2021.05.11:Iceland - Journey Prep

Iceland - Journey Prep
Ben and Steinar prepare to go to Iceland
IC Date	2021.05.13.
IC Time	Day
Players	Ben, Steinar, Frigg, Theron
Location	Iceland.
Prp/Tp	Iceland Visit.
Spheres	Gaian.
Theme Song	The 13th Warrior

Stonecreek - The Lodge(#14796RA) This classicly built longhouse has been made with a foundation of stacked stone and timber-framed walls. The building is a long rectangle with doors set into one end and on both sides. The floor is of cobblestone construction using the small, rounded stones from the creek set into a thin mix of sand and concrete; all this covered in expansive rugs that see plenty of use and are muddied from their original colors. Dominating the center of the great hall is a long rectangular ancient brick fire pit with various wrought iron grills, spits, and hooks for cooking large or small meals. River trout hangs over the ever-burning coals, smoking slowly throughout the day to ensure there is always food available. Four large pillars made of raw tree trunks flank the fire pit at the corners spaced nearly thirty feet apart. Long communal tables and sturdy wooden benches take up the space between the pillars and the shell of the longhouse, draped in furs for comfort and sometimes bearing the scars of knives and claws from heated arguments. Shields, weapons, banners, and trophies all line the walls of the hall, each with a meaning and story behind it, though they all wait for another to inevitably take its place as time moves on and new heroes rise and fall. At the head of the fire pit and tables is a small-rise stage that gives room for a speaker, the wall behind split into two doors, one leading to the massive kitchen on the left, and the other to the communal worshop to the right.

Frigg is already here with Ben by the time the others arrive. Messages went out to have the two garou, and the one berserker, gather in the main lodge to share information and planning for Iceland.

A map is already laid out on one of the family tables and Frigg is sitting casually on one of the furs draped over a bench. There's a box of items on the table, and a few beers brought in from the kitchen here. A nod in greeting goes to Theron and Steinar when they arrive.

Frigg says, "A box from home arrived today with more information you need for the trip." She faces Theron. "Theron, are you staying here with me while they are away, or are you going with them?"

Ben nods to Theron. "I did speak to Leif about this. He is good with yourself and Steinar going with - he plans to stay back in case there are problems here." He comments to Theron.

Theron nods, "I had planned to stay here with Frigg, but if its deemed that I will he better support by being on mission we can change plans." Ben shrugs. "I do not forsee a swath of combat before us, honestly. If you wish to stay behind, then you are welcome to." A smile. "I belive Steinar will be crucial, as his understanding of spirits will be vital to success."

Frigg looks to the two garou to see what they think about Theron's going or staying. She nods to Theron, "I can stay with Leif here if the tribal leader remains. It's less movement for me here while you are away if you go, but I will survive." She half grins to the berserker. "But I warn you, the letter we received today says the veil is thin at the Grimsgore Well. I don't think kin are meant to cross barriers and could be dangerous." She defers later to Steinar to decide and mull over.

She points to the map, "Your destination is Ísafjörður. An inlet from the water with a village. The garou live on the outskirts in a mixed population, but from there my mother says you will need to seek out Anvindr, Against-The-Wind. My Grandfather. If he's still alive. If you win him over, they may give you passage to the Well where my father died. If not, then the mission is a failure."

The Get kin speaks, "I think my mother in the past said that Anvindr liked the local pub. I'd recommend starting there and have yourselves be seen. Icelanders are slow to trust."

Frigg has next to the map a box, and within it resting a wrap of white wool that holds three items belonging to Frigg's Father, (Asmund Grimsson). In the box is a rune stone rock - holding the rune of Frost, a very small leather pouch painted in Icelandic pictures of volcanic hills and nordic swirls, and a small dagger with rope wrapped around the handle. "These are spirit triggers, belonging to my father, Rune Tongue'rhya. My stepfather thought you might need these, and my mother released them into yours and Ben's care. She wants them back when the mission is over."

Ben nods. "The completion of the quest will be us retrieving the necklace from her father's remains, and return it to her mother. This will allow Frigg to remain in Stonecreek, as well as allow me to court her as a suitor." He explains.

Frigg opens a few beers and passes them around as she pauses a moment to hear Ben. The hardened kin actually cracks a half grin at Ben. "He asked me out to see a movie." She tells the others. "Now moving on, I need to inform you on some other information my mother sent. And she is asking you both to take this very seriously, about the Stone Trolls, and the Invisible Ones that live there." She points at the map their known locations.

Frigg speaks up again. "For the Invisibles, some call them elves that live in the rocks. But we call them the Invisible People, because the people that live there have full belief they exist. People claim to have met them, and it has been explained to me that they live in a different frequency or resonance of energy than us. Some are less dense and can move amongst us, and some cause mischief. Or can be dangerous if threatened. It's not a child's myth. The people, and the locals take it seriously," she tells the group. "So do not jump on the larger rocks. These are their homes. Do not try to move large rocks or kick something, out of boredom. Be respectful when moving in the landscape, and when entering a new area, you can leave food as offerings. Milk, berries, anything really."

	 "And then there are the rock trolls." She shivers visibly when she mentions them. "You will see them as you move along the landscape. They look.... if your mind and imagination thinks its a rock troll face or body forming out of the rocky landscape? Be sure, it's a rock troll. If it moves? Get away. If you think you see one being still, and sleeping, just be quiet and move around it. But try not to get too close. Some think its a tourist trap and hoakey fun. We know it's not. Our legends I am sure you have heard of trolls are not good. Sunlight bothers them, and puts them to sleep. And bright lights can stun. I don't recommend engaging without your full pack present. And I do not know how to fight them. Maybe the garou that live there does? But my Mother does not think you will have problems with them unless provoked."

Frigg sips her beer, "And one more thing. You might wonder why my step-father, Spirit-Blade, doesn't just go get the necklace himself for his mate?" She peers around the group, "There's been a bit of a feud, old bad blood between those in Iceland my mother left, and him taking her from her family. It's a sore point." She eyes Ben specifically, "As Forseti, if you can mediate this feud to end it? That is an even harder task. One I know wasn't asked of you, but if possible, maybe you can try."

Theron shakes his head, "Everyone has a thing to do, a place in need. Me staying back to man the fort with Leif and Frigg is fine." he assures, "So long as someone calls me if you need help."

Ben chuckles to that, sipping his beer. "I will not be so foolish as to ignore my pack when I need help." He assures Theron. A nod to Frigg. "I will what I can to repair the bridge and remove the alienation of the two families."

In comes Steinar. Because, why not? He has to come in at some point, right? He does not often grace the Lodge with is presence but hearing there was some people here that he would have reason to talk to, he decides that today is the day to enter it. Closing the doors behind him, he glances about the area before he starts to move towards the small group already here.

Frigg smiles a touch more, "It's a chance to do good things." She nods in thanks to those gathered. "I am pleased you would work together so I can stay here permanently. And Theron, yes, I look forward to working with you in the forge while the others are away. I need help with some metal work on the last bits of the loom I'm making. Should only take a few days." She glances to Steinar, "You said you spoke the language, the Old Norse?"

Steinar comes to a stop, letting his eyes drift to Frigg. A nod is then given to her, "Yes. Well, Old Norse is not accurate. The true tongeu of the old days? No one speaks that anymore. But I do speak Icelandic. I should be able to communicate with them easily enough." Ben nods to Steinar as he arrives. "Excellent. I might ask for some tutelage in Icelandic, at some point." He grins. A look to Frigg and Theron. "Perhaps starting the kiln project?"

Frigg grins back to Theron, "We are going to build a kiln here. I think it can be set up in the workshop here. Or back in your forge, or .. not sure where to put it yet. But I'm eager to get moving on making things for the local gallery to sell and display." She smiles to Steinar, 'We spoke both languages in the home. I'll help you teach Ben as best I can."

"I speak it because it was one of many languages known at the Sept where I came from. Icelandic and Swedish. They are.. not at all very similar. And you will find at least one of those to be highly irritating in its usage." Steinar notes, giving a quick nod, "So, Iceland then?" he wonders, looking to Ben, "You did mention wanting to bring me with."

Ben nods to Steinar. "Indeed. Leif was good with taking yourself, and Theron if needed. Theron is going to stay behind to help protect Stonecreek." The man explains. "And yes, Iceland." A wry grin.

Frigg nods at Steinar, "This mission needs a Godi. Plenty of the dead to speak to I would imagine. "The battle of Grimsgore Well was brutal. Plenty of our own fell that day, yet we were still victorious, and saved the Caern." She shakes her head, "But it will be more of one foot in then out I believe, if many did indeed did not cross all the way over. Many kin... perished."

"Mmh. Well, why not. I am ready to go, if Wall can spare us." Steinar gives a nod to this, "Wild Raven will understand the need to split up for a little while. And if not, I will make amends once we return." he turns his head to look at Frigg, "Well, if you were coming with I'd have you recite the history of it during the voyage." he looks to Ben, "So, I will leave it up to you to do that. It'll be a bit of a .. trek."

Frigg grins, "I'd recite the history for you both if we were traveling together but my stepfather has offered to moonbridge the two of you there. He will be here tomorrow if you can be ready by then?"

Steinar gives a quick nod to this, "Well, sounds good to me." he shrugs, "I am ready to go whenever. I have all I need.. here." he gives his shoulder a little move, to indicate the backpack he always carries with him.

Theron nods, "Sounds like you guys are all set on the plan then. Yes Frigg, when they are gone lets get that Kiln up and running." he agrees. Frigg climbs up to stand from the bench and opens her arms wide toward Steinar. She walks closer to him as if offering him a big hug for helping her to stay with them all, "To my forever home and helping me stay." A certain berserker and giant Fenris is next, right after. They aren't getting off easy. She's thrilled to be excited for their trip. "Bring me home a souvenir. And not something creepy."

	 She then rubs her hands together, "Theron we shall keep busy, yeah? And since you are all linked, you can be my communication in case they have questions."

Ben accepts the hug, nodding to Frigg. "Nothing creepy, and nothing that is of the Invisible people - no need to upset them." He grins. A nod to Steinar. "I imagine traveling light is the key idea here."

Steinar is .. not a hugger. It is like hugging a Runestone. It is not as if he pulls away, though. But the stoic Godi will be stoic until death parts him from it. Or a woman. But most likely death! A nod is given to Frigg, however, before he looks to Ben, "Well, thats up to you. I was raised to travel light. But in case I can not travel light, I have this." he motions to his Fetish, the Backpack, "It is good for transporting things."

Frigg is folding up the map, "I have knitted you a hat and mittens, Steinar. It might be freezing." She grabs a wrap of paper on the table with the softer items, and gives it back to her Runestone Godi. He gets a genuine smile, "Put them in your magic bag?" His pair chosen is earth tones with black threads woven through in the Nordic style of weaving. It's manly. No worries.