Session 1

General Summary

May 12th

We begin our tale with a wedding taking place near the township of Buskagar on the banks of the Nærøyfjord. The sun shines and the edges of the fjord are covered in sage blossoms. The festival grounds are dotted with tents and the township's redbud tree is in full bloom.
The first guest of note to arrive is Gunnar Thorson, Alle of the Cult of Thór and representative of the local lord here to offer Jarl Asger's blessing. The tall, proud, charming Astari has been on a swift rise to prominence within the township since saving the life of the town's jarl the previous autumn during a bear hunt.
He is greeted by Ulfjolt Ragison, the groom and the eighteen-year-old eldest child of a wealthy merchant family devoted to Freyja. The two embrace in a manner befitting old friends and they talk of the bride, Haleth, who Ulfjolt wishes only had more folk there to see how happy she is.
Next to arrive is Genma Björndotr, Wathe of the eastern wilds and aunt of the groom, as well as Bairrfhionn Genmason, her protege and foster son. Gunnar is keen to introduce himself but Genma dismisses him, leaving her apprentice to keep the alle occupied while she secures a cup of mead with Ulfjolt. Gunnar confesses he had no idea Genma had a son, clearly surprised by both this revelation and by the fact that the young Wathe is clearly of the elvenkind.
Bairrfhionn greets him dryly.
The two are then approached by Ragi Erikson, the father of the groom and a man well known to both Gunnar and Bairrfhionn, who welcomes them and encourages them to enjoy themselves by eating and drinking as much as they like.
The herald then announces the arrival of Rínn Therendotr, the younger sister of the bride and the bride's sword-bearer, and the bride's guest of honor, Asmund Naivarason, though only Rinn is standing there when their names are read. Ragi asks where is this, "Asmund" and Rinn says that he was with her, but said that he plans to arrive on his own. She carries the bride's sword, which is beautifully crafted and is fitted with silver.
After a few more guests arrive, the officiate's arrival is announced: Isa Hannodotr, Seiðr of the Cult of Freyja Vestari of the Baltú Tribeú tribe. She walks through the crowd and takes her place before the altar, her pet Barn Owl Margu perched on her shoulder. She welcomes everyone and bids them all remain peaceful in the name of Freyja and hospitality.
Isa then requests all participating in the celemony to join her. First comes Rinn, then Helga, the mother of the groom and his sword-bearer, and then Ulfjolt, accompanied by Ragi. Isa thanks them all and then says they now await the arrival of the bride.
In an isolated tent, Haleth Therendotr, the bride, examines herself in a mirror. An attendant informs her that her guest of honor and escort to the altar has arrived. She looks over to see Asmund standing at her tent's enterance.
Overcome with relief, Haleth thanks him for coming. He tells her he said he would. She asks him how she looks and he says as beautiful as ever. She thanks him and tells him she knows things between them have been difficult as of late, but that she is grateful that he decided to come. He asks what are friends for? She asks him not to make her cry.
After promising to not let her fall, Asmund escorts her to the wedding altar. Isa thanks him and he takes his place among the crowd as the ceremony begins.
Isa offers a horn of mead in sacrifice and asks Freyja to bless Ulfjolt and Haleth's union. She asks for a sign and a robin and finch flutter between the altar and the crowd, singing a sad song. Isa, recognizing the birds, takes this as a sign from Freyja and continues.
She describes the traditional Astari wedding as one that centers around the exchange of two swords. The groom is expected to offer a sword that has been in his family for generations while the bride is expected to present a new sword that her family has paid for.
Ulfjolt presents a sword named Gunnlogi, which has been in his family for a century and Haleth offers a beautiful sword with a handle guarded with silver, which she names Elskir.
The two exchange their swords and Isa fishes their rings from the mead bowl. She places them on the swords' tips and explains the importance of honoring an oath sworn on them before bidding them to cross their swords and take the other's ring. They do, passing off their swords and they recite their vows as they place the rings on each others' fingers.
Isa ties their hands loosely together with a blue silk ribbon that Haleth brought with her to the altar. She asks the assembled party if anyone has good cause for why the two should not be wed, if so they should speak now or be prepared to hold their peace. No one says a word and Isa joyously declares the couple married and that no one shall keep them from each other's arms for a moment longer. The two share their first kiss as husband and wife and the crowd cheers as Isa flings the mead in the bowl at the crowd while shouting three times "Hail Freyja."
Ulfjolt scoops Haleth up to his arms and runs into the pavilion where the reception is taking place and bounds up the steps to the stage where a pair of simple wooden thrones have been erected for them. A horn full of mead is given to each of them and a cup of mead is given to everyone who follows them into the tent. Haleth raises her horn and shouts "Skol," with a huge smile and everyone does the same. She and Ulfjolt hook their arms around each other's and attempt to drink as much of their horn as they can.
A band of musicians enter the pavilion and begin to play. The guests begin to form into opposing lines of men and women facing one another lead by the bride and groom. Isa and Gunnar join in while Asmund and Bairrfhionn hang back, trading each other knowing glaces while they sip their mead.
The dancing carries on for the rest of the afternoon until the sun begins to set, at which point tables and benches are brought in and generous plates of food are placed on each. Everyone begins to enjoy the feast as guests start presenting their gifts to the newlyweds.
First is Isa, who is offered a purse of gold coins in gratitude for her service and she offers a handmade fetish that confires the Ceremony spell of Marriage on them as soon as Haleth takes it. She kisses Isa's hands in gratitude and asks her to never hesitate to ask them for Hospitality.
Next is Gunnar, who comes holding a squirming bundle of cloth and an attendant rolling a barrel behind him. The young Alle stands before his friend and his new wife and says that on behalf of his Jarl he wishes to present them with a barrel of mead and a pair of Mastiff pups. It had been his intention to only buy one, but another cried for the loss of his litter-mate and Gunnar saw getting that one as well as a fine way to spare himself further arithmetic.
Ulfjolt is delighted at the gifts and asks for Gunnar to pass on his gratitude to Jarl Asger but Haleth only has eyes for the Alle himself. She tells him that she has heard of him; of the way he had saved her Ulfjolt when he was a boy. She thanks him and tells him to pass on her gratitude to his Jarl but that it is to him that she is truly grateful. She says that if she can ever repay him to please let her know before beckoning him to her. He leans down and she places a single kiss on his cheek. He blushes but is grateful his already red beard makes it less apparent.
Next is Genma and Bairrfhionn. The two Wathes stand before the stage in their green cloaks and offer their congratulations. Ulfjolt says that they did not need to get them a gift since they'd traveled such a long way just to attend. Genma replies that for her only nephew's wedding day, nothing is too extravagant before Bairrfhionn offers the two a pair of beautiful brown bear pelts to keep them warm on their wedding night, which Ulfjolt immediately drapes over the backs of their thrones. Genma nobs to Bairrfhionn approvingly. Haleth, however, looks into Bairrfhionn's eyes for the first time and says with bottomless compassion that she has heard of him and the tragedy that befell his people. She apologizes for not having met with him sooner and says that from that point on, they shall be cousins if he would have her. Stunned by her kindness, he is barely able to bring himself to even thank her. Haleth kisses Genma's hands, but stands and embraces Bairrfhionn as she kisses his cheek, telling him their hearth will always be his.
Several other gifts are given but the final guest who is called to present is Asmund, who steps forward holding a large, triangular parcel wrapped in purple paper bound by a large lavender ribbon. Haleth's face grows grave at his approach. He stands before the stage and bows before wordlessly offering the gift to her. She hesitates before reaching out and taking it. She sets it in her lap and with a breath of apprehension begins to unwrap it.
As soon as she sees what it is with her own eyes, she begins to cry. There, sitting in her hands is a beautifully crafted elmwood harp with 24 strings. She touches it in a very familiar way. Ulfjolt sees the effect this gift has had on her and places a hand on her elbow. She looks at him, smiles through her tears and says that everything is alright. She then looks to Asmund and thanks him.
Asmund bows, and returns to his seat at one of the feasting tables. The entire reception watches silently as the bride brings the harp over to her right hip, adjusts two of the pegs, and begins to play. She sings a song known to all the Astari present, one called "A Hero Comes Home," but she does so with such beauty and emotion that none have heard before.
She is at first surprised by the awed faces looking back at her when she finishes the song. She immediately shifts posture and begins playing a different song; one that instills in all who hear it the urge to smile.
Genma laughs as she stands and offers a toast to the bride and groom by raising her horn, which the whole pavilion joins. Ulfjolt stands and thanks everyone for their gifts and encourages them all to eat and drink as much as they like. Haleth chims in as much as they can, to which all cheer.
Isa approaches Gunnar and the two introduce themselves formally for the first time. She asks him why she has heard him called the bear slayer and he explains that it is because the previous fall he earned the position of Alle by killing a bear that sought to kill his jarl while they were on a hunt. Isa chastises them for being the ones on the hunt for the bear in the first place. Gunnar tries to see her point of view but a fellow party guest defends the young Alle for acting decisively, though Isa remains resolute in her view.
Isa then asks Gunnar if he intends to go viking with the Jarl that summer, to which the says does, for Alle's true place is at a his lord's side. She asks him where he will go and the same guest interjects that Jarl Asger plans to sail with King Ingvar south to Hordaland, adding that that land has been in a state of civil war for nearly a decade.
Gunnar and Isa then catch sight of Asmund standing alone, staring into the same cup of mead from earlier. The two approach him together. Isa asks him why he looks so sad and Asmund responds because he feels as though he is losing a friend. Gunnar then asks about the name Asmund, stating that a hero of his also bore that name. Helga, mother of the groom, barges into the conversation, clearly benumbed as she puffs on a large, curved pipe. She throws a fierce hug on Isa, congratulating her on a job well done, adding that one never forgets the first wedding one officiates.
Gunnar asks Helga for support as he earnestly claims to this elf, this Asmund Naivarason, that Asmund, the Bear-wolf of Buskagar, was a god amongst men. 7-feet tall he was with the ability to shoot lightning from his eyes, the young Alle claims. At this, Helga laughs, stating that Gunnar has only ever known Asmund as a legend.
Helga then says that the Asmund she knew as her friend, was a great warrior, true, but above all, he was kind. She says that she remembered him making his name as a vikingr on raides with Jarl Asger and Ragi before he was her husband. But then, when he was 24, he said he would raid no more and became a member of the town's watch. She says that when she asked him why, he said that he wanted to learn what it meant to be a true warrior. Helga says that she never learned what exactly it was he meant, but she likes to think he found it in the end.
Helga then tells the story for which Asmund is famous: when he was 26, on a summer hunting trip, he came upon a huge Fire Drake crawling towards the township. Knowing such a beast could easily destroy the wooden town, Asmund challenged it to single combat. The two died embracing one another; Asmund held in its jaws and his broken sword plunged into the Drake's eye.
Asmund, almost sounding sarcastic, says he sounds like a real hero. Isa backs up Helga, asking how he could have the same name as such a man and not know of him. Asmund says he is from the Galanodel Sanctuary, a day and a half's journey into the Dovrefjell forest, and as such he is not familiar with the lore of the Astari of Buskagar.
Helga then says that from what she knows of the Elves, they use children's names until it's time to take an adult's name; a name which they chose for themselves. She then asks Asmund how old he is and what made him pick an Astari name for his adult name. Asmund hesitates to answer her.
At this point Helga laughs, rebucking herself for interrogating one of her new daughter's wedding guests. She then asks Asmund if he has a pipe. He says he does and she offers to fill it before leaving them in peace.
Ulfjolt leans over and whispers into Haleth's ear before standing and calling over to Asmund and asking if they can have a word. Asmund, with great reluctance, agrees. Though she does not stop playing, Haleth gives Asmund a very warning look as the two walk off together.
Ulfjolt takes Asmund outside the pavilion to the mead tent. Along the way, he commends Asmund for giving Haleth a gift that has made her so happy, and he confesses he had no idea Haleth had wanted a harp.
Asmund says that no life would be complete without the sound of Haleth's music. Ulfjolt agrees, but says that this particular harp seems to hold special significance to her and that he feels as though there is a tale that he had not been told. Asmund says maybe one day he will get to hear the story from Haleth herself.
Ulfjolt commends Asmund for clearly keeping something secret on Haleth's behalf, stating that true friends keep their friends' secrets. He says that according to Ragi, his father, the only men who are truly poor are those without true friends. He says that he can see Haleth has that in him and that he believes all should be so lucky to have a friend such as him. He calls over to Gunnar and asks him to come witness an oath he wishes to swear.
As Gunnar steps over to them, Ulfjolt claps Asmund's arm in the manner of warriors. With the Alle present, Ulfjolt swears to Asmund that he will always have a place by their hearth, a seat at their table and an ally in him should enemies ever threaten him. Asmund thanks him and Gunnar pats both of them on the back, stating Thor delights most in oaths of friendship.
Remembering something, Gunnar retrieves a pipe from a pouch tied to his belt; one that matches his own. He offers it to Ulfjolt as a gift. Not one from Jarl Asger, but one Gunnar himself. Ulfjolt is overjoyed and immediately calls for his mother as he heads back inside the pavilion, whom he knows can help him fill it.
Sitting back at his throne with his new pipe freshly lit, Ulfjolt puffs on it as he examines the Mastiff pups, clearly making an attempt to come up with names for them. Ulfjolt offers Haleth a pull from the pipe, which she leans over and expects. As she slowly blows out the purple smoke, he names the first pup, "Gunnar,'' before looking to Haleth and asking her for a name for the second. Just as she finishes exhaling her long, lavender cloud she smiles and says, "Thor."
A group of children led by the groom's two younger sisters and Rinn gather around their thrones to play with the newly named Gunnar and Thor. Haleth gets all of their attention by playing a flurry of notes on her harp that produce a flurry of sparks from each string plucked. The children and pups are at first startled but then awed. Everyone else in the pavilion is amazed by the sudden display of prestidigitation. The final string Haleth plucks in her magical display creates a single butterfly of sparks that flutters lazily through the pavilion. The pups and children give chase after it as it leaves the tent and leads them all out into the moonlight.
Then, at the direction of Ragi, three round, wooden targets are erected near the entrance to the pavilion and a rack containing 3 axes is placed before the stage. All present are encouraged to step forward to show their skill in honor of the bride and groom.
A few make attempts but the first to get everyone's attention is the young Alle from the cult of Thor who makes two center hits and one so close that most are still willing to give him all 3. Bairrfhionn and Asmund place a bet on his final throw, which is a decisive center hit. Bairrfhionn angrily tosses the single silver piece to Asmund, who deftly catches it out of the air and begins to playfully tumble it down his knuckles. Ulfjolt congratulates his friend on a job well done.
Next is Isa. The Seiðr completely misses the first target on her first throw, nearly managing to hit someone outside the tent. She hits the second target dead center, however, making everyone nervous. Her third throw is to the edge of the target and everyone watches gratefully as she takes her seat.
Next steps up Asmund. He manages to hit two bullseyes and one outside the inner circle. And then Bairrfhionn takes his turn, managing no better than Asmund before him.
But then Genma takes her turn and she successfully manages to not only hit all 3 targets dead center, but also does so on her final attempt while covering her eyes with her free arm. Ulfjolt glories in his aunt's feat and leaps to his feet to congratulate her.
Bairrfhionn looks at Genma as if to tell her that she did not need to show off. Genma smiles back at him as if to say that yes, she did. Genma raises another cup of mead and offers a second toast to the bride and groom before asking for permission to offer a toast in honor of Bairrfhionn as well. Ulfjolt welcomes her to do so by all means.
Genma looks to Bairrfhionn. She says that five years prior, when they met, he was just a scared elfling hiding in a tree from the Draugr that pursued him. But in that time, she's watched him become a fearsome hunter and she says that after this ceremony, they will go their separate ways. It will be up to him to find his way back to a Wathe Conclave and claim his medallion. She says that she hopes he finds what he's looking for and that one day, she believes that he will make a hunter so great that Óðinn and Thor will agree that there should be a picture of him in the stars. Bairrfhionn thanks her and all drink.
Just as the party begins to show signs of calming, Modolf, a cousin of Ulfjolt from Gnopa, challenges Gunnar to a wrestling match in honor of the bride and groom. At this challenge, Gunnar is all too eager to begin to strip down to his boots and breeches, leaving his arms and armor piled up on a table near the tent's entrance and being sure to stuff his bear pelt cloak under the table to protect it. Bets are made as the two size each other up. Gemna loudly declares she has 20 gold pieces on the combatant who resembles the God of Thunder. Bairrfhionn and Asmund make another bet for a single silver piece, Asmund again betting on Gunnar.
The wrestling match is close, with both combatants seeming to have the upper hand at different points in the contest. Eventually, though, Gunnar's superior strength enables him to best his opponent by throwing him to the ground. Gunnar asks Modolf if he yields and he says he does. Ulfjolt commends him on a well earned victory in the name of the men of the Nærøyford and Genma commends him on earning her 20 gold pieces. Bairrfhionn angrily flips his second silver piece at Asmund, hoping he would fail to see it coming for the side of his turned head. Asmund is, however, able to easily snatch the coin out of the air and begins tumbling this one down his knuckles, just as he did with the first.
But then, a stiff wind blows through the pavilion from its entrance. All the candles are blown out and only the braziers nearest the bride and groom are left burning. Once the gale passes, everyone looks the entryway to the pavilion to see a figure wearing a gray robe, a blue, wide brimmed hat, and clenching a spear. Ulfjolt stands, removing his holly crown and strapping Elskir to his waist. He demands the stranger identify themselves as they enter the pavilion. He raises the brim of his hat to reveal a face marked by a great gray beard and the presence of only one eye.
The entire reception is stunned to silence. Only Genma can bring herself to say the name that can escape no one else's lips: "Óðinn..."
As the Stranger walks through the pavilion, all in his way step aside. He stops at a table and picks up two berries scattered on its surface. He rolls them in his hand and looks at the bride and groom before eating them. The rite of hospitality is envoked. This Stranger, who appears to all to be the Allfather, is now their guest.
He walks to the stage and stands before the newlyweds. He lifts his right arm and reveals a golden armring surrounding his right bicep. He pulls the ring from his arm, but on his arm it remains. He offers the copy to Ulfjolt, who cautiously begins to descend the stage's steps. Ulfjolt accepts it, thanking the Allfather and vowing to treasure and keep his gift with him always.
Ulfjolt looks up at Haleth, who smiles down at him with cautious optimism, believing the god of her husband's people to have truly come to bless their union. But as soon as Ulfjolt slides the torq up his arm and pulls it shut, ambe begins to leak from it. It consumes and engulfs his body in a matter of moments. He has just enough time to turn back around and reach out to Haleth before he is completely imprisoned.
The entire reception gasps before Haleth lets out a horrified scream. She rushes to his side only to find that the substance that moment earlier had seemed viscous was now hard as stone. She strikes its surface with the side of her fist but it refuses to give way. He is trapped in a prison of solid amber radiating out from his body for at least a foot in every direction.
Haleth looks to the Stranger and asks him why he has done this.
He answers, "Thee wished thee could be with him through all the ages of this world."
At this, Haleth's face darkens. She says that she had not shared that with anyone. She asserts that she had been alone when she said that.
The Stranger replies, "I still heard thee. Yet that merely drew my eye. What made me decide to attend this day, was this one," he gestures to Ulfjolt, "earlier today he wished thou only had more folk here to see how happy thou art."
At this, Haleth is speechless, but is is also here that Genma has seen enough. She curses the Stranger and stands from her table. Drawing her enchanted seax, Svanrand, she demands that he release Ulfjolt at once.
The figure snaps his figures and says "Fourteenth Charm," before turning to face the Wathe. "Thee would threaten me, Genma Björndotr?"
Genma repeats her demand and hurls her weapon directly at the Stranger, but as soon as the blade handle leaves her fingers, the Stranger snaps his.
"Fifth Charm."
The blade's tip hangs in the air a single inch from the Stranger's single eye. He admires its quality. "This blade is quite fine."
With a flick of his wrist, the stranger hurls the blade back at Genma and it finds its mark deep in her heart. Genma looks down at the blade handle sticking out of her chest like she's confused. She reaches for it as if she plans to pull it out before looking to Bairrfhionn and letting out a great cough of blood. Her eyes roll back and her knees begin to buckle. Bairrfhionn is barely able to catch her before she hits the ground.
Helga cries out and joins Bairrfhionn at Genma's side, but it is already too late for her older sister. The Stranger turns to the assembled party, as if asking for any further objections.
Isa denounces the intrusion from the far side of the pavilion and demands and explanation. He only scoffs at her. Gunnar, still unarmed and armored, asks what Ulfjolt could possibly have done to deserve such cruelty and begin's to attest to the quality of his friend's character but at this the stranger snaps his fingers yet again.
"Seventh Charm."
A wall of flames erupts from the ground from one side of the pavilion to the other, between the Stranger and the rest of the guests. He then turns his eye back to Haleth. He begins to advance towards her. She retreats backwards up the stage until she stumbles back into sitting in her wooden throne. As the Stranger reaches the top of the stage, he looks down on her with utter disdain, still clutching his spear, wreathed in flame.
Haleth looks up at the god who her whole life she has been told hates her and her people. Under his scornful gaze, she is too frightened to even beg him for her life; the only person in the whole world sworn to protect her standing petrified naught 10 feet away. The Stranger leans down. "Thee truly believed the Allfather would come to bless the union of Astari and Syndari? Thine father was right. Thee be a foolish girl." He straightens, turns to the assembled reception. "I take my leave. Fourth Charm."
The Stranger lifts his spear and slams its butt on the stange. With a flash of light where the collision met, the stranger disappears, but his wall of fire remains. Then it begins to twist and shift. It pulls together before the stage and forms into a whirling circle of sparks directly above the ground. The space inside the circle goes dark and the sparks change from hot white-yellow to the cool blue of frost. A chill of winter enters the tent and all within see their breath puff before their eyes.
Suddenly, with a sickening growl unlike anything made by the living, a Draugr climbs up through the portal just wide enough for it, but behind it, there are others. It bears an axe and shield, crumbling mail, helm, and a back riddled with arrows. Frost covers its skeletal form and a haunting blue light glows in each of its eye sockets.
Before anyone can react, there are two more Draugr standing between the reception and the stage where the bride now sits alone. Most in the pavilion flee. Even Ragi and Helga give flight for the sake of their daughters. When the undead emerge, it is these 5; Haleth, daughter of Theren, Asmund, son of Naivara, Bairrfhionn, son of Genma, Gunnar, son of Thor, and Isa, daughter of Hanno, who do not run away.
Bairrfhionn, perhaps for the first time since arriving in this township, knows exactly what to do. He calls to the others that Draugr are fond of getting back up even after you think they are defeated once and for all.
Asmund acts first, leaping from tabletop to table top, he makes a wide arc around the pavilion towards Haleth. Bairrfhionn draws both his daggers and hurrles them both at a Draugr that lunges towards him. One buries itself in its shoulder but the other lands directly in the center of its forehead, extinguishing the light in its eyes. With a heart heavy with regret, he then grasps Svanrand's handle and pulls it from Genma's chest as he lays her lifeless body down. But just as Bairrfhionn looks back to the Draugr, he sees past them a truly curious sight: Haleth reaching down not for her sword, but for her harp.
Haleth begins to play just as Asmund reaches her and she whispers in a voice that only Asmund can hear the single word, "sword," drawing his eye to Gunnlogi, which sits beside her throne.
Gunnar curses his bad fortune for having to turn away from the enemies before him and run to reclaim his weapons. On the way, he and Isa nearly run into each other as the Seiðr charges forward, filling her staff with even greater Vanir magic.
Gunnar immediately determines that if he takes the time to put his mail back on, the battle may turn against his new comrades, or worse, be over before he has a chance to win any glory, so he grabs his shield and spear and turns to face the draugr bear-chested.
In that moment, he sees past the undead shambling towards him and Isa charging fearlessly towards them; he sees Haleth looking right at him. She plays a series of notes that seem to be just for him and he is suddenly overcome with a vision of Thor's hammer flying across the sky.
Asmund reaches down and draws Haleth's sword and in the same movement he swings it in a wide arc that decapitates a Draugr.
Leaping over a table, Bairrfhionn makes a wide swing at a Draugr with Svanrand and the Draugr does the same at him with its hand axe. Bairrfhionn is easily able to dodge the Draugr's stroke but his own completely glances of the Draugr's shield. thatThe Draugr also is still able to turn his movement into a run for the same table that had housed Gunnar's equipment, which also has both his and Genma's bows rest upon it.
Asmund hears the familiar sound of his favorite song in his ears and inspiration fills him. He swings Gunnlogi again but this time his target is barely able to turn and catch his blade with its own. It growls at him. Using his left hand, Asmund throws his elven dagger into the skull of the Draugr Bairrfhionn had missed, which drops to the ground upon impact.
Isa, in a move of pure, primal savagery, sweeps the legs out from under the Draugr locked in combat with Admund with her staff. In the same movement, she brings down the opposite end of the staff on the Draugr's head, shattering both the helmet and skull it housed. She screams in true rage for the first time in her life.
Isa is unable to stop herself from continuing to strike her target, not wanting it to rise again, but does not notice another Draugr climb through the portal beside her nor the one Asmund's dagger felled shambling back to its feet until they are leveling attacks at her.
Just as a Draugr's sword stroke is about to fall on the Seiðr, Gunnar is upon it with a spear thrust that shatters its entire rib cage and leaves his spear tip to ever so slightly bounce off the surface of Ulfjolt's amber prison.
The final Draugr shifts its focus from Isa to Gunnar. It lunges at him with an axe in both hands as the portal closes between its legs. Gunnar is not in a good position to parry the attack coming from his right. He is barely able to move his shield partly into the path of the axe to absorb the impact, though he still suffers a long, shallow gash to his right shoulder.
Just as Gunnar is recoiling from the blow, Bairrfhionn grabs Genma's Yew Longbow and a single arrow from her quiver. He nocks, draws, and loses it right between the Alle and Seiðr into the Draugr's forehead, much to both the surprise of seemingly all 3. Isa scolds the Wathe for taking such a risky shot, but Gunnar commends him on his decisiveness.
The battle ends and the final draugr falls. Haleth suddenly stops playing. Asmund returns her sword to her sheath. He knees down to look her in the eye and asks if she is alright. She does not even seem to see him as she stares out at what has become of her wedding.
Isa moves to distance herself from the pile of undead remains and begins inspecting Ulfjolt's prison as well as the ground where the portal had formed while Bairrfhionn examines the Draugr remains.
Gunnar drops his spear and shield. Blood runs down his right arm and side of his torso from the gash in his shoulder. He walks over to Ulfjolt's prison. Looking into his friend's eyes he sees the truth of his final moment: he was not asking what was happening to himself; he was fearful for what would befall her. He punches the amber, seemingly in an honest effort to see if he can shatter it, but it does not give way and nearly breaks the young Alle's hand. Isa chastises him, stating that that kind of action is likely to cause more harm than good. Feeling defeated, Gunnar turns to begin to clean his wound and put the rest of his clothes and armor on.
Neither Isa nor Bairrfhionn can notice anything about their chosen subject that gives them much to go on, but Bairrfhionn then returns his attention then back to Genma. As he returns to her side, Haleth is pulled from her trance. Asmund watches as Haleth stands, takes her sword, and joins Bairrfhionn at Genma's side. The bride removes her red cloak from her shoulders and drapes it over Genma's body. She places a hand on Bairrfhionn's shoulder and says that Genma did more to defend her husband than she did. As her voice cracks with sorrow, she apologizes for that being a debt that she can never hope to repay her new cousin. Bairrfhionn cannot even bring himself to respond to the bride who kneels weeping beside him.
As Gunnar sits dabbing at his wound and the bleeding subsides, the figures of Rinn, Helga, Ragi, their two daughters, and the two Mastiff pups return to the entrance of the pavilion. Hnoss commends Gunnar for his bravery but the Alle states that he does not feel victorious as he watches Helga join Bairrfhionn and Haleth at Genma's side.
Suddenly feeling flushed, Asmund bursts out of the tent. He looks around to see a Nærøyford that is bathed in the light of the full moon and no sign that anything has happened, save for the traces left by those who fled. Crickets chirp and the fjord's surface calmly reflects the moon's soft light.
Helga kneels beside Genma's body and cups her sister's cheek in her hand. She bids her to be at peace. Bairrfhionn looks down on Genma's face. In his mind he went over all the things that he had not yet gotten to say to her. Ragi laments that they must immediately begin planning a funeral in the wake of a wedding, but to this Bairrfhionn immediately objects. He says that everyone Genma would want at her funeral is already there. He goes on to say that he would like to be present for her funeral, but could not risk letting the trail of her killer go cold. He then proposes that they dispose of her body in the fashion of the Elves: by burning her on a pyre, then and there. He goes on to say that to honor the ways of Genma's people, the Astari, who bury their dead in ships, boats, or in rings of stones shaped like boats with all the goods they enjoyed in life, or could want in death, that they build this pyre on one of the rowboats that had been tied at the fairgrounds' docks and push her out into the fjord.
Helga and Ragi are surprised by this suggestion, but after looking to one another, they nod, and agree. Asmund, who overheard this from the doorway of the pavilion, confirms there are still boats tied at the docks and says that he'll bring one ashore. Bairrfhionn begins to try to stand with Genma in his arms but before he can Gunnar appears solemnly beside him and scoops the Wathe's body up into his arms as if she were a sleeping child.
Bairrfhionn watches in quiet awe as everyone around him begins making his vision a reality. Gunnar lays Genma down across the 3 seat planks of the boat that Asmund has fully pulled ashore while Isa, Haleth, Ragi, Hnoss, Gersemi and Rinn begin gathering anything anything to either offer to Genma or be fuel for her pyre. Gunnar is keen to gather the skulls, helms, and weapons of the Draugr they had just defeated and place them at her feet. Asmund begins cutting large stands of sage and placing the blossoms around her head. Ragi hefts over to the boat a bundle of straw that Hnoss, Gersemi, and Rinn begin using to fill its bottom. Helga places a cask of mead in the boat with her and stuffs a large bag of pipeweed into the pouch Genma used to store her pipe. Isa carries a dormant brazier down to the water's edge and re-ignites the oil within. Finally, Haleth removes her flower crown and places it on Genma's head and puts her bouquet in her hands while Bairrfhionn places her quiver of arrows beside her and her yew longbow across her chest.
He keeps only 2 things of hers: her silver medallion bearing the face of Ullr, and her enchanted seax, Svanrand. He looks down at her for one last time and promises to avenge her, even if her killer is Óðinn himself, before pouring a flask of oil around her body. He then pushes the boat back into the water alone. He pushes it until the water of the fjord nearly floods his boots and lets it go to glide slowly along the water's calm surface.
As the boat drifts away from him, he turns to see everyone standing further up the bank, save for Haleth, who sits with her harp. His bow and quiver sit beside the brazier, a single arrow rests outside with a bit of cloth wrapped just beneath its head.
With a heavy heart, Bairrfhionn steps back onto shore and picks up his bow; the bow Genma had given him, and nocks his arrow. He waits until the boat is nearly perfectly still in the middle of the fjord before he lights the arrow, draws, and loses it in a wide arc that terminates in the middle of Genma's boat. The straw and oil catch immediately and all begin to bid farewell to Genma the Wathe.
Isa says that Genma seemed like a woman as fearsome as Freyja and asks for her mother goddess to watch over her in death as Haleth begins to play a liment. Gunnar begins to recite the Astari salute for the dead, which Ragi joins in half way through. Hnoss states that her aunt was her hero and her sister agrees. Finally, Helga finally says farewell to her sister before joining Haleth's song and sings not with words, but simply in sorrowful tones.
The boat burns as a bright beacon in the night and all cannot help but wonder how and why the night had come to this. As the boat finally begins to give way and sink beneath the surface of the water, Asmund is the first to notice that Haleth has stopped playing. He looks around to see her gone. He follows the feeling of her pain until he is standing at the door of the pavilion and sees her. Before long, Gunnar, Isa and Bairrfhionn join him and see Haleth slumped against Ulfjolt's amber prison.
Earlier this day, most of them were sure that they had never seen anyone as happy as Ulfjolt and Haleth were together. Now they were all certain, beyond any doubt, that they had never seen someone so sad.
Asmund steps forward and asks Isa if anything can be done. Seiðr replies that she can detect no magical traces that would give them clues. Gunnar mentions that in the township of Buskagar there is a knowledgeable Runekeeper named Colborn Fritjolfson who might be able to help but then remembers this Runekeeper is the Highpriest of Buskagar's sect of the Cult of Óðinn. Isa condemns this as a bad idea and Bairrfhionn curses the name of the Allfather, stating that only a coward would violate the Oath of Hospitality.
At that, both Gunnar and Isa have the same realization. Gunnar says that it is indeed strange that the God of Oaths would swear the most sacred oath only to immediately violate it. Isa agrees, stating that though she has heard Óðinn may have hatred for Elves, she knows that he loathes nothing more than oathbreakers.
At this, Rinn interjects, stating that if anyone is knowledgeable enough to help them understand what has happened and why, it would be her father, Theren Erdanson, and Elf of nearly 500 years of age. Gunnar, Isa and Bairrfhionn all turn to Asmund and ask if he could lead them all safely to meet with him since he is from their clan. He says that he can, but cannot guarantee that they will be warmly received since his clan is fairly ambivalent towards outsiders.
Isa states that she's had dealings with the Elves of Dovrefjell forest and that one among them was even the one who offered to teach her the ways of a Seiðr dedicated to Freyja. Asmund responds by asking if she has ever been to the Sanctuary and Isa responds that she has not. Gunnar then speaks up, stating that he is very much willing to join in an excursion to see the elves, he requests that they first allow him to return to his township and provide his Jarl with a first hand account of what has transpired; one which he will surely want.
Isa asks to which god the Jarl of Buskagar is devoted, to which Gunnar responds that Asger, son of Jorik, is devoted to Ægir, the Vanir god of the sea. Bairrfhionn asks if Gunnar can ensure them hospitality or if they are better off waiting for him in the woods. Gunnar replies that Jarl Asger is an honorable man and would not withhold hospitality from his new comrands, his félagi.
Just as it seems as though the four are preparing to depart, Rinn reminds them of her sister. She begs for them to find a way to free Ulfjolt, but she also pleads with them not to simply leave her like this.
The first to attempt to approach the elf maiden who sits silently weeping against her husband's prison is Isa. She crouches beside Haleth, pats her on her head and promises that they will get to the bottom of this. Haleth does not move. Asmund, fearing the Seiðr's silliness might make the situation worse, stands her back up and moves her aside. Bairrfhionn then kneels before the fellow elf that had just a few hours prior named him cousin and vows that the will free Ulfjolt and avenge Genma, but still, Haleth does not move.
The Wathe stands and Asmund takes his place. He says that he intends to make this right and does not intend to abandon her. She looks into his eyes for a moment but all he sees and feels from her is pain. She slumps back down, tears still flowing down her cheeks.
Finally, Gunnar kneels beside Haleth. He asks her if he can put his hand on her shoulder. She does not object and he does so. Gunnar says that he is sorry for allowing this to happen. He was sent to protect her wedding and he had failed. He says that he hopes that she can forgive him enough to not despair; to allow him the chance to save her husband, a man he considers to be among his oldest friends.
At this, Haleth lifts her head again and looks into the Alle's cool, gray eyes. The tears seem to stop flowing down her cheeks and in a voice that is hushed, barely above a whisper, she asks him if he truly means what he says.
He swears it and she believes him.
With a smile, Gunnar stands and offers the bride his hand. She takes with her hand not still clutching Gunnlogi and he pulls her to her feet. Rinn and Helga come and lead her out of the tent, with Ragi stating that they intend to return to their home and will watch over Rinn tonight. The 4 of them agree to stop there the next day, on their way to Dovrefjell forest to collect both Rinn and Bairrfhionn's pack.
With their departure, only Gunnar, Isa, Asmund, Bairrfhionn and the petrified Ulfjolt remain in the pavilion. They all take one last look at the groom and his prison. Were it not so horrible, it would be eerily beautiful. Bairrfhionn is the first to turn and walk away, his footsteps light let deliberate, then comes Isa, then Gunnar, and finally Asmund, who takes the longest of all to bring himself to look away.
And so, stepping onto the dusty road leading westward towards the township of Buskagar from the festival grounds these four, who earlier this same day had been complete strangers, take the first steps on the travels together. Gunnar, Bairrfhionn, Isa, and Asmund cross the oak-beam bridge straddling the deep channel that flows out of Dovrefjell forest to the north. The moon's light clearly illuminates the way almost as if it were day.
The walk is a mile and takes half an hour but as the torches of the town's watchmen come into view, Bairrfhionn pulls his hood up to cover his ears. At this moment, Asmund realizes he cannot simply walk into Buskagar with his ears uncovered and asks the others if they have anything he can hide them with. Isa offers him a long scarf, which he gratefully accepts before draping it about his head and shoulders.
Gunnar leads the way as they continue forward and when they come into view of the two watchmen standing guard outside the gate, they immediately cross their spears. One calls for them to halt and the other asks who goes there. Both men wear full suits of chainmail armor, with helms, grieves, swords at their hips and shields across their backs. Above the gate are several skulls but the largest are the skulls of 2 forest trolls. The walls of the town are 20 feet high and are guarded by men with short bows. While the others hesitate for a moment, Gunnar simply continues walking and loudly proclaims his name and station, which causes the guards to immediately relax. One states that its good to see him while the other says that they have heard troubling and conflicting accounts from the people who have returned to town from the wedding in a panic.
Gunnar confirms that the news is indeed grave and says that Jarl Asger will want to be the first to hear his report. The two watchmen glance at each other before one calls over his shoulder to have the gate opened. With a great creak, the wooden doors part and the watchmen beckon them inside.
Gunnar leads his new comrades through the streets of the township of Buskagar, the place he has lived all his life. The people of the town stand in the doorways of their homes as they pass, many with children piercing past their legs. As they walk through the town's square, they pass by a massive totem that stands 20 feet tall and is carved in the likeness of a man; one with a great beard, holding a spear in his right hand and a shield in his left. He has a Mjolnir pendent around his neck and his name written across his chest: ASMUND.
Asmund in unable to stop himself from glancing up at it on their way to the Jarl's hall, a hall that lays not far beyond. Lejre, the great hall that Jarl Asger and his family call home, is a massive wooden structure shaped like an up-turned ship. Nearly 200 feet long it is; 50 feet wide and its peak is 30 feet high. On either side of the entrance is a neatly arranged bed of flowers. A pair of Alle allow Gunnar and his 3 companions through the door without question.
Inside the hall the air is close and smells of smoke, mead and roasted pork. In the center of the hall's floor is a great hearth that still smolders from its use to cook the evening meal. Tables line the length of the hall, leading to the pair of large wooden thrones sat upon a set of three steps on the far end of the hall.
Sat upon the larger of the two thrones is Jarl Asger; a powerful looking man of 50-years holding a greataxe in his right hand. Before the thrones, to either side stand a pair of Alle, one of whom is nearly 7-feet tall. Jarl Asger expresses gratitude for his Alle's safe return and asks after the nature of the events that transpired at the wedding. He reiterates that the people who have returned have told conflicting reports and he asks Gunnar to tell him what happened.
Gunnar describes the events of the wedding and the reception that followed. He tells of the figure that interrupted the celebration by offering the groom a golden armring that imprisoned him in amber as soon as he put it on. He says that this figure then killed Genma Björndotr when she challenged him and then insulted the bride before taking his leave in a flash of light. Gunnar goes on to say that the Stranger then summoned Draugr to attack the guests and says that his 3 companions then joined him in doing battle with the undead to defend the bride and the fleeing guests. He looks back to them from over his shoulder and says that all fought bravely.
Asger shows shock to hear that Genma is dead. He asks how she died and Gunnar says that this figure did so by hurling her own seax back at her with a spell. He says that one of his companions is the son of Genma and Asger replies that he did not know that Genma Björndotr had had a son. Bairrfhionn bows his still hooded head and Asger asks if this means that these 3 are his commands now. Gunnar replies that they are. Asger asks if he had any idea as to the identity of this attacker and after a deep breath, Gunnar says that this interloper seemed to all who saw him to be Óðinn, the Allfather. Bairrfhionn speaks up and states his belief that the figure who attacked the wedding was indeed Óðinn. At this, one of the Alle standing before Jarl Ager snaps back that he believes these claims to be nothing but an attempt to slander Óðinn. He says that the Allfather would not attack a wedding, no matter who the bride is.
Asger firmly rebukes the alle, stating that Fjolnir Olafson will do well to keep a civil tongue in his mouth when addressing his guests in his hall. Fjolnir immediately relents, bowing his head and apologizing to his lord for speaking out of turn.
Asger then calmly considers what he has been told. He says that Fjolnir Olafson is many things, but he is no fool. This does not sound like the Óðinn that Asger professes to know, stating that Óðinn may be a vicious god, true, but even he is not so savage as to insult a bride on her wedding day and deprive her of her husband on her wedding night. He asks if there were any other clues.
Gunnar says that he agrees with his Jarl's view that this was not Óðinn and he believes this because he chose to eat of the food that was being served before making their attacks. Gunnar states that Óðinn, the god of oaths and of oath-keepers, would never attack someone after making himself their guest. He then asks his lord for leave to discover this attacker's identity and the chance to bring him to justice, for he was sent to this wedding to ensure peace and in this, he failed.
Jarl Asger nearly laughs. He asks where Gunnar would propose to begin to search for the identity of such a figure and he replies that they have heard from the bride's sister that their father is an elf lord who has lived for centuries. Gunnar says that his fellows endeavor to journey into Dovrefjell forest and make the nearly 2 day trek to seek an audience with him and ask if he can offer insight. He kneels and respectfully requests his lord's blessing to go with them and offer his protection to their quest.
Jarl Asger reminds Gunnar that they had planned to go raiding together this summer. He says that his wife would feel better if she knew he was by his side and so would Asger himself. Gunnar says that he will do his best to see the task done in order to still leave in time with him. Asger says that they intend to leave in two weeks and Gunnar repeats that he will do his best. Asger thinks long and hard, brushing his whiskers with his knuckles. He tells Gunnar that he knows not if he could accomplish this task if he had 2 lifetimes. Nevertheless, Asger says that he will bless this endeavor and grants his young Alle all the time he needs to discover the truth of what happened and then bring the fiend responsible to justice. Gunnar bows his head deeply and thanks his patron.
Asger looks to the others and asks them to introduce themselves. Isa goes first, proudly giving her name; a name Asger seems to recognize. He says that he has heard of her and that she is Katla's girl. Isa smiles, asking if Asger knew Katla. The Jarl gives her a rye smile and says that Katla was her friend. He asks if she had officiated the ceremony and Isa says that she did. Asger looks deeply into Isa's eyes and says that she does indeed have a wise look about her.
Asger then looks to Bairrfhionn who gives his name followed by Genmason. Asger gives his condolences, stating that Genma was a great hunter and a hero to the town of her birth. Bairrfhionn thanks him, Asger says that he wishes him luck on the hunt for vengeance.
Finally he looks to Asmund, who is attempting his best to go unseen behind Gunnar's back. Asger asks his name but before he can speak Isa gives his name as Jaimé. Asger asks him if he is a warrior and he says that he is not; merely a guest who did what was needful.
Asger commends them all on their bravery, and thanks them for supporting his Alle in battle though no oath nor bond compelled them to do so. He says that they shall sleep in Lejre this night and set out the next morning for Dovrefjell forest to speak with the father of the bride. Asger then calls for a servant to bring cups of mead to Gunnar's companions and bids them to drink, formally making them his guests.
Just as the 3 finish taking their first sips from their cups and it seems as though all might be dismissed, Inga, wife of Jarl Asger, emerges from a door over Asger's right shoulder carrying a swaddled babe in her arms. Asmund immediately attempts to use Isa's scarf to also cover the lower half of his face as well as his ears. Inga tells her husband that it grows difficult to keep their children in their beds and asks what has happened.
Asger tells her that Ulfjolt Ragison's wedding was attacked by a figure who imprisoned the young groom in amber and unleashed undead upon the reception, adding that Gunnar did battle with them along with the companions who now stand beside him.
In a voice almost completely devoid of emotion or warmth, Inga welcomes Gunnar home and congratulates him. He bows his head and thanks her. She then looks to Isa and after a moment, remembers having met her earlier that week. She spares a slight smile as she recalls how Isa had smiled at her young daughter when they crossed paths in the market. She asks Isa if she was involved in the wedding ceremony and she says that indeed she was. Inga asks her in what capacity she was involved and Isa says as a Seiðr of the cult of Freyja she officiated the ceremony. Inga's smile grows slightly as she asks if it is true that all priestesses of Freyja are virgins. Isa blushes but returns the smile, stating that most indeed are.
Inga's smile wides yet again and she nearly chuckles, but then her gaze shifts to the other two standing before her and she smiles no more. She asks them why they continue to cover their heads in her hall before grimly asking if it is for fear that the roof will leak on them.
Bairrfhionn states that it is a tradition among Wathes bearing the medallion of a fallen fellow Wathe to not remove their hood until it has been returned to a Conclave. Inga asks if the fallen Wathe he speaks of is the Bear's Daughter. He replies that it is. In a voice still lacking any warmth, Inga expresses her condolences, stating that Genma was a great warrior and credit to the people of Buskagar before bowing her head in respect; a gesture Bairrfhionn returns.
Once she raises her head, Inga then sees a slight figure attempting to avoid notice behind Gunnar's broad shoulders. With a slowly outstretched finger, Inga points at Asmund and demands in a voice as flat and cold as a frozen lake that he show her his face and remove his hood. Asmund hesitates, Isa attempts to interject again on his behalf, but Inga silences her with a gesture and reiterates that Asmund is to do as she asks, and he is to do so now.
With a deep breath, Asmund removes his head covering and Inga raises a single eyebrow at the sight of him. She addresses him as Sven before asking Asger why he is questioning their gardener.
Suddenly every set of eyes is upon Asmund, who nervously takes another sip of his mead. Asger asks his wife if she is certain. Inga confirms it. She says he goes by Sven and has been tending their gardens for the last few weeks. She says that he is quite good, though she confesses to having had no idea he was an elf.
Asger looks down at the elf who is now his guest. Asmund cannot bring himself to look anyone in the eye and simply stares nervously into the golden contents of his cup as his ear tips turn red.
Asger looks to Isa and says that she had given his name as Jaimé. Isa cannot withstand his gaze and looks away. She says that it is a nickname denoting friendship. He then looks to Gunnar, whose face is bright red and also cannot meet his eye.
Inga then addresses Asmund as "Sven-Jaimé" and asks him to look her in the eye. With great reluctance, he does as he is bid and she asks him what brought him to this wedding. With a plea for mercy from her in his eyes, Asmund replies simply that he was there as a friend of the bride. For a long, agonizing moment, all are still and all are silent. Then, Inga gives a long, slow, knowing nod and in a soft voice that could almost be called kind, she says, "I see."
Inga's voice gains a louder, more firm quality as she declares that since her husband has already seen fit to offer them hospitality then there is nothing to be done but have beds prepared for them. She instructs servants to prepare cots next to Gunnar's in the far corner of the hall and says that their guest room is to be readied for Isa. She then informs Asger that she will be waiting for him in their room before returning through the door she had first appeared from, still holding their sleeping infant. Asger stands and says that they shall speak more in the morning. He dismisses the two Alle standing before his throne before following his wife through the door to their bedroom and closing it behind him.
A trio of maids set to the task of preparing their beds and Bairrfhionn immediately joins them, quietly telling the slave preparing his cot that he would be honored to instead to it himself. She objects but Bairrfhionn insists and she relents with a bow.
At this Fjolnir Olafson allows himself a disdainful snort before hefting his shield off the floor. Asmund feels his scornful, knowing gaze upon him as he passes by on the way out of the hall. Gunnar attempts to place himself between the two but it does little good. Then, the massive Alle steps forward with heavy footsteps and stands before Gunnar.
The giant Alle inspects him and says in a voice as deep as the rumble of thunder that Gunnar has taken battle for the first time. Gunnar says that he has indeed and states his name to be Thurmond, high priest of Buskagar's sect of the Cult of Thor. Thurmond notes that Gunnar has been injured and that there is blood on his tunic. The young Astari simply states that it is but a scratch before his massive counterpart places a hand on his left shoulder and commends him on a job well done before also taking his leave through the front door of the hall.
Immediately, Gunnar turns to face Asmund and says in a voice that is both lightly hushed and marked by incredulity that he has been their gardener, clearly demanding an explanation. Isa asks why Inga had called him Sven and Gunnar asks him pointedly but in an even softer whisper if Asmund had been spying on his Jarl on behalf of his people. At this, Asmund immediately declares that he had not, and he did so in a voice loud enough to catch the attention of the Jarl's servants as well as Bairrfhionn.
The 3 realize this conversation would be better suited for the next day and they agree to get some sleep. Isa is shown into the room used by the Jarl to entertain guests deemed to be important and marvels at its size and the lavishness of its decoration. The room itself was larger than her family's wagon and the bed, larger than her lavvu. She asked the maid if this was truly all for her and she was told it was, by the grace of Jarl Asger and Lady Inga.
With a stiff, tired grunt, Gunnar removes his mail and a maid notes that he does indeed have a fair amount of blood on his tunic. She offers to wash it while another offers to finish dressing his injury. He graciously agrees to both and stripes back down to his breeches, kicks off his boots and sits down on a table bench after pouring himself a horn of mead. One of the young women collects his bloodied clothes and the other gathers the supplies to clean a wound.
Asmund immediately lays upon his cot as soon as it is ready and attempts to sleep, or at least is determined to make it seem as though he is sleeping. Bairrfhionn removes his boots and quiver but keeps his leather jerkin, weapons and cloak about him as he sits upon his cot with his back against the wall. Once Gunnar's wound is done being dressed he thanks the slave-girl by name before finishing his horn and all but colapsing onto his cot. Sounds of snoring can be heard coming from him less than a minute later.
Once all signs of movement within the hall have ended, Bairrfhionn reached down and drew Svanrand, Genma's enchanted seax. Long had he admired it, but he has never wished for it to come to him like this. He stares at it for the whole remainder of the night until he feels it start to communicate with him. It does not do so with words, but with feelings and emotions that Bairrfhionn experiences as if the blade were a Wood Elf from his own clan. He never thought he would experience such a feeling again. At some point in the night, Bairrfhionn slips into his trance while staring at the seax.

May 13th

Bairfhionn is pulled from his torpor by Asmund just as the Jarl's slaves begin to enter the hall to start their morning tasks. Bairrfhionn is startled and nearly brandishes his weapon, but Asmund simply informs the Elf that he had looked rather inhuman just then, referring to his reflective, un-blinking eyes and vacant expression.
Bairrfhionn looks around and sees that none of the servants seem to have noticed and Gunnar still lies snoring beside him. Bairrfhionn nods to Asmund in gruff appreciation, who then proceeds to offer a playful smile and a pat on the Wathe's arm before turning to claim an apple from one of the tables.
Isa awakens by throwing her heavy blanket off herself and hopping out of bed. She stretches and enjoys a moment of obliviousness from the previous day's cares, but then remembers what she had been taught as well as what was to come and immediately sits back upon the bed to meditate. This was still an adjustment but she was sure she would get the hang of it eventually.
Gunnar finally begins to stir exactly 8 hours after reuniting with his cot and he does so just as the smell of cooking breakfast becomes irresistible. He rolls over and sits up to see Asmund and Bairrfhionn already breaking their fast at a nearby table. He stands just as Isa emerges from the guest room and the two join their companions at their chosen table. The table is blanketed by platters of food and pitchers of ale; loaves of bread, different fruit, thick slices of bacon, smoked herring, fried eggs, and part of a large cheese wheel.
As the 4 quietly begin to eat their morning meal, Asmund looks around the table at the people who had defended him and fought alongside him. He is unable to keep himself from asking for their attention. They give it. He starts by thanking Isa for being willing to try to help him conceal himself and Gunnar for not immediately making his deception known. He then begins to explain why he began working in Buskagar as a gardener but he is suddenly interrupted.
Isa and Gunnar hear a curious series of very small creeks in the floorboards behind them before a small hand lunges over Gunnar's shoulder clutching what seems to be a green shard of glass. The Alle is just barely able to bring his hand up to catch the hand's wrist with the shard's point mere inches from his throat. He looks over his shoulder to see a 15-year-old girl in a green dress with short, blonde hair looming behind him. She lets slip a slight chuckle and nervous smile as she greets her father's Alle with a, "Good morning Gunnar."
Before anyone can react, 2 boys of 5 and 7 emerge from the door behind the Jarl's throne. One shouts "Bear-slayer," affectionately as they run to join the young woman assailing the still seated Gunnar. Though it takes all their effort, the three are able to pull him backwards, off his seat on the bench and onto the floor. His still bare back hits the wooden floor with a great slap and he is barely able to avoid hitting his head. The others cannot help themselves from watching with thinly veiled amusement.
The 5-year-old takes the opportunity to step onto the Alle's chest and stands triumphantly. Both boys proclaim loudly that this is the first time that they had ever managed to get Gunnar onto his back. The 15-year-old simply leans down and whispers to him in a self satisfied voice that she had, "Got you."
Commends them, stating that they had indeed bested him. This means that they will all have to spare with him 1-on-1 from now on. Isa asks Gunar if he often gets manhandled by children, to which he replies no, citing that today is clearly special. He introduces the 3 children; the 5-year-old still standing on his chest being named Gunter, his 7-year-old brother being Ignar, and Astrid, Jarl Asger's eldest child.
Astrid moves to return her weapon to its place as a necklace around her neck, and it becomes clear that it is not a mere piece of glass, but a shard of a huge black opal. She tucks it into the collar of her dress, takes a seat at the bench and bluntly asks who everyone else is.
Isa introduces herself first as Guntar and Ignar stop their celebration to finally help Gunnar to his feet. Astrid says that she remembers meeting her earlier that week with her mother in the market. Isa smiles, stating that she remembers, also mentioning that her parents seem to command great respect. Gunnar sits back down at the bench to continue his breakfast and the boys set up opposite him, between Asmund and Bairrfhionn.
Another girl, looking about 11 and also with blonde hair but worn long like her mother's emerges from the door behind the throne. She takes a seat on the bench with Isa, Gunnar and Astrid, who introduces her younger sister as Embla.
Astrid them asks Bairrfhionn why he's wearing a hood indoors and he replies that its because he is a Wathe carrying a dead Wathe's medallion. Astrid's domener shifts from playful to serious and she states that she heard her parents talking about what happened the night before. She expresses her sympathies for what had happened, adding that Genma was a hero of hers. He thanks her and commends her on besting Gunnar, earning from her a bright smile.
She finally looks to Asmund and says after a brief moment that she knows him, he has been working as their gardener. She remembers his name as Sven, but then says that she did not know he had pointed ears. He does not seem to know what to say and certainly does not seem to want to continue now that the 4 of them are no longer alone, if they ever were. She and her siblings stare unabashedly at his pointed ears. Astrid continues, saying that they have never met an elf before. She asks him why he was at the wedding and he gives the same answer he had given her mother: the bride is a good friend of his.
At this, both Astrid and Embra's eyes soften. Astrid asks if it is he who plans to lead Gunnar and these others into Dovrefjell forest to speak with this elf lord. "Sven" lowers his eyes and says that he is indeed.
Embla commends him, stating that it is very kind to offer such help, noting that the last warband to set out into Dovrefjell forest from the township of Buskagar looking for elves was slaughtered to a man by his clan's archers. Asmund nervously says that he has heard about that.
And then, finally, Jarl Asger and Lady Inga emerge after having apparently taken breakfast in their bedroom, for they did not sit to join them. Inga holds the same babe from the night before while Asger holds their 3-year-old daughter.
They all sit at attention as the Jarl speaks, even his children. He says that they shall be heading on the first expedition on behalf of the Astari of Buskagar to the Elves of Dovrefjell Forest in a generation. He goes on to say that while the last had been in the name of aggression, this one would be made in the name of justice.
He then addresses Gunnar personally. He wishes him luck on his journey, stating that he will be provided a pack with all he might need on his trek through the forest. Asger instructs his Alle to offer his greetings to the leader of these elves and to express his good will, adding that he hopes bringing this villian to justice can give their people common cause.
Jarl Asger says that he is grateful to those that would make this journey with Gunnar and for fighting alongside him. He says that their courage places a burden of responsibility upon him, one that he shall not forget. He says that henceforth they shall all be granted a favor that they may ask of him at any time, and so long as it is within his power to grant and does not require him to sacrifice his honor, it shall be theirs. He spares them a wry smile and asks them to please bring his new Alle back in one piece, saying that his family has grown quite fond of him and that he is still far more accomplished as a charmer than as a warrior.
He pours himself a horn of ale and toasts to their good fortune before gulping down a large mouth full; a gesture all who were old enough at the table to drink ale share. He offeres the rest of the horn to Gunnar before continuing in his way down the hall to the entrance. Inga remains in place for a moment longer and instructs the children to held the slaves clean up after breakfast before following her husband out of the hall, sparing no further thought on any of them.
Asmund seems grateful to not have been subjected to further questioning from the Jarl and his wife. As the 4 finish their breakfast along with the Jarl's 4 oldest children, Gunnar's pack and cleaned clothes are brought before him. He thanks the servants, dresses, dones his mail, and inspects his pack. He finds torches, rations, a tinderbox, mess-kit and other things he could have need of, but also discovers a note wrapped around a small stash of gold coins and a handwritten note that seems to make him tear up as he reads it.
The Jarl's children bid them Fairwell as they leave the hall, and Asmund asks if they would accompany him to the room he is renting at Buskagar's inn. The others agree and they all walk together to the Green Dragon, an inn which stands near the town's west gate. Asmund greets the innkeeper as he leds the others up to his room and he immediately shuts the door behind him them.
The room is small, has two chairs, a small table, a single bed, and a window overlooking the town's docks. Before Gunnar can have a seat upon the bed, Asmund stops him before pulling the blanket aside and revealing an impressive assortment of items ranging from tools, to weapons, to things that could not be easily identified. He begins filling a pack with everything he could need, changes into his set of Astari clothes and dones his jerkin of leather armor. He also retrieves a stash of coins hidden under a floorboard. Only as he is nearly ready to leave does he notice everyone staring at him, clearly wanting him to continue his story from earlier.
Asmund then bars the door to his room. He cautiously presses his ear to it before doing the same to the floorboards. He then sits in a chair in the corner of the room and takes a deep breath. He begins by thanking Isa for attempting to help him conceal his identity. She replies that he seemed nervous and adds that she hopes she did not make the situation worse. Gunnar confesses that being party to any deception towards his Jarl makes him uncomfortable. Asmund apologizes and begins telling them his tale. He tells them that he is half-elven. One of his parents was a Wood Elf of Dovrefjell Forest and another was an Astari of Buskagar.
Gunnar seems most shocked of all, for he is alone in the room in professing that he did not even know that men and elves could sire children together. Isa chastises him, stating that of course they can, and Bairrfhionn adding that it just tends to end badly.
That addition seems to sting Asmund, but he continues, saying that he was raised in the Galanodel Sanctuary and though he was always well cared for, he never truly felt welcome within the clan. As he reached adulthood, he volunteered to scout the outer perimeter of the forest as an excuse to better get to know the Astari.
As he did so, he discovered that the Astari live lives ruled by money; something the elves forgo completely. In order to fit in, he needed money and a trade to earn it and he realized that one skill he possessed that he could market while posing as an Astari was his talents as a gardener. He developed the identity of Sven son of none, a humble gardener looking to sell his services to the people of Buskagar. He then says that he has been living such a life for nearly a year.
Isa finally asks him who his parents were. At this, Asmund's eyes soften. He turns his head and says he does not wish to speak of them.
Before any other questions can be asked, Asmund stands from his chair and says that they have spent enough time listening to him talk. He picks up his pack, un-bars the door, and says with a smile that it is time to attend to their business at the market.
The 4 leave the inn and head into Buskagar's market. Isa states that she has want of the means to make rations for the journey and shall need to see the township's baker. Gunnar informs her that rations are things that can simply be brought and that he would gladly share his with her, but Isa replies that normal rations are not like hers.
First Isa attempts to have one of her gold pieces made into smaller coins of silver and copper. She is outraged that Gorm, the town's money turner, demands a percentage of a coin's value to convert it into smaller increments, having never had an entire gold piece to spend in her life. He asks for 5 copper pieces of the 100 copper pieces her gold piece is with and she demands her gold piece's whole value but Gorm sheepishly asks what is in that deel for him. Gunnar tries to interject but Isa instead offers Gorm only 2 of her copper pieces. Gorm offers to compromise for 3 and after a tense moment of hesitation, Isa agrees. Gorm takes her gold coin and immediately bites it to test it. His pleasant domener remains as he begins to count out Isa's stacks of silver and copper.
Isa confidently says that she does not like him as she and Gunnar walk away from the money turner's stand.
Isa then procures salt and flour before she and Gunnar approach Tryggve, Buskagar's baker, a tall, broad, round faced man with a curled mustache and apple cheeks. Gunnar asks him if Isa can use his oven and Tryggve asks for how long to which Isa states for merely an hour. In exchange for a few copper pieces, the baker happily agrees and Isa sets to work.
Though she seems to be making simple cram to all who see her, Isa imbues the dough she kneads with life-sustaining magic. As she sets her dough to bake, Tryggve asks if she would like to sell the rest of the salt and flour had brought with her, and Isa agrees, leaving her shy only 1 copper piece from the start.
While her bread bakes, Isa buys a dagger from the town's blacksmith, whose forge is located right next to the baker. Gunnar buys a cask of ale that he is able to secure to the outside of his pack. Asmund attempts to buy 5 apples to eat on the trek, but instead Gunnar pays for these too, offering to do so as a token of gratitude for Asmund agreeing to show them the way. For both transactions, Gunnar rounds up to the next highest coin he gives to the merchants, thanking them and insisting that they keep the spare coppers with a smile and a wink.
With her bread finished baking, Isa wraps her morsels in leaves that seem to grow from the bread itself. Lastly, Isa and Asmund each buy a pound of Pipeweed before the 4 leave through Buskagar’s Northern Gate, a gate which also bears the skulls of trolls hanging above it.
Together they make their way to the Farm of Ragi and Helga. They find Helga seated at the entrance of their longhouse thoughtfully smoking her pipe, Bairrfhionn's pack sat beside her.
She embraces them all one by one, beseeching them to be careful, to take care of one another, and to please hurry back with news as to what can be done for the sake of her son and new daughter.
Asmund asks if Haleth is there. Helga says she is, though her spirits are still quite low, adding that she will likely not see them off this morning. Asmund asks Helga to tell Haleth that he intends to lead them to speak with her father and ensure that Rínn gets home safely. Helga promises that she will just as Ragi emerges from their longhouse with Rinn and their daughters in tow.
Ragi claps Gunnar by his shoulder and says that he gave his son back to him once. He begs him to do so once again and Gunnar vows to learn the truth of what happened.
Asmund embraces Rinn, who to him seems utterly shaken by the events of the previous night. Hnoss and Gersemi emerge from the longhouse to offer their farewells as well, mainly focusing on Gunnar, who they weep over as if he were going to war.
As mid-day approaches, Asmund insists they get moving. They cross the fields of wheat that fill the gap between the walls of Buskagar and the forest of Dovrefjell and step beneath the trees.. First they are led by Isa to a stretch of woods where her lavvu stands. Here, she recovers her pack and also finds Margu waiting for her. The barn owl perches atop the tent, clearly snoozing until the sounds of their approach wake her. The creature silently greets Isa by purring softly at her as the Seiðr enters her lavvu and begins assembling all she would need for the journey, though she decides to leave the tent there until they return.
With that, they all look to Asmund, who leads them north-east into the forest. Dovrefjell is a mix of beech, oak, linden, ash, elm and spruce and as they continue the trees begin to become quite large and tall indeed. They walk for nearly 4 hours before Asmund leads them to a large beech tree that grows near a clear brook.
They arrive just as the sun begins to set behind the western mountains. The space beneath the tree has been hollowed out and is supported by the tree's roots. Inside is a space for an elf to meditate, a work bench to repair equipment and a simple hearth where one could prepare a meal. Asmund informs them that they shall rest there for the night and make it the rest of the way in the morning.
Isa sets Margu to observe the surrounding area as soon as they arrive and all fill their depleted water skins in the stream.
The entrance to the hollow is so low that most cannot enter without crouching, and Gunnar still cannot stand within without his head brushing the ceiling. There is just enough room for the 5 of them within, and the space is dark to those need light to see, but as soon as they are all within, he runs his fingers over the edge if the hollow's entrance, causing a glowing pattern of swirls that emanate with a soft blue-green light to appear upon the underside of the tree.
Clearly both tired and fascinated, Gunnar unfurls his bedroll, retrieves 1 of the 10 daily rations he has in his pack and begins munching on its contents as he stares wistfully up at the glowing swirls in the hollow's canopy. Isa retrieves one of her leaf-wrapped bread pieces and offers a second to Rinn. When Gunnar asks her what it is exactly that makes Isa's bread so special she explains that it is called "lembas," a food infused with Vanir magic that will feed a person for a day if they eat a single piece. Bairrfhionn confirms that he has eaten it before. Asmund fishes an apple from his pack.
Bairrfhionn says that he will take first watch and leaves to have a look around. Shortly after he leaves, Margu returns, giving Isa a subtle sign that she found nothing to fear.
Bairrfhionn slowly walks through the trees as night falls, his elf-eyes allowing him to easily see in the low light. He sees a rabbit foraging between a pair of trees and draws an arrow. He quietly creeps towards it as he nocks the arrow and begins to straighten his bow arm. The arrow finds the creature before it knew it was being hunted. Bairrfhionn returns to find Isa and Gunnar already asleep and Rinn and Asmund deep in thought. As Bairrfhionn begins cleaning his kill, he asks the two what manner of elf is this Theren Erdanson. They both seem to have a hard time coming up with an answer.

May 14th

The next morning, Isa and Gunnar awake to find Bairrfhionn cleaning the rabbit's thigh-bone with his teeth. After it becomes clear that Asmund and Rinn have also been awake for some time the Astari asks if Elves even need to sleep. He seems genuinely surprised when Rinn responds that they do not.
Before they leave, Isa states that she must first meditate to pull the spells she could need. As she settles into her cross legged position, Bairrfhionn approaches her with a small amount of reluctance. He asks if he could join her, stating that he has yet to successfully meditate for the purposes of harnessing Vanir magic. Isa enthusiastically agrees and encourages him to sit beside her. While they meditate, Gunnar retrieves his prayerbook from his pack and begins to read from its pages. At first he does so loudly enough to disturb the Wathe and Seiðr but catches himself; apologizing and moving outside the hollow.
As those 3 remain occupied, Asmund and Rinn stare into the creek. Rinn says she is fearful for her sister and Asmund puts an arm around her.
With everyone's morning rituals completed, they set off, with Asmund saying they should reach the Sanctuary around mid-day. But as they walk, Isa notes that she feels as though they are being watched. She looks around and sees a small being watching them seated on a tree's root. It has a body that seems to be made of cherry-wood and a large, seemingly hollow head marked by 2 holes for eyes and another for a mouth. If it were to stand, it would likely be barely more than a foot tall. Isa stops to greet it and at her approach it moves its head to produce a loud, playful rattle.
None of the others have ever seen or heard of such a being and ask the Seiðr if it is dangerous. She claims it is not, stating that it is called a Gnook; a tree spirit and a friend to those who are true friends of the forest. She claims that Gnooks like this one had given her her staff. She asks the Gnook if it would be so kind as to grant them passage through their forest.
It lowers its head with seeming bashfulness and disappears. Isa is surprised but then hears another rattle high overhead. They all look up to see dozens, if not hundreds of Gnooks all looking down on them from the branches of the trees. Gunnar asks again if she thinks they are friendly and Isa states that she is pretty sure.
Asmund dismisses them, stating that he has never seen them before and continues into the forest. The others slowly fall in behind him and press on, but as they do, they begin to notice the Gnooks appearing all about their feet, seemingly joining them. Some begin carrying one another on their backs, imitating the packs the travelers carry. Some Gnooks are small enough to even run between their legs and both Gunnar and Rinn cannot help but indulge in their playfulness. Asmund finally seems to get annoyed with one enough to attempt to reach out and grab it, only for it to immediately disappear and then reappear a few feet outside of his reach; its mouth-hole now in the shape of a mocking smile.
Gunnar asks Isa how long she has been able to see such creatures and she says that they first appeared to her when she was a girl and have only ever seemed interested in playing or watching; adding that the trees they pass are likely their mothers.
They walk for nearly a mile with the Gnooks as their escort but then the spirits begin to silently vanish. This happens so suddenly that all are too distracted to notice the party of six Wood Elves sounding them and Gunnar nearly walks face-first into an arrow. Bairrfhionn moves to draw a weapon but quickly accepts that they are now captives.
A copper haired elf steps forward and addresses Asmund by name in the Syndarin language, a tongue that all but Gunnar can understand, and Asmund greets him as Finröd Ingwëson. They two have a brief exchange that at momentarily seems tense before Finröd says that they shall escort them the rest of the way.
The six elves continue to surround them as Finröd leads them for nearly another 4 miles before they begin to ascend a rise and upon its summit they are greeted with the sight of a stand of trees taller than some thought possible.
As they descend into the Sanctuary, they begin to catch sights of lamps glowing with the same pale greenish-blue light they had seen in the tree hollow the night before. As they enter, they walk a long path lined by statues of elves carved in marble to either side. Behind each one a young tree grows. Some hold weapons, some instruments, others tools used to create works of art and many look proudly up to the sky with smiles on their faces.
Asmund is unable to stop himself from sparing a look up at one; a elf-woman whose face is cast down, her hands held in her lap, and she is alone among the statues in looking entirely forlorn.
As they enter the Sanctuary, even Bairrfhionn is taken by the size of the trees within the Sanctuary. Some of the trunks are nearly 50 feet across and their sides bear dwellings that resemble blue fungus. They see no other elves as they walk amongst the giant trees but many can still discern their eyes upon them.
They follow Finröd to an especially large tree that seems to stand in the center of the Sanctuary and ascends a flight of steps that leads to a doorway into the tree itself. Following him inside, they then begin to climb a stairway that wraps around the entire tree leading upwards. The stairway is lit by both lanterns of the same soft blue light and windows to the exterior, allowing them all a glimpse at how high they had climbed. The stairway does not seem to have been carved using tools but instead by simply asking the tree to make an easier way to ascend up to its branches.
The stairs end at a platform that sits nestled atop the tree's trunk among its boughs and upon it is sat a dwelling. Lanterns hang beside its entrance and Finröd opens its door, becking the 5 to enter. Inside is a room that seem more like a library than a home. Bookshelves line its walls and in the center of the room there sits a table lit by a single blue lantern. At the table sits a lone figure; an Elf with the same red hair as Haleth and Rinn. Without looking up, he coldly greets Asmund and thanks him for bringing his daughter home.
First to attempt to speak is Rinn, but Theren immediately cuts her off, stating that she had been missing for nearly 5 days. Still not looking up from his book, he instructs her to go to her personal chambers and that they will have words later.
Rinn does as she is bid, leaving the 4 to face her father. Next to try speak is Gunnar, who is clearly stricken by the bearing of this ancient being. He is barely able to get more than a few words of greeting on behalf of his Jarl out before the Elf interrupts him as well, asking Asmund what is the meaning of bringing these outsiders into their midst. Asmund says that there was an attack on Haleth's wedding. He goes on to say that a figure who appeared to be Óðinn arrived and offered a golden armring to the groom that trapped him in amber as soon as he put it on, and he did so after invoking the Rite of Hospitality.
At this, Theren's interest appears to be won, though he seems more fascinated than anything as he finally turns his head to face them. He asks what happened then. Asmund says that the figure insulted Haleth before fleeing, leaving draugr to attack the guests in his wake.
The old elf stands and pours a draft of mead into a goblet and shows no emotion as he takes a long sip. He asks if the stranger said anything to explain his actions. Asmund tells Theren that the Stranger said that Haleth had wanted to be with him through all the ages of this world but it is Bairrfhionn who remembers that he specifically said that Haleth had wished for it.
At this, Theren's domener becomes more grave. He asks the fellow Wood Elf if he is certain and Bairrfhionn confirms it. After a long, pregnant pause, Theren tells them as he stares into his mead that this was not Óðinn. He says Óðinn has no regard for wishes or those who make them. He also dispises Draugr and would not call them to fight on his behalf.
He tells them that the perpetrator is nevertheless one terrible power. An undead Runekeeper who has achieved immortality. He says that he knows not if the Astari have knowledge enough of such a being to even have a word for it, but among the elvenkind, such a being is known as a Lich.
Theren goes on to say that this Lich is known to be one who preys upon the wishes of men, but especially those of elves made in moments of true desperation. He says that this being is known as Draumr, or the Dreamer. Bairrfhionn asks if this foe has a weakness and Theren says that a Lich is able to become immortal by housing their soul inside a physical object, but what such an object might be for Draumr, he knows not.
Bairrfhionn asks where they might begin to look for this Draumr. Theren almost seems amused and says that he has heard that he makes his home to the far north, far beyond the lands of Norđland and Finnmark, in the Lands of Always Winter in an abandoned Dvergr Hold. He warns though that if they should go searching for him now, as they are, they will surely perish.
Theren says that he has a cousin to the south named Finarfin who is the master of a great library where they may endeavor to try to discover the weakness of such a being. He dwells in a forest to the south named Idavollen that lies between the lands of Hordaland and Telemark.
He then says that the Firebrand Dvergr of the Amber Mountains know more about that stone than any other and could, perhaps, offer insight into how such a spell might be broken.
Theren begins to attempt to dismiss them by asking if there is anything else he can do for them but this time it is Asmund who interrupts him. He asks Theren if he even cares about what has happened to Haleth.
Theren stiffens. He looks at Asmund, who stands with his fists clenched at his side. He repeats Asmund's question as if it offends him, then says that of course he cares for his daughter and that it was his concern for her that drove him to discourage her from marrying Ulfjolt in the first place.
Gunnar is unable to hold his tongue any longer and says that Ulfjolt will make a fine husband and Theren snaps back that he will make just as fine a corpse.
Isa says that he should have been there to offer his daughter his blessing and Theren asks her if she is the apprentice Morwen has spoken of. She says that she is and the old elf asks if she is the one who officiated the ceremony. She confirms it and Theren asks in a dark voice what makes her think Freyja would bless such a union. Isa responds that Freyja would bless them because Ulfjolt and Haleth are in love, an answer Theren scoffs at before taking another sip of his mead.
Believing the elf elder has no further information to give them, Asmund bids him a terse farewell before turning to leave, with the others in tow. Just as Asmund's hand is upon the door's handle, Theren speaks.
"Wait… you do not remember what it was like… when your mother died." The elf stands from his table and looks Asmund right in the eye from across the room." She loved your father so much… losing him... shattered her." Slowly, he begins to cross the room towards the party, not breaking eye contact with Asmund. "Even if you survive this quest… Haleth and Ulfjolt will still be parted. Even if Draumr is defeated, Ulfjolt released from his prison and all that you hope for comes true, Haleth will still have to taste the bitterness of mortality. Whether by the sword or by the slow decay of time, Ulfjolt Ragison will die. And there will be no comfort for her. No comfort to ease the pain of his passing. He will come to death, even if he is carried by Valkyria into the gates of Valhöll. But… my daughter… she will linger on in darkness and in doubt. As night falls in a winter that comes without a star, in Buskagar she will dwell, bound to her grief beneath the bows of dead trees until the long years of her life are utterly spent before she's even middle aged. There is nothing for her with him... only death."
"Do you fear for her... or yourself?" asks Asmund, almost sounding like he pities him.
At this, Theren sighs and bows his head, defeated. He walks across the room and retrieves from a hidden compartment a pair of green boots. Boots of the Elvenkind. As he gives them to Asmund, he whispers something in his ear before returning to his table and his book, his head held lower than it was before.

Missions/Quests Completed

Speak with Theren.

Character(s) interacted with

Ulfjolt Ragison, Genma Björndotr, Ragi Erikson, Haleth Therendotr, Helga Björndotr, Hnoss Ragidotr, Gersemi Ragidotr, Asger Jorikson, Fjölnir Olafson, Thurmond Torbjörnson, Inga Ivardotr, Astrid Asgerdotr, Ignar Asgerson, Gunter Asgerson, Embla Asgerdotr, Brünhild Asgerdotr, Finrod Ingwëson, @theren