Beyond the Ragnarök

Kora feels torn.  On one hand she saw how the waif looked when she stopped her on the beach, she looked more lost than anything.  But she also understands that they can't have someone around that will raise the dead and attack like she did.  Though... those around her did attack her first.  She sighs.

"Excuse me sir, but did you hear her side at all?  If this is to be a trial, I think it would be prudent to hear all sides before making a decision?"

Damn she's going to regret speaking up, she just knows it.  Since when does she care about things like this?  She steps back a bit after speaking, not sure how her words will be received.

Sólmyrkvi looks stricken -- almost as though he were the subject of this judgement. Despite the Mark of Loki, he was still surprised to hear the king's verdict.  While the animated corpses were disturbing and a sign of dark necromancy, the girl hadn't actually hurt any of them.  (But then an unspoken doubt seems to suddenly whisper inside his head: "What about the Firewing's helmsman?"   He shakes his head, dismissing the thought.  Veldir may be confident in what he thought he saw, but that seemed to be scant evidence for a beheading.)  Upset but unsure what can be done, Sólmyrkvi silently curses his inexperience and merely glares at the ground as they start to take Glimgriss away. 

Quote from kqstark >>

Kora..."Excuse me sir, but did you hear her side at all?  If this is to be a trial, I think it would be prudent to hear all sides before making a decision?" 

While Sólmyrkvi wasn't brave enough to contradict the king on his own, once Kora speaks, he rouses himself.  Seeing Kora step back, he tries to ensure that King Alaric's response doesn't fall solely on her.  He takes a step forward and looks at the king apologetically, saying, "Excuse us, King.  I admit that we have no experience with how serious crimes were handled in Midgard, but that seems fair to me.  Has the accused given her own account of the events?  Or explained how she came to bear this mark?"  Then he steps a little closer to the king so that he can lower his voice, hoping that Griss is too far away to hear him when he says (more quietly): "And what if she's not the only one?  If we learn more, perhaps it would help us find others who bear the mark." 

Persuasion: 18
I'm rolling not so much for convincing King Alaric as for trying to avoid his negative opinion.  That is, if he's going to ignore our concerns, Sólmyrkvi would at least like King Alaric to view them legitimate, good-faith questions and not the sort of pointless antagonism of Veldir's gang.

At the entrance to the tent Merros pauses to glance back toward the king. 

Alaric looks between you Kora and you Sólmyrkvi and at last seems to come to a decision. "Merros has questioned the girl at length and while you are both right to feel pity, my judgement is final and the sentence will be carried out. However, if you are willing the two of to may accompany Merros and in doing so lend some small comfort. It seems good to me that Glimgriss should leave us knowing that there are those who did pity her and care for her. What say you will you go?"

While waiting for an answer he turns to you Halp and Leif and says, "As for you both, I would ask more of you this night if you are willing. With so many of the god touched driven to madness I find myself with a need for help in the giving of prayers and sacrifices. Master Halp, I believe you have a passing familiarity with the necessary rites? and young Leif you would perhaps assist his efforts?"

"And what of me?" Veldir demands.

The king offers a grim smile, "Tonight you will not leave me side Master Veldir, you will be my right hand man.... so I may better keep an eye on you."

Sólmyrkvi's opens his mouth but is briefly at a loss for words.  He feels like the dog who caught a dragon by its tail! 

Sólmyrkvi looks to Kora for -- what?  Encouragement?  Reassurance?  Then he licks his lips nervously, takes a deep breath, and slowly turns back to King Alaric.  He manages to address the king with more equanimity than he feels.  "Of course, my king!  Thank you."

Sólmyrkvi bows slightly and then hastily turns to follow Merros and Glimgriss.  As he passes Kora, she can see that he looks rather peaked.

Kora gives a slight bow to the king, more of a nod than anything as she accepts his decry.  She is about to follow them out when she sees that this is not sitting well with Drekise.  She gently grabs his forearm and leans in to whisper, "You don't have to participate in this if you would prefer not to.  I'm sure Halp and Leif can use your help.  I'll be enough to stand witness."  But she doesn't push for either decision as she follows the rest out into the cold.

Drekise gives Kora a weak smile and says, "No, I'm with you and Merros.  'In for a copper,' right?"  It's (part of) the idiom that Drekise used to say when he and Kora were younge.  In particular, it's the phrase he used to say to indicate his willingness to keep going just as some scheme or prank had started to "snowball," escalating into something bigger / more serious / more out-of-control.

Drekise is determined to go with Merros and Glimgriss.  He has a strange feeling or premonition that there's still something important here.  Something that he must see for himself.  He gives Kora an encouraging nod and gestures to let her go ahead of him.

Leif nods, “I am not fluent in prayers, but I will aid in any way I can.”

Halp will support the King as best he can with prayers, counsel what comfort he has to offer. 

He waits for Leif then leaves after the King.  

Leif exits with Halp…

OOC: My apologies, this past week has not been a good one for posting, but if you are all still present we will now continue :)

Following Merros: Sólmyrkvi and Kora, it is a solemn and largely unwitnessed procession that you follow through the camp.

"Stay silent." Merros orders as you move off and you feel a strange tingle on the back of your necks, like a chill breeze.

Strangely the people around you take little notice of your passing and several times you are surprised as Merros calls you to a halt to allow men and women to pass by who would otherwise have walked straight into your small group. Minutes pass as you grow ever further from the settlement and soon you find yourselves standing in the diming light before a large outcrop of rocks.

Merros turns now and smiles broadly that does not match the occasion. He speaks to you both, "Well, before we proceed I would have you both swear that the events of this evening be kept between us and the king we serve. I know I need not ask,, for you have both shown loyalty and compassion in your words and deeds, but nevertheless..." He then waits patiently for your response, while Glimgriss, still tied and gagged cranes her neck to fix you both with a curious stare. 

Meanwhile, following the King : Halp and Leif you listen as the king explains what must be done. "I have tasked others to prepare the animals master Halp. We can spare little, but seven goats will be drawn forward for the blade. I expect no high theology from you, just deliver the animals to the alter and say what prayers you deem appropriate and I will speak afterward. Young Eldon has prepared the pyres and young master Leif if you could keep a careful eye on the crowd. There are some amongst us who may use the gathering to cause trouble." You can not help but see him cast a glance toward Veldir at that moment. The Firewing crewman does not miss the sleight and walks sullenly at your side.

The unlit pyres are growing close now and you can see that people are starting to gather. "Do either of you have questions?" the king asks, pausing for a moment to allow you both to think and speak.

“No questions.”

Leif will split away from the entourage and seek a vantage point within the expected gathering crowd, maybe a slight rise in the undulating grounds. A place where he can monitor the majority of the people with the least turning of his head. He remains highly aware of the location of the Firewing crew and whether they split up or remain close to Veldir and the king. If they stick close to the king, he will opt for a position somewhat behind them on a rise, if possible, and near enough to quickly intervene if a disturbance begins within their ranks.

Leif plants his feet and begins a commitment to hyper vigilance. Quieting his own thoughts and breathing to reach out his senses to the voices and actions of those around him. Sharp words, raised voices, agitated movements will all be suspect from this point forward. He is not averse, if given enough time, to pray for Guidance for Perception or Insight to decipher any escalating behaviors.

(Both passive perception and passive insight are 15 to begin with)

Quote from Dreamhobbit >>

Merros turns now and smiles broadly that does not match the occasion. He speaks to you both, "Well, before we proceed I would have you both swear that the events of this evening be kept between us and the king we serve. I know I need not ask,, for you have both shown loyalty and compassion in your words and deeds, but nevertheless..." He then waits patiently for your response, while Glimgriss, still tied and gagged cranes her neck to fix you both with a curious stare. 

Sólmyrkvi regained his composure during the walk, but he seems nonplussed by Merros's request.  He glances Kora and cocks an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.  Then he looks back to Merros and, with cautious optimism, says, "Of course, Merros, but I don't expect that anyone would be interested in anything that we've heard or seen so far this evening.  And if you're referring to the 'event' that we came here to witness..."  His eyes dart briefly as he looks over to Glimgriss for a moment and then back to Merros.  "Well, I didn't think that I'd be interested in discussing it or sharing any details once it's done.  But, yes, I could swear to secrecy.  Though...it may be difficult to keep 'whatever happens here' from our other friends, Leif and old Father Halp."

Feeling the strange tingle on the back of her neck, Kora doesn't like it.  She figures magic is in play, keeping them hidden from others, which is fine - understandable even, but at least let them know, make sure Sol and she are alright with it.

But she brushes it off, he is the right hand man of the king, no need to bring about any scuffle.. blah blah.  But she's already annoyed.  Then as he turns to them, that smile.. it's so, off.  So, unnecessary, does he enjoy killing?  I mean.. some men just do.

Insight on Merros: 22

She sees Sol's curiosity as well at Merros's words.  "I didn't know we were part of a secret trial.  I have no interest in discussing this with anyone else."

They draw near the pyres. 

There's more of a crowd than Halp has had previous occasion to speak in front of. Certainly since he had retired to his quiet hamlet. Maybe, he thinks, maybe that's a good thing. It means they are stronger in number than he had feared. Than the storm, the gods, would have had of them. 

Good.

Halp notes the King choosing to stand by his people to receive the service. Among them. As if he was just one of them when it came to farewelling the departed. It is a good thing. Will give everyone courage to know their King feels he has no more dominion over death than they. That he will fight for them as he does for himself. That said, not the safest of places to stand if he was concerned for the assassin's blade, but all the more kingly for marking no fear of such a dastard. 

Halp steps forward. He looks from one to the next. Gives each in the gathered crowd time to see him, his own nervousness and plainness. He spots Leif, watching from a vantage. A smart vantage at that. Well done, lad. To the side three folk hold the goats. A good sacrifice. If there are any gods to receive them. If not, then a stupid waste. Time will tell on that. 

Halp starts. 

"We are here. We are here and we are lucky to be here, though we have lost too much. Lost too many that we hoped to grow old with, beside, leave our lives to, too. 

"We have a king. That is not nothing. In times like these we need to work together and do it well. And... a leader, a good leader, as I believe Alric to be, gives us a best chance to live to see tomorrow. 

"I... I don't know which of our fore-gods still listen to us -"

Halp has to wait for the murmurs to subside, but he doesn't raise a hand. He just waits until they do. 

"I believe in the powers that have brought us here, though I know not their names. I believe in our way of living and that we must not succumb. We must live." 

He stops. He realises he hasn't said much that might sound like a funeral rite, at least not to some. He looks over and signals for the goatherds to bring forward their charges.

In turn, Halp kneels before each goat and looks it in its strange square-pupiled eyes. Calming it. Then murdering it as quickly as he knows how, as he has oft practiced, over many a year before battle. 

He helps throw each goat onto the pyre beside the bodies of the lost. 

When the last is done he nods to those with torches, Master Eldon and the rest. 

Halp turns to the gathered and shouts, "May the departed feast in our ancestors' drinking halls! To the King and tomorrow! May we all see the dawn!"   

Then he walks back and joins the crowd to watch they pyres catch. He stands a little back and to the other side of the King from where Leif stands.

Smart lad. 

(OOC: Don't know, @DM, if you want to make rolls for any of that... Happy for you to do so as you deem fit. FYI, Halp's CHA is 13 (+1), his Insight is : +5 (for monitoring crowd), and his Persuasion is: +1, Performance is: +3 and his Religion is: +2 - if any of them are apt stats.)  

At the edge of camp... Sólmyrkvi you say you piece and Merros thumbs his chin for a moment as he considers your response,

"Very good, I will leave the question of your Leif and Master Halp to your discretion."

Kora (with a 22) while the smile is certainly out of place for the circumstances you sense that its source is not one of sadistic pleasure. It rather oddly seems to be a smile of genuine delight rather than grim anticipation. At your words Merros claps his hands sharply and calls out,

"Very good! You can come out now!" 

From behind the nearby outcrop of rocks two tall female figures emerge carrying a litter between them. The litter in turn carries a dead body. A young girl by the looks of it, similar in size and frame to... Glimgriss? The two guards who came with you step forward and begin to remove the bindings from Griss, who spits and coughs as the gag is removed.

"That was disgusting." she snaps at Merros.

"But necessary," the kings adviser replies with a shallow bow, he then turns to you both, "The king can not openly spare this girl, the rumours from the Firewing and the mark she bares are problem enough, but it was her display on the beach that finally put pay to that possibility. So, we have devised an alternative. Voluntary exile. Alaric would not mark these first days in our new world with the spilling of her blood."

Griss looks at you each in turn, "Thank you both for defending me back there. I... I am sorry about the beach." she looks to you Kora, "When you recognised the mark I... I was scared."

"She will not go alone." Merros gestures toward the two shield maidens who carry the litter, "...and in time we will perhaps find a better solution. The body on the litter was salvaged from the ocean, and the damage done to her served our purpose. Truly it is a distasteful thing but her sacrifice will save the life of another after all."

You can now see that, though carefully covered with a sheet, this body has no head. A grisly end indeed. The two shield maidens hand the litter to the guards and one of them passes a pack to Griss who moves to stand between the women.

Merros waits then for either of you to act or speak.... While back at the beach.

Leif you watch the crowd as Halp delivers his message. (With a 15) You spot the Firewing crew easily and they all have their eyes fixed on Veldir, who has remained by the kings side. The kings appears safe amongst his people. Guards drift through the surrounding crowd and those near to the king seem proud and honoured by the privilege. So far so good. (Give me a perception roll with disadvantage)

Halp you deliver your words clearly and at the mention of Alaric... "a good leader, as I believe Alric to be..."

The people cheer and those with shields beat swords against them, but as you speech turns toward the gods the people grow silent and do indeed begin to murmur for a time, but it does pass. Then come the sacrifices... roll for either religion or performance with advantage as you deliver your final words...

"May the departed feast in our ancestors' drinking halls! To the King and tomorrow! May we all see the dawn!"

"May the departed feast in our ancestors' drinking halls! To the King and tomorrow! May we all see the dawn!" 

Performance (with advantage, per log): (13,8) + 3 = 16 

(Game Log roller is giving me fits. Tried rolling twice with no immediate results. Will try using this built in die roller)

There is a lot of motion and voices.

Perception with disadvantage: 18