Ask Bel-solve-this

[Baldr Ivarsson]

Baldr had never been to Belsavis before, but he knew several Deucalian clans were scattered throughout the planet. His travels took him to the outskirts of a village that housed multiple clans. Right away it was clear that something was amiss as two clans that normally allied together were at odds. He arrived to spread the word of Thrane and his religion, but that was put on the backburner for now because tensions were high.

He leaned into his faith when chaos ran rampant, but he would have to work to introduce that here. The bishop was seated on a stump outside the village, pondering his next move. He scraped a whetstone against his blade, the edge perfected to a sharp point and the blade reflecting his face. Runic symbols lined the flat side of the blade, symbol of a weapon passed down for generations. His own rune marked the end of the line for now, more to be added should he choose to have children.

Rumors suggested that the clans were fighting over a missing artifact that left them in disarray. Both sides accused the other of taking it and the symbolism was enough to completely disrupt their operations. The clans traded food and other wares, both of which stopped since this animosity broke out.

Baldr was no diplomat, but often during times of unrest the Deucalians turned to their religious leaders. He was seated here to silently pray and ask for guidance from the spirit of Thrane.

@LadyRen

 

[Freyja]

These days, Freyja was on Sverend a lot. Not just studying the past, but also gathering insights about the other tribes scattered all across the planet. What she had gathered from there wasn't just related to Sverend though - no. She soon came to find out that even her roots weren't all based there.

Her parents had always told her just that their tribe had always resided in the Nothern Kingdom, but whether they didn't know or purposely lied to her, she wasn't entirely sure about. It turned out that her grandfather, Freyr Njordson, had formerly ruled a tribe on Belsavis, until he'd been exiled due to a massive conflict that had supposedly started hundreds of years ago in generations long past.

However, that, apparently was when he and his clansmen had started settling on Sverend and thus she had begun to believe that there was a lot more to her past than she had formerly known. His other son, the uncle she hadn't even known of, Aesir Freyrson, was the one who had traveled back to Belsavis more than two decades ago, and somehow, it seemed that he had managed to get back into their favor, as he had never returned.

Perhaps he was simply dead though. Also a possibility she considered, however all evidence led her back to Belsavis, and soon she had even started to learn much more about what was going on on the other world. It wasn't just the uncertainty related to her past that brought her here, but stories of a stolen artifact that had left two tribes in complete disarray had also sparked her curiosity.

Freyja thus wasn't enroute as a Champion, but as Freyja Odinsdóttir, last living survivor of her own tribe and the one who wouldn't deny what her presumably family had. She had to learn more about her ties to this world, and the rumors she had picked up about the boiling conflict that had recently ensued again.

She had expected that the journey of unveiling multiple truth was one she'd spend in solitude, but after her march across the plains of Belsavis, right before she reached the first village, she started sensing a calm presence. Expecting naught but a scout, she slowed down, let one hand casually rest on the hilt of her axe while her relatively chill posture conveyed that she meant no harm, however, her sense were always in full awareness mode.

She rounded the last natural hill and her gaze then fall upon the broad shouldered silhouette, however, it didn't take long for her to realize that the stranger wasn't at all that strange. "Oh, I'll be damned", she muttered under her breath, the slightest hint of a smirk, however, tugging at her lips as she came to a halt across from him.

"Bishop...now that's a coincidence". Had he just come to spread his words? But why here...and now? Another mystery she was about to uncover.

@Sreeya

 

[Baldr Ivarsson]

Baldr finished up his prayers and was about to start walking back into the village when his keen ears picked up movement. His gaze flicked over to take in sight of a woman approaching, one that appeared familiar. He didn’t stop sharpening his blade as she approached, checking the edge one last time before he put the whetstone down. The bishop gave a nod as she greeted him, “Well met…Freyja, yes?” He asked.

He looked towards the village and then back to her, “You appear to have a penchant for showing up where there is trouble,” He observed, his tone flat to where it would be difficult to tell if he was teasing her or not. Baldr finally rose to stand then, stashing the whetstone away.

“What brings you out this way?” Baldr said as he fully turned to face her.

@LadyRen

 

[Freyja]

The sound of the blade against the whetstone was a very familiar one for the Champion. She didn't miss the delicately carved runes and was curious about what stories were behind them, but it was a conversation for another time. She hadn't missed how he was about to leave, heading in the same direction she intended to go even, so this had to wait for now.

"Correct", Baldr...she hadn't forgotten his name either. "How perceptive", a wry smirk wasntugged at her lips as she tilted her head to the side, still curious about what his intentions were. Was he perhaps even interested in solving those tension through faith? His features remained stoic, the tone flat, so it wasn't easy to read him just yet, which, however, piqued her curiosity further.

"The past...and recent conflicts", the troubles he had hinted the at indicated that he was indeed aware of the existing tensions as well. "I assume you're aware of the current situation?", she asked him as she glanced over to where the village's entrance laid nestled between the tall trees. Who knew what she'd find inside?

"What brings you here? The prospects of spreading your word or did you plan to offer some guidance in those times of chaos?". For Freyja's part, she didn't simply want to look around, but now that she was on an overall greater mission, her endeavor was far bigger than double checking on those presumed family ties. Her gaze flicked back to the Bishop and calmly rested on him while the icy wind rustled through her hair.

@Sreeya

 

[Baldr Ivarsson]

“Does it have to be one or the other?” Baldr asked in response to her question at the end. He had gathered up his things and was prepared to go back into the village. He dusted off some snow off his shoulders - the start of flurries designated an upcoming snowstorm. The skies were gray and the air grew colder. Baldr began to walk, his body language suggesting that he didn’t mind her joining him.

“The source of distress is a missing artifact..I’m unclear which,” He admitted with a shrug, “However, the chief’s son has ventured out to the Scar to retrieve it and has not returned. A search party was sent and also has not returned,” Baldr said as he walked into the village, “So the tribes are at odds with one another over why the artifact went missing in the first place. I have arrived because of the absence of faith. Situations like these give rise to disbelief and wavering from the word of the Gods.”

He remained silent after that, curious about her perspective on the situation. Baldr already made up his mind that he would venture out to the Scar himself. After all, despite being a religious man, he was a Deucalian warrior and explorer first. He dusted the snow off his boots and stepped into a cantina, showing little interest in the drinks and sitting at a table to order a bowl of stew before he journeyed.

“Would you care to join me for a meal before I leave to venture to the Scar myself?” He asked casually as if it was perfectly safe to go through a winter storm to a site that allegedly claimed the lies of several hardy men and women.

@LadyRen

 

[Freyja]

She held his gaze, pondering on his words for a moment before she calmly answered, "you're right. Sounds quite compatible to me". She didn't doubt that in such times of unrest, faith could offer not only stability, but hope and direction. So for him it was a clever move to visit them just now.

She started moving when he did and fell into step next to him. The fresh snow crunched under her boots while she already sensed a subtle tension lingered in the air just as the skies darkened. "They've all just vanished...could also be a ploy of another clan", she mused aloud, wondering whether the conflicts had gotten this far. It seemed like a full blown war was possible, and those things could get ugly between tribes.

The information about the missing son was new to her, yet it was an important finding. And an important lead for her, too. If she wanted to help solving this, perhaps she had to go looking for the artificact. "It's odd that the artifact vanished in the first place, I agree...I think we both know that without the artifact, there won't be peace", it was of great value for the village, so obviously, the clans didn't take its absence lightly...but had someone deliberately stolen it?

They reached some kind of a tavern shortly after and Freyja slid into the seat across from him, a genuine smile on her lips as she replied, "Sure". The Scar. So he had the same idea after all. Well what a coincidence...She ordered herself a bowl of stew as well, but went with an ale, too. After their orders were taken, she met his gaze again just as she placed her hands on the table in front of them.

"I'm coming with you", it wasn't just an offer. They way she phrased it, it was simply a fact. Little room for discussion, but she elaborated after a moment, "you might need the help. The journey might prove perilous and it's never bad to have someone watch your back...". He knew that as well as she did. She still expected objections, but she'd remain stubborn. It was exactly where she wanted to go anyway. "Also, it seems like we have an mutual interest in unveiling the truth behind all of this".

@Sreeya

 

[Baldr Ivarsson]

Baldr’s expression didn’t change as Freyja invited herself on the expedition. On the contrary, he continued to calmly eat his stew, occasionally taking sips of his water. He could hear the winds picking up outside, suggesting that the storm would be underway soon. While this was a terrible time to go searching, it also meant that any potential attackers were also less likely to be lurking around.

“The gods guide your fate,” He said after a long moment, “If they deem you fit to survive, you will. If they do not, you will perish,” It was a subtle reminder that she was responsible for herself if she chose to join him. He may have been a bishop, but as a Deucalian he was raised to believe in harsh survivals and odds. This storm and the disappearances spelled certain trouble, but if Freyja wanted to take it on, he wouldn’t say no to an extra weapon.

Baldr finished his water and tossed a few credits for his meal, “Let’s pick up some supplies,” He suggested as he rose from his seat to make his way to the nearby shop. Baldr glanced over at Freyja as they walked, “Do you have any ideas on what the artifact may be?” He asked, “No one appears to be in a particularly talkative mood,” Baldr said gruffly as his gaze flicked towards some of the locals that were getting into a scuffle off to the side. He was no hero that would dive in the middle to break it up, but his keen hearing would let him know if any clues were uttered.

At the supply shop, he grabbed crucial items like a personal tent, rope, canned foods and other means to survive out in the Scar for several days if needed. Once he was ready he hoisted his rucksack over his shoulders, “Are you ready?” He called out to the woman before he stepped out right into an icy blast of wind to the face. This journey was going to be brutal.

@LadyRen

 

[Freyja]

She tried analyzing those features, but not even the subtle nuances told her a lot. He wasn't startled, he wasn't against it, but he surely didn't disclose he was hyped either. It was a bit frustrating her, as she was a woman who surely expressed more emotions, but it was also partly something she found very intriguing. Another mystery she could try to solve. But was there even a way to solve stoicism?

"They do. In a way, that will be a test". For her greater plans, for sure. She wasn't super religious anymore. The Sith were her religion, in a way. She believed in the dark side, and it surely guided her, but she hadn't fully turned her way on the old gods either. They finished their meal and she paid accordingly. The stew and ale warmed her from the inside, but she knew that out there, they'd encounter much harsher climate with each other that passed, given that the storm kept brewing.

She followed him, brainstorming what they might need. She had some information on the Scar, but it seemed like whatever dwelled there wasn't really predictable. She didn't miss the gazes that followed them as they walked back out and noticed that while most were curious, some seemed kind of wary, too. They were strangers, even if they shared some blood, so she didn't blame them, but she knew she had to go talk to the leaders once this case was solved.

The winds whipped through the village already and the skies had darkened further, so that if she had been a superstitious woman, she'd surely consider postponing the trip. She wasn't though, so as they made their way to the village's vendor, she remained unswerving. "I've gone through quite some sources and nothing really clarified what it was. It might be a weapon...perhaps it's something simpler, yet more significant", she mused, keeping her voice down as she didn't want to be overheard.

She glanced up to him as she added, "perhaps even they don't know. Maybe they've never seen it". It didn't make their job easier. Without knowing what they were after, beginning the search would prove even more difficult. "I guess we'll know what it is when we find it", this, she phrased with a determined certainty though.

Once in the shop, Freyja refueled her supplies. Her bag was already stuffed, and it was even heavier after, but without knowing what they'd be faced with, they had to come prepared. "I'm ready", she regrouped with him outside after having paid, and she immediately tugged the fur around her neck tighter.

Together, they started walking and made sure the icy breeze didn't find a way under her clothes. "How long have you been on Belsavis?", she asked him after a moment, curious about whether he had gathered some general insights already. "I have a feeling something is quite amiss here...like way more than what's apparent on the surface". There were a few redundancies. Also, the aura around them already seemed a lot more hostile than she had expected. What if this was all a set up? She had the Force and she knew it would keep warning her, yet she already kept her guard up properly, not wanting to be surprised by anything or anyone.

@Sreeya

 

[Baldr Ivarsson]

“Perhaps there is no artifact at all,” Baldr mused quietly after Freyja voiced her speculations. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time their people were thrown into chaos with empty promises. There were hapless endeavors for things like Freyja’s hammer, Thrane’s axe and other objects of revered Deucalian gods that never actually turned up.

The winds picked up and Baldr wrapped a scarf around the lower hemisphere of his face, revealing only his piercing honey-colored eyes. In certain lighting they could almost pass for the gold of a Sith. The Bishop quietly prayed as they walked, “Thrane guide and deliver us through the perils we face today,” He muttered under his breath, continuing for a few more lines as he walked through the snow that picked up rapidly.

“Only a few days,” Baldr answered her question, trudging along the snow as they stepped away from the village and towards the path to the Scar. Every now and then Baldr checked his compass to keep on the trail. The winds were howling and unforgiving, visibility getting worse. However, his father had a gift - one he had passed to Baldr. He had called it the Sight, and it was a jealously guarded secret within his family.

Baldr tapped into the Force without realizing it, Sight providing him with views of landmarks up ahead to guide the path through the snowstorm. He walked with purpose, unwavering against the harsh blizzard. He glanced back over his shoulder now and then to see if Freyja was still following, his brows lined with snow.

After he took a few steps, his boot sank abruptly through the ground. He caught himself and pulled his foot out, glancing down to see icy water. Baldr gazed across the wide, frozen plain rapidly becoming buried under snow.

“It is a lake,” He stated, “Mind where you step,” Baldr called out as he gingerly tested the ground before he started walking. One false step and they could fall right through the ice and get trapped in frigid waters.

@LadyRen

 

[Freyja]

"Or that. Perhaps we're risking our lives for nothing, perhaps that we're trying is a great symbol already", she agreed with him, before she continued musing. They'd know they were going and they'd all know they tried. She wanted to believe that there was in fact something, but only time would tell.

His voice was almost completely swallowed by the gusting winds, but she understood enough to know what he was doing. While he believed that it were only the Gods leading them, she knew the Force could be cruel. Either way, she was certain they were about to be tested on many levels.

She wasn't shivering yet, but it wasn't pleasant either, and knowing that a continously using the Force to keep her warm would only drain her, she didn't for now. She looked back up to him as he answered, indicating that he also wasn't super familiar with everything around. It mattered little. They were in this now and they'd make it through.

As the winds picked up yet again, frost started swirling through the air and so at some point, she was shielding her light eyes from the ice. The terrain they trudged along was uneven, shortly after they passed the last tree though, the absence of roots on the ground wasn't a great sigh.

At first, she sensed something ahead, before she could clearly make out the flowing movement of the water underneath their feet. She was just about to raise her voice to warn him as with a sudden crack, he suddenly sank to the ground. In an instance, he'd sense a strong, ethereal grip around him, preventing an additonal descent if it came to that, but as he had his foot out right away, it wasn't necessary.

"Wait", she called out as she carefully walked over to pass him with a meters between them. "I'm much lighter. If I feel the ice shifting and cracking under my steps, you better find another spot". Again, she didn't put this up for discussion, but marched on instead, glancing over her shoulder to ensure he was following her in a safe distance. "Follow me".

She wasn't just testing the ice, but cryokinesis was her forte. So as she walked, she moved her left hand ever so slightly, thickening the ice underneath her steps. It was a subtle manipulation, nature helped quite a bit, but by influencing the current and lowering the temperatures just a little bit further, she ensured that the ice wouldn't break so easily.

Whether he noticed what exactly she was doing or not mattered little, but she tried her best to maintain her focus, knowing that once they made it across, she'd need a little break. "Where did you grow up?". As light conversations wouldn't distract her, she decided that raising some of the questions she still had on her mind was a good idea.

@Sreeya

 

[Baldr Ivarsson]

Baldr paused when she called out, listening to her suggestion. He couldn’t argue with the logic, so he stood there in silence to let her walk ahead, his gaze following her. He started walking after her, trying to hear any cracking noises over the howling winds. Baldr thought nothing of her hand jutting out as she walked, guessing it was to maintain her balance. He did, however, sense subtle sensations that he perceived as the voices of the gods. Did that mean they were on the right path?

He once again leaned into Sight to see through the storm, catching Freyja’s form in that plane. To his shock, she manifested similar to how his father did when he tried the trick with him. What did that mean? Was Freyja perhaps kin of his? It wasn’t uncommon for Deucalian from the same families to be scattered across multiple planets. While he was alarmed internally, he said nothing about it. For now, the goal was to get across the lake.

“Sverend,” Baldr responded as he walked behind her, “You look Sverendi yourself,” He added, hazarding a guess, "What is your surname?" Baldr noticed the path she walked was sturdy under their feet, “The gods walk with you today, Freyja the Blessed,” He called out with the slightest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. It could all very well go down from here, but he was pleased to make it across the lake.

Once they were on the other side, he attempted to look for anything in the distance but could only see an empty path forward, “We are a few miles out from the Scar still,” Baldr noted, dusting the snow and icicles that collected on his brows and hair, “The storm is getting worse,” He said as he glanced up at the sky that was impossible to tell what time of day it was. His keen ears began to pick up what sounded like growling. Baldr brought up a finger to his lips to signal for Freyja to fall silent if she was speaking. He crouched down and listened closely, his ears twitching, "Wolves," He said to her calmly.

@LadyRen

 

[Freyja]

Her gaze was fixed on the ground in front of her, her features slightly tense as she focused on the manipulation of the ice. She had played with snow, ice and frost often, yet freezing a lake like this while walking on it was new. She was happy it worked as well, but couldn't wait to get across.

She perceived some subtle concerns rising from within him, however blamed it on their perilous crossing. "I am", she confirmed, a soft smirk crossing her lips. The now that bastard who had taken her in had tried to erase that part of her, but she did no longer deny any of it. "Odinsdóttir", she replied, pronouncing it according to their native tongue.

"We never crossed paths before...I'd assume you're from the Southern hemisphere?", she made a guess herself, mostly because his tattoos were different than the ones that had been around in her tribe. "Before I came here, I retraced generations of ancestors. It's also partly a reason for why I came here", she explained as they continued walking.

She turned her head for a moment as he suddenly sounded somewhat more cheerful for the first time, and that subtle smirk on his lips was infectious. "We've passed our first test", whether it was the Gods or the Force, her muscles relaxed as she sensed the solid ground after another while.

She blinked away the slight headache and slipped her now ice cold hand into her pocket, right underneath a thick layer of soft fur. "If we're lucky, we'll make it to cover before the storm closes is...if not we might have to improvise", she replied, a hint of concern bleeding into her voice. The storm could slow them massively, perhaps they even had to wait it out. It was definitely coming in fast.

While Freyja tried to recover, she didn't constantly reach out, and so she was grateful for how quickly he picked up that they had company. She slowed down and looked around, the frosty breeze still made her squint as she tried seeing through all the snow flurries. They've surely both grown up amongst wolves, but risking fights would cost unnecessary reserves.

It was uncommon for wolves to attack despite such hostile circumstances, but animals grew desperate when hungry. She moved slowly and almost soundlessly unclipped one of her axes before she carefully moved to his backside, covering it. As she reached out, she sensed some movement, but it didn't come closer just yet.

It seemed rather scared and desperate indeed, yet as a new breeze came rushing in, the vision just grew obscured while everything was overshadowed by the sounds of the whipping, frozen winds. "Not good. The storm is closing in already. We might have to find shelter", she doubted they'd make it all these miles, not under those conditions. "It's your call though...or we can try pushing forward", by now, she was partly shielding her face from the hostile weather though, while she kept her voice as low as possible.

@Sreeya

 

[Baldr Ivarsson]

The surname was not familiar to him, but he still didn’t rule out that she could be kin. Deciding it would be rude not to share his own, he spoke aloud, “I am Baldr Ivarsson,” He said, “I come from a small hamlet near the Eastern tundras,” He explained. It was a small, minor town that held no meaning to anyone. However, everyone followed the way of Thrane and it was a tight-knit community, “So you have family on Belsavis, then,” He concluded, wondering if he perhaps had the same. The downside of his town was everyone believed there was little reason to venture elsewhere.

Though he could hear the wolves, he considered his options. While he could probably overpower them with his weapons, there was no telling how many of them were out there. Wolves normally didn’t attack during such conditions, so either they were starving or they had some sort of unnatural affliction. Or both.

As their vision grew worse, he couldn’t help but agree with Freyja’s assessment, “The wolves will have the advantage in these conditions,” He said as he pulled away from the site. He used his Sight again, spotting what looked like the mouth of a cave against a cliff to the side. Baldr carefully hiked towards it, his arm slanted in front of him against the harsh blizzard winds. Even he felt a chill to the bones in these conditions despite his entire life growing up on Sverend.

Baldr grabbed the lip of the rock jutting out and hoisted himself up, leaning down to help Freyja if she needed a hand. He stepped into the cave, first checking to make sure it was empty. It didn’t block all the wind, but it gave a reprieve from the blizzard. The howling echoed loudly against the walls as the cave formed a wind tunnel.

The Deucalian pulled back his hood and took a seat on the cave floor, his breath coming out in smoky wisps, “What were you hoping to find in the town?” Baldr asked quietly. They would have to wait for the storm to die down before they could proceed further. On top of that, they had to make sure the wolves didn’t manage to follow them here.

As Baldr spoke, he drew out reusable firelogs and pellets he could stuff in them. With a bit of kindling there was a fire going and he took his gloves off to warm his hands.

@LadyRen

 

[Freyja]

"I'm not very familiar with the East", she admitted, her thoughts drifting back to Sverend for a moment. There was a lot she hadn't gotten behind yet, but having someone connected to the East was definitely a plus. From what her research had taught her though, she doubted their tribes had ever been in contact with each other.

"Do you miss it?", shifting her focus back to the presence, she wondered whether even if he was on his mission, he sometimes found himself reminiscing much. As a Bishop, she knew he traveled a lot, so she was curious about his answer. "When have you decided to commit yourself to this path?", another question that logically followed and she was still intrigued about.

"I'm still trying to unravel that part of my past", she confessed rather quietly, the fact that she found herself confronted with so many questions still bothering her. They couldn't fully continue the conversation as they were interrupted by the wolves nearby, but she was certain they'd come back to that at some point again.

She nodded firmly when he assessed the wolf situation and didn't tarry when he agreed with her suggestion. They fought their way to the mound and she gratefully accepted the lift before she carefully scanned the cave.

"The way you're navigating these lands is impressive", she admitted once inside, genuinely impressed by how he found his way through this terrain, but he was a raised Deucalian warrior after all. Still, she didn't miss how his signature within the Force shifted whenever he did just that, but she didn't comment on it just yet.

Dusting off some snow, Freyja freed her face from the frost that laced her hairs first and set down her equipment right after. The cave wasn't exactly cozy, but it provided enough shelter to make this much more bearable. He started a little fire right away and she took a sip from her water flask, knowing that even without thirst, you could never ignore hydration in the cold.

Offering him the flask with a quick "it's water", she'd either stow it away then or after he had drunk a bit, before she stared at the flames for a moment, right before he asked her about what she had even been looking for here.

"Answers", she wasn't usually one for cryptic answers, but she had learned how to be careful with disclosing information. As a man of faith, she, however knew she didn't have to be worried about him too much, and as she had a feeling this wasn't the last time they'd find themselves working together, she averted her gaze from the flames and locked onto his again.

"In many ways", she followed his example and peeled off her gloves before she stripped the outer layer of her fur. She had to stay much warmer outside, and given how small the cave was, it would heat up in here quickly anyway. The fire only grew slowly, and so she reached out with the Force to target the flames before she helped them consume the edges of the wood.

"While retracing the past, I was lead here. I had reason to believe I'd find my own blood here", the wind was howling outside, but having a conversation was much easier inside. "I was hoping to follow that lead, but also investigate the mystery of the missing artifact. The clans seem in need of guidance...given how even my past might be linked with that place, I couldn't ignore the calling". Their goals were actually quite similar, even if they followed different paths of achieving their goals.

"Did the Gods lend you your special gifts?", she finally asked rather bluntly, hinting at his manipulations of the Force. While holding his gaze, she wondered whether the subtle nuances of gold were hinting at something more. Perhaps they didn't just share their Deucalian blood to some extent, but their natural aptitudes, too,

@Sreeya

 

[Baldr Ivarsson]

“Yeah?” Baldr asked as she spoke, “Did you come here to guide the clans? Rally them under a cause?” He asked, his gaze flicking up. If she looked closely, she would see his lips almost turned towards a grin to suggest he was doing a bit of mocking. Many Deucalians came to towns and villages under the pretense of giving guidance their people. And almost every time it caused in-fighting and squabbling. It was very difficult for an outsider to find any kind of footing - the two methods were bloodlines or through religion.

“The Gods gift us all,” He responded to her question, meeting her gaze. She didn’t clarify what she meant, so he wouldn’t dig further beyond the surface. However, a chill ran down his spine that had nothing to do with the cold. She looked at him as if she could see right through him, and it was almost unsettling, “Some more blessed than others, I suppose,” Baldr added simply.

He took the proffered flask, taking a sip before handing it back. Baldr opened his bag and took out strips of smoked venison, briefly heating it over the fire before sharing some with her. It was spiced and delicious, “I grew tired of jerky,” He muttered as he nibbled on his food. Jerky was a very common traveling food for Deucalians in harsh climates.

“After this, get some sleep, Freyja,” Baldr said, “I can take the first watch. Doesn’t look like this storm will let up anytime soon.”

@LadyRen

 

[Freyja]

Knowing Baldr wasn't a man of many smiles, it wasn't hard to tell that he responded in subtle mockery. While she held his gaze, her face remained fully straight as she answered flatly, "I don't doubt you've heard that before...but I'm nothing like those who came before".

It wasn't arrogance that resounded in her statement, but a fierce determination and a genuine confidence. By now, she was under the impression that he was beginning to realize she was indeed more than gifted and that her ethereal talents could prove useful. She knew well about traditions and customs, but having been lead here by her genealogical research, she still even had all the reason to assume that it was her birthright she was coming for right here.

"Don't play me for a fool", she warned him, her tone still rather devoid of any emotions and cold, before she decided to lean forward ever so slightly to intensely lock her eyes onto his. "It's not just a natural aptitude. The way you navigate so unfailingly is more than just a blessing. Who taught you?", for her, it wasn't far-fetched than he had received special training. She wasn't using the Force just yet to dig for a more detailed answer, but it was more than obvious that she was really curious to learn more.

She had sensed his signature in the Force, but she couldn't quite tell how he did it, so he still had her attention when he offered the meat. She gratefully accepted and took a few bites, before her features lit up. "It's delicious...tastes like home", even if they had been born in two fully different places on Sverend, it didn't taste all different and the smoked flavors were just the right thing.

The wind was still partly blowing into their cave, but with the fire, she stayed rather warm. "I'm good, Bishop. You can rest if you want", she gave him a reassuring nod as her gaze flicked over to him, again quickly intending to assess whether he was weary yet. Truth was, even if she believed he was a capable fighter, she knew she wouldn't fully get her mind to rest anyway, so she intended to just tap into a subtle state of meditation that would help her stay focused while her body would rest by the fire.

"Have you always been on your path of faith?", she wanted to now as she shed another layer to counter the rising temperatures inside the shelter. If he decided to get some sleep, it would be her last question for now and she'd make herself comfortable against the wall behind her, if he stayed up as well, she'd remain closer to the fire.

@Sreeya

 

[Baldr Ivarsson]

Baldr said nothing as she claimed she was nothing like the others, his face largely passive. He didn’t care either way who was in charge as long as his people survived. The Deucalian looked up when she abruptly changed her tone and asked him who taught his blessings. If he had any reaction to her intense stare or her words, none of them manifested. Likely to her frustration, she would see nothing but the corners of his lips curve towards a smirk. He said nothing, looking right at her as he took another bite of his food. He offered no answers, no clues, nothing. He would choose to divulge about his gifts on his own terms, not hers.

He finished his meal and cleaned off his hands, making no moves to sleep just yet. Her words echoed within his mind - something more than just natural? His father taught him his ways and the way to control to a degree. Could the abilities be enhanced further? Clearly she had the same gift and more knowledge, but he didn’t trust her to that point just yet.

“Yes,” He responded to her question about faith, “I come from a long line of religious leaders in my village. We are warriors of Thrane,” He explained, “I travel on missions to spread his word and bring faith back into Deucalians that have lost their way,” Baldr’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, “Have you abandoned your Deucalian gods?” He asked bluntly, as if seeing something in her suddenly.

@LadyRen

 

[Freyja]

It was silence that followed their exchange and in the silence Freyja didn't gain any of the answers she was hoping to receive. Her gaze never left his, and for a while her face remained relatively straight, before it was once again this subtly provocative and thus infuriating smirk that tugged at his lips.

And still, he didn't budge. As a wave of frustration washed over her, it was actual anger that came flooding in right after. No, she would not let him control this situation and yet she wouldn't dare messing with him in a way that could potentially pose a threat to her future plans.

While emotions threatened to take over, she remembered her teachings and forced herself to inhale slowly, before she didn't attempt invade his mind, but do at least something that might turn him more susceptible to her questions in the future. Conditioning was a thing for humanoids, too, so as she waited for the answers that never followed, she was subconsciously stirring up a slight hint of dread from deep within him.

For now, he remained a mystery and regardless of how much it began to drove her wild, it only fueled her passion to pursue this further on the long run. As he started finishing the snack, he did at least seem somewhat more contemplative while she pretended to busy herself with rearranging some of her equipment. The dread, for now, would not leave him, unless he decided to fight against it.

After yet another moment of silence, the conversation about faith did at least continue, but this time it was him voicing an assumption. "Is that what you believe?", she wanted to know, curious about whether she struck him as someone who had fully striven from the path. "Would you try to lead me back to then?", she wated let him answer those questions first, curious for the insights he'd provide about his assessment of her.

Only once she had her answers, she'd elaborate: "I have not, actually. I grew up with the teachings of the old gods and I haven't turned my back on them since. There is just...more to what I believe in", this time it was phrasing it rather vaguely, and she let the mysterious tone linger for a moment.

"So you've committed yourself to the path of faith, what sacrifices does that entail? You're always traveling around I assume?", she doubted he was truly residing anywhere when his mission was to spread the words of Thrane. "And apart from Thrane, whom do you serve?".

@Sreeya

 

[Baldr Ivarsson]

Baldr shrugged vaguely at her first question, “I can show the path, but only those that choose can walk through it. I will not lead any that can’t fully believe,” He said simply. His methods of ‘preaching’ were different than the traditional norms across the galaxy. He spoke about the successes of their people, the ways Thrane led the charge against insurmountable odds, he reminded Deucalians about the belief in self and how in the darkest of times their faith would see them through.

He didn’t appear too nosy or curious about her implications of other beliefs. Everyone had their stories and everyone would share as they pleased. It was not in his nature to pry and he wouldn’t start now.

The question about sacrifice was curious. Until now he hadn’t given much thought to what he gave up, but in truth it never felt like it, “I am doing what I believe in, therefore it does not feel like I am making sacrifices,” He said as he took a sip from his waterskin, “On the contrary, traveling from planet to planet gives me far more perspective and reminds me that not everything is as it seems,” Baldr said as his gaze fixed on her for a moment, amusement glinting briefly in his eye.

“I serve only Thrane,” He said calmly, “And I intend to keep it that way,” Baldr wouldn’t concern himself with kings and queens, his place always one of a roaming warrior. He would lend his services where they were needed, but he would never linger around long enough to become a part of a stagnant force. He was Deucalian through and through, and he would live just as his ancestors did.

“I will rest if you wish to take the watch,” Baldr said at last, knowing they had a long day ahead of them. He pressed his back against the wall of the cave, closing his eyes. He went into a meditative state just as his father taught him. Freyja would feel the Force surging through him powerfully, centered, focused and concentrated. It was neither Dark nor Light, but it was untouched and potent.

@LadyRen

 

[Freyja]

He had an interesting sentiment about how he spread his words and she actually agreed with it. Deucalians weren't a folk to be forced into something - there stubborn warrior natures went against it, so he's approach made sense. She was still curious to see him in action, especially here, where the situation was unpredictable and potentially chaotic, perhaps even a tale of contested believes.

She curiously listened when he shared his answers, her gaze calmly resting on him while she wrapped her arms around the legs she had just pulled close. She wasn't cold by the way, but it helped her preserve the warmth as they waited out the icy storm outside.

As he disclosed his opinion on his travels, she lifted her head ever so slightly. She didn't doubt he had visited many tribes, and once again, she scented the potential in all of this. He once again affirmed he served no one but Thrane, and yet she couldn't help but toy with the idea she had developed earlier.

What if she could subdue him, slowly make him susceptible to her influence and have him aid her course with faith? While she calmly held his gaze, her thoughts were drifting off, before she forced herself to focus back on the present. One step at a time. Azar, Karys, Arak and Trodai had trained her in those regards, perhaps it was time to get to work.

"Interesting...I haven't had the pleasure of speaking to a Bishop of Thrane before, so thank you for your insights", she curtly inclined her head, before she nodded. "Rest well, Bishop. We might be stuck here for hours". With that, she once again made herself a little more comfortable before she drifted into a state of awareness, yet meditation.

She sought to replenish her stamina, yet shortly into the meditation, she realized that the Force was surging right through him. Purposely, somewhat guided, and powerfully. Her eyes immediately shot open while she watched him for a moment. Did he have more to hide, or was he completely oblivious to his hidden talents. She assumed the latter simply made more sense, which, however, meant that while he was potentially untrained, he wasn't all powerless.

One way or another, Freyja was growing more and more conscious of his potential and yet while she rested, she intended to subconsciously plant some dark seeds into his very mind. She approached the matter carefully, just like earlier, she subtly stirred up some dread that lingered, wanted it to fester, and slowly let it spread without having him notice a single thing.

The dark side would do the rest, slowly wearing him down over time, or at least that was her plan, so every now and then she repeated the same procedure if he didn't interfere. Hours would pass until the winds would slowly decelerate, leaving an icy, rigid breeze, yet clearing the air enough for them to proceed. "We can continue our quest, Son of Ivar", she informed him calmly, expectantly throwing him a glance as if asking whether he felt rested enough to proceed.

@Sreeya