Year 2950: The honored guest

[Vladim]

♫ Creaks OST-Tangle Creaks ♫

 

The hunting party stood at the edge of the forest. The journey here had been uneventful, but they knew that the hunt could last a few days, depending on how bold they would be when venturing within. During the march through the snow, the Viglundings boasted many times, and they teased Idunn repeatedly, for they remembered her tales and her claims. It was clear that much was expected of her. She represented the huntsmen of the Woodmen, and surely she would bring shame on them if she failed to fell a worthy quarry. Or, at least, that was what she was made to believe.

With Olaf by her side, she slowly begun entering the forest. The foliage was less dense here than what she was accustomed to in her own lands. The axes of Gramtyng's ancestors, the horse-folk, had left their mark, and it was visible even now, many centuries after their departure. Yet she did not let her guard down. This remained Mirkwood. There were good reasons why neither men nor elves set foot here. She held her bow at the ready, strung, ready to accept an arrow. The snow on the ground made tracking easier, but it was easy here to go from hunter to hunted.

 

OOC

Delve the depths with Wits.

Delve the Depths:
Dice Roll: 1d6+4 2d10
d6 Results: 2 (Total = 6)
d10 Results: 2, 10 (Total = 12)

Edit: Weak hit. Rolling on the wits table:

 

Dice Roll: 1d100
d100 Results: 17

Edit: Mark progress and Reveal a Danger. What kind of danger?

 

Reveal a Danger:
Dice Roll: 1d100
d100 Results: 87

Edit: A resource is diminished, broken or lost.

 

Features:
Dice Roll: 1d100
d100 Results: 56

Edit: An overgrown path.

[Vladim]

They had been marching through the forest for the better part of two hours, along a long-abandoned, now-overgrown path that Idunn believed was once made by Viglund's folk, or those that had come before them. The woods here were different-not alike those she was used to in the South. They came across small quarry, but nothing worthy of their arrows. Olaf marched swiftly and in the open. Idunn admonished him a few times. How were they to find a quarry if he could not be quieter? Still, she had to admire his endurance. He was tireless, despite having marched most of the day already, and no obstacle could hinder him.

In time the trees grew denser. They had come upon a thicket. Whatever path they had been following had long vanished. Few dared delve so deep in those days. But this hunt was a rare and special occasion. For a while they sat to regain their breath, and broke bread under a mighty tree.

As they did, Idunn realized at last how Olaf could be so swift. He had brought very few supplies. Thus unencumbered, he could afford much greater speed, but he was entirely unprepared for what might come. Idunn looked at him with confusion and frustration. Did he know nothing of the hunt? To make such a foolish and obvious mistake certainly implied so, but the huntswoman stopped short of saying so outright. As for Olaf, he seemed embarrassed for a moment, but quickly fell back to his boastful manner, and would admit no fault. Instead, he proudly proclaimed that they would have to hunt for their food, and that would make them the better hunters.

Idunn looked at him with some annoyance, but there was little she could do but redistribute their now meager supplies. At the very least, she would not be the only one laden with them as they braved the perils that lay ahead.

 

OOC

-1 Supply. Then, Delve the Depths with wits again:

Delve the Depths:
Dice Roll: 1d6+4 2d10
d6 Results: 6 (Total = 10)
d10 Results: 4, 7 (Total = 11)

Edit: Strong hit. Mark progress and find an opportunity.
Progress: ■■□□□□□□□□
I think "Find an opportunity to hunt" makes most sense. It allows the resupply move for +1, and +1 momentum on a hit. Here's the roll:

 

Resupply:
Dice Roll: 1d6+5 2d10
d6 Results: 5 (Total = 10)
d10 Results: 6, 9 (Total = 15)
These dice were omitted, altered, or moved: 1d100
Original Dice: 1d100

Edit: Eh. I think the features dice were altered (was 76 before), but whatever. +2 Supply, +1 Momentum.
Let's also roll for features:

 

Features:
Dice Roll: 1d100
d100 Results: 70

Edit: Let's stick with the initial 76. That's "Overgrown structure".

[Vladim]

Onwards they marched. Idunn's annoyance had not been resolved, but at least her load was lightened, and that alone helped rectify the situation. By now she was convinced that Olaf had little skill in the hunt, and would be of limited use here. At least he was strong. If she managed, somehow, to fell a roe, then at least he could help carry it.

They had been marching for no longer than half an hour when they came upon a strange sight. Here the forest remained thick, but there was a structure on the ground, a slab of stone as if carved from a massive block; it reminded Idunn of an altar. Yet there were no writings on it, or if there once had been, they had long faded. The entire thing was overgrown with tangled vegetation, much of which remained naked and leafless in this season.

No longer could they afford to ignore small quarry. They were poorly provisioned; they had to forage to add to their diminished supplies. When the huntress noticed a snow-hare, she moved with purpose, and was able to catch it with an arrow. Then another, and another, until she had three to add to their provisions. Olaf looked on with an expression that seemed to affirm his earlier confidence. Idunn ignored it, and pressed on.

 

OOC

Delve the depths using wits again:

Delve the Depths:
Dice Roll: 1d6+4 2d10
d6 Results: 5 (Total = 9)
d10 Results: 2, 1 (Total = 3)

Edit: Mark progress + find an opportunity.
Progress: ■■■□□□□□□□
Opportunity: I'd say she finds tracks, allowing her to use Gather information, with +1 from the opportunity, +1 from the hound and +1 from wildblood.

 

Gather Information:
Dice Roll: 1d6+7 2d10
d6 Results: 6 (Total = 13)
d10 Results: 7, 2 (Total = 9)

Edit: Strong hit. +2 momentum, +1 from hound.

[Vladim]

It did not take long for her to start noticing signs of the passing of her quarry. At first, they were subtle-such that Olaf missed them entirely, but to one more accustomed and attuned to forests, like herself, they were plain to see. Soon after, they came upon tracks on the snow. They were not too fresh; the snow was broken and distorted in places, but at least this was a clear sign. Uthred, her hound, seemed to catch a scent.

They led deeper within the forest. Idunn feared venturing too deep, for she knew the dangers of Mirkwood. These woods were unfamiliar to her, and besides, this was the heart of winter. But she had heard the noises and sounds the Viglundings made at a distance. They grew rater and rarer now, but still on occasion she could catch something in the chill air. Other hunters were near. They had to be. Perhaps she could risk a little more.

Her loyal hound led the way. If fortune favoured her, she would cone upon worthy quarry today. She dreaded the prospect of making camp in the woods, with only Olaf to aid her. But she would resort to it if necessary.

 

OOC

First, roll for feature:

Feature:
Dice Roll: 1d100
d100 Results: 42

Edit: Dense thicket.
Then, keep delving the depths with wits:

 

Delve the depths:
Dice Roll: 1d6+4 2d10
d6 Results: 2 (Total = 6)
d10 Results: 5, 9 (Total = 14)

Edit: Weak hit. Rolling to see what happens:

 

Wits table:
Dice Roll: 1d100
d100 Results: 68

Edit: Choose marking progress or find opportunity. I'm going to go with progress. Let's keep delving with wits:

 

Delve the depths:
Dice Roll: 1d6+4 2d10
d6 Results: 1 (Total = 5)
d10 Results: 4, 7 (Total = 11)

Edit: Another weak hit. Let's roll:

 

Dice Roll: 1d100
d100 Results: 33

Edit: Mark progress and reveal a danger.
Progress: ■■■■■□□□□□
I think I can envision the danger. No need to roll.

[Vladim]

The forest looked the same as they followed the tracks. So much so, that she had to pause for a while on a few occasions, and think. Had they come this way already? Had they passed through this tree or that shrub? Or were they drawn deeper and deeper, where they could become hopelessly lost?

Idunn thought she could retrace her steps. She halted, fell silent, and focused on the sounds of the woods. Her surroundings were quiet, but she thought she could make out the muffled sounds of something not far. She hoped that they were nearing their quarry. She would rather avoid venturing any deeper. Yet she would if she had to.

Suddenly, she heard the faint, near-imperceptible sound of an arrow cutting through the cold air. She turned towards the direction but could see nothing, and only had a moment to react. She tried to leap out of the way, seeking cover behind the trunk of a tree.

 

OOC

I think this is a Face Danger move using Edge (speed). I am wondering if Wildblood applies, but I'm inclined to say no.

Face Danger:
Dice Roll: 1d6+3 2d10
d6 Results: 5 (Total = 8)
d10 Results: 2, 5 (Total = 7)

Edit: Strong Hit. +1 Momentum.

[Vladim]

The huntress moved not a moment too soon; as she sheltered behind cover, the arrow hissed by her, missing her only by a few inches, and flew towards the vegetation. Idunn cursed and looked with alarm at every direction. At first she thought it had been Olaf, shooting recklessly and without care, but as she inspected the scene, she saw him hiding behind a tree. It appeared that he, too, had been caught by surprise.

As she investigated further, the realisation struck her: this hunt was a convenient opportunity to orchestrate an "accident". She did not think that Viglund would be so bold or foolish so as to send assassins... but could she truly be confident that no other Viglunding would be of the same mind? She did not dwell on the thought. Other matters were far more pressing. She notched an arrow to her bow and called out at the huntsman. Perhaps this had truly been a mistake.

"Hold onto your arrows! We are hunting here! Here is Idunn, of the Woodmen, and Olaf, son of Ulf, of Viglund's hall!"

She knew that this would cost her. It was certain to alert her quarry, and push it even deeper into the forest. Yet she knew that the inclusion of Olaf's name would give them pause. He was a witness to the scene, after all.

 

OOC

A compel move, using Heart:

Compel:
Dice Roll: 1d6+2 2d10
d6 Results: 2 (Total = 4)
d10 Results: 4, 3 (Total = 7)

Edit: Weak hit. +1 Momentum, they do what you want, but make a request.

[Vladim]

"Come out in the open!" said the archer, revealing his position. It was a Viglunding, as expected. Idunn had seen him before, though she had not spoken to him. A man called Ingvar, son of Brynjar. He had spoken little in general, even during the feast, even to his kinsfolk, and looked grim and grave at all times. A hard man, gruff and mirthless.

The huntress hesitated. Being attacked thusly, without any provocation and from a hiding-place, had awoken a fear in her. She had grown mistrustful of these folk, or, at least, some of them. She had not considered that some amongst Viglund's men might want her dead. In fact, she was not certain if she should believe it. But now she feared it. Perhaps she had spoken too openly. Perhaps Merovech had enemies here. Or perhaps some were enraged by her victory against Olaf. And also: everything she had seen under Viglund's roof pointed to the same conclusion: the chief sought conflict, not friendship, with the rest of the Free Folk. Such attetude was certain to poison the minds of his followers.

Nevertheless, she rose, and approached this Ingvar hesitantly. So did Olaf, who did not need further cause for provocation. He reprimanded him instantly, with angry words, but Ingvar merely shrugged. "I took you for prey." he said. "Honest mistake. No-one was hurt. Be off now, and be careful!"

Not even an apology! The sheer gall of him! Idunn dared not say anything, though he gave him a cold stare, and clenched her bow. Olaf gave him an earful. It seemed that the two did not get along too well. Luckily for her, things did not get worse. They quickly parted ways, leaving Idunn with a sense of unease, and a tendency to look over her shoulder constantly, something that she had not been doing before. Yet another thing to worry about.

Every noise now seemed as if it might belong to a hostile hunter, and it was her turn to feel like she was prey here. It was, most likely, unnecessary. The incident had probably been a mistake. Such things did happen, after all. Even amongst the Woodmen. But try as she might, the woodswoman could not shake off her unease.

 

Mechanics

Let's roll for features and delve some more!

Feature:
Dice Roll: 1d100
d100 Results: 13

Edit: Hunting ground or watering-hole.

 

Delve with Wits:
Dice Roll: 1d6+4 2d10
d6 Results: 2 (Total = 6)
d10 Results: 6, 7 (Total = 13)

Edit: A miss! Let's burn momentum to make it a Strong Hit.
Progress: ■■■■■■□□□□
Opportunity: More tracks. Let's do the same as before-Gather Information with the Hound. +1 from the Hound, +1 from Wildblood, +1 from the opportunity:

 

Gather Information:
Dice Roll: 1d6+7 2d10
d6 Results: 4 (Total = 11)
d10 Results: 6, 6 (Total = 12)

Edit: Strong hit with a match! That's +1 Momentum from the Hound, +1 from the Opportunity, and +2 from the Gather Information, so momentum goes to +6. That, and a positive narrative twist. Maybe a stag?
Let's keep delving:

 

Delve with Wits:
Dice Roll: 1d6+4 2d10
d6 Results: 6 (Total = 10)
d10 Results: 7, 1 (Total = 8)

Edit: Another strong hit. Progress and Opportunity:
Progress: ■■■■■■■□□□
Opportunity: Prepare. +1 Momentum, so momentum goes to +7.
Let's keep delving:

 

Delve with Wits:
Dice Roll: 1d6+4 2d10
d6 Results: 2 (Total = 6)
d10 Results: 4, 4 (Total = 8)

Edit: Another strong hit with a match. Something very good should happen.
Progress: ■■■■■■■■□□
Opportunity: Prepare. +1 Momentum, so momentum goes to +8.
Okay, shall we try to end the Delve? Locate your objective move (Progress move).

 

Locate your Objective:
Dice Roll: 2d10
d10 Results: 5, 4 (Total = 9)

Edit: Strong hit. Can make another move and add +1. Let's Secure an advantage with Wits (aiming). +1 more from Wildblood.

 

Secure an Advantage:
Dice Roll: 1d6+6 2d10
d6 Results: 4 (Total = 10)
d10 Results: 5, 7 (Total = 12)

Edit: Prepare to act. +2 Momentum (10). Then, let's take the shot (+Edge). Let's say that only one hit is needed.

 

Strike:
Dice Roll: 1d6+3 2d10
d6 Results: 3 (Total = 6)
d10 Results: 10, 9 (Total = 19)

Edit: Yeah, definitely burning momentum on that. Strong hit.
Finally, escape the depths. With +wits.

 

Escape:
Dice Roll: 1d6+4 2d10
d6 Results: 4 (Total = 8)
d10 Results: 8, 5 (Total = 13)

Edit: Weak hit. Probably Endure Stress. -3 Spirit, and rolling +spirit:

 

Endure Stress:
Dice Roll: 1d6+2 2d10
d6 Results: 2 (Total = 4)
d10 Results: 9, 5 (Total = 14)

Edit: Miss, -1 momentum (1). I think this also counts as reaching a milestone on the oath.

[Vladim]

"That fool could have cost us our quarry!" complained the huntress to Olaf long after Ingvar had departed. "In fact, he may have already. Come! We must make haste, if we seek to succeed ere nightfall!"

Olaf nodded, and followed without protest, hastening his steps to keep up with the new pace Idunn now set. He seemed content to do so, having come to the realisation that the huntress exceeded him in skill in the woods. They moved quickly and quietly, and without pause, seeking to regain their advantage. For if Ingvar was to alert the others to the tracks, then soon they'd be faced with stiff competition.

 

♫ The Pathless OST-Cernos ♫

At a place were the woods were dense they came upon tracks again, this time fresh. Idunn's hound, Uthred, sniffed the cold air, and seemed to catch a scent, and was eager to lead them. But Idunn restrained him for a while, and studied what they had found. A roebuck! It could not be far now. If she could fell such a creature, then surely all would see her worth. Even the hardiest of the weorod's warriors. See her worth and deem her a match for her cousin, the Thane, whom they respected, even if they did so begrudgingly. She looked to the footprint in the snow again. Its size was great. It would feast many. This was her chance.

She motioned to Olaf. She crept quietly now, slithering through the trees with speed like a snake. She felt at one with the forest, and her sense of purpose was singular, such that she had forgotten the incident with Ingvar, and her fear. Only her prey occupied her mind now. Just as Grimborn had taught her. Long had it been since she had last hunted. It was exhilarating.

At a glade she came upon it. It was a mature adult, great in size, with intricate antlers, a magnificent beast. A wonder to behold. She was awe-struck, and so was Olaf, and the two of them gazed upon it for a while, paralyzed. But the stag did not seem to notice them. It lifted its mighty, crowned head, and looked to the trees left and right, and sniffed and then exhaled. Steam issued from its nostrils. Then, content to sense no danger, it returned to its watering-hole, bowing its head low. Idunn prepared an arrow ans aimed it, carefully and for long. Then she drew her bow and unleashed it; the arrow flew true, and it buried itself in the stag's neck: point, shaft and fletching. The beast was felled instantly. It struggled for but a moment before all life left it.

[Vladim]

The two hunters inspected the animal, amazed at their own luck. One part of their task had now been accomplished. Another still lay ahead of them. The stag was great and heavy. Olaf was strong, but even he could not hope to carry it alone. As for Idunn... she was not of Olaf's build, and could help but little.

They would need aid. Daylight would fade soon. They sounded their hunting-horns; in a while they were answered by another, as if echoing. Soon, a man approached, pushing his way through the foliage: Thunar, the warrior who had argued with Idunn at the feast. He looked at them with annoyance, thinking that they ought not have summoned him, but when at last his eyes fell upon their prize, he paused, and he understood all with barely a word spoken.

Slowly they begun their journey back, retracing their steps. This time, the going was slow, and Idunn stirred with every noise. She grew fearful, thinking that others might envy her good fortune, and seek to claim the buck for themselves. It was an irrational fear, but the darkening forest appeared to amplify it, casting heavy shadows over her spirit. She should not have worried, for neither Olaf nor Thunar appeared thus inclined.

At length they were joined by others. They marvelled at the beast and followed them, as their own hunting had proven more meager, and sought to aid Olaf and Thunar, who had had to struggle. When they emerged towards the eaves, there were six of them. They made camp for the night in the snow, lighting a fire to chase away the cold, and telling tales of their exploits. Idunn spoke hers plainly, but spent most of her time cutting up the carcass, helped by others. She did so methodically, leaving nothing that could prove of use. She could not afford to wait for the return. If she left it, it would go foul and be wasted. And besides, it would be far easier to carry it now that it lay in pieces.

On the next day, they were joined by the rest of the expedition. They all made boasts of their hunts, which were fruitful, but none had been as successful as the duo. After they had packed up, they slowly made their way back to the Great Hall, arriving there in the late noon. While they marched, Idunn swapped tales with Olaf, and sought to strengthen their bond. She had precious few friends here-indeed, only Guthred she could rely upon. She would need more-to aid her, and to fulfil the late Thane's legacy-a task that now appeared overwhelming and impossible.

 

OOC

Forge a bond with Olaf, +heart. Idunn's not very good at this, but here goes:

Forge a Bond:
Dice Roll: 1d6+2 2d10
d6 Results: 2 (Total = 4)
d10 Results: 4, 3 (Total = 7)

Edit: Ok, not awful. Weak hit. Mark the bond, but they ask something of you.

[Vladim]

 

The two hunters swapped many a tale as they returned, and many more after they had reached the Great Hall, and could at last sit by the hearth and warm their bones. Idunn tried to downplay her achievement, and did not boast much about her exploits. That was not the way of the Viglundings, who were a proud folk, but she could sense that if she chose to continue along such a path, then she might inspire envy, not admiration.

And so, in her tales, she gave Olaf a more prominent role. Her companion seemed at first perplexed, but with each retelling she seemed to convince him that in fact it had indeed been so. In her mind, it was not a falsehood, for though he had not shot the arrow, she would have been unable to bring back the stag without his aid. The others were content with such a tale, and Olaf's standing seemed to grow with each retelling. As for her, her skill was recognized, and that suited her far better than being the center of attention.

Olaf had asked her for one more thing: the antlers of the stag, to be placed as a trophy in the Great Hall, so that all would remember their deed. Idunn had obliged, knowing that the reminder might aid her new friend amongst his peoples. Strangely, after the thing was mounted in the common room, Olaf did not seem to grow in pride. On the contrary, he seemed to become more humble, and came to the huntress often for advice. He seemed to realise that more would be expected of him now, and so he must become a better hunter. Idunn was happy to oblige, sharing her secrets and giving counsel, much like Grimborn, her beloved, had once done for her. She did not see any of him in Olaf, but the hunt had rekindled her memory of him, and brought her emotions to the fore. She wondered if he would have been proud to see her to have grown in skill thusly. She owed it all to him.

And what of the stag? They roasted much of it over a great fire not long after the hunt, and the hunters repeated the tale yet again before all were feasted, only slightly embellished. Idunn dared to jest that it should not be said that the Wood-folk were ungrateful guests, for although she had paid no coin for her stay, she had helped feed the Viglundings with her deed, and could thus remain many more days without feeling like she was a burden. A thought had crossed her mind at the time: to say that the stag should be taken as weregild for Elfwyn. Yet despite her drinking she dared not do this, for it would be taken as a challenge, not a jest, and sully her good reputation.

Even Viglund had to acknowledge the deed. He still remained distant and aloof throughout it. Certainly he had understood her pointed remark, for it was he who had decreed that she was not to leave, yet he too had to raise his cup and drink, just like the others.

Inch by inch, day by day, little by little, she was gaining ground here.

[Vladim]

 

Scene 10: Parley

Twelve days after the Yule
Viglund's Great Hall
Company location: The Vales of Gundabad

 

Time marched on, flowing past her incessantly like the waters of the great river Anduin, journeying from source to shore to meet and mingle with the southern seas. Idunn sat, and drank, and feasted, and grew fat, and idle, and discontent. She spoke to all and mingled with them, and still she felt a stranger, isolated, and sought solace only in the companionship of her steadfast hound, who alone amongst many could offer her peace of mind, despite Guthred, and Olaf, and the other friends she had made here.

She was starved from news from her companions. At night she thought of them, when sleep would not come to her, and wondered if they were yet alive. But she could do little else but worry herself to death. By day, she spoke to the Viglundings, and listened to their affairs, and tried as best she could to behave as one of them, often to little avail. By now she was resigned to remaining here, at least until a better opportunity would present itself. She knew she could not leave, she could not escape-not without causing immeasurable, likely irreversible harm to her cause, and to any prospects of peace.

And so she remained.

Then one winter's day, unexpectedly, she was summoned to speak to Viglund. The old chief had been content to leave her to her own devices thus far, and had barely spoken to her since the audience with her companions. But now he requested her presence-a request she could not deny. Idunn suspected the reason: Elfwyn remained free yet, and Viglund's spies had found nothing to the south: neither her, nor the companions. He did not know that they were bound northward. A secret she had no intention of divulging.

[Vladim]

♫ Beowulf OST-Main theme ♫

 

Idunn stood before his carven throne, as Viglund observed her with keen and clever eyes that sought to pierce the treasure-vault of her mind. The huntress felt the full weight of them. He knew him to be a clever, cunning foe. Here, in his great hall, he held absolute power.

It started with the niceties one would expect from such an occasion. Untold customs of centuries old dictated the exchange. Idunn had done little to displease him. She had not been as bold as some of her companions; she had dared not to challenge him under his own roof. And when he had offered her his so-called hospitality, she had accepted it, seeking against hope to soften his heart, and quell his rage. She had not trodden on courtesy, and on the old unwritten laws.

"You come at last." said Viglund, in his deep voice, greeting her. "How does Idunn, the Thane's kin, like the hospitality of my hall? Is all to your liking?"

Idunn lowered her head. A gesture of deference, respect, agreement. Such was the role he had chosen for himself, then. Not the tyrant he truly was, but the gracious host. And what of her? Surely, she was to be the grateful guest, and not the unruly prisoner. She would not contradict that expectation.

"Valorous and mighty are the folk of Viglund." she said. "And generous too, though I am but a stranger in these lands. Much have I learned about their struggles against the Shadow and their customs."

"I hear that you have done well for yourself, kin of Merovech. The Thane's blood must course through your veins indeed. Yet that is not why I have summoned you. Where are your companions? Have they forgotten of you already?"

There it was. He had not hidden his true purpose. It was as the huntress had guessed. Yet for him he had no answer-none, at least, that she was willing to divulge. "I do not know," she claimed, "yet I trust that they are seeing to the matter of your thrall, seeking to find her so that they can set things to right. Yet the winter is harsh, and the land perilous. I fear that they might be on a fool's errand."

The chieftain stroked his beard, listening. He did not reply instantly, but sat in silence for a while. "Your friends ought not to have challenged me as they did. If they had not, then perhaps I would have allowed this misunderstanding to pass. Yet for all my troubles I was given naught but disrespect. I shall not forget the insult."

It was Idunn's turn to fall silent. What could she say to this? Viglund was a hard man, and nothing could change his mind. He stirred at her silence, and at length he spoke: "Well? Have you nothing to say?"

The woodswoman cleared her throat. She had promised to Ingi to defend them while she remained here. "You speak truly, lord Viglund." she admitted at length. "Yet you speak not to them, but to me, and I have done nothing to disrespect the courtesy of your great hall. Thane Merovech had hoped that friendship is possible between your folk and his. He has passed, but I remain committed to his cause, and I shall, if I can, strive towards it."

"Friendship?" retorted Viglund. "Friendship is founded on trust, and your friend, the Beorning, has done little to earn it. It was his words that inspired Elfwyn to escape."

"It was not so, or if it was, then it was done unwittingly. For I know my companions well. Some amongst them can be bold at times, and their boldness can cloud their judgement. Yet they would not be as foolish as to conspire against you.

We were sent here by Beorn's Thanes, in response to your invitation, to join in the Yuletide feast. We would do nothing to jeopardize our mission, and the legacy of Thane Merovech. Lord Beorn would not allow it. I would not allow it. I am of his blood. I swore to finish what he started.

I am sorry that you lost a precious thrall, but the blame cannot be mine, nor my companion's, even if it was his ill-thought words that inspired the escape. And what of your folk? Bear they not any responsibility, to leave Elfwyn thus unattended? For if she had been more closely watched, then she would not have escaped. Is it not so?"

Truth mixed with lies, and a bold assertion. The huntress hoped that it would put an end to the matter once and for all, even as she knew that it was unlikely. But perhaps the small measure of reputation she had earned here, as a huntress and as a warrior, would now compel Viglund to take her more seriously.

 

OOC

Compel with... +heart? I could see it as +iron too, but the rules say no, so so be it. I don't think Viglund will drop the matter entirely, so even on a success she will not convince him, but they may move on to other matters without Viglund becoming too annoyed.

Sadly, Idunn sucks at +heart, but let's see:

Compel:
Dice Roll: 1d6+2t 2d10
d6 Results: 1 (Total = 3)
d10 Results: 1, 7 (Total = 8)
Sum Total: 11

Edit: Weak hit. +1 Momentum, and "they do as you want" (doubt it) but ask something of you. I'll need to think on it. But should be workable.

[Vladim]

Viglund fell silent, and Idunn grew worried, for she feared that she had angered the chieftain with her words. But, whatever he thought of the matter, the man had not been angered, or, at the very least, he did not show any outward signs of it. Perhaps inwardly he had taken offense, but the huntress could only guess it.

"The thralls have been punished. Blood has been shed. They will not forget it." he asserted at length, and though he did not speak it, indirectly this was an admission of the truth of Idunn's words.

"I too witnessed it." spoke the woodswoman, and said no more. The mere memory of it haunted her still, and she, like the thralls, was unlikely to forget it.

Viglund nodded grimly from his high throne. "When the matter is sorted, and when at last you return to your folk, you must bring word of it to lord Beorn. He must hear of what happened here, and of the injustice that was done to me. Not only from your friend, but the full tale, as it truly happened. For I do not think that your allies will want to speak the whole truth."

For a brief moment their eyes met, and neither of them averted their gaze, as if trying to find who would falter first. Had he just called her companions liars, in addition to thinking them thieves? The implication angered her, but she contained such feelings. "I will tell the full tale. This I promise." she said eventually, acquiescing to his request.

"Swear it," Viglund demanded, "on the memory of your late cousin. So that I know that you will see it through."

She paused for a moment, considering the demand. She did not like to be pushed around like this, but if it was for the sake of peace, then so be it. It was a worthy cause. She could afford to sacrifice some small measure of pride. "I will speak the truth. This I swear. May the dead Thane be my witness. I swear on his memory, and his legacy."

She looked at him proudly, seeking to see if swearing had satisfied him. Yet his face betrayed no emotion.

[Vladim]

"I shall not forget it." said Viglund at length. "The truth of it must reach his ears. I trust that you will carry the word, kin of Merovech."

She nodded. "You need not worry." she said. A thought crossed her mind. Could she cause him to admit what his spies had been up to? Perhaps, if she chose her words cunningly. She set the trap: "Yet I trust that my companions have already brought word of it to the old bear, and so my task has been rendered needless. But I shall do as you say regardless."

Viglund looked at her intently, and placed an elbow on the arm-rest, and rested his chin upon his hand, and observed her. At length he spoke, taking the bait. "You may think it, yet it is not so. For I have dispatched hunters to seek my thrall, and they have found no sign of your company to the South. In fact they are bound northwards. Had you expected it?"

Presently, he looked at her with piercing eyes, eager to discern the truth of the words she chose next.

Idunn feigned surprise, yet she did so in a subdued fashion, seeking not to raise his suspicion any further. "I had not," she admitted after a while, "yet it is not entirely unexpected. My companions are honourable folk; most likely, they are seeking to return to you your thrall. For even this foul weather in the heart of winter would not hinder them from trying to set things right."

It was a lie, and she knew it-yet if lies were necessary to mend things, then so be it. Viglund clearly thought her honourable, and indeed she was, but she had not lost her wits. Perhaps his perception of her would make the lies easier to swallow. She could only hope.

"Perhaps." replied Viglund cryptically, revealing not his thoughts, or any information he possessed that might contradict her guesses.

 

OOC

I am thinking she is using cunning here to Secure an Advantage, so taking that move with +wits. I think I could use +shadow for the lying, but she is mixing in some truth in her words, so let's leverage the better stat:

Secure an Advantage:
Dice Roll: 1d6+4t 2d10
d6 Results: 5 (Total = 9)
d10 Results: 3, 7 (Total = 10)
Sum Total: 19

Edit: Strong hit. +2 Momentum.

[Vladim]

Sensing that she was beginning to gain the advantage, Idunn pressed on. She knew that she was unlikely to convince him of anything, for he was stubborn and set in his ways. If Merovech had failed, then what hope had she? And yet, perhaps she could, with her words, make him reconsider his accusations against her companions. Certainly not completely-such a task was beyond her skill-but in part at least.

"If they are journeying northwards, as your hunters report, then so must be your thrall. Yet does that not mean that it was not, in fact, my companion's words that convinced her to escape? For if it was so, then surely she would head south, to seek sanctuary amongst the Beornings. Instead, she is seeking the hill-folk, her kin."

For a while, Viglund fell silent, weighing her words. "You cannot know this with certainty." he retorted at length, remaining uncertain of her assertion. "Perhaps they lost their way in the snow. Or perhaps your companion, the hill-man, is drawing them into a trap in the north. The vales are a perilous land, and the hill-folk are a cunning and evil foe. Perhaps Elfwyn seduced him to do her bidding." His eyes darkened as he made the grim guess.

"I do not believe it." replied Idunn instantly. His words did not give her pause, and nor did they cause their trust in them to waver. "I know my companions well. I have shed blood with them, and not once did they fail me. Dahr-Ol is bold at times; perhaps reckless even, as many a warrior can be. Even the honoured men of your weorod can be so. I have spoken to some of them. Yet he would not betray his comrades, and nor would he be tricked so easily. Of this I am certain."

Viglund did not answer. Instead, he spoke of another matter that weighed on him. "Why is it that your Thanes sent him to represent lord Beorn in the feast? Why did they choose him? He is of hill-folk stock; they are to us bitter enemies. Was it done in mockery, or was their goal to provoke?"

Idunn sighed. She could not have known the Thanes' intention, and perhaps their choice could have been wiser. But this was not the time for her doubts. "Yet they also sent me, lord Viglund."

"Late you were in coming; far too late to prevent the damage done here by your friend."

"And yet longer have I lingered here than any of them, and for my tarrying I have atoned, I would hope."

"You avoid the question." he said, and stroked the hairs on his cheeks, leaning forward, as if to inspect her thoroughly.

She bit her lips. He would not be sated, not unless she offered him some answer. Yet she knew full well the pitfall: for any answer she might provide would have to be weighed carefully, so as to not provoke him further. But this was a matter she had contemplated already. "Perhaps, in their wisdom, the Thanes sent him to show that there are those that can be redeemed. Even amongst the hill-folk, who are a cruel and evil folk. For I have journeyed with Dahr-Ol, and fought by his side, and slain many an orc with him, and I know him to be a good and valorous man. If such a man can yet be found amongst the hill-folk, then others too might be discovered in the unlikeliest of places."

"Perhaps even here." she thought, but dared not say it. Instead: "Perhaps that is what the Thanes wished you to know."

 

OOC

Compel with +heart. Let's see if she can convince him that Dahr-Ol was not sent in mockery:

Compel:
Dice Roll: 1d6+2t 2d10
d6 Results: 6 (Total = 8)
d10 Results: 4, 9 (Total = 13)
Sum Total: 21

Edit: Weak hit. +1 Momentum. They ask something of you. What can it be...?