Rosalind

To the West

Råå, the largest coastal town of Helsingborg, this day was alive with activity. The trade at the harbour community usually kept the town, with craftsmen and traders all ready to sell their stock. But today brought those not of regular town life to its bustle, those who some could look upon as feral or an uncouth, or unpleasant or just not known. One such person was Freiga Borg, widower, farmer and raider of lands. And it was the latter that gave her cause to be here, in a town that she oft chose to steer clear of. Walking slowly alongside the grey-marl horse, her face was quite void of expression as she looked to the large watersides town, pausing just to take it in. The docks spread along the water’s edge, the longer raiding ships and those for fishing and short distant trade all bobbed in the current, men hauling barrels of goods and fish up across the beach and through the wooden settlements. Beyond the divider was the Jarl’s domain, his great home surrounded by the houses and stables and other craft stores. The community was vast but close knit, small pathways leading here and there. Freiga could easily feel overwhelmed by the numbers here, the bustle of her chieftain’s domain. Looking back over her shoulder, Freiga looked to the stretching green and woodland, a much preferred home for her. There was just reason for not carrying fondness for the town of Jarl Knutr, and it wasn’t a kept secret. Freiga had been the object of his wondering eye, and he wanted her as his new wife (the former dying during childbirth). His fancy for Freiga was not reciprocated, she found the senior to be a lecherous and volatile man with a slight madness about him. She had avoided at all costs attending the Jarl and entered a swift marriage to a farmer, and fell quickly with child. She sadly had lost the child, and Jarl Knutr’s advances were quietened by the dangle of another young maid before him and he took her as his wife. And although she mourned the child that was never born, she grew content on the farm and was surprised to learn of her husband’s excellence in combat. He had trained her well with sword and bow, showing a strong skill for the latter. And on the second year of their marriage, Freiga ventured with her husband on her first raid, and proved her worth. From then on, each season she returned alongside him. But tragedy once again struck Freiga and the year last, her husband Einarr lost his life. And since then, Freiga had remained mostly alone, although not embittered by the Gods decisions. And she remained on the farm. Freiga owned the land that had once been her husbands, although a majority of it was now claimed by his brother, leaving her a small farm to tend. Not that Freiga was bothered much by this; the blonde had a heart for adventure and travel after the loss of her husband. And if she could go beyond the grasp of their chieftain and that lingering eye, then Freiga would not turn it down. It was often a question why she stayed, and the only answer she ever had was “home is always home”. The surrounding area between Råå and the next town was filled with farming community’s and forests, where Freiga oft spent time enjoying the hunt. Of course so often she would come here to trade; it was the primary market for anyone seeking to make their needs. The farmers kept to their respective lands, although Freiga was not unwelcoming of guests. Those who knew her husband well and grew to be friends of hers through raids often came by. Quite the cook, she would often entertain a table full of people. The horse nudged her in the side and Freiga smirked, running a hand down the neck of the creature as she walked, heading up through the walls and into the town itself. Her first walk was to the stables to allow her horse his rest and some water, and following a left from the central stalls she handed over the reins of the horse before looking back. Freiga was known and a liked figure, and compared to some of the other raiders she was charming. Freiga was able to hold her own in both combat and social circumstances and was also quite a pleasure in conversation, mood depending, and when not geared for combat, looked nothing more than a female of the community. Dressed in the long course woollen gown, dyed blue with the aid of Woad, and the over tunic with a leather platted belt about her waist. The weather was mild, yet she still wore a cape of fur and skin although much lighter than her winter option. Her boots were crafted of leather soul and goat skin, strapped with strips of leather thong, well-worn and scratched, but a comfort she would not trade. Her hair was free and left to its wild nature, with the front sections braided back and tied in place. Walking through slowly, taking a small pouch from her waist that held a small selection of nuts. She peeled one with her teeth, spitting the shell away before popping it in her mouth and crunching. The assembly was forming, there was a heavy gathering of men and women and talks and whispers. Freiga found herself slowing her pace down and delaying her entrance, simply observing the bustle of the town. Using her tongue to clear her teeth of any trace of the food before she once again took the shell of another and chewed, instantly wishing for something to quench her thirst. She had a fondness for the light snack, but they did leave her with a craving for fluid. Tossing the shells aside, Freiga rose above her reluctance to spy Knutr and walked forwards heading into the long house, weaving through the crowds. She was greeted warmly and kindly, one woman stopping and looking into the wide hazel eyes of the women, Freiga beamed. “Katla!” Freiga said, engulfing the woman in warm arms. “Freiga, I was hoping you’d tend, I have missed you” She said, a hand moving to her swollen belly. “You do not wait” Freiga said with wide eyes, this was the fourth time the young female nursed a pregnant tum. Freiga forced the slight envy from her eyes and looked as pleased as she could for her sister. “And neither do your nephews!” Katla replied, and three young males ran at her and nearly tackled her to the floor. Freiga laughed as she pretended to fall to the floor under the weight of the males, and their father crossed to them. “Children go play” he ordered as Freiga ruffled the hair of the eldest, and the trio ran outside and she accepted a cup, remembering her thirst. She took a mouthful and swirled it around her mouth before swallowing, listening to her brother-in-law speak. “There is an announcement” He said, drinking too. “Something to do with the raids” “Hopefully not that he is coming” Freiga said with a raise of his eyebrows. “He would not tear himself away from his comforts” The male laughed, and Freiga nodded as she turned to look to the others who came through to the assembly.

To the West

It will be up within an hour. Just out of interest, who is still here?

To the West

That saying 'it never rains but it pours' ARGH! Sorry for the delay, little man has been so poorly this weekend and we've had hospital trips etc. However, I have started the post. So it is coming!

To the West

Thanks guys, it is only teething but poor little thing is suffering. I shall start on an opener and set the scene of our village and the community for you all, but of course shall leave your own characters dwellings up to you. I can get carried away when doing an opener, but do not let the size of my post intimidate or make anyone run for the hills. Should have an IC within a few hours. Now a question for you all. I personally do not mind people controlling my character for the posts sake, because a post of someone blabbing on whilst their character only asks one question is dull. So please say if you are all right with others controlling your characters for interaction or posts sake? Of course, the characters must be kept true to the writers description, and no killing a character, and checking with the other writer first.

To the West

Anything else anyone would like to go over before I work on an opener?

Viking story

Have a few spots till available

To the West

Sorry, my son was really poorly yesterday so couldn't get anything done. So the Earl has sanctioned the raid, which our characters will be sent off on. Invariable's character has built the new ship for the voyage. So where would you all like to start off? When it is announced the the raids will be to the west instead, or on the day they are to set sail?

To the West

I will be at work tomorrow and Tuesday night, so won't be getting anything up till Wednesday. Until characters are completed and we are ready to go, shall we discuss any plot ideas anyone has? Shall we have the voyage a secret or have them sent by the Earl?