Winter Breeze
King Ivan pulled the Northern Grizzly Bear cloak close in the freezing valley wind. The roaring of the breeze only overshadowed by the dull creaking and straining of the old ski lift shuttering into action. The ski lifts closed cars moved slowly and Ivan watched as the next ferry of passengers glided from the top of Mount NikPik down towards the Norotunga Valley Entrance Hall. "Your Majesty are you sure it's really necessary that we wait for...that girl?" The mans withered hog-like face quivered and rolled as he spoke, a foul stench of rot emanating from his yellow-black stained teeth. "Surely that little daisy-sprout doesn't need you to hold her hand the whole way to the village - she has God to keep her warm...afterall." Ivan turned slowly and spoke cross "Perhaps you'd like to stay behind when she arrives to test that theory?" Snort! "You won't always be around to protect her. THIS! This is a world of man - God made Adam in his image and Eve is only his shallow imitation. That girl will never rule - not over this Kingdom, not over a Duchy, not in her own home. If you insist on waiting then I hope you'll forgive me - the cold gives me sore bones and sore bones.I will meet you in the village when things are settled." Father Valdemar took his cane in hand and shuffled towards the waiting Scraeling porters.
Clink! Clink! RMBL! The snow lift continued on it's steady descent. Ivan's retainers, advisors and guards stood by covered in warm weather gear and shivering quietly. "Things will work out for the best." Ivan whispered the words quietly and stifled a yawn, fighting against his instincts to stay on his feet. Coffee sounds good right now. Ivan turned his head towards his handmaid Lucy Farehollow and without a word the girl stepped forwards with a thermos of warm caffeine. It was a routine that Lucy had become familiar with over the past couple months. "Thank you" Ivan took the thermos in hand and brought it to his lips, letting the coffee pass. "Looks like she's almost here..."
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That girl...
Lady Sigrid looked out of the ski lifts window towards the growing shape of the Norotunga Valley Entrance Hall. The cold glass mirrored her reflection back, failing to hide the quivering of the girls lower lip. "What's that you're doing?" The tip of a wooden cane reached up and touched Sigrid's lower lip. "Stop acting like a scared rabbit." The cane left Sigrid's lip and she bowed quickly "my apologizes." Sigrid turned away from her tutor and back to the window while doing her best to suppress the urge to tap her foot. "Honestly girl, a great opportunity has been handed to you and you're scared? No matter; shape yourself up we'll be in the presence of His Majesty soon - and take care of your retinue or I'll have them tarred - you're going to be a leader in the future so act. like. it."
Sigrid about faced and put on a happy smile. She marched to the end of the car and stood before her two companions while bringing her hands to her side decisively. Skapti and Arnora looked up at her from their seats. Skapti shoved a biscuit into his mouth while Arnora chewed on a piece of taffy she'd brought with her all the way from The Royal Palace in Truvaria. "Oh hey Sigrid, are we almost there?" Sigrid nodded her head "we're close enough, Skapti you're covered in crumbs..." Skapti looked down at his nice dress pants and laughed "Sorry Sigrid" Sigrid scowled "don't be sorry, be better. Clean yourself up...or I'll have you tarred." Skapti's eyes went wide and he looked to Arnora but Arnora's eyes were glued to Sigrid's. Sigrid didn't meet Arnora's gaze. "What's your problem? You've been rude ever since we left the palace." Arnora rose to her feet and stepped in front of Sigrid defiantly. "How dare you talk to me with that tone of voice! What would His Majesty say if he heard you?" Arnora's jaw fell agap and she stepped back. "Fine, be like that."
"We're going to be with His Majesty for a whole week, you two need to be on your best behavior." Sigrid felt a lump in the back of her throat and stepped forwards to sit on the seat with Arnora and Skapti. "I'm sorry: I haven't seen him in so long..." Arnora reached across and touched Sigrid's hand. "Don't worry about us. His Majesty is going to be focused on you - you're basically his daughter." The lump in Sigrid's throat grew larger and she felt her mouth dry up. "I-..." Sigrid shot from the seat "anyways, just make sure you clean up those crumbs - oh!" The ski lift came to a halt and Sigrid looked back at her companions and then to the door which slid open with a steamy sound. "Come now, it's time for you to greet His Majesty." Miss Kisping spoke and attached the wood cane to her belt before leading the way out of the car.
Sigrid stepped out of the car followed by her companions and tutor. To her left stood a man with silver hair and grey-ish blue eyes; he wore an intricate expensive looking suit of armor decorated with flowers - no doubt a man who would have been good with the ladies if so inclined. Sigrid knew that wasn't the case; at least not anymore. The man before her was recently married with a baby or two on the way - it's all that he seemed to be capable of thinking about for the past couple months. Sigrid hadn't minded the conversations, especially since it didn't have anything to do with how to walk or talk or act like a proper young lady: she was fond of the knight and at least for the moment her anxiety subsided. "Ooh, he's dreamy isn't he?" Arnora blushed and giggled from Sigrid's side.
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A knight in shining armor
"Darling do you really have to go?" She walked over and rested her hand on the knights cheek, caressing his rugged skin gently. "How will I bear being away from you for so long?" The knight smiled tenderly at his wife "you know I don't have any choice - I have a charge to protect and that valley isn't exactly safe." The knight reached down and touched his wife's swollen belly with a gentle hand "I'll be home in time." The wife leaned forwards and planted a kiss on the knights neck "promise?" The knight felt a tingle run through him and the urge to squeeze his wife hard, but he resisted and instead took her hands in his and looked down into her eyes. "I swear it by the moon and the stars that I'll be home in time for the birth. Don't worry about me, you just worry about staying healthy and resting - make sure you're eating lots, afterall you're feeding two. Nanny Halla should be by any minute now, she'll take good care of you while I'm away." The knight leaned over and kissed his wife's forehead. "I have to go now or I'll be late for the train." The knight turned to leave but his wife called out "wait!" Waddling over the wife pulled out a small necklace from her pocket, shaped like a dove. "This was my grandfathers, it'll keep you safe: please wear it while you're gone?" The knight looked down at his wife as tears began to stream down her face. "You're breaking my heart, don't cry like that." He reached into his own breast pocket and pulled a handkerchief to wipe away the tears. "If it makes you feel better I'll wear your grandfathers necklace." The wife leaned forward and kissed the knight, then hugged him tight "thank you Leon."
Sir Leon Mayr stepped forwards and dropped onto one knee, bringing his arm under his body and bowing his head reverently. "Lady Sigrid I have returned from my leave of absence and will once again serve as your loyal sword. By my oath I will protect you and all that you own with my life." Leon recited a condensed version of the much longer oath he'd spoken many times. "Rise Sir Leon" Sigrid spoke and Leon obeyed, standing back onto his feet and turned to open the path before them. Sigrid affirmed herself with a nod and marched down the stairs towards the lodge. Leon took his place immediately behind his ward. They went down the stairs and into the view of a man that Leon hadn't seen in some time except for on posters in the street, or on the television. His Majesty King Ivan of The Frozen Forest.
The King's eyes were surrounded by black rings and his eyelids barely held themselves up. His Majesty was hunched over slightly and bundled in furs, his breath was just slightly uneven enough to notice. Leon's first thought was How is he still standing? He looks as though he hasn't slept in a week. Leon supposed that might actually have been true: His Majesty had survived numerous assassination attempts since the ball many months ago. Leon had seen what paranoia did to a man in the form of his fellow knights but to see someone so invincible as his King fall prey to that horrid disease, it was a terrible sight to behold. Leon stood aside as Ivan took a step forwards towards Sigrid. The King's voice was stern and dignified "Lady Sigrid, welcome to the Norotunga Valley." Sigrid flinched suddenly though the movement was so slight that Leon doubted that Ivan had noticed. Sigrid curtsied and bowed her head low "It is an honor to be received by you Your Majesty." Ivan nodded slightly and swept his hand around. "Now that you have arrived we should make our way to the Chief's Hall."
Leon sat in the back of a large six-person sleigh being dragged across the deep snow by a team of eight draft horses. The sleigh itself was made of a light-weight wood and designed to look both stylish and simple - clearly the best sleigh available to the folks in Norotunga Valley, their level of "royal" transportation. Leon thought it was humbling as the leaned back against the sleighs backrest. Sigrid's companions had gone to work chattering about whatever it was that interested them at the moment but Sigrid was dead silent and staring ahead a the draft horses. It seemed that His Majesty was doing quite the same and Leon couldn't help but get the sense that a level of formality had walled itself up between them over months past. Were the rumors true? Leon wrapped the elk blanket firmly around his body to shield himself from the wind.
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Arrival in the Village
Norotunga Village came into sight among the frozen wastes and scattered trees along the freezing path. Ivan glanced over at Sigrid but her eyes remained firmly ahead of her, she almost appeared regal. like a Princess. Folks ran out of their homes to greet their King, a few Scraelings but most were true blooded northmen and women. They emerged from their ancestral homes to wave and cheer - Ivan politely raised his hand to acknowledge their welcome. The children who came from beneath their parents feet were more interesting: Some hid behind trees and watched nervously as they passed while other more defiant brats aimed snowballs at the sleigh, missing and being scolded harshly by their parents. They seemed healthier than kids back in the capital, bigger-stronger-more full of themselves even. Then again Ivan was sure that disease and deaths from childbirth were probably the reasons there weren't so many of them.
The sleigh came to a stop just outside of a massive wooden structure adorned with dragon carvings and depictions of the old norse gods battling fierce beasts and monsters. Ivan couldn't make out all of the carvings as the snow had picked up and was cutting visibly down. Ivan stepped out of the sleigh and approached the door only for his bodyguard to cut him off and yank the door open for him - Ivan didn't stop to acknowledge the help and continued on into the massive wooden hall, followed by his retinue, Sigrid and her retinue. Before them a massive hearth spewed fire and warmth across the building and on either side flanking the fire there rested long tables upon which food and drink sat waiting. Directly across from the Ivan sat the local Chieftain on his throne. Ivan made his approach followed only by Sigrid.
As he approached the Chieftains guard adjusted himself, clearly indicating to Ivan that he'd come close enough. "Chieftain Knut Amundisson of Hranafall: I am King Ivan of The Frozen Forest and this is my...daughter Sigrid of The Frozen Forest." Ivan presented Sigrid who approached the Chieftain, who had outstretched his hand to the pair. "Hail Chieftain Knut" Sigrid said and kissed the Chieftains ring followed by Ivan, who repeated the phrase. "I bring gifts of steel in your honor Chieftain Knut." Ivan gestured and Sir Leon Mayr stepped forwards carrying a large bundle of intricate and well made swords wrapped in fur.
"I welcome you here to Amundi's Hall and to the Chiefdom of Hranafall. I accept your gifts of steel King Ivan. As is customary I shall provide you and your retinue with lodgings here in my home." Chieftain Knut let a beat pass and then continued. "The last time you arrived here we arranged to bring your suitors, to lodge them at the local inn and village and to treat them as honored guests. Hranafall will keep it's end of the agreement, so shall The Frozen Forest?" Ivan nodded and once again Sir Leon Mayr stepped forwards, this time hauling a massive sack of gold Imperial Coins. "The Frozen Forest will hold up it's end of the agreement." Chieftain Knut smiled and Ivan felt relief wash over him. "It's settled then. Please go and sleep young King, if I didn't know any better I'd think you were a draugr." The Chieftain waved them away and Ivan stepped back.
Thralls rushed forwards to guide them to their rooms and Ivan turned to the rest of his party, his head spinning from exhaustion. "You shall all join me tomorrow morning in the village center where we will greet the suitors." Ivan's gaze turned to Sir Leon's "You will sleep outside Sigrid's room tonight - sleep lightly." With his commands given Ivan turned to follow his thrall guide.
Shila Taktuq rose from her sleeping bag with a yawn. Light streamed into the hut from it's single window and Shila's eyes went wide. Oh no! She rocketed towards the door and then turned around to grab her clothes. Shila dressed and flung herself outside into the snow. What was it? Midday? Had she missed the arrival of the foreigners? Shila's mother called out to her from the neighbors door and Shila waved her mother off. There were more important things to her at that moment. Shila rushed along as her mother began to protest, heading for her friend Akiak's door. Boom! boom! boom! "Oh Shila, what are you doing here?" "Is Akiak home?" Akiak's mother shook her head "She's off to greet the foreigners I think." Shila stomped her foot and nodded "thank you" before racing towards the village center.
Shila dubbed over from a cramp as she arrived at Akiak's side. "You....didn't...wake...me" Shila breathed hard and Akiak barely looked at her without bursting into a laughing fit. "Grr!" Shila tackled Akiak and the two fell into the snow and began to roll. "They're coming!" Shila jumped off of Akiak but Akiak dragged her back down. Shila pulled herself up just in time to see it, a sleigh moving through the village at a breakneck speed. Shila couldn't believe her eyes, they had a huge sleigh. Shila ran towards the edge of the road and began to wave to the people on the inside - apparently one of them was supposed to be a King (whatever that meant).
One of the passengers raised his hand and looked directly at Shila, he waved! Shila jumped up and down "Did you see that! The foreigner waved at me!" Shila looked to Akiak in time to see Akiak releasing a massive snowball in the direction of the sleigh. The snowball sailed and barely missed, Shila didn't know what came over her but she jumped forwards to tackle Akiak again, though this time she wasn't playing around. Shila began to punch and scratch and the play fight grew into a real fight with the pair rolling, punching, biting and scratching. Shila raised her fists in the air but before she could bring them down on Akiak she was lifted into the air by powerful arms.
"Mangokpok! LET ME DOWN!" Mangokpok laughed and threw Shila over his shoulder as she rained down weak 14-year old punches. "What's gotten into you today?" Mangokpok set Shila down and waved his finger at her "...or are you just beating up your best friend for fun?" Shila felt guilt wash over her "She was throwing snowballs at the foreigners." Mangokpok nodded and pointed off in the distance. "Forget about it, it isn't as though the foreigners care about a snowball. I heard from a little hare that the foreigners are on their way to the Chieftains hall, if you hurry you might be able to catch them."
Shila's eyes went wide and she nodded vigorously "Thanks Mangokpok!" Shila headed in the direction of the Chieftain's hall as fast as her legs could carry her. It must have been later than midday because the sun was beginning to dip down below the horizon, had she slept the entire day? Her mother was going to kill her for not helping with the sewing or cooking. Ah, it didn't matter! How often did foreigners come to the village? It was maybe the second time in Shila's life and she wasn't going to miss seeing them over some stupid sewing. The Chieftain's hall came into view just as darkness fell over the valley. Drat. Well maybe her opportunity wasn't gone just yet. Shila circled the hall until she found herself an exposed window. The only issue was that it was several feet above her head.
Maybe if I...yeah that might work! Shila made her way over to the closest tree and began to climb until she was just above the window. Her plan was full-proof, the best plan she'd ever had. There was absolutely no risk that she would horribly injure herself. Shila crawled along the branch closest to the building until she felt it starting to give way. "1...2..3!" Shila jumped off the branch with as much force as she could muster, feeling it break just as she took to the air. Shila sailed through the wind toward the building I'm not close enough! momentary panic sent Shila's hands forwards, searching for any hold she could get.
The Great Spirit of the Forest was with Shila as her hands found perch and she slung against the window. There was a noise inside and Shila pulled herself up and in through the window, landing on the hard stone floor. "Ouch..." Shila rubbed her shoulder and examined her surroundings. There was a dresser, small hearth, a bed...and a person. Shila hauled herself to her feet and raised her hands up to show she was unarmed. Before Shila could speak the person before her shook her head and raised a finger to her lips to indicate silence. A voice rang out from outside the girls door "Sigrid is everything okay in there?" The girl: Sigrid called back "Everything is fine, thank you Leon."
"What are you doing here?" The girl named Sigrid asked quietly, causing Shila to squirm. Wait a second, this is one of the foreigners! "I wanted to meet the foreigners-you're one of the foreigners!" Sigrid looked baffled for a moment "Foreigner? What do you mean, this valley is apart of The Frozen Forest - I'm not a foreigner." Shila had heard of The Frozen Forest, but didn't understand Shila's statement. "...but you aren't from the valley, that makes you a foreigner doesn't it?" Sigrid shook her head and first but then corrected herself "I guess in the loosest sense of the word...Anyways why did you want to meet one a...foreigner?"
"I want to know about life outside of the valley."
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The following morning a very tired Sigrid emerged from her room. "Good morning Leon" she greeted the bodyguard who looked flustered. "Lady Sigrid, we need to get going or we'll be late for the arrival of the suitors. You look exhausted, did you get any sleep last night?" Sigrid didn't respond to the knights question and instead started to walk towards the halls exit despite still wearing her pajamas. "My lady!' Leon rushed up to her with a pile of clean clothes. "Please change before heading outside - it's not snowing but it's still very cold and besides, His Majesty won't be happy with you if you aren't properly dressed." Sigrid nodded again and then yawned, "I guess your right Leon." Sigrid took the clothes out of Leon's hands and made her way back into her room to change, emerging a few minutes later in silky winter gear.
Together with Leon Sigrid made her way out of the hall just in time to see the break-in girl from last night slink into the adjacent forest. In the village center she found King Ivan and a much, much larger retinue than he'd had the day prior. Evidently many of them had arrived through the night, including a very angry looking Crown Prince that Sigrid felt queasy to see. Crown Prince Ari had never been directly unpleasant to her, but since Ivan had started grooming her as a leader Ari had been opinionated with his allies and friends, such statements eventually making their way to Sigrid's ears.
King Ivan sat on a massive throne that was elevated via platform. Beside the throne sat a much humbler wooden chair meant for the Crown Prince and yet still there was a third wooden seat reserved specially for her. Feeling awkward Sigrid climbed the platformed and greeted both the Crown Prince and King before taking her seat. The first of the suitors would be arriving any minute now and the square was packed with retainers and natives of both Scraeling and Norse variety. The Chieftain had made an appearance as well, using his own stone throne but below the elevated platform, a clear sign that while he was technically below Ivan, he was still the master of the village. Sigrid took a breath and glanced towards Ivan: The King was trying to find a wife but what did that mean for her if Ivan succeeded? Would she be relegated back to her old role? Is that was she wanted? Sigrid didn't know anymore, so much had changed in the last year that it seemed almost inconceivable that she could go back to her happy go lucky childhood. Deep breaths.
Current Temperature: 52.4 Fahrenheit
