Shard
One and Many
- Location
- Malaysia
Motion I have, movement I possess.
Inexorable inertia pushing me onward.
Halt me, hobble me.
Skillfully bring me to a Standstill.
NorseQuest (A Norse Xianxia)
- Thread starter I.F. Ister
- Start date
- Original Fantasy Action
-
- Tags
- norse mythology (mythology) original xianxia cultivation western cultivation ask sirihand did your mother tell you anything? discussion pleases yggdrasil farming gloating gets people killed granary management hubris is a coward's word you will die norsemen do not die when they are killed the qm has a bad memory the qm is bad at math viking courtroom drama (legal drama) vikings
Inexorable inertia pushing me onward.
Halt me, hobble me.
Skillfully bring me to a Standstill.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
See, this one I'm not so sure about, the poetry is good, but I'm not seeing the connection with being a training item. There's no granting of skill or any other wording that actually makes the connection between the item and increasing its user's Standstill prowess in the long run. Like, this reads to me like it would make the item easier to effect with Standstill, rather than help train it.
Shard
One and Many
- Location
- Malaysia
The last line could become 'And be skilled in Standstill', although I don't like it as much.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Added this version to the plan for now.
Hello! I'm new to this quest and questing in general. I found this when I was looking for cultivation stories that aren't simply rebranded versions of Chinese xianxia cultivation systems, so I really like this world where power progression is not uniform across cultures. I came for the power system, and stayed for the worldbuilding and the characters. I just finished reading all the chapters (are they called chapters?) marked on this thread. As I said, I've never done questing before so I'm going read up on the rules and try to join in.
If the voting is still on, I'd really like that we talk to Asva. I don't think we've talked to Asva once since Asveig died, she's the only person in our family we don't really talk to. I know we don't and likely will never see eye to eye but I'd like for us to have a closer relationship, especially if Asva is going with her husband to Danelaw (I saw that mentioned after the latest chapter, but I think I missed where that came up before). I feel quite bad for Asva tbh, she didn't even get to have her mother present at her wedding, unlike you. I'm not sure we should go in with some kind of favour exchange really, maybe only as a pretense to talk to her. Is this uncharacteristic of Halla? Not sure. Sure, Halla is also getting older and siblings who fought a lot as children often become closer as adults.
If the voting is still on, I'd really like that we talk to Asva. I don't think we've talked to Asva once since Asveig died, she's the only person in our family we don't really talk to. I know we don't and likely will never see eye to eye but I'd like for us to have a closer relationship, especially if Asva is going with her husband to Danelaw (I saw that mentioned after the latest chapter, but I think I missed where that came up before). I feel quite bad for Asva tbh, she didn't even get to have her mother present at her wedding, unlike you. I'm not sure we should go in with some kind of favour exchange really, maybe only as a pretense to talk to her. Is this uncharacteristic of Halla? Not sure. Sure, Halla is also getting older and siblings who fought a lot as children often become closer as adults.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Welcome aboard!
Good news! Talking with Asva is part of the current plan, so we're very likely doing that imminently. And it's very explicitly partially due to the Danelaw thing. We want to send her off with full medical training if we can.
The planned action is:
-[ ] (Personal)Spend time with...
--[ ] Asva
--[ ] Ask her to make us a new wardrobe designed to look good with soot, offer her favors (including teaching her stuff) or supplies (we have a lot of sprang) if she wants it
--[ ] Additionally, catch up, and talk about swapping useful tricks. Specifically, see if she has any good household seidr, Campfire, or Clearwater Tricks she can tell us about, and make sure we teach her the basics of Sickness Sear and, if we can manage it, Time Heals All Wounds and other medical seidr if she doesn't have any of them already (we'd also teach her other stuff if she wanted). Because we definitely want her to have medical stuff if she's thinking of moving away. If she already has them great, but we should make sure.
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I think we should awaken her Fylgja so we can keep in contact. Also I kind of want her to learn the basics of Stoker State from Steinar because we know she can learn it (I asked) but I worry about her kids. Just want to strengthen her connection with the family.
Also. On Finnish Cultivation. I think that the internal power reservoir would take the form of a sauna. The power itself acts as water and steam within their system with water being the ready state which transforms to steam when used. Then condenses.
Also. On Finnish Cultivation. I think that the internal power reservoir would take the form of a sauna. The power itself acts as water and steam within their system with water being the ready state which transforms to steam when used. Then condenses.
Speaking of Finnish Cultivation, I remember that we got a treatise on Bulgarian cultivation after the raid on that keep in England. I'm really curious about how cultivation would be for Turkic nomads. How do horseriding and mounted archery work? And speaking of nomads, it's going to be really fun thinking of how powerful Genghis Khan will be some 3000 years later.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
We actually lack the spell for awakening a fylgja, though we can get it in Summer and offer it to her before she leaves (and anyone else in our friends and family group who wants it).
We should get the spell for awekening a Fylgja as soon as possible, its incredibly useful and should make our family and friends more powerful. Afterall most of the high tier warriors of the Valley seem to have an awakened Fylgja. When we obtain it we should offer to awaken the Fylgja of all our huskarls and kin.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
That's on the agenda for the first turn of Summer, yes (which is, indeed, as soon as possible). As is the offer. Though I'm actually not sure how many high tier people have theirs awakened. I think we know of zero other than Steinarr for sure. It's more than that, but percentage-wise? Unclear how many.
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I.F. Ister
Fortifying The Thread
- Pronouns
- He/They
Welcome to the party! Please feel free to ask whatever questions you have!
You ended up going for Frisian Cultivation rather then Bulgarian
0~0~0
I'm planning on closing the vote in an hour and a half.
Should probably let them consider it a bit. Fylgja is powerful, yes, but its also a weakness, especially if not invested in. I still think we should offer it, but we should probably also warn them of the dangers, too.
Btw do we know where Solrun goes in winter
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Warning them is definitely correct, yes.
We have no idea whatsoever.
I.F. Ister
Fortifying The Thread
- Pronouns
- He/They
Alright, voting is now closed. Currently suffering from some anxiety, so we'll see how things play out.
This will likely be the only update this week, unfortunately. But hey, it'll give new people time to catch up so all is not doom and gloom!
This will likely be the only update this week, unfortunately. But hey, it'll give new people time to catch up so all is not doom and gloom!
I.F. Ister
Fortifying The Thread
- Pronouns
- He/They
Alright, someone please roll a d6 for Asgeirr and someone else roll a d6 for Eyvor. This is for the tafl board's bonuses
- Location
- Bretonnia
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I'll roll for Eyvor, I suppose.
...
...
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
I'll do Asgeirr
Edit: eyyyyyyy
Edit: eyyyyyyy
I.F. Ister
Fortifying The Thread
- Pronouns
- He/They
Alright, looks like Asgeirr's Capacity has gone up by 1
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Makes sense. He's the only one with a Hugareida so far.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
That's everyone in the family but Eyvor! Yay! We can put the other use on Abjorn again. We obviously keep the other on Eyvor until she benefits.
EDIT: Wait, no Hallbjorn hasn't gotten it yet, he's next.
Sigurdr and Abjorn have also already received +1s. But yeah, Asgeirr getting his now makes sense.
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Winter 9/Turn 1 Part 1
I.F. Ister
Fortifying The Thread
- Pronouns
- He/They
(You have cultivated 33 Odr)
0~0~0
Rolled
(Kindle Spinner: 5, 3) 4 Successes. (Firebomb-Strike: 3, 3) 3 Successes. (EWC: 2, 5) 2 Successes. (Campfire: 3, 5) 4 Successes. (Hamr: 6x4, 5x3, 4x6, 3x6, 2x8, 1x7) 11 Successes. (Hugr: 2, 6) 1 Success. (Fylgja: 4, 5) 3 Successes. (Tactics: 1, 6) 1 Successes. (Effort Gauge: 5, 3) 3 Successes.
...
(+4 to Kindle Spinner)
(+3 to Firebomb-Strike)
(+2 to EWC)
(+4 to Campfire)
(+11 to Hamr)
(+1 to Hugr)
(+3 to Fylgja)
(+1 to Tactics)
(+3 to Effort-Gauge Trick)
0~0~0
Talking to Steinarr and then Asva
You, covered in post work-out sweat, and Asva, covered in post baking flour, stare at each other as you enter the room. You and Asva...
To say that you didn't get along would be an understatement, but you find it suitable nevertheless.
Asva was Mom's favorite. You weren't—though neither of you are now, you suppose.
Asva was good at home-making. You weren't, though you're getting there now.
Asva was always prettier growing up, though now you find yourselves equals in that front.
It's no wonder that you clashed with Asva growing up.
There's no one else in the house with you, meaning that this is the first time you and Asva have been alone in the same room in... A long time. Longer then Mom's been dead, easily.
Asva sets her cleaning cloth down on the table as her pale eyes never leave your steel gaze. Her shoes click against the floors as she makes her way to where you stand in the door. As she comes to a stop, it's only then that you realize how much shorter she is then you—you've got a full head and shoulders on her. Just like with you and Asveig...
She doesn't let that stop her, though, as her face twists and her limbs leap into motion. It's as her arms wrap around your back and tears trickle down her cheeks that you realize just how weak she is compared to you.
When Abjorn moves in and hugs, you actually have to pay attention if you want to track his blurring limbs. When Steinarr claps you on the shoulder with a smile and a laugh, your entire body rattles as you stagger. When you spar with your friends, they weather your blows with iron spines and unyielding hearts.
Asva moves as if submerged in water. Her limbs are sluggish. Her grip lacks any real strength though she holds you as tight as she can. If you flexed too hard, you could break her in two—even considering the latent strength in her body.
Yet even as weak as she is, she could still put her fist through a wall or through flesh if pressed. No mortal could slay your sister, not by their lonesome.
It's not that Asva is particularly weak, it's that you are just that much stronger.
Asva's sky-blue eyes—red and puffy from crying long-retained tears—meet your steel as she pulls away. Her voice is thin and shaky as she speaks, but her words are warm and heartfelt, "T-thank you, Halla, for bringing him back to me." She swallows, smoothing out her dress and composing herself. "Jordan told me of," she takes a breath, "of his first raid and..."
She trails off and you pick up the slack, like a good sister would. "He didn't say much about it. Did... Did something happen?"
Asva is silent for a long moment as she searches for the right words. "It's not important," she chuckles fondly. "He'd be rather cross with me if the embarrassing way he almost died got spread around." She holds up a hand, a motion reminiscent of Mom, and cuts you off before you can even start. "I know you can keep a secret, but things like that have a habit of slipping free into the wind."
"That's not what I was gonna say, Asva," you can't help but grin as she blinks.
"W-what?" Her brows furrow as you take her by the shoulders—gently, of course.
"I'm not stupid, Asva, you can drop the act."
Jordan got a bit too deep into his alcohol one night, after all, and the story of his first raid came free. In that state, he couldn't have kept quiet about anything embarrassing happening to him—except that nothing did.
Which means that Asva's hiding something.
Asva freezes moments before speaking, her mind catching up to her mouth just in time. "I..." wet drops cling to the corners of her eyes as she stares at you, "I don't know what to say..."
For a moment, you go to answer, except that nothing leaves your mouth except a slow exhale. "I... I don't either."
How does one sum up two decades of history in a single breath? How do you reconcile two decades of bad blood and clashing personalities in a single afternoon?
Asva scowls, a playful glint in her eyes, "If you don't know, then why'd you say anything?! We could've had this nice sub-text while talking about Jordan, but you had to go and ruin it!"
You squint and plant your hands on your hips, looming over her like a tree to a pond, "Yeah? Well, it's not like I had much to go off of, little miss 'it's not important'!"
"I'm not good at improvising, okay?" She exclaims, struggling to keep the smile from spreading across her face as she flings her arms into the air, "You're incredible at thinking things up on the spot! How am I supposed to compete with that?!"
"And you're the best seamstress I've seen in all the places I've travelled!" Your shout rattles dust from the rafters, which brings an actual genuine scowl to Asva's face—but only for a second. "How am I supposed to weave things together better then you?"
She waves a hand at you as she scoffs, "See what I mean? I had no idea where you were going with that seamstress stuff, but then you worked it back in seamlessly! I can only dream of having stitches that perfect!"
"Yeah, well," you scramble for things to say before landing on the perfect segue, "I'm sorry for being such a bitch to you growing up! I was always jealous of the effortless connection you and Mom had!" You grin and point a finger at her, a wave of nostalgia passing through you as you continue, "A-ha! Now any apology you make will seem like it was merely in response! Once again, I prove my superiority!"
Asva morphs the small grin into a smirk as she arches a brow. A smug aura floats around her as she catches you off-guard, "You're acting like Drifa right now."
You collapse as you realize, to your horror, that she speaks the truth. "I-I am not!"
"No matter how strong you get," she leans in with humor in her eyes, "you'll always be my," a tap on the nose accompanies each and every following word, "itty-bitty, ever-so-cute, and no-longer-so-little," the final boop falls like the executioner's axe, "sister."
'Here lies Halla Skyfire, mother of many, wife to a warrior, and a warrior-woman with strength proven many times over.'
Laughter fills the hall as Asva flop down next to you, willingly dirtying her clothes in the process. She pulls you into a hug and doesn't lose a wink of sleep over the sweat, grime, and soot covering your body.
"You know," Asva speaks up as she starts to run her fingers through your hair, "I really should be the one saying sorry to you. After all, you were only rude to me because I was rude first." She fails to stifle a snort as, to your eternal horror, a small, content 'hoot' escapes your lips. "I was always jealous of you, you know?"
You narrow your eyes, "You can't just turn this around on me!"
"Just watch me," she grins as watch you're forced to do. "After all, she was always talking about how proud she was whenever you improved your needle-binding basics," she sighs and shakes her head. "I don't, and still don't, know what it was about your needle-binding that captured her attention so."
You tilt your head to the side and, inadvertently, into her hoot-mining hands. "My needle-binding isn't that good."
"Yeah, I know" she snorts. "Why do you think I'm still confused about it?"
"She was really that obsessed with my needle-binding?"
"Yep," she pops the 'p'. "When I completed the basics, she had me move on to more complex patterns and shapes. With you?" She shrugs, "Mom just kept having you do them over and over again. You have any idea why?"
"No," yes, "I don't," you do.
"Shame," she clicks her tongue, "but worth a shot."
"Yeah..." you trail off as you're reminded of the seeds in your pocket. Reaching down, you pull free the packet and offer it to Asva. "Here, some seeds from Wessex. Dad says that they'll be good for stretchy cloth and that you should go ask him for tips on growing them. There's also some ones in there that're good for building hand-eye-coordination, supposedly."
Asva blinks, honestly surprised as she gingerly takes the pouch, "I... Thank you, Halla," she says as she hugs you 'tighter'. A mischievous glint enters her eye as she glances towards a silk-wrapped package resting near the loom, "You know... Abjorn came by earlier this month, asking if I could help him with a gift for you..."
You squint as she trails off, "Go on."
She grins, knowing that she's got you, "If you want it now, it's yours, otherwise you'll have to wait till Yule."
You open your mouth as your curiosity spikes harder then Abjorn could ever hope to swing.
"Well?" Asva's smirk widens, showing off just how much she's grown since Mom's death.
[ ] "...Fine, give it here."
[ ] "I... Will wait till Yule."
0~0~0
AN: Sorry about this being the cut-off point, but I'd like to have something out today.
I had a lot of fun writing Asva and Halla. I've not really been able to really dig into anything in the past few days, so getting the chance to do it here was a welcome reprieve.
No moratorium.
[X] Plan More Dwarf Talks
-[X] (Personal)Spend time with...
--[X] Asva
--[X] Ask her to make us a new wardrobe designed to look good with soot, offer her favors (including teaching her stuff) or supplies (we have a lot of sprang) if she wants it
--[X] Additionally, catch up, and talk about swapping useful tricks. Specifically, see if she has any good household seidr, Campfire, or Clearwater Tricks she can tell us about, and make sure we teach her the basics of Sickness Sear and, if we can manage it, Time Heals All Wounds and other medical seidr if she doesn't have any of them already (we'd also teach her other stuff if she wanted). Because we definitely want her to have medical stuff if she's thinking of moving away. If she already has them great, but we should make sure.
-[X] (Personal) Speak with the Dwarves,
--[X] Buy more crafting materials,
--[X] Specifically note that we gave them more Food than we should've on the one-time deal last time (which is true, doing that is why we were personally not gonna make it through the winter without the expedition), and will thus be doing a lot less of that going forward (though all existing deals stand, obviously).
--[X] Maybe ask them about the weirdness of the Underhouse
-[X] (Crafting) Try to make something (1)
--[X] Reforge Our Own Armor + Create Forged Iron Mail-Necked Helm (+15 successes from Tools/Workshop)
--[X] Name it 'Emberguard'
--[X] Use bone-ash from a bear
--[X] Quench in Hearthroot Oil
--[X] Putting the following runes on the Helm: [This](https://forums.sufficientvelocity.com/threads/norsequest-a-norse-xianxia.113540/page-1330?post=29021710#post-29021710) poem by Shard (as are all other Rune-poems), or, if that is not a valid option "May my wearer's eyes track prey like a predator." - Either way hopefully granting us an extra Target-Tracking Eyes bonus
--[X] Adding three Socket Stones and putting the following runes on them:
---[X] Rune #1: "Strike me, my skin of iron./All that would harm and hurt./Find your blows, now are flames./Etch upon me, embers alone." or if that is not a valid option "Blows become embers against my bulwark" (= All damage dealt to the armor counts as fire damage either way)
---[X] Rune #2: "I felt heat, born of fire,/Blackened burns I know well./Fireborn-worn, fireproofed I am./Persist as you against pyroclasm." or if that is not a valid option "I gain my wearer's resistance to flame" (=The armor gains the wearer's fire resistance)
---[X] Rune #3: "Unbound, unchained/Free of fetters high and low/Movement, momentum/Wearer's will alone abided" or if that is not a valid option "My wearer's chosen movements will remain unbound." (=Generally keeps people from grappling or tying us up against our will)
-[X] (Crafting) Try to make something (2)
--[X] Iron Sphere For Standstill Training (+15 successes from Tools/Workshop)
--[X] Putting the following Runes onto it: "Motion I have, movement I possess./Inexorable inertia pushing me onward./Halt me, hobble me./And be skilled in Standstill." or, if that is not a valid option "May skill in stillness be granted by opposing my motion" –Either way hopefully a Standstill Training Item
--[X] Stoking Frami (for +1 Success) and burning Virthing and Saemd (for +3 successes each, +7 total) to enhance the Runes we are putting on it.
-[X] [Social](Personal) Spend time with...
--[X] Steinarr
--[X] After the more prosaic training conversation mentioned below, talk with him about the Gabriel situation and what exactly happened on that raid, particularly in regards to Gabriel's companions.
-[X] (Exploration) Go on a walk through...
--[X] The hills!
---[X] (Optional) Send your fylgja in your place (Does not cost an action)
-[X] Special Note: On all Crafting add the following if possible unless otherwise specified:
--[X] For metal items, switch Forgefire Slots to Dice (+7d6 total) before starting and back afterwards and have Heat Hold available just incase
--[X] Using Frenzy during the crafting process, under careful observation(+6 successes)
--[X] Stoking Frami, Virthing, and Saemd (for +1 Success each, +3 successes total) to enhance the crafting process
Training:
-[X] (Rolled)
--[X] Train Kindle-Spinner 2d6 (1d6) (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Firebomb-Strike 2d6 (1d6) (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Ember-Winged Cloak 2d6 (1d6) (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Campfire 2d6 (1d6) (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Hamr Itself 34d6 (17d6)
--[X] Train Hugr itself 2d6 (1d6)
--[X] Train Fylgja itself 2d6 (1d6)
--[X] Train Tactics 2d6 (1d6)
--[X] Train Effort Gauge 2d6 (1d6)
-[X] (Research)
--[X] Take our normal precautions before investing in Hugr. Additionally, invest Odr into it (and Hamr) **before** Cultivating for additional Odr.
--[X] Feed **1 Odr** in honey to our new pet bear, Bjorney, and see what happens.
--[X] Use the seeds we acquired in Wessex to further improve our soulscape's farm if possible, also adding manure, water, and sunlight as needed 1d6
---[X] Stoking all three Aspects for +3 Successes and adding Tools for +9 Successes (+12 Successes total) if possible. Using Frenzy as well if possible (+6 more successes, +18 successes total if it works)
---[X] If this isn't viable and the die can't be used on it, use it on the house instead
--[X] Begin actually building our Soulscape's House 1d6
---[X] Stoking all three Aspects for +3 Successes and adding Tools for +9 Successes (+12 Successes total). Using Frenzy as well if possible (+6more successes, +18 successes total if it works)
--[X] Experiment with using Sundersight while crafting, see what that does 1d6
--[X] Try Alloying Ignition and either Unending Time In The Sun or (if that fails) Banish the Night to try and get Sunfire (and see what actually happens, of course) 1d6
--[X] Try Alloying Standstill with Stoker State to see if we get some reciprocal bonuses or something else happens 1d6
--[X] Try Alloying Punching Up and Puncture (and/or their respective Muna) to see what that does 1d6
--[X] Try use Water-Wolf bone meal fertilizer and see what the results are 1 Reward Die courtesy of [@KreenWarrior](https://forums.sufficientvelocity.com/members/35993/)
--[X] See if it is possible to overlay or reinforce Sagaseeker (or an Atgeir generally) with our Atgeir Hugareida, either directly or with a trick 1 Reward Die courtesy of [@Shard](https://forums.sufficientvelocity.com/members/6983/)
--[X] Continue reading about Frisian cultivation 1d6
--[X] Try bringing a fertilized egg into our soulscape again 1d6
--[X] Try making soot or ash-based makeup and see if that works for our Sooty drawback, along with finding good smelling ash to use instead of perfume 1d6
--[X] Try feeding Sagaseeker up to 12 oz of Drafty Iron one oz at a time, stop when and if it provides him with a new ability 1d6 (Refund)
--[X] Examine our newly acquired Knightly Armor with a focus on its physical structure to attempt to learn how to duplicate it 3d6
---[X] Get Sten's help and insight into the process. It seems like he'd be interested.
-[X] (Blackhand's Training) Try to develop old/train new hugareida tricks
--[X] Talk to Steinarr about what Tricks are available in Wildfire and Firestorm that he'd recommend, and what their strengths and weaknesses are, as well as any additional Stoker State Tricks he may have for us...what Stoker State Tricks there are to gain Stoker Dice, in particular. We'll mention Stoking Engage at this point just in case he doesn't have an equivalent, and to clarify what we already have. Also consult with him on the seeds we got in Wessex and how best to use them, and ask if he could teach us Greek at some point?
--[X] Train Halting Vortex 1d6
--[X] Train Atgeir Counter Stab 1d6
--[X] Train Atgeir Bodyguard 1d6
--[X] Train Forceful Lever 1d6
--[X] Train Scouring Cleanse 1d6
--[X] Train Sailwind 1d6
--[X] Train Veto Motion 1d6
--[X] Train Slowing Slog 1d6
--[X] Train Time Stands Still 1d6
-[X] (Training) Martial Styles
--[X] Train Stoker State 1d6 (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Flame Tending Blade 1d6 (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Glima 1d6
--[X] Train Fang 1d6
--[X] Train Momentum Reversal 1d6
--[X] Train Weapon-Grapple Reversal 1d6
--[X] Train Double-Leg Takedown 1d6
--[X] Train Tight Squeeze Trick 1d6
--[X] Train Knee-Drop Back Breaker 1d6
-[X] (Training) Hamr (64 successes to rank up)
--[X] Train Throw 1d6
--[X] Train Power Shot 1d6
--[X] Train Long-Lunge 1d6
--[X] Train Sowing Sight 1d6
-[X] (Training) Hugr (216 successes to rank up)
--[X] Talk to Sten about how to make axes and vehicles
--[X] Train Armorcraft 1d6 (+1 Success from Sten)
--[X] Train Silver-Tongue 1d6
--[X] Train Facial Schooling 1d6
--[X] Train Contention-Connection 1d6
--[X] Train Light-Touch 1d6
--[X] Train 'Axe' Weaponcraft Skill-Trick 1d6 (+1 Success from Sten)
--[X] Train 'Vehicles' Housecraft Skill-Trick 1d6 (+1 Success from Sten)
-[X] (Work Dice Usage)
--[X] Buildings: 6 Quality, 1 Living Space, 4 Storage, 5 Workshop (16 Total)
--[X] Resources: 6 Quality, 0 Food, 7 Goods, 5 Silver (18 Total)
--[X] Livestock: 5 Quality, 4 Food, 4 Goods, 4 Silver (17 Total)
--[X]Crafting: Making 1 Explosive Glue-Bomb (2 Total)
--[X]Conversion: Spend for 12 Research Dice (24 Total)
-[X] (Pockets)
--[X] Remove Taafl Board, Weighted Harness, and Wondrous Toolset from Pockets, store new point of Frenzy in Pockets
-[X] (Incidentals)
--[X]Adding Taafl Board Capacity Gains to: Eyvor, Asgeirr,
--[X]Receiving Metal from Dwarves: 24 oz Forged Iron, 2 oz Molten Iron, 4oz. Drafty Iron
-[X] (Capacity Slots)
--[X]Assign Fanned Flames and Pierce the Veil
Orthstirr:
-[X] (Orthstirr Usage)
--[X] **8 Odr** and 1 Orthstirr to Hamr
---[X] 4 Chop, 4 Defend, 5 Dodge, 4 Bash, 4 Pierce, 4 Throw, 4 Cut, 4Strike, 4 Shoot, 3 Farmwork, 4 Labor, 4 Overland (48 total)
--[X] **32 Odr** and 3 Orthstirr to Hugr
---[X] 6 Artcraft, 5 Armorcraft, 4 Barb-Tongue, 1 Composure, 4 Design, 6 Housecraft, 4 Management, 3 Scouting, 4 Silver-Tongue, 5 Sailing, 3 Strategy, 4 Tactics, 5 Weaponcraft, 3 Wordplay, 5 Wildcraft (62 total)
--[X] 1 Orthstirr to Fylgja
--[X] 1 First Impression
--[X] 77 Stored Tricks
--[X] 640 free for tricks
-[X] (Personal)Spend time with...
--[X] Asva
--[X] Ask her to make us a new wardrobe designed to look good with soot, offer her favors (including teaching her stuff) or supplies (we have a lot of sprang) if she wants it
--[X] Additionally, catch up, and talk about swapping useful tricks. Specifically, see if she has any good household seidr, Campfire, or Clearwater Tricks she can tell us about, and make sure we teach her the basics of Sickness Sear and, if we can manage it, Time Heals All Wounds and other medical seidr if she doesn't have any of them already (we'd also teach her other stuff if she wanted). Because we definitely want her to have medical stuff if she's thinking of moving away. If she already has them great, but we should make sure.
-[X] (Personal) Speak with the Dwarves,
--[X] Buy more crafting materials,
--[X] Specifically note that we gave them more Food than we should've on the one-time deal last time (which is true, doing that is why we were personally not gonna make it through the winter without the expedition), and will thus be doing a lot less of that going forward (though all existing deals stand, obviously).
--[X] Maybe ask them about the weirdness of the Underhouse
-[X] (Crafting) Try to make something (1)
--[X] Reforge Our Own Armor + Create Forged Iron Mail-Necked Helm (+15 successes from Tools/Workshop)
--[X] Name it 'Emberguard'
--[X] Use bone-ash from a bear
--[X] Quench in Hearthroot Oil
--[X] Putting the following runes on the Helm: [This](https://forums.sufficientvelocity.com/threads/norsequest-a-norse-xianxia.113540/page-1330?post=29021710#post-29021710) poem by Shard (as are all other Rune-poems), or, if that is not a valid option "May my wearer's eyes track prey like a predator." - Either way hopefully granting us an extra Target-Tracking Eyes bonus
--[X] Adding three Socket Stones and putting the following runes on them:
---[X] Rune #1: "Strike me, my skin of iron./All that would harm and hurt./Find your blows, now are flames./Etch upon me, embers alone." or if that is not a valid option "Blows become embers against my bulwark" (= All damage dealt to the armor counts as fire damage either way)
---[X] Rune #2: "I felt heat, born of fire,/Blackened burns I know well./Fireborn-worn, fireproofed I am./Persist as you against pyroclasm." or if that is not a valid option "I gain my wearer's resistance to flame" (=The armor gains the wearer's fire resistance)
---[X] Rune #3: "Unbound, unchained/Free of fetters high and low/Movement, momentum/Wearer's will alone abided" or if that is not a valid option "My wearer's chosen movements will remain unbound." (=Generally keeps people from grappling or tying us up against our will)
-[X] (Crafting) Try to make something (2)
--[X] Iron Sphere For Standstill Training (+15 successes from Tools/Workshop)
--[X] Putting the following Runes onto it: "Motion I have, movement I possess./Inexorable inertia pushing me onward./Halt me, hobble me./And be skilled in Standstill." or, if that is not a valid option "May skill in stillness be granted by opposing my motion" –Either way hopefully a Standstill Training Item
--[X] Stoking Frami (for +1 Success) and burning Virthing and Saemd (for +3 successes each, +7 total) to enhance the Runes we are putting on it.
-[X] [Social](Personal) Spend time with...
--[X] Steinarr
--[X] After the more prosaic training conversation mentioned below, talk with him about the Gabriel situation and what exactly happened on that raid, particularly in regards to Gabriel's companions.
-[X] (Exploration) Go on a walk through...
--[X] The hills!
---[X] (Optional) Send your fylgja in your place (Does not cost an action)
-[X] Special Note: On all Crafting add the following if possible unless otherwise specified:
--[X] For metal items, switch Forgefire Slots to Dice (+7d6 total) before starting and back afterwards and have Heat Hold available just incase
--[X] Using Frenzy during the crafting process, under careful observation(+6 successes)
--[X] Stoking Frami, Virthing, and Saemd (for +1 Success each, +3 successes total) to enhance the crafting process
Training:
-[X] (Rolled)
--[X] Train Kindle-Spinner 2d6 (1d6) (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Firebomb-Strike 2d6 (1d6) (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Ember-Winged Cloak 2d6 (1d6) (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Campfire 2d6 (1d6) (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Hamr Itself 34d6 (17d6)
--[X] Train Hugr itself 2d6 (1d6)
--[X] Train Fylgja itself 2d6 (1d6)
--[X] Train Tactics 2d6 (1d6)
--[X] Train Effort Gauge 2d6 (1d6)
-[X] (Research)
--[X] Take our normal precautions before investing in Hugr. Additionally, invest Odr into it (and Hamr) **before** Cultivating for additional Odr.
--[X] Feed **1 Odr** in honey to our new pet bear, Bjorney, and see what happens.
--[X] Use the seeds we acquired in Wessex to further improve our soulscape's farm if possible, also adding manure, water, and sunlight as needed 1d6
---[X] Stoking all three Aspects for +3 Successes and adding Tools for +9 Successes (+12 Successes total) if possible. Using Frenzy as well if possible (+6 more successes, +18 successes total if it works)
---[X] If this isn't viable and the die can't be used on it, use it on the house instead
--[X] Begin actually building our Soulscape's House 1d6
---[X] Stoking all three Aspects for +3 Successes and adding Tools for +9 Successes (+12 Successes total). Using Frenzy as well if possible (+6more successes, +18 successes total if it works)
--[X] Experiment with using Sundersight while crafting, see what that does 1d6
--[X] Try Alloying Ignition and either Unending Time In The Sun or (if that fails) Banish the Night to try and get Sunfire (and see what actually happens, of course) 1d6
--[X] Try Alloying Standstill with Stoker State to see if we get some reciprocal bonuses or something else happens 1d6
--[X] Try Alloying Punching Up and Puncture (and/or their respective Muna) to see what that does 1d6
--[X] Try use Water-Wolf bone meal fertilizer and see what the results are 1 Reward Die courtesy of [@KreenWarrior](https://forums.sufficientvelocity.com/members/35993/)
--[X] See if it is possible to overlay or reinforce Sagaseeker (or an Atgeir generally) with our Atgeir Hugareida, either directly or with a trick 1 Reward Die courtesy of [@Shard](https://forums.sufficientvelocity.com/members/6983/)
--[X] Continue reading about Frisian cultivation 1d6
--[X] Try bringing a fertilized egg into our soulscape again 1d6
--[X] Try making soot or ash-based makeup and see if that works for our Sooty drawback, along with finding good smelling ash to use instead of perfume 1d6
--[X] Try feeding Sagaseeker up to 12 oz of Drafty Iron one oz at a time, stop when and if it provides him with a new ability 1d6 (Refund)
--[X] Examine our newly acquired Knightly Armor with a focus on its physical structure to attempt to learn how to duplicate it 3d6
---[X] Get Sten's help and insight into the process. It seems like he'd be interested.
-[X] (Blackhand's Training) Try to develop old/train new hugareida tricks
--[X] Talk to Steinarr about what Tricks are available in Wildfire and Firestorm that he'd recommend, and what their strengths and weaknesses are, as well as any additional Stoker State Tricks he may have for us...what Stoker State Tricks there are to gain Stoker Dice, in particular. We'll mention Stoking Engage at this point just in case he doesn't have an equivalent, and to clarify what we already have. Also consult with him on the seeds we got in Wessex and how best to use them, and ask if he could teach us Greek at some point?
--[X] Train Halting Vortex 1d6
--[X] Train Atgeir Counter Stab 1d6
--[X] Train Atgeir Bodyguard 1d6
--[X] Train Forceful Lever 1d6
--[X] Train Scouring Cleanse 1d6
--[X] Train Sailwind 1d6
--[X] Train Veto Motion 1d6
--[X] Train Slowing Slog 1d6
--[X] Train Time Stands Still 1d6
-[X] (Training) Martial Styles
--[X] Train Stoker State 1d6 (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Flame Tending Blade 1d6 (+1 Success from Born of Fire)
--[X] Train Glima 1d6
--[X] Train Fang 1d6
--[X] Train Momentum Reversal 1d6
--[X] Train Weapon-Grapple Reversal 1d6
--[X] Train Double-Leg Takedown 1d6
--[X] Train Tight Squeeze Trick 1d6
--[X] Train Knee-Drop Back Breaker 1d6
-[X] (Training) Hamr (64 successes to rank up)
--[X] Train Throw 1d6
--[X] Train Power Shot 1d6
--[X] Train Long-Lunge 1d6
--[X] Train Sowing Sight 1d6
-[X] (Training) Hugr (216 successes to rank up)
--[X] Talk to Sten about how to make axes and vehicles
--[X] Train Armorcraft 1d6 (+1 Success from Sten)
--[X] Train Silver-Tongue 1d6
--[X] Train Facial Schooling 1d6
--[X] Train Contention-Connection 1d6
--[X] Train Light-Touch 1d6
--[X] Train 'Axe' Weaponcraft Skill-Trick 1d6 (+1 Success from Sten)
--[X] Train 'Vehicles' Housecraft Skill-Trick 1d6 (+1 Success from Sten)
-[X] (Work Dice Usage)
--[X] Buildings: 6 Quality, 1 Living Space, 4 Storage, 5 Workshop (16 Total)
--[X] Resources: 6 Quality, 0 Food, 7 Goods, 5 Silver (18 Total)
--[X] Livestock: 5 Quality, 4 Food, 4 Goods, 4 Silver (17 Total)
--[X]Crafting: Making 1 Explosive Glue-Bomb (2 Total)
--[X]Conversion: Spend for 12 Research Dice (24 Total)
-[X] (Pockets)
--[X] Remove Taafl Board, Weighted Harness, and Wondrous Toolset from Pockets, store new point of Frenzy in Pockets
-[X] (Incidentals)
--[X]Adding Taafl Board Capacity Gains to: Eyvor, Asgeirr,
--[X]Receiving Metal from Dwarves: 24 oz Forged Iron, 2 oz Molten Iron, 4oz. Drafty Iron
-[X] (Capacity Slots)
--[X]Assign Fanned Flames and Pierce the Veil
Orthstirr:
-[X] (Orthstirr Usage)
--[X] **8 Odr** and 1 Orthstirr to Hamr
---[X] 4 Chop, 4 Defend, 5 Dodge, 4 Bash, 4 Pierce, 4 Throw, 4 Cut, 4Strike, 4 Shoot, 3 Farmwork, 4 Labor, 4 Overland (48 total)
--[X] **32 Odr** and 3 Orthstirr to Hugr
---[X] 6 Artcraft, 5 Armorcraft, 4 Barb-Tongue, 1 Composure, 4 Design, 6 Housecraft, 4 Management, 3 Scouting, 4 Silver-Tongue, 5 Sailing, 3 Strategy, 4 Tactics, 5 Weaponcraft, 3 Wordplay, 5 Wildcraft (62 total)
--[X] 1 Orthstirr to Fylgja
--[X] 1 First Impression
--[X] 77 Stored Tricks
--[X] 640 free for tricks
Atgeir Bodyguard (Rough-Refined)
Long-Lunge (Rough-Refined)
Slowing Slog (Vague-Rough)
Power Shot (Vague-Rough)
Contention Connection (Vague-Rough)
Light-Touch (Vague-Rough)
Long-Lunge (Rough-Refined)
Slowing Slog (Vague-Rough)
Power Shot (Vague-Rough)
Contention Connection (Vague-Rough)
Light-Touch (Vague-Rough)
(Kindle Spinner: 5, 3) 4 Successes. (Firebomb-Strike: 3, 3) 3 Successes. (EWC: 2, 5) 2 Successes. (Campfire: 3, 5) 4 Successes. (Hamr: 6x4, 5x3, 4x6, 3x6, 2x8, 1x7) 11 Successes. (Hugr: 2, 6) 1 Success. (Fylgja: 4, 5) 3 Successes. (Tactics: 1, 6) 1 Successes. (Effort Gauge: 5, 3) 3 Successes.
...
(+4 to Kindle Spinner)
(+3 to Firebomb-Strike)
(+2 to EWC)
(+4 to Campfire)
(+11 to Hamr)
(+1 to Hugr)
(+3 to Fylgja)
(+1 to Tactics)
(+3 to Effort-Gauge Trick)
Infusing before cultivating
You don't notice any differences when cultivating after infusing your attributes.
0~0~0
Feeding odr-infused honey to Bjorney
Bjorney stares at you with those big brown eyes of his, holding your gaze for a long while. Eventually, they travel from you down to the the bowl of glowing honey you've placed before his feet. A curious paw snakes out and a cautious claw taps the golden mixture. His tongue slips free to catch the honey as it drips from his claw.
As soon as the honey hits his tongue, he pauses and quirks his head to the side as he makes an odd 'huffing' noise. Working his jaw, he tastes the honey over and over again before nodding to himself.
He sprawls out on the floor as he dunks his nose into the honey. His forelimbs protectively wrap around the ceramic bowl as he happily laps its contents.
As he polishes off the contents, you lock gazes once more. Where before his eyes lacked a certain something, they now contain a small, infant spark of dawning intelligence. He's not fully awakened yet, but he's already more then your average bear.
Very interesting. Very interesting indeed.
0~0~0
Working on the Soulscape
Unfortunately, while the seeds can't help anymore then they already have, you still use the opportunity to improve the results of your soulscape's house-building.
By the end, with all the planning and re-planning you've done, you swiftly work your way through the construction process and wind up completing the project in one long session.
You wipe your brow as you grin, looking upon your hard work. All in all, you've constructed a Fine house in your soulscape.
0~0~0
Alloying stuff
An Alloying of Ignition and Unending Time in the Sun results in a chaotic ball of raging sunlight in your hand. If so desired, you could throw it at things.
An Alloying of Ignition and Banish the Night causes the light emitted from your body to flash extremely brightly for a brief period of time, effectively blinding anyone who looks at you.
An Alloying of Standstill and Stoker State has an odd effect. It seems that you've stumbled onto something you're calling a 'Stoked Standstill', which allows you to utilize Standstill with Stoker State moves and vice versa.
Nothing seems to happen when you Alloy Punching Up and Puncture.
0~0~0
Water-wolf bone meal
It seems that using water-wolf bones as fertilizer also irrigates your crops, efficiently reducing the total amount of work you have to do!
0~0~0
Frisian Cultivation
Before Emperor Charlemagne brought the Lord's Light to the Frisians, Frisian Cultivation was simply an offshoot of the typical Germanic Pagan system with renamed deities. Unfortunately, much of the information of this time period was lost to time—save for the collections of Martin of Savoy, who refuses to deal with me like the ill-reputed, thirdhand-source-reliant knave he is.
Regardless, thanks to Charlemagne's noble efforts, the roots of Old Frisian Cultivation have all but been obliterated. As previously described, all Frisians are cultivators, so, with that in mind, it should be no surprise that Frisian Cultivators follow a distorted version of the Church's Holy Rites.
Instead of separating themselves into the well-defined and orderly groupings of Nobiliary, Chivalric, and Clerical, Frisian Cultivators instead all follow an odd mix. While Priests still provide their traditional guidance, they do it for large swathes of the populace instead of only small groups or individuals. Only one Frisian could be called a 'Noble' and that would be the current possessor of the Potestaat title.
(+1 to reading about Frisian Cultivation)
0~0~0
Trying to bring a fertilized egg into your soulscape
It seems that, with you having refined your control over your fylgja, you are now capable of bringing living things into it without much—if any—risk!
This does mean that your soulscape now has a itty-bitty chick cheeping around in it, but that's an upside as far as you're concerned!
0~0~0
Soot-based makeup
After staring at the kohl you typically use to line your eyes, an odd thought occurs to you. Rather then just putting it on your eyelids, what if you added a bit to other parts on your face?
After a bit of experimentation, you find that, yes, it soothes your antsy spirit and also looks good!
0~0~0
Sagaseeker stuff
As the twelfth ounce of Drafty Iron disappears into Sagaseeker's 'maw', the atgeir finds himself able to absorb a portion of orthstirr used in hostile wind-based attacks. Interesting!
After a bit of practice, you also find that you can utilize tricks of the Atgeir Hugareida with Sagaseeker!
0~0~0
Knightly Armor Examination with Sten
"So," Sten mutters a grunt as he peers down at the inside of a shoulder-piece, "that's how it goes together."
Over the course of several months, you and Sten managed to figure out how to construct a set of interlocking plates inspired by the design of Knightly Armor. While certainly theoretically protective, it's simply not at the point yet where you'd consider wearing it into battle. It pinches all the wrong spots no matter the adjustments, you see.
You don't notice any differences when cultivating after infusing your attributes.
0~0~0
Feeding odr-infused honey to Bjorney
Bjorney stares at you with those big brown eyes of his, holding your gaze for a long while. Eventually, they travel from you down to the the bowl of glowing honey you've placed before his feet. A curious paw snakes out and a cautious claw taps the golden mixture. His tongue slips free to catch the honey as it drips from his claw.
As soon as the honey hits his tongue, he pauses and quirks his head to the side as he makes an odd 'huffing' noise. Working his jaw, he tastes the honey over and over again before nodding to himself.
He sprawls out on the floor as he dunks his nose into the honey. His forelimbs protectively wrap around the ceramic bowl as he happily laps its contents.
As he polishes off the contents, you lock gazes once more. Where before his eyes lacked a certain something, they now contain a small, infant spark of dawning intelligence. He's not fully awakened yet, but he's already more then your average bear.
Very interesting. Very interesting indeed.
0~0~0
Working on the Soulscape
Unfortunately, while the seeds can't help anymore then they already have, you still use the opportunity to improve the results of your soulscape's house-building.
By the end, with all the planning and re-planning you've done, you swiftly work your way through the construction process and wind up completing the project in one long session.
You wipe your brow as you grin, looking upon your hard work. All in all, you've constructed a Fine house in your soulscape.
0~0~0
Alloying stuff
An Alloying of Ignition and Unending Time in the Sun results in a chaotic ball of raging sunlight in your hand. If so desired, you could throw it at things.
An Alloying of Ignition and Banish the Night causes the light emitted from your body to flash extremely brightly for a brief period of time, effectively blinding anyone who looks at you.
An Alloying of Standstill and Stoker State has an odd effect. It seems that you've stumbled onto something you're calling a 'Stoked Standstill', which allows you to utilize Standstill with Stoker State moves and vice versa.
Nothing seems to happen when you Alloy Punching Up and Puncture.
0~0~0
Water-wolf bone meal
It seems that using water-wolf bones as fertilizer also irrigates your crops, efficiently reducing the total amount of work you have to do!
0~0~0
Frisian Cultivation
Before Emperor Charlemagne brought the Lord's Light to the Frisians, Frisian Cultivation was simply an offshoot of the typical Germanic Pagan system with renamed deities. Unfortunately, much of the information of this time period was lost to time—save for the collections of Martin of Savoy, who refuses to deal with me like the ill-reputed, thirdhand-source-reliant knave he is.
Regardless, thanks to Charlemagne's noble efforts, the roots of Old Frisian Cultivation have all but been obliterated. As previously described, all Frisians are cultivators, so, with that in mind, it should be no surprise that Frisian Cultivators follow a distorted version of the Church's Holy Rites.
Instead of separating themselves into the well-defined and orderly groupings of Nobiliary, Chivalric, and Clerical, Frisian Cultivators instead all follow an odd mix. While Priests still provide their traditional guidance, they do it for large swathes of the populace instead of only small groups or individuals. Only one Frisian could be called a 'Noble' and that would be the current possessor of the Potestaat title.
(+1 to reading about Frisian Cultivation)
0~0~0
Trying to bring a fertilized egg into your soulscape
It seems that, with you having refined your control over your fylgja, you are now capable of bringing living things into it without much—if any—risk!
This does mean that your soulscape now has a itty-bitty chick cheeping around in it, but that's an upside as far as you're concerned!
0~0~0
Soot-based makeup
After staring at the kohl you typically use to line your eyes, an odd thought occurs to you. Rather then just putting it on your eyelids, what if you added a bit to other parts on your face?
After a bit of experimentation, you find that, yes, it soothes your antsy spirit and also looks good!
0~0~0
Sagaseeker stuff
As the twelfth ounce of Drafty Iron disappears into Sagaseeker's 'maw', the atgeir finds himself able to absorb a portion of orthstirr used in hostile wind-based attacks. Interesting!
After a bit of practice, you also find that you can utilize tricks of the Atgeir Hugareida with Sagaseeker!
0~0~0
Knightly Armor Examination with Sten
"So," Sten mutters a grunt as he peers down at the inside of a shoulder-piece, "that's how it goes together."
Over the course of several months, you and Sten managed to figure out how to construct a set of interlocking plates inspired by the design of Knightly Armor. While certainly theoretically protective, it's simply not at the point yet where you'd consider wearing it into battle. It pinches all the wrong spots no matter the adjustments, you see.
Talking to Steinarr and then Asva
You, covered in post work-out sweat, and Asva, covered in post baking flour, stare at each other as you enter the room. You and Asva...
To say that you didn't get along would be an understatement, but you find it suitable nevertheless.
Asva was Mom's favorite. You weren't—though neither of you are now, you suppose.
Asva was good at home-making. You weren't, though you're getting there now.
Asva was always prettier growing up, though now you find yourselves equals in that front.
It's no wonder that you clashed with Asva growing up.
There's no one else in the house with you, meaning that this is the first time you and Asva have been alone in the same room in... A long time. Longer then Mom's been dead, easily.
Asva sets her cleaning cloth down on the table as her pale eyes never leave your steel gaze. Her shoes click against the floors as she makes her way to where you stand in the door. As she comes to a stop, it's only then that you realize how much shorter she is then you—you've got a full head and shoulders on her. Just like with you and Asveig...
She doesn't let that stop her, though, as her face twists and her limbs leap into motion. It's as her arms wrap around your back and tears trickle down her cheeks that you realize just how weak she is compared to you.
When Abjorn moves in and hugs, you actually have to pay attention if you want to track his blurring limbs. When Steinarr claps you on the shoulder with a smile and a laugh, your entire body rattles as you stagger. When you spar with your friends, they weather your blows with iron spines and unyielding hearts.
Asva moves as if submerged in water. Her limbs are sluggish. Her grip lacks any real strength though she holds you as tight as she can. If you flexed too hard, you could break her in two—even considering the latent strength in her body.
Yet even as weak as she is, she could still put her fist through a wall or through flesh if pressed. No mortal could slay your sister, not by their lonesome.
It's not that Asva is particularly weak, it's that you are just that much stronger.
Asva's sky-blue eyes—red and puffy from crying long-retained tears—meet your steel as she pulls away. Her voice is thin and shaky as she speaks, but her words are warm and heartfelt, "T-thank you, Halla, for bringing him back to me." She swallows, smoothing out her dress and composing herself. "Jordan told me of," she takes a breath, "of his first raid and..."
She trails off and you pick up the slack, like a good sister would. "He didn't say much about it. Did... Did something happen?"
Asva is silent for a long moment as she searches for the right words. "It's not important," she chuckles fondly. "He'd be rather cross with me if the embarrassing way he almost died got spread around." She holds up a hand, a motion reminiscent of Mom, and cuts you off before you can even start. "I know you can keep a secret, but things like that have a habit of slipping free into the wind."
"That's not what I was gonna say, Asva," you can't help but grin as she blinks.
"W-what?" Her brows furrow as you take her by the shoulders—gently, of course.
"I'm not stupid, Asva, you can drop the act."
Jordan got a bit too deep into his alcohol one night, after all, and the story of his first raid came free. In that state, he couldn't have kept quiet about anything embarrassing happening to him—except that nothing did.
Which means that Asva's hiding something.
Asva freezes moments before speaking, her mind catching up to her mouth just in time. "I..." wet drops cling to the corners of her eyes as she stares at you, "I don't know what to say..."
For a moment, you go to answer, except that nothing leaves your mouth except a slow exhale. "I... I don't either."
How does one sum up two decades of history in a single breath? How do you reconcile two decades of bad blood and clashing personalities in a single afternoon?
Asva scowls, a playful glint in her eyes, "If you don't know, then why'd you say anything?! We could've had this nice sub-text while talking about Jordan, but you had to go and ruin it!"
You squint and plant your hands on your hips, looming over her like a tree to a pond, "Yeah? Well, it's not like I had much to go off of, little miss 'it's not important'!"
"I'm not good at improvising, okay?" She exclaims, struggling to keep the smile from spreading across her face as she flings her arms into the air, "You're incredible at thinking things up on the spot! How am I supposed to compete with that?!"
"And you're the best seamstress I've seen in all the places I've travelled!" Your shout rattles dust from the rafters, which brings an actual genuine scowl to Asva's face—but only for a second. "How am I supposed to weave things together better then you?"
She waves a hand at you as she scoffs, "See what I mean? I had no idea where you were going with that seamstress stuff, but then you worked it back in seamlessly! I can only dream of having stitches that perfect!"
"Yeah, well," you scramble for things to say before landing on the perfect segue, "I'm sorry for being such a bitch to you growing up! I was always jealous of the effortless connection you and Mom had!" You grin and point a finger at her, a wave of nostalgia passing through you as you continue, "A-ha! Now any apology you make will seem like it was merely in response! Once again, I prove my superiority!"
Asva morphs the small grin into a smirk as she arches a brow. A smug aura floats around her as she catches you off-guard, "You're acting like Drifa right now."
You collapse as you realize, to your horror, that she speaks the truth. "I-I am not!"
"No matter how strong you get," she leans in with humor in her eyes, "you'll always be my," a tap on the nose accompanies each and every following word, "itty-bitty, ever-so-cute, and no-longer-so-little," the final boop falls like the executioner's axe, "sister."
'Here lies Halla Skyfire, mother of many, wife to a warrior, and a warrior-woman with strength proven many times over.'
Laughter fills the hall as Asva flop down next to you, willingly dirtying her clothes in the process. She pulls you into a hug and doesn't lose a wink of sleep over the sweat, grime, and soot covering your body.
"You know," Asva speaks up as she starts to run her fingers through your hair, "I really should be the one saying sorry to you. After all, you were only rude to me because I was rude first." She fails to stifle a snort as, to your eternal horror, a small, content 'hoot' escapes your lips. "I was always jealous of you, you know?"
You narrow your eyes, "You can't just turn this around on me!"
"Just watch me," she grins as watch you're forced to do. "After all, she was always talking about how proud she was whenever you improved your needle-binding basics," she sighs and shakes her head. "I don't, and still don't, know what it was about your needle-binding that captured her attention so."
You tilt your head to the side and, inadvertently, into her hoot-mining hands. "My needle-binding isn't that good."
"Yeah, I know" she snorts. "Why do you think I'm still confused about it?"
"She was really that obsessed with my needle-binding?"
"Yep," she pops the 'p'. "When I completed the basics, she had me move on to more complex patterns and shapes. With you?" She shrugs, "Mom just kept having you do them over and over again. You have any idea why?"
"No," yes, "I don't," you do.
"Shame," she clicks her tongue, "but worth a shot."
"Yeah..." you trail off as you're reminded of the seeds in your pocket. Reaching down, you pull free the packet and offer it to Asva. "Here, some seeds from Wessex. Dad says that they'll be good for stretchy cloth and that you should go ask him for tips on growing them. There's also some ones in there that're good for building hand-eye-coordination, supposedly."
Asva blinks, honestly surprised as she gingerly takes the pouch, "I... Thank you, Halla," she says as she hugs you 'tighter'. A mischievous glint enters her eye as she glances towards a silk-wrapped package resting near the loom, "You know... Abjorn came by earlier this month, asking if I could help him with a gift for you..."
You squint as she trails off, "Go on."
She grins, knowing that she's got you, "If you want it now, it's yours, otherwise you'll have to wait till Yule."
You open your mouth as your curiosity spikes harder then Abjorn could ever hope to swing.
"Well?" Asva's smirk widens, showing off just how much she's grown since Mom's death.
[ ] "...Fine, give it here."
[ ] "I... Will wait till Yule."
0~0~0
AN: Sorry about this being the cut-off point, but I'd like to have something out today.
I had a lot of fun writing Asva and Halla. I've not really been able to really dig into anything in the past few days, so getting the chance to do it here was a welcome reprieve.
No moratorium.
- Location
- United States
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] "I... Will wait till Yule."
Don't like surprises, but I think I can wait on this one.
Don't like surprises, but I think I can wait on this one.