Thrice Dead : Metamorphosis

[Astrid Oathsteel]

A lone fir
In an open field
Withers away.
A lone man
Loved by none
How long can he live?

She knew what it was, perhaps not any fancy name for it, but she saw the black powder and remembered the weapon that she'd taken from a dead body, it needed such powder to work. This much of that black powder, this could not be a good thing. But, if her father died in the process, she did not care the means. She had come here to kill Jarl Randver, and kill the Jarl she would. She did not shy away, nor turn and run even when the fire hit the powder and all went white in a blast that shook the city. A blast, whose power seared her flesh, broke her body, and then sucked out her very life as she flew backwards and tumbled down off the balcony towards the river so far below in the chasm.

Northness built upon a cliff, the Jarl's room set where he could gaze along the fjord with the raging whitewaters of the river below. A trinket she'd purchased, a rezz coin, kept her spirit from severing too long and she awoke unsure of where she was, or what was happening. Her sword had fallen from her hand, her shield still hooked to her arm. She seemed to be floating, it was as if time stood still and she could fly. Even the pain from broken bones and burned flesh was set aside for the moment as she stared upwards into the wide blue cloud-dotted sky and felt the cold icy wind rushing up from the river below.

Then reality set in. She was flailing, falling. She could not fly, she would sink like a rock. The pain shot through her of blackened skin, and broken bones, and all the gashes and cuts from the battle. She was within a thread of death again, for rezz coins do not heal you, they merely bring you back enough for someone to provide healing to you. So, when she crashed hard into the raging ice-cold waters of the river and her head hit the rock with such force that blood stained the rock red, she took her last breath - again - it seemed. The cold froze her body, her mind elsewhere, her limbs beaten by the rocks as she flowed down with the river. Her shield caught on the rocks, that sharp reflective surface like a shining beacon as the sunlight from far above hit it's mirrored surface. Her body, once so strong and powerful, now naught but a broken rag doll washing towards the sea.

Three times dead. Zorja, Goddess of Fire, it held within her power to save this Vindicator, but thrice dead, rare was the Zorcan that could say they'd died three times and lived again. But, there were always ways to cheat death, were there not?

Fear not death, for the hour of your doom is set and none may escape it.

[Head Moderator]

If a man's time has not come,
something will save him.

Astrid
Sigurd
Greta the Skeggan

PART ONE ---- The Rescue from the River

The blast as the Jarl's hall blew up from all that black powder he'd poured out was seen for miles around. Northness was situationed on a cliff overlooking a river, and when the place had blown up it had sent Astrid flying out across the balcony, near dead as she already was from all the wounds she'd taken and now burned from the fire, the blast killing her as she flew backwards. Her rezz coin instantly did it's job, but there was not a lot someone could do coming back to life, still wounded and near death, falling to one's death again. She hit the rocky, cold river with a splash and sunk beneath the whitewater. Her head and body beat against the rocks as she began to move downstream. Her body near frozen, her sword had fallen into the deep water and no longer with her. Good thing it was legacy, it would return to her at some point. Her shield was wedged against a rock, it's reflective surface shimmering from the light. Her broken body was pushed into a small eddy, her head within the water, floating as she lodged between some rocks. Her blood stained the water around her red.

Sigurd was getting his dead reindeer all prepared when there was that explosion! He cursed and winced at the noise, and there was only one place he knew of in the direction it'd come from! He picked up his weaponry hastily and started off in a run towards the river, then up along the riverbank towards Northness. Apparently some of the baddies from the area had seen where Astrid had gone, so by the time he got to where he spotted the light reflecting off her shield, they'd also shown up to the party! He crouched down quickly and pulled an arrow from his quiver, spending a moment to take aim at one of the men. They hadn't seen him, since their attention was elsewhere of course, so the arrow took the lead man in the side of the neck. Sigurd rose then and started running at them, pulling another arrow and firing it as
he ran, then tossing the bow down and drawing his axe and sword. The second arrow hadn't been properly aimed, of course, so it only winged a guy in the shoulder, but then he was among them! The fight was rather brief as they'd been taken almost entirely by surprise and were not prepared for a good fight! Two dead bad guys later, and Sigurd tossed down his bloodied up weapons, pressed a hand to the slash he'd taken to the side from one of them, then moved to the river. And there was Astrid! The sight made him curse quite a bit, particularly since the river wasn't exactly gentle. Time to start thinking! He set down his backpack, grabbed some of his herbal salve and shoved it into and along the wound in his side, then rummaged.

The river was whitewater and still had chunks of ice floating in it. Cold, but perhaps that ice cold was good as it had slowed down her biological processes. As far as he could tell though, she was dead. The water red around her, as she was caught in that eddy, blood still flowing from wounds and her armor and flesh bubbling and burnt from the fire of the explosion. Even her self healing could not process the wounds enough to even stop the bleeding quite yet and the longer she stayed in the water the stiffer and colder her body got. He would recognize that she wore a bandolier of potions on her chest, and while the leather was burnt and brittle the potions were still protected. There was one potion of healing on it.

He made sure he hadn't used all of his herbal concoction, since he trusted that stuff more than potions! Potions hadn't saved his life, after all! He moved over to one of the dead folks and found his knife...still needed to get one of course! He stabbed it down into the ground as deep as he could get it, tied one end of a rope around it, then anchored it better with a few rocks. That done, he tied the other end of the rope around his waist. It wouldn't support him for long, most likely, but hopefully long enough! Then it was into the water for him, hissing in a breath at how damned cold it was. Prayers were muttered under his breath to Njordr as he advanced towards where she was caught in those rocks, though he moved carefully, trying not to slip and let the current take him. Once he got over to her, he gathered her up carefully to try and avoid doing any more damage, but kept her body under the water as much as he could to keep her cold and slow that bleeding at least! He just made sure her head didn't go under as he started moving back towards the shore.

She was limp, cold, her flesh frozen and still bearing the marks of the explosion and multiple wounds from what looked like a flurry of weapons though she'd only faced one man. He'd had magical daggers, four of them, and his own two weapons leaving her fighting against six blades at once. Her lips were blue, extremities blue as well. But holding her as close as he needed to pull her free, he'd be able to perhaps feel that she had a light heartbeat, there was still breath. She'd cheated death, but was still wounded enough that it would not take much to kill her again. In fact, the freezing water and slow-bleeding wounds would do that pretty quickly. Her eyes fluttered open and stared up at him as the life ebbed from them. Her lips too frozen to speak, all she could think about was, did the Jarl die?

He almost slipped once, but that was why he had that rope! He just grabbed onto it more tightly, and continued lugging her towards shore with his free hand. If her shield was strapped to her arm, at least she wouldn't lose that too!If it was still wedged in the rocks, well, he'd get it back for her. When he noticed her eyes opened up and looked to him he sent her a brief, wry smile, but focused on getting them out of the water. "You'd better not even think about dying on me, Astrid. I'm sure as fuck not freezing my balls off for no reason." And then out of the water they went! He laid her down carefully, then grabbed the rest of his herbal salve and started to apply it to the worst of her wounds.

Once free of the water, her body began to tremble and shake from the cold. She could not move her fingers or toes. Her shield was wedged, no longer on her body, ripped free by the strong undertow. At least the salve would stop her bleeding. Her lips moved, she had little strength to put much force behind them, but if he leaned close he'd hear her whisper, "Let me die, I've done my duty. I'll die honorably, remembered." She gulped in a breath, though it stung like fire in her chest, and closed her eyes again, the darkness taking her for the time being as she passed out again, perhaps a gift from Zorja to keep her from suffering so much for the moment as the wind hit her burned flesh and he was tending to her wounds.

He did lean in when her lips moved, and when he heard that he sent her a scowl, and would've punched her out to stop that talk if she hadn't passed out anyway! Well, maybe he would have. Probably not. He just went back to work, using up all the salve he had prepared, then bandaging the rest of her wounds. Thankfully he had burn ointment he'd made separate from his wound salve! It got applied, and the burns lightly wrapped with just a layer or two of gauze to keep the wind off of them, but still let them breathe. He'd have to tend to getting her warmed back up later! For now he just slipped out of his cloak and draped it over her, then moved back into the
river to fetch her shield. He didn't know her sword would come back, so he took a brief look for it, but figured it was long gone if it wasn't there! And then back to shore he went to start packing up his things!

The sword was at the bottom of the raging river, but in 24 hours it would find her again thankfully. Her shield she'd made herself, polished to a mirrored surface and was sharpened. She had her belongings still strapped to her, if and when he pulled her things off of her, he'd find wrapped up in her pack a dagger she was in the process of making. But it wasn't finished yet! That was if he dug into her pack for food or supplies. Her horse would have to be found later, as Fenris had taken it thinking her head, and all her belongings in the saddlebags gone. After she'd been bandaged up, she opened her eyes again and turned her head watching as he packed. She shivered still beneath the cloak, and just stared at him as her eyes grew shimmery with tears that soaked into the bandaging.

Oh and for the sake of it being sensical, we'll say his cloak was still dry since he hadn't worn it into the river, which is why it'd make sense to put it on her! He took a look in the direction the men had come from, but it didn't seem anyone else was due to join them, so he had some more time. He got his rope put away, and still had room in his pack, so off came all her wet, freezing cold clothing! He gave her a little pat to the cheek when she stared at him and as reassuring a smile as he could manage, then got himself out of that spidersilk! He still had clothes on, of course. Onto her went the spidersilk since it had that handy Comfort enhancement, and then his cloak was wrapped around her. "Alright, up you go." He was all ready now, so he hefted her up carefully, then headed on back towards the camp!

She did feel better as far as being cold when the spidersilk was put on her, and when she was told to get up, she did so though she gasped out in pain. Having that much of your body covered in such deep burns was excruciating. She clung to him, having him help her along as they headed towards the camp. She still remained quiet, she was strong and tough, she could deal with the pain at least she thought she could. She could not help but wonder if she was going to end up some freaky frightening creature covered in burns even if they healed and it made her whimper a little. "Why Zorja, why did you not take me to your hall?" She mumbled as she moved along. "Did I not do your bidding?" Even as tough as she was, the pain brought tears to her eyes again. "Did I not serve Alzorc?" she mumbled again.

Well he didn't need her to stand, he was gonna carry her! He just meant for her to get ready for being lifted. So she wouldn't have to be walking under her own power,
nor would he allow her to if she tried to fight it. He could probably take her pretty easily in her current state anyway. "I'm sure you did Zorja's bidding just fine. Perhaps your reward was not dying, hm? A god can as surely grant a life as take one away."

Awww, he was gonna carry her big self. She definitely had no energy to fight and rested her head against his shoulder. She sighed, "I am useless. Damaged. Worthless. How is that a reward?" She nestled her head into his neck, and despite everything, the pain, the chaos, the warmth of his body was soothing and his scent soothing as well. "Can I be healed?"



-----PART TWO: The Skeggan Woman

Alright! So, Sigurd had hired a ship. And by hired, he meant hijacked. He wanted to hire it normally, of coruse, but alas, the captain didn't want to have any of that. So Sigurd had fought him for it...or rather, his champion. Once the biggest badass on the ship had fallen to Sigurd's axe, most of them stepped in line rather quickly, though the captain took a broken arm to thoroughly convince him. Either way, it was a tense voyage to the Skegg Islands, but nobody had made any moves against him or his clearly unwell companion. He kept her in a state of medicated unconsciousness as much as possible, tended to her wounds as well as he could, and only woke her up to make sure she was getting some nourishment, usually in the form of water and some food she wouldn't have to chew. He also took steps to keep her fever from getting dangerously high, but he could tell it kept creeping upwards! And finally they'd
arrived. The captain of the ship was all too happy to see him go, and as arranged, he just dropped them off. They'd have to find another way back, but it wouldn't be the first time! He had that horse Astrid had given him, too! So pretty much just tied her into the saddle so she wouldn't fall out, and walked them towards that sheep farm he knew all too well, near the coast. There were probably goats there, too!

It was a good thing he kept her passed out as much as possible, even for a Zorcan that seemed to live for pain, this pain was nigh unbearable. Add into the fact that she just had so many burns over her body that some had gotten infected, she was far better off out than awake. When she was awake, she was delirious and had no idea where she was, or what was happening and probably didn't even know who Sigurd was. When they arrived and she was tied into the saddle, she awoke enough to glance around. She didn't recognize where she was, but she looked down at Sigurd and spoke so very softly, "Where've you brought me?" Somehow too, wherever they were within 24 hours of her dropping her sword, it had appeared in it's sheath wherever he had her
belongings.

He had them in his pack, and hers, which he was also carrying. Anything that wouldn't fit in the two packs went into the horse's saddlebags. They'd have all their stuff, that was the important part! Anyhow. He remembered where the farm was, roughly, but he hadn't exactly been let off at the same point where he left from, so it'd take a bit of a walk! He glanced up when she spoke and frowned. "You shouldn't be awake yet. If you're in pain, I can help you sleep again. And to answer your question, we just arrived at the Skegg Islands. Your burns are beyond my ability to heal, we're going to see Greta."

"Greta..." She murmured, and shifted a little, then winced. She was more lucid than she'd been in days. She glanced along her bandaged body, and wrinkled her nose. "I smell...bad. I'm thirsty." She licked her parched lips and groaned in pain. "How long? If it is very long, then, yes sleep."

"Of course you smell bad." He sent her a reassuring smile. "We've been on a ship for a few days, I haven't been able to bathe you properly. I don't smell much better, trust me." He offered her his flask of water, then looked around at the terrain and nodded a bit to himself. "Not far now, perhaps another half hour. We'll start seeing sheep any moment, I'm sure."

She took the water and sipped, then drank a little more and offered it back down to him and stayed quiet while they traveled. She dozed off here and there, but a half hour wasn't too long so she just managed. Too bad she couldn't admire the scenery and goats and sheep, she just felt terrible and wanted to be off this horse.

Greta was outside her home, tending in her garden. It was still cold, yes, but it was spring and she had vegetables and herbs to tend to. When the horse and two people came within view, she gazed down the dirt road then went back to her task with the herbs, as she knelt on the tilled ground. She hadn't recognized Sigurd that far off, but when they got closer she brushed her dark curls out of her eyes and peered towards them again, then rose and brushed the dirt off her hands upon her apron as a smile spread. She spoke Skeggan of course, "Sigurd! You've come back to visit? I never would have thought..." She furrowed her brow as she saw the large, bandaged woman. "What've we here?"

He spoke Skeggan right back, of course! He smiled to see Greta again, but it wasn't the happiest of smiles. "Hello, Greta. I regret to say that I've not come on a personal visit, though I do intend to sooner or later!" He set about getting Astrid freed from that saddle and helped off the horse. Or just taken off, if she was out again! "She got cut up, and burned, and now some of the burns have become infected. I'm afraid I must not have taken in those lessons you gave me as well as I should have." Although they hadn't touched much on burns, in his defense! "Can you help her? I know I already owe you so much, but...she's very important to me."

Astrid was out again, only briefly muttering something unintelligible in Zorcan as she was removed from the saddle. "Come in, let's get her inside. Burns? Well I'll certainly try." She moved to the door of her home and opened it, then led him down to a bedroom he'd surely recognize as the one he'd been nursed to health in. She motioned towards the bed and moved to wash her hands with soap and water. "You'll need to go pump some water into the big pot, and then put it to boil over the fire in the kitchen. Also put the kettle to boil, she'll be needing some valerian tea to kill the pain and put her to sleep where she won't wake up in and out." She tugged the blankets and things down from under her, and then went out of the room to go and fetch her healing supplies.

He nodded. That's probably what he'd been giving her, until he ran out! He'd run out of a lot of his supplies trying to get her healthy again. He moved to that little bedroom and laid Astrid down on the bed, then gave her a little kiss on the forehead, before moving! He grabbed the big pot on his way out, then pumped a good bit of water in it, before it was into the kitchen to get it ready to boil. He took the time to wash his hands as well! Something he did quite regularly, in fact. He had taken to his lessons rather well!

She paused in the kitchen and handed him a pouch of dried valerian so he could make the tea. "Make it strong, peeling the bandages and clothes off of her is going to be extremely painful." She paused a moment, and then gave Sigurd a big old hug and a smooch on both cheeks. "Despite the reason you've come, I'm glad to see you!" She smiled sadly, thinking of how great it would be if her son showed up out of the blue, then headed to the room where Astrid was. She would need to get everything off her, and wash her with one of her herbal soaps, before she could even begin trying to heal the burns. She began removing the bandages that would be easy to come off, and brushing her hair out of the way, braiding it into one long braid so it would stay out of the way.

"Alright." He took the pouch and set it aside for now to let the water finish boiling, and then was pulled into a hug! He smiled and returned it, and the smooches to her cheeks. "I'm glad to see you too." He'd apologize for not visiting sooner, but hell it felt like he'd only just left! He got a good bit of strong valerian tea made up, then brought some into the room shortly after Greta moved in there. "I've kept my ears open for any word of your son, but so far no news." She had said that she didn't think he was dead, she just didn't know what had happened to him! "Of course I haven't visited Rumeria. Things aren't particularly well between them and Alzorc. If things settle down enough perhaps I'll do a proper investigation."

Her face dropped a bit when he spoke of her son, and she sighed and shook her head. "Nor has anyone else. But I won't give up. I haven't heard that he's dead either, so I'm going to always hope he's alive and well. I do miss him." She smiled a bit and nodded to him. "Thank you, dear, I'd appreciate that." She held her hand out and took the tea, then gave a little shake to Astrid to wake her up, as she slid one arm under her neck to lift her. "Here's a good girl, drink it up," Not that Astrid could understand the words, but the bitter tea was being dripped into her mouth so she drank it. He'd probably added honey, which helped the taste. She had her drink as much as she could, then sat "This won't be pretty, Sigurd, you want to help or step outside while I do this?"

Yep he'd make it as palatable as possible! He helped support Astrid and translated for her so she wouldn't be too confused about what was going on, then laid her back down carefully after she had finished her tea. He looked to Greta and had a little chuckle. "It wasn't pretty when I found her in the river, either. I'll help. I can handle it." Which was true! He wouldn't like it one bit, but he could handle assisting. He was pretty sure Astrid would want him helping rather than leaving her to a non-Zorcan stranger, as well!

"I know you can handle it, just didn't know if you wanted to. Is she your lady?" Of course, she'd just chat and chat and chat even while doing this. She waited for Astrid to fall asleep from the valerian and began to use scissors and her hands to get every last bit of bandaging and clothing off of her. She looked bad. Where she'd had no clothing to protect her, her skin was burned terribly. Where she had clothing, the clothes had burned into her skin so removing it was making it sore and raw and bleeding. She pointed out the infected areas to Sigurd, and then got him a cloth as well as she and broke a chip of the herbal soap off and handed it to him. "We need to clean the wounds. I am sure you did that first thing, but it's been a long way getting here and I need a clean slate to heal. So let's wash her." Which they did, it would take a while, since they had to go slow and Astrid probablym moaned and cried a bit, but they'd get it done! And then it was time for her to slather her down with a healing balm she'd made herself specifically for burns. "I sell this to the local blacksmiths. Never used so much at one time, but it'll start healing the burns." She also further treated the blade wounds. When she was all done, she lay a thin cotton sheet over her. "She's got a terrible fever, it'll no doubt get worse before she's better. Tonight will be hard, but if she's anything like you, she'll make it." She rose, cleaning up her things and headed out so she could wash up and left Astrid with Sigurd.

"I don't want to, but I didn't want this to happen to her. I didn't want to get skewered and tossed into the sea, for that matter." He shrugged. "Shit happens, the important part is to deal with it." And he'd mostly listen to all the chatting while they worked! "And...she's a very dear friend. I don't know that I'd call her my lady, though." And yes, he'd cleaned the wounds as well as he could, but he hadn't known what to do about the clothes burned into the skin! That was probably what got infected more than anything else. He nodded when she handed him the soap and wet about cleaning those wounds, getting himself as mentally detached from it as possible so that moaning and crying wouldn't prevent him from doing a good, thorough job of it. And then he helped with the balm as well, nodding. The blade wounds were probably pretty good, since that's what the purpose of that salve he was always making was! "You'll have to teach me how to make that burn stuff. All I had handy was something to dull the pain and keep it from getting infected, but I didn't have nearly enough, nor did I think to get the clothes out of the way properly." He sighed, then nodded at what she said about the fever. "She's probably tougher than I
am, actually. I'm sure she'll pull through. Thank you, Greta."

Greta of course agreed to give him the recipe for the burn balm, and when she was all cleaned up she peeked into the room a moment. "Hungry, Sigurd? We can leave the door open and we'll hear her if she starts stirring." She waited to see if he wanted to come eat something or not, and then whether he came with her or not, she headed to the kitchen.

He spent that moment with Astrid telling her a nice little sleepy time story! Sure, it was one Zorcans probably told to their kids, but she always liked stories, and he figured it'd help her rest to hear a night time story! He held her hand as he spoke, then gave it a little kiss. When he heard Greta he looked over and nodded, then stood up and moved to the kitchen! "Food sounds great. I don't think I've eaten since I found her, other than a bite here and there when I was feeding Astrid. I could really use a bath, too, as I'm sure you've noticed." He was hiding it perfectly, but he also wanted to check on the couple wounds he'd taken recently! He'd spent so much time on Astrid he'd barely bothered with his own troubles.

Awww, Sigurd was so sweet, he'd be a good daddy! Greta was glad he was going to come eat, and hurried to the kitchen and began to prepare him a plate of food. As most women did, she had food cooking at just about all times of the day, today she had some potatoes boiling. "Yes, you could use a bath. How about fill your belly, and we'll get more water heated and you can take a fine hot bath." She dipped out the potatoes onto a plate, then she'd pull down a few containers with some of the Skeggan specialities he might remember, dried whale meat, black and chewy- brined blubber pieces - and dried and seasoned fish. She sat the plate down and poured him a large mug of Skeggan beer. "How've you been since you left? And what happened to the poor girl, looks like she fell into a bonfire."

He nodded, then finally got around to getting his cloak off. He'd taken off his weapons and the two packs he was carrying already! And hopefully tied up that horse, or else it'd be harassing the poor sheep and goats. "Alright." He nodded at her wonderful idea, then had a seat while she got him all set up with dinner. "I've been well, all things considered. Lots of fighting, but nothing as bad as what brought me to you the first time. As for Astrid...I don't really know. I was at camp and heard what I first thought was a huge thunderclap, but then saw fire and smoke. I found her in the river, that damage was already done. Couple people were looking for her,
too, but I found them before they found her." He picked up that mug of beer and had a drink, then started to dig in on the food!

"Sounds exciting." She sat down at the table with him, and watched him eat for a few minutes. Then there was a boy's head peeking through the back door telling her he'd taken care of the horse in the stable, so Sigurd hadn't need worry about the horse. "I'm sure she'll be safe here, but it'll take time. We'll need to keep her wounds clean, especially the infected areas. It won't be pleasant, and it'll be painful, but I've enough valerian for a few days. I'll get more tomorrow. We can't keep her on it this strong for too long, it'll be bad for her. A few days, then if she's as strong as you say, and she makes it past the fever, she'll have to handle the pain." She always did like seeing people eat food, and she would offer him all he wanted, then had a fruit tart for him to eat as a dessert.

He glanced over to the boy peeking his head through the window and sent him a little wave, then went right back to his eating, nodding to the continued talking from his favorite healer! "Yeah, I remember you taking me off of it. It wasn't fun then, I'm sure it won't be for her, but she can take it. She used to train under me, after all. I like to think I taught her well." He grinned, then finished up his food, and the fruit tart for dessert as well! All full now, he sat back with a pleased sigh. "That was wonderful. Thank you again. I don't know how I'll ever repay you for everything you've done for me."

"The gods will repay me, Sigurd, but if there's anything you can do for me that would mean the most, it's find my boy." She smiled, and then pushed her chair back and picked up his dish and took it over to the counter. "You used to train her? Well, that builds a special bond between folks so I've heard. I'd suggest we put a pallet on the floor for you to sleep on in her room, in case she wakes up through the night. She'll need to be given the tea every now and again so it stays in her system. We can take turns watching over her for the first few days, then it'll be less of a danger for her and we won't need to watch her all the time. How about you try to sleep for a few hours and I'll keep watch over her?"

He nodded a little at that. "I'll do what I can to find him, I promise." He sent her his best reassuring smile, then stood up and stretched out. "Mm. I can do that. If she wakes up and gets...hostile or panicked at all, just tell her..." And then he told her how to say that Sigurd is here, don't worry, in Zorcan! Obviously she didn't speak the language if he had to learn Skeggan to communicate with her, ha! "Or just say it in common, I suppose. She'd probably be more comforted to hear Zorcan, though.." As far as he knew she didn't know Common either, he'd only ever spoken to her in Skeggan! "Anyway. I'll need that bath before I can get any sleep. I'll get started with the water." And then he proceeded to do just that!

She practiced saying it in Zorcan, it wasn't TOO completely different from the Skeggan language. There really was no need for her to know or use common, so she'd nod and repeat it back to him in Zorcan. It wasn't too much of a stretch to think she hadn't learned some Zorcan while she was teaching him Skeggan. "Right, the bath." She nodded and pulled the old metal bath tub off the wall and sat it before the hearth, then got him some soap and a towel and whatever else he needed, and poured the hot water she already had into the tub. His cold water would make it warm enough he could get into it. Then she headed to Astrid's room to take up a watch, while she sat in a chair and knitted.

Yeah it wouldn't be too tough. And he probably taught her some, yeah! The languages were more compatable than, say, Skeggan and Common anyway. He brought in more water and added it to the hot water in the tub, then made sure he was all nice and alone before stripping down and crawling into the tub! He had that small cut in his side that was mostly healed, and a new stab in the shoulder he'd taken from his fight to get the boat, which was also healing up nicely. So good! They hurt, but they weren't going all infected. A good cleaning and the last of his salve ought to do the trick! So he'd start in with the good cleaning first!

He was alone, and had access to her salves and healing things if he wanted them. Not much had changed since he'd last been there, so he probably knew where everything was. And she just sat in her chair, humming softly, while she continued to knit and watch over Astrid. The thick layer of balm on her body would keep the sheet from sticking to her wounds, but it couldn't be comfortable. While he was bathing, Astrid woke up and tried to sit up. She rose and gently pushed her down, but Astrid didn't know where she was and got a little belligerent, so she had to use that Zorcan phrase after all! Plus some quiet and soothing, "shhhhh"s worked as well. She eased some more tea into her, and stroked her head until she fell asleep. Her house wasn't huge though, so Sigurd probably heard the slight 'altercation' though he'd also hear her handle it fine.

[Head Moderator]

Two wooden stakes
Stood in the field,
There I hung my hat and cloak.
They had character
In fine clothes.
Naked I was nothing.

-----PART THREE: Road to Recovery

About a week or so had passed, the first few days were the worst as Astrid passed in and out of consciousness due to the extent of her injuries, the tea they were giving her, and the pain. Greta had bought more valerian, so they'd not run out, and she'd taken turns with Sigurd watching over her. Once Astrid had gotten past the worst of it... the fever and the infection getting under control and now it was just healing that was necessary, she'd become a bit belligerent at times. Good thing she was weak still, she was not at all happy and perhaps still quite loopy on the valerian tea that was being given to her in small doses now along with another tea mixture to help the healing, but not knock her out as much. She knew she could do nothing about the situation - not yet - but every now and again she'd get the energy to speak in Zorcan to poor Greta, babbling about this or that and how she needs to be sent back to Alzorc. "Shhh. Your friend thought you needed to come here, so we will make the best of it." Greta said in broken Zorcan to her and patted her shoulder gently with a smile.

She jerked away though it made her groan in pain when the woman patted her. It was one thing for her to do her healing on her, quite another to be friendly like they were friends or something. And her broken Zorcan just made the very angry Zorcan even angrier. "Don't pretend you like me, or you care, you fuckin' svek. Sigurd had no right to take me here, no right at all!" She attempted to push the woman away from her, then when it was too difficult she grew even angrier and turned to stare at the woman with narrowed eyes, speaking through gritted teeth. "Get out of here, now."

Oh dear. Sigurd heard that last bit, at least! He'd been out doing some chore or another to help things go more smoothly since he was taking up a lot of Greta's time. Feeding the sheep maybe! Or getting some firewood. Something to help the farm continue running, at any rate. He'd just come in when he heard Astrid all angry and going on about how he had no right to bring her here. He let out a sigh, then headed for the room she was recovering in, giving a pat and a squeeze to Greta's shoulder when he got in there and speaking in Skeggan. "Don't worry about it, she's just getting back to her old self. Just means you've been doing well. Give us a moment." He smiled faintly, then looked to Astrid. Soon as they were left alone and the door was closed, he switched back to Zorcan and moved over to the bed. "It's not wise to be so disrespectful to the woman who not only prepares all your food and drink, but also saved your fucking life, Astrid. You do realize that the only reason you even have the energy to get all pissed off is because of her, don't you?"

"You must still believe that I should be fucking alive, Sigurd." She hissed at him, eyes narrowed and her face flushed - at least what could be seen despite the bandages she wore. She was in a lot of pain still, recovering from burns was no walk in the park. She'd had the misfortune of looking at herself in the mirror when she'd shuffled around a bit, and that had only pissed her off - perhaps saddened her was the right word but she wasn't really that capable of showing sadness, it all came out as anger. "Are you saying she's going to poison me? Let her fucking poison me. I can't possibly be in any more pain, and at least there would be an end to it." She punched him if he was close enough, she wasn't near strong enough to even hurt at all, but it was the thought that counted. "I'm so angry at you Sigurd! Bringing me here, why? If you were so dead set on having me healed, you could have gone to a Zorcan healer. Surely this fucking svek farmer you've brought me to isn't the only healer in the known world that could help me."

"Should you not be? I think the fact that you're still breathing seems to prove that you should be." He narrowed his eyes right back at her, then shook his head when she made that comment about poisoning and pain. "No, I'm not saying she's going to. I'm pointing out that if she wished to, she's more than capable of it. And when did you get so scared of some pain? Sure, it's terrible, I don't doubt that for a second. You're alive, though. It'll get better." And then he got punched! It might not hurt
physically, but it did perhaps hurt emotionally! He of course showed it in the form of an angry look before he spoke again. "She's my friend. She's a better healer than any Zorcan I've ever met, and your wounds were beyond my own ability to heal. And if you call her a fucking svek again, I'll show you that I don't need tea to knock you out."

"Fucking svek." She didn't even waste a moment to say it, she was shaking she was so angry. She sat up, a bit too quickly, and closed her eyes feeling dizzy but then she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and clung to the edge while she waited for the room to stop spinning. She turned towards Sigurd, staring, waiting for him to do whatever it was that he'd said he'd do to knock her out. "Go ahead. Knock me the fuck out."

He might think of himself as a healer at times, but of course he was a fighter first! And he had warned her very clearly. He didn't even wait for her to get herself prepared properly, he just sent a good solid punch right to the side of her chin for maximum knock-out-ability! Probably mid-sentence of her taunting him to do so, no less.

That knocked her out then! She collapsed onto the bed and crumpled up covers, knocked the hell out!

He sighed and shook his head, then picked her up and got her tucked back into bed so she'd be as comfortable as she could! He shook his hand out a little then and glanced down to it. Well at least he'd gashed a knuckle open, maybe that'd make her feel better when she woke up. He stepped out of the room then, wrapping his hand up with some cloth. "Greta, I'll keep watch over her til she wakes up again. She'll probably have a headache and be less pleasant than normal about it."

Greta heard the arguing in Zorcan though she didn't know what was going on, but she glanced up as he walked out. She watched Sigurd a moment and tsked softly. "She's not herself, dear. She may be a strong young woman, but have you ever stayed out in the sun too long? Wounds and burns are two different things. As burns begin to heal, every single little nerve ending reacts as it heals, itching reacting to the healing. It's enough to drive the most level headed man crazy. And that's just the healing. It's not pleasant and she probably thinks she'd be better off dead because all her brain is getting is the pain, and the sensation on every last inch of skin of the tormenting healing. I don't know what she said, but I know you both sounded angry. Give her some time, and don't take it personally." She smiled and stood up, taking his hand in hers and unwrapping it, then she put a little salve over the gash with her other hand, and then wrapped it again and gave him a motherly pat on the cheek. "Put yourself in her shoes. In a strange country, can't understand a word her healer is saying, and in pain in ways she's never known before every moment she's awake."

"She said some unpleasant things about you, and that she was angry at me. I told her to stop insulting you or I'd knock her out. She didn't stop." He smiled, a bit sheepishly! He knew punching his patient was not a good idea, but well...neither was calling one of Sigurd's bluffs, since he tended not to bluff. He nodded a little. "I've been burned before. Never that badly, but I at least have an idea of it. And I don't have to try too hard to put myself in her shoes. It is how we met, after all." He chuckled a little, then nodded. "I'll try what I can to get her to warm up a bit, but it'll take time, even after she's not in all that pain. Maybe I'll teach you how to tell some stories in Zorcan, she's always liked stories."

"Oh, she can say all she wants about me, don't let it bother you. There'll come a day, no doubt, she'll be sorry for every unkind word she's said. On her own, not because you've forced her to quiet her mouth. If she needs someone to blame or put her anger, it can be me." She grinned and nodded. "True enough, and look at us now, friends." She moved back over the table and poured him a cupu of tea from the kettle sitting there. "That sounds good. I do enjoy telling stories. You've heard all the ones I know before." She sat back down again, she was working on crushing some herbs. "And if in the end, she doesn't warm up, such is life, my dear. I'm doing this for you after all, not so for her, right now."

There was a groan from the room as Astrid awakened from the knockout blow. She opened her eyes and glanced around the room, as if for a moment she'd forgotten where she was. Her ice blue eyes moved towards the door, though, and she closed them again.

"I can't just not let it bother me, you're my friend. I'd just like her to be more polite. I don't expect her to be friendly, so much as not hostile." He smiled to her and took the cup of tea. "Thank you." And he had a sip of it then! He nodded. "I'll teach you some. I'll help you work on your Zorcan as well. Perhaps if nothing else she'll appreciate that you're putting forth effort to learn it." And then he heard that groan! He glanced over, then looked to Greta. "I'll go check on her, make sure I didn't break her jaw or something." He set his up of tea down, and was there ice? Surely there would be! He got some gathered up in a cloth, then moved over to Astrid's room and to the bed. "You awake, or just groaning in your sleep?"

"Go away." She whispered and kept her eyes closed, though right after one eye opened then the other and she stared at him. He didn't break her jaw, but she had a nice little bruise forming. "Come to hit me again?"

"No, I came to bring some ice for you to put on it, and see if you needed anything else. If you're hungry, or thirsty, I'll bring you something. If you need something for the pain, I'll help with that too. And I warned you I'd knock you out. I didn't like doing it, but you had it coming." He handed her the little cloth full of ice then.

She took the cloth and put it against her swelling bruise, and rolled over a bit to her side, facing away from him. She whimpered just a little as she had to get used to the new position, after all her back was not all burned up like the front since she'd been shot out of the window back first. "I'm fine." She muttered softly.

He frowned when she rolled away from him, then reached out and gave a little caress to her back, since he of course knew it wasn't all burned up. He'd even rub her hair a little if she let him! He was very careful about it, though, since he didn't want to cause her any more pain. "Alright. And I'm sorry I didn't give you a choice in coming here...but I'm not the sort to let someone I care about die when I can do something about it. I hope you understand that." And with that, he stood up. "I'll just be in the next room. If you need anything, give a shout." And then he headed out of the room!

She stiffened up a little when he touched her back, but it didn't hurt and she relaxed. She didn't stop him from touching her, but she didn't react either ..at least not where he'd see it. She was facing away from him after all, so he'd miss the tears that began to flow. She was quiet about it, at first they just rolled down her cheek and soaked up on the covers but once she heard him leave the room she began to sniffle a little and then for the first time in probably as long as she could remember, she just cried like a baby.

Awwwwww! He hadn't meant to make her cry! Hopefully it wasn't crying 'cause he touched her or something. It was probably good for her, though. He couldn't imagine how stressful it'd be to keep nothing but anger around for so long, just blocking everything else away. That was part of why he was a bit more free with his emotions than a lot of Zorcans! Too much stress doing it their way. Anyhow, he returned to finish his cup of tea, and probably eat a little something, but true to his word, he didn't stray from the next room in case Astrid needed anything!

She cried for a good while, then just sniffled and fell asleep after about an hour. It would be hours later that she woke up, and rolled to her back again. The ice had melted but the water had dried by then. Her eyes were still red and a bit swollen, but she was extremely thirsty so she called out with a raspy voice, "Sigurd?" She tried to sit up a little, tugging the cover up to cover herself a little while she leaned against the back of the bed, and coughed dryly.

He probably passed the time by teaching Greta some more Zorcan! How to pronounce things properly, which should be easy enough since it was close enough to Skeggan, and some less basic conversational words. He heard that raspy voice from the other room, and she just sounded thirsty! He got her some of the tea he'd been drinking, since water on an empty stomach never felt pleasant, plus it had cooled so it wasn't too hot, just a bit warm! Into the other room he went with the cup, moving over to have a seat in the chair next to the bed. He offered the cup to her so she wouldn't have to ask with her poor dry throat!

She watched as he entered, and when he sat down and offered the cup she reached out and took it, bringing it to her lips to take a sip. She stared over at the window, sipping a little more, not saying a word for quite some time. When the cup of tea was empty, she handed it back to him and leaned the back of her head against the bed and folded her arms across her chest against the thin sheet she was covered in, and stared up at the ceiling. She peeked over at him once, but then just went back to staring and remaining silent.

He took the cup back and gave her a little smile, then set it down. If she wasn't really quiet about her crying he would've certainly heard it, but he wasn't going to bring it up even if he had! He watched her, looking for anything he might be able to do for her that she wasn't saying, like if she seemed to be in more pain than normal, or if she seemed hungry or anything like that, though he did speak after a while to be more direct about it! "Do you want some more tea, or some water? Anything?" He'd ask how she was feeling, but he knew how he would've responded to that question when he had a gaping chest wound! So he didn't.

He'd have heard her crying, after she let it out she couldn't really control keeping it quiet! She was glad he didn't bring it up though, she was a bit embarassed she'd let herself cry like that. Crying like a baby wasn't really the Zorcan way. She shook her head a little. "No." She attempted to fix the pillows to help prop her up, but it wasn't that easy. She got them where she was at least comfortable and could lay her cheek against the pillow, and stared over at him. Her anger had subsided, now she just looked quite sad, awww.

He nodded a little, and then leaned in to help her get situated with the pillows til she was as comfortable as she could be, then sat back and stared right back at her. He frowned since she looked so sad, then moved in again to place a small kiss on her forehead. That done, he sat back again and watched her for a moment. He couldn't think of anything to say that wouldn't just be repeating what he'd already said, so he sat quietly as long as she did!

She closed her eyes at the kiss to her forehead, and now that she was all situated and comfortable as a burn patient could be, she closed her eyes and mumbled softly, "Tell me a story?" But, she'd fall asleep before he could finish telling her any story!

He smiled at that and nodded. "Of course." And he'd figure out what sort of story she'd want to hear, and then start telling! He'd finish even if she did fall asleep, but he'd also remember when she fell asleep so she could hear the rest of it later!

[Head Moderator]

The unwise man
is awake all night
worries over and again.
When morning rises
he is restless still,
his burden as before.

Astrid
Sigurd

PART FOUR ---- It Will Take Time

After nearabouts a month of all of the special salves and healing remedies being applied to her, she was doing much better. She wasn't at all fully cured, it would take quite some time for that to happen, but she was out of bed and sitting by the window, with a mug of the special herbal tea in her hand which she sipped every now and again. A blanket was around her, like a cloak, pulled up over her head like a hood while she slowly rocked in the chair and watched the garden and birds and anything else that drew her attention. She had never been vain, at all, but she was a bit depressed these days because of the scars the massive burns had left on her, the worst of which had to still be bandaged. She tugged her long red hair down across her cheek hiding the worst of the scars on her face, though attempting to do it in such a way that it didn't seem like she was bothered by it for the Zorcans held scars in high esteem! But, though a Zorcan warrior, she was still a woman and she hadn't ever expected to have such scars as she now did. The cup was brought to her lips and sipped again, then settled down on her knee as she watched outside.

Well at least she was in good hands! Surely they'd lessen those scars as much as it was possible to do without just straight magic regenerative healing. They'd be bad, sure, but perhaps not as bad as she might think! Sigurd was doing some chores, since Astrid required less constant attention now, chopping up some firewood. He did that a lot, but he did have a nice axe, and it did still get pretty cold here, not to mention all the teamaking. They went through a lot of firewood! Once he'd finished up what he'd set out to do for the day, he returned to the cottage, grabbing some nice cold water to drink and tugging his shirt off. Chilly though it was, he'd been all hot and sweaty, so he wanted to cool down quicker! He moved into Astrid's room and knocked on the doorframe, but stepped in whether she said to or not! "How are you feeling, Astrid?"

Oh boy, half naked sexy Sigurd! She turned her head when she heard him come in, and blew her hair out of her face a bit revealing both of her ice-blue eyes as she stared over at him. She still wasn't sure at all what she thought about things, but she had stopped being nasty several weeks back. Her eyes lingered upon him for a few long moments, moving from his face and down his body to his bare stomach then back up again before she turned to gaze out the window again, free hand lifting to stroke down her hair which she'd pulled across her face again. "Better, thanks."

Well he had that nasty scar on his chest and back, along with a few other assorted ones! But the big one wasn't the sort that people tended to find attractive either! Perhaps that was another reason he'd taken his shirt off, so she could see that he'd learned to be comfortable with his horrible chest wound scar! He had a seat on the edge of the bed and sipped at his water, looking to her for a moment, staring right back while she stared at him! When she replied he smiled, nodding once. "Good. Feel up to taking a walk yet?"

"Sure." She sat her mug aside and rose, moving over to the bed to put the blanket down on it and slip on some shoes. She twirled her hair a bit around a finger, head bowed slightly, and glanced over to him. The slightest of grins formed for a moment, and she reached out to tug on the back of his hair teasingly then sighed softly and headed for the door. She grabbed her cloak on the way out, and pulled the hood up over her head and waited for Sigurd to lead the way.

He had at least been keeping up with his hair, rather than letting the parts that were shaved from growing out. He grinned when she gave a tug to his hair, then stood up and went to his clothing! He actually had some spare clothes handy, so he grabbed a fresh shirt, and put his furry ol' cloak on over it. He also took his axe and his sword, because one never knows when one might need them! And then out the door he went, looking around briefly and tugging his cloak around him a bit more. "I thought we might walk down to the coast, then back up, if you think you can take that much walking. We need to start exercising you regularly though, being stuck in bed for so long will have weakened you, and I'm sure you won't want to go back to Alzorc all
weak and easily fatigued."

She stepped out and drew in the scent of the cold air and nearby sea, then looked over to him as she tightened up her cloak and fastened it at the neck. "That sounds fine. I certainly don't want to go back to Alzorc weak." She frowned a bit, then stepped closer to him to slide her arm around his arm affectionately, even laying her head on his shoulder for a few moments before they began to walk on the road that would lead them away from the farm and down to the rocky coast of the island they were upon. "When do you think we'll head back to Alzorc?" She tightened her hold on his arm for a moment like she was giving his arm a hug, then loosened her hold and kept on walking. She was weak, rather exhausted easily, so she walked slow and leaned on him a little when necessary.

He smiled when she slipped her arm around his and leaned into her just a bit, then moved his other hand up and brushed it through her hair a little, and then off they started walking! He stayed quiet while they walked unless she spoke up first, so it was probably a nice quiet walk for a little while! When she asked the question and gave his arm a hug, he smiled and thought on it for a moment, sliding his hand to hers to give it a squeeze, then returning to her holding onto his arm and leaning when needed. "I don't know, whenever you think you're up to it, really. I'd say that's more your decision than mine, but it could be a little while yet. We'll need you to be all healed up first, of course...and we'll take walks as often as you can take it once you are, and get in some more vigorous exercise, sparring and the like. I hope you don't have an idea that it'll be a quick process, though. I think getting back into shape was the toughest part of my own recovery....hell, I still don't feel quite where I used to be."

She did like it when he brushed through her hair, it was very soothing and felt good. She enjoyed the quiet walk but was fine with chatting as well. She gave a slight nod, and then shrugged a little. "I know it'll take time. I'm in no hurry, what do I have to go back to anyway? I am sure the Children can function without me. I just do not wish to keep you here longer than you wish to be. You aren't made to be my babysitter. When you want to leave, you just leave. You aren't my nursemaid either." She grew quiet a moment, her free hand moving to brush against her cheek gently before she spoke again, "I guess I should just be happy I am alive, whether it takes a long while to recover or not." That was a change! For the longest time, she'd just bemoaned the fact that she was alive, feeling she should have been dead after what happened and having a bit of anger towards Zorja for making her suffer through the pain of her wounds. But, it was changing more into positivity the better she got, the more she healed. Plus, Sigurd helped that along. He was tough with her, but she knew it was because he cared. If he didn't care, she'd probably had drowned in the river after all.

"Well, there's the wonderful climate and all the friendly people of Alzorc to go back to." He sent her a little grin, but it turned into a frown. "I know I'm not your nursemaid, but you're my friend, and I'm trying to get better at healing. So you can see, I have both personal and professional reasons to want to stay. And with the reception I've got from most back home, I might have less to go back to than you do, anyway." He was glad that she was thinking more positively though! He nodded. "True. Being grateful for life is a good attitude to take while healing. And if you're talking like that, you must not be in nearly as much pain as you were before, which makes me happy."

"No, not nearly as much. The tea helps." She paused, blowing out air from her mouth to push her hair out of her face again, then lay her head against his shoulder again as they walked. "I've been having some nightmares though, of...falling, falling forever with no end. And of burning, being burned alive." Her voice was soft and she turned to glance at him after she spoke. She had not told Greta about the nightmares though anyone who had taken the opportunity to look out for her while she slept would no doubt have noticed that sometimes she had bad dreams. "I suppose I've said this before, but I'll say it again, and probably again after this day... thank you." She tugged him closer to her, causing him to stop walking, and leaned up to press a kiss on the corner of his lips then slid her other arm around him and lay her head on his chest just hugging him for a good few moments.

"Good." He brushed her hair with his fingers some more after she leaned her head on his shoulder, frowned at the nightmares though. He knew how that was! They were very infrequent now, but for a while he'd had all manner of terrible nightmares about drowning. Oddly not so many about being stabbed! And then he'd gone and started worshipping Njordr and his nightmares went away for the most part. All the more reason he kept on with that particular god! "They should pass with time, though I don't doubt that it probably does not seem like they will." And then they stopped! He smiled at the kiss and slid his arms around her to return her hug, placing a small kiss on her forehead. "I'm happy to do what I can do for you, Astrid. You're very welcome."

He smelled good, and she closed her eyes and rested her cheek and nose against his shirt and breathed him in for a few moments before she moved back to his side so they could keep walking to the beach. She was quiet for a little while again, though she was slowing down, getting exhausted from the walk but forcing herself to put one foot in front of the other to go the whole way. "When do you think I can take a real bath?" She imagined that immersing herself in a nice tub of hot water would feel wonderful, though in actuality it probably would not! She didn't know that though, she just had dreams of a wonderful hot soak in a bathtub like she used to have every now and again when she happened to stay at an inne.

He of course noticed she was slowing down, so he decided they'd take a break once they got to the coast! He could do a bit of praying anyway. Not the violent offering type prayer though, just a bit of staring out to sea and talking to his god! He thought about her next question and looked over to her. "Probably pretty soon. Just need to make sure you're all healed up, otherwise it's not going to be a pleasant experience at all. But once all your wounds are healed, I'll make sure you can take a nice long one."

She smiled and gave a nod of her head, then lifted a brow as a playful expression appeared for a moment, "You'll be able to take advantage of me then, me in my weakened state, all wet and naked." She winked, then unhooked her arm where she'd had his arm curled around, and hugged herself as she continued to walk. She could smell the sea better now, and even hear the waves in the distance. She'd find a nice big rock to sit in when they got there, and rest. "What've you been doing to keep busy?"

He chuckled at that, then lifted a brow when he looked to her. "I think if I wanted to take advantage of you so badly, I would have when you were all unconscious and naked. Although that would of course not be nearly as much fun for either of us." He winked as well, and kept on walking! Wouldn't be long before she had that nice big rock to rest on, and he could do his praying thing. "Oh, chores for Greta. Chopping wood, because there's always wood to be chopped. Tending to the goats and sheep when she's taking care of you. Watching her so I can learn more when there's nothing else to be done. I've been taking walks in about every direction as well, to figure out
which paths are best for you to work up to. It's been a little while since
I walked them myself."

She smirked and shrugged, as she finally found that big rock to sit on and settled upon it. "You don't want to take advantage of me?" She was teasing him of course, and now seated she pulled her cloak around her legs and settled her feet against the rock and stared out at the ocean. She hadn't really spent a lot of time at the sea, so it still held a bit of amazement for her. It was just so big, and the wind was salty and so cold coming off of it. She was lost without words for a good few moments, before she absently nodded to his statement of what he'd been doing.

"Well, I suppose it depends on the exact meaning of that phrase." He sent her a little smirk, then made sure she was all settled on the rock! He removed the little waterskin he'd brought so they'd have something to drink and set it and a little bundle with a bit of bread and some goat cheese in it! That was set down as well, then he gestured with his head towards the sea. "You can go ahead and have a bit to eat and drink if you want, but you'll have to excuse me for a moment." And then then he made his way across that rocky beach, because thankfully he hadn't taken them to a high cliff or something, and he walked right on in til the water was up to his thighs, without taking a stitch of clothing off first. That done, he knelt down to submerge himself even further, then closed his eyes and did his praying. It was a
wonder he didn't give himself hypothermia on these little bits of embracing his faith.

She smirked back, then bowed her head a bit and let her hair fall across her cheeks as she stared down at her hands, just moving them palm first, then turning them over. When he put food and water near her, she reached over for the waterskin and took a drink, then had a small bite of the bread and cheese, while she watched him go out in that freezing cold water. A slight smile was on her face as she chewed, then washed it down with more water, eyes remaining on Sigurd the whole time. She wondered how often he went out in that cold, cold water like that and figured he was going to be ice cold after being out there but she had no energy to even try to make a fire on the beach for them which brought a small frown then. She turned her eyes up towards the sun, pushing back her hood and even her hair so that the heat of the sun could shine upon her pale skin.

Aw it was okay. He had done this enough that he was conditioned rather well for it! On top of that, if he put on the armor she'd made for him he'd feel plenty warm. Although he had left that at the cottage, it'd be simple enough to dry off and put it on to warm up, although really just being in the cottage would be plenty warm, with a good blanket! He stayed there for a few minutes, then bowed down so his head went under, stayed for a while, then surfaced and took a nice deep breath of air. The sort of breath one takes when they were under almost a bit too long! He brushed his hands back through his hair a bit then to get some excess water out of it as he stood up, then made his way out of the water entirely and onto the beach, dripping his way over to her rock. He hadn't started shivering yet, but that'd probably set in
soon enough. He did wring out his clothes as much as he could though, so they'd be less heavy! "Whenever you're ready to head back, just let me know."

She watched, only eating a very little bit, and when his head went under for what she deemed far too long she was already pushing off the rock but then he surfaced and she took a little breath of relief. She eyed him when he came out of the water, reaching out a hand to take his hand when he got close enough, so that she could tug him right between her legs where she sat on the rock. She wrapped him in her cloak and hugged his cold, wet body to her own while her lips brushed against his cheek then gave him a kiss. Then, hugging him close and keeping him in her cloak as much as she could wrap him up, she tilted her head enough that she could press her warm lips against his cold ones for just a sweet, tender kiss then just hugged him to warm him up. "I'm ready now if that's fine."

He blinked when she tugged him closer but didn't complain or resist! It just surprised him is all. He leaned in and slipped his arms around her in return, enjoying the closeness and the warmth. Then the shivering started, but it was mitigated since they were huggin, aww! He leaned into her lips on his cheek, then returned the kiss to his lips with a little 'mm' sound, giving her a tighter squeeze in that hug, before that nice little kiss ended. "Alright, that sounds fine with me." Hopefully he'd be done dripping all over the place by the time they got back so Greta wouldn't yell at him too much! She'd probably yell at him just the same for getting himself all cold like that, but he was used to that..just didn't want to compound it with tracking a bunch of water everywhere, ha!

She held him against her for a little while longer, trying to dry him up a bit and get him warm, plus, she liked being close. She shivered a little as she released him, letting him step back enough that she could slide off the rock. She wrapped her cloak around her a bit more now that she was wet from snuggling with him, then opened the side of her cloak and put it across him and linked her arm with his again, letting him share in her warmth at least a little. She would not say a word about what he'd done, she was a devout individuals herself and had done many things others thought foolish for Zorja. She began to head back to the cottage at his side, slowly, since it was probably uphill from the beach and she was already still tired.

[Head Moderator]

The hand turns to its wonted skill,
and that which was learned in youth
is always most familiar.

Astrid
Sigurd

PART FIVE ---- Training Begins

So! It'd been a while since they'd taken that first walk down to the beach, and it was something he'd had them do every day since. Over the last week, he'd even had them taking more roundabout paths, going uphill more, over more treacherous terrain. It'd been a subtle shift, really, but he'd noticed that she wasn't getting worn out from the normal walks anymore, so he'd just started pushing her a little harder! Not enough yet to actually have a practice match with her, but he had suggested she start carrying her gear with her as well, and practice against a little training dummy he'd set up. Would be good to get back into the motions, even if he wasn't convinced yet that she was ready to have something that fought back to practice against. It was one of those walks again today, fully geared up (as he was too, of course!), and taking a particularly roundabout and rocky path towards the coast. It was still quite cold, but he had his armor on so he'd stopped noticing that, and he was rather enjoying the weather! "Holding up okay?"

It was such a gradual change that she didn't notice it at first, then when she started carrying her equipment it of course became a bit more difficult for her. But, she was strong and tough, that Zorcan blood still pumping through her made her able to endure quite a bit. When they weren't walking, or practicing, she'd hid out in the barn doing her own thing. If he'd spied on her, he'd have found her working on some weapons. Nothing too big, she didn't have a forge or anything, but she was being rather secretive and just sneaking away for hours at a time in the late evening or early morning. The chill of the summer in these islands was welcoming to her, while it didn't quite smell the same as Alzorc at least she wasn't dying in some southern land. Her shield also needed some work done on it. It was a highly reflective surface, and sharpened edges which had to be kept up. This day she had her pack and equipment, remaining more silent than usual as they hiked on the rocky path on the way to the coast. When he spoke to her, she gave a little grunt and nod.

"Good. We'll take a break when we get to the top here." They weren't actually going to the coast this time, at least not a rocky beach part of it. They were heading up to the top of a cliff that dropped right into the sea, however, because he liked the view! It'd probably be about another half hour or so, even he would've probably been feeling tuckered out if he hadn't been doing all the hard labor chores for their hostess, and practicing his own sword and axe work so his skills didn't get rusty. Until she was all better he felt it his responsibility to protect them both if something were to happen, after all! And he knew she was working on something, but he'd granted her enough privacy that he wasn't sure what it was. He'd find out sooner or later, no doubt!

"Fine with me." It was tiring, and she was trying not to show it, but the further they went up to the top of the cliff the more she began breathing hard and feeling the sting in her muscles. She would not let herself pause and take a breath though, pushing through it all to maintain as quick of a step as she could alongside Sigurd. She breathed in the salty air that she was growing used to, and reached up to brush long strands of red out of her face that had escape from the braid that started at the base of her neck. Her hair was longer than normal, she had not chopped it off with her knife at all since they'd been here. Once they arrived, though, she'd lean over with hands on her knees to catch her breath.

And they did arrive, even if it seemed like they wouldn't! He was breathing a bit heavily himself by the time they got to the top of that cliff...thankfully it hadn't involved climbing, though he knew of a couple around here that did! Just pretty harsh hiking. He moved up near the edge of the cliff and removed his weapons, setting them down, then got his pack off his back and set it down, before setting himself down with a grunt, catching his breath and staring out at the sea, silent apart from the breathing.

Once she caught her breath, she tugged off her shield, pack and weapon as well and lowered it to the ground. Back of her hand swept across her forehead, then fingertips trailed down her cheek out of habit. But, she'd been healing pretty well, the scarring was even getting less noticeable and she was wearing her hair out of her face. She moved towards the edge of the cliff and looked out over the sea as she opened and closed her hands, then wiped them down along the front of her. She turned and headed towards her pack and plopped down, tugging it over towards her to pull out her waterskin and take a long drink before offering it over to him.

It took him a moment to notice that she was offering the waterskin. He got rather captivated by the sea at times, it seemed, as she would've noticed during their walks. Even when he didn't go dunk himself into it by way of prayer, he'd stare at it for long stretches. It was only for a second or two that her offer went unnoticed, however. He blinked and looked over to her, smiling and taking the waterskin to have a good long drink, and then he handed it back. "Thank you." He studied her face for a moment and that smile stuck around. "You're healing up very nicely."

She took the waterskin back and drank a bit more, then tucked it away into her pack. "Mmhm." she nodded, and kept on looking through her pack, though she did glance up at him and the slightest of smirks appeared for a moment. He would probably catch that, since he had known her for quite a good amount of her life. She'd often had that same smirk on her face when she was younger when she was about to go get into trouble or was being sneaky. Oh if she could only learn to hide that smirk! She looked down quickly and rummaged through the pack again, letting him stare at the ocean just as long as he wanted as it gave her a chance to rest her tired muscles.

He did notice that smirk, and it got a brow lift out of him. Yes, he'd recognized what it usually meant, and with her rummaging, he was expecting her to do something mischevious! "What are you up to, hm?" He reached over for his own pack and found some salted pork he'd packing for them to have something to munch on, and popped a piece into his mouth, chewing away at it and now watching her rummaging. That was likely to be more interesting than the ocean when she found what she was looking for! He set the pouch of meat down between them as well so she could have some at her leisure.

She was too busy taking a very looooong time in her pack to eat right now. Also, trying desperately to look as normal as possible though that just made her expression that much more telling. She finally pulled out something wrapped in brown paper. Food? A big salted fish perhaps? It looked like it was wrapped like that. She pushed her pack away and placed the brown paper package on her lap, then reached over for a bite of that pork and slowly chewed it, as she stared out into the sky and clouds. "Mild day."

The pork was a rare treat since pigs weren't really a thing around here! He'd found some at a shop on a trip to one of the towns while running errands though, and even if it was all preserved and salted and not as tasty as it should be, it was still something different than fish, which was the meat of choice here! He eyed the brown paper package when she produced it and put it in her lap, then glanced up towards the sky and nodded with a little grunt of affirmation. "It'll likely rain before the sun's down, though." Felt like it to him, anyway! He glanced back over to the sea for a bit, had another piece of pork, then looked over to again, nodding towards
her lap. "So what's that there, hm?"

She sniffed the air, seeing if she could smell rain, and gave a shrug. "I don't mind a cold rain. Clears the mind." She ran her fingertips along the brown paper package like she was caressing bare flesh, an almost loving touch to it as she looked down and blinked a bit slowly, it was almost as if she didn't really want to show him what was in the paper - but it was all an act. She had been working on this for ages it seemed like, before she'd even gone to kill the Jarl. It had just taken far longer than necessary because of her getting wounded. She reached over and took another bit of pork and chewed it, it was a nice change from fish all the time. "Oh this?" She pulled the package against her chest and turned to give him a crooked grin, as her eyes danced with a bit of merriment that she had not really shown since they'd been in this country. "Mmmm.... well..." She tugged her bottom lip between her teeth and chewed as she watched him.

He nodded, since he didn't mind the rain either! He rummaged through the pack a bit and found some goat cheese, because of course there'd be goat cheese. He set that down near the pork, then found his flask of water and had another drink while watching her teasing with whatever it was she had. Well two could play at that game, if she was gonna tease! He wanted to know what she had even more now, of course, but instead of asking again, he just shrugged and nodded. "Well if you'd rather not tell me, that's fine." Gaze shifted back towards the sea, but he couldn't quite hide his little amused expression either. "I'll just wait until the next time you're asleep
and find out for myself."

She watched him add the goat cheese to the offered food, but instead of having any she just held that package to her chest and watched him. When he began his own tease and acted like he'd go sneak and find out, she smirked again and crawled over towards him, until she was sitting directly in front of him, legs crossed. She was close enough that her knees were touching him. "You don't have to go sneaking in my stuff, I'll show you." She lowered the package, then slid it from her lap to his, as she leaned forward. She held her hands on it still, though, and lifted her chin to whisper as her face was nice and close to his, "It's for you." She lifted her ass enough so that she could lean forward and brush her cheek to the side of his chin affectionately, then down she went sitting again, in front of him. "Open it."

Well we'll just have to say he turned so that she didn't crawl right off the edge of the cliff, since he was sitting rather close to it! He looked back to her when she moved in and chuckled, then winked. "I'd be too afraid you'd take my hand off for trying it, anyway." Awww, and then she leaned in and whispered! He leaned in to brush his cheek against hers, and snuck a kiss onto it before she sat back, then lifted up the package, eyeing it a moment. "For me, hm?" And then he'd set to opening it to find out what she'd made him!

Well she'd just wait till he turned around, then she'd get all close. She nodded at his assumption of her taking his hand off, she might have done it! She smiled a bit wider at the kiss to her cheek, then rested her hands in her lap and watched as he began to open the brown paper that did indeed smell of fish, as she'd taken it from the fish that had been brought from the market so she could wrap it. Though, once he opened the brown paper he'd find what was inside wrapped in cloth, and within the cloth the seax was sheathed in simple leather, she'd made the sheath for weapon as well. She dared not turn her head, watching his hands while he opened it then lifting her icy blue eyes upwards to watch his face when he got it opened and saw what it was. He deserved it, he really did, for putting up with her as well as doing what was needed to keep her alive and get healed.

He unwrapped it carefully, making sure not to disturb the paper one bit! No, not really, he was impatient. He tore that sucker open with all speed to get at the goody inside, and what a goody it was! Brows went up when he saw the seax and he picked it up to give it a closer look, then drew it a bit out of the sheath to get a look at the blade. The hilt just felt all sorts of right in his hand, and a brief little brush of his thumb against the edge let him know how sharp she'd made it. He blinked, then tucked it back into its sheath and looked to her, smiling. "Wow. When in the world did you find time to make such a nice blade? I love it. Thank you, Astrid. It's perfect."

She was far more glad to see his face when he saw it than she thought she'd be. She drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly while he looked at it, and felt it in his hand. She smiled back when he looked at her. "I've been working on it for a while. Started it back in Alzorc, wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with it, but I've been working on getting it all finished all those times I snuck away into the barn." She shrugged a little, it was far from perfect in her eyes but she'd worked and worked on the damn thing until she just couldn't figure out anything more to do with it. It was as sharp as she could possibly get it, and she didn't have all her fancy tools to make lot of fancy designs in the leather. She was just glad that he seemed to really like it. "I know you would probably say you didn't help me to get any sort of payment, but it's just a token of my appreciation for all you've done for me... not just here either. You taught me a lot growing up, I looked.. look up to you. I'm glad the gods saw fit to bring you back into my life."

Well he didn't need it to be literally perfect for it to be perfect for him! especially when he knew what she had to work with over here, which was not very much at all! He nodded when she talked about it and set it down with his axe and the sword she'd made him. She just made him all sorts of stuff! He looked back to her then. "No, of course I didn't help you expecting any sort of repaying, but that doesn't mean I won't appreciate the gift." He smiled to her, then shifted away from the edge of the cliff a bit, moving closer and giving her a good ol' hug. "Thank you again. I'm also glad that we've been brought together again."

She nodded, she'd said way more than she normally said with mushy stuff like this, and now just gave a shrug and a smile. Though when he gave her a hug, she returned it. Wrapping her arms around him, she buried her face into his neck and closed her eyes, drinking deeply of the scent of his skin and niceness of being hugged. He may not have intended the hug to last so long, but she was not about to give it up so quickly or easily. In fact, she seemed to nuzzle in even more the longer she held to him, and within a few moments he'd feel the wetness from tears she was shedding, and keeping her face hid from him while she did so.

He smiled when she hugged him back, but he didn't at all mind that she held onto it! He squeezed her a little more tightly when she nuzzled into his neck, and moved his fingers up to soothingly brush through her hair when he felt her tears. As before, though, he wasn't going to call attention to them with words! He'd just keep right on holding her and brushing his fingers through her hair, rubbing at her scalp lightly as well.

She didn't indulge in such softness for long, though she did sniffle a little as he was being so damn nice to her. She finally began to pull away, though one hand caught his chin to gently turn him towards her and she pressed a light kiss to his lips. Then she was up, moving over to her pack again, and looking for her waterskin. She wiped her face up a bit, downed more water, and got her emotions under control. Taking up her shield and sword, she began moving through a few training exercises she could do alone using both shield and sword in hand.

Of course he was being nice to her! He had found there was nothing to gain in not being nice to one's friends and allies, and as she was his best friend, he'd certainly be nice! He smiled and returned that kiss of hers, then sat back and had another drink from his flask, watching her get ready to do some practice, and munching on a bit of that cheese while she did. "You're getting better. I'll probably be comfortable giving you some actual combat training within the next week or two." He would've added an 'if you feel up for it' but he figured she'd be itching to prove that she was even if she didn't actually feel it! So he'd be the judge of whether she was or not.

Awwww she was his best friend? He was hers too, there weren't a lot of folks beating him up for that position though, but it was his nonetheless. "Yeah? I'll be glad to get to that." She swung her sword, a hiss of her breath in at just how heavy it felt. She remembered when she was being trained on the sword, how heavy it was in her hand back then. She never thought she'd feel that way again, and while it wasn't near like someone who'd never held it she was still weaker than she had been in years. "Week maybe?" She'd rather do it sooner than later, but he knew that! She glanced down towards her wrists, the wounds still healing there as well, but the wounds that would never heal had not bled in some time. Not since that day she'd faced her father. She wondered momentarily if she'd lost the ability to call upon her stigmata, but shook her head and glanced up towards the sun and shook her head a little, sending her braid flipping side to side. "Zorja, I hope you haven't
turned your back on me."

"If you do well enough without an opponent, then yes. Could be as early as a week. Probably no longer than two." That was his recommendation to start practicing a bit more! "Just don't strain yourself too much trying to get in fighting shape, or it'll only take longer. Remember, I'm still not fully recovered from my own reason for being here." He smiled faintly, then stretched out a little and had another bit of goat cheese, washing it down with some water. "For now, if you feel rested enough after the hike, I'd like to see how you do. Not pushing it is doubly important here, though, since we still have to hike back. Easier going downhill, but still not the
easiest walk."

"A week." She said again and grinned, but she nodded. She'd try earlier rather than later if he let her but she'd probably end up pretty sore. "I know, I know...but I'm itching for some good combat. I haven't gone without a fight this long since I've been a kid. She tilted her head and nodded a bit to him. "See how I do at what?" She wasn't sure if he meant see how she does heading back so soon, or what he was wanting from her. So she waited, gripping Skoldinfrust tightly in her hand.

"Swingin' those things around in practice. I know we don't have the training dummy here, but that's what imagination's for." He grinned. He'd let her swing at him, but he knew how he could get if he got hit! Even if it was an accidental hit and he didn't start out intending to just be all defense, he didn't want to risk going all nuts and hitting her back until he was sure she was properly ready for it! "Just a few practice moves, nothing too exerting."

She nodded, and lowered her shield to the ground. For now she was going to focus on the sword. She held her blue ice broadsword in one hand, and then began to make a few of the practice moves she'd been working on. Every now and again, she held the weapon with two hands, but quickly dropped her free hand when she realized she was doing it. She pretended there was an opponent, and did a few slash and stabs, as well as a few defensive moves with it. Then she stopped and lowered the weapon, looking to him as she'd done for so many years, waiting for his assessment.

He, as usual, made her wait a little bit, just looking like he was thinking about what he'd seen, but then he nodded. "Good. A bit rough, of course, but nothing unexpected. And don't be afraid to use a two handed grip until you get your strength back up enough in your sword arm. If you're not using your shield at the same time, it won't hurt anything, and it won't put too much stress on your arm while you're building it back up. At this rate, though, I do think you'll probably be ready closer to one week than two." He smiled and sent her a wink.

She waited patiently, she was not a patient person but in matters of importance such as this...yeah she could wait a few moments. Plus, she knew his style and when things switched from friends to instructor, it was like a switch flipped in her brain. She frowned a little hearing it was rough, but she had done her best. It hurt like the devil still, all that scar tissue was tough and painful at times. She gave a nod and slight bow of her head at his suggestion to use both hands, but when he said she'd be ready in a week and sent her that wink, she grinned to him.

[Head Moderator]

Never walk
Away from home
Ahead of your axe and sword.
You can't feel a battle
In your bones
Or foresee a fight.

Astrid
Sigurd
DM Posts

PART SIX ---- Tested by Blood & Sweat
Mission: Quth the Maren

The Skegg Islands had become a home away from home for Astrid and Sigurd, even if both more than likely thought of their homeland on a daily basis. Astrid of course wanted to be back on Zorcan soil as soon as she could, but she'd also learned that things take time and had fallen into somewhat of a routine most days. This day finds a brisk late summer breeze blowing across the peatland, singing against the rocks and nearby cliffs. The ocean could be heard, but not seen. Sigurd and Astrid were sparring! (Begin RP)

Donned in her combat gear from head to toe, she had been gaining strength and tiring less, but she still was not completely herself. She wasn't sure if she'd ever be herself again, in fact, because her whole weltanschauung had changed, she was not the same Astrid that had killed her father, the Jarl. She pushed her body, though, just as Sigurd pushed her as well. It was frustrating despite the kindest words from those around her that things would get better, she would get stronger - it still frustrated her that she was not up to par. This day, she held her blueice broadsword in hand and attempted her best sparring Sigurd. Moving as fluidly as she could, though she was missing one thing that she'd been missing for some time now - her stigmata. She did not feel abandoned by Zorja, but she felt...disconnnected. Cutting into her wrists did nothing, crying out to her goddess brought nothing but tears, so she tried not to think about it. Her sword erupted in frostfire as she moved in for him, aiming to strike at his own blade with her cold-flame covered sword. "Today will be the day I will bring you down!"

She'd always be herself! Just because someone grew and changed didn't mean they weren't themselves anymore, of course.At least not the way he saw it! He wasn't thinking about any of that right now, however, as he was defending himself! Just the briefest wince was visible when that frostfire erupted along her sword, and he moved his own sword in the way to block. Ought to stand up well since she made it, after all! He grinned and held her in a deadlock for a moment. "Will it? I hope so, I'll be quite proud of you if you do." And then his axe came in! He wasn't attacking with the blade of it, just a good whack aimed at her head with the back of the blade, or the poll or whatever one wanted to call it. Even if it wasn't sharp it was still a
pretty heavy chunk of metal!

She should have expected the axe, but she was so concerned with the frostfire and his sword that he got the better of her for a moment and she stumbled back at the hit of the axe to her head. She let out a small snarl, feeling the energy of combat working through her body and charged for him again. She did not want to burn him, so the frostfire faded just as she came in close straight on, then suddenly spun to the side and sent the flat of her blade against the small of his back, hopefully hard enough to cause him to stumble forward and the flesh to sting. "Aren't you always proud of me?" She teased as she moved around again, coming upon his opposing side with blade still ready.

She might be stronger overall, but he hadn't been bedridden for a while, at least not recently! He reacted quickly when she spun to the side. She still got him, but perhaps not as soundly as she would like, as he didn't quite stumble, but stepped forward to avoid the brunt of the attack, then swing his sword, low, aiming the flat of the blade at the back of her knee, the axe coming in towards her midsection to try and throw her off-balance and topple her since she couldn't move back very easily! It wasn't anything she wouldn't be able to figure out how to get out of if she was indeed ready to fight, and it'd probably leave him rather open for a counter,
but well..that's why he was testing her! To see if she could take advantage of it. "Well, yes, you have a good point. Extra proud, though."

She was watching his every little move, trying to determine what he would do before he even did it. It was like the "old days" when she was in battle alongside the Children of Zorcan. They were a tough group to join, even tougher to remain alive but they worked together like a well oiled machine against all those that would tarnish the precious Zorcan soil with their presence. She didn't let the fact that her attack did not land as firmly stop her, she was ever moving like the nearby ocean waves, flowing towards him back and forth without end. As he went for her with axe and blade, she took opportunity to move into that opening he'd left and attempt a strike upon him. Strike and protect from those two weapons of his, that's what she was doing. Evade, counter, react, these were things she was working on.

He grinned again when she managed to evade his attack and counter quickly, stepping back a few steps, perhaps a bit involuntarily when her weapon hit him solidly. He nodded. "Good! That was well-done. But can you do it again?" He winked, then stepped back again and gave a little come here gesture with his axe! He'd gone on into defensive mode now! Which she ought to know based on all their experience together, was generally a very poor time to try and attack him.

She'd sure try! She lifted a brow at that gesture and grinned, despite knowing it was probably not the best time she was all worked up and ready to go. She rushed in for him, but knowing his usual movements attempted to pull his attention to her forward movements only so that she could do something unexpected perhaps, which was to drop to her knees hopefully right out of the way of blade and axe, letting them pass over her head as she sent a slam of her shield into his kneecaps.

Relic of Enmity: (Spot Check!)

OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 1 20-sided die: 20

Oh but he was all about the countering! He stepped back again when she rushed in, so he'd be a bit further away than she might expect..and then with a shift of his weight he was a lot closer than she might expect, knee coming right at her jaw! Luckily she had her shield there and he kneed it instead, probably hard enough to topple her backwards, but it hurt his knee in the process and he cursed under his breath, then chuckled. "Well I suppose I wasn't expecting a shield attack there."

OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 1 20-sided die: 11

Sigurd Druknede: (11)

Relic of Enmity: (+3 PER = 23)

Astrid saw it, stepping from behind a nearby large rock, a man it seemed. A man whose skin had been flayed completely off so that only exposed muscle over its skeleton could be seen. Blood oozed from all over it's body, killing the grass around it where it dripped. It was a revolting creature, that had once been a man. It spoke when it's eyes fell upon Astrid, (in Skeggan), "I am sent to destroy you, and so you shall die."

Relic of Enmity: (Astrid, roll a DC17 Willpower save or cower in fear - Horrifying Gaze)

(Fearless) She spotted the abomination even as her ass hit the ground, and she rolled to her knees and eyes grew wide as she pointed towards it, since it was apparently behind Sigurd. She whispered, even as it spoke, "Sigurd, a
skinless beast!" Jumping upwards, she stepped forward, she wasn't quite sure what it said but she did know the Skeggan word for die. "The hell is that thing?"

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd 0/44 [22] (0/22) || Quth-Maren 0/?? [15] || Astrid 0/52 [19]

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd-

He turned towards the creature and lifted a brow, and then it spoke? He snorted, then flipped that axe around in his hand and adjusted the grip on his sword, replying in Skeggan. "You can certainly fucking try." And then to Astrid. "Don't know, but it's here for you, apparently. Friend of that witch you told me about?" He darted towards the thing then, attempting to skewer it through the chest with his sword, and take its head off its shoulders with the axe!

OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 1 20-sided die: 8
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Sigurd Druknede scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
Sigurd Druknede: (+12 quickness = 20)
Relic of Enmity: Hit
OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 2 74-sided dice: 48 48
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Sigurd Druknede scored 14 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 3 8-sided dice: 2 3 3
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Sigurd Druknede scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
Sigurd Druknede: (14 base + 5 for Fenja, +3 for Menja, +3 fighter bonus, +11 strength = 36, and if it happens to take extra damage from an axiomatic weapon, there is that)

Relic of Enmity: It passes the DR. No def.

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd 0/44 [22] (0/22) || Quth-Maren 36/?? [15] || Astrid 0/52 [19]

Relic of Enmity: Quth-Maren-
The quth-maren stumbled with the blow of the weapons, as it's caustic blood sizzled and burned into the weapons (unless they can't be harmed). That'd been a solid hit, but Sigurd was close now. It turned and sent a bleeding fist into his face.

OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 1 20-sided die: 12
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
Relic of Enmity: (Power Attack +12 STR = 24) Hit
OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 2 75-sided dice: 9 30
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 4 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
Relic of Enmity: +12 = 18 dmg

Sigurd Druknede: (+10 spidersilk armor, +7 amulet of defense = 17 def)

Relic of Enmity: 1dmg

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd 1/44 [22] (0/22) || Quth-Maren 36/?? [15] || Astrid 0/52 [19]

Relic of Enmity: Astrid-

He jerked back when that fist came at his face and turned to take it on the shoulder, since...armor there and all, then yanked his weapon out of its chest and moved back.

She rushed in towards the creature, especially when Sigurd had said that it had come for her. She wasn't going to let Sigurd get hurt if possible, over something come for her. When Sigurd moved aside after tugging his weapon free she darted in with a loud cry and slashed across it's skinless torso from shoulder to opposite hip, rage lighting her face and hair like fire no doubt because of the frostfire that burned upon her blueice blade. (Holy, Legacy, Frostfire 1d5 extra 1/combat)

OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 1 20-sided die: 15
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
Relic of Enmity: +15 (Power Strike & Fighters Weapon) = 30
Relic of Enmity: Hit
OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 2 80-sided dice: 67 67
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 22 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 2 8-sided dice: 8 7
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
Relic of Enmity: +18 (+12 STR / +3 Divine Judgement / +3 Fighter Bonus) = 55

Relic of Enmity: (Battle Sense - Reflect)

The skinless undead's lips curved into a grin as Astrid ran for him, all that rage and fire coming at him bringing the beast no fear. He reached out and gripped her blade firmly mid-movement, letting the caustic blood ooze all over it, then sent his free fist of bone, blood and muscle into her stomach channeling every bit of power and rage and strength she'd brought against it. "And so you shall die," it said again in Skeggan.

Relic of Enmity: +23 DEF (Leather Armor +7)(Bracers +6) (Ring +5)(Cloak +5)

Relic of Enmity: 32 dmg

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd 1/44 [22] (0/22) || Quth-Maren 36/?? [15] || Astrid 32/52 [19]

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd-

She wrenched her broadsword free as she stumbled back, wretching from the pain and burning from the acid of his hand where it had found bare flesh. She stabbed her blade into the earth and held herself up for a moment as she focused towards the sky, then towards the quth-maren and then down to her flaming sword, gifted to her by Zorja. "Zorja...do not forget me." She felt wetness on her wrists, she had stopped wearing the leather wrappings so it bled freely.

He gritted his teeth when Astrid took that hit, and charged straight at the damned whatever it was in a flurry of attacks...well really one good stab and a couple good more hacks at its head with his axe! (Combat bonus extra 1d)

OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 1 20-sided die: 12
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Sigurd Druknede scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
Sigurd Druknede: (+12 quickness, +3 fighter bonus = 27)
Relic of Enmity: Hit
OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 3 74-sided dice: 3 49 68
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Sigurd Druknede scored 18 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 3 8-sided dice: 6 3 5
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Sigurd Druknede scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
Relic of Enmity: (Fighters Defense - Evade)
Sigurd Druknede: (18 base, +9 axe, +5 sword, +3 fighter bonus, +11 st...well alright then)

"Stay away." It hissed towards Sigurd as he came rushing for the creature again. He moved aside, letting Sigurd completely miss him, then began to stalk it's way towards Astrid.

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd 1/44 [22] (0/22) || Quth-Maren 36/?? [15] || Astrid 32/52 [19]

Relic of Enmity: Quth-Maren-

(Fast Healing - Heals 5hp per round) It came towards Astrid and reared it's bleeding hands upwards and brought both of them down against her body, slamming against her, pummeling her, with all intention of destroying her as completely as it could.
Relic of Enmity: (Extension of Self - Dbl roll)

OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 1 20-sided die: 10
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
Relic of Enmity: 22 - Hit

"Fuck yourself. You want her, you're coming through me, that's all there is to it." Said as he darted right in the way and blocked those fists from coming down! (Protective Parry)

Relic of Enmity: Astrid-

She was breathing hard, damn if this wasn't pushing her further than she'd needed to be pushed. She felt her wrists bleeding, and looked at the blood running from the stigmata she'd been gifted with from Zorja (Stigmata - +3 Attack but 5 dmg). She looked up almost in a dream as the creature rushed for her and pulled up her shield just a little too late, for Sigurd had stopped the disgusting creature in it's tracks. She pulled her blade from the ground, feeling the blessing of the Fire Goddess of Alzorc, and spoke in a growly low tone to Sigurd, "Step aside." It was her warning to him for them to work together, for she was coming straight at it with her sword ready to skewer it and her sharp edged shield ready to cut it's head off. Forward she went, shoving the blade through it's stomach and slicing across it's ligaments and tendons of it's neck trying to destroy it as it had wished to destroy her.

OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 1 20-sided die: 17
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 1 poynts damage ~*~
Relic of Enmity: +15 - 32 Hit
OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 2 80-sided dice: 52 39
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 13 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 2 8-sided dice: 4 5
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
Relic of Enmity: +21 (same as before but +3 stigmata) = 43
Relic of Enmity: DR - 10 = 33

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd 1/44 [22] (0/22) || Quth-Maren 64/?? [15] || Astrid 37/52 [19]

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd-

He was trying to hold it steady enough for her to line up an attack, no less! And just like it played out in his head, she'd be ready to skewer it, so he darted to the side quickly to let it lunge forward right onto her sword, then spun and added to its troubles by slamming his axe into the back of its head, wrenching it to the side if it stuck well enough, then well..he'd try and hack off its head again! Beheading usually worked well, and it seemed Astrid was on the same page there.

OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 1 20-sided die: 20
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Sigurd Druknede scored 2 poynts damage ~*~
Relic of Enmity: Crit Hit
OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 2 74-sided dice: 7 47
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Sigurd Druknede scored 7 poynts damage ~*~
OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 3 8-sided dice: 5 2 1
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Sigurd Druknede scored 0 poynts damage ~*~
Sigurd Druknede: (14 + 7, +1, +3 fighter bonus, +11 str = 36)
Sigurd Druknede: (axiomatic again, of course)

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd 1/44 [22] (0/22) || Quth-Maren 100/100 [15] || Astrid 37/52 [19]

It's head lopped off, and caustic acid sprayed like a fountain around them, killing a large area of grass and flower and possibly even hitting the two of them. (Acrobatics Save DC17)

OnlineHost: Sigurd Druknede rolled 1 20-sided die: 13
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Sigurd Druknede scored 0 poynts damage ~*~

OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 1 20-sided die: 6
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 0 poynts damage ~*~

Relic of Enmity: +9 QCK = 15

Sigurd Druknede: (+12 quickness = 25)

Relic of Enmity: Astrid failed, Sigurd passed.

OnlineHost: Relic of Enmity rolled 1 6-sided die: 2
Relic of Enmity: ~*~ Relic of Enmity scored 0 poynts damage ~*~

Relic of Enmity: +12 = 14 dmg, no defense as it is spraying like a fountain and getting everywhere.

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd 1/44 [22] (0/22) || Quth-Maren 100/100 [15] || Astrid 51/52 [19]

He booted the head a good distance away, then dropped his weapons and moved over to Astrid, scowling. "Damnit all." Right when she's getting better, she gets all hosed down by acid! Well, that's why he had miraculous healing goo. He'd slather on as much as he had! (22 healing)

She'd already healed of so much burned flesh, and now her body was on fire again from the acidic blood. Thankfully she was fairly covered but it still was burning her face and where armor didn't cover. She called upon Zorja in soft, pained tones to heal her quickly. (Self Healing 26hp)

Relic of Enmity: Sigurd 1/44 [22] (0/22) || Quth-Maren 100/100 [15] || Astrid 5/52 [19]

(Astrid must keep 5hp of damage due to Stigmata)

"You alright?"

Well fuck that was a massive overload of healing there and it about knocked her out. She shivered a little as the wounds healed so rapidly, then turned towards Sigurd and let a crooked grin form. "Hell yes I am but I need a fucking bath. Care to bathe me?" She lifted her blade, (everclean) and it was just as lovely as ever, so it was sheathed and her shield put on her back and she began to make haste to the cottage, stripping as she went. If she got to a pond first, she'd jump in.

He needed a bigger container for that healing goo! Or more potent stuff so he could use less of it for each bit of wounding! Well, that'd be something to work on. He hooked the empty container back to his belt and chuckled when she grinned and stated what she needed! "Good. I suppose I could help, yeah." He picked up his weapons and wiped them off as well as he could, but at least both of them were sturdy enough that he wasn't too concerned about the acid having eaten through them in that short amount of time.

Her weapon was sturdy as well, a legacy weapon, so the acid just fell off like water. She glanced over her shoulder at Sigurd and grinned again, "We make a good team, don't we?" She thought they did, and while it had been extremely painful.. and she'd nearly died... there was an energy in her that had been missing. A spark, a fire that lit up her eyes and her face. Her goddess had not forsaken her, her stigmata still worked, she was very happy. But, all that happiness could wait because she saw a pond ahead and ran for it's edge, and off went her armor, and heavy cloak, shield and weapon, and every last stitch of clothing then into the ice cold water she went diving down to rinse off all that horrible acidic blood.

"Of course we do, as well we should since I helped teach you to fight." He snickered and grinned right back, then followed along with her to that pond. Ooo, water. He would've preferred bathing in the sea, but he was also pretty crazy about the sea. He got his own gear all taken off, but he took his spidersilk with him to wash it where it'd been punched just in case it was being eaten away and he didn't know it! And into the icy cold water it was.