Chapter 1a: The Journey to the Valley

[Wbweather]

"And yet if these beasts are some how come back to life from the grave, then who can say what other creatures may have done the same? And what power could work such magic?" Thorgrod looks at the others. "Let us hope our scouts come back safely and soon." He is starting to worry about his son, but trusts that the two scouts can fend for themselves. Still, it would relieve some of his anxiety to see Evyndr back among their company.

[TetNak]

Sylvi says, "Should we go out and seek them? I would not wish ill to fall on them, and if this attack is any sign, ill omens are abound."

The shield maiden gathers her javelin and walks back over to her gear, starting to collect it as if they would break camp.

[Bohemond]

"They are seasoned scouts. If they are in peril, they will find us before we find them. Stumbling into the woods seems foolish," Skulmdall says. "Kaedar can guide us if it comes to it, but we should make sure he, and all of us, are ready to fight. Dark portents will not let us catch our breath." The sea raider stretches, knowing there may be little sleep and much exertion on this night.

[Eanwulf]

Thorgrod seems concerned as to the wolves' origins. As such, he conducts a rather thorough examination of the beasts amid conversation with the others in his party. Sylvi too seems to show an interest of her own, this one however focused more on the party's missing two members' safety and well-being than wolves. Suggesting that the group go ahead and break camp now to try and find their absent companions, the young shield-maiden is met with a loving objection by her twin brother, Skulmdall. The two continue to discuss the matter further as Thorgrod's investigation begins.

OOC

Kolgrim and Yrsa feel the two have not had enough time to conduct their scouting mission and should return when having done so. Annehi, being the young naive caregiver that she is, wouldn't mind going with Sylvi; though it would be as Skulmdall has already stated - in the darkness of night.

Upon further investigation the wolves appear to be of normal means, though much larger and more primitive-looking in their appearance. There is no sign of any supernatural influence, at least to the best of the group's ability to detect such thing, simply that the beasts are some kind of a stronger, faster, and more bestial species of the animal.

Kolgrim states that he had dealt with tribes of primitive societies that raised such beasts beneath the earth and used them to deal with captives in need of colorful execution or even to perform unusually macabre coming of age ceremonies among such people. Yrsa reinforces the merit of Kolgrim's tale by citing similar experiences among the many civilizations she had come across through her years of traveling.

In the end, only the gods know where the beasts came from; just that they had indeed come to your party's camp during the middle of the night and with a most deadly of purpose!

OOC

Please continue as desired. I'm trying to finish up Ulfr's and Evindyr's encounter ASAP. I'm hoping they'll be done with it soon!

[Bohemond]

"A great or small fire should present a barrier to these beasts. " Skumdall refrains from sitting. He presumes to be the first watch. "I will watch over you, sister, if you care." He knows Sylvi won't keep still, but hopes she gets a bit of rest to continue the journey.

[TetNak]

"At first light then," Sylvi says, dragging a wolf carcass to where it can be burnt. She rolls her shoulders and chuckles at Skumdall. "You are always quite the skold, brother, your japes would make a crone laugh."

She isn't about to lay down now, she's had enough sleep. The shield maiden won't rest until she knows the whole of their group is safe.

[Wbweather]

"It worries me that we have not heard back from my son and Ulfr. We should begin searching for them at first light, as you suggest.I can take watch if anyone wishes to rest. "

[Bohemond]

Skulmdall kisses Sylvi's head and laughs to his sister. "if someone laughs, I would be skald long before I was a warrior." The reaver smiles at the silence. "But we should look for scouts and push forward."

[TetNak]

Sylvi shrugs away from her brother and grunts as she sits down. "At first light, as Thorgrod says.

She simply sits down. If her brother wants to be tired tomorrow, let him.