TVTropes Now available in the app store!
Open

Follow TV Tropes

Following

The Norsark Cycle

Go To

Hydrall Since: Jun, 2009
#26: Aug 17th 2015 at 10:41:08 AM

Well, the elf seems entertaining. In the same sense that a new warrior can be entertaining before he does something stupid. That was an impressively long list of titles, at least - although the gods only knew which of them were true. Aeskell listened in silence to the conversations, raising an eyebrow as their guard mentioned the possibility of war. Fairly typical, in all honesty - titles had changed hands, and those that didn't get them now circle and wait for a moment of weakness. Being at the center of a southern war would be a learning experience, at least. And now a dwarf had joined them. Quite the diverse party they had here - he would have only been slightly surprised should one of the distant drow have appeared, although he had a feeling their presence wouldn't have been appreciated.

As they passed through the doors of the keep, Aeskell ducked slightly by instinct even though the frame was plenty tall for him to pass; a habit picked up from years of living in the cramped, claustrophobic stone of the hill and coastal forts of Jotunrike's borders. Compared to them, this was extravagant - and fragile. A fire would ruin this place. At the gnome's words, Aeskell shrugged, his scalemail jingling. "Do you really think that's all we're here for?" he rumbled, somewhere between a genuine question and a rhetorical one. "Gathering so many far-flung travelers into one place... It couldn't have been cheap. And with the threat of a succession crisis looming over them, with our mutual friend at the center of it?" The skald chuckled. "Of course, I could simply be seeing something that isn't there."

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#27: Aug 17th 2015 at 12:37:05 PM

"Actually," Synne said, "Feng is on the second floor of the keep..."

She led them up the stairs, a long set of stairs which lead into a spiral as they entered the turret.

On the first floor above them was a feasting hall, where a few chefs prepared food a couple guards had stolen away for quick meal between shifts.

As they approached the second, they found the royal chambers. Synne looked slightly nervous, unsure of the way, but there were far fewer rooms and eventually they came upon a rather sizable door. Synne gave a quick knock and a moment later the door was opened.

Inside was a sizable bedroom which had quickly become a study as well. The area was littered with books, charts, missives and even a couple maps which hung on the wall.

A middle aged man wearing heavy scholar's robes invited them in from the door. He had a lean and hungry look with should length brown hair, grey at the temple and a mustache peppered with age.

"Ah, welcome," He said, inviting them in to the scattered chairs, "Sigrun, Noluen... Caradoc... Aeskell and... Salvator."

He turned to the Jote, Dwarf, Gnome, Half-Orc and Elf respectively.

"I apologize for our hasty sending, but in fairer times, Hrolf spoke well of each of you. Now, he is much afflicted and has changed since his mother's death. You may have seen or heard before that times are trying and fate is precarious but my nephew is ignorant of all these goings on. Something has struck him with his mother's death and he cannot go on as he is now; all of Edinhelm may sink to the same depths if he is not found better soon."

He paused to take a breath, "So I had hoped by calling his friends, you could bring him back to fairer days. Find what is wounding him and bring him to a better state."

edited 17th Aug '15 12:37:35 PM by Fauxlosophe

amporiusrex Bark Bark Man from Dunkland, USA Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Coming soon to theaters
Bark Bark Man
#28: Aug 17th 2015 at 9:52:07 PM

Noluen nodded knowingly. "Of course, the pain of losing a loved one is an experience unique to the sufferer."

But fear not, for everything returns to the forest in its own way.

That was what they would say back in Tuchennoù Avel during a funeral, if a bit shortened and altered. The second part wasn't relevant to them, so she didn't say it, but she recited it mentally as a reminder of home.

"Regardless, where can we find Hrolf? Is his location known, or must we track him ourselves?"

"Gimme your pants.. and now your other pants"
nman Since: Mar, 2010
#29: Aug 18th 2015 at 12:40:11 AM

"The shortling is indeed correct, we mustn't waste any time waiting around if the situation is as dire as you say," Salvator said. "If we're to save the realm, then surely we can talk while we walk to him."

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#30: Aug 18th 2015 at 12:57:53 AM

"He hasn't done anything reckless," Feng said before sighing, "Yet."

"I imagine he's about the keep somewhere, if he is not in his chambers. Perhaps with with Sibyl. He might be around the town. He'll be around by dinner."

Feng paused and with a moment's thought turned to the guard, "...Could you do us the service of finding him?"

Synne nodded nervously and darted off.

"He has been acting strangely and giving pause to many You might have sensed that thing have been tense and the lad's behaviour could turn collapse his own mother's legacy. So you will understand why I called you to speak with me first."

"It is not the adventuring which you might be used to," He continued, "But I need him to attend tonight's feast without trouble. Afterwards, I have in mind an expedition away from Edinhelm; far from the volatile politics of our Eorldom and whatever afflicts him, more akin to the days where he met you."

edited 18th Aug '15 12:58:52 AM by Fauxlosophe

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#31: Aug 18th 2015 at 12:30:41 PM

"The way to heal from the wounds of a loss are different to all... it depends on what hurts the most for dear Hrolf. It may be indeed that fresh air and enemies to wet his blade, to unleash the pain into may be the best way to help him get through it... maybe not. I don't know if we should meet him all together... we met him all on different circumstances I reckon and having to tend to all of us together may be overwhelming" says Sigrun after thinking on the matter for a moment.

nman Since: Mar, 2010
#32: Aug 19th 2015 at 10:39:05 PM

"I understand completely," Salvator said eagerly. "You're thinking that spending a night on the town with the hero of Wivenhoe is exactly what he needs to cheer up. You don't have to ask me twice!"

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#33: Aug 19th 2015 at 10:45:46 PM

"I understand," Feng said to Sigrun with a solemn look, "But as a Chieftan yourself, you must understand the needs of the clan must sometimes weigh heavier than your sadness. This is a matter of state and Hrolf is putting all of Edinhelm in jeopardy."

"It is good to hear that, Salvator," Feng replied, "If there are no further questions, I suspect you are eager to reunite with your friend. Feel free to seek me out if you require anything at all."

With that the group departed Feng's study. As they walked towards the stairs where they would expected to meet the young guard, they hear what sounded like a scuffle in the distance. Everyone, save Caradoc, heard the shouts of argument in the distance, which though muffled, two of the voices were still familiar.

edited 19th Aug '15 10:50:14 PM by Fauxlosophe

nman Since: Mar, 2010
#34: Aug 19th 2015 at 11:06:30 PM

"You know, I can't quite put my thumb on it, but I think I've heard some of those voices before," Salvator said. "Don't tell me it's some of my fans trying to get a charm - last thing I need is a girl trying to cut off a lucky scrap from my shirt."

amporiusrex Bark Bark Man from Dunkland, USA Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Coming soon to theaters
Bark Bark Man
#35: Aug 20th 2015 at 10:31:09 AM

"And how would these 'fans' of yours get into this hall? If they say Hrolf's in some kind of somber mood, that could possibly be him about to punch someone into an early grave." Noluen replied, scoffing at the possibility of this elf having a fanbase.

"We should probably hurry." she added, speeding up a little. She was surprisingly fast for having such short legs.

"Gimme your pants.. and now your other pants"
Hydrall Since: Jun, 2009
#36: Aug 20th 2015 at 7:47:24 PM

The others may have been eager to reunite, but Aeskell hung back, the half-orc watching them troop out with a raised eyebrow. He could have laughed - when a warrior was stricken with melancholy and gloom, it was rarely best to make it obvious that your intention was to 'cheer them up'. All these people from Hrolf's past would be far too obvious, and he had no desire to contribute to the problem by being there himself. There would be plenty of time to speak with Hrolf once the shock of the others had worn off. For now... He ought to learn more about the situation. It still struck him as suspicious, even if Feng insisted that their purpose was simply to provide a familiar face for their mutual friend.

Aeskell glanced at a few of the books - having so many spoke of considerable wealth, if nothing else. He touched the spine of one, tracing the title as he read it. Some history book - others nearby seemed to be on a variety of topics, magic and legends and wildlife and a few that seemed to be on mathematics. There was no guarantee the man read them, of course, as many a nobleman sought to appear wise by collecting rare and antique tombs that then sat untouched on shelves for decades. Many more had trained servants or slaves to do it for them, often educated prisoners from the south. "Lord Feng," the half-orc said, quietly, "Your letter said nothing about calling us into what might well become a battlefield. Was that deliberate on your part, or is this a new development?"

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#37: Aug 21st 2015 at 1:14:16 AM

Sigrun for her part smiled a bit as she heard the voices... not wasting a moment talking of it as she hurried her steps to move closer to the source of the scuffle.

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#38: Aug 21st 2015 at 11:17:25 AM

Feng's Study

"I can assure you that you are safe," Feng nodded looking up at the Aeskell as he returned, "I wouldn't bore an esteemed guest with details, but if I am fortunate, I hope I should be able to dedicate this feast to peace along the old Sark."

He paused and looked back at the map, "Nonetheless, should Audhild win the ear of Aethelred, there would still be some time to prepare and most of the fighting ought to be in the hills between Gudden and Tuid."

Near the staircase, in the feasting hall

Hrolf and Synne stood across from six guards.

The language shifted fluently between Jotun and, as Synne spoke, to Common Sassen. You catch only glimpses of the conversation, not enough to properly parse.

"Ek em konungsins karl," One of the guards spoke, "þú sœir han når som þú sœir mik!"

"Allsvá," Hrolf spoke as he drew his blade, "Hann flyti mik som þú!"

The Guards followed reluctantly, while Synne drew hers quickly as the Guards only touched their pommels.

It was then that their heads turned to the entrance of the stairs, where the party emerged

"Mitt vinar!" Hrolf said with a smile without lowering his blade, "Friends!"

edited 21st Aug '15 1:40:41 PM by Fauxlosophe

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#39: Aug 21st 2015 at 7:09:07 PM

"Hrolf!" cries out Sigrun with a smile... and with a wild glint in her face she would nearly rush at him, probably making some guards a bit nervous however her intentions lie more into ignoring his blade and crushing the man into a big embrace.

nman Since: Mar, 2010
#40: Aug 21st 2015 at 8:23:35 PM

"Fret not, I've come to cure what ails you," Salvator said heartily.

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#41: Aug 21st 2015 at 11:10:16 PM

Hrolf gradually lowered his sword as he saw Sigrun approaching. The manic smile on his face descended to a more somber look as she pattered closer. His eyes turned to her and the others bearing a coldness to them, scrutinizing as if in disbelief.

As he looked to them, the group of guards put back their blades and turned to leave.

Hrolf paid little mind as he pulled away from Sigrun's embrace with a slightly softened expression.

"A host greets me," Hrolf said, "Sigrun, Salvator, Noluen and Caradoc. Now, I must know the humour of the Norns; where do you find yourselves of late in their weavings?"

amporiusrex Bark Bark Man from Dunkland, USA Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Coming soon to theaters
Bark Bark Man
#42: Aug 22nd 2015 at 8:08:21 AM

"Not too far this year, else I would not have been able to arrive as soon as I did. Close by, yet in prosperous townships."

Noluen did not go up and hug him, but stayed close by regardless.

"But we are not hear to talk about our troubles. We are here for yours."

edited 22nd Aug '15 8:08:42 AM by amporiusrex

"Gimme your pants.. and now your other pants"
Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#43: Aug 22nd 2015 at 9:45:45 AM

"Then you come for naught," Hrolf said, "As my Mother's troubles have passed and the troubles of Edinhelm are not my own. Still, I'm not ungrateful to find you here; as a sober man in a bedlam is happy for the company and sad for their fortunes."

edited 22nd Aug '15 9:47:29 AM by Fauxlosophe

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#44: Aug 22nd 2015 at 8:40:15 PM

"Oho... and how are the troubles of your homeland not your own, dear Hrolf?" asks Sigrun with a raised eyebrow, though she kept smiling after squeezing the man in a tight hug.

Hydrall Since: Jun, 2009
#45: Aug 23rd 2015 at 12:45:11 AM

The names were unfamiliar, but he had heard them before - presumably they were Sassen relatives of the late Guthrun, or at least one was. It seemed a standard tale, an estranged relative seeking their liege's aid in pushing their claim… Jotunrike's kingdoms were always squabbling in similar ways, so this was hardly unusual to the orc. His homeland, however, tended to be a little more direct with their threats. Skalds were even paid to deliver them on occasion, although such a job was simultaneously prestigious and undesirable. A surprising number of those messengers were found facedown in a moat, after all. "I know little of your southern ways - save that stories always come north of your sailors and our own brawling over fisheries - but… Would it not be the imperative of your King to protect his vassals? Would this Aethelred risk war in such a case?" The half orc had many questions - always curious to learn who and where to avoid or investigate. Outwardly, however, he hardly showed it, the orc looking casually attentive and only slightly concerned.

"Regardless, I'm relieved to know I won't be caught in a siege on this trip. There are many experiences in this world I have yet to enjoy, but that one can stay unknown." Not that he was entirely convinced, but he didn't see much point in pressing. He simply couldn't shake the suspicion that this timing was quite a coincidence; but then again, coincidences happened.

edited 23rd Aug '15 12:45:32 AM by Hydrall

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#46: Aug 23rd 2015 at 11:31:04 AM

Dining Hall

"Because the land does not cry out to me," Hrolf replied, "The problems of Edinhelm and all Norsark are not problems born of land, but the problems which the people cast upon the soil and claim sprouted from the very earth which has done them no harm. Isn't that the wildest sort of Bedlam?"

"So, I take no more mind of problems which have been cast at me," Hrolf said, "Should they bear the standard of Edinhelm or should they be bare. Rather, I have concern for the wyrds and fears of friends. Come, get a drink with me and I will hear what has brought you."

Feng's Study

"I admire your interest, but I am certain you can understand why I am slow to speak too frankly of our interests with a foreigner, particularly a performer," Feng said looking up, "Nonetheless, you are my guest here and so I will answer you as best I can as a friend of Hrolf."

"Audhild does not have much of her own, I were to speak truthfully," Feng said, "But there are rumours that she may have won Aethelred's ear and he is gathering men."

"I couldn't say if the two were related," Feng continued, "Aethelred has issues within his own realm and Brecqhulon has long looked north with an eye to consolidate their power. A victorious war would salvage his reign while a defeat would see him, if not his entire line, ended."

"King Ragnall certainly should owe us aid, were Aethelred to call the Sassens to war," Feng said, "Nonetheless, we ought to make our own preparations. There are reasons he might be "delayed" after all. Should the war become protracted however, he would eventually be forced to join. That would be why I am doing all I can to avoid this war and I may yet succeed."

edited 23rd Aug '15 11:32:04 AM by Fauxlosophe

nman Since: Mar, 2010
#47: Aug 23rd 2015 at 11:48:37 AM

"Such wise words, Hrolf," Salvator said. "Are you sure you've not already begun drinking, or have you grown wiser since last we met?"

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#48: Aug 23rd 2015 at 12:25:28 PM

"The Elves say there is truth in wine," Hrolf smiled wryly at Salvator, "In that sense, I've always been a scholar."

He signaled the group back towards the stairs, "The best drinks are in the cellar below."

"Now, Salvator, how have you been? Still chasing your star?" Hrolf said with a teasing sense familiarity as he began his descent, "What brought you to such fair company?"

edited 23rd Aug '15 12:29:07 PM by Fauxlosophe

nman Since: Mar, 2010
#49: Aug 23rd 2015 at 2:52:12 PM

"The moon, Hrolf, the moon. Not just some mere star," Salvator rebutted. "As for why I'm here, I learned of the situation, and decided that I would help an old friend out. Besides, you've been a friend to the Earth and the moon, and they know that it's ill manners to abandon their compatriots."

Hydrall Since: Jun, 2009
#50: Aug 24th 2015 at 9:20:07 PM

"Of course. If my questions are too... Political, my apologies." Aeskell bowed his head politely, making sure to sound chastened. The Eorl was being more than forthcoming, however - even if at least some of this was common knowledge by now. "But I hope your efforts are successful." He recalled something the Eorl had said, however - about what they might be doing in time. Taking him on an adventure like old times, hmm? The half-orc smiled thinly. "... But in the unlikely event that things go wrong, I suppose having Hrolf off on an adventure would be fortunate, yes? Out of harm's way."


Total posts: 59
Top