NationStates Jolt Archive

Brusca stands, for the umpteenth time in the past month, waiting for another Royal Visitor.

The day is hot and she was hot and ill tempered standing in full cermonial armour, yet again. Her breast plate chafed her neck and she pulled at it trying to get the cool breeze to dry the sweat a little.

Damn this, I would much rather be relaxing with my sisters at the moment, I know this man is a new allie, but couldn't he wait until winter before he visited?

Her war horse stomped and shook it's huge grey head as if in agreement, then pushed at her shoulder impatiently.

"I know, I know, you're hot too, it'll be over soon and we can both relax."

Her horse hear the others of it's kind moments before she did and as they both turned their heads to look along the road, Brusca saw the five horses walking towards her.

"Well at least they chose to arrive the traditional way."

She patted the greys neck.

"Come on then, this is us, lets get them settled and happy and then we can be the same."

Mounting her horse she took a steady pace towards her visitors.

Brusca stands, for the umpteenth time in the past month, waiting for another Royal Visitor.

The day is hot and she was hot and ill tempered standing in full cermonial armour, yet again. Her breast plate chafed her neck and she pulled at it trying to get the cool breeze to dry the sweat a little.

Damn this, I would much rather be relaxing with my sisters at the moment, I know this man is a new allie, but couldn't he wait until winter before he visited?

Her war horse stomped and shook it's huge grey head as if in agreement, then pushed at her shoulder impatiently.

"I know, I know, you're hot too, it'll be over soon and we can both relax."

Her horse hear the others of it's kind moments before she did and as they both turned their heads to look along the road, Brusca saw the five horses walking towards her.

"Well at least they chose to arrive the traditional way."

She patted the greys neck.

"Come on then, this is us, lets get them settled and happy and then we can be the same."

Mounting her horse she took a steady pace towards her visitors.

Erik I and his daughter(my character) and the other five horses with Erik's officals also took a steady pace towards Brusca.

''Hello,over there!'' Erik shouted to Brusca as they rode towards her.

Erik I and his daughter dismounted and Erik gave Brusca a handshake.

''I am King Erik I of Grand Scandinavia.'' Erik said eagerly.

''This is my daughter,Andrea.'' Erik said as his daughter gave Brusca a formal bow.

The others of Erik's party greeted Brusca after Erik and Andrea did.

''Shall we go to one of the hunting lodges?'' Erik asked Brusca.

OOC-Is this a good post? I can edit if it you want.

(OOC it's fine)

Brusca bowed formerly, a littel taken aback at King Erik's casualness, but soon recovered and smiled at Him and nodded at his daughter.

"I have had one of the larger long houses made ready for you and have staffed it as I believe will make you comfortable for your stay"

She takes her place in between the King and his daughter as they begin to travel down the road towards a lush heavily wooded area.

"And what is the name of your beautiful daughter sir?"

(OOC it's fine)

Brusca bowed formerly, a littel taken aback at King Erik's casualness, but soon recovered and smiled at Him and nodded at his daughter.

"I have had one of the larger long houses made ready for you and have staffed it as I believe will make you comfortable for your stay"

She takes her place in between the King and his daughter as they begin to travel down the road towards a lush heavily wooded area.

"And what is the name of your beautiful daughter sir?"

''My name is Andrea.'' Andrea(Erik's daughter) said to Brusca overhearing Brusca ask Erik about his daughter's name.

''Thank you for inviting me,my Nordic friend. I can't wait to see the long house you have granted me and my daughter.'' Erik replied to Brusca concerning the long house.

''The other horses are of bodyguards,officals,etc. They will be guarding me unless you have already created guards for me and my daughter.'' Erik stated kindly.

''If you wish,Brusca,we can discuss Nordic culture,etc.'' Erik said nicely as he was a full blooded Nordic monarch.

She nods to Andrea and smiles.
"A beautiful name for a beautiful young woman"

She turns her attention back to King EriK
"There is no need for guards here, the forests you are going to stay in is well protected, but of course they are welcome to stay if you wish.
I have prepared a hunting party for you, some of the young men and women of our noble families and a fine hunter who knows the area very well.
I am sure you will enjoy your time here."

Brusca smiles again at Andrea.
"Do you hunt Andrea?"

She nods to Andrea and smiles.
"A beautiful name for a beautiful young woman"

She turns her attention back to King EriK
"There is no need for guards here, the forests you are going to stay in is well protected, but of course they are welcome to stay if you wish.
I have prepared a hunting party for you, some of the young men and women of our noble families and a fine hunter who knows the area very well.
I am sure you will enjoy your time here."

Brusca smiles again at Andrea.
"Do you hunt Andrea?"

''Thank you for the compliment.'' Andrea said replying to Brusca.
''I have never hunted before,this would be my first time.'' Andrea said concerning hunting.
''They will go back to my Kingdom.'' Erik said concerning the officals and others.
''I have enjoyed hunting but I am careful not to overdo it.'' Erik exclaimed.
''I hope to meet those young men and women and that fine hunter.'' Erik stated eagerly.
''I am sure Andrea and I will enjoy our time here.'' Erik told Brusca.
''Brusca,how long is it till we get there? Not to be rude.'' Andrea asked Brusca politely.

OOC-Not to be rude,but could we have them at the lodge now? The RPG is getting interesting.

Brusca points to a copse of trees, at first they don't see anything other than that, but as they draw nearer, they see a longhouse just behind the first knot of trees.

"We are here"

Brusca brings them to the trees and dismounts.
An old weather worn huntsman, dressed in well worn rough clothing suitable for his trade, comes out to greet them and bows.

"Your Majesty, I hope that we will have a good stock of game for you to take home and enjoy, by the time you leave here, I am Groshan, but most call me Gorse."

He then addresses the young princess.
"M'lady, there are young'ns over yonder by the lake if you wish to join 'em? I believe they would be much better company than us old'ns"

Brusca points to a copse of trees, at first they don't see anything other than that, but as they draw nearer, they see a longhouse just behind the first knot of trees.

"We are here"

Brusca brings them to the trees and dismounts.
An old weather worn huntsman, dressed in well worn rough clothing suitable for his trade, comes out to greet them and bows.

"Your Majesty, I hope that we will have a good stock of game for you to take home and enjoy, by the time you leave here, I am Groshan, but most call me Gorse."

He then addresses the young princess.
"M'lady, there are young'ns over yonder by the lake if you wish to join 'em? I believe they would be much better company than us old'ns"

''Yes,let us go hunt some game.'' Erik said going with Groshan.

As Andrea went to the lake,she dismounted and laid down on the grass,beside the lake. She was resting as she had rode on a horse all the way here.

''This day is beautiful.'' Andrea said as she splashed some water from the lake on her face and then she laid down again to get some rest.

''Gorse,where shall we hunt first?'' Erik asked Groshan while preparing his hunting gear.

''I thought there would be people here like that man(Groshan) said.'' Andrea said as she watched the clouds.

''Brusca,aren't you hunting too?'' Erik asked as he fixed up his bow and his hunting rifle.

Brusca smiles at Erik

"If only I could spare the time your highness, but alas I have yet more official duties to attend to, so if you are happy I will take my leave and visit you in a day or so?"

-----------

As Andrea lays on the grass she begins to catch the sound of voices on the wind.
They are some way off and she judges that they are probably on the other side of the lake.
The sound is that of happiness and laughter with the odd scream as she guessed some woman had been doused in water.

Brusca smiles at Erik

"If only I could spare the time your highness, but alas I have yet more official duties to attend to, so if you are happy I will take my leave and visit you in a day or so?"

-----------

As Andrea lays on the grass she begins to catch the sound of voices on the wind.
They are some way off and she judges that they are probably on the other side of the lake.
The sound is that of happiness and laughter with the odd scream as she guessed some woman had been doused in water.


''I will meet you in a day or so then.'' Erik said to Brusca.
''Grose,shall we go commence our hunting?'' Erik asked Groshan.
''Groshan,what game is avaliable in these lands?'' Erik asked politely.
''I wonder what that noise is.'' Andrea said mounting her horse.
As Andrea rode to where the noise was coming from,she began to shout.
''Is anyone here? ''Who is making those noises?'' Andrea repeatedly shouted as she wanted to find out more about those noises.

OOC-Erik would like to start the hunting. And I would like Andrea to interact with whoever is making those noises she heard about.

Brusca leaves as Gorse leads Erik out into the woodland on their first hunting trip and smiles at his eagreness as she stes off for her next appointment.

-------------

The two already in the water were shouting and encouaging the young woman on the side of the bank to jump. They shouted their encouragement to her both apeasing her and goading her trying to get her into the water with them.

"Come on Sonne! It's not cold" a young man called to her, "Look even Kell is in and you know what a baby he is!"

To emphasise this the tall blonde man, in his early twenties flicked water at the other smaller youner boy, his brother, who returned to compliment along with a stream of lurid comments.

"Just because you're the oldest doesn't mean you can bully me"
Kell dived under the water pulling the older mans feet form under him, ducking him under the water.

Brusca leaves as Gorse leads Erik out into the woodland on their first hunting trip and smiles at his eagreness as she stes off for her next appointment.

-------------

The two already in the water were shouting and encouaging the young woman on the side of the bank to jump. They shouted their encouragement to her both apeasing her and goading her trying to get her into the water with them.

"Come on Sonne! It's not cold" a young man called to her, "Look even Kell is in and you know what a baby he is!"

To emphasise this the tall blonde man, in his early twenties flicked water at the other smaller youner boy, his brother, who returned to compliment along with a stream of lurid comments.

"Just because you're the oldest doesn't mean you can bully me"
Kell dived under the water pulling the older mans feet form under him, ducking him under the water.

Andrea slowly and quietly rode towards the people at the lake till she sprung at them and introduced herself.
''Who are you,people and why are you screaming?'' Andrea asked the people(Sonne,Kell,etc.) as she rode towards them on her horse.
''I am Princess Andrea of the Kingdom Of Scandinavia.'' Andrea said fixing her saddle and her outfit.
''May I inquire as to what are you doing in this lake?'' Andrea said while hiding her gun and sword(self-defense).
''I am visiting this land with my father,King Erik I.'' Andrea said as she fixed her helmet as she was wearing a set of armor.

Meanwhile...
''There's something!'' Erik said shooting a arrow at a fox he saw.
Erik grabbed the fox and brought it to Groshan. ''My first one,so far.'' Erik said eagerly.
Erik continued hunting and by sometime he had sucessfully had 19 animals as hunting game.

OOC-I am looking for pictures of Erik and Andrea.

Suprised at Andrea's arrival, the three stop in mid action, Sonne almost loosing her balance and falling into the lake.

The older of the two boys breaks the silence.

"Princess eh? and since when have we had a Princess then?"
He laughs
"What has Brusca retired and set up a Monarchy instead?"

Suprised at Andrea's arrival, the three stop in mid action, Sonne almost loosing her balance and falling into the lake.

The older of the two boys breaks the silence.

"Princess eh? and since when have we had a Princess then?"
He laughs
"What has Brusca retired and set up a Monarchy instead?"

''Brusca never retired and never set up a Monarchy. She has been very nice to me since I met her. She is nice to my father as well.'' Andrea replied.
''I am a Princess of the Kingdom of Grand Scandinavia.'' Andrea said to the older boys.
''Who are you people?'' Andrea asked a little sternly but more polite.
''My father,King Erik I and I are visiting this land.'' Andrea said nicely.
''You must be those ones making the noises. I see you are playing here in this pond.'' Andrea stated.
''Introduce yourselves. I am not here to harm you.'' Andrea said peacefully.
Andrea then began to walk around the lake in view of the youths(Sonne,etc.) looking around and exploring the lake area.

The older boy laughs,
"You'll not harm us?"
He looks at her scornfully
"Who are you to tell us that in our own lands and who are you to ask us what we do here?"

Sonne tries her best to hush him, but he continues, nudging his brother.

"Here this Kell, she won't harm us!"
He laughs again

The older boy laughs,
"You'll not harm us?"
He looks at her scornfully
"Who are you to tell us that in our own lands and who are you to ask us what we do here?"

Sonne tries her best to hush him, but he continues, nudging his brother.

"Here this Kell, she won't harm us!"
He laughs again

''Can't a young girl like myself be inquisitive and ask nicely what people like yourself are doing?'' Andrea replied.

''I don't want to offend you.'' Andrea stated as she dismounted from her horse. ''Don't worry,I'll deal with this fellow and the others.'' Andrea mumbled in Swedish to her horse.

''Now,I don't want to resort to violence or anything but who are you?'' Andrea asked politely.

''You people are playing in this pond. You have asked that girl(she points at Sonne) to come in the pond.'' Andrea mentioned.

Then she went back on her horse and waited for a reply.

"Ah you have a trained horse as well?"
He whistles shrilly between his teeth and moments later, a war horse almost the twin of Brusca's arrives stomping at the ground.

"Ah you have a trained horse as well?"
He whistles shrilly between his teeth and moments later, a war horse almost the twin of Brusca's arrives stomping at the ground.

''Yes,I do.'' Andrea said as her horse jumped over a log and then went back to the lake area.

''Sir,what is your name?'' Andrea asked him nicely,hoping to know him better.

''Can any of you people introduce yourselves? I wish to know you all better.'' Andrea asked the three.

Then Andrea stood on her horse's saddle and began to do tricks with the horse and then came back to the lake area,still standing on the saddle.

''Will one of you reply?'' Andrea mentioned.

*Sonne shoots her brother a withering glnace and hitching up her skirt makes her way over to Adrea and her horse. She whispers softly nuzzling the horses velvet nose. Then satisfied that she has made friends, she looks up at Andrea*

"My name is Sonne, daughter of Lord and Lady Ulvson"

*She nods her head then continues gesturing over her shoulder.*

"And these morons are my brothers....Verband and Kel. Verband should know better than to be so rude to a guest in our nation!"

*She shoots her brother another warning glance*

"We are, well our family is, responsible for looking after the Valkyrja's war horses. Thats why we're here, waiting for the heard to come down for their daily bath.
If you are looking for the others from the hunting party, they got bored of waiting and have returned to the lodge."

*Sonne shoots her brother a withering glnace and hitching up her skirt makes her way over to Adrea and her horse. She whispers softly nuzzling the horses velvet nose. Then satisfied that she has made friends, she looks up at Andrea*

"My name is Sonne, daughter of Lord and Lady Ulvson"

*She nods her head then continues gesturing over her shoulder.*

"And these morons are my brothers....Verband and Kel. Verband should know better than to be so rude to a guest in our nation!"

*She shoots her brother another warning glance*

"We are, well our family is, responsible for looking after the Valkyrja's war horses. Thats why we're here, waiting for the heard to come down for their daily bath.
If you are looking for the others from the hunting party, they got bored of waiting and have returned to the lodge."

''As I have said before,my name is Andrea.'' Andrea said politely.
''Nice to meet you,Sonne.'' Andrea said eagerly.
''Thank you for being nice to me.'' Andrea stated.
''I will go back to my lodge and meet my father soon.'' Andrea said.
''How long has your family been responsible for looking after the Valkyrja's war horses?'' Andrea asked.
''This is my Royal Horse. I have rode it since I was a little child.'' Andrea proudly exclaimed.
''I don't mind if Verband,your brother,is like that. My brothers are mainly the same.'' Andrea said while laughing a little.
''I am not looking for the others,I came to the pond to see what you people were doing as I heard noises from here.'' Andrea stated.

OOC-Erik and Groshan are at the lodge then?

*Verband grins as he joins them, his younger brother following.
Strong and tall, Andrea judges him to be about her age, possibly a little older.
He pushes his long blond hair back from his face and answers, obviously proud .*

"We have looked after the Valkyrja horses for as long as they have been. Our family have always had that honour and it makes our family one of the most respected in the land."

*The great grey warhorse wanders over to him and pushes him gently seeking attention, which he gives, scratching it's neck.*

"As you like horses so much, why don't you join us?"

*His lopsided grin and glint in his eyes seem to issue a challenge.*

"Or would the delights of frollicking with us and our charges be too beneath such a fine lady like yourself?"

*Verband grins as he joins them, his younger brother following.
Strong and tall, Andrea judges him to be about her age, possibly a little older.
He pushes his long blond hair back from his face and answers, obviously proud .*

"We have looked after the Valkyrja horses for as long as they have been. Our family have always had that honour and it makes our family one of the most respected in the land."

*The great grey warhorse wanders over to him and pushes him gently seeking attention, which he gives, scratching it's neck.*

"As you like horses so much, why don't you join us?"

*His lopsided grin and glint in his eyes seem to issue a challenge.*

"Or would the delights of frollicking with us and our charges be too beneath such a fine lady like yourself?"

''Sure,I would love to join you.'' Andrea said before patting her horse on the head and whispering something to it in Latin(Andrea knows many languages).

''Those delights would never be too beneath me. I am always in the mood to do something else than be a Crown Princess of my father's kingdom.'' Andrea stated.

''There is a family in my land similar to yours. That family has the same job as yours as well.'' Andrea exclaimed.

''What shall we do now? We can't just stay here.'' Andrea said.

*Verband and Sonne smile and look at each other.
A moment later Andrea hears a rumbling sound, which she soon recognises as the pounding of hooves.*

"I think you have found your answer"

*Verband shouts over the noise as a herd of huge grey war horses charge through the forest, heading straight towards the lake. Never tiring of the sight, Verband smiles as he watches his charges pound their way towards the water.*

*Sonne shouts a warning to Andrea as she realises that she is standing a little to near the path of the horses, but the dust and noise deaden the sound of her voice.
Realising that she would not be able to get the Andrea quickly enough, Sonne puts her two fingers in her mouth. Letting out a shrill whistle she gets Verbands attention and signals to him urgently.

For a moment Verband looks at his sister not comprehending what she means, then looking to where she points, he realsies and leaps into action.
In one swift movement he had grabbed Andrea around the waist, then holding her close hurled himself backwards away from the pounding hooves pulling her roughly with him onto the muddy ground*

*Verband and Sonne smile and look at each other.
A moment later Andrea hears a rumbling sound, which she soon recognises as the pounding of hooves.*

"I think you have found your answer"

*Verband shouts over the noise as a herd of huge grey war horses charge through the forest, heading straight towards the lake. Never tiring of the sight, Verband smiles as he watches his charges pound their way towards the water.*

*Sonne shouts a warning to Andrea as she realises that she is standing a little to near the path of the horses, but the dust and noise deaden the sound of her voice.
Realising that she would not be able to get the Andrea quickly enough, Sonne puts her two fingers in her mouth. Letting out a shrill whistle she gets Verbands attention and signals to him urgently.

For a moment Verband looks at his sister not comprehending what she means, then looking to where she points, he realsies and leaps into action.
In one swift movement he had grabbed Andrea around the waist, then holding her close hurled himself backwards away from the pounding hooves pulling her roughly with him onto the muddy ground*

Andrea looks at Verband and says ''Thank you for saving me from being trampled by those horses!''

Then Andrea gets up and fixes her outfit and says to Sonne ''Thank you too for saving me.''

Then Andrea mountes her horse and looks at the others.

''If you want,you all can meet my father back at the lodge.'' Andrea said proudly.

''I am sure my father,King Erik I would like to meet you all and thank you for saving me,his daughter.'' Andrea stated.

*Verband shrugs as though he saves people every day*

"We have little time for hunting, our duties are more important, feigning indifference he turns and walks back into the lake."

*Sonne shrugs*

"Verband believes that we should only hunt for food, he doesn't like the idea that others hunt just for pleasure."

*Verband shrugs as though he saves people every day*

"We have little time for hunting, our duties are more important, feigning indifference he turns and walks back into the lake."

*Sonne shrugs*

"Verband believes that we should only hunt for food, he doesn't like the idea that others hunt just for pleasure."

''I don't hunt for pleasure. I am not into hunting that much.'' Andrea said.

''You can still meet my father anyway.'' Andrea stated.

Andrea then dismounts off her horse and looks to Verband who is in the pond.

''Can I come in the pond? I would like to if I am able.'' Andrea asked with kindness.

Then she sits on the wooden platform(which they jump off of,like a diving board) and does a Yoga position.

''I am a expert at Yoga and I have studied Eastern Philosophy,etc.'' Andrea exclaimed while bending her legs performing a Yoga pose.

"You can come in if you're prepared to work"

*Unimpressed by her bragging, Verband throws her a rough bristled brush like the kind that the three are using to wash the horses*

"You can come in if you're prepared to work"

*Unimpressed by her bragging, Verband throws her a rough bristled brush like the kind that the three are using to wash the horses*

''I am prepared to work,Verband.'' Andrea said as she changed her clothing.

As she got in,she sees a horse and begins to wash it with the brush Verband gave her.

''I am sorry for bragging if I have,I did not mean to.'' Andrea said to Verband as she washed the horse.

''It is alright,I am a friend,I won't hurt you.'' Andrea told the horse in Sanskrit as the horse was getting a little hyper before it calmed down soon after.

''Verband,can you tell me about this area? I would like to know these lands better.'' Andrea asked Verband,still a little sad as she thought she had offended him.

"Our lands are pretty much unspoiled, we have little industry and hter isn't a lot of traffic.
The Valkyrja treat us well and our laws though sometimes strict are mostly fair.
Many of us choose to live the traditional way, in long houses, but we do have electricity and other stuff as well."

*He continues to work at the horses deftly avoiding their impatient splashing*

"Our lands are pretty much unspoiled, we have little industry and hter isn't a lot of traffic.
The Valkyrja treat us well and our laws though sometimes strict are mostly fair.
Many of us choose to live the traditional way, in long houses, but we do have electricity and other stuff as well."

*He continues to work at the horses deftly avoiding their impatient splashing*

''These lands I have come to like as if they were my own.'' Andrea said.

''Not to be a jerk or anything but how many horses are on the washing quota?'' Andrea asked Verband nicely.

Andrea keeps working until she has washed many horses. ''Verband,do you want to ride together-you,me,Sonne,and Kel?'' Andrea asked as she wanted to make friends with the three.

*Verband stop s and looks at her*

"Oh love them like your own eh?"

*He continues to groom the horses*

"Yeah I supose we could let you ride with us, we usually do after we've finished."

*Sonne throws a brush at him, which misses by a fraction"

"Stop it Verband, you are being so rude!"

*Verband stop s and looks at her*

"Oh love them like your own eh?"

*He continues to groom the horses*

"Yeah I supose we could let you ride with us, we usually do after we've finished."

*Sonne throws a brush at him, which misses by a fraction"

"Stop it Verband, you are being so rude!"

''I meant I love these lands as if they were my homeland as I am deeply patriotic of my own homeland.'' Andrea said sternly.

''Verbond,Sonne is right. You are being too rude to me.'' Andrea said nicely.

She continues to groom the horses as Verband is.

''Thanks for allowing me to ride with you.'' Andrea said as she begins to groom her own horse as well.

''Verband,other than this,does your family have other jobs?'' Andrea asked politely.

She continues to work with the three while waiting for a reply.

*Verband shrugs*

"Our duty is to look after the horses, this is not the only herd, we tend them, care for thier needs and make sure that they are fit and healthy. It is more than enough to do."

*Finishing the last horse, he throws the brush to Kel, who catches it a returns it to a bag, he then takes hold of the horses mane and jumps onto it's back.*

"Well? when you're ready then...."

*Verband shrugs*

"Our duty is to look after the horses, this is not the only herd, we tend them, care for thier needs and make sure that they are fit and healthy. It is more than enough to do."

*Finishing the last horse, he throws the brush to Kel, who catches it a returns it to a bag, he then takes hold of the horses mane and jumps onto it's back.*

"Well? when you're ready then...."

Andrea mounts her horse as well.

''I am ready,my friend.'' Andrea says to Verband while fixing her outfit and saddle.

As they began riding,Andrea turns her head to Verband and says ''Do you wish to talk about something while we ride through this land?''

Andrea then looks at the Sun and states ''It is hot out here but I can handle it.'' as she takes off her helmet.

Then she continues to ride her horse,admiring Nature as she rides past the forests and wildlife.

*With Kel and Sonne just behind them, Verband rides for a while in silence.
He leads them into the dense woodland which is cool and shaded against the sun*

"Tell me about your home then? What is it like?"

*With Kel and Sonne just behind them, Verband rides for a while in silence.
He leads them into the dense woodland which is cool and shaded against the sun*

"Tell me about your home then? What is it like?"

''My homeland is a Kingdom of all Scandinavia,from the fjords of Norway to the forests of Finland to the hot springs of Iceland. It is a very nice and peaceful land,Greenland is very cold sometimes but we can handle it. We are a diverse people. We have groups like Inuit,Swedes,Finns,and several other Nordic groups. Anything else you wish to know about my homeland?'' Andrea said nicely concerning Verband's question.

''Verband,thanks for finding this shade.'' Andrea said as she fed her horse a treat.

''Anything else you wish to chat about?'' Andrea asked politely.

Then she took a flower from the forest and put it on her outfit. ''A nice flower always does good.'' Andrea stated.

*Verband allows himself to smile as she places the flower on her lapel*

"You have quite a diverse population, here we have mostly one peoples divided into clans all are here to serve the Valkyrja and Odin of course, through them."

*He looks around and realises that they have lost Kel and Sonne somewhere along the way*

"Ah well, they'll either catch up or head off somewhere else and that means all the more for us."

*He dismounts form his horse and pulls the sack that he has been carrying from off his shoulder, holding it casually as he looks around for a suitable spot.
He sees the perfect place.
A smooth and soft moss covered area under a large open canopied tree, which allows enough dappled sun through to allow it to be warm enough to sit under*

"Yes perfect....."

*He bows a low bow, then stands, his hand raised to help her down from her mount*

"If you have not yet eaten M'Lady, would you care to join me in my meagre meal?"

*Verband allows himself to smile as she places the flower on her lapel*

"You have quite a diverse population, here we have mostly one peoples divided into clans all are here to serve the Valkyrja and Odin of course, through them."

*He looks around and realises that they have lost Kel and Sonne somewhere along the way*

"Ah well, they'll either catch up or head off somewhere else and that means all the more for us."

*He dismounts form his horse and pulls the sack that he has been carrying from off his shoulder, holding it casually as he looks around for a suitable spot.
He sees the perfect place.
A smooth and soft moss covered area under a large open canopied tree, which allows enough dappled sun through to allow it to be warm enough to sit under*

"Yes perfect....."

*He bows a low bow, then stands, his hand raised to help her down from her mount*

"If you have not yet eaten M'Lady, would you care to join me in my meagre meal?"

''Sure,I would like to join you in your meagre meal.'' Andrea said taking Verband's hand and dismounting from her horse.

As Andrea sits down under the tree,she looks at Verband and says ''Do you need any help setting up your meal?''

Andrea bows a bow and then sits down again.

''Verband,what good food shall we be dining on today?'' Andrea said eagerly.

''This is the perfect spot. It is warm here and it gives us a shade so we can eat our meal.'' Andrea said happily.

''Your nation and its people are very interesting to learn about.'' Andrea stated.

*Verband grins and pulling out a small cloth from the sack, he lays it on the ground*

"Oh no m'lady, you rest and I will serve you."

*Andrea can see that he is playing with her by the way he speaks. She watches as he pulls out bread, cheeses and a roasted chicken, along with a stone bottle of mead.*

"Please help yourself, I will be back in a moment."

*He gets up and disapears into the woodlands, only to return a few minutes later with wild strawberries that he has picked.*

"What? Not hungry?"

*Without ceremony he tears a leg from the chicken and begins to eat*

*Verband grins and pulling out a small cloth from the sack, he lays it on the ground*

"Oh no m'lady, you rest and I will serve you."

*Andrea can see that he is playing with her by the way he speaks. She watches as he pulls out bread, cheeses and a roasted chicken, along with a stone bottle of mead.*

"Please help yourself, I will be back in a moment."

*He gets up and disapears into the woodlands, only to return a few minutes later with wild strawberries that he has picked.*

"What? Not hungry?"

*Without ceremony he tears a leg from the chicken and begins to eat*

''Of course I am hungry.'' Andrea said kindly.

Andrea takes some of the chicken,some of the cheeses and bread and makes a sandwich of some sorts and begins to eat it.

''This food is very good.'' Andrea said politely.

Andrea then drinks from the mead and says ''That is a good drink. Great choice.''

''Thank you for the food. I will remember this generosity.'' Andrea said happily,finishing her food and then grabbing her own leg of the chicken and begins to eat it.

*Verband seems impressed that she does not stand on ceremony as she tucks in and eats, often visitors to this part of the country had so many airs and graces that it almots made him feel sick with shame for them. He drinks the Mead and passes the bottle back to her, then leans back his arms behind his head.*

"Careful of that mead mind, it's strong and has a habit of creaping up on the unwary"

*Verband seems impressed that she does not stand on ceremony as she tucks in and eats, often visitors to this part of the country had so many airs and graces that it almots made him feel sick with shame for them. He drinks the Mead and passes the bottle back to her, then leans back his arms behind his head.*

"Careful of that mead mind, it's strong and has a habit of creaping up on the unwary"

Andrea drinks a little mead and then gives it back to Verband.
''Thanks for the tip.'' Andrea said as she finished the slices of cheese she chose to eat.
''Verband,what shall we do after we are finished this meal?'' Andrea asked while eating her piece of chicken.
Andrea breaks off some bread and throws it up in the air and catches it with her mouth and eats it.
''I like to do that. Sorry if it offends you.'' Andrea said nicely.
Then she finished her food and went and made another sandwich with the bread,chicken and cheese and began to eat the new sandwich she made for herself.
''Verband,thank you for allowing me to eat this food and to help you in your work and all the other things.'' Andrea said happily as she ate.

*His eyes closed against the sun flickering against the leaves, he smiles lazily*

"We rest of course what more is there to do on a day like today in such a lovley place?"

*He raises his arm in invite*

"Come, Lay here, you can use my arm as a pillow if you want"

*His eyes closed against the sun flickering against the leaves, he smiles lazily*

"We rest of course what more is there to do on a day like today in such a lovley place?"

*He raises his arm in invite*

"Come, Lay here, you can use my arm as a pillow if you want"

Andrea lays her head on Verband's arm and puts her hands on her chest.
''Thank you. I do need a rest so I will rest for a while.'' Andrea said politely.
Andrea turns to Verband and says ''You can lay down too. We can watch the clouds together.''
Then she begins her session of cloud-watching.
''Isn't Nature beautiful,yet Man has a need(Pollution,etc) to destroy it.'' Andrea stated as she watched the clouds.
''Verband,thank you for being nice to me. I shall remember this day.'' Andrea said to Verband as she was resting.

*Verband squeezes her shoulder*

"I must admit, the way you came charging into OUR home demanding to know who we were, didn't give me much of a good impression of you, yet you were willing to help with the horses and you seem almost pleasant now......He turns to her his hair flopping down across one eye and grins at her....Only almost though!"

*Verband squeezes her shoulder*

"I must admit, the way you came charging into OUR home demanding to know who we were, didn't give me much of a good impression of you, yet you were willing to help with the horses and you seem almost pleasant now......He turns to her his hair flopping down across one eye and grins at her....Only almost though!"

''I did not mean to charge into your home. I only wanted to know what the noises I heard were about.'' Andrea said looking at Verband.

''I was willing to help with the horses because I like to help others and I like horses.'' Andrea said happily.

''What can I do to be more pleasant then?'' Andrea asked nicely lifting her head a little.

''Why are you squeezing my shoulder?'' Andrea asked politely looking at Verband.

Andrea was somewhat nervous but she was ready to deal with whatever came her way.

"Whoa! It's just a friendly gesture!"

*Verband lifted his hand away from her*

"Don't worry I'm not about to steal your virtue"

*He sighed*

"Sorry, perhaps I was a little over friendly, I didn't mean offence, I someitmes forget that other peoples aren't the same as we are and our customs are not thiers."

"He sits up and moves away from her slightly*

"Whoa! It's just a friendly gesture!"

*Verband lifted his hand away from her*

"Don't worry I'm not about to steal your virtue"

*He sighed*

"Sorry, perhaps I was a little over friendly, I didn't mean offence, I someitmes forget that other peoples aren't the same as we are and our customs are not thiers."

"He sits up and moves away from her slightly*

''That is fine. I respect your decision.'' Andrea said.
''Verband,you can stay close with me here if you want. I don't mind.'' Andrea said kindly.
''I know it is a friendly gesture. I am not a cautious girl.'' Andrea said in a polite way.
Andrea then stood up and put her back against the tree and decided to think to herself.
''Do you want to talk about something?'' Andrea asked nicely.

*Verband lookes at her, she looked so beautiful stood there against the roughness of the tree with the sun dappling her face.
He smiled gently and walked towards her then leaning on the tree by her head he bent foraward and kissed her gently on the lips.*

"Now thats better than talking any day"

*He kissed her again*

*Verband lookes at her, she looked so beautiful stood there against the roughness of the tree with the sun dappling her face.
He smiled gently and walked towards her then leaning on the tree by her head he bent foraward and kissed her gently on the lips.*

"Now thats better than talking any day"

*He kissed her again*

''I did not know you liked me in that way.'' Andrea said,tooken back from the kisses.
Then Andrea returned the kisses and kissed him two times.
''Do you love me in this way(Romantic relationship)?'' Andrea said after kissing him.
''I feel good right now. You can kiss me again if you want.'' Andrea said as she gave him a Eskimo Kiss.
''If you love me,I will love you too for you are a good,nice,handsome man.'' Andrea said.
''I do want you to meet my father,King Erik I as well.'' Andrea said happily.
Then Andrea embraced him and then laid down on the grass and looked at ants and their daily tasks on the ground.

*Verband listened to this with his mouth open, he watched her sit down then lay on the grass. For a moment quite speechless. Finally after some moments he spoke*

"Andrea, we have only just met, how can you ask me if I love you?"

*Exasperated he sits next to her and when she does not moved her holds her by the shoulders and turns her round to face him and sees the inocence on her face.*

By all that is holy and good the girl actually thinks believes what she's just said....

"Andrea, I gave you a friendly kiss"

*He kissed her gently again*

"That was all, it had no romantic intentions in it, that sort of kiss is entirely different."

*Verband listened to this with his mouth open, he watched her sit down then lay on the grass. For a moment quite speechless. Finally after some moments he spoke*

"Andrea, we have only just met, how can you ask me if I love you?"

*Exasperated he sits next to her and when she does not moved her holds her by the shoulders and turns her round to face him and sees the inocence on her face.*

By all that is holy and good the girl actually thinks believes what she's just said....

"Andrea, I gave you a friendly kiss"

*He kissed her gently again*

"That was all, it had no romantic intentions in it, that sort of kiss is entirely different."

Andrea looked at Verband and began to reply.

''Verband,what kind of kiss(es) what it then?'' Andrea asked concerning the kiss(es).

''I don't know if he loves me or not,I have to find out. I won't pressure him.'' Andrea thought to herself.

''I asked if you loved me because you were kissing me.'' Andrea said.

Then she climbed the tree and looked around the area,trying to spot places like the lodge for example and admiring Nature.

*Varband sighed*

"Come down from that dmaned tree so that I can talk to you!"

*He watched her climbing down, she was the most unusual young woman he had ever met, he shrugged and put it down to a sheltered life.
When she was back on the ground, he stood in front of her and took her hands in his and looked into her eyes.*

This is just in the interests of further education, he reasoned to himself.

"Look....this is a friendly kiss, one that friends give to each other as a sign of affection."
*He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips*

"And this is a 'romantic' kiss, the type that lovers give to each other."
*Coughing for a moment not quite sure that he should be doing this, he inwardly shrugs, takes her by the waist and pulls her close to him and kisses her, passionately, mouth slightly open, long and hard.
He continues for a moment and then stops and grins, slightly red faced and trying to look casual, not realising that he is still holding onto her.*

"See the difference now?"

*Varband sighed*

"Come down from that dmaned tree so that I can talk to you!"

*He watched her climbing down, she was the most unusual young woman he had ever met, he shrugged and put it down to a sheltered life.
When she was back on the ground, he stood in front of her and took her hands in his and looked into her eyes.*

This is just in the interests of further education, he reasoned to himself.

"Look....this is a friendly kiss, one that friends give to each other as a sign of affection."
*He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips*

"And this is a 'romantic' kiss, the type that lovers give to each other."
*Coughing for a moment not quite sure that he should be doing this, he inwardly shrugs, takes her by the waist and pulls her close to him and kisses her, passionately, mouth slightly open, long and hard.
He continues for a moment and then stops and grins, slightly red faced and trying to look casual, not realising that he is still holding onto her.*

"See the difference now?"

''That was good,I guess.'' Andrea stated in a nervous way.
''I see the difference now,my friend.'' Andrea said nicely.
''I don't know what to make of him. I will study this situation more.'' she thought to herself.
''What shall we do then? I don't know what else to say about the kissing and so on.'' Andrea stated.
''Verband,I am sorry if I offended you. I am only confused,that is all.'' Andrea said somewhat nervous.
''I am confused because of the kissing,I did not know whether those first ones were friendly or romantic or something.'' Andrea said politely but somewhat nervously as well.

OOC-I don't know if I should be replying to this post. If I can,is this good?

OOC

AAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaarrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
I wish there was an easier way of logging in and out of soddin' jolt!
Odins forgiven is my other nation, apologies for the confusion.


*Verband looks at her, she seemed so vunerable and as confused about her feelings as he was his.
He smiles at her and wraps his arms around her tightly.*

"I'm as confused about it all as you are, I think we had better try that again."

*Verband looks at her, she seemed so vunerable and as confused about her feelings as he was his.
He smiles at her and wraps his arms around her tightly.*

"I'm as confused about it all as you are, I think we had better try that again."

''Did you say you want to try kissing me again?'' Andrea asked politely.
''You can if you want,since you want to try it again possibly.'' Andrea stated.
''Verband,you are a good man but if you want a relationship,I don't know about that.'' Andrea said nervously.
''I am so confused about this. I don't know what to do.'' Andrea exclaimed.
Then Andrea looks at Verband and waits for a response from him.

*Verband looks into Andreas eyes, trying to find something that might or might not be there, he makes to speak, but no words come. Instead he kisses her again, holding her head in his hands, hoping that she would realise that this was not just a friendly kiss.*

*Verband looks into Andreas eyes, trying to find something that might or might not be there, he makes to speak, but no words come. Instead he kisses her again, holding her head in his hands, hoping that she would realise that this was not just a friendly kiss.*

''Do you love me in this way(Romantic relationship)?'' Andrea asked looking at Verband.
''I know that was not a friendly kiss. It was a romantic one.'' Andrea said.
''Verband,I might be having feelings for you. Do you have feelings for me?'' Andrea stated.
''Verband,you are more nice to me than before.'' Andrea said nicely.
Then Andrea gives him a kiss and a embrace and then waits for a reply.

*Verband looks thoughtful for a moment.*

"I'm not sure what I feel is love Andrea, perhaps more fascination?
Oh I just don't know......first I dispise you and now I'm standing here gaizing into your eyes wanting to kiss you again."

*He sighs and looks away from her for a moment. Then picks up her hand and kisses it gently.*

"Perhaps this is just.....Perhaps we should just, well just wait a little first?"

*Verband looks thoughtful for a moment.*

"I'm not sure what I feel is love Andrea, perhaps more fascination?
Oh I just don't know......first I dispise you and now I'm standing here gaizing into your eyes wanting to kiss you again."

*He sighs and looks away from her for a moment. Then picks up her hand and kisses it gently.*

"Perhaps this is just.....Perhaps we should just, well just wait a little first?"

''Yes,we should wait a little first. I don't want to rush this.'' Andrea said.
''You are fascinated by me,Verband?'' Andrea asked.
''Do you want to meet my father,King Erik I? I am sure he'll like you.'' Andrea stated eagerly.
''Verband,what shall we do now?'' Andrea asked.
''You can tell me what you feel. I don't mind.'' Andrea stated.
Then she looked at him with a polite smile and waited for him to respond.

*Verband still holds her hand in his he still searches her face looking for something, even a hint, but what he finds is an aloufness that hides her feelings. Still not certain of his footing he smiles trying to mask the thoughts running through his head.*

I wish I could look into minds as the Valkyrja can do, to know peoples true feelings and to know what to do next......well if it would be right to do what I would like to do next.....
Damn it! If this was a girl from the next village I would be able to tell, but she not and I don't know where I stand or what she is expecting.....
I'm a man for Odins sake and the Children of Valkyrja don't hold back when it comes to showing their attraction towards others nor what happens between them when they do...
OH this is hard!

*Realising that Andrea is standing looking at him waiting for some kind of reply he blusters out an answer*

"Errrrrrmmmmmmm yes that would be nice."

What in Hel's name does that mean you moron! Now you're talking giberish!

*Verband still holds her hand in his he still searches her face looking for something, even a hint, but what he finds is an aloufness that hides her feelings. Still not certain of his footing he smiles trying to mask the thoughts running through his head.*

I wish I could look into minds as the Valkyrja can do, to know peoples true feelings and to know what to do next......well if it would be right to do what I would like to do next.....
Damn it! If this was a girl from the next village I would be able to tell, but she not and I don't know where I stand or what she is expecting.....
I'm a man for Odins sake and the Children of Valkyrja don't hold back when it comes to showing their attraction towards others nor what happens between them when they do...
OH this is hard!

*Realising that Andrea is standing looking at him waiting for some kind of reply he blusters out an answer*

"Errrrrrmmmmmmm yes that would be nice."

What in Hel's name does that mean you moron! Now you're talking giberish!

''Verband,I like you but I don't know yet if I love you.'' Andrea said nervously.
''We will stay here for a while before we go. I need to rest still.'' Andrea stated.
''Verband,you are indeed a handsome and caring man and I respect you.'' Andrea exclaimed.
''Is something wrong? You don't look well.'' Andrea said somewhat upset.
Then Andrea laid on the grass and began to think to herself.
''My feelings for you are great. I do like you but I don't know if I love you yet.'' Andrea said brushing her hair back as she was thinking to herself.
''I don't know what to do. I hope the Heavens can help me.'' Andrea thought before closing her eyes to take a nap.

*Under the pretext of checking the horses, Verband waites until she has settled herself and is laying with her eyes closed.
He quietly sits beside her cross legged, looking at her peaceful face, gently moving the hair away from it.
He smiles and then laying next to her carefully lays his hand across her waist and rests himself.*

*Under the pretext of checking the horses, Verband waites until she has settled herself and is laying with her eyes closed.
He quietly sits beside her cross legged, looking at her peaceful face, gently moving the hair away from it.
He smiles and then laying next to her carefully lays his hand across her waist and rests himself.*

After her nap,Andrea woke up and looked at Verband.
''Verband,Do you love me or have any feelings for me? I don't want to offend you,I just would like to know. You have been kissing me like lovers do a lot.'' Andrea said politely.
Then Andrea began to do some streching and some Yoga,etc.
''I need to exercise to keep myself in shape.'' Andrea said while doing Yoga poses.
''Verband,if you have anything to say,just say it. I won't laugh or anything.'' Andrea said nicely.
''Verband,do you want to do something together till I have to go back to my father's home lodge and you have to go to yours with Sonne and Kel?'' Andrea stated.

*Watching her move he almost feels his heart in his mouth*

Oh I know what I would like to do m'lady, if you were willing.......

*Unable to take his eyes off her, he smiles and blushes a little at the thoughts running through his mind*

"I don't have anywhere to be or anything that I must do for the rest of the day, so I am yours, what would you like to do?"

*Watching her move he almost feels his heart in his mouth*

Oh I know what I would like to do m'lady, if you were willing.......

*Unable to take his eyes off her, he smiles and blushes a little at the thoughts running through his mind*

"I don't have anywhere to be or anything that I must do for the rest of the day, so I am yours, what would you like to do?"

''I am willing. What do you want to do when you said Oh I know what I would like to do m'lady, if you were willing?'' Andrea asked nicely.

''I would like to do the thing you mentioned when you said Oh I know what I would like to do m'lady, if you were willing.'' Andrea said.

Then Andrea straighten herself up and went to Verband and patted him on the head before waiting for a reply.

What the......

*Verband's mouth drops open and his face changes to the deapest shade of crimson.*

"How......Did I say that out loud?.....You can read my thoughts?....Oh by Odins beards.....I errrrr.....I......"

What the......

*Verband's mouth drops open and his face changes to the deapest shade of crimson.*

"How......Did I say that out loud?.....You can read my thoughts?....Oh by Odins beards.....I errrrr.....I......"

''Is something wrong,Verband?'' Andrea asked worried.
''Did I say something bad to you?'' Andrea stated nervously.
''You can do what you wanted to do.'' Andrea said as she looked upset,fearing something was wrong.
''Verband,your face is turning crimson coloured. Something must be wrong.'' Andrea exclaimed.
Then she waited for a reply as she became more worried.

"Ermmmmmm.......but you read my thoughts!"

*Standing up Verband puts his hands out and steadies himself, he takes a deep breath.
He stands close to Andrea and holds her hands in his again, making sure that she is looking at him and that she understands.*

"You do know what I am referring to do you not my lady?"

"Ermmmmmm.......but you read my thoughts!"

*Standing up Verband puts his hands out and steadies himself, he takes a deep breath.
He stands close to Andrea and holds her hands in his again, making sure that she is looking at him and that she understands.*

"You do know what I am referring to do you not my lady?"

''My father says I can read many people's thoughts. Even his own.'' Andrea mentioned.
''I do know what you are referring to. I accept it and I am willing to do it.'' Andrea said.
''Just start it and we will begin,my close friend.'' Andrea stated.
''I understand what you said. I know what you are referring to. You can begin it now if you wish.'' Andrea stated before waiting for a reply.

"You say this as though you have no feeling on the matter, to make love to someone should be special and have feeling, I'm not sure about this, I feel as though I am taking advantage."

"You say this as though you have no feeling on the matter, to make love to someone should be special and have feeling, I'm not sure about this, I feel as though I am taking advantage."

''I do have feeling on the matter. I accept it because I have feelings for you. I know it should be special and have feeling. You are not taking advantage. I have just not done,you know(make love) before.'' Andrea said.

*Verband looks at Andrea, he studies her for a long time, then holds her in a close embrace, not knowing what to say or do.
He had feeling for her, but were his feelings enough to take away something that should be most precious to her.
He reached deep inside of himself and tried to work out if this was right or wrong, but the answers weren't there.
He kissed her tenderly and tired to show that he was honoured and moved by what she had said.*

"It is not a light step you take Andrea, I am like a stranger to you, I could use you and walk away without a second thought. Are you sure you want this?"

*Verband looks at Andrea, he studies her for a long time, then holds her in a close embrace, not knowing what to say or do.
He had feeling for her, but were his feelings enough to take away something that should be most precious to her.
He reached deep inside of himself and tried to work out if this was right or wrong, but the answers weren't there.
He kissed her tenderly and tired to show that he was honoured and moved by what she had said.*

"It is not a light step you take Andrea, I am like a stranger to you, I could use you and walk away without a second thought. Are you sure you want this?"

''Yes. I do want to do this. If you do use me and walk away,I will accept full responsiblity. I am ready for this. I am sure I want to do this. I am ready to do this with you,Verband.'' Andrea said.

''I know it is not a light step. You are not like a stranger to me that much. I know you could use me and walk away without a second thought. I am sure I want to do this and if you do as I said before,use me and walk away without a second thought,I will accept it as it would be my fault.'' Andrea stated.

*He concidered what she had said*

"Very well, if this is what you choose, I know a beautiful secluded spot not far from here, where the air is filled with the smell of wild flowers and the grass is soft and green. It will, I hope, make your first time memorable for you."

*Sweeping her up in his arms he kisses her cheek and walks deeper into the forest.*

*He concidered what she had said*

"Very well, if this is what you choose, I know a beautiful secluded spot not far from here, where the air is filled with the smell of wild flowers and the grass is soft and green. It will, I hope, make your first time memorable for you."

*Sweeping her up in his arms he kisses her cheek and walks deeper into the forest.*

''Thank you for everything you have done for me.'' Andrea said smiling.
''This is so romantic,the way you are carrying me to the area.'' Andrea stated joyfully.
''I do want you to start it please. If you want to.'' Andrea exclaimed.
''You are a great man,Verband. If you wanted me to,I would spend my life with you.'' Andrea said nicely.