Thread: Darkness Has Its Teachings (Athene & Alvis Alendran)

Goormr let out a sigh as he made his way into the hall. The roof was high above them, vaulted into the air giving the feeling of space, and as he looked around, the main room was being set up for what would be a coming feast. Long tables were being set up, and wood was being stacked for a further, larger fire. The plunder from the raid was being stacked close to a raised platform, and several men that had grey in their beards were moving chests and sacks off to the side, adn seemed ot be counting the take. Scales were set up, allowing them to weigh each piece of plunder. They made tally marks on wooden staves, keeping track orf what was what. Coins were tested randomly with teh edge of a knife, ensuring htat the silver was in fact good. More and more warriors began to file into the hall, as the ships were given over to others who specialized in such. Goormr let himself sink into his seat on hte raised platform, a high seat that looked down on all of the others. He lounged in the chair, looking down at the proceedings. There were more than a few looks at the pioles of stolen goods, and more than one or too leers at the captured women. Yrsa made her way up tot eh platform, and took up a standing position on his right, simply standing in a flanking position, spear at rest with the but on the floor, and her shield held loosely at her side. One of the greybeards seemed to have finished, and stood, approaching hte slave coffles. He paced around each woman, looking them over, seeming to weigh their worth in his mind before making further marks on his stave. He seized the jaw of one woman, pulling her face close to his to examine her. She spat in his face. He repaid the gesture with a sharp blow from his staff, sending her to the floor. He made another mark on his staff, adn moved on. He moved through each of the slaves, examining them, before reaching Rowena for last. He heard a throat clearing from the raised platform, adn turned to see his Jarl. Goormr simply shook his head, and the greybeard made no motion to continue, simply returning to his seat. A complete tally of wealth had been made, adn handed to Goormr. The Jarl stood up, walkig tot he edge of his platform, and raising his arms, his heavy fur cloak falling open. My brothers! he roared to the hall. An answering roar came, a wordless acknowledgement of their leader. We have sailed far, adn returned in good order bearing the plunder of far off lands! There is a further world that we have not yet plundered! We are the first to such a shore this raid, adn we shall be back again to show them that they will know proper fear of our passing! Another answering roar came, this time augmented by the sound of fists hamemring into shields, raising the din to a near deafening level. When it at last subsided, Goormr continued. As is our custom, I offer a full share to all who accompanied me on this attack. Those who wish part of their share in flesh rather than coin, simply make your case, and such a value will be taken from your coins. There was an instant flurry of shouting, many pointing to the women, a few reaching at them, tugging on cloth, trying to get a better feel. People shrank back from such, forcing them closer to the fire pit, more than one young girl clutched by their mother to keep them away from it all. Goormr looked on in amusement, letting the chaos reign a few moments more before he nodded to Yrsa who pounded her spear to the floor several times to call for silence, particularly when it seemed that Gunnar was preparing to climb over the table to get at the women. The movement stopped, and a more relative quiet reigned. All those who would lay such a claim, step forward, and know my judgement. I shall declare who shall take who from this hall. Goormr announced. Far far fewer stepped forward, many of them knowing that the Jarl would grant them no favour, for they had won no glory to be granted favour. For the remaining warriors that did step forward, inly one caught Goormr attention. Yrsa stood among them. What favour might I grant you Yrsa? He asked her. The woman nodded to one of the slaves. I require a servant in my household. I will take the dark haired one there. She aimed her spear at one of hte women, and Goormr nodded. Done. He smiled before he spoke again, knowing that this was going to be hte more challenging portion of this ceremony. Who amongst any of you desire...that one? He aimed a hand to Rowena. Three men grinned, and called out an acknkowledgement, all of them seeming eager to own her, possess her. So any of you will wish to possess the forgien Volur? One man fell silent, looking at Rowena with a sense of uncertainty, before withdrawing, shaking his head. Then you two souls shall claim to want her? And responsibility for whatever devilry her working might wreak? The faces of hte two men fell insantly. Rowena now no longer seemed such a prize. Any misfortunes might be attributed to a foreign, likely hostile, Volur among them, and to be held accountable could quickly become untenable. Will no one take her? Is she without worth to any in this room? Goormr called loudly. Dead silence from the Norse came, the only sounds came from the fire, and the occasional sounds from the slaves. Then I suppose as your leader, it will fall to me to take such responsibility to myself. I shall take the Volur, as no one else shall. There was an agreeable murmer from the assembled men, and Goormr spared Rowena a glance and a cold smile. You belong to me now. He told her in her own tongue.