When Hell Freezes Over

[FC4]

Both Tharsten and Erinok were wholly surprised by Alf's sudden fiery retribution upon the Reavers, uncertain where it had come from. But they both knew to stand back as the heat rushed over them, the hairs on their bodies and cloaks beginning to smoke as they signed from the excessive heat. Things in Solstheim were not used to such heat.

The Reavers themselves were thrown back by the explosive magic, landing in charred, smoking heaps around the bridge. Their furs were bare in some spots, blackened in others, and they groaned in pain from burned skin.

"Erinok, hold here with Peregrina." Tharsten ordered, having caught every word the woman said. There was one archer somewhere among them, and he intended to find the beast first. Unlike Alf, Tharsten did not sit and admire the work of the flames, but rushed straight onto the blackened bridge, stomping on board and Reaver alike.

One of the Reavers coughed, attracting Tharsten's attention. It was the archer, sitting right in the middle of the company of Reavers. Tharsten swiftly ran him through before moving over the last two Reavers, to standing on the other side of the bridge, facing them. Now, with Tharsten at their back and Erinok and Peregrina at their front, the Reavers were trapped.

It seemed they knew this, too, since the moment they stood and hefted their weapons again, one of the Reavers growled in frustration and charged at Erinok, shield raised to bash at the craftsman. Erinok denied him the pleasure of the shield ram, however, as he ducked low and swung his axe, catching the Reaver in the legs. The pain of an axe to his ankles caused him to drop his mace and he stumbled forward into the ground, to be ignored by Erinok as the second Reaver sought to place a sword in his gut.

Tharsten was having a slightly more difficult time, as his two Reavers were trying to team up on him, even though the bridge would not fit two abreast comfortably. It resulted in many awkwardly made thrusts from the Reaver in the back at the Elder, and awkward moves to compensate from the Reaver in the front. The ferocity of the two trying to work together did succeed in making the bridge shake violently, and Tharsten was forced to hold onto rope railings to keep his balance as he blocked and parried their attacks.

Without warning, Tharsten roared at the Reavers, having had enough of this game, and began to slash and hack at them viciously himself, throwing aside sword points with each swing. Surprised, the Reavers began to backpedal, trying to avoid the blows by retreating, since the one in front of him lacked a shield. The Reaver behind had one, but right now that wasn't very useful. Tharsten continued to push them back until the second Reaver tripped over the dying archer, and Tharsten took advantage of the opening and beheaded his opponent with a battle cry.

Erinok was having a little trouble with his second Reaver, as he proved a capable opponent. Erinok was forced to weave and dodge many of his sword thrusts and bat aside others with his repair hammer, digging his axe into the Reaver's shield several times. The first one lay moaning on the snow, painting it crimson with his blood and holding his ankles, but soon he too would likely try to get back at Erinok. Erinok prayed to the All-Maker as another close sword slash cut into his bear-fur cloak, slicing it open instead of his flesh. He tried to retaliate with a hammer swing to the man's face, but the Reaver was quick with his shield.

Tharsten's second Reaver opponent was much less of a problem than Erinok's. The Reaver's strikes were easily parried, and the rocking of the bridge made every movement exaggerated. It wasn't long before the Reaver failed to raise his shield quick enough and felt the bite of Tharsten's blade in his shoulder. Several traded blows later, and the man's entire sword arm was gone and Tharsten's blade ran him through.

OOC: Vic, or Darkom, you guys are welcome to assist Erinok in beating up his Reavers and finishing off the battle, since I know Peregrina wants some action

[Vicorva]

OOC: Me! Me! I'll leave one for Alf- killing a man is bound to trigger some kind of massive moral crisis. I wouldn't want to deny you, Darkom.

Also, thanks for using Tharsten, FC4; the fight was pretty cool.

I largely managed to muster this fight scene because you have already done such a good job. Hope it's not too terrible.
IC:

Peregrina Quarra, Isild River Bridge

The young one was a mage of considerable talent; Peregrina's arm flew up to cover her eyes and she turned her head against the wave of flame that erupted from him. Without thinking, she sent a mild healer zipping up her body- just as her skin began to blister from the heat. It was this healer's instinct which had saved her when her fellows had died.

She lowered her free arm, taking in the carnage before her; all the reavers were on the ground, charred and scattered, but there was no way to know if they were dead. Her gaze flicked to the youngest Nord, her eyes holding a mixture of cold calculation and respect.The older Nord ordered Erinok beside her to hold, and without a moment's hesitation was in amongst them, heedless of whether his boot landed on stone or a reaver's face.

It soon became evident that reavers yet lived as they began to stir; the old warrior smoothly stabbed the archer and then the battle began in earnest, the reavers wedged between the warrior and they three.

Peregrina was the least fresh of the lot; she parried a swift blow from a sword wielder, but her arms gave and she went sprawling to the ground, before the reaver could finish her, Erinok came up behind and then the two began to spar, ending in the reaver bleeding into the snow.

Panting, Peregrina tried to get to her feet even as the older nord bellowed his triumph and neatly beheaded one of the reavers. She could muster no pity for him; her heart soared to think another of her comrades had been avenged.

She'd got to her knees, using her sword as a crutch; Erinok battled on, but the reaver he'd felled was not dead, but dying, with hatred in his eyes. He pulled himself up on pure spite, standing to Erinok's back and raising his weapon.

Years of drilling turned to instinct forced her muscles into action before she even had time to think; her sword thrust outwards, piercing up through the reaver's back and very likely into his lungs. She braced herself and pulled her sword free as gore fountained; using her free hand, she gripped the reaver's shoulder and forced him back into the ground even as he coughed blood. Bracing her boot against his chest, she swiftly cut his throat.

[Vicorva]

OOC: I won't be back until sunday evening, I'm afraid, but I expect posts by then!!!!

[Darkom]

Alf the Bastard; Isild River Bridge

Alf looked down at his burned hands, wincing as he flexed the red digits. 'What... How in the All-Maker's name did I do that?' He stood, too stunned to think; until, that is, Tharsten's sword came free of one of the Reaver's chest. The older Nord had gotten behind the remaining bandits, sword flashing dangerously in the pale light of the sun.

One of the Reavers charged towards them, his shield arcing out to collide with Erinok. Alf threw his hands up, praying for more fire, but none came; the power he had felt was gone. He was useless once more. Erinok faced the oncoming bandit, shooting below the man's attack, hacking into the man's leg with a spray of blood. The Reaver toppled, clutching his ankle, while a second swung his chipped sword in a vicious arc at the craftsman.

Alf stared, trying with each of the Skaal's swings to step in and help Erinok, but held back. He was weaponless, and- for the moment- ignored. The young shaman sent a quick glance towards the bridge, sighing in relief as he saw Tharsten take off a Reaver's head with a fearsome battle cry. Alf had never been happier at the sight of a man's blood.

The young Skaal turned his eyes back towards Erinok, still fighting his own Reaver. Alf cheered him on silently, not wanting to draw the bandit's attention, but cried out as the first Reaver stood behind the craftsman. The man's face was contorted with pain and rage, his eyes screaming bloodlust as he raised his weapon. 'What do I do?!'

Alf was saved the decision, however, by the Imperial woman. The blade of her sword appeared suddenly in the man's chest, pierced from behind, falling to the snow covered ground with a look of astonishment on his face. The battered woman stood over the dying Reaver, her face cold as she put her blade to his throat. The final stroke was executed with a cold precision; blood pooled around the Reaver, staining the white ground a dark crimson.

'Only one left.' This time, Alf did not wait. He had watched the entire battle, like a tournament held in his honor, his only help already forgotten in the carnage that followed. His eyes darkened in shame before blazing to life with a renewed rage, this time at himself. The young shaman did not pause, did not consider his plan; he threw himself towards the final Reaver's back, praying Erinok's axe would be swift. Alf's narrow shoulder caught the bandit in the back, his thin arms wrapping around the man's blood stained fur. An overpowering smell of sweat and rot struck his nostrils, but the Skaal held on.

"Kill him!" he shouted, panic filling him once more as the Reaver struggled to turn.

OOC: I'll leave the final blow to you, FC4. I didn't think Alf would be in the proper place to grab up a sword, and his mana is depleted, so I did the next best thing I could think of.

[FC4]

OOC: Please excuse the minor character control, Darkom. I can edit it away if you wish.

Erinok the Craftsman; Islid River Bridge

Erinok did not even notice the Reaver killed behind him during the fight, as he was far too focused on parrying the swordsman's strikes. The only moment he had realized there was another Reaver was when he nearly tripped on the fallen man's hand, which earned him a sword cut to his right arm as a result.

Erinok roared rage and tried to fight back, but it was no use; this Reaver was skilled. Suddenly, however, the Reaver found his arms bound to his body by two skinny arms wrapped around him.

"Kill him!"

It was the opening Erinok needed, and the craftsman swung his work hammer into the man's cheek, creating an audible crack of bone and a stream of blood from his mouth. Erinok swung again, connecting his hammer with the other side of the man's head. The man went limp in Alf's arms.

"Drop him," ordered Erinok, and when Alf obeyed the craftsman took his axe in both hands, hefting it over his head and bringing it down on the unconscious man's neck. It was a clean cut.

Only now did Erinok look at the battlefield as he put away his weapons, and notice the Reaver killed by Peregrina. Apparently the coward would have stabbed him in the back, if not for her intervention. Tharsten had reached the end of the bridge now, and bent down to pick up the head Erinok had severed.

"Proof of our victory today, in the name of the All-Maker." He explained to all, grinning as he sheathed his blade. "Is everyone okay?"

"I have a sword wound, Elder, but nothing Alf and Korst cannot heal when we return to the Skaal." Erinok announced, looking to Alf with an appreciative expression, then at Peregrina. "And if not for these two, my condition would be much worse. If I may, Elder..."

It was an unspecified request exchanged between the two men. Tharsten knew what Erinok was requesting; it need not be said explicitly. The Elder Skaal nodded, accepting his request. Erinok turned to Peregrina, kneeling in the snow before the Imperial woman.

"Peregrina the Imperial," Erinok began, "I am Erinok the Craftsman, and I recognize your courage and bravery in battle today, and the aid you gave me in battle. I request that you join us as my honorary guest in our village, until you wish to leave." Erinok would wait to rise until his request had been denied, or accepted. A foreigner aiding a Skaal in battle was not a common occurrence, and the Skaal did not take it lightly. In all truth, such aid was the quickest way to gain temporary favor with the Skaal.

[Vicorva]

OOC: So sorry for making you wait, guys! I've been really busy! I'll post up tomorrow morning, though, before the day has a chance to get all busy on me again.

[Vicorva]

Peregrina Quarra, Isild River Bridge

The young mage threw himself onto the back of the final attacker, grappling to hold him back. "Kill him!" he'd shouted.

The huntsman did just that, swiftly forcing the man to the ground and beheading him cleanly. Peregrina managed to prevent her eyebrows from raising; the lean nord was stronger than she had guessed.

These are Skaal, she reminded herself. They make other Nords look like soft city dandies...

Erinok explained the young mage and her own part in the battle, then exchanged a look with the Elder- it must be Heart-Fang, she realised- and said, "If I may, Elder?"

He turned and bent at the knee, kneeling in the bloodstained slush on the bridge. "Peregrina the Imperial," he said. "I am Erinok the Craftsman, and I recognize your courage and bravery in battle today, and the aid you gave me in battle." Peregrina's eyes narrowed, wondering where this was going, even as her heart gradually slowed to its resting rate as the adrenaline left her body. "I request that you join us as my honorary guest in our village, until you wish to leave."

Her eyes widened. "Honorary guest?" she repeated, her surprise evident in her tone. "I would consider it a great honour, Erinok the Craftsman," she said formally, her voice recovering it's usual cool, clipped tone. "But..." she looked back to the other side of the bridge. Beyond the dead Reavers in the shadow of a large snow-covered boulder, there lay the bodies of her men. She staggered a moment under the weight of her grief and regret. She took the briefest of moment's to regain her composure, and said, "I mean no disrespect to your gracious offer, but I must first bury my men. They do not deserve to be treated so."

Tharsten, severed head still hanging from his hand, nodded his head. "Warriors deserve respect, in life and in death," he said. And then, revealing the softer side which had earned him the love as well as respect of his people, he said gruffly, "I will assist you."

OOC: Next poster can skip the burial if they wish.

[FC4]

OOC: Hope this is acceptable to get things moving on.

Erinok the Craftsman, Islid Bridge

"A warrior who falls in battle should never be disrespected for his deeds towards his cause," Erinok replied to her request as if repeating a lesson. "All Skaal know and respect this. Burial will be difficult in this environment, however. All help will be needed."

OOC: Skipping the painstaking burial. Probably should have went with a pyre. Digging through snow and permafrost with an axe. Fun.

IC: By the time they had finished burying the Imperials, armor and all (since taking their items would have been disrespect, and the Skaal had no need for Imperial weaponry anyways) dusk was approaching. Erinok's axe was now a poor, blunt instrument of bashing; it had been the only shovel like tool to help up-heave the snow and ground layer permafrost.

They could probably make it back to the village before nightfall, but Erinok still did not like the situation they were placed in. Traveling Solstheim at night was dangerous enough because of the loss of the Sun's warmth, but then there were the night predators to factor in. And legends told there were many creatures that did not appreciate the All-Maker's children.

When they had all finished, Erinok walked over to Alf and clapped his shoulder. "You did good today, Alf," the craftsman smiled. "Your bravery and power will not go forgotten."

[Vicorva]

Peregrina Quarra. Isild River Bridge

Despite a lack of useful tools, the Skaal warriors- Tharsten Heart-Fang, Erinok the Craftsman, and Alf the Bastard (a puzzling name, to be sure)- all helped to bury her fallen men as best as she could.

As she packed snow and ice over their bodies, Peregrina's tears steamed down her face, though not a sob did she utter. They were good men; good friends. They'd had bright futures, too, men she'd picked out herself, chosen for their friendly natures and cool-heads in the face of conflict. The next generation of officers or agents, depending on where their skills lay.

She did not pray for them. Exist, the Nine undoubtedly did. But she did not believe they cared for the little lives of imperial soldiers, and she refused to offer them so much as lip-service.

The sky was darkening fast as they finished; she saw Erinok go to the young Alf and clap him on the shoulder, congratulating him. For a brief moment, she realised how strange it was to see such an odd, small group of Skaal out here. What had been their purpose? What chance it had been that they had met. or Peregrina would be there amongst her men.

She stood, a friendly distance away, but was withdrawn in her manner. Let these companions enjoy their victory; perhaps later, she would savour her revenge with them. For now, she would honour the dead.

------------

Tharsten watched the darkening skies with worry- though they were only a few hours walk from the village, they were weakened from the battle and many a wild thing or dark creature might lay between them and home. Even the village itself could not be considered safe; Solstheim was a harsh land, and hard-hearts were required of his people.

As the sun just sank below the horizon, and the pale light of moon could just barely be seen, a howl sounded in the distance, strangled, unnatural. The moon seemed overlarge tonight- the full moon come early.

And though it did not glow with Hircine's fire, still a dark worry wormed through Tharsten's heart, a worry that had been passed down from Shaman to Shaman, and Elder to Elder, though he and Korst never so much as mentioned it to one another. It couldn't be, could it?

But the moon was clear, and the Skaal knew better than any how full the island was of wolves. He put such thoughts from his mind as best as he could, and went to congratulate Alf.


OOC: Guys, I'm away for this weekened again; if you two are available to be active, I leave this RP in your hands.

[Darkom]

OOC: Hey guys, my apologies for not posting. School just started, and I'm still working on getting my schedule fixed. I should have it all sorted out soon, so a post is incoming. Again, I'm sorry, but this past week was a bit more than I anticipated.

[Vicorva]

OOC: Wow, school has started already?! Scary thought; I'm sure you're quite busy and no worries.

[Darkom]

Alf the Bastard; Isild River Bridge

Alf collapsed on a pile of dirty snow, rubbing his hands together for warmth. Skaal could still feel cold, despite what the rumors said, and hours of digging through the frozen earth had left his fingers numb and bloody. He felt the damp of melted snow seeping through his furs, chilling his quivering body further. As the sun sank further and further towards the horizon, the young shaman grew more and more exhausted, marvelling at the day he had just lived through. 'And to think, I woke up this morning in my bed, joking with Korst.'

Erinok strolled over towards Alf, a tired smile on his rough face. If he was as fatigued as the young Nord, the craftsman didn't show it. "You did good today, Alf," Erinok said, almost cheerily. "Your bravery and power will not go forgotten."

Alf merely nodded his head, shoving his frozen hands beneath his armpits in a vain quest for warmth. "Th-thanks Erinok." Alf stuttered, his teeth chattering. Unlike the other Skaal boys, Alf had not spent many nights outside the warmth and safety of the village. He was not used to the island's extremes. "I j-just wish I could have m-melted the ice with more fire." The young shaman shook his head, his brow knotting in frustration. "I s-still don't know how I did that. I could n-never summon fire back with Korst."

Heavy footsteps crunched through the snow towards the two Skaal; the last of their number joined the pair silently, a ruddy smile on the Elder's face. Alf nodded to the red cheeked warrior, bringing himself to his feet with a grunt of effort.

"Can we leave this All-Maker forsaken bridge yet, Elder? If I didn't prove my worth to the village today, I doubt I ever will."

[Vicorva]

OOC: Timeskipping
IC:

Tharsten nodded to Alf, feeling rather tired himself. "You've more than proven your worth, young shaman. Erinok and I were witness to your great promise; the rest of the Skaal will have to accept you now."

The journey back to the Skaal was swift, despite their weariness; no good would come of lingering afterdark out in the cold, and Tharsten could see that Alf was flagging; he thought it would do the young shaman much good to arrive on his own two feet, a warrior returned from battle.

Shaman. Yes, he was surprised to find that that was how he thought of Alf now. He had always had time for the boy, strange though he was, but he'd demonstrated real power out there on the bridge that day, and bravery, too- all the more because he clearly did not want the fight.

Tharsten had craved battle all his life, but had a special awe for those who fought in spite of their fear and misgivings. This he attributed now to Alf. He'd handled himself well and honourably, and had lived up to the good name of Skaal.

Peregrina trailed at the back of the group, never far enough away to be at risk, but also clearly separate from the group. She thought long and hard about her fallen men. They weren't the best in the legion. by any means, but they had been good and had made the most of a bad lot.

Eventually, she turned her thoughts away from them and onto the matter at hand. While she felt their loss keenly, she was a woman of the legion, and had survived many such battles that others simply had not. Dwelling would make her of no use, and would be a dishonour to their spirits, now in the arms of whatever gods would have them.

It was strange to think that this was how she had accomplished what had been considered impossible; to make positive contact with the Skaal. In all honesty, she wasn't sure it had been worth it. Still, this might be a chance to make good out of an ill situation.

Tharsten smiled as they strode over the hill and in amongst the wooden houses. "Here we are, lads. Home."

[FC4]

Erinok the Craftsman, Skaal Village

The journey had been no slower for Erinok than it had on the way to the bridge; he knew these forests well. Hunting for small game and timber for his trade meant the Craftsman was familiar with the landscape. He knew where to find the strongest oaks, the sturdiest wood. He knew where new trees grew, and how close they were to maturity and harvest (though few reached that point in his lifetime; many of the soon to mature had been watched since his father's days, or longer).

Regardless of his familiarity with the forests of the island, darkness demanded concealment, and with the coming night began to hide the forest to Erinok. It was a delight, then, to come upon the village at last. The Craftsman smiled.

"Here we are, lads. Home," proclaimed the Elder, and Erinok turned to him with respect.

"It has been an honor to fight by your side, Elder. I will return now to my home, to announce our victory. I also request that Peregrina be allowed to stay at my home, where my family can provide warm furs and hot food for the night, until she is introduced to the village." Erinok requested, looking the Elder in the eye dutifully. It was customary for visitors, few though they were, to stay in the village hall; but Erinok preferred that the woman lodge with his family, where she would be guaranteed safety from those who would protest her presence here. His wife would not forsake someone who had given aid to her husband.

[Vicorva]

Tharsten nodded with a warm smile for Erinok at his words. It had been an honour to fight alongside him as well; he'd shown more bravery and strength of spirit than all his warriors, and it was not something he'd forget. There was a debt owed here; he felt deep down that Erinok deserved recognition for what he'd done, and that...

That he'd play a big part in the times to come.

As Tharsten tried to clear his head of such thoughts, Erinok requested that Peregrina be allowed to stay with his family. This side-tracked him considerably, and he was already phrasing his refusal when the woman in question spoke up.

Peregrina Quarra, Skaal Village

"I also request that Peregrina be allowed to stay at my home, where my family can provide warm furs and hot food for the night, until she is introduced to the village."

Simple enough words, but they thawed Peregrina considerably to these proud warrior people. Outsider that she was, she had never expected such kindness from the close-knitted people.

"Thank you, so much," she said, her voice suffused with sincerity. She looked at Tharsten and dipped a bow. "If it is not inappropriate, I would be very grateful."

Tharsten seemed to reconsider his stance and said, "No, no problem. Erinok, I leave it to you, then, to see that Peregrina the Imperial is given all hospitality. I know you will do so very well." He smiled suddenly, all warmth beneath his beard and scars. "You're a good man, Erinok, a good Skaal."

He clapped him on the shoulder, nodded a formal farewell to Peregrina, and bade Alf goodnight, trudging across the snow to the village hall which had become hearth and home to him.

Peregrina stood as straight as she could despite a weariness deep in her bones, but, looking at Erinok, she hardly knew what to say. This wasn't what she had expected.

She wondered briefly whether a joke might make a good icebreaker, but considering she was almost delirious with exhaustion and grief, she might do better not to trust her own judgement. Finally, she said simply, "Just tell me where to go and what to do," because she was, at heart, a military woman, and it was always a good thing to fall back on.