2020.10.25:Nachos and Niceties/Text

Ravenscar Longhouse

Ravenscar Longhouse 10-25-20 Sten Heidi Taika Bergin

Heidi checks her watch and then prepares to mitten herself up. It's like an experiment going on in the yard. She opens the door to the outside oven and slides out two pans that hold loaves of Swedish braided cardamom bread. "Hot... hot. hot... incoming." She races from the oven over to the big wooden long tables and drops it on the appropriate protective matting. "And score!"

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Sten chuckles with a smile "You need some help with that?" tilting his head as he watches her of course having a mead that he was drinking. "So when you going to start making lussekatter then? I know I know its far from december but, I love those things, perhaps make some pepparkakor?" grinning broadly. The large fellow certainly had a sweet tooth.

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Taika is taking a run through the woods in his wolf form. He is a polynesian wolf or golden wolf, his fleece being almost orange in color. As he jumps over a downed tree, he hears Heidi's shout of hot hot hot and sniffs at the air. Catching the smell of bread, he howls out...<<Hello, everything okay? This is Calls-Forth-The-Wyrm.>>

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Sten looks up and shifts to Hispos <<Welcome to Frostbite lands, Calls-Forth-The-Wyrm, all is well, come join us if you please>>

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Bergin eventually pulls up in his blue jeep, a Renegade that's probably a few decades old but still runs well. Parking it a safe distance from the long house, he calls out to the folks there to announce himself and not get shot for a visit. "Hail the Long House..."

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Heidi waves her mittened hands in the air with the mitts as they steam. She blows on them. "You can help by buttering it and eating it. Jam?" The mitts are hot! "Were these things made without inner lining?" Sliding them off she pauses to look up when a wolf howls. And all of Sten's questions will be answered, much much later now. "Who?" Then she hears the jeep pulling in off the dirt road, and leaves the table area to go and greet their guest. "Hello!" She brightens with a smile, and waves! Mitts off, she's free now.

---

Sten shifts back up from his iron grey hispos form back to human, smiling and looking to Heidi "Calls Forth the Wyrm" waving to Bergin "Hail, come, you have been invited, didn't need to park that far away" shaking his head some. The large Fenrir seeming in a good mood. "Seems we are getting guests" looking to her "Do you want to get some things or should I?"

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Hearing the response, Taika-wolf makes his way towards the long hut. The golden wolf pops out of a thick underbrush and waves his maw into the air to catch more of a scent. Finding Heidi and Sten's scent, he circles for a second and then shifts from lupus to homid in a series of popping bones, snapping tendons, and swishing muscle fibers. The Maori man stands there not too much later and he bows, "Hopefully I am not interrupting. I was running along a scent line when I thought I heard soemthing carried along the breeze."

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Bergin steps from his jeep and pulls a backpack or satchel with him to sling across his shoulder as he walks up towards the long house to see the others. "Hey," he calls to Heidi and glances to the wolf form of Taika as he transforms to two legs from four. "You bake bread too?" There's a faintly growing smile on his face as he approaches.

"This is...impressive," he comments on the whole construction project. Like one of the off-grid cabins that people seem to be all about these days, the size and scope of the whole thing hits him for a second and he just has to marvel at it.

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Heidi smiles back to their new guests and then peers up at Sten as if she's got it. "Welcome. And I do bake bread, and other things. Maybe lussekatter and pepparkakor will be on the menu if people keep stopping by. You are all in time to enjoy some of my cardamon bread. Hot from the oven, and if I get the butter out quick, it will melt like a hot summer day." She'll have to step away to arrange things for the guests arrival. "I'll be right back," she promises. The blonde kin half skips a jump up the longhouse stairs, and disappears within.

---

Taika looks up at Bergin, "I swear I'm not following you Bergin. I went out for a run and was just enjoying the freedom of the woods and found myself here. Must be fate." He shrugs at that and then looks to Heidi, "Please, do not go overboard on my account. I am good with catching something in the forest." He takes a deep breath with his human nose and adds, "Though that bread does smell delicious." As she goes inside, he turns back to Sten, "I do not believe we formally met the other night, but I do recognize you from the crowd. Pack is Frostbite, correct?"

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Sten smiles after Heidi "Nods It is damn impressive, Aayrn had it built, became a home for the pack. She is out of state with her brother and adopted kid" shakes his head "Just leaves myself and Theron really to hold down the fort." he looks to Taika with a smile "Come, there is bread and there will be more if I know Heidi right, feel a small part of Our hospitality here" grinning broadly. He nods to Taika "Pack is Frostbite indeed. am Sten Blixt, Stormhowler, Alpha of Frostbite, Ahtro Skald of the Fenrir, blessed by Nerigal, son of Eric Blixt, Ironheart, son of Johan Blixt, Starsinger, son of Torbjörn Blixt, Redsnow, Son of Olaf Blixt Stormhowler, born to Fimbul Winter sept."

---

Bergin pulls out a tupperware container heaping full of pulled pork, roasted from the other night - because showing up to someone's house for the first time without bringing a gift is somehow rude in his mind. "Mrs. Marry said to thank you for the gift of brews," he explains and offers the loaf-sized container to Heidi. Taika's comment about following him is met with just a faint hint of a smile and he waves the man's guilty tone off with a dismissive shrug, "Nah, it's ok. I just tend to show up in weird places."

As Sten introduces himself to Taika, the lumberjacking, spirit-talking, fixit guy with a beard just holds up and listens to the lineage of warriors and heroes of the Alpha.

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Heidi comes back outside with a large tray that is big enough to feed a large group. There's a wooden tote with slots for 6 cold brews, and a giant pizza pan that has a mountain of loaded nachos. It looks like the mess was made quickly, which it doesn't matter, because it's meant to be a mess. The cheese on top is not melted yet, but she slides it over into the outside oven to give it a few minutes to be ready. "That will be ready in five minutes." She sets the long table for everyone to join in and passes drinks. Two other large baskets come out with giant muffins the size of large hands, and round cookies almost as big as small dinner plates. The flavors vary, but are quite close to gourmet bakery finds. "If everyone stays longer, I'll put in some honey garlic chicken wings too."

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Taika bows his head a bit in respect as Sten gives his full introduction again. "Taika Ngata, Cliath Skald, born of woman, Get of Fenris, come from the Sept of Tower Hill in Australia, but actually a true born Maori Kiwi. Thank you for showing us hospitality, even if I am showing up uninvited and empty handed." He skritches at his chin sheepishly. As the fiest comes out, his eyes widen, "Wow, this is awesome. Thanks!" he states with sincerity.

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Sten nods with a smile "Come sit, I insist you stay at least for a while" motioning to the seats by the table taking a seat himself. "Downunder huh? Wow, never knew we had family down there" nodding to him with a broad smile. He looks to Bergin "You and Mrs Marry honor us with your gift, come sit, let us share bread as is tradition"

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Bergin is in shock at how Heidi turned out such a feast in as much time as the guys were just throwing around the size of their...introductions. "That's...just...wow," he stammers with the grin growing wider and wider upon his face. A quick side-glance to Sten is offered that conveys a modest form of jealousy to have such a mate. It's unspoken - the kind of look one might give to convey approval without making it weird.

Not to refuse an Alpha's invitation in his own lands, the shaman bows his head a bit and walks over to sit with them around the table. "I'd say that we're going to be tough to beat when it comes to Tribal hospitality around here.' Heidi attempts to make the table look relaxed enough for everyone to join in. She puts a cold brew in Taiki's hand. "Now, you aren't empty handed. I did enjoy your story at the meeting and it had me laughing for awhile. And I'm surprised so many people seemed uptight and didn't really get it. But I thought your story was awesome too." She has to skirt around to get the nachoes out and serves them up on the table. Family tribal time, is an art. "My name is Heidi." This is said to the Maori. "I'm your kin. I came over this summer and decided to stay for now." She chuckles, and looks up at Bergin next. "Ah, it's nothing." She won't sit down until everyone else does.

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Taika sits as the seat is offered and grins, ?Well, the Australian Sept is mostly Get, which is why I was sent there to be honest. That and my sister, but that is another story. Not many Get among the Maori.?.

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To Heidi he gives a warm smile. ?I?m not sure that is how this is supposed to work, but thanks.?. He also blushes a bit as she likes his story.

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Sten nods to Taika "No real ritual to it, just family and respect. Enjoy what is offered really. I am not much for rank and decore unless there is official things that need to be dealt with. But as a Skald I need to have the full line of my ancestory" he grins to Bergin "I did tell you our hospitality is very good, and Fenrir in these parts including you are very hospitable. I was very glad to hear you were having a feast"

Be

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rgin nods to Sten, "People were really enjoying themselves so much and we have enough stuff left over that I plan on doing it again this coming weekend. See if we can get it rolling as a regular occasion." His eyes track to Heidi and then to Taika before continueing to speak, "A little story, some fun, lots of food...and community, right? As my mentor used to say - the only way that we're going to survive the war is by doing it together. So...gotta just keep building those connections ya know?"

There's a faint pause as he stuffs his face with some of those nachos before adding, "And did you hear that we have one of the /Bear folk/ around? I didn't get to talk to her much but she was at the Gathering." Berg seems quite pleased and a bit suprised by this.

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Heidi is comfortable with the task at hand and passes out plates for the shared nachos. These ones have plenty of beef on them, and all the best ingredients with a mix of cheeses. The one thing that is missing, and is very noticeable, is bacon. There's absolutely no bacon in the nachos. "You are welcome, Calls Forth The Wyrm'rhya. You deserve it after traveling so far from Australia." She slides into a seat at Sten's side of the table, and offers Bergin a smile when he looks her way. "I would like to meet her too."

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Taika takes a long sip of the brew Heidi gave him...hopefully that is what she meant and he shouldn't be giving it back to her as some nice symbol of appreciation. He burps after and grows red in the cheeks, "Whoops, sorry.". He gathers himself and adds, "I am told I have some heritage in me, but I do not rightly know my lineage yet. I am sure I will have to do a spirit quest to find my ancestor or something.".

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Taika looks back to Bergin and says, "If I can make it, I will. I hope to start sept duties soon though.". And finally to Heidi, "Please, I am nothing special in terms of making the trip here. I go where I am told. The journey is part of the fun."

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Sten nods "I would like to meet Jumps through fire as well, we have corax, bears and even cats.. I heard there are spiders too. It is good to hear that things are not all bad, I even met a dragon and a kami" he looks to Taika "Your linage is merely what you make of it, it can be something that inspires you to greatness or something that burdens you with its heavy weight. What is most important is your actions to show that you are to stand among them"

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Bergin seems all into meeting others of the shifting breeds until Sten mentioned spiders; he -had- to mention spiders. Bergin's face goes cold for a moment and he swallows the mouthful of nachos. "Yeah...gonna have to miss out on meeting the spider person. Sorry but I'll be busy that year. Nope...not going to be possible on that one." Because some things are just creepy like that.

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Heidi sneaks a hand into the cookie basket while no one is looking. She searches for the right shade of cookie she's hoping to find, and out pops a star shaped Pepparkakor. For the lupine sensitive noses at the table, there's a scent of ginger in that cookie. She slides it over in front of Sten as if the Alpha had his wish granted.

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Taika laughs with merriment at Bergin, "It's just a wee spider. Oh sorry, werespider...forgot the r.". He goes to pat Bergin on the back. "Don't tell me you are afraid of the Weaverlings.".

To Stein, Taika nods, "True. Ancestors can be both a blessing and a curse. Still, it is up to us to make our own way and our own name, regardless of who our ancestors were.". Switching back to Heidi, he digs into the bread and nachos, "This is delicious. Only thing that would make it better is bacon. I will have to see if I can hunt down a boat...you have those here yes?"

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Sten smiles to Heidi "Aw you already made some?" grinning broadly "Gingerbread cookies far to early, perfect" gobbling the cookie up like a hairy Swedish cookie monster, though not making crumbs everywhere."We do not serve pig here or eat boar. Hildisvini forbid hunting and eating boar, but we also avoid pig out of respect"

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Bergin shakes his head and shivers a bit, "First time I got into the Umbra on my own...it was sort of a test I guess...probably to see how -stupid- I could be. I got -covered- by spider-looking-somethings. They tried to wrap me up in weaver-stuff while I was meditating." He shivers again and tries to brush a bit of nothing from his back and neck before adding, "My teacher was a bit...ruthless in my education."

Hearing the ban that Sten's pack's totem has draws the lumber-shaman out of his memory and his eyes dart over to where ever that gift of roasted /pork/ went from Mrs. Marry. "Uh...sorry about that. I...uh...um..." and he tries to slide out from under the weight of his embarrassment by suggesting that if they can't eat the roasted porky goodness that they might offer it to the animals or...uh...something.

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Heidi echoes at the table about the bacon and Hildisvini, "My first day here I made ham for breakfast. Big no no." She nods up to Sten with a smile as he gets his cookie. As Fenris kin, she delights in taking care of her family. "Your Aunt told me you liked them, and we've been selling them early at the shop. You can't just drink beer now, without buying some food." She nods over to Bergin, offering reassurance. "I am not an official member of Frostbite, but since I live here in the house I am showing respect for Hildisvini."

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The Maori puts his foot in his mouth. "Ah, I had not realized that was a ban of your Totem. I meant no disrespect. No bacon it is.". Inwardly - That is a /haaaard/ ban to follow. As Bergin notes his aversion to spiders, Taika laughs, "But you survived, you learned, and you grew stronger. What's to fear about something you bested?". He winks. Looking to Heidi, he hmms, "That is very respectful and kind of you Miss Heidi."

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Sten looks to Bergin "I do not take it as an insult, or offense to the pack or Hildisvini. It was a gesture of respect, which I accept. And the food will not go spoiled. It will either be gifted, eaten or perhaps feed the flock of ravens that live here.. we will see, but it will be respected and not go to waste" he looks to Taika "I am not allowed to eat it, others are and it is not an offense towards me or my pack or my totem"

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Bergin lets out a breath he didn't know he was fighting when Sten gives him the 'out' from his gift. "Oh, the ravens would probably -love- the stuff," he guesses and turns to Heidi to keep her in the conversation about food and things, "...my teacher had one that would talk. His favorite words were dumbass and smartass. I'm -fairly- certain it was a spirit taking mortal form but the thing loved to make my life hell whenever it could." He grins once more at the memories - at least now that he's not being pestered by that stupid bird.

"You mentioned that Theron was the smith out here? If you see him before I do - could you let him know I'd like to talk shop sometime?" Bergin's more of a fix-it guy but he's been known to turn out some good pieces; the prize axe came from him.

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Heidi takes the compliment from the Maori at the table with a nod of her head. "Thank you." She likes it when people notice things, and she smiles. Her small plate gets filled with some nachos and she samples the batch. "There are a lot of special ravens here, Jay." She's dropped to his first name in a series of days, and points Bergin to look up at the raven tree. "I haven't heard any of them talk yet, but perhaps in time." She laughs when he says dumbass. "Mhmm, I can tell Theron you want to meet up. He works almost every morning, so most often if you stop by then before morning work-outs, you can catch him."

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Sten smirks "They do talk from time to time. The main two generally just throw insults... Hrafn himself or rather Swift Wings on the High Winds talks when he feels like it. I honestly never seen him in homid"

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Bergin nods, "I'll swing back by and see if I can catch him. I'm kinda curious what he's using for stock and if he could use some of the scrap that we've been kinda holding back for things." Because that's how Bergin seems to think - prepare, preserve, protect.

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Sten nods "Well he did seem rather interested at the scrap yard saying he might find something he can use, I would give you a tour of the forge but... I think it is better if he does"

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Bergin holds up a hand to Sten and nods in understanding, "Yeah. Walking into a smith's forge is like walking into a pack's territory just smaller. Very special place that I wouldn't feel right poking around without him there to show me. I get it." He tries to paw at the nachos a bit more while they're talking about this and that.

"Any projects that ya working on here? Anything ya need help with or want to help others with? I figure if we're going to get people together might as well spread the word."

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Taika must have been stuffing his face and drinking for a bit as he went silent. "I don't know much about Ravens. Our birds tend to be weird ones - like the Kiwi bird, those cute little eggs.". That tattooed face of his doesn't look so scary up front, "So, what's been going on here recently that we could be helping with?"

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Heidi bites another nacho. "He also would want to talk to another smith of talent too. He's going to make me a lighter sword to carry too. The one I have is too big and heavy for me." Heidi defers the help question back to Sten.

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Sten nods to them both "No projects I been patrolling, Sept is being rather quiet, so nothing much going on there. As I been considering expanding the pack, especially with Aaryn and Micah being out of state. Theron can go to to toe with even myself but I would feel more secure in having more garou around"

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Bergin hrms, "The folks at the Yard are doing what they can to keep that place going so I figure that it might best serve the People as sort of a safe spot - to catch incoming guests or people who were sent here like Taika. Plenty of room and don't have to worry about finding a spot at the Sept or flagging down the Warder immediately ya know?" He's being all diplomatic and trying to see where the scrapyard can fit in with the 'plan' for the tribe in the area and for the Sept as a whole. Best to get more senior wolf in on the project from the beginning.

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The Maori listens to the talk of smithing, "I can't do much with metal working, but if you need a new boat or canoe or something made out of wood, that I can do.". With a turn to Sten, he hmms, "I am looking to join a pack, but I am not sure about never eating bacon again." Looking back to Bergin, Taika smiles, I do appreciate having a place to crash."

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Heidi gestures to the longhouse in her quieter voice, "I have a home office upstairs. And when Sten has to patrol or perform his duties, quite often it is me... Sten's sister Sara, and Theron hanging out." She glances up at Sten and offers a smile, "More family around to join the pack would be nice. If, they can give up bacon... true." She agrees. "More metal for Theron to work with from your yard, Jay? I think he'd be thrilled."

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Sten looks to Taika "Bacon is allowed, from domestic pigs. Never boar. We decided it be simpler to avoid bacon at all to not mistakenly eat boar. Thusly the only thing needed would be to check the source of the bacon before eating" he looks to Bergin with a smile "Aldric has taken the position as leader of the tribe, at Enduring Spirit sept from Aaryn as she left. The question would be if you joined the sept in the city or enduring spirit out here" shrugging lightly "I hope they both keep a good relation to each other. But I can also say that I do not consider Aldric my leader, merely someone snapping up a title cause he could and cause I did not wish to fight over a job that I did not want. But if he starts something I will show my rank and I will tell him to stand down"

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Bergin hrms, "I've not heard much of the idea of a city sept - other than there was some interest in it. Possibly something that the Gnawers are keeping to themselves and since I'm not one of them they weren't ready to speak to me about such things until they know me better." Shrugging a bit he thinks about something mentioned earlier and shakes it off.

"I'll be sure to hold stuff back for him. We can always use more throwing axes - even if it's just for people to throw at targets." he smiles a bit at the blonde-haired kinfolk and then ponders changing up the contest for next week, "How are you at throwing spears...or maybe a bow?"

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Heidi does a whispered aside over to Bergin. "This is why your kinfolk all congregate here in Frostbite territory. Our tribal leader isn't popular."

Heidi hears the question and shakes her head, grinning. "Never tried spears. I have tried archery."

Sten looks to Bergin "I just heard rumors about a sept in town, never been to it. Figured they have one but might not be.. not sure." shaking his head "As for Aldric.. we had our differences, he left the pack. His actions are his own" shrugging lightly.

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Taika listens and hmms. "Aldric-Rhya did stop by to check in on us. It was kind of him. I am sorry to hear there was a riff there in the pack. That is not easy. Still, it sounds like you are on good terms at least, so that is a blessing in and of itself these days.". A hand is pulled through his hair and Taika looks solemn for a moment, "Who would we speak to about that city cavern?"

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Bergin hrms and thinks about the question for a moment before tossing out his own thoughts on the matter, "If you want to know anything about the city, ask a 'Gnawer. They'll know which way the wind's blowing. We had that one Theurge come by the yard a few times. Uh...Calvin I think is his name. Maybe try him?" he suggests and looks to Sten for input and confirmation of his idea.

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Heidi sips some brew from her bottle, "I saw Aldric at your meeting for the first time. We've never met face to face before." She glances up at Sten, then back to their guests. "Being new myself, I'm sorry I don't have any information to provide you on the lay out of things."

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Sten nods "Definitely speak to a Bone Gnawer, I am unfortunately the wrong person to ask about that, it could even be possible that there isnt any, I seen glass walkers at enduring spirit... either or I dont mind, I would prefer we could all work together, I am not adverse to the city, just never been my thing. It has a purpose" shrugging "As for Aldric, things been settled, if he continues to do nothing as the Fenrir leader as he has, that I am alright with, nothing wrong with welcoming new of our tribe, but if he tries to push the title around.. we will see."

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Taika takes out a pad and pen from his pants pocket and starts making a note. "Calvin. Right. Does he have his own Hobbes around eh?". That is a joke, but who knows if anyone of them will get it. The talk of Aldric is left alone for now. Instead, he looks back to Heidi, "How long have you been here for then Miss Heidi?

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Bergin pushes himself up from the table and offers a polite nod and smile to his two hosts. "I'll see if I can whip up some spears for this week if you want to try them. Never made arrows yet but that could be a fun little project if you're good with a bow." Turning to Sten he makes the offer that if he needs anything for Ravenscar or for the tribe he just needs to send word to the Yard.

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Heidi answers the Maori's question and looks at Taika, "I came here this summer end of July. I followed the epic tale of the late sword of..." she suddenly looks at Bergin. "Oh my, I never put those things together. Perhaps it was your... ancestor." Suddenly she deeply frowns, and looks up at Sten. "Do you think the sword is his?".... she points to Bergin.

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Sten looks to Heidi "I am not sure, I never looked into his lineage.. could be possible" looking to Bergin "The same if you or those at the yard needs anything, call on Frostbite and we will aid" he looks to Taika with a smile "I bet he hears that joke a lot, might not want to start with it" he offers as advice to the younger Skald

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The Maori says, "Sweet as," to Heidi's summer arrival. Taika stands as Bergin does too. "Bro, mind giving me a ride home if you are leaving?". He smiles to Heidi and Sten, "Churr..." That means thank you as a Kiwi, but they probably don't know that. He just assumes they do though. "Right, lead with my best paw forward and totally don't joke with the guy I am looking to get help from.". Or spit on Aldric after choking in water or anything. cough cough. "Thanks. If you need help, let me know.". And he looks to take off.

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Bergin blinks over to Heidi as she just drops that little bombshell into the conversation. "And...the spirit said "Go South to Find yourself..." he mutters as if remembering the whole thing suddenly. "Yeah...I gotta go. I gotta get back to the circle and see what's up with this."