Speaking with Holmg?r

[Valka]

Later in the morning after Arne and Cedwyn had left to speak with the earl's steward, Valka sought out the norse priestess with a few questions in mind.

[GM Craig]

You find her cleaning a rabbit hide. She looks up as you approach and smiles. "Yes, child?"

[Valka]

Valka makes to help with the work, picking up a tool and pensive for a moment before answering. "In our homeland, we would have went with the men. But we are not seen as equals in Britain. I am more than willing to push aside my pride in order for us to gain refuge for our people. But is it right that we will be subjecting our mothers, sisters, and daughters to this culture? And what of the gods? Do you think they will support us, consorting with and fighting under the banner of Christians?"

[GM Craig]

She smiles, and nods her chin at the standing stones on the hill overlooking the camp. "Someone put those stones there. Not all Britons are Christian, I'd say. It may be spreading, but many still follow the old ways, even here. Their King's chief adviser, Merlin, is not a Christian."

She looks around the camp, and your eyes are drawn to the people around you. Men and women, even children - everyone is working, helping one another as they are able. A community united in purpose, sharing what little they have for the good of all.

A moment later, she continues. "We do not fight for their god. We fight for each other. We fight for vengeance. And we fight for Freya."

She is quiet a moment. Then she speaks with a wonder in her voice, not rebuke.

"Do you think it was you and Arne who, unarmed, wounded, weak and starving, fought and killed those slavers? All on your own? Do you think it was the half dozen warriors that your freed that killed a score of armed Saxon warriors in that camp and freed the rest us? Think, child - we escaped the bonds of slavery and we - all of us - made it alive to this camp.  Sick and injured as we were, we have not lost a single person on this march. Was that simple luck?" She smiles. "Given what we have been through, that you and I are here at all to even have this conversation is proof enough of Freya's favour. She has not abandoned us. Nor will she, if we hold true to her."

She sighs, a happy smile on her face. "I confess that in my long years I have sometimes doubted, but never again! I have never been more sure of her favour since, beyond all hope, you showed up like an avenging Valkyrie to break my bonds and set me free. Even if we all die in this land, know that she will cradle each of us to her breast and carry us to Valhalla herself, for we have her favour."

She smiles and grips your hand warmly. "You and Arne most of all, I think. I foresee that your line will do great things."

[Valka]

Valka listened intently to the priestess and found her demeanor changing greatly to glee and excitement herself - Holmg?r?r's tone and gestures as contagious as a yawn. She happily smiled. "I think Thor was with us when we brought down the giant. I called the squire for a spear while running, and he made the most perfect toss I have ever seen or heard of - legendary! I caught it without so much as a blink and sank it into the beast."

[GM Craig]

She nods. "So you see then. The gods favour the bold, and so the favoured you." She smiles warmly.

[Valka]

"Do you think they will bless us with a child this winter?" Valka asked thoughtfully. "I cannot imagine being as big as a cow." She puffed her cheeks and belly and looked down, curious what her skinny form would look like pregnant.

[GM Craig]

She smiles and spreads he hands wide. "Who can say? But such a thing would be a blessing. To be given a child despite all we have been through? And with such parents, any child will grow up strong!"

[Valka]

"Such flattery," she smiled. "Do you know if we have someone skilled with wood? I would like to carry a small image of Freya with me the next time I raise a shield. I remember some prayers, too. Although, it might be quite a while before we see another fight."

[GM Craig]

She nods. "There are several who would be happy to do so, though I daresay Arne would put more care into it that others might." She smiles at you and her eyes sparkle.

[Valka]

Valka nodded in appreciation of a good suggestion. "I will ask him at once."

Then she changed the subject, a mischievous smile forming. She knew it might open up something deep, but curiosity won over.

"So, how is it that you've come to know Merlin?"

Ooc: just in case you've forgot, Merlin mentioned her by name in regards to his warning about touching the ruins.

[GM Craig]

"People of wisdom tend to run in the same circles. He came to Thule once, long ago, seeking some lore. We spent a couple of nights together before he moved on."