- Pronouns
- He/Him
And now mild anxiety sets in as I worry about whether we have made the right choice.
Outlaw (A Norse Xianxia)
- Thread starter I.F. Ister
- Start date
- Original
Its more about the flavor, i think.
Aggressive would have, as we were told, attacked the reputation of the person acting as a proxy. Flinging Nid on them for every possible reason, probably taunting them to attack us. with a focus on baiting the box (and its content) to be destroyed.
Defensive will dismantle each and every claim, hitting the facts and making it clair there is really no real ground for them to stand on, in this trial.
At most, the only thing i could see biting us is some Nid for not challenging them to a duel but then, we just got here.
Though, we probably have some chances to hit the paid judges with Nid in both choices, but we will see.
Act 1: The Outlawing Final
I.F. Ister
Fortifying The Thread
- Pronouns
- He/They
Historical Disclaimer: The legal proceedings as portrayed are not entirely accurate to the period.
0~0~0
Thing-Mound, South Quarter, Iceland, Early Summer of 9007
Nine chairs sit in a semi-circle surrounding a central point while crowds of onlookers gather beyond them. In the center, equidistant from each chair, is a severed stump of an ash tree positioned so that the light may fall on it from any angle. Inset vertically into the polished, smooth-top surface of the stump is a ring of shining gold.
Nine judges occupy each of the nine chairs, as chosen by Sterki Godi in accordance with the law. None of the men share blood relation with either prosecutor or the defendant, for such a thing would be to break the law. Each of the judges have blooded themselves on the oath-ring and sworn to uphold the law in their time as judge.
Sterki Godi stands in the center of the semi-circle, just behind the oath-ring. Just as the sun reaches its zenith and the gleam of gold turns blinding, he spreads his arms and begins to orate, "Judges, we are gathered here today to hear the lawsuit of Barki Gunnvaldsson as prepared by Modolfr Jarnsson, who serves as proxy for an unnamed party. The reason for the lawsuit is an accusation of theft against Barki. Prosecution," Sterki gestures to where Modolfr stands on the right of the semi-circle, "you have the floor."
Sterki Godi steps back beyond the semi-circle as Modolfr steps forward. Drawing his work-knife—the only sharp implement allowed on the hallowed grounds of the Thing-mound—he opens his thumb to the bone and presses the bleeding wound to the oath-ring, "On my honor, I, Modolfr Jarnsson, swear to uphold the law in my time as lawyer." Withdrawing his hand, he turns to address the judges as he lifts his voice, "Judges, Barki has stolen a comb of great value from my client."
Dumvald leans in, eyes glinting with anger as his fingers fold beneath his chin, "What proof have you of this claim?"
"Contained within this box," Modolfr says as he swiftly retrieves the box from where he left it just beyond the semi-circle, "entrusted to me by my client, is the set of grooming tools to which the comb belongs." Opening the box and passing the contents to the judges, four items reveal themselves to the light of the court. All made of deep-sea shell and carved from a mighty beast's ivory, the judges handle an earwax scraper, a toothpick, a pair of tweezers, and a nail clipper as they examine each closely. "As you can see," Modolfr continues as the judges observe, "the materials are identical and all bear the same work-patterns, meaning that the same craftsman made them all."
Helgi Thorfastisson—one of the men who followed Sterki Godi to Iceland—leans forward with a question of his own, "You are saying that the comb of Bestla Red-cheeks was made as a part of this set?"
"I am, yes," Modolfr confirms as Helgi nods.
"In that case," Helgi turns now to Barki, "Barki, would you present the comb for examination?"
Barki now steps forward, work-knife in hand, as he carves open his thumb and bloods the reddened oath-ring while swearing the oath of law. Wetting his lips, he retrieves the comb from its silk-wrappings on his belt and presents it to the judges, "Judges, this is the comb of Bestla Red-cheeks, my wife."
Barki's jaw clenches as a low murmur rises from the judges. The materials, the make, the comb is identical to the rest of the supposed set. Barki takes a moment to steady himself as the judges turn their attention to him. He's only going to get one shot at finding the flaws in Modolfr's words, so he has to make it count.
But... But where is the flaw? There has to be one, his instincts scream it so, but where? It's a damning piece of evidence without a doubt. To have the rest of a set would certainly win Modolfr the case, but...
Barki's eyes snap wide as realization strikes. That's it, the set!
"Judges," Barki quickly turns to the judges, cutting Modolfr off just as he begins to speak, "while the comb was clearly made by the same craftsman from the same materials, who is to say that they belong to the same set? What evidence is there that this is the case?"
The judges nod at that, Dumvald sporting a broad smile as Sterki Godi speaks, "This is a good point. Modolfr, do you have evidence that the comb was made as part of the same set?"
Barki smiles as Modolfr frowns, lips pressing tight in silence. There are only two ways Modolfr could prove such a thing, and neither are an option. One, he could call the craftsman himself to the stand as a witness. If he had the craftsman as a witness, then he would have already called him up. Two, the owner could come forward and claim the comb as part of his set, but, as Modolfr is acting as proxy, that isn't an option for him either.
Murmurs rise as Modolfr's silence finally breaks, "I do not, no."
Sterki Godi nods and turns to the gathered court, "In that case, I declare that this lawsuit is invali-"
"Wait!" Modolfr cries as he finds his footing, a finger pointing at Barki as his eyes flash with heat, "While Barki may not have stolen the comb from this set, that doesn't mean he didn't steal it all! How is it that he came into possession of the comb?"
Thraki Horn-setter—another of the judges on the case, one known for how skilled he is with working horn—leans forward with brows furrowing and lips pursing, "That story is a well-known one in this land. Barki was given the comb to give to Bestla Red-cheeks, but I do not see how that relates to this case at all."
Modolfr shakes his head and plants his hands on the oath-stump, a fervor entering his voice as he near-shouts, "It is relevant because nobody knows who gave Barki the comb, not even Barki himself!"
Thraki's brows lift as he turns to Barki, "Is this true, Barki? Can you not name the man who gave you the comb?"
Barki thins his lips, eyes narrowing into a tight squint as he forces words through clenching jaw, "I... I cannot, no. The man who gave it to me did not reveal his name, refusing each time I asked it of him."
"Is there anyone here who saw this old man give Barki the comb?" Modolfr turns to the audience as he waits for an answer that never arrives. Lifting his hands to the sky, he carries on with a feral grin, "In that case, what proof is there that this supposed comb-giver ever existed?"
"And what proof is there that your unnamed client exists?" Barki counters as he plants his hands on his hips, his shadow falling over the shorter Modolfr who offers a severe frown as murmurs rise once more.
"Hm, that is a good point," Sterki Godi strokes his beard as he thinks over the issue. Eventually coming to a conclusion, he turns to Bark and says, "I was paid three pounds of gold, as is the requirement under the law, for an unnamed party to be involved in this case. Barki, I extend to you the opportunity to do likewise, for that seems fair to me."
Barki opens his mouth to protest the ridiculous price—how could he hope to afford three pounds of gold?—only to pause as realization strikes. Disparate parts click into place as Barki's mouth snaps shut with a sharp click!
Three pounds of gold is a high price to pay for any matter and, as Barki assumed, was put in place to prevent an abuse of the ridiculous law allowing unknown parties to use proxies. But it was never to prevent use of that law, was it?
No, it was put in place to keep Barki from leveling the playing field.
"Sterki Godi, I must decline this opportunity," the bite in Barki's voice is gone as his shoulders fall and his posture weakens, the vim and vigor replaced with the foul taste of defeat, "for I do not have the funds to do such a thing."
The only men here who might are Sterki Godi and Dumvald Strong-rider—both barred from doing so by their positions in the court.
Sterki Godi nods, lips thin, and turns to address the court, "Unless there are any arguments left to be made," he waits a beat for a response that never comes, "then I shall convene with the judges to determine guilt and punishment."
Dumvald, Helgi, Thraki, and all the other judges rise from their seats as they follow Sterki to a secluded spot on the Thing-mound. The sun travels a hand's length across the sky by the time Sterki returns to the court.
Sterki's face grim, his fingers twist together as he addresses the court and all those in attendance, "The lawsuit of Modolfr Jarnsson against Barki Gunnvaldsson has ended. Barki was found guilty of the theft of the comb and is sentenced with lesser outlawry. For a period of three years, Barki shall be banished from Iceland. He is allowed three places of immunity where he cannot be killed, which includes the roads to and from those places. Barki shall keep this immunity as long as Barki asks three ships for passage from Iceland each summer. He is stripped of his lands and property, which will be held by his wife, Bestla Red-cheeks, until such time as his outlawing is lifted or news of his death is delivered."
Even as Sterki's words meet his ears, Barki can't focus on anything but the thought ringing around his head. Over and over again it echoes, filling his mind with nothing but a burning desire for vengeance.
This? This was personal. All this legal chicanery? It was targeted at him and him alone. It was devised, planned, and executed all for the express purpose of fucking him over. And the worst part? The part that really makes Barki's blood boil?
The bastard didn't even have the balls to show his face.
End of Act 1
(Character Sheet Updated)
0~0~0
First things first;
[ ] Write-in three places of immunity
Second things second; what is Barki's next step?
[ ] Write-in Barki's first step in his new life as an Outlaw
Current Status
You are currently uninjured, pray that it stays this way.
You are currently well-fed, praise be the Gods!
-You have 2 Days of Rations Remaining
The time is early evening.
0~0~0
AN: And there we go, Act 1 is over! Tomorrow, we shall embark on Act 2: The Pursuit.
No moratorium, I'll call the vote tomorrow.
How has Outlaw been so far? What was your favorite moment from Act 1?
0~0~0
Thing-Mound, South Quarter, Iceland, Early Summer of 9007
Nine chairs sit in a semi-circle surrounding a central point while crowds of onlookers gather beyond them. In the center, equidistant from each chair, is a severed stump of an ash tree positioned so that the light may fall on it from any angle. Inset vertically into the polished, smooth-top surface of the stump is a ring of shining gold.
Nine judges occupy each of the nine chairs, as chosen by Sterki Godi in accordance with the law. None of the men share blood relation with either prosecutor or the defendant, for such a thing would be to break the law. Each of the judges have blooded themselves on the oath-ring and sworn to uphold the law in their time as judge.
Sterki Godi stands in the center of the semi-circle, just behind the oath-ring. Just as the sun reaches its zenith and the gleam of gold turns blinding, he spreads his arms and begins to orate, "Judges, we are gathered here today to hear the lawsuit of Barki Gunnvaldsson as prepared by Modolfr Jarnsson, who serves as proxy for an unnamed party. The reason for the lawsuit is an accusation of theft against Barki. Prosecution," Sterki gestures to where Modolfr stands on the right of the semi-circle, "you have the floor."
Sterki Godi steps back beyond the semi-circle as Modolfr steps forward. Drawing his work-knife—the only sharp implement allowed on the hallowed grounds of the Thing-mound—he opens his thumb to the bone and presses the bleeding wound to the oath-ring, "On my honor, I, Modolfr Jarnsson, swear to uphold the law in my time as lawyer." Withdrawing his hand, he turns to address the judges as he lifts his voice, "Judges, Barki has stolen a comb of great value from my client."
Dumvald leans in, eyes glinting with anger as his fingers fold beneath his chin, "What proof have you of this claim?"
"Contained within this box," Modolfr says as he swiftly retrieves the box from where he left it just beyond the semi-circle, "entrusted to me by my client, is the set of grooming tools to which the comb belongs." Opening the box and passing the contents to the judges, four items reveal themselves to the light of the court. All made of deep-sea shell and carved from a mighty beast's ivory, the judges handle an earwax scraper, a toothpick, a pair of tweezers, and a nail clipper as they examine each closely. "As you can see," Modolfr continues as the judges observe, "the materials are identical and all bear the same work-patterns, meaning that the same craftsman made them all."
Helgi Thorfastisson—one of the men who followed Sterki Godi to Iceland—leans forward with a question of his own, "You are saying that the comb of Bestla Red-cheeks was made as a part of this set?"
"I am, yes," Modolfr confirms as Helgi nods.
"In that case," Helgi turns now to Barki, "Barki, would you present the comb for examination?"
Barki now steps forward, work-knife in hand, as he carves open his thumb and bloods the reddened oath-ring while swearing the oath of law. Wetting his lips, he retrieves the comb from its silk-wrappings on his belt and presents it to the judges, "Judges, this is the comb of Bestla Red-cheeks, my wife."
Barki's jaw clenches as a low murmur rises from the judges. The materials, the make, the comb is identical to the rest of the supposed set. Barki takes a moment to steady himself as the judges turn their attention to him. He's only going to get one shot at finding the flaws in Modolfr's words, so he has to make it count.
But... But where is the flaw? There has to be one, his instincts scream it so, but where? It's a damning piece of evidence without a doubt. To have the rest of a set would certainly win Modolfr the case, but...
Barki's eyes snap wide as realization strikes. That's it, the set!
"Judges," Barki quickly turns to the judges, cutting Modolfr off just as he begins to speak, "while the comb was clearly made by the same craftsman from the same materials, who is to say that they belong to the same set? What evidence is there that this is the case?"
The judges nod at that, Dumvald sporting a broad smile as Sterki Godi speaks, "This is a good point. Modolfr, do you have evidence that the comb was made as part of the same set?"
Barki smiles as Modolfr frowns, lips pressing tight in silence. There are only two ways Modolfr could prove such a thing, and neither are an option. One, he could call the craftsman himself to the stand as a witness. If he had the craftsman as a witness, then he would have already called him up. Two, the owner could come forward and claim the comb as part of his set, but, as Modolfr is acting as proxy, that isn't an option for him either.
Murmurs rise as Modolfr's silence finally breaks, "I do not, no."
Sterki Godi nods and turns to the gathered court, "In that case, I declare that this lawsuit is invali-"
"Wait!" Modolfr cries as he finds his footing, a finger pointing at Barki as his eyes flash with heat, "While Barki may not have stolen the comb from this set, that doesn't mean he didn't steal it all! How is it that he came into possession of the comb?"
Thraki Horn-setter—another of the judges on the case, one known for how skilled he is with working horn—leans forward with brows furrowing and lips pursing, "That story is a well-known one in this land. Barki was given the comb to give to Bestla Red-cheeks, but I do not see how that relates to this case at all."
Modolfr shakes his head and plants his hands on the oath-stump, a fervor entering his voice as he near-shouts, "It is relevant because nobody knows who gave Barki the comb, not even Barki himself!"
Thraki's brows lift as he turns to Barki, "Is this true, Barki? Can you not name the man who gave you the comb?"
Barki thins his lips, eyes narrowing into a tight squint as he forces words through clenching jaw, "I... I cannot, no. The man who gave it to me did not reveal his name, refusing each time I asked it of him."
"Is there anyone here who saw this old man give Barki the comb?" Modolfr turns to the audience as he waits for an answer that never arrives. Lifting his hands to the sky, he carries on with a feral grin, "In that case, what proof is there that this supposed comb-giver ever existed?"
"And what proof is there that your unnamed client exists?" Barki counters as he plants his hands on his hips, his shadow falling over the shorter Modolfr who offers a severe frown as murmurs rise once more.
"Hm, that is a good point," Sterki Godi strokes his beard as he thinks over the issue. Eventually coming to a conclusion, he turns to Bark and says, "I was paid three pounds of gold, as is the requirement under the law, for an unnamed party to be involved in this case. Barki, I extend to you the opportunity to do likewise, for that seems fair to me."
Barki opens his mouth to protest the ridiculous price—how could he hope to afford three pounds of gold?—only to pause as realization strikes. Disparate parts click into place as Barki's mouth snaps shut with a sharp click!
Three pounds of gold is a high price to pay for any matter and, as Barki assumed, was put in place to prevent an abuse of the ridiculous law allowing unknown parties to use proxies. But it was never to prevent use of that law, was it?
No, it was put in place to keep Barki from leveling the playing field.
"Sterki Godi, I must decline this opportunity," the bite in Barki's voice is gone as his shoulders fall and his posture weakens, the vim and vigor replaced with the foul taste of defeat, "for I do not have the funds to do such a thing."
The only men here who might are Sterki Godi and Dumvald Strong-rider—both barred from doing so by their positions in the court.
Sterki Godi nods, lips thin, and turns to address the court, "Unless there are any arguments left to be made," he waits a beat for a response that never comes, "then I shall convene with the judges to determine guilt and punishment."
Dumvald, Helgi, Thraki, and all the other judges rise from their seats as they follow Sterki to a secluded spot on the Thing-mound. The sun travels a hand's length across the sky by the time Sterki returns to the court.
Sterki's face grim, his fingers twist together as he addresses the court and all those in attendance, "The lawsuit of Modolfr Jarnsson against Barki Gunnvaldsson has ended. Barki was found guilty of the theft of the comb and is sentenced with lesser outlawry. For a period of three years, Barki shall be banished from Iceland. He is allowed three places of immunity where he cannot be killed, which includes the roads to and from those places. Barki shall keep this immunity as long as Barki asks three ships for passage from Iceland each summer. He is stripped of his lands and property, which will be held by his wife, Bestla Red-cheeks, until such time as his outlawing is lifted or news of his death is delivered."
Even as Sterki's words meet his ears, Barki can't focus on anything but the thought ringing around his head. Over and over again it echoes, filling his mind with nothing but a burning desire for vengeance.
This? This was personal. All this legal chicanery? It was targeted at him and him alone. It was devised, planned, and executed all for the express purpose of fucking him over. And the worst part? The part that really makes Barki's blood boil?
The bastard didn't even have the balls to show his face.
End of Act 1
(Character Sheet Updated)
0~0~0
First things first;
[ ] Write-in three places of immunity
Second things second; what is Barki's next step?
[ ] Write-in Barki's first step in his new life as an Outlaw
Current Status
You are currently uninjured, pray that it stays this way.
You are currently well-fed, praise be the Gods!
-You have 2 Days of Rations Remaining
The time is early evening.
0~0~0
AN: And there we go, Act 1 is over! Tomorrow, we shall embark on Act 2: The Pursuit.
No moratorium, I'll call the vote tomorrow.
How has Outlaw been so far? What was your favorite moment from Act 1?
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
Wow
That is Not Okay.
The Precedent this sets... It's unbelievable.
The entire point of Iceland was to get away from Kings dictating everyone's moves. Being able to basically go "If you are Rich enough, you can say whatever shit you like and the other side can't contest it legally unless they can match your money"
Seven years, it took Seven fucking years for them to throw out the great dream. Absolutely shameful display from the Judges, I'm surprised we didn't smell the stink of nid from here.
That is Not Okay.
The Precedent this sets... It's unbelievable.
The entire point of Iceland was to get away from Kings dictating everyone's moves. Being able to basically go "If you are Rich enough, you can say whatever shit you like and the other side can't contest it legally unless they can match your money"
Seven years, it took Seven fucking years for them to throw out the great dream. Absolutely shameful display from the Judges, I'm surprised we didn't smell the stink of nid from here.
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Shard
One and Many
- Location
- Malaysia
Drysalt/Dorri 2.0 here we go lmao
(Just do a divination lol, there's like 9 different ways to find out who actually did their proxy shenanigans.)
- Location
- Space between realms
- Pronouns
- He
@I.F. Ister Are we still allowed to speak at the Thing in response to the sentencing?
Also, can we get suggestions on what would be considered appropriate places for immunity?
Also, can we get suggestions on what would be considered appropriate places for immunity?
Yeah, IRL it at least took a few hundred years for this to get to this level.
My vote would be:
[x] Our farm
[x] The farm of Dumvald
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I.F. Ister
Fortifying The Thread
- Pronouns
- He/They
I imagine you could, yes.
So, you can pick three buildings in which to dwell. You are allowed safe passage to a harbor as long as you stay off the roads, so you don't need to pick a harbor as one of your three spots. As long as you stay within a bowshot of your selected buildings, you are safe. If you are found beyond that range, you can be killed without penalty.
I recommend selecting buildings that will allow you to accomplish your current notes without being stabbed to death.
- Location
- Earth
It's not really clear where Modolfr lives/works; actually, @I.F. Ister do we have a map of the reigon or at least a list of notable locations? I'm not sure what places are near each other.
Okay damn that's pretty horrible and is likely the death kneel of the dream of why the whole place was made.
Shard
One and Many
- Location
- Malaysia
So what method will Barki use to find the truth?
1) Asking Around
2) Skaldspeech
3) Seersight
4) Seidr (Divination) - AKA ask a Seer
5) Runes
6) Twists
7) I Just Developed A Trick For This
8) Gods Help (Literally)
9) An Enemy of Your Enemy Just Tells You
Also, I'm gonna repost my theory of why the person wants Barki rekt so much:
1) Get Barki Outlawed
2) Get Barki Killed
3) Somehow marry Bestla
I believe they want to get laid with Bestla. Bestla has been consistently described as like the hottest lady on Iceland thus far. A pair of brothers wanted to marry her together. Barki's brother in law wanted Bestla to marry his friend. Bestla is just that desirable.
1) Asking Around
2) Skaldspeech
3) Seersight
4) Seidr (Divination) - AKA ask a Seer
5) Runes
6) Twists
7) I Just Developed A Trick For This
8) Gods Help (Literally)
9) An Enemy of Your Enemy Just Tells You
Also, I'm gonna repost my theory of why the person wants Barki rekt so much:
1) Get Barki Outlawed
2) Get Barki Killed
3) Somehow marry Bestla
I believe they want to get laid with Bestla. Bestla has been consistently described as like the hottest lady on Iceland thus far. A pair of brothers wanted to marry her together. Barki's brother in law wanted Bestla to marry his friend. Bestla is just that desirable.
I.F. Ister
Fortifying The Thread
- Pronouns
- He/They
I am in the process of making a map for Iceland, but, for the time being, you are allowed to just say 'Wherever Modolfr lives' as one of your dwellings.
Chimeraguard
We do deserve to exist.
So speaking of our Notes:
Especially if theories that Bestla is the goal are correct.
Definitely gonna want to come clean to Bestla ourselves rather than letting her learn the news from someone else. In fact, I wonder if it's best to set about that immediately. Barki has enough people who have it out personally for him that they'd want to try and drive a knife between him and Bestla by making sure to be the ones to tell her the news before Barki can get his story in.
Especially if theories that Bestla is the goal are correct.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Either we corner Modolfr and get him to spill who he was proxy too and who the craftsmen for the comb was, or we hightail it out of Iceland and convince a Seer or a Skald to use their powers to find out who was behind Barki's outlawing. Im leaning towards Modolfr but he's probably expecting it and probably has a bunch of security with him, plus being in Iceland is dangerous since it will be way easier to hunt Barki there. So I think our immunity location should either be a place Modolfr frequents, or some location outside of Iceland where we can try to contact a Seer/Skald.
It's done a good job of setting up what we have to lose (and have just lost). I really enjoyed the fight scene with the two brothers.
- Location
- Many Places
Option 10: pull out Modolfr's teeth until he tells us.
Shard
One and Many
- Location
- Malaysia
Is it our bow shot or someone else's?
Because now i can't help but chuckle as an archer shots so far the whole island/jarldom is included in his safe places
Joke aside, we will need food. as well as a place to survive the winters....
Also, can we build said houses quickly or can we just say there was a house here and here?
Because getting one near some geyser might be good for winter.
Imagine if we chose our brother in law's house as another one
Yeah, that is how Iceland fell in real life. The King of Norway simply buyed the favor of all the rich people and institutions, and then invaded almost without opposition.
It took way more than seven years to get there trough, this guys are fucking up so badly.
Chimeraguard
We do deserve to exist.
So, just for the sake of getting this out here. Whoever has it out for Barki is massively wealthy, and that this has been a plan they've been working on for some time.
Alongside the payment of three pounds of gold, there were bribes to multiple other judges. And furthermore, there was also making the prior law last summer so they could pull this trick for the Outlawry trial. And then there's what seems to have been hiring of thugs to stop Barki from reaching his trial in the first place.
This was a plan not only done at great expense, an expense that would have been impossible for all but the most wealthy in Iceland to even try to pay, but it's also a plan that they were working on for months at minimum, more depending on how long it took to influence the Logretta to pass that earlier law in the first place. They went through a lot of effort to make this work.
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- Pronouns
- He/Him
Well, beyond having these as safe locations, I dunno what to pick.
[x] Our farm
[x] The farm of Dumvald
That said, for action, I think our first step needs to be the following:
[x] Return home to the farm, taking all due precautions, and inform Bestla of what has occurred and see if she has any ideas of why or how to resolve the situation.
Bestla is our best bet for figuring out anything about what's going on without knocking people's teeth out (she can ask around without being stabbed, for one thing) and she has a right to know.
The people we actually met who tried to stop us had a personal reason to do so. I agree with the rest of your conclusions entirely, but we don't actually know they hired thugs for this.
Doesn't really change anything, but worth keeping in mind.
[x] Our farm
[x] The farm of Dumvald
That said, for action, I think our first step needs to be the following:
[x] Return home to the farm, taking all due precautions, and inform Bestla of what has occurred and see if she has any ideas of why or how to resolve the situation.
Bestla is our best bet for figuring out anything about what's going on without knocking people's teeth out (she can ask around without being stabbed, for one thing) and she has a right to know.
The people we actually met who tried to stop us had a personal reason to do so. I agree with the rest of your conclusions entirely, but we don't actually know they hired thugs for this.
Doesn't really change anything, but worth keeping in mind.
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Sorry, English is not my first language.