>>3425169
>Ask her about Lazet island.

"Ana, what do you know about Lazet island?" Ursd asked, sliding one of the maps over to her. She took the parchment in her hand and looked it over, gazing at the island in question with a bit of concern.

"Lazet? Is that what it's called?" Ana asked, rubbing her chin with her finger. "I only know what father told me of a new island that they had discovered. It was before the insurrection but supposedly the land was full of riches and artifacts left by a previous race. Some say it was older dwarves. Others are convinced they were elven. That's all I know." Ana admitted, putting the chart back down. "It's interesting, but perilous. The island is guarded by natural rock formations and is said to be full of traps."

Ursd thought on the information for a moment and then realization dawned upon him.

"Not dangerous for an immortal." Ursd mused. "Someone who couldn't die would be able to search the island at his leisure."

"...The Commandant?"

"It's a thought. But we'll worry about it later. For now, you should rest, Ana." Ursd said, keeping the wheel steady.

"And then what shall you do? Sail all night?" Ana asked. "Go to sleep."

"I'll be fine. I've walked for nights without sleep before. It's not pleasant but it's possible." Ursd replied. "But a Princess requires rest, especially after what she has been through."

"And you were too." she stated flatly. "Let someone else take the wheel."

>Obey and awaken Edgar to take the wheel.
>Obey and ask one of the crew to sail.
>Obey but ask if she can take the helm for a bit.
>Disobey.
>(write in)

>>3425293
>Obey and awaken Edgar to take the wheel.

>>3425293
>Obey but ask if she can take the helm for a bit.

Ursd nodded at her. He had to admit - she was right. He was still exhausted from the long night and it was the reason that Edgar had decided on shifts in the first place.

He left her with the wheel for a moment and then headed down the stairs. Edgar was laying on one of the bunks, outstretched, deep in slumber.

>Awaken him roughly.
>Awaken him kindly.
>"Good morning, sweet prince."

>>3425631
>"Good morning, sweet prince."

>>3425749
And
>Awaken him roughly.

(( >>3425749
I have the feeling you're the one who suggested his name be Thorfinn. :3 Thanks for sticking around. ))

Ursd leaned very closely to the man's left ear, and in a quiet, pleasant voice, uttered, "Good morning, sweet prince."

"Oh, good morning, Beatrice. Have you come to bring me my breakfast?" Edgar asked, hopeful. His eyes began to flicker open before Ursd kicked him roughly from the bed, knocking him onto the floor below. Edgar coughed, displeased.

"And what the hell, may I ask, was that for?" Edgar inquired, shaking his head.

"To ensure you were properly awake. It's time for your shift." Ursd said, holding out a hand to the man. "You feeling ready for another few hours?"

"Possibly." Edgar nodded, sighing. "I was so hopeful you were Beatrice, though. She had the finest thighs and her corset was so properly laced that her chest..."

Ursd blinked at him. Edgar turned away.

"Listen. It's not wrong for a man to appraise his maids, is it?" Edgar turned back, frowning.

"..I wouldn't know. Never had one." Ursd stated, helping Edgar to his feet. "But caring for you was probably a difficult endeavor, Empirean."

"Excuse you!" Edgar put a hand on his chest theatrically. "I am a very easy man to please! I only ask for my meals to be delivered and my armor to be polished. Tis the way of the empire. A prince can't be seen walking around with dingy armor, can he?"

"You've got a spot of dust on your shoulder."

"Dear Twins, where?!" Edgar spun, looking at his armor. He brushed his shoulders as hard as he could, hopeful to be rid of whatever stain Ursd claimed to be there. Satisfied, he put his hands on his hips.

"He very well can't." Edgar nodded, pleased with himself. "You have three hours. Then I'll be back down to kick YOU out of your pleasant dreams, Aufkrager."

"Don't blame me if I break your leg." Ursd commented, moving under the covers.

Ana came down soon after, Edgar relieving her from duty. She had the Captain's book clutched in her right hand. She approached Ursd as he lay there. Her face was uncertain.

"You're worried about the nightmares?" Ursd asked, hands behind his head.

She nodded.

"...They've happened... since the incident. As a result, I have trouble sleeping. I'll probably just read this until I hopefully pass out." she said, taking a seat by the bed.

>"There's a top bunk to this bed, you know."
>"I'll take the top bunk if you want the bottom one."
>"You slept better when you slept with me. I don't mind."
>"What did you do for it back at the empire?"
>(Write in)

Also.

>Tell her what Edgar told you about the port city.

>>3425895
>"What did you do for it back at the empire?"
>>Tell her what Edgar told you about the port city.
>"I'll take the top bunk if you want the bottom one."


No problem.
>related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scK_z4YKLf8

"Hrm...? Well back home my father gave me remedial herbs. They relaxed me. Helped me... stay asleep." she confessed, reading a few pages. "But those herbs are hard to come by..."

"Which ones?"

".....Neyba." she finally admitted, looking up at him.

"I thought that was illegal in the Empire." Ursd said, looking down at her.

"...It is. It can be addictive, and also contains potent amounts of magic." she warned, tapping her finger against the book binding. "....But it worked. I slept soundly. Father spent a lot to get me the amount of it he did. He truly loved me.. and I felt bad."

"Edgar told me about the port city."

Ana went silent.

"What all did he tell you?"

"About the assassins. And the explosion. We heard about it up in Kragsheim." Ursd said, not looking back at her. "But we didn't get much information. The Empire seemed tight lipped about it."

"...It's because of me. Father didn't want anyone to know who did it. But word got out, somehow." she said, forlorn. "And then I was feared. Hated. Only the bad parts of the story got out. It got convoluted. 'A witch.' they called me. 'A dark mage who offered souls to the old ones.' from others. They were convinced I had gone from a kind princess to a monster, all because of a failed spell. But I did fail it. And I know I did."

They were silent for a moment. Ursd didn't apologize but he didn't poke her further either. He leaned over the side of the bed, however, standing back to his full height.

"You can have this bunk. But I call top." Ursd said, stretching out his arms.

"Why do men always insist on being on top?" Ana asked, smirking.

Ursd shrugged again, then pulled himself to the bed above her own. He laid snugly in it, allowing her to take the one below. She accepted it, gladly, and rolled the sheets around her.

>>Dream.

>Focus your dreams on those of the prison.
>Focus your dreams on the old gods.
>Focus your dreams on the past.
>Focus your dreams on your father.
>(Write in)

>>3426040
>Focus your dreams on the past.
>Focus your dreams on your father.

> Focus Dreams on the Old Gods
> Focus Dreams on our Father

He remembered it, from years ago. Many cycles, before he had been given the sword of his father. Before the true insurrection of the Empire had caused so many problems.

"It's time, son." Thorfinn said, grabbing his son's shoulder. Hildr, his mother, stood at the door. He knew at that moment what had happened.

Ice, and blizzard-level winds, poured from the sky that day. He remembered it being particularly fierce. It bit at his skin under the fur coat his mother had made for him, stitched from the skin of gnolls and bjorns. They walked out to the shoreline, the water going into eternity, until it reached the icy walls of Icemouth's barrier.

Icemouth... to the dwellers within it, it was called Kragsheim. But to those outside, it was a great, circular glacier, made of an ice too strong to melt or break. It seemed enchanted. Yet in the center of that glacier was an opening, only a single hole, the only passage from Icemouth out into the world. And that's how it had been.

When the first Empire boats had found their way into Icemouth, it had been strange. Thorfinn had told his son of their weird language and how long it had taken to learn from them. They had come peacefully, then.

As he gazed out onto the water, some of the Empire travelers came to see what was happening. They were pushed back by the Aufkrager that stood guard. This was something they were not allowed to interrupt.

The burial of a Jarl.

Jarl Asger, one of the mightiest who had ever been conceived of Aufkrager womb. They had all agreed upon that. His name was etched into runes and legend. He and Thorfinn had worked together to slay the Wyvern long ago. Though Thorfinn had dealt the killing blow, Asger had assisted throughout the whole encounter. With his powerful lance, he had penetrated the wyvern's scales, making it possible to kill.

And thus, had they saved Kragsheim from the beast's wrath. So it had been.

And yet, as Thorfinn had told his son, his end was not as honorable.

"He was poisoned." Thorfinn had said solemnly, looking out the window of their home.

"Poisoned, father?" Ursd asked.

"Poisoned, by his own son." Thorfinn stated. "I know it. They know it."

And now, the body of the Jarl lay covered by a sheet, placed within a longboat, covered in burning pine resin. Two of his strongest followers pushed him out into the waves. His other followers stood with bows at the ready.

This was how it was in Kragsheim.

He remembered it, vividly. The most honorable way to be sent to the grave. A thousand burning arrows, piercing the veil of night. And they all hit their mark, unerring, as they lit the longboat afire far from the shore.

Thorfinn rubbed his son's shoulder, and for the first time in the young boy's life, had shed a single tear. He had loved the man as a brother. The Jarl had been his greatest ally since they were young. Only his family was that close to him. As it was said, to Aufkrager, their family was their greatest bond.

The Jarl had been family.
---1/2----

Eluf, however, had not seemed sad in the slightest. The son of the Jarl stared at his father's death without emotion. And Ursd fully believed Thorfinn's words.

Eluf had poisoned his own family.

------

Ursd awoke with a start as Edgar leaned over him, tired eyes sagging.

"Well, Aufkrager." Edgar said, exhausted. "I sailed us for four hours straight. Did you one better."

"You look like Hel." Ursd admitted.

"I feel like Hel." Edgar sighed. "Can you please take your turn? And be careful. Ana is asleep below you."

Ursd moved to let Edgar take his place and then moved past him, sneaking down the ladder and quietly departing from it. He stretched. Four hours was enough for him, he supposed.

He headed out to the top of the deck where the sun still hadn't risen above the horizon. They had passed the thirteenth hour without much hassle. That meant it was now three in the morning. He yawned.

"Have you men traded out yet?" Ursd asked the two crewmembers on the deck. They nodded, one of them the man from before.

"Been doing two person shifts." the man from earlier said. "Slept enough."

"I like the way you think." Ursd said, giving him approval.

>Take the helm.
>Ask the man's name.
>Ask him about his family.
>Go back to studying charts.
>Get coffee.

>>3426481
>>Ask the man's name.
>>Ask him about his family.
>Take the helm.

>>3426481
>Ask the man's name.
>Ask him about his family.
>Take the helm.

Ursd stared at the man for a minute.

"You challenged me for family. I can respect that." Ursd commented. "...What do you call yourself?"

"Charles." the man mumbled, checking the equipment over again and holding a wrench loosely. He was currently the engineer of the ship, which thankfully normally only meant regulating pressure and temperature of the steam valves and ensuring everything was getting where it needed to go.

"Charles, huh? Who were your family?"

"The older woman is my mother." Charles admitted. "She doesn't like that I've given up trust in the state, even after my father was separated from us."

"Your wife was the one with the blonde hair, correct?"

"Victoria, yes." Charles replied. "We have a son. Theodore. He's only one. They held her in a separate cell. Only let us meet when she fed him. It was part of our.. punishment."

"They didn't even let a mother hold her child?" Ursd said, concerned. "...I see your anger."

"You have family, Aufkrager?" the man said, his tone changed from before.

"I do. I'm the son of Thorfinn."

"The dragonslayer from the north? You're his boy? Must be a name to live up to." Charles seemed surprised. "My father wasn't anyone special but he wasn't low either. He was a merchant who spoke against the hard taxes of the Commandant and his party. Didn't take long for them to root us out."

"A similar thing happened to me." Ursd said, thoughtful. "I was a merchant... am a merchant."

"A merchant with a sword like that?" the man grinned. "Not many merchants declare themselves champions or break bars with a single swing."

"I'm not most merchants." Ursd replied. "I'll do what I can to keep your family safe. They're not going to leave you again while I'm around."

That seemed to motivate Charles. He nodded at Ursd, relaxed, and then turned back to the machinery. Ursd headed up the stairs, grabbing the wheel with his right hand and staring out into the night sky. As he did so, however, he noticed some seagulls flocking overhead, heading towards something.

>Make the ship follow the seagulls.
>Ignore the birds.

>>3426544
>>Make the ship follow the seagulls.
Seagulls mean land. Or food.

>>3426544
>Make the ship follow the seagulls.
They know where the land is

Ursd turned the ship slightly, concerned. There was a sound of steam billowing and magitech levels rising as the entire vessel made a 45 degree turn towards the seagulls. Charles looked up at Ursdaag, perplexed.

"Got a lead on something?" he asked.

"Maybe. Your people say the birds know more than we do when it comes to the ocean."

"It's not wrong. They flocking?"

"A lot of them." Ursd replied, the ship finally following the birds at a fair distance. They seemed to be drawing the group towards a location. As he looked closer, a black object was flying alongside them at an easy pace.

A raven.

The bird descended slightly, then arced back into the air. The seagulls followed suit, almost as if being led by the raven. For roughly an hour, the boat and seagulls continued their journey. The sun began to barely lip over the horizon before Ursd saw it in the distance.

An island.

Ursd looked down at the maps before him, slowing the ship down as they approached. He began to draw out lines, following a path from the prison island - he believed - out into here, if Edgar had followed the same path they had been going on.

There was nothing there. This island was uncharted territory. He looked up at it, hopeful. A land free from the Empire. A land free from tyranny. A land they could call home.

Charles ran to the side banister, the other crew member following suit. They couldn't help but shout.

"LAND!" he screamed, excited. "It's an island! You were right, Aufkrager!"

"So I was." Ursd replied, in disbelief himself.

But still, something about the whole situation felt off to him. The raven soared downwards, heading straight for the island. Ursd tried to get a good look in the darkness at the landmass...

>It's a jungle-like island, possibly full of predators but also full of food.
>It's a sparse-forested island, hopefully devoid of many dangers but also low on supplies.
>It's a machine island, apparently built or enhanced by a dwarven race long ago. It could be fraught with perils but many dwarven machine cities held much worth.
>It's a hot island thanks to a volcano upon it. It looks like the volcano is long dead but the magma still flows every now and then.
>It's a colder island thanks to its placement near the north. It offers its own share of challenges.

>>3426595
>It's a machine island, apparently built or enhanced by a dwarven race long ago. It could be fraught with perils but many dwarven machine cities held much worth.
>It's a hot island thanks to a volcano upon it. It looks like the volcano is long dead but the magma still flows every now and then.
They were clearly building a Geothermal Plant and harvesting lava to use against wild elephants.

>>3426595
>It's a machine island, apparently built or enhanced by a dwarven race long ago. It could be fraught with perils but many dwarven machine cities held much worth.
>It's a hot island thanks to a volcano upon it. It looks like the volcano is long dead but the magma still flows every now and then.
Just like my MMOs!

Their boat came closer to the island. As it did so, Ursd could more easily see what the island WAS.

Dwarves loved to tinker with rune and magitech. Precious metals and ornate minerals were their specialty. They would spend years, building a hive with conveniences, protection, and pathways. Spacious rooms for gathering, homes for every dwarf in the clan, and places for entertainment. But they also like to tamper with the temperature.

Besides that, Ursd saw that before the Dwarves had built what they had, the island had held an extinct volcano (he hoped) and the Dwarves had built a factory upon it. For what he couldn't easily assume.

The boat came closer to the island now. Light was beginning to pour from the Sun, the twin moons dipping back down on the other end of the world.

The ship weighed anchor outside of the shallows. Ursd walked down the stairs to greet the people who were waking up to view the new island. There were several. Others still remained asleep.

"It's beautiful." Ana breathed, putting her hands on the side of the ship. "A dwarven machine city... my father told me stories of them but..."

"Oh, well, let's not get too pulled into the beauty of it, princess." Edgar put his hands on her shoulders. "Don't forget that such places are normally full of Dwarvens traps and sentries."

"Don't frighten the people, Edgar." Ursd commanded. He went over to the lifeboat and helped a few people get into it. Edgar remained behind.

"Well, I'll keep an eye on my ship then." he said, indignant. "The captain should always be the last one off the ship."

"Is that actual code?" Ursd asked, helping Ana by the hand to get into the boat.

"Probably." Edgar said nonchalantly. He pulled the lever and watched as the boat began to descend into the water. Ursd grabbed an oar. Charles did the same. They began to paddle towards the island.

"We may be the first ones here in centuries, Aufkrager." Charles said, paddling the boat forward. "What should we name this island?"

"That's a marvelous idea." Ana commented, turning to him. "What do you want to name this island?"

>Muspelheim.
>Hope.
>Sanctuary.
>Ursdheim.
>Anaheim.
>(Write in. Can't wait to see this.)

>>3427274
Odinhjem

(( Did you mean Odinheim or the old way of Odinhjem? Just making sure. ))

>>3427274
Let's just call it
>Midjun (coming from the Gothic "midjun-gards")
Or
>Asgard (phenomenal ego)
Also, did you mean "Vanaheim" or "Anaheim"?

Rolled 1 (1d2)

(( Anaheim, of course. Kind of like Amerigo. Name it after the person who helped find it. ))

"Odinhjem." Ursd said. He didn't know why it sounded good. It just did.

"Any.. meaning to it? Sounds like one of your Aufkrager words." Charles asked.

"Something like 'Home of the Father.'" Ursd replied. He wouldn't go into their religion. It would take forever. They believed in the Twins. He had faith in Wotan. That was where it should end.

"Well, then I like the sound of it." Ana smiled. "Odinhjem."

"We'll be coming up on the shallows shortly, Aufkrager." Charles said, pushing the boat the last little bit. "Let's take our first steps on this new land, eh?"

He leaped off, helping two other men depart. He hadn't allowed his wife to come along - yet. Just in case. Ursd stepped forward, taking Ana's hand to assist her as they left the confines of the boat. He felt the sand beneath his boots - which thankfully they had allowed him to keep. His ragged, torn clothes billowed in a hot wind. But - perhaps because of the dwarven city - it was temperate, not boiling. Were the machines still active? He didn't know much about them.

"There's a man, up ahead!"

Ursd heard one of the men exclaim loudly. He turned to look in the direction of the man's finger. Sure enough, there was a figure, a crow on his shoulder. He was huddled over a fire, a stone near him covered in what appeared to be animal entrails.

Only one kind of being would do such things. The Empire forbid scrying, calling it barbaric.

"...A runekeeper? Here?" Ursd asked, holding out his arm for them to stand back. If he was hostile or insane, he could still be dangerous.

>Approach the figure with sword drawn.
>Call out to the figure on approach.
>Wait for the figure to notice you.
>Try to sneak around.

>>3427874
>Wait for the figure to notice you.
Let's not look threatening or startle him.
tree fiddy says it's Orrinn

> Call out to the figure on approach

(( You win ten internets, my friend. >>3427973
))

A few minutes passed. Ursd and the rest of the group looked around, examining the man and looking for threats. But his back was to them.

Finally, his head slowly looked up. He was not an old man, but a long beard covered his face. Ursd blinked a moment as the man turned to look at them.

"Hello, Daag." the runeseeker said, still sitting before the stone table.

Ursd stepped forward in disbelief.

"....O...Orrin?" he said, concerned. "But I thought-"

"I was exiled, not killed, Daag." Orrin replied. "They probably told you they had had me impaled? My tongue removed so I could no longer speak to the elements? My hands cut off so I couldn't feel the stones? No no no... They threw me into the waves, those Empirean fools. Cast me off into the water."

"How did you survive?" Ursd inquired, coming to stand by the man. The rest of the group hadn't followed. Ana, however, had moved to join him.

"Who is this, Ursd?" she asked.

"Ah. I am Orrin Soothsayer, child of the Dragon." Orrin stated. "And I already know much about you."

"..O-Oh?" Ana asked, bewildered. "How could that be?"

"You are a mage. You know of the ancient techniques, forbidden by your people." Orrin gestured at the table. "We offer to the spirits. They put messages within the dead flesh."

She gazed down at the entrails of a squirrel and another, indeterminate animal. She blinked.

"No. I'd never heard of such things." she said, confused.

"Ah. So it's been completely removed from your teachings. I suppose that's for the best." he said. "But being here has given me nothing but time. I've been watching the spirits for signs of your actions since they banished me, Daag. I knew you would be important."

"Sorry if I don't have much to show you." Ursd responded.

"Not at all. You have much in store, that much is certain, and much behind you." Orrin rolled a pair of bone dice, watching the numbers tick. But the third die kept spinning, stuck upon its corner.

"It does that every time, you know. Every time I try to determine more about your future." he informed.

"....Fascinating." Ana breathed.

>Ask what he knows about the island.
>Reminisce.
>Ask about your future.

>>3428165
>Ask what he knows about the island.

"What all do you know about Odinhjem... I mean, this island?" Ursd asked, looking up at the machinery dotting the landscape.

"A bit, thankfully. Enough to survive. The dwarven craftsmen who built it had the kindness to leave it working if you know how to use it. Much of the knowledge to run it will take years to reverse engineer." Orrin sighed. "A loss for many generations. But it makes me wonder what made them leave the island in the first place."

"Well, either way, it's our home for now." Ursd stated.

"Odinhjem, you said?" Orrin asked.

"Yes."

"That's a fine name. Very well, if you'll have me Daag, I'd like to help you start your new life here." Orrin said, standing to his full height.

Ana seemed slightly uncomfortable about the Runekeeper.

>Hug your old friend.
>"Of course."
>"Careful. Your magic may scare the Empireans."
>Pat him on the shoulder.
>(Write in).

>>3428440
>Hug your old friend.
>"Careful. Your magic may scare the Empireans."

>>3429113
>Of course.
>"Careful. Your magic may scare the Empireans."
>Pat him on the shoulder.

Hug seems pretty intimate, even for ursd and orinn didn't seem the happiest to see us.

> Hug your old friend.
> "Of course."

"Of course. But careful, old friend. Your magic may frighten the Empireans." Ursd placed a friendly hand on Orrin's shoulder.

"Ah... true." the man admitted, staring at the stone table below himself. "They don't know how to understand it."

"I admit.. I may sound foolish.. but why does the Empire hate your kind of magic, Orrin?" Ana asked, "What about it could make them upset enough to outlaw its practice?"

"Because it discredits their religion, young girl, a fact you should understand all too well." Orrin pointed at her draconic horns. "Your people believe in the Twins, the Dragon and the Phoenix, the Gods of Might and Wisdom."

He held his hands up to the sky, sighing.

"But our magic requires the praying to and summoning of lesser gods, spirits bound to our world. By proving they exist, we disprove one of the very first edicts of the Empirean Theology - that there are only two, true Gods."

"But can't minor gods exist?" Ana inquired.

"If only it were so simple." Orrin replied, letting his hands fall by his sides. "But to the Empire all other gods are pagan, heretical, and a stain. It's one reason we've never truly had a peace. I've studied both religions in detail, however, over the years. As Soothsayer, my duty is to keep the peace amongst the tribes. But I am also tasked with preventing the loss of knowledge and learning as much as I can. So much to do, you understand."

He turned back to them both.

"The strange part to me is that, in the past, the Dragon God you all praise was called by a different name than Ishmael. He was called Nidhoggr. This shares...-"

He trailed off, realizing the tangent he was on to now. The rest of the group was standing around him, listening intently. Charles was baffled.

"It's interesting, to be sure. But yeah, they'd definitely gut you for saying such things near the Imperium. But here? By the Twins, I'll add more things to my list to pray to if it means keeping my family safe and fed."

"Would you care to commune with the Spirits, then?" Orrin asked, hopeful.

>Interrupt. Calling the Spirits was a risky thing.
>Allow. Maybe it was time for the people to be a bit more open-minded.

(Alters the religious choices of the your people.)

>>3429456
>Allow. Maybe it was time for the people to be a bit more open-minded.
It's not a good idea to discount the existence of the Spirits and lose potential allies because of it.

As Orrin prepared, Charles went back to get the rest of the crew. After an hour, the group of seventeen prisoners plus Edgar, Ana, and Ursd were all sitting together in front of Orrin, who had prepared incense.

"Now, remember. The most important thing is that you do not speak until it speaks." Orrin said. "The Spirits do not like to be interrupted. They want respect as much as anyone else."

Many in the group nodded. Ursd already knew this rule. It was told to the children of the tribes before the first Gathering.

Orrin waved his hands, smoke billowing from the incense burner as he spun in circles. He made several motions, almost in a dance, as he chanted in the Aufkrager tongue. Some of the group members grew uncomfortable. Ursd noted this but continued to watch.

As Orrin raised his hands to the sky at last, there was a momentary flash of light. Standing within the circle he had made was...

>A Spirit of Fire, representing Change, offering the Blessing of Fire to your people.
>A Spirit of Water, representing Wisdom, offering the Blessing of Water to your people.
A Spirit of Earth, representing Tenacity, offering the Blessing of Earth to your people.
>A Spirit of Air, representing Freedom, offering the Blessing of Air to your people.
>A Spirit of the Dead, representing Certainty, offering the Blessing of Undeath to your people.
>A Spirit of Life, representing Hope, offering the Blessing of Life to your people.
>(Write in.)

>>3430058
>A Spirit of Life, representing Hope, offering the Blessing of Life to your people.

>>3430058
>>A Spirit of Air, representing Freedom, offering the Blessing of Air to your people.
Let's go lightning!

Rolled 1 (1d2)

(( May the fates find a choice. ))

File: tegaki.png (14 KB, 400x400)

14 KB PNG

Orrin and the rest of the crowd blinked for a moment as they tried to adjust their sight to understand what they were witnessing.

At first, it appeared to be a wooden doll. But on closer inspection, it was a humanoid, androgynous figure, bearing a crown of flowers upon its head. Wings of branches and gnarled bark spread from its back. The sand flourished with life where it stepped. It moved only slightly, leaving the summoning circle that brought it to the world.

Its wings flickered slightly. Several people in the crowd grew afraid. Charles was uncertain.

"Runekeeper.... This.. a tribe is not." the creature said, curious. It moved towards Orrin, leaping slightly. "Not in the sense of most. It's broken. Being built."

"It is a tribe, in its own way, Child of Freyr." Orrin bowed. "And they wish for your blessing."

"A blessing? Of me?" the spirit danced slightly, pleased. "Your people have grown distant. The voices are silent. We would enjoy hearing the voices again, even from broken tribe."

It peered over the group with supposed joy, leaping around people and examining them. A few people gasped. One man moved backward, unnerved. The spirit blinked at him.

"Afraid?" the spirit seemed displeased. "Why fear? Bring no pain. Bring no sorrow. Ignorance breeds fear? Do they not know?"

"Not yet, spirit." Orrin said as the creature arrived back at him again.

"What could we do... to offer peace?" the spirit asked, confused.

>Let Orrin speak.
>Ask for a Blessing relating to combat.
>Ask for a Blessing related to civilization growth.
>Ask for a Blessing related to protection.
>Ask for the Spirit to join you.

>>3432268
>>Let Orrin speak.
We were never the one to be too involved with religion anyways.

>>3432268
>Let Orrin speak.
We should let Orrin handle matters of the spirits.

Orrin noted that Ursd didn't try to speak up. He didn't say anything but Ursd could tell he was pleased.

"Since you have come to us, why do you not stay as the guardian spirit of these people?" Orrin asked. The creature looked intrigued.

"Guardian... spirit? I? Allowed?" the spirit moved closer. "Not chased away? Not attacked? Not cursed?"

"I would hope not." Orrin said. The small spriteling danced for a moment, but then looked at Ana and Ursd. It said nothing, but seemed excited.

"Yes... this will be interesting!" it accepted, nodding. "A pact! A pact!"

The Spirit grabbed one of Orrin's hands and held it open. With its other hand, it grew a single seed, which it gave to him.

"So long as this is protected and grown, never leave." the Spirit promised. It clasped Orrin's fingers around the seed, pleased. "Mark of Pact."

"Of course." Orrin nodded, taking the object graciously. "We shall find a suitable place for it."

Ana turned to Ursd, confused.

"What.. was that?" she whispered, as the spirit began to depart.

"A seed.. a small fragment of Yggdrasil." Ursd said, leaning forward. "That is a mighty blessing, and not given lightly."

"You don't look happy about it." Ana said, worried.

"A life spirit gives a group of renegades such a sacred item?" Ursd replied, pondering. "Those seeds hold great power. They produce life. Create land. Birth creatures. It's not a simple seed. It's a new beginning."

"...Such powerful magic.... Why was this forbidden?" Ana breathed, still bewildered. "What would the Empire have to gain from suffocating such life?"

"The only life they desire is oppressed life." Ursd commented. "Your people have become blinded over the centuries."

"I wish they could see this. They'd..."

"Try to destroy it, as it is now." Ursd looked at her. "First, we survive."

The spirit faded away, back to the realm from whence it came, leaving the seed in Orrin's hands. Edgar stood up, pleased.

"Well as much as witnessing miraculous - possibly blasphemous -"

"Edgar." Ursd said.

"As much as witnessing this *beautiful* display has altered my entire world view, we really need to get started on working out a method of survival!" Edgar said, rubbing his hand through his hair. For the first time, he had removed his helmet. The horns of the Dragon were now plainly visible on his head. Ursd noted, unlike Ana's (which were black-gray), Edgar's were brownish-black.

"Oh shove off, Edgar!" Ana said, displeased. "That *was* a beautiful display!"

"I'm not being sarcastic, dearest sister. I honestly have no idea how to really... put this all together." Edgar admitted. "But.. I'll manage. It didn't try to eat us, so that's a plus. And it seemed... somewhat cute?"

"That's all you got out of that?" Ana frowned.

"It smelled of cloves!"

"Enough. What's your plan, Prince?" Ursd asked. Orrin approached as they stood there. He had the seed in both hands.

-----1/2----

"Firstly, compatriots, we need food. Water. Shelter! Before any plans of action, we need a suitable, civilized environment." Edgar's face was full of determination. "We need a place of safety from which we can plot our eventual, hopefully successful rebellion. And hopefully before dinner."

"Lofty goals. You do realize you can't build a city in a day." Ursd crossed his arms as he was apt to do.

"But we don't HAVE to." Edgar gestured to the Dwarven ruins behind them.

"Oh, surely you're not serious, Edgar. Weren't you the one warning us of traps and sentries?" Ana put a hand on her hip. "What changed?"

"The realization that the alternative is hard labor and wooden shacks!" Edgar shuddered. "Really? Wooden shacks? For royalty?"

"You do what you must to survive, Prince." Ursd grimaced. "Don't tell me you're afraid to get your hands dirty."

"Not afraid, merely reluctant." Edgar corrected. "If entirely possible to avoid-"

"To be honest, Ursd, this is the same 'hero' who wouldn't play pretend with us if we went into the muddy pools during the rain." Ana smirked, giving him a glance.

"They were dangerous and you could have broken your legs! What if there had been a sinkhole in the ground?!"

"...Edgar, we were near the castle. On solid stone. The puddles were caused by declines."

"Potholes!"

She put a hand to her face.

"Edgar... I'm both relieved and frustrated to be stranded on an island with you."

"I'm only frustrated."

"AUFKRAGER!" Edgar exclaimed, holding out both arms. "Have you no heart? Surely you see the genius in this?!"

"I don't think an idea you come up with is capable of being called genius."

"I'm so hurt right now." Edgar grabbed his arm theatrically. "My own sister. A man I see as a friend. Both of them. Wounding me deeply."

"There... may be some wisdom in the Prince's words, Daag." Orrin said. "Despite the danger, ... there is quite a lot of worth to be found in Dwarven ruins as shelter. Protection. Temperature control. And for the treasure hunter, there's plenty of it to be found."

"I'm sold. Let's go." Edgar grabbed Ana's arm, heading towards the ruins.

>Follow him.
>Tell him to stop. You'll do it yourself.
>Tell him to stop. You need to consult the rest of the group.

>>3434065
>>Follow him.

>>3434082
This should be good for a laugh, though, let's not have our first day of freedom be one of broken bones.

Ursd begrudgingly decided to follow the risk-taking fool further up the shore, to where trees shrouded an entrance to the ruins. Edgar pushed the bushes out of the way, pushing Ana towards the door.

"Aha! Behold! As I thought! This is where it would be!" Edgar gestured to the door.

"Now what?"

"I didn't consider that far ahead, I'm afraid. You've got me at a loss." Edgar admitted.

"I've got an idea." Ursd said as he walked up, grabbing Edgar's shoulder. "We can hurl your impatient body through the door and see which one breaks."

"I'm sure it would be me. We don't need to test it." Edgar patted Ursd's hand hurriedly. "I'll take the loss. Please let go."

"Ah.. you found the door. Quickly, I might add." Orrin said as he made his way up to the opening, stumbling a moment.

"Where's the Seed of Freyr?" Ursd asked as the man approached.

"This bag. It's sacred." Orrin commented, holding up his necklace. "It was made to contain such things."

Ursd nodded, then turned back to the door.

"Have you managed to get it open before, Orrin?"

"Not at all. The door has been impervious to shouting, slight kicking, and even rune magic. It disperses the waves of spiritual energy like ... dust." he fluttered his hands about, displeased. "It's almost miraculous."

"Hrm... maybe not runemagic... but how about Ana magic!" Edgar grabbed his sister's arm again, holding her arm up a moment. Ana quickly clutched her right hand with her left, hiding her Brand. Orrin seemed not to notice.

"Ana...magic?" he asked.

"Yes! My sister's a divine mage."

"Edgar." Ursd stepped forward, grabbing the man's arm and squeezing. Edgar let go of Ana quickly, wincing.

"What?! Aufkrager, have you made it your mission to break me?" Edgar asked, rubbing his forearm. "What did I even do?"

"Your sister probably doesn't like having her magic paraded around." Ursd stated, frowning. "Do you not remember what happened?"

Ana looked away, pulling her hood back over her head in silence.

"...But that was then, Ursd. I'm trying to help her!" Edgar pleaded, pointing at the door. "She can prove, in this instance, that she CAN control her magic. And if, in the terrible situation, something bad happens again, at least we'll die quickly."

Ursd leered.

"My apologies." Edgar quickly amended. "Silver linings."

"It's.. ok Ursd. He's right. It's not a bad idea.. I just... is there anything else we could try?" Ana asked, rubbing her hands uncomfortably. "I don't..... Besides, I can't even use magic right now, because of the bindings."

"Let me see those." Orrin said, curious. He took a moment, scrutinizing the work. There was a period of silence as Ana allowed the man to look over each rune, reading them.

"Fools. They butchered the art. These aren't true runes." Orrin said in frustration, turning her hands over. "They don't possess the spirit. Only the magic. These should be easy to dispel."

-----1/2----

>Do it. Ana needs to learn how to stand on her own feet again.
>Don't. It's uncertain what could happen if they're released. We'll find another way to open the door.
>Do it. But we'll find another way to open the door.
>Allow Ana to decide.

>>3435740
>Allow Ana to decide.

>>3435740
>>Do it. Ana needs to learn how to stand on her own feet again.

"I think we should do it. But Ana should be the one to decide." Ursd said.

"...I... I don't want to be chained." Ana admitted. "I miss hearing the magic, feeling it. But I don't want to hurt anyone either."

"Then don't." Ursd said. "Magic is like my sword, like any sword. It is a weapon."

He stepped towards her, placing his hand on her shoulder as he was apt to do.

"Like any weapon, you decide which end you hold towards people, and who you use it for or against. Do you raise it to defend others, or to kill them?"

"Do you.. use magic, Ursd?" Ana asked.

"Daag? I taught him some minor rune magic, sure. But he never fully delved into it." Orrin explained, looking up at her. "He had a knack for it but said he'd rather just shove a blade into them and be done with it."

"And that's how I still feel." Ursd put his hands on his waist, nodding. "But Princess, we all have regrets. Yet it is true strength to look past them and overcome them."

Anastasia pursed her lips and finally nodded at Orrin.

"Remove them,... please." she requested, holding out her arms fully. "Let me feel the magic again."

"Already done." Orrin said, tapping them. They fell to the ground, hitting the sand and sending it flying over their legs. They had become rocks once more.

"That whole time then, Orrin?" Ursd asked.

"Oh no, I just dispelled most of the wards. To truly get rid of the things, the person has to allow them off." Orrin said, turning to her. "She was arresting herself the whole time."

Ana looked at the ground, ashamed. Edgar seemed surprised.

"You? Not wanting to cast magic? The girl who kept running to your training with Father every day?" Edgar rubbed his chin. "Unbelievable."

"I'm surprised you really want me to do this after what happened, Edgar." Ana gave him a dark glare, frustrated. "It's like you don't care about those people at all. I killed them."

"Well to be fair they DID wave Empire colors and proclaim an acceptance of his party so to be entirely honest I sometimes thought it had been on purpose." Edgar waved his hand as he spoke.

"On... purpose? You thought I killed them all on purpose?!" Ana began to brim with energy, turning to him fully. "An entire CITY of innocent people?! It doesn't matter who they believed in! At the time, we went there to spread peace!"

"Ana... " Edgar trailed off, slightly anxious. "...You're right. I'm sorry. Please don't explode."

"I'm not GOING to-" she began, infuriated. But she released her hands, realizing that she'd already begun forming a small fire around her. The magic dissipated, leaving smoke behind. Orrin was protecting the seed pouch on his neck.

"I must admit, it's astounding! Magic without need of chants or spiritual calls! Just passively able to pull it forward. Remarkable!" Orrin commented.

"Ana. Focus." Ursd commanded. "We have a door to open, not a brother to incinerate. As annoying as he can be, he's a valuable asset."

"Yay! I'm an asset!" Edgar cheered.
---1/2---

He paused a moment.

"Wait, what do you mean annoying? I offer nothing but intelligent remarks and prudent information!"

"Too MUCH information. You need to learn to still your tongue." Ursd said. "How did you survive meetings?"

"Quietly. Actually normally was asleep by the end of them." Edgar rubbed the back of his neck. "You're supposed to talk the most in diplomacy but it's nothing interesting to talk about."

Ursd shook his head and stepped towards the door. He gave it a look, looked at Ana, and then at Orrin.

>Kick the door down. (Roll.)
>Ask Ana to blow the door down. (Roll.)
>Ask Orrin to runemagic the door down. (Roll.)
>Ask Edgar to do Edgar things. (Roll.)

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>3438706
>Ask Ana to blow the door down. (Roll.)

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>3435736
>"She can prove, in this instance, that she CAN control her magic. And if, in the terrible situation, something bad happens again, at least we'll die quickly."

Edgar savage

>>3438700
>"Well to be fair they DID wave Empire colors and proclaim an acceptance of his party so to be entirely honest I sometimes thought it had been on purpose."
He does it on purpose, right?
He's not that dense I hope.

Kicking didn't work the same as runemagic.
>Ask Edgar to do Edgar things. (Roll.)
I'm curious but
this
>Ask Ana to blow the door down. (Roll.)

Rolled 39 (1d100)

>>3438706
>>Ask Orrin to runemagic the door down. (Roll.)

"Ana." Ursd pointed at the door. "Can you truly handle this?"

"....Yes." she replied, beginning to channel. "But... please move. I just.. don't feel comfortable doing it with people around me. I hope you understand."

Ursd nodded, then escorted Orrin and Edgar a bit aways from her. Edgar muttered something about 'her explosion reached like 700 feet though this isn't going to matter' but Ursd immediately punched his shoulder.

As they stood there waiting for her to cast, Ursd spoke to Orrin.

"That Raven. It was yours?"

"Yes, Daag. A gift from the spirits to help me survive." Orrin replied, patting the small bird on his shoulder.

"It led the seagulls here?"

"You're perceptive." Orrin smirked. "Did you not appreciate the assistance?"

"Didn't say I didn't. But I did want to know how you knew where to send it."

"I didn't. Though I had visions of your rough location, the raven knew more than me. I sent him to find you and he did. I only requested it." Orrin gestured.

"It is appreciated, old friend." Ursd affirmed.

"I'm just glad to see you again, Daag."

Edgar kicked the dirt with his foot, impatient.

"Ana! I've seen you throw fireballs quicker than this!" he yelled, displeased. "Show them your terrific magical ability!"

"Edgar I will turn around right now and SHOW you how fast I can hurl fireballs!" Ana yelled back, agitated. "It takes longer to FOCUS them. Throwing them wildly won't help ANYONE."

"How big is it going to be?"

"What?!"

"How large are you going to make the fireball?!"

"I'm NOT MAKING A DAMN FIREBALL!" Ana raised both hands in exasperation. A bit of her magic flicked off and zapped the air.

Ursd clutched Edgar's shoulder painfully.

"WHY IS IT ALWAYS THE SH-" Edgar tried to yell but Ursd clapped a hand over his mouth.

"You are ruining her concentration. Bother me, if you must. But leave your sister alone."

The three of them watched as Ana's hands moved around in a large circular motion. She successfully casted...

>A fireball. But a LARGE meteor fireball. Edgar was only half-right.
>An icy blast, freezing the steel.
>A lightning strike, bursting with force.
>An unlocking spell, pleasantly opening the door. Albeit boring.

(( For the record, I'm available for some more responses today so let's get some quest done! ))

>>3440577
>>A lightning strike, bursting with force.

>>3440584
Thanks man. This is one of my new favorite quests.

(( I'm touched. Need to archive this for part 3 later today though. ))

There was a loud crackle in the sky as Ana swirled her hands around, the magic becoming tense in her hands. Static fired from her palms and Edgar shielded his eyes. Ursd's hair began to sway with the power as Orrin watched in fascination. The people down at the beach witnessed as lightning struck Ana.

But she did not die. She whirled around and threw it at the door, sending electricity flying as steel met energy and clashed. An explosion clashed as the magic shield around the door was pierced and destroyed. The door did not fare better. It blew inward, the smoldering remains of metal smelling of copper and melted minerals. Edgar wiped his forehead.

"Beautiful. Simply BEAUTIFUL, Princess." he complimented, running up to her. "As expected of Ana."

She turned to him and punched him, sending him sprawling onto his back.

"Magic isn't a show!" she yelled, preparing for another punch. "I'm not trying to impress anyone, not anymore! I'm just relieved I didn't hurt anyone, so stop making me seem like a carnival spectacle!"

Edgar rubbed his cheek where her fist had connected and tried to move backward as Ursd grabbed Ana's arm gently, stopping her.

"Ana, that's enough. He gets it." Ursd assured. "You're fine."

"Damnable bastard." Ana stomped her foot, upset. "You have NO idea how I feel!"

"I'm sorry, sister! I... I really am!" Edgar pleaded, trying to stand to his feet. "I just... I just want you to stop being afraid.. and I don't best know how to do that, alright!?"

The two of them stared at each other in front of the broken door. Ana's face was rigid. Edgar held up his hands, prepared. Ursd held her firm.

>"Edgar, it's obvious this isn't the way to do it. She needs time, not attention."
>"Ana, he's right. You can't just keep looking at yourself like some form of monster."
>"Would you two stop arguing? We have a dwarven ruin to enter."

>>3440859
>"Edgar, it's obvious this isn't the way to do it. She needs time, not attention."
>"Ana, he's right. You can't just keep looking at yourself like some form of monster."

They're both right.

"Edgar, it's obvious this isn't how you help her. She needs time. Not attention."

He released Ana's arm but moved to stand in front of Edgar, his arms crossed.

"But Ana, he's ..surprisingly right. You can't just keep looking at yourself like some sort of monster."

Ana paused, her fist still raised, but she began to contemplate, and then punched Ursd in the chest. Not hard. Just enough.

"Dammit. I couldn't just unclench my hand." she apologized, letting her arm hang loosely by her side.

"Thank you, Ursd. Though I didn't like that 'surprisingly' you threw in there." Edgar said, wiping himself off.

"Be grateful I complimented you at all, Prince." Ursd gave him a dismissive look. "Come. The ruin awaits."

"Yes. I'd quite like to explore it." Orrin added, moving forward. Edgar watched Ana for a moment, warily. She kept looking down at the ground, but then she moved to catch up to them, not giving him attention at all.

"...I just wished to... see you happy again, sister.." Edgar sighed, running forward. "Like when I rescued you."

----

They entered the entrance atrium of a great Dwarven machine city, the great walls inviting them deeper within. Ursd was impressed. Orrin gasped.

"...It's as if no one ever left." Orrin scrutinized the walls as Edgar began to look around the room, like a child in a store. Ana stayed close to Ursd, continuing to look at the floor.

>Ask Orrin more about this ruin. The information could prove useful.
>Stop Edgar. He could accidentally trigger something, knowing him.
>Ask Ana if she's alright.
>Allow them to do as they will.

(Can only choose two, or the last one for this choice. I may start limiting more down the line. This will be the last post in this part before I begin part 3.))

>>3441251
>Stop Edgar. He could accidentally trigger something, knowing him.
>Stop Edgar. He could accidentally trigger something, knowing him.

>>3441251
>>Ask Ana if she's alright.
>Ask Orrin more about this ruin. The information could prove useful.