NationStates Jolt Archive

The ritual began as Skadi and Harold dressed finely began to walk down the center of the garden till the traditional setting for Norse wedding surrounded by flowers and a lake nearby it was truly a beautiful place to be especially since the sun was shinning right through the trees making a beautiful array of light above them.

Harold had conscented to Skadi's wish for a traditional wedding of her people and few were in attendance.

("You can keep the pomp and ceremony for my official recognition as Empress my love", she had reasoned, "But for our joining together, we will do it in the old and traditional ways of my family and my ancestors")

Brusca, dressed in ceremonial garb suitable for the occasion, a long white dress, ornate golden breast plate and the traditional winged helm of the Valkyrja watches as Harold and Skadi walked towards her.
She, as official representative of Odin will perform the joining.

To the right stands Lord Grendel, Skadi's proud father and leader of his nation of Berserkers, a huge bear of a man with long hair and braided beard. He is dressed in traditional fashion, but his clothes are made of the finest cloth and fur.

By his side stands his chief aid and Warhost, dressed in full armour, in his arms he carries a heavy bearskin.

To Brusca's left, two of Harold's men stand, dressed in fine robes, waiting to serve their Emperor.

OCC: Wedding rings okay?

Harold said," My love the gods themselves have brought us together and by them my our love last and our lives bonded."

As his daughter aproaches him, Grendel steps forward and takes her hand.
He envelopes her with his arms and kisses her lightly on the forehead.

"I am proud of you my daughter", he says as he walks her over to Brusca's side.

He then, begins to take off her jewellery placing it in a coffer by his feet and disrobing her of her heavy and richly embroidered robes, head dress and boots, until she is left dressed only in a simple unbleached linen shift, her long golden hair untied falling to her waist in thick waves and curls.

He again smiles at Skadi then turns to Harold and bows.

"Emperor, My daughter comes to you without wealth or adornment with only her love for you to give. Will you do the same for her?"

OOC rings are fine.

Harold responds," I will."

He takes off his jewelry, ormanted swords, and even his crown.

Then Harold says," I go to you without my wealth, power, and my crown, but only with my love for you."

Lord Grendel grunts in agreement and steps back picking up the coffer as he does so.

Brusca steps forward adn draws the two to her.
As she does so, a Raven flies down and settles as gracefully as it can on her shoulder, holding in it's beak a golden cord.

As though she is well used to the raven doing this she takes the chord from it and steps towards the couple.

She addresses Harold first.

"Emperor, you have expressed a desire to be joined with Skadi, daughter of Lord Grendel, leader of his nation. How will you convince us that you wish to marry for love and honour?"

"For I love her with all my might, heart, and soul," Harold responded.

OCC: Sorry for it taking so long for me to rp.

Brusca pauses and when Harold has finished she turns and speaks quietly to Lord Grendel. After a moment he smiles and nods.
She repeats the action with Skadi who mirrors her fathers actions.

Returning to her position she speaks openly to Skadi so that all can hear.

"Skadi, you have expressed a desire to be joined with Harold, Emperor of this proud nation. How will you convince us that you wish to marry for love and honour?"

****
Skadi Looks into Harolds eyes, pausing for a moment then speaks as clearly as she can.

"Harold, the moment I saw you, I lost my heart to you.
When you sang to me and I gazed into your eyes, I lost my soul to you.
We have been together for just a short time, but in that time you have seen the dark side of me and you have allowed me to see the darkness within you. But we have also seen the bright light that we both hold and we have shared that too.
I have nothing left to give to you but my devotion and that now I would give if you wish it, because without you I am just a hollow shell."

****
Brusca waites for Skadi to finish, then turns and speaks to Harold's Nobleman, who nods.
She then speaks quietly to Harold.

"You have heard what Skadi has to say, do you accept that her words are true and do you accept her as your wife as she has accepted you to be her husband?"

Harold responds joyfully," Yes I do and I shall accept with every part of me and do all I can for her."

Even though Brusca is trying to be sombre, as the occasion dictates, she cannot help but smile at Harold's steadfast and resolute reply. She smiles kindly at him and squeezes his arm, then whispers.

"I really think that you will do Harold, I really think you will."

She then turns and addresses all present.

"Those who are here have witnessed that both Harold and Skadi's words have been accepted as truth and there is now no objection, from either parties to them being joined as one. They will now give each other tokens of their love and loyalty and as is our custom, Skadi will be the first."

She steps to Skadi and hands her two items.

****

Skadi, filled with emotion tries to hold back the tears, but fails as one after another falls silently down her face.
She takes the two items from Brusca and turns to Harold.

The first she holds out and shows Harold. A large long black bear claw, clamped in a plain silver clasp and attached to a simple leather thong. She places it over his head and around his neck.

"This is a gift from my people, it is one of the few remaining claws form the bear that turned my ancestors into Berserkers and is a symbol of strength and vitality that only the most noble can wear."

She then takes hold of his hand and places a ring upon his finger.
The rings is made of three bands of metal, gold, silver and bronze. It has Runes calved into the central silver band.

"This is a ring that has been fashioned for you to show my love and loyalty, may you always wear it with the pride that I have in giving it to you"

.Harold responds humbly," I thank you for this great gift that you, your father, and your nation bestow me and I shall always wear with great pride and honor."

Harold continues," And for you I present this crown for you as the new empress of these lands. This crown is made from treasures and jewels from the Imperial Jewels and many of jewels are more than one thousand years old the massive jewel from the center in legend comes from a meteorite and is the only one it's kind upon the earth."

The crown is made of pure gold and the base of it from pure white gold and the many engagements and ornamentations of platinum. The crown is decorated with many diamonds, gems, rubies, opals, sapphires, and emeralds of the greatest beauty and the finest quality.

Skadi accepts the crown and looks deap into Harolds eyes.
I love you Harold, with all my heart and body a soul...

****
Their attention is brought back by Bruscas voice, she is holding the gold cord that the Raven had given her, still perched on her shoulder it fixes them both with it's yellow eyes.
Brusca holds the cord for all to see.

"The vows have been said and the gifts of love and loyalty have been given, now shall these two be bound together."

She steps forward and lifts Skadi's right hand and Harolds left, then their hands clasped together binds them.

"This cord is to stay around your wrist and hand for a night and a day, if it remains as it is now and is not unbound then you have proved that you can work as one and will be forever as one."

She looks to the sky and then back at the two.

"Odin himself has sent this golden cord as a gift and a reminder to you both. He will be watching and has blessed this union.
Now, until this time tomorow, your duties to your people are over and you will do as you please until we again sit judgement upon you this time tomorow."

She bows deaply to them both, then to Grendal and his Warhost, then the two nobles who have stood for Harold.

"Gentlemen, my duties are fulfilled for the time being, it is now our job to celebrate this union and ensure they do not become undone."

Harold began to sing the fairest and most gloroius song," Anos onamr reanmray mesar nearea mans chnuam richea menace aruans tenas mona reain muchnia naya mona ricka mosearuna."

And lost in it's beauty Skadi listens transfixed, not noticing that the others present have quietly left them to themselves.

After finishing his song Harold says to the crowd," Now let us begin the celebrations."

Two servants show them to a great field full of decroations and fine seating for them all and tents to shade them.

*Grendel rubs his hands together*

"Ahhhhhhh.........this is better, now we drink and feast and celebrate"

*He slaps Harold on the back*

"And we make sure you two don't get loose from each other!"

Harold laughs and says," What do you prefer beer, mead, or wine."

Brusca, now without her armour, her hair unbraided, catched up with Grendal and sneaks under his arm, wrapping it around her shoulders.

"I think they are a good match Lord Grendel, better than I have seen in a long while and well worth celebrating!"

"On my daughters special day? All three my lad and plenty of it! I hear that you have good and tasty boar here abouts, I hope you have some ready for me to sample."

*He laughs as Skadi raises her hand to her head and almost smacks Harold in the face with their bound hands.*

"You only have to last for a night and a day daughter, try not to kill the lad before you are properly joined!"

Harold said to Lord Grendal," We have boar here that me and your daughter killed when we went hunting."

*Grendel laughs*

"Ahhhhh.....I thought it wouldn't have been long before she dragged you out hunting. I trust that it was a good enough hunt to keep her occupied?"

*He pulls Skadi towards him and squeezes her*

"My daughter is a brave fighter and skilled huntress, use her skills she will serve you well"

Harold answers," Your daugther is truly a skilled huntress and brave figther, I am sure you are the one who taught her all of her moves."

Skadi blushes at the compliments that are being bandied around her, but stood in between the two most important men in her life she is deliriously happy.

*Grendal laughs again*

"Well she did spend her first years on my knee in the councils of war and she has never been afraid to train with the men, but her skills of a huntress was taught to her by my very own wife, her mother. Sadly now gone to the great halls."

"Well she is a good mix of both of your skills a double threat within one person." Harold responds to him.

Skadi gives Harold a sideways glance and blushes.

"Ah you're right there and all to the good that I am rid of the vixen"

*Grendel winks at Harold and nudges Skadi as she punches him indignantly, to show that he didn't really mean that.*

Harold laughs and says," It seems that you a good sense of humor Grendal."

"There is a time for laughter, a time for tears and a time for anger and today my lad it is a time for happiness and laughter. My one and only daughter has left me and I am now free of her meddling and nagging."

Harold nods his head humoriously.

Brusca too looks at Skadi and winks, then glares at Grendel.

"Oh fear not Skadi I will look after your father, infact I will make it my business to call in often to check that he is behaving himself"

*Grendel panics for a moment, then realising that he too has now been the butt of a joke, gathers both women up in his arms and envelopes them in a huge bear hug. Unfortunatley Harold, attached to Skadi is almost dragged off his feet by the action.*

"Sorry lad, but my favourite women need to be held close now and then"

Harold says," Thank you Brusca he can't be trusted by himself i think not to go on some crazy adventure or something like that."

"That he would Emperor, that he would, but I have seen to it that he will be kept busy and out of mischief with regional matters, so Skadi will not have to worry."

"I thank you for this."

*Grendel looks hurt, only the twinkle in his eye shows that he is pretending*

"My men and I have served Odin well Brusca and you accuse us of mischief making? I am mortally wounded and the only thing that you can do now is to give me a hearty last meal and a flagon of ale before I die and beg to be taken to the great halls."

Brusca sighs.

"Emperor, would you please lead us to a table and feed this poor waif of a man before he starves?"

She links arms with Grendel and gestures that they will follow Harold and Skadi.

Harold shakes his head in response.

Harold and Skadi lead the way to an empty table, as requested there is no ceremony amongst the guests and all sit as equal, where they want without ceremony.
As they sit, Brusca is satisfied that Grendels Warhost has found several militery types to discuss his favourite subject.

*Grendal sits with Brusca opposite to Skadi and Harold, he takes the tankard of ale offered to him and drinks it in one, then takes and second, this time only drinking part of it.*

"Good ale Harold, my compliments, now I believe we have some business to attend to."

"Then let us start. What do you wish to converse about first?"

"Well, first I must decide on what to give you as a gift for taking my daughter off my hands, what are your terms should the binding hold?"

"The only thing I desire is friendship and an alliance between our two people's for both of our people's benefit."

*Grendel scratches his bearded chin and looks Harold in the eye a stern look on his face, then looks at Brusca, who nods her agreement.*

"You ask very little of us Emperor, but I agree and with the Valkyrja's permission, our region agrees to your terms. I have also asked our people if some of them wish to accompany Skadi and they have agreed. So if all goes to plan and your binding still holds on the morrow, then the nation of Grendels Gift will arrive in your region."

"I thank you greatly for this arrangement proposal."

"Then that is settled"

Skadi looks relieved and squeezes Harolds arm as she kisses him gently on the cheek. She lifts her right hand, lifting his left with it.

"Lets hope we can get through the next night and day then", she grins.

*The festivities carry on late into the evening until one by one the guests begin to depart. By early morning only Brusca, Grendel, Skadi and Harold remain with one or two servants quietly clearing away the remains of the feast.*

"You are indeed a benerous hoste Emperor Harold", He drains his tankard dry, " But I believe that it is time for myself and the most beautiful of all Valkyrja to leave yourself and Skadi to spend some time alone"

*He grins at them both*

"After all, how are you truely be going to be tested by the bindings with people reminding you of them all the time."

Brusca stands with Grendal.

"Come Lord Grendal I will escort you to your room"

She takes him by the arm and they hear her talking to him as they walk away.

"I'm an official guest here today, the last time I came, I stayed in the Army quarters, you've got to pop by and see the size of the bed they gave me Grendel, it's enoromous! Big enough to sleep all of the Valkyrja at once!"

As Bruscas chatter fades, Skadi and Harold find that they are infact the only ones left, even the servants have made a descrete exit.

Harold looks down into Skadi eyes and sees......

Many things.
A look of amusement at her fathers jokular behaviour and Bruscas discretion, a snese of relief that part of the ceremony was over and most of all the sheer delight at at last being alone again in Harolds company.

Harold says," To her what do you wish to do?"

She leans her head upon his shoulder looking up at the early morning sky, it is still dark and the stars are still fighting with the breaking dawn for their space in the heavens.

"To be with you wherever you are"

"I wish for that also."

She smiles up at him then kisses him tenderly a shiver running through her as she does so.

He then picks her up and twirls her around in the air.

She laughs with joy and kisses him again.

Then he throws her high up in ther air.

And realises too late that they are still bound together leaving them in a crumpled heap on the ground.

Skadi begins to laugh uncontrollably, her ribs aching as she tries not to make too much noise.

Harold laughs as well at this.

Finally she manages to stop and taking a deap breath she looks into his eyes.
I love you with all my heart, I have never felt happier
She pulls him to her and kisses him, allowing all her love and care flow from her and into his mind.

To Sinical: Firstly of all where did you come from your new nation shall be making friends not enemies in Nation States.

Secondly, are you just trying to tick people off?

Lastly, why in heaven's name did you make that kind of rp?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Harold looks into her eyes gently and lovingly.

OOC
For the same reason he has just made the last 12 of his errrrr.....12 posts inflamitry.
Hey, he even threatened someone on an OOC thread, so go figure....(?)

**************

IC
"It's getting cold my love, shall we go inside somewhere warm?"

"Lead on."

Skadi stands, but not very gracefully, trying to untangle her arm and dress with one hand while Harold wrestles to get up still tied to her.
She curses, then puts her hand to her mouth.

"OOPS Sorry, that wasn't very Empress like was it?"

Finally they manage to regain some dignity and they move off towards the palace. She shivvers slightly as the pre dawn cold works it's way through her thin linnen garb.

Harold laughs and then says humorsly," Don't worry, don't worry, it's okay."

As they enter the palace, Skadi becomes self concious, before they had a choice, they could stay with each other or go their seperate ways, but now they were bound together.
Harold can sense her confusion.

"errrrmmmmm what do we do now Harold?"

Harold says," Since we are now bound we should go to my quarters since they are the traditional quarters of the emperor and empress."

She smiles.

"It will take some getting used to, being called that.....You had better lead the way then."

He leads the way into a massive area that was a palace in itself. The rooms of it were finely decorated and furnished."

"Ah of course the place Valdra and I had breakfast with you.....That seems such a long long time ago now."

"You are it dones seem so long ago even though it was just a short time ago."

She smiles at him, remembering the confusion and jealousy that she had felt on that day and finally the pride she had felt in herself for speaking her mind.

"I knew we would truely be together from that day, even though I loved you long before then, as I do now."

She holds him close and kisses him.

"I thank for choosing to stay with me."

Her heart melts at those words, she looks at him, tears welling in her eyes.

"I could do no other, if I were not with you my whole life woulf be meaningless and my whole world would be dead"

"I am sorry for any pain I may have caused you."

"We all cause pain in our own way, but hopefully we learn and there will be no more between us."

She smiles

"I think we ahve both learned much form our short time together and we will continue to."

"We shall."

Skadi looks around the room they are in and then back to Harold.

"I'm not sure what to do now, I am too awake to sleep, the last few days have been.....strange and unfamiliar, I feel strange, I'm a little confused and daunted by all that is happening"

"I am going to take a bath if you wish to join me you may."

Skadi holds up her hand, Harolds with it and grins.

"Do I have any choice in the matter?"

"Yes you do."

She laughs

"and how may I ask?"

Harold laughs and then says," Do as you please."

She continues to laugh.

"Niether can do as we please until tomorow evening Harold, now are we having that bath or not? I could do with a long relaxing soak!"

"Sure."

She shakes her head.....

"Is there nothing you get worked up about?"

They make their way to the bathroom.


(TG sent)

Harold drwas the bath and they get re4laxed and bath then leave the bathroom.

"I'm so very tired now my love"

Skadi yawns, still having difficulties in stretching as they remain tethered together.

She leads him to his bed and pulls back the covers.
"Come, it's almost dawn and we have another busy day ahead of us."

With difficulty, they manage to get themselves comfortable.
Skadi laying with her head on his chest, allows herself top be lulled to sleep by the steady beating of his heart.

As they full asleep," You are part of my being and my life forever as our love for each other now binds us."

After a few hours of much needed rest Skadi wakes, she quietly and carefully moves away from Harold and gets out of bed.
She slips on the simple linnen dress that has been left out for her and brushes her hair as she makes her way to the bathroom.

Not until she reaches the doorway does she realise that there should have been something attached to her wrist......Harold.....

Frozen in fear and shock she turns and sees Horolds left hand laying acorss the pillow, the golden cord laying untied next to it.

By all that is holy! What in Odin's name are we going to do about this?

Harold wakes up laughing and says to Skadi," I managed to trick you I simply tied a longer cord to it."

"But you can't do that Harold......The bond has been broken....Do you realise what this means?"

Skadi's normally tanned skin is pail.

"No Harold, you have broken the bond....we were to be bonded together to prove that we could work as one...."

She put her hand to her mouth frantically trying to work out what to do to get out of the situation they were in.

"We'll have to lie.....it's the only way. Quick get dressed, unless of course you don't want me as a wife?".

Harold quickly got undressed.

OOC *LOL* Dressed man! DRESSED! *grins*

IC
Skadi hurridly finnished brushing her hair and dashed over to the bed, grabbing the Golden cord and grabbing Harolds hand again, desperatley tried to remember how Brusca had tied it.
With Harold's help she sort of managed, but not satisfied she took it off and started again, cursing under her breath as she did so.

Their second attempt was a little better, but still not right and shaking her head Skadi began to loosen the knot again, just as there was a knock on the door.

She looked at Harold panic stricken.
"It's time to leave and this isn't right! If it's noticed we will not be allowed to be married!"

Harold holds Skadi's hand and says to her while looking into Skadi's eyes deeply and lonignly," Relax."

She takes a deap breath and steadies herself.

"Well we'll just have to hope we can bluff our way through it......You do want to marry me don't you?"

"Yes I d want to marry you. We can proably bluff our way through plus if anyway begins to supsect anything I'll just draw their attention away using my mind powers."

"ON Brusca?"
She looks sceptical.
"I think that you know you can't do that Harold"

She shakes her head to loosen her hair, straightens her dress and holds his hand tightly.
"Nothing we can do about it now, lets go and try and forget about it while we have breakfast with everyone and then we'll worry about it when the time comes."

Harold walks to the door and opens it for her.

They walk to the dining hall where everyone is sitting eating and chatting.
As they enter the door way the room falls into silence and all rise to waite for them to be seated.

Skadi looks over at the table where her father, Brusca and Harolds two Nobles are sitting, two empty chairs between them.
She squeezes his hand tightly again.

Keep our hands under the table, act as naturally as two who have just speant their first night together can do and don't let anyone see how the cord is tied....

Harold leads her to their chairs which are taller and more ornate then the rest. He oulls out her chair for her.

She sits down and smiles nervously at Brusca and her father who are sat beside her.

Brusca looks over taking her look as coyness, as it seems the whole room are guessing what they should have been getting up to last night.

Thankfully her father is too distracted by a conversation with another to notice anything about her .... for the moment.

"I trust that everything is well and as it should be?"
Brusca says to Harold, giving him a slightly suspicious look as she pours Skadi a large cup of hot black coffee.

Harold responds," Everthing is well."

Brusca looks at Harold for a moment, then at Skadi, her eyes narrow for a second then she smiles.
"Good, then you had better eat drink and be merry, for later you will be wed."

****

As Brusca turns her attention back towards Grendel and his conversation, Skadi sighs with relief.
She squeezes Harold's hand again.
"I'm sure she knows something is up."

"I managed to look through your memories and found out how she exactly tied the string," he wispers in her ear as son no others can hear.

Skadi looks shocked.....
"Then she must have known and allowed you"
She looks visibly relieved and relaxes a little.
"As soon as we can we will have to slip away and retie it correctly"

She pick up her coffee and drinks, then realises that she can't STILL use her right hand, puts the cup down and reaches for a chunk of bread.

"Errrrrr....would you like to help me cut and butter this please my love?"

"Oh I'm sorry I miss heard you."
Her mind fills with panic again.
"That means that she either hasn't found out yet and may do, or she does know and she is waiting"

Skadi looks at the food in front of her, somehow she seems to have lost her appetite again.

(LOL you changed your post)

Skadi looks at Harold her eyes full of confusion.

"See? I am so confused I can't even understand what you're telling me....."

Harold kisses her and says," Sometimes life is better tp experince when you think you are or really are in peril."

"This sort of peril I could well do without......Give me one of your wild boar to wrestle bare handed rather than have to deal with Brusca!"

"What now you want to wrestle wild board I wouldn't recmmend to people below 6'6 and who are not extremly musclair?"

She looks at Harold and laughs.
"Compared to the wrath of a Valkyrja it would be a kitten!"

Harold laughs and then says," Ohh.... I actually thought you were seroius because in my country we actually wrestle wild boar."

She laughs again and kisses him on the forehead.

"Thankyou Harold, I feel much better....Now will you help me with this bread, I'm feeling hungry again!"

Harold gives her the bread after buttering and says," Here is your bread."

She smiles at him, she finds his politeness and etiquette wonderfully sweet, infact she finds everyhting about him ...... well.....just wonderful.

The breakfast party seems to go on for an eternity. Skadi eagre to get this damned knot retied finally finds an opertune moment for she and Harold to excuse themselves and amid a volley of lude remarks and whistles they make their way out of the dining hall and into the passage way.

For a moment Skadi stops and leans against the wall, relieved to be away.

The she stands and grabbing hold of Harolds tethered hand she pulls him doan the hall way to his rooms.

"Come on lets get this tied properly and see if we can get away with it."

He says," Let me retie it for I know how to do it."

He grads the knot reties in the exact same way that Brusca had tied it the day before.

Sitting on the bed she looks on as he ties the knot, then inspects it.
"You sure thats right?"

When he nods, she flops backwards onto the bed.

"Well we have a couple of hours to ourselves before the final part of the ceremony, if we go back now, they'll wonder whats wrong!"

Laying right next to her on the bed he says to her," What do you wish to do?"

She leans over and kisses him gently.......

He hugs hims and kisses her gently and passionetly.

"Hmmmmmmm.....it's nice these times alone, will we have much time after we are married though?"

Harold says to her,"Is there anything you want to do like take a walk, talk, go swimming, fish, or anthing else you want to do?"

She smiles at him and holds her hand up bringing his up with it.

"I would love to go swimming in that beautiful lake of yours, but it may be difficult. So it may have to just be a walk....or we could stay here?"

"We could go on a walk in the Imperial Gardens or just stay in my chambers."

She smiled.....
"Choices choices...what to do!"

"Chose what you want to do my love."

Skadi teases Harold, relieved that the knot has at last been properly tied, she feels in an impish mood.....

"Well we could go for a walk...........?"

She looks at him, her eyes twinkling.

"Or we could go back to our guests and have them make the usual comments on accasions such as this?"

She kisses him lightly on the cheek.

"What do you wish to do my beloved?"

She poutes and pretends to sulk.
"Oh I hate men who can't be riled"

She looks at him for a moment.
"Come on lets go for a walk......and if anyone sees us then it's your doing!"

He goes up to her and hugs her passiontely as if he had just been joking with her that entire time.

Skadi slaps him playfully on the shoulder.

"Oh you! I might have guessed! As if you would prefer a walk in the gardens to a visit to your private rooms"

She pushes him, but as he steps back she has to move with him. She wraps her free arm around him and hugs him close.

Harold picks her high up with his one free arm that is avaible to him.

She holds onto him, looking into his eyes.

Harold kisses her holding her in his arm.

She looks at him, a wicked smile on her face and gleam in her eyes.

"Hmmmmmmmm........I have an idea and it may not be a walk in the park.....But you would be too much of a gentleman for that!"

"What do you mean Skadi...?"

She whispers in his ear and laughs at the look on his face.

OOC

*runs in puffing and panting and hands him a note*
Please excuse this naughty childs lateness, she has sent you a TG
*stands looking all sorry*

Brusca sits on the corner of the altar set up in the palace gardens, head down she is concentrating on the sweet smelling flower she is holding in her hand as she twiddles it between finger and thumb.
It had several hours now since they had re-assembled for the remaining part of the ceremony, but she didn't seem to be agitated about it.
Lord Grendal on the other hand had been pacing in front of her for the last hour, impatient as ever, to get on with it.

"OH FOR ODIN'S SAKE Grendel stop pacing and relax!"

She tucks the flower into the side of her hair by her ear.

"They are young and in love, isn't this what the binding is about?"

She looks up at the sky, time was getting on and the sun was well on it's way to being taken by the wolf.

"Look, we'll have some candles brought out and readied, if they aren't here as dusk falls I'll go and find them myself....Satisfied?"

*Arms folded, leaning on the corner of the altar, Brusca watches as the long path of candles, leading back to her perch, are lit, their flames flickering and swaying in the gentle breeze.
She looks over to Grendel, then raises her eyes to the darkening sky and sighs.*

"Alright ALRIGHT, I'l go and get them......."

*Standing, she smooths her robe and muttering to herself heads off to the Emperors private rooms.*

Harold goes to get dressed in his finest garbs and his gaurds to stop anyone from trying to come into the room.

*Skadi laughs as she is dragged around the room, still tied to Harold at the wrist.*

"For goodness sake slow down, we'll get nowhere like this!"

*She almost trips on her shift as she tries to manover around a chair, attempting to keep up with Harold's long strides*

"OUCH!....You'll be accused of wife beating before we are even married if you keep this up!"

Harold slows down and says to her," Sorry, sorry I guess I am just a little nervous, and besides my guards are on orders to stop anyone from entering, but they will take a messsage."

"Take a deap breath Harold.....It will be no use you arriving in a state now will it?"
*Skadi reaches out to hug him, but as she does so, there is a gently thud outside the door. She looks over, then back to Harold.*

"There is our 'wake up' call, Oh dear....."

*The door to Harolds rooms slowly opens, silent on it's well oiled hinges, they see Brusca standing calmly and unruffled. Harold's guards laying at her feet as though sleeping.*

Harold says to Skadi," Alright, alright you are right I need to relax."

Then he says to Brusca," You could have been a little more polite coming in you know."

*Brusca smiles sweetly*

"Your guards were rather officious and refused me entry.
I take it you are ready, we expect you with us in five minutes."

*She turns and leaves*

Harold says,' We should hurry then Skaid."

*Skadi stands still looking at the door*

"Ummmmm..what? Oh yes..... You don't think she knows do you? About the cord being untied I mean?"

*She gives him a brief hug then leads him to the dressing table so that she can try and get her hair looking somewhere half decent*

Harold follow her to the dressing table and grabs his suit and puts it on and says to Skadi," No, I don't think she knows."

"By Thor's hammer I hope she doesn't!"

*Skadi looks in the mirror, shrugging she decides that her hair will have to do and straightening her shift she turns to look at Harold.*

"Ready?"

*For some reason she had a bad feeling about this, hopefully it was just last minute nerves*

Harold completely ready begin to head for the door with Skadi. He opens the door and asks her," Are you sure you are ready?"

*Skadi smiles and squeezes his hand tightly*

"Yes, I'm ready, this part is only a formality....I hope..."

*They make their way out of the room, carefully stepping over and around the guards who seem to be sleeping soundly and continue out into the gardens.*

As they near the ceremony's grounds he says to her," Well... Here it comes."

They go forth to finish the ceremony.

*Skadi glanced side ways at Harold as they begin to walk to pathway to the alter.
She is in too much of a state to notice how beautiful the gardens looked in the flickering candle light or how full of the scent of the exotic flowers the warm air was.
All she focussed on was the gathering dusk and her father's slightly redenned face looking sternly at her as she aproached, then the pail handsome face of Brusca watching without emotion.*

*Brusca, expressionless, stands and watches the two as they walk towards her, but seeing the look upon Skadi's face, allows a small smile to cross her lips.*

"At last, we have the couple in attendance, we can end the bonding."

*Taking their bound hands in hers Brusca goes to speak, then stops. She closes her eyes and drops her head as though in prayer, but her voice cuts into their minds like a knife.*

This bond has been broken....who is responcible for this and why do you dare to try and decieve me?

OCC: Plot twists, plot twists this turning into an English novel of the 1800's, such as Sharlock Homes.

"The bond was not willing broken it was don by mistake," Harold said back to her.

(OOC..Hello...good to be back my dear Watson......)

*The silence eminating from Bruscas mind says much more than words. Harold feels Skadi become tense as she stands next to him.*

Then you know what must be done do you not Skadi? Is he strong enough to do this?

*Skadi looks at Harold, then to her father, the guests beginning to become restless as they sense soemthing is not right. She leans towards Harold and whispers quietly in his ear.*

"You must be prepared to fight my father for me or the wedding is off."

EDIT:
Sorry wrong nation, but what the hell eh?

OCC: So you just had a mis-login?

(OOC yes another nation, another place, forgot to change it...........*sigh*)

A strange silver mist enveloped the crowd and a beauiful silver madien appeared from it and said," Halt this shall take place in the lands of Valgrad, so delcares me for I am the very spirit of Valgard, for this fight to take place will be considered kinslaying which in by our laws now the father of Skadi is now considered the emperor's father, for now his father is dead, and to slay him would be kinslaying. No man or woman has every been killed in Valgard in cold blood and I will not allow this fight and for blood to be split in this land!"

*On a nearby tree the Raven shrieks it's reply, extending it's wings and ruffling it's feathers.
Brusca looks up at it, a small smile on her face and shrugs.
She then returns her gaze back to the woman who stands in front of her, lowering her head in deference and speaking respectfully.*

"My Lady, there was no mention of death or bloodshed in this challenge and it would be foolish for a father to kill the man his daughter loves. This is a tradition and the will of Odin, the one we follow. Your son Harrold may choose the challenge and it's path, if that is accesptible to you, for we have no wish to sully or soil this land of yours."

*She bows low then turns to Harrold.*

"If your Lady agrees, in which form do you wish to take this challenge?"

Harold bowed in reverance at the Lady and then turned to Brusca and said," I wish for a duel of blunt wooden blades.'

*Brusca raises and eye brow and turns to look at Grendel, who nods.
She turns and bows to the spirit before her*

"With your permission m'lady?"

The Spirit said," Let no blood be spilt especially that of the emperor for my blood runs within his viens and for every death of the Royal family I am pained as if I am at the brim of death, but cannot die."

(Grendel takes off his heavy robes and stands in front of The lady and Harrold)

"As you wish", he speaks to the spirit and bows.

The Spirit said," Be warned Grendal the gifts that were bestowed upon him and his line will be revoked for they are in his blood."

Then Harold continued,' Also be warned my people are some of the most skilled swordsmen in the world and are also amongst the strongest people in the world also. The Royal family is the mightest of these."

(Grendel smiles and bows once again to both.)

"I am blessed by Odin, I am leader of the berserker tribes, I have battled long and hard, I will be a worthy foe for one such as Harold. I heed your warnings and do not intend to shed any blood, for this is an honour battle and my people are if nothing else, honourable."

A servant was singaled and he brought forth on a silken pillow two maghony swords and then Harold said," Let us begin."

(Grendel picks one of the swords and holds it testing it's wieght. While the area is being cleared for the fight, he goes to his daughter and kisses her lightly on the forehead. He then kneels in front of Brusca head down praying.)

*Brusca speaks a few words to Grendel and passes him, what looks like a dried mushroom to eat, then gives him a goblet to drink from.
She then beckons Skadi and they stand together.*

(Grendel stands and salutes the Raven still perched in the nearby tree. Twirling the handle of the sowrd in his hand, he turns back to Harold smiling.)

Grendel is the first to break the silence between the two men.
"How do you wish to procede me lad?"

Harold picks up his sword from him a strange arua is nade around him he being used to the sword streches a bit and then signals to Grendal to begin the fight.

Grendel raises an eye brow and crouching slightly circles Harold feigning atacks now and then to test Harolds reflexes and technique. Then he pushes forward aiming for harold's left arm only to twist the sword downwards connecting with Harolds left knee.

The aura blocked enough of the attack as not to twist or break any part of the leg, but their pain would come, but not enough to hinder Harold. In response to this attack Harold lept forward hitting Grendal's sword then coming down hit Grendal in the chest with the hilt of the sword.

Slightly winded Grendal took a step back, he grinned at Harold, a slight wild look in his eyes. He steps forward again, as if to take the same move as he had before, but for the moment that Harolds attention was taken in blocking Grendel brings his left fist up and smacks him as hard as he can in the side of his head.

"Now that we know the rules me lad, shall we get this over with?"

Harold trained in fighting since his youth remained standing, but that hit had only realy disroenited him and in response he lauched his sword at Greandal's head, concreated at defending against the sword Harold, being proficent in many martial arts, flipped over while they were locking swords and kicked Grendal in the chin.

OCC: Last post for the night have to go to bed. Good night or good day, varying on where you live.

Realing backwards from the blow, Grendel recovered his balance and smiled.....a low growling sound deep within his chest could be heard clearly.

For a moment, it seemed to Harold that Grendal had changed into a large ferocious bear, which now loomed over him teeth and claws ready to maime and kill, but as he blinked he saw Grendel again charging towards him with such ferocity that it looked as though Harold would be mown down by him.

Harold look at Grendal and he jumped in the air avoiding his charge took his woodden blade and wacked Grendal in the back of his neck.

*Brusca her face a mask of neutrality, stepped back to give them more room. taking Skadi with her*
------------
*Skadi her face whincing with every blow to each of the men, stood transfixed. She had seen this happen many times before, but now these two men were the most important men in her life and knowing both, she knew that neither would give in*

The blow to Grendels neck made little difference to Grendel's charge, other than to split a large piece form it's mahogany blade and embed it into his shoulder.
Reacting to it less than a man would have a gnat bite, he turned and caught Harold as he landed.
Punching him first in the ribs then, pulling his knee up to strike him in the small of the back, he brought his own sword up and onto Harolds chest hitting him hard across the breast bone.

Harold flipped up his free leg and hit Grendal in the face and tried to heal himself with his healing powers, but a battle wound would take time to heal he could only heal enough of it so he could still fight well.

Nose bloodied (and not for the first time judgeing by the grizzled battle scarred face) Grendel paid no heed to the blow or the pain from it, a berserker could bare far more pain than a broken nose when in battle.
As Harold attempted to make his escape Grendel again brought the sword down pummel in first in between his shoulder blades with the force of ten men.

*Skadi takes an involuntery step forward, but is stopped from making a further move by Brusca's hand on her shoulder*

"Don't worry Skadi, both of these men have something to fight for and both have their pride, but they also have honour. Neither will allow themselves to kill the other and they are infact quite well matched"

Harold then said," Truly you fight like a bear."

Harold stood up and now he know at least some measure of his true strength. Harold then with lighting speed came up and hit with his other hand, as his other arm had been injured, but he was profeicne with using both hand with an equal degree. Upn goign through Grendal's defences he hit Grendal in the chin with the hilt of the blade and then with the tip of the blade jabbed Grendal in the stomach.

Eyes focussed on only one thing and as cold as steel Grendel pushed into the tip of Harolds blade as though it wasn't there.
Oblivious to any pain he was feeling from the blows he had recieved and the tip of the sword being forced into his stomach muscles, he reached out and pulled harold to him in a bear hug so tight that even he was finding it difficult to breath.

Harold managed by a miracle to free one of his and finding the peice of the blade in Grendal's back he shoved it down with all of his might.

(OOC as you can see I'm having to post for Grendel, he's having internet problems due to a thunderstorm, so I'm relaying messages to him by text.......*sigh* why do I get myself into these things?)

IC
Skadi moves again to stop the fight, but Brusca stops her*

"They will prevail Skadi, I will stop them if it becomes too great a danger."

OCC: Got it.

IC:
Harold continued to push on the piece of wood on Grendal's neck.

Despite the obvious damage being caused as the sharp shard of wood was forced further into his shoulder, Grendel only become more concentrated.
Jerking Harold's body until his grip was steadier, he continued to squeeze ever tighter, until two of harlolds lower ribs gave way under the preasure.

Grendel snarled in delight at the sound and the feel.

Harold would not be defeated so easily he freed his other hand and flipped around and flying around Grendal's neck he twisting his neck as Harold went along.

Now in full berserk, Grendels rage at being thwarted turned into a frenzy.
He turned his body with his head and began to pummel Harold to the ground, oblivious of any pain or injury inflicted upon him. Snarling in anger as his strength increased.

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

Many of the crowd who watched caught their breath at the shear brutality before them and stepped further back from the two men. Only the Norse stood their ground, stone faced as the fight continued.

Brusca, aware that this may turn away from it's purpose at any moment and remembering her promise to the Lady of the land, took a step forward ready to intervene.

Harold with his body in full strength and speed hurled himself at Grendal avoiding all his strikes. Upon going past Grendal's defences he sruggled and sucessfully lifted up Grendal, lifted him above his head with both hands, and then Grendal down to the ground.

Grendal grabs Harold as he is thrown from him, pulling him down with him, turning and rolling, he manages to get on top of him and launches his attack again, giving Harold little chance of avoiding his blows this time.

This time Harold was nealy caught off guard after taking a few hits he managed to throw Grendal off of him and then he got on top of him and started to punch him rapidaly and freciously in the face.

Harold is suprised to see that his punches are having little effect upon Grendal who begins to grin, not a smile of joy or mishcief, but an evil grin full of malice and hate.
The sound that comes from Grendel's throat could not be discribed as human, nor that of an animal, it was a mixture of both, with something not quite of this world.
Those who had not heard it before shuddered as a shiver rang through them, those who had immediately looked at Brusca who was already striding towards the two men.

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

"Enough!"
Brusca's words cut through the night like a bolt of lightening cuts through a summers storm.

Grendel turns his attention to her, his expression the same.

She stands over the men solid and resolute, but her voice softens as she speaks again.
"Enough Grendel, you have satisfied your honour, you have shown your strength."

Placing her hand on Harold's shoulder, she speaks her voice echoing through his mind.
Stand and step away Harold, you have also shown great courage and skill and honour, but I have promissed no death and this must end now.

Her eyes fixed on Grendel she waites for Harold to move.

Harold removed himself off Grendal amd bowed to Brusca.

*Not taking her eyes from Grendal, Brusca nods in acknowledgement of what Harold has done.
She holds her hand out to Grendel who takes it and allows himself to be helped up.
As he begins to stand, Brusca deftly reaches for the long wooden splinter and deftly pulls it out and for the first time, since the fight had started Harold sees the look of sudden pain flash across Grendel's face.

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

Rubbing his chin, that had been the target for so many of Harolds blows, Grendel beckons Skadi to him.
She is at his side in a moment, a look of worry and concern on her face.
Grendel looks at her and smiles.
"Better go over there to your husband"
(He pushes her gently)
"Because he has certainly proved himself worthy of the title of your husband and my son."

Harold bows to Grendal and says to both Skadi and Grendal,"Thank you father, and Skadi I don't want to fight your dad again. He fights like a bes"

Then he laughs after saying that a bit. He began to use his healing to begin to heal himself. After doing these things he gestures a okay sign to her that he is going to fine very soon.

"And remind me NEVER to show that lad any of the secrets of the Berserker....May Odin help us if you two ever have a son!"

He too laughs, then whinces as Brusca prods at the wound to his shoulder and nags him to stay still.

He pushes Skadi, still hovering between the two, gently towards Harold.
"Go on you're his responsibility now, I've washed me hands of you! See what you've done to your poor old father by untying that bit of string around your wrist?"

*Skadi blushes and looks down at this remark, only to hear her fathers gentle laughter*

"Oh go on girl....I've had worse than this at the childrens fair!"

*Skadi looks up and smiles at her father, then turns and walks to Harold. She flings her arms around him and to a great cheer from the guests kisses him passionately*

Harold then begins to sing a song fair and beautifl," Anamera msnea arma charma mondiea hackandmay renara hundusada meaia runnaadicaron chicakara turke quara jaunica lmona terrina deacria yucksnauba."

And not even noticing nor caring whether their guests were mesmerized also. Skadi gazed into Harold's eyes and was as lost within them as the first time they had met, almost in the same spot in which they now stood.

He stopped singing and then he with his arm intwined with Skadi walked back to Brusca.

*Brusca smiling and humming to tune to Harold's song, was still busy sorting out Grendel's injuries.*

She looked up and broadened her smile as they aproached.

"You two still here then?"

Harold siad," I wish to thank you for everything you have done for us and would also like to tell you that you will be welcome in Valgard and anywhere also in my empire forver as a personal guest of the emperor."

*Brusca smiles a warm and genuine smile*
"Thank you Emperor"

*She bows formally*
"I too hope that both yourself and your wife will honour me with a visit to my homelands when you are able."

*She nudges Grendal who makes a small grunting sound as she hits a tender spot.*
"See Grendal, somebody does love me!"

*A look of realisation passes over her face*
"Oh by Odin's beard! Grendel, they aren't married yet! We forgot something!"

*She beckons Grendel's General, who brings with him the large luxurious bear skin and hands it to Grendel*
----------------
Standing stiffly, Grendel lifts the heavy skin and wraps it around the couple.
He smiles at them.

"May you both live long and happy lives and be together as you are tonight.
May your hearth always be warm and your table always laden.
May your lodge be filled with the sounds of song and laughter.
May you be fruitful and bring me many grandchildren, to bring me joy as I grow old."

He wraps his arms around them both and holds them close as though they were young children themselves and then letting go, he feigns anger.

"Now be gone with you! Myself and your honoured guests have drinking to catch up on!"

Harold laughed a little on Brusca's remark and then said to Brusca," Thanks again for everything."

He then offers her a great neaklass of pearls, diamonds, and gold.

Then he says to Skadi," We will depart when us to my dear."

*Brusca graciously accepts the gift and places it around her neck. Bowing again.*

I thank you Emperor, it is a most beautiful reminder of a most eventful wedding.

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

Skadi takes Harolds hand and turns to walk away.
As they dissapear into the darkness away from the candlelit part of the garden, they can here Grendel's voice calling for beer and food.
She laughs and stops, putting her arms around Harold once again.

"A very eventful wedding indeed."

Smiling up at him she kisses him.

He hugs her then he says," Yes, it indeed was very strange in some parts, but wholly it was very fun and I genrally had a good time."

Skadi looks at him.
"Oh and I supose that beating my father to a pulped mass was the best part?"
She shakes her head at him trying her best to look disgusted, but her eyes still smiled and she could not bluff her way through.

Haorld laughs a bit then he says," No, but I do ahve to admit it was a good challenage.'

I was so worried, father was holding back, he has learned to control the fury to some extent. Had Brusca not stepped in at that time, I am not sure who if either of you would have survived!

"I to was worried that one of us would be killed and I am happy that we both survied," Harold said.

she smiles gently at him and reaches up touching his face.

"As I am too my love, as I am too."

Looking around, her eyes accustomed now to the darkness, she realises where they are.

"Did you know there is a little secret place here where I hid when I needed to be alone?
Come, I'll show you!"

She leads him through the shrubs and bushes and into the rose and flower covered arbour. The smell almost overwhelming and intoxicating upon the warm night air.
She steps into the arch and sits, pulling him down with her and placing her head on his shoulder.

"The perfect place in a perfect place."

Harold stunned thinking he had expolored the whole of Valgard then said," This place is truly remarkable even for one who was born and raised in Valgard."

Skadi looks at him.
"You really didn't know it was here? Perhaps your silver lady made it for me, or perhaps for us?"

She smiles a lop sided little grin.
"Perhaps it is her gift to us to use on our wedding night"

(She mimics her fathers voice perfectly)
"A place where we can begin to be fruitful and bring him many grandchildren"

"Yes, but wouldn't it be a shame to build a house here. But, this could be a place for us to retreat, if you know what I mean. Indeed also I believe the silver lady mafr ot for us," Harold said.

"I would never allow anything to be changed here.....No this will now be our secret place....."

She wraps his arm around her shoulder and snuggles into his side.

"A place we can come when we need to be truely alone."

Harold says to her," This is truly a place which I will not be difled as long as I may live."

Then he begins to sin g a new song for the place that is glorious and soothing to hear.

OCC: I felt that making up the words for the songs is a little on effective so that is way that I just decided to express the emotions of the song.

Skadi closes her eyes and listens to harolds voice, she smiles to herself as she seems to drift away on every note.
Sitting next to him , his arms around her, she feels truely happy.

Harold hugged her then kissed her on the fore head and then he looked up at the stars.

Skadi lays her head on his lap and looks up at the stars too, the entwined flowers and roses giving them just enough space to have a clear view of the sky.
In the distance she can hear the sound of their guests shouting and singing as they celebrate their wedding. She smiles to herself as she hears, not too far from them the hushed whispers of a couple looking for some privacy of their own and wonders if their love is young as hers is, or had they been with each other for years, yet still craved for each others company.

Then she is consumed with her own love for Harold and her desires and hopes for them and their future together. She mentally sends her love to him, trying to fill his mind with her feelings, wrapping him in a blanket of care and love.

Harold accepted the feelings and was warmed by them and then said," Valgard is truly a miracoulous place for all it's wealth, glory, and majesty their is one gift greater then all of them. Here in Valgard the lives of it's people are thrice that of people who do not live here. So when a person reached full maturity this gift takes affect. This will also come unto you in a short time."

*Skadi opens one eye and squints up at him, but she made no comment, she had long given up on disbelieving anythig about this place.*

"Well, if it stays as peaceful and as happy as it is now, I would quite happliy stay here and live for an eternity."

Harold asked her," What do you wish to do now y wife?"

"Wife" *Skadi laughs a little* "Thats sounds strange."

*She smiles and thinks for a moment, then picks up his hand and kisses it gently*
"Stay here in our secret place and make love to my husband, that is what I wish."
*She kisses his hand again and looks into his eyes.*

He looks with a star like light in his eyes and says," I wish to make you happy I will do anything for you willing and openlly."

"And I for you my love"

*She reaches up to him and pulling his head towards her, she kisses him with passion*

He puts the hand ti the back of her head and moves his hand thorugh her hair.

*His touch sends shivers through her, she sneds him mental pictures of what she would wish to do with and for him*

He gets the her message and takes it to action.

OCC: Alright then.

OOC yup......