Shieldlands RP
IC Status: Active
Currently accepting applications!!!
Location:Ballara Great-hall/Capitol. Throne.
The elderly-man sat upon a spot which normally was occupied during the day. Between duties as thane, father, and friend Odinkar tried to spend plenty of time 'thinking' at his throne. Peers suggest age may be getting to him, invoking tiredness throughout the day. Close friends know Odinkar better, also understand he tends to mellow out any time both of his sons are away from home. Albeit the faint smile etching his expression never wavered, for Odinkar was always thankful, as rowdy as she may be, for his daughter was still home.
A man entered the great hall, a miner. Covered in dirt and grime, the somewhat short though rather stocky fellow dropped a pickax to the ground, leaning it against his leg. The mess it caused in the hall, brought a distasteful stare from one of the Thane's legendary spear-guards. "My thane, I come to you in request of higher wages for our men." A hand was raised by Odinkar, causing the spear-guard to loosen up grip on his weapon and reduce his negative glare. "Please, friend. Let the man speak." The miner continued his words...
"Less caverns hold ore compared to years ago, prices of Mjors-iron effect our selling of iron. If we don't migrate to Mjors, or get more pay for our iron, our families may not survive next winter...."
Odinkar sat silent for what felt like forever for the miner. A wipe to the brow showed eagerness to hear an answer. Deeply Odinkar sighs and proceeds to speak. "A better idea exists.... Nearby caverns which my advisers know of, could be prepared for use. Meanwhile, I demand a contract from you and your people, the miners and even the smelters or forgers which help you. Our militia will not use Mjors and their 'better deals', along with Agoanes." Obviously the Miner was processing the information explained, also faintly surprised hearing Agoanes was rising in the iron trade as well....
"This contract will promise work for your families, we will talk about a better price as well, since more mines will be of access after this deal is complete. Does this sound fair enough to you?" Odinkar's right brow habitually rose as usual when he inquired another person on anything. The miner chuckled and picked up his pickax. Not sure how the Thane would appreciate hearing his words. "My thane, I thank you for your offer. Though I must return to the others and ask how they feel on the terms." Nodding his head in approval, the thane replies. "Of course, of course. I wouldn't have it any other way. Come back and tell me if terms are agreed upon or not. We will proceed from there." On that note, the miner was sent off.
Odinkar was asked if he would take another visitor to hear their plea or accept their company. Weakly Odinkar waved away his soldier and said. "Not at the moment, give me a moment to think over things. Also, pursue and return any news on Baldur and his patrol." On that note, the soldier scuttled off. Currently Baldur was out traversing the land of Ballara. Giving some comrade soldiers a bit of 'on hands' field training. Along with giving a few Ballara warriors a chance to do a drill or two and gather any new information on the areas which they patrolled. (This was something performed a few times a year by Baldur.)
One after another, hooves hit the forest floor. Thorbrand's pace was not over-exerting or with great haste, more alike a steady trot or slow gallop. No longer in the mountains, Thor sighs utterly heavily, weight of exhaustion obvious in his voice. "
If I never see another mountain again, it would still be too soon." Weak laughter finished Thorbrands sentence. Not far from Thorbrand, A man in their party of travelers brings his horse alongside Thorbrand. Several of the people in their company, were merely travelers and merchants. Who employed Thorbrand and his friends to 'ensure some protection along the road from Mjors to Ballara'.
“Tired of the Mjors mountains I take it.... Say, 'ave ya ever been to Ballara before young man? They say they got trees taller than you can see, more round than a giant can wrap it's arms around.....” The merchant was easily in his seventies, a somewhat remarkable age to reach in this day an age. Obvious glee in his expression as he's telling Thorbrand these 'facts'.
“
I guess you could say. I'm finally returning home, old man.” Thorbrand spoke with a hint of meloncholy to his tone. Like always, a stone cold expression was plastered on Thorbrand. Friends knew it was always impossible for Thor to 'lighten up' or 'ease his guard', especially on a mission or job.
Inquiry and curiosity etched the old mans face. “Ah yes. Fate proves to be fickle.” Heavy, yet brief, examination is done, the old man's gaze almost like daggers against Thorbrand. “Yet, the children of Ballara are quite versatile creatures...” Thorbrand lost interest in the old man's words around the time he said child. Thorbrand replaced attention towards surroundings and being on guard.
Thorbrand nodded and waved the old man off, who's attention was taken from another traveler among their party. Someone who was more interested in the old mans words. Thorbrand merely kept his horse moving forward, awaiting for a time for the scenery to become familiar. As it stood now, nothing triggered any memories of childhood.
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