Reading’s for morons who can’t understand pictures {open}

The waves where crashing trough the rocks and cliffs that surrounded Vald. His blue eyes where focussed on every whirlpool that was created while the wind was brushing trough the fierce water. Falling into the water would be a shame, messing with the waves would be like messing with day and night. It would be a total disaster to take a jump from the cliffs and crash into the waves. Vald and the others often tried it, and they always succeed.

It was a rather chilly morning and the sun had just rise above the horizon, the mist damped around Vald and his horse while he was just standing on the edge of the cliffs waiting for what this day would bring. And he knew what this day would bring him, he knew it a bit too well. A cold feeling rushed trough his spine once he thought about his plans for the future. It kept haunting him in his dreams until he got crazy of it and woke up covered in sweat and after a few days of not sleeping very well he decided just to stay awake. Ragnvald did not knew why it was bothering him so much, but in the mean time he tried not too think about it too much.

Or well... He hád to think about it. It where his plans and his alone and if he wanted to take credit for it he had to write it down and put it into operation. But first he had to get back to the village. Skorravir wasn't very far away but yet he had to travel for a few miles.

His mind was a maze full of unanswered questions on the plans he had for the future. But not only the plans for the future disturbed his mind. Also the fact that Zephyra now and then disappeared from his gaze. He knew that she was no little girl like 16 years ago anymore, she could take care of herself. But still. He had to take his responsibility and take care of her. Any reckless movements from her could cost him everything.

Vald’s  eyes stood dark and haunting. Life had been given him many choices. Some he had regret, others... he would simply choose them again and do it all over, many scars drawn on his body from the battles that he fought and the villages that he took over. With every city they took the jarl became more greedy and less careless. He had tasted the feeling of victory. And ever since it started he never quit.

A slight grin formed in the corner of his lips and a soft sigh run down his throat. Vald pulled the reins and moved his hand towards the right so the horse could turn. It was then until he pointed his gaze towards the man a few meters away. He tilted his head a bit and stopped the stallion from walking. A new face that had dimmed up in his sight, a new one who probably didn't knew that 'sneeking' up on a man could be a dangerous game. But from the man's reaction he simply implied that he ment no harm. So a subtile nod as a reply to the man his greetings where his reaction.

Many plans where crossing his mind when thinking back about the raids he did this year. And one of them had been carved into his memory for eternity. The only battle he had lost since he began raiding and plundering the country. It was a dim scene that day, and his ships where used for rough battles. But not this one. This one had been different. The river was floded with thick iron chains that rise up from the water and damaged his ships for eternity. Many of his companions had died that day and so Ragnvald had to retreat. To safe his warriors and himself. Although he didn't get shot that day, his soul was damaged.

Silence got washed away by the man his words and Ragnvald turned the stallion towards the man and made his way down. His free hand grabbed the reins and he leaned with his other hand against the handle of the large axe. Mornings like these are good for overthinking your plans. his voice a bit grumpy. He tilted his head a bit to the side and narrowed his eyes. Carving the mans face into his memory. For he might be useful in the future. What is your business around these borders? he asked him curious yet dull.

Ragnvald nodded when hearing his words. It is not only winter for us. he simply replied. Referring to the cold and snowy days that would come. Most of the animals would leave the forest and move themselves more south towards Vanaheim or Valyria. Some of the villagers also moved themselves during winter. Vald preferred to stay her. Or, he had not choice but to stay here. And after all these years he was getting used to the cold.  I’ve seen some spots up in the mountains where I always chase deers, Perhaps you can set a few traps there. he pointed out continuing his words. Maybe he would use the information wisely. Maybe not. That’s why I prefer hunting without traps and just like the old days. With a bow, or an axe. it was also much more efficient if you tell Ragnvald and a good exercise as well.

Vald pointed his eyes away from the man in front of him for a moment. It would not take long until the snow would fall here and not only the tops of the mountains would be snow white but also the rest of the landscape. Winter. It was a season he hated. He hated the cold and the fact that him and his companions could not raid that season. And they where banned to stay in their villages. As Vald turned his gaze to the man in front of him again he tilted his head a bit. Wondering. Have we met before? he pointed out. Turning his gaze towards the men again. He seemed somewhat familiar but he could not place in what direction or what family he had to search for. Some of them he hadn’t seen in years.

As he heard the man speak he let his words run through his mind. The statement that he would not remember anything about him shoving away in an instant. Most of the people who crossed his path in his life where remembered. Enemies, friends, companions. Everything must be rememberd. For there might be useful in the future. I would always remember Tord. He has always been a fine companion to my father. And the past few years he went on the raids with me he also pledged his loyalty. and in an instant Ragnvald wondered if this boy would be the same as his father. Over the years Vald had build some enemies all around his borders. Enemies that hide like cowards behind their large stone walls to protect themselves. But it wouldn't matter for Vald. He would find a way to cross and break that wall and crush the city in an instant. That is why he needed men. Men who could pledge their loyalty towards him. Towards Odin.

He was a good man. Good with his weapons also. he pointed out. And almost immediately he saw Tord walking towards him with on his side the small boy. The large candles placed all over the hallway, the burning fireplace in the middle of the room. Many people who surrounded them. The boy must have been 10 maybe 12 that day. Merely large enough to take the boy with them on one of the raids. But Vald forgot why that never happened. Agnar Heglund It was not even a question anymore. More of a statement he wanted to point out so he had the right man in front of him. You're changed over the past couple of years. So much I wouldn't even recognize you. You are that farm boy everyone has been talking about am I right? he continued while leaning against the stallion crossing his arms.

His father had been a very respectable companion to vald. That is why Ragnvald almost expected Agnar to be as loyal as Tord was. In the end, Vald had always made sure Skorravir was a safe haven to anyone who lived here. Not many trials had been fought here ever since his father died. Vald nodded when Agnar spoke about his father. Must have been a heavy burden am I right? he pointed out. without waiting for an answer of Agnar he continued his words. I know that farmers are strong and hardworking men.. he finally said. and women. A subtile grin appearing on his face. Women never must be underestimated for their powers. For a woman can even be more deadly then a man. but, I need men. Strong men that can a company me in my plans. Nonetheless he needed warriors that he could train.

You see, I’ve been right there. Where you stand right now. Vald pointed out and cleared his throat. Before my father laid his hands on the jarls title he was a farmer. A wealthy land owner with half the land of skorravir in his possess. We all helped with farming, plowing, feeding the animals. My brother and I where only 10 years old back then. But everything changed once. he paused. His voice trembling as he looked back towards his stallion. Taking a breath before his eyes lingered back towards Agnar. Well.. You live here so you surely must know what happened after that. You must have heard the stories..

“The Jarl before Vald his father and he where never very good ‘friends’ there had always been these small fights about lands and where they should raid to. The jarl had been planning on poisoning Valds father because of his unloyal behaviour and disrespect against him. The jarl wanted to poison him so he would die a screaming and painful death. This way he could never enter Valhalla for being a fearsome viking and he would always be stuck between the human words and the gates to Valhalla.Valds father only survived that night because his whore drained the cup that was intended for him.”

Vald could not ask him this straight away so he had to make up some sort of ‘excuse’ to get the man on his side. My plan is to make Skorravir larger. The largest city of the northern lands. With rich and wealthy lands for farmers, boatbuilders and tavern keepers. But. Lands up here can only be earned by eradicating other cities. And to become bigger we must travel north. Towards Hillerod. He stepped forward and placed his free hands on Agnars shoulders. Piercing his eyes into his.That it why my friend…. I need men like you. He simply trew it towards Agnar, knowing he'd catch it. After all. Who would be stupid enough to deny such a well thought out plan. And Agnar could be of great value to him.

The right corner of his mouth curled up as Agnar started talking about the fact that he does not know if he can join him or not. It surprise me that you are not sure if you can join me Agnar, As I already pointed out. I can grand you with a far more larger piece of land than you already own right now. Every one who participates in this will benefit from this. he shrugged. He did not long for any kind of discussion and he was not searching for any kind of sparring partner. The only thing he longed for, and therefore did, was speaking his mind explaining his plans. Vald loosened the grip on the reins of the stallion and let the horse eat for a bit.

Hillerod such a every stronghold is not un breakable. I have been in far more difficult situations than some stone walls that keep us outside. You may have known that if you would have gone raiding with me Vald his plan to break it from the inside out. Involving his son Ivar which had good connections with lady Freyja.

Suddenly Vald stepped forward. He looked him in the eye for about a second or two before turning slowly around him. You know, your mother can be taken care of Agnar. he simply pointed out as he stood still an placed one hand on Agnar his shoulder My wife has some connections with other maids and she can also help your mother. She would be glad to help you out and so am I. he spoke, a bit softer and trying to be a bit more concerned this time. But it seems to me that either you are not made to fight in battle or that you have made some 'better' plans for yourself. It could be a question as well as it could be a statement. And if it was a question, it was a question that could contain all the answers in the world. he walked on completing his circle; facing him again crossing his arms as he stood in front of the man again. Vald had never tolerated a no and he would definitely not tolerate it right now. Everyone who had been born in Skorravir had viking blood in their veins. That could not be denied.

I may sound too ambitious. But at least I have my plans thought out very well before I start them. He turned away from the man, his eyes now wandering the land, but still barely noting his surroundings.

WHEN YOU HEAR THUNDER

IT’S ONLY THUNDER

Even though they where up here in the north. They would never be safe. In every border there was danger. Was it not from the enemy then the many creatures and monsters will treat hen their existence. But, the cold also played it’s part in the life of vikings. Cold, snow and ice damaged most of the country in the winter. Livestock freezes to death if not taken care of. Animals travelled their way south. Between the borders of Valyria and Vanaheim. Life was hard in the north. And maybe it was even the hardest country to live in.

Vald pointed his eyes on the man again. Which did his best to explain how he had to survive in the winter. He nodded slowly as he spoke. The gods, always do things out of purpose. They want to challenge us. They want to make us feel that we are truly alive. Vald knew that the man in front of him would want to know more about his plans. He knew it all along. Curiousness was something he also possessed. Curious for new lands, new raids, new battles, new forts to take over. Skorravir wasn’t for nothing the capital city of Falkreath and sometimes, people forgot about that. They forget that The capital city is a far larger established fort. With enough raiders trained by Ragnvald and his best men. He narrowed his eyes a little and had is answer ready. I am not going to reveal my plans to any outsiders It may sounded too blurry to an outsider. But it was clear to him that some information must not be shared with the wrong people. Some.. sensitive information is not intended for everyone’s ear's he gazed at him. Reaching for his reaction. If you want to join me in my plans it depends on; if you are a real viking like your father was. Or just a simple farmer he waited for a second to recollect his thoughts and continued. But I know, that even simple farmers have ambitions. I may have been granted with a larger land. But my ambitions stayed the same. They where similar to yours. Raiding, claim lands, sail around every shore of this country until you will find each and every secret of the lands. As he started talking about it again his eyes grew wider. Travelling has always been an obsession to him. The more nights he was away on the ships the better. And while thinking about it he grinned. He stepped closer his eyes still pierced into the one’s of the man. Just think about it for a while. My offer is still open.

BUT FOR ME, IT IS STILL THOR BEATING HIS HAMMER