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| Ragnar had been formulating the festival of Uppsala for quite some time. Initially it had to be put on hold to get his wolves moved from Horizon Ridge to Stavanger Bay and even then it felt wrong to hold a joyous occasion so soon after Pump's death. Despite his hesitancy to keep pushing a celebration and thanking of the Gods for all they had given them it had given him more time to collect what was necessary for it and make sure the preparations were ready. He had worried bones in each God's honor, laying the teeth marked bones on piles of things that related to each God in a V shape behind where he planned to stand to feast and sacrifice with Odinn at the tip of the 'V' as the King. He had dug up the Berserker mushrooms he had gathered for the occasion though it was not to be confused with his own personal stash in the back corner of his den marked with raven's skull. Despite the drama that circulated his personal life, subtly making him reconsider his ambition to gain the Counselor trade considering most of them went to him for love advice, he was able to put the war between the two women whom he called his wives aside as he focused on the preparations and the necessity of where each relic was placed. He had enlisted the help of his children briefly to show them how it was done but if their interest in assisting him waned he had sent them to go play or assist Thistle or Nerian with whatever either woman needed help with.
It was as the sun had began it's descent into the sky that Ragnar had finally finished and satisfied the scarred Scandinavian had taken a step back to examine his handiwork. In Odinn's Cove he was used to having Floki's help but this year Ragnar found himself on his own, trying to re-create the Cove's tradition. It wasn't hard per say but he missed his unorthodox friend's company. His gift of a fawn in velvet for the feast was set a few feet from where he stood staring into the darkening copse of trees not painted in the golden light of the sunset. Tonight was about celebration and he was determined to make it a good time from those who attended, for his wives if they both attended and for himself. A night of letting lose of worries and responsibility was exactly what Stavanger Bay needed and Ragnar was ready to After a few moments of reassuring that everything was ready the Viking tilted his head back and sent out the invitation, focusing his eyes of Caribbean ice to the trees waiting to see who would arrive. |
She wondered who would all come to this festival, she knew she'd give thanks for the children, and for the fact that most of them were still alive and that the lands of the pack would be bountiful and full, but other than that she could think of nothing to give thanks for. She could not say thank you for love, because she didn't know where she stood there, empty words were all she heard when promises were broken, but she kept her chin up as best she could. she hoped to see Julooke up and around, and Surra and Aine, the three she was closest too at the moment.
Azure eyes peeked out from downy fur, as black tipped ears stood erect and pivoted. Realizing she really did need to say hello to Ragnar before she completely killed whatever it was they had, she stood to her small paws and strode forward into the waning light. She lay the two rabbits and the squirrel down and blinked at him and spoke softly still hello Ragnar. You did well. She nudged his shoulder once twice, nipping gently and then bent her head forward to gather up the prey she had brought, she lay it gently at the fawn's hooves and then slid into the shadows again to watch and listen and probably leave, she did not wish to see anything of her husband and his new wife today, her heart was fractured enough thank you very much. She was immensely proud of him though, he had done a good job at gathering what was needed and making sure it worked well, and he had even had the children slightly involved. She was certain he would prefer Nerian over her, so she stayed away. She curled her tail around sandy brown and white paw and waited to watch who else would attend, blue eyes looking on and ears erect to listen. She did not know what was expected of her, was she supposed to be near her husband, because she could do that, but she did not know how to handle being near him and Nerian together still fighting to adjust to that.
Tveir followed closely behind his mother a squirrel clamped tight in his jaw, dragging along on the ground as he wasn't tall enough to keep it all up off the ground thus far. He swayed towards his father tail erect and ears pointed upwards and smiled at him
"Líta föður móður hjálpaði mér og einn og Gyða að veiða íkorni fyrir veislu þinni!"
Their mother had actually caught the squirrels for them, and they had just watched, but he was too proud of himself to say anything else. He stood on back paws to reach his fathers chin to lick it, after laying the squirrel down. Then picking it up and dragging it's legs and tail across the ground he laid it next to the animals that his mom had brought. Tail waving like a flag he ran towards her and sat at her foot paws, his tail wagging.
Thistle bent to place a kiss between his ears and favored him with a smile, before her smile grew wider at something he said, then with splayed ear she favored her husband with a small smile too.
It was late afternoon that a sudden howl echoed through the air and Atreyu looked up from his small collection towards the source. An invitation? So there was something happening! With an excited wave of his tail, the boy dashed forward, only to then quickly spin around and delicately scoop up two seagull eggs. He assumed this was some sort of pack meet and, not wanting to be disrespectful, it was only proper to bring along some sort of food - even if it was only two eggs.
The area where Ragnar had decided to hold the gathering was not too far off. Pale eyes glancing over the area, Atreyu was delighted to find he was one of the first to arrive, noting the Jarl's small wife hiding in the shadows, a smaller pup sitting at her feet. He strode into the clearing with an awkward grin, unable to show much expression with the small eggs he was holding in his mouth. It had taken all of his willpower not to simply eat them on his way there. Slowing a little, the youth glanced over the strange, almost ritual-like arrangement of oddities, confused but interested. He had been a part of a proper pack before, having been born into a tribe that was forever on the move...is this how proper pack meetings were done? Depositing his measly excuse for a meal next to the rabbits and squirrel, Atreyu then quickly slunk over to Ragnar and licked the bottom of his chin in submission before standing aside (though still near the centre, not wanting to miss out on anything during this curious event).
Her shoulders slumped and her head lowered when she entered the gathering, approaching Ragnar. She held nothing in her jaws, and for that she felt ashamed. I'm sorry, she whispered to her Jarl. I'm unable to hunt, and so I couldn't bring anything. I promise, though, my first hunt when I'm better will be for them. It was a promise she intended to keep.
She greeted the children with a wag of her tail, and attempted to nuzzle them. Her eyes went to Thistle and she sat down next to her friend, trying to nuzzle her affectionately. She had come to think of Thistle as a dear friend, and through her recovery, and come even closer to her. She did know the situation involving Nerian and Ragnar, and also knew how much it was tearing Thistle apart. Julooke really couldn't understand why Thistle had ever agreed to it, knowing how much it would hurt herself. Maybe she was just trying to give Ragnar what he wanted... But, it was a high price to pay, in Julooke's opinion. The white-furred female did her best to be there for her friend, offering support whenever she could.
Her eyes scanned the area for Verrine. She had tried to stick pretty close to him since her attack, feeling safer with him around. She knew, though, no one would come into the fire here, not with all these strong, aggressive males here. Still, she wanted him near.
Gyda had spent the day with her father arranging and rearranging the bones and things she moved them over and over until she could claim they were perfect. Looking to Ragnar over and over for reassurance but each nod made her glow and her tail lift and her pride puff out her pretty little chest. Not once did she lose interest each time she got something right her tenacity for the chores grew stronger.
When mother arrived Gyda stood on her hind legs and reached up to nibble under for mothers jaw lovingly but quickly went back to the latest task Father had given her.
who crushes the world beneath her feet
Nerian knew what might happen here, she wondered if there was going to be a wolf sacrifice and would if be done openly, not all the wolfs here would understand the importance. She drew a deep breath through the mouthful of swan he held, the two dead white water fowl were her gift to the festival. Nerian scanned the wolfs gathered and did not she Thistle she had hoped to spend time with both her and Ragnar. She easily found his form her eyes appreciating it fully while she did not feel guilty for doing so.
Nerian frowned and with a heavy heart she strode down the hill toward her shared husband, her tail even with her back waved as she drew up to him and set the pure white birds at his feet, she had even taken the time to clean the blood from them and close their eyes so it looked like the beasts only slept. This work will surely please Odin and the all gods All the gods but mine She hid her bitter though behind a fond smile and pressed her cheek to Ragnar's licking the cup of his ear. Anything you wish for just ask I will do my best to please you and the gods Nerian nodded to him allowing him to keep hold of the reins of the festival, she looked for Thistle Cloud is was she, she wanted.
Finally seeing her Nerian jogged toward her, but then she caught a glimpse Thistle Clouds expression and paused mid step, Females knew what other females were thinking even if males were blind to it. Unsure if Thistle would even receive her now. Nerain offered Thistle a bow lowering her head nearly to the ground. This left Nerian close to Ragnar should he need her and far from Thistle which is what it seemed Thistle wanted. But it was also a plead for Thistle to join her.
Verrine had been almost obsessively protective of Julooke since she'd been attacked, and he seldom left her side. Neglecting his duties to the pack had cost him his rank, unfortunately, resulting in a rather dramatic drop from the respected upper tier of their hierarchy to the lowest rank in their pack -- second only to prisoner Ragnar held captive. This annoyed Verrine, but he made no bones about it. It was a small price to pay if it meant he could help Julooke in her recovery and ensure her safety and security. Ranks could be regained later.
He had heard of Ragnar's festival today, and knew he'd be expected to bring something for the feast. Kissing Julooke goodbye, he ducked out of their den early that morning with the intention of doing just that. Since just about everyone in their entire pack was doing the exact same thing, game had been somewhat hard to find because prey animals were not stupid and could sense the heightened danger they were in. It took him much of the morning and afternoon, for he'd had to venture outside of their territory and into the scrubby grasslands that bordered the shoreline. He tracked down a wild sow with a fat young piglet in tow. After watching her for a time to ensure there was not a protective male anywhere nearby, he made his move. It wasn't easy, for the mother was savage and relentless in her efforts to protect her baby, and Verrine acquired a few good cuts and bruises from her. But ultimately he won, killing the young hog with a crushing bite to the back of its neck, and the mother sow moved on, keening her lamentation to the dull roar of the waves in the near distance.
Though the piglet was young, it was still hefty -- at least a good thirty pounds or so -- and it was hard work to drag it all the way back to Stavanger Bay. The sun had begun to set when Ragnar's summoning howl pierced the evening calm, and Verrine finally crossed into his home lands. Much of the pack had already gathered by the time he arrived at the meeting place, and he was glad to see Julooke there. He knew that she felt bad for not bringing anything herself -- she had mentioned it to him earlier that morning, in fact -- but Verrine had brought enough for both of them. He dragged the hoglet to where everyone else had assembled their offerings, bowed his head in respectful greeting to Ragnar, then returned, panting, to sit down beside Julooke. He kissed her and grinned, glad to see her and be with her again.
He looked on in quiet curiosity. He didn't know exactly what was supposed to go on here, and only knew it was a celebration of Ragnar and Thistle Cloud's pups. He wondered if he was supposed to participate in any way, but he guessed he would find out soon enough.
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Thistle was the first to arrive, with Tveir in quick succession behind her. Ragnar watched as his Queen Wife laid the prey she had caught for the feast down beside the fawn he had caught for the occasion, reveled into her touch, rare though it was these days for the few seconds she offered it to him. It was gone too soon, however, and he watched her retreat into the shadows with unreadable eyes. Ragnar had just been about to call her closer but then decided to allow her her space as he had promised he would, turning his eyes to Tveir when his second born son approached bearing his gift for the feast proudly. "Very good, Tveir. We will feast upon it with great pride," Ragnar humored his son with a smile and twinkle of affection in his eyes, as he took his paw and ruffled the boy's fur atop his head watching as he ran to join Thistle. She was much too far away for him, and Ragnar did not want her or Tveir to be left out of the festivities and with a subtle inclination of his muzzle invited her to come closer. If he were not acting as a Preist to the Gods he would have invited her to stand beside him. It was as Tveir retreated that Ragnar looked to Gyda. She had been the only one of her siblings to stay with him through the entire process of getting things ready, of arranging the bones and piles of related items, taking his advice with a grain of salt and readjusting what she had done until he met his satisfaction. Floki, Ragnar couldn't help but think, would not only have been proud of Gyda but he likely would have liked the child immensely. Gyda did not join Thistle or her brother, however, seeming intent on staying with him and Ragnar did not mind, calling the Scandinavian Princess to his side with a soft, "Gyda." Sparing a glimpse at Tveir in case he, too, wished to join at the makeshift temple that was nothing as grand as the one Floki had kept maintained and added to in Odinn's Cove.
Atreyu was the next to arrive on the scene, setting down his food with the others, before he greeted Ragnar with a lick to his chin, followed by Julooke, whose shoulders were slumped in what Ragnar thought was shame, proven to the scarred Scandinavian when his healing subordinate apologized. "You have nothing to apologize for Julooke," Ragnar told her with a soft lick to her cheek. It was his Priestess Wife that followed in after Julooke, adding her gift to the feast pile, and coming forth to greet him. "The Gods will appreciate that, Nerian but remember to have fun tonight." Tonight was a celebration, and if the jovial atmosphere of a festival wasn't enough to lighten his spirits and help erase the anger, and frustration that plagued him most days the Berserker mushrooms would do their job nicely. Verrine arrived next adding to their feast pile and Ragnar acknowledged the male's bow with a nod of his head, understanding that Verrine's elusiveness was in favor of taking care of Julooke who was still healing. Ragnar was a family man, even if it most, it did not appear that way if they were privy to the fact that he had taken a second wife at Thistle's permission, but he was and he understood that your wives and children came first. Ein and Beric were the last ones to join in, and though Ragnar noticed that some of the pack was absent he paid no mind to it because the festival of itself was optional.
It was more for his children's and his own benefit than anyone else's since it focused around thanking the Gods for all that they had given them and all that they would give in the future.
"Thank you all for coming," Ragnar began when everyone had settled into a spot. "I have never led one of these Festivals without my friend Floki before and I'm afraid I cannot provide the same light of the party as he," Ragnar spoke in a jesting tone offering his subordinates a warm smile and soft chuckle. "In my culture we call this the Festival of Uppsalla, and what it is, is a celebration. A feast in the honor of the Gods, sacrifices to each God at the alters that I have made in their honor. My children have helped me create these alters, but special recognition belongs to my daughter Gyda," Ragnar was proud of his daughter for her assistance and interest in the traditions of his people. Out of her siblings she was the only one that saw it through with him from start to finish, and to her credit, without a peep of complaining. "If the thought of sacrificing prey makes you uncomfortable you are free to leave before that time. We will not think any less of you. My Gods do not require belief, only respect," As long as they respected him and his traditions than he would respect theirs. "After a sacrifice to each God is done we move onto saga telling, which happens to be the favorite part of most." It was usually when the Berserker mushrooms came into play, though depending on how he felt he might break into them a little early.
"Let the feast begin," The Jarl spoke, inviting them to take what they would from the pile. Ragnar moved towards it first, encouraging Gyda along with him. "Take what you'd like Gyda but make sure to leave for the rest," He spoke softly to his daughter, lovingly; pulling a leg from the fawn he had caught before retreating back to where he had stood before the alters, settling into a sphinx like position and began to tear at the juicy flesh, nosing it a bit towards Gyda as he chewed on the strip of flesh he had torn from it. "Taste it, daughter." He offered her, knowing that while she had tried venison she had never tried fawn before and to Ragnar it offered a different taste. |
she would stay for the sacrifices to give the children chance to see their culture now.
|
A new male arrived, and caught Julooke's attention, simply because he was a stranger. He must have been newly accepted. Who's that? she whispered to Verrine and Beric. Generally, she was quick to make friends, but since her attack, she was more shy around males she didn't know. But, if Ragnar accepted him, he must be trustworthy, right? Still, she wasn't going over to introduce herself just yet.
Her attention went back to the rest of the pack, namely the pups, who this celebration was for. It seemed most of the pack was chowing down, though Julooke's stomach couldn't decide if it was starving or if it wanted to reject the little food that was already in there. She leaned into Verrine, trying to give him the cutest look she could muster. Could you get me a bite to eat, love? she asked sweetly. It wasn't often she asked him to do things she herself could do, but he could say no if he wanted.
Gyda heard her brothers playful growls but ignored them, and their attempts to play with her. She taken taken it upon herself to learn how to do this festival right, she might one day have to do this herself, No she might one day have the honor to do this. She imitated her Fathers posture and trotted along behind him. As Ragnar pulled a leg from the Fawn she tried to pull it's ear however the hard cartilage filled object was too firmly attached and she hadn't the leverage nor the strength to break it free.
Gyda tried hard but no amount of growling could help her break it free, finally Father offered her something else and she bounded over to him in youthful exuberance ever so glad for the offer. She grabbed it up and rolled on her back chewing it all the while her tail swayed across the ground. Out of the corner of her eye she saw another Wolf and remembered herself.
Gyda looked up at Ragnar studied him then picked up her fawn meat and shook herself off. Settling beside Father taking the same sphinx like posture as he did while she ate the meat that tasted like nothing she ever had before, she wished she could eat this every day all day but she wouldn't say so at least not here or now.
who crushes the world beneath her feet
Nerian watched Thistle pass by she inclined her muzzle toward her but did not touched her as she passed by, though Nerian was dieing to do so. Now more so then ever did she feel trapped between two worlds.
Nerian ran her tongue over her lips and offered a smile toward any pack mate that saw her, her emotional facade went up her face hiding other emotions.
She moved toward the fawn and bit the ear off, rolled it's head over and chewed off the other ear. With a friendly smiled she gave one ear to Thistles boys and one ear to Gyda.
Nerian moved back to the offerings and helped the others get their share, by the time she had helped the others get the choice pieces of meat her front paws and muzzle had a light blanket of blood upon them.
Nerian took pride in bringing Jalooke a fair size chunk of meat from the fawns neck.
Verrine sat beside Julooke, taking comfort in the soft press of her shoulder against his own. Here in the midst of all of their packmates, he felt strangely possessive of her, as if every other wolf there needed to know that she was his. He half-grinned at his own silliness; he knew that wasn't necessary. The primordial instincts that dwelt in the bowels of the male brain were odd things sometimes.
He listened as Ragnar spoke, much of what he said about gods going over Verrine's head. He had never been exposed to any sort of religion before; his parents had been practical, worldly wolves who taught their kids the practical skills to survive and nurtured their own individual strengths and intelligences rather than feeding them fairy tales about mythical deities that reigned in the clouds but never showed themselves. Skeptical though he was, Verrine kept his opinions to himself and was content to simply spend time among his friends and see his Alpha happy and at peace.
Julooke softly asked him if he knew who the newer male was that joined them after Ragnar's speech, and Verrine shook his head. "No," he replied in a hushed whisper. "I haven't met him yet." He trusted Ragnar when it came to who was allowed to join their ranks, for the Nordic wolf had always shown sound judgement of character. But he understood Julooke's apprehension, and he nuzzled her tenderly on the cheek, reassuring her that she was safe and protected. He would allow no one -- least of all one of Stavanger's own membership -- to harm her again. No one.
Julooke asked him to bring her some food, to which he gladly acquiesced. But before he could stand, Nerian brought her something. The female seemed to take a great deal of pride in bringing Julooke her meal, and for a moment, Verrine wondered if she meant to insult him by implying that she didn't think he could bring his own mate an adequate meal. He almost growled at her, but quickly reminded himself that this was supposed to be a fun and merry gathering, and he didn't want to be the one to ruin it. His eyes lingered, appraising, on Nerian for a moment before he arched a brow and said pointedly, "Thanks." He approached the bounty of food and selected a haunch of the hoglet he himself had brought. The piece was big enough for both him and Julooke, and as he returned to her side, he nuzzled her behind the ear and said with a grin, "There's plenty here for both of us if you want some to go along with your deer."
Festival of the Uppsalla. So that's what it was. Atreyu listened intently, right ear quivering as he strained to take in the Jarl's explanation over the noise of the rest of the wolves who had gathered. As he spoke of the alters made for each of his Gods, the boy turned to study each of them individually. Although he wasn't a large believer in Gods (the only almighty power he really believed in was the ocean), he respected the effort Ragnar and his family put into appeasing them. The talk of sacrifices caught his attention but that was quickly diverted as the Jarl then announced the start of the feast.
Slinking past the others as they all started forward (many tearing at the deer that had been there at the start of the festival), Atreyu was delighted that the two eggs he had brought along hadn't been touched. Quickly scooping them up, he then turned, catching sight of the tall white-furred male who had just arrived. The boy gave him an awkward grin to the stranger before dashing past back to his spot, chomping merrily on the two eggs and watching as two of the pups began to wrestle. He had half the mind to join them but quickly reminded himself that he was an adult now and Thistle would not appreciate him crushing her children — even if it was in the name of play. Appetite stirred, Atreyu once again moved forward towards the pile of food, glancing once up at the agouti male and his mate before tearing off a hind leg of the piglet, almost sheepishly then retreating with it. He then lay down with the tasty piece of flesh between his forelegs, tearing hungrily and savouring it — an odd taste compared to his usual diet of seafood.
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| Ragnar shared his meal with Gyda, sparing his daughter a soft smile when the girl mimicked his position as she assisted him on eating the fawn leg. In truth, Ragnar could have eaten it by himself but his parental instincts would not allow him to be so selfish — not when Gyda needed it more considering she was growing. Eyes of caribbean ice watched the pack mates that had decided to attend the Festival of Uppsalla despite that they did not share in Ragnar's faith, making sure everyone took from the small pile they had pulled together to dine on. Just like them it was a melting pot of different prey but together it made a good feast. He was proud of them and grateful that they had followed him, that they continued to follow him. They were his family and in his own way Ragnar loved each and every one of them. He ripped a last strip of meat off of the fawn's leg and chewed before he nosed the rest towards Gyda, pushing himself to his paws.
"I will start the sacrifices now. Those who do not wish to stay further or watch are free to depart and you have my gratitude for coming." Ragnar spoke with sincerity before he turned to the animals laid deceased before each alter. For the sake of simplicity Ragnar had used rabbits — something that the Bay had an overabundance of thanks to their breeding habits. Ragnar had hunted them as the last touches to the alter, careful not to spill blood when he killed them. It had been difficult because he was used to making fresh sacrifices but for now this would have to do to appease the Gods. This was the first time he was performing it without Floki and in a pack that wasn't full of fellow Nords. Surely, there were exceptions to be made and taken into consideration. One by one Ragnar spilled the rabbits' blood before the alters, muttering thanks in Icelandic to each God he sacrificed the blood and kill too. It was a quick process if because Ragnar had been prepared before hand. When the last sacrifice had been made he drew back, muzzle stained with the blood of each. Tongue swiped across his lips in attempt to clean it up. Once his muzzle was as free from blood as he could realistically make it the Scandinavian turned back to his subordinates and settled back in beside his daughter with the intent of telling the tales of his people. Of creation, and of Ragnarök. |
Nerian hadn't made much time for Jalooke, and it was evident, being friends meant you had to meet the wolf more then once.
Nerian missed the old days in her life where she was almost revered by the other wolves and they came to her with their problems allowed her to be a shoulder to cry on. Being here now in this place with these wolves made her feel more alone then ever. They were friendly enough but Verine more then ever showed her she was still just an outsider. Nerian offered an apologetic smile and made herself seem smaller as she walked away.
She glanced over the Thistle Cloud and her faded replaced with a sigh, this was no way to act so Nerian drew a deep breath steeled herself and watched the sacrifices. Part of her was vert glad the rabbits were killed prior to their blood being spilled a tamer version then what she had prepared herself for, the wave of relief she felt did nothing to sooth her soul.
Awkward and out of place Nerian strode up to Ragnar's side with more confidence then her felt pressed her face into his neck and took a quiet place just behind his shoulder opposite of Gyda