(Please excuse/pm me on any errors. This post is subjectable to change within the next 24-48 hours, for the sake of improvements. Thank you all for your patience.)
Thorbrand & Ingrid & Trygve
A while passed, hearing Ingrid's concern Thorbrand wondered if setting up camp would be a advisable move. Earlier on, Thorbrand had been debating on exactly when their party would settle down for the evening, if not at least a couple hours to rest and feed themselves and the horses. Now Thorbrand needed to weigh a factor, as he always did, of possible threats jumping from around any corner.
"
Ingrid, Trygve. Do you propose battling stationary or on the move would be most advisable?"
Upon finishing the sentence Thorbrand pulls the reigns of his horse, thus slowing it down considerably. Along with attention focused heavily on surroundings. Obvious to onlookers, Thorbrand was examining the area for good spots to set camp.
----------
Ingrid gave herself a moment to consider Thorbrand’s question. The constant need for watchfulness in these lands had taken their toll and thoroughly exhausted her, despite it only being near midday. Even Ari and the other horses appeared skittish and could definitely use a rest. Let alone poor Trygve’s horse, who looked close to collapsing.
On the other hand, the ungraspable feeling of impending danger still lingered in the air and the tall spruces and pines remained tall and intimidating, somehow appearing hostile themselves. Her guts kept on screaming that stopping here would be unwise. And more importantly, any enemies with a better knowledge of this territory could easily sneak up on them if they made camp here.
It appeared as if her mind and guts had reached an impasse, but to Ingrid it appeared rather unreasonable to let the their group go on forever just to ease her troubled heart. After a deep sigh, Ingrid finally spoke up.
“
I don’t like these lands at all, and in all honesty I would prefer to keep riding until we reach Ballarra. But in truth, I believe it would be wise to grant both men and horse a rest. We’re all are only mortal after all and I don’t think even Sleipnir could carry all of us to Ballara before nightfall.” At that she couldn’t help but look at Trygve and his horse and smile slightly. Odin’s eight-legged horse would certainly be a better steed for Tryg than the poor old gelding that was tasked to carry the giant. Her smile was followed by a soft cough and several failed attempts to keep a straight face.
---------
Trygve rode up his horse to Thorbrand's looking down at his own poor exhausted animal. He got off immediately and tied the the horse's reigns onto one of the wagons, letting the gentle pace of the wagon allow his horse a rest without his considerable weight atop it.
"I think we should slow down and begin looking for an area to rest for the day, my horse is quite tired. However we are still at heavy risk of some kind of attack. Thorbrand I would like your permission to take one of the mercenaries or Ingrid, if she wants, to scout ahead and around whatever area we decide to rest." He glanced at Ingrid uncertain whether she would prefer to scout the area or stay and help guard Thorbrand in case of any attack while he was away.
He brought out his water skin and poured some into the horses parched throat, gently stroking its mane and muttering soft compliments to the animal that had carried him for so long.
"If we need to go farther today, I will have to run alongside the horses, I can keep a pace with a slow speed for them for a while I think."---
Before gaining chance to respond to Tryg or Ingrid, one of the accompanying mercenaries interjected. Displaying concern on the area, knowing of a spot or several, not far off of their current location which they could camp. However this territory was one of the most known for their attacks from dire wolves. Thus wanting to carry onward was the mercenaries goal.
"
Our employment is for moments like this. Horses need rest, as do we all. Next spot available, we take up camp. If anyone wants to rest out of the fighters, I can keep watch."
Faint laughter finished Thorbrand's sentence. Yet Thorbrand's focus kept going up, towards the rain-clouds forming. The party continued a little bit longer, until reaching an appropriate area to set up camp. Their location wasn't far from the main road which they traveled. Albeit their position was chosen with idea in mind,
'don't be visible from the road'.
---
After the mercenary had finished sharing his insights, Ingrid replied to Trygve’s proposal.
“I’d prefer to tend to the horses before scouting, Tryg. I can imagine you’d rather go scout first, understandably, but if I’m finished before you leave I’ll gladly join up with you.” She nodded in silent approval as Tryg offered to run along with his horse and showed sincere care for his steed, making her feel rather guilty for laughing at him earlier.
---
Trygve leisurely ran alongside the wagons as they moved towards the campground the mercenaries had pointed out. The position was fairly well concealed, though Trygve had little experience setting up a hidden campsite in this kind of environment, he would have to trust the mercenaries and Thorbrand's experiences. He pushed ahead slightly of the wagons, eyes sweeping from side to side alert for any movement not from their own small party. Not seeing anything he relaxed only somewhat, maybe it was the fact that both he and Ingrid had noticed something that they couldn't name. Some manner of spirit could be haunting through these trees passing them by without them ever being the wiser. He shook himself and assisted in setting up the campsite.
The wagons were moved into the center of the clearing and the mercenaries set up their own tents and supplies in a circle around them to better protect the travelers from harm. Trygve placed his traveling pack on the ground took up his shield and began patrolling around the perimeter of their campsite while others took the opportunity to rest.
---
As they set up camp, Ingrid finally allowed herself to relax and leave the task of vigilance to her companions. For now. She swiftly undid Ari of his burdens, placing the saddle, provisions and materials for a small tent near the outskirts of their campsite. She placed her cloak, bow and quiver on the small pile that formed all of her other belongings, but keeping her daggers on her hips. The only time she took those off was when she felt save beyond question… As one could expect, it had been a while since the scabbards had left their spot.
First and foremost, she worried about Ari’s well-being, setting up the foldable bucket she always carried with her while travelling and filling it with some of her own drinking water. She rubbed the sweat off him with some dried grass, softly humming a half forgotten song while working.
Two of the mercenaries remained in the saddle, discussing something about patrols with Thorbrand and the third had simply bound his steed to a tree along with the horse of one of the travellers, not bothering to unsaddle them. The only sign of disapproval Ingrid showed was a stubborn frown forming between her brows and the clicking of her tongue. Ari neighed and shook his head, both a response to her annoyance and a sign of being glad to be rid of his bridle. She left him to graze near the camping spot she had claimed for herself while she herself walked off to tend to the other horses. He knew better than to wander off, which was why she never bound him.
As she was working, she kept on whispering sweet nothings to the merchant’s hazel mare and the mercenary’s old black gelding. She had found that the animals seemed to relax at the sound of the old dialects of both Hakaskar and Agoanes, of which she knew a few words. Perhaps this was the case for all old dialects or possibly only the Eastern ones, and Ingrid told herself to later ask one of the merchants about their knowledge of the old languages. Especially the old man travelling with them seemed keen to share his wisdom and would no doubt make a willing conversation partner over supper.
“M’am, wha’ are ya doin’ to them?” A sudden voice behind her almost made Ingrid jump. She turned around to see a young boy standing behind her, pale blue eyes filled with interest at her caretaking. For a moment Ingrid stood still, unsure of what to do. She had never been that good with children. Then she started explaining every movement she made, as well as the old words she had spoken to the animals. Before long, she was smiling softly, answering any questions the boy had, both enthusing the other more. She learned that he usually took care of the horses, that his mother had died giving birth to his younger brother, that they were going to Ballara to visit his uncle and trade furs at the local market and that he desperately wanted a horse of his own. It didn’t even need to be a large horse, just a pony would do. There was only one thing she didn’t seem to know of his life yet.
“What is your name?” She asked gently.
Location:Ballara Great-hall/Capitol. Throneroom
Odinkar still poised within the 'Thanes throne'. Grasped a leather-flask proceeding to open and consume the drink within, coughing faintly when finished and fastening the cork on the container. Placing it not far from himself afterwords, the thane looks up to the main entrance due to someone opening the doors.
---
Ylva entered the Great-hall with a somber expression, her wolf as usual entering behind her, his yellow eyes watching Odinkar with mild interest. She walked up to the throne, noting the leather flask beside him and the extra skins that seemed to slump slightly on his frame.
"Thane Odinkar, I am sorry I am late, Mara's have been plaguing my sleep as of late. You wanted to discuss something important with me I am assuming? You usually do not call upon me for advice without the rest of your advisers at your leisure."
---
A subtle nod was performed by the thane. Obvious thinking was done while a brief moment of silence passed the two. Sighing, the old man speaks.
"
You are right to think this out of ordinary, Ylva. The miners are getting zealous with their demands. Seems their veins within the nearby caverns are not only emptying. But their competition with Mjors is becoming noticeable. Which means we need to search in hopes to prepare the outer caverns, I feel you understand which ones I am speaking of....."
A faint look of grimace entered his expression, for the caverns he spoke of were rather dangerous. Studies or observation showed, which Ylva would of avidly known, Hobgoblins have been known to live deep within those caverns. Before that threat, typically rests dire-threats. These factors were what caused the Ballara society to rely on closer caverns. In fact, if they did not possess those nearby caverns, their early years would of been a lot rougher in comparison to how past events led to now.
"
That means I'll have to request you to gain a sturdy team of warriors and a few miners, to go and perform this task. Or at least, lay out the groundwork to start the foundation of this project. For i trust no other for this job...."
---
Typically Odinkar would not throw a mission like this, or at all, upon Ylva's lap. Ordinarily, despite being thane and 'outranking' her, Odinkar would offer the mission and ask if she wished to take it. However, now was not the case. Yet deep down, Ylva would truly understand, if she denied the job it wouldn't be forced...
Ylva listened patiently, the weight of this raid becoming larger as he continued. She wouldn't deny the job, no one in her family had ever said no to their thane, but aside from this she was undeniably loyal to Odinkar. She wanted to impress him, he was like another father to her, and she would do anything he asked without question. The territories he was mentioning, have been loosely inspected, and the mud-men along with there caves are a whole other story. She spoke evenly,"I understand. I will send out some scouts to do some inspection of the area, while I find the men, and develop a plan. If we have any chance of defeating the hobgoblins, it will not be in their caves. Hopefully most of the hobgoblins are younglings, not seasoned in battle. Regardless, I will see your plans set out."
She pet Ragnar, remaining silent for a few minutes before she looked up at Odinkar, her expression slightly troubled,"May I be bold?"
After a few seconds and a nod from her thane Ylva spoke,"This is one of the first large raids you haven't led yourself, the fact that you are giving such an opportunity to someone who isn't the intended Thane, may send the wrong message. Not only to the men, but to Baldur."
Baldur would want to lead this raid. It was the opportunity to prove his merit to his father and the fact that the duty befell on her would only increase his resentment to her and her advice. She frowned, her scars pulled taut against her skull.
---
Odinkar possessed a look of deep thought, a common look for him in this situation of being asked a question. Especially one that held such magnitude/concern with personal belief/motives. A kind-hearted chuckle escaped his frame upon the ending of this thoughts, just before replying.
"
Tactician, a tactician is what I need for this. Your immediate comments following the order or opportunity, only prove my decisions are wise. As for Baldur. He'll learn his tactic must stretch farther than his spear to become a leader, or Thane for that matter."
Odinkar felt Baldur not ready for this magnitude of leadership. Being sent out on patrols are one thing, initiating a raid on hostile and non-diplomatic scenario was a whole new story. The old man drank once more from his leather flask, faintly coughing when finished. He spoke once more.
"
Finally, before this conversation ends, make sure the miners which travel with you not only see the inside of the caves for themselves. But survive and make it back. The other miners will not accept word of good cavern veins without being uttered from one of their own's mouth. Is that clear?"
Odinkar was far from lecturing Ylva. In fact, for Odinkar's style this could be considered the opposite thing.
---
Ylva listened somberly, unsure if she should be happy that Odinkar had so much fair in her skill, or if she should be worried about the backlash this would have on Baldur. Another thing that worried her was the coughing. The thought of losing Odinkar too soon could mean hell for Bellara, too many people aching to play the game of leadership, and she knew whether she wanted it or not, she would have her turn at the table. She pushed these thoughts aside, nodding at Odinkar's mention of the miners. She gave a small smile, which was rare for her character, "I of course, trust your judgement among all, I know two good miners, who wouldn't mind risking there tail for some gold. I will call for them tomorrow, along with some traders who might have any new information on the goblin tribes in that area. Rollo made a few friends on his travels that I can contact if necessary. Is there anything else you need from me?"
Ragnar moved silently along the long platforms, sniffing at the household items, and treasured raid items in search for something to eat. Ylva kept an eye on the beast as usual, silently praying for the creature not to insult Odinkar's household by letting loose his liquids.
---
Firstly, Odinkar couldn't think of anything causing the man to shake his head no. Although only a minor bit of time passed before a sudden look of remembrance overcame him. Weakly the old man smiles and informs Ylva.
"
I may have forgotten to mention one last thing. Rumor and trusted word spreads of my son Thorbrand returning to Ballara very soon. Within the next several days in fact... Not sure if you are aware of that detail."
A look of uncertainty etches into Odinkar's expression. Another brief pause is initiated as thinking occurs. Ylva could recognize this facial expression from Odinkar to be performed each time the man orchestrated plans.
"
Testing mettle and learning the man which he's become, is of high interest to me. Especially due to Thor's large time of absence from Ballara. Including Thorbrand into your plans somehow, could aid in this goal. If you understand what i'm getting at? Also, from the sounds of it. Thorbrand could be of hefty use to this cause, that is if he arrives in time.. Besides that, there is nothing else to discuss for now...."
---
A sizable distance from the Ballara capitol, Baldur and a squad of soldiers patrolled the area. Fifteen warriors created this band of Ballara Vikings, one of which obviously Baldur. Currently the group traversed a path known to cross a river and possess a bridge. Better roads or 'more straight-forward paths' existed within Ballara, thus this road which Baldur walked upon was less active. However this spot was a deemed a crucial 'strategic point' according to superiors, thus Baldur checked it once in a while.
“
The others should be there now.”
Baldur's words broke the silence which cloaked the area, before his words only the men's footsteps and clank of equipment/armor could have been heard. Often Baldur practiced 'being silent' and 'moving as one' when it came to these patrols. Many of the other soldiers thought Baldur to serious or over doing it. Practice and preparation is the keys to unlocking the victory of battle, would be Baldur's response to those men who voiced that opinion. At the moment, Baldur's group traveled alongside the River which it would eventually cross. The others which Baldur referred to, where a group of four which scouted ahead. Once the smaller group arrived at the bridge, two would stay behind while the other two return and inform the bigger group.
Concerning Thorbrand's party (And Skrauti)
Estimated fourty or fifty yards from Thorbrand and his allies camp, within a small cluster of tree among the many which littered the landscape surrounding this area. A group of individuals gathered and proceedied to unleash the most devious series of actions.
Sounds of branches snaping and cracking echoed throughout the tree-tops. Moments after these sounds were invoked, like comets falling from sky, several wooden barrels came down upon the area which Thorbrand's alies camped. The cart instantly destroyed as a barrel half or three forths it's own size slammed upon it. Several horses (some hosting mercenaries) were also hit by these barrels. Not only did these barrels break, each one bursted and coated nearby areas in oil.
Thorbrand shouted a few words, while he managed to rush Ingrid and Trygve away from the splatters of oil. Before the man even finished speaking, unspeakable chaos unfolded.
“
By Odin's BEARD! We face no dire-animals today....”
Streaks of light arched from the enemies location to their own. Fires erupted as flame-tipped arrows struck any spot drenched with oil. Two of the mercenaries and several others screamed and fled as they were engulfed in fire. So far, no enemies invaded their location. Far in the distance, evil eyes peered and watched events unfold.
(Hobgoblins adorned in black armor (Leather/cloth, hardly any metal besides chainmail and maybe helms) will intrude during your posts. However not that many, considering the events unfolding. Fire is becoming a problem, nobody is burnt/injured unless they desire to be. One may wonder, how these large barrels were used in an attack, hobgoblins are not that strong. Nor possess catapults. Nor was this a magical effect/power/feat.) 
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