
I grunted my response and listened to Eyvind with only half my attention. My belly was full and I was falling to slumber and nothing was bleeding so the basics were met. The time of year made shelter not even be much of an issue as it was warm. There are many a Skaldi who have often found themselves with less was my last thought as sleep took me and I began to snore loudly.
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Post by Eyvind Loevess on Oct 5, 2007 21:42:40 GMT -5
As I fell to sleep I heard a snore escape Uruz's nose. I smiled at it, a little amused, light sleepers never faired well around him. I had grown more than use to the noise over the years. I driften into a sleep that was restful but taken with dreams. Dreams of my past filled with blood and in a strange twist large glowing eyed poultry.
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