Re: The Great Hall of Rorukheim

[Yaakovia]

Joseph smiled at the guards without showing any real feeling. He just waved his hand and the translator thanked them in their language.

After dismounting, the envoy sent his horse to be sheltered in the stable. The wooden palace looked so feeble in comparison to the stone Tartu Castle, but it wouldn't be wise to underestimate this people or its king.

Joseph sent one of his companions to look for an official in the palace so he could introduce them to the king. At the same time, the rest prepared the gifts.

[Rorukheim]

Joseph smiled at the guards without showing any real feeling. He just waved his hand and the translator thanked them in their language.

After dismounting, the envoy sent his horse to be sheltered in the stable. The wooden palace looked so feeble in comparison to the stone Tartu Castle, but it wouldn't be wise to underestimate this people or its king.

Joseph sent one of his companions to look for an official in the palace so he could introduce them to the king. At the same time, the rest prepared the gifts.

(
(Actually it's like mostly made of stone, but that's no matter)
From inside the frozen castle a shorter man in robes approaches. His hood is down showing his face. He has long brown hair and a well trimmed beard. He continues to walk towards your group. Your translator spots something around his neck... a wooden cross. He reaches your party and greets himself. Just by looking at him, you can tell he's not from the north. "Hilsener! Jeg Adalstein, personlig rådgiver Ragnar Erobreren. Noen få vakter har fortalt meg du ønsker å snakke med kongen, dette er riktig?"
The northern winds blow. A harsh wind that blows Adalstein's cloak, revealing the war axe at his belt.

[Yaakovia]

"Det er riktig. Vi har kommet for å bringe en vennlig melding fra King Yaakov den første." Said the translator after Joseph. Then he added "Vi gir også gaver og gode ønsker til din konge." While showing a couple of wooden chests to the councilor.

The heavy clothes of the Yaakovian envoys barely moved because of the wind's blow. And as Joseph and the translator talked, the rest of the group remained quiet, in silence, awainting for whatever would come.

[Rorukheim]

"Det er riktig. Vi har kommet for å bringe en vennlig melding fra King Yaakov den første." Said the translator after Joseph. Then he added "Vi gir også gaver og gode ønsker til din konge." While showing a couple of wooden chests to the councilor.

The heavy clothes of the Yaakovian envoys barely moved because of the wind's blow. And as Joseph and the translator talked, the rest of the group remained quiet, in silence, awainting for whatever would come.

Adalstein (or Athelstan) nods his head and smiles. "Jeg forstår. Her la meg lede deg til min konge og venn Ragnar." He says as he turns to to lead the group... but he suddenly stops to make one last comment before you continue. "Jeg vil råde deg til å se hva du sier. Ragnar regnes etterkommer av Odin for en grunn."
You walk across the court yard, and into the heavy reinforced doors of the palace. The Great hall was massive, with wooden columns carved in intricate designs. Balconies look down from the second level. Two long tables sit, flanking a great fire in the center of the room... behind it a man sitting on a throne. The throne was wooden, but finely made. With the carvings of wolves holding the arm rest, and ravens perched on top. The man sitting worn no crown, and sat staring at the fire. He turns to see the approaching company with his one eye.

[Yaakovia]

Joseph approached the king a few steps ahead of the rest of the group, followed by the translator.

"May peace be upon Your Majesty. Thank you for receiving us." the envoy said. "I am Joseph Meier, sent by King Yaakov I of Yaakovia, who also sends his best wishes to you and your Royal Family, and some gifts" the envoy added with a waving hand, so two of his companions brought two wooden chests, one containing a ceremonial hammer made of oak and silver, wrapped in bear furs, and the other, twelve oak goblets and a small scroll made of sheep skin with the history of the Jews around the Baltic Sea, written in Hebrew.

After every sentence of Joseph, the translator spoke in Norwegian the equivalent words.

[Rorukheim]

Joseph approached the king a few steps ahead of the rest of the group, followed by the translator.

"May peace be upon Your Majesty. Thank you for receiving us." the envoy said. "I am Joseph Meier, sent by King Yaakov I of Yaakovia, who also sends his best wishes to you and your Royal Family, and some gifts" the envoy added with a waving hand, so two of his companions brought two wooden chests, one containing a ceremonial hammer made of oak and silver, wrapped in bear furs, and the other, twelve oak goblets and a small scroll made of sheep skin with the history of the Jews around the Baltic Sea, written in Hebrew.

After every sentence of Joseph, the translator spoke in Norwegian the equivalent words.

Although most would expect a northern lord of raiders, a king of Vikings, to be more interested in the silver hammer, he instead reaches for the scroll of sheep skin. He opens it and marvels at the hand writing, of course not understanding what it says. Ragnar was no ordinary leader, he craves knowledge above a things. He's curiosity knows no limit. He hands the scroll to Athelstan, before turning back to his guest. "Jeg takker deg og kongen for disse gaver. Nå hva denne jøde kongen vil med kongen av "heathens"? Ville Gud være misfornøyd?" He say inquisitively.

[Yaakovia]

It was a nice surprise for Joseph and the rest of the group to see the king so interested in literature.

"Well, Your Majesty, that depends on which God you are asking about" said Joseph with a smile. "And since you asked, King Yaakov wants to offer you a trade agreement, from which both kingdoms could benefit greatly. In the long term, my king wants to establish the warmest relations between the two realms. He hopes that we can earn your trust and cooperate with each other for the sake of our peoples' future."

Joseph paused for a moment, thinking fast but without showing any emotion.

"And if Your Majesty wishes, this young man, my translator, could stay for a couple of months after we leave, so you can learn and understand what the scroll says."

The translator did his job and translated to Norwegian, but suddenly stopped at the last sentence. A mixture of feelings flooded him, as he awaited for the Viking king to answer.

[Rorukheim]

It was a nice surprise for Joseph and the rest of the group to see the king so interested in literature.

"Well, Your Majesty, that depends on which God you are asking about" said Joseph with a smile. "And since you asked, King Yaakov wants to offer you a trade agreement, from which both kingdoms could benefit greatly. In the long term, my king wants to establish the warmest relations between the two realms. He hopes that we can earn your trust and cooperate with each other for the sake of our peoples' future."

Joseph paused for a moment, thinking fast but without showing any emotion.

"And if Your Majesty wishes, this young man, my translator, could stay for a couple of months after we leave, so you can learn and understand what the scroll says."

The translator did his job and translated to Norwegian, but suddenly stopped at the last sentence. A mixture of feelings flooded him, as he awaited for the Viking king to answer.

(Just to clarify he didn't say the last sentence?)

[Yaakovia]

(Sorry for the ambiguity. Yes, he did, but after a short pause)

[Rorukheim]

It was a nice surprise for Joseph and the rest of the group to see the king so interested in literature.

"Well, Your Majesty, that depends on which God you are asking about" said Joseph with a smile. "And since you asked, King Yaakov wants to offer you a trade agreement, from which both kingdoms could benefit greatly. In the long term, my king wants to establish the warmest relations between the two realms. He hopes that we can earn your trust and cooperate with each other for the sake of our peoples' future."

Joseph paused for a moment, thinking fast but without showing any emotion.

"And if Your Majesty wishes, this young man, my translator, could stay for a couple of months after we leave, so you can learn and understand what the scroll says."

The translator did his job and translated to Norwegian, but suddenly stopped at the last sentence. A mixture of feelings flooded him, as he awaited for the Viking king to answer.

Ragnar nods his head. He then stares at the fire, contemplating his options. Finally he broke his silence.
"Jeg ser ingen grunn til hvorfor dette ikke gagne Rorukheim. Du kan fortelle din konge, jeg Ragnar akseptere tilbudet. Som for din oversetter." He eyes the young man up and down, "Han vil bo en stund. Jeg er sikker på Athelstan elsker å lære noe nytt, som jeg ville."
"Nå," He continues, "hvis det er alt er det gjerne hvile her før passer igjen. Din hest vil bli tatt vare på og din magen vil være full av kjøtt og mjød i min haller." He gives them a warm smile, despite his eyes show no emotion.
A few armed men and women enter the hall.
Ragnar looks at the new arrivals before returning back to the group.
"Men for nå, jeg har andre bedrift å ivareta." He gestures towards Athelstan, "Adalstein vil vise deg til ditt kvartaler."
Athelstan then shows the group where they'll be sleeping. Rooms with fire pits and fur covered beds.

[Yaakovia]

"Thank you, Your Majesty" Joseph replied while smiling and turning around to follow Athlestan, as well as the rest of the group. The translator did his job this last time too, and walked all the way to the rooms prepared for them with so many ideas at the same time.

When they arrived to the rooms, Joseph looked at Athelstan with a mild smile.

"Thanks, Athelstan, you are so kind. Please also thank King Ragnar from us for such hospitality" the diplomat paused for a moment, looking at the man in front of him right in the eye. "Would you mind if I ask you some questions? If you have the time, of course..."

[Rorukheim]

"Thank you, Your Majesty" Joseph replied while smiling and turning around to follow Athlestan, as well as the rest of the group. The translator did his job this last time too, and walked all the way to the rooms prepared for them with so many ideas at the same time.

When they arrived to the rooms, Joseph looked at Athelstan with a mild smile.

"Thanks, Athelstan, you are so kind. Please also thank King Ragnar from us for such hospitality" the diplomat paused for a moment, looking at the man in front of him right in the eye. "Would you mind if I ask you some questions? If you have the time, of course..."

With a warm smile Athelstan responds to Joseph.
"I'll inform Ragnar of your gratitude, but I am here to answer any questions you may have." He pauses for a moment, "What do you wish to know?"

[Yaakovia]

"Oh, that's very nice of you. Well, firstly, how interested is King Ragnar in trade? I could notice that he doesn't care much about material things, and neither do we, but it's very important to know that, according to some councilors of my king. Also, how interested is he in acquiring knowledge? And what kind of knowledge?"

Meanwhile, the escorts of Joseph were preparing one of the rooms separated for them for their next lehitpalel (prayer), and then washing themselves in a very orderly manner.

"If it takes him too long, we'll begin anyway" said one of them, looking at Joseph, and the rest of the group agreed.

[Rorukheim]

"Oh, that's very nice of you. Well, firstly, how interested is King Ragnar in trade? I could notice that he doesn't care much about material things, and neither do we, but it's very important to know that, according to some councilors of my king. Also, how interested is he in acquiring knowledge? And what kind of knowledge?"

Meanwhile, the escorts of Joseph were preparing one of the rooms separated for them for their next lehitpalel (prayer), and then washing themselves in a very orderly manner.

"If it takes him too long, we'll begin anyway" said one of them, looking at Joseph, and the rest of the group agreed.

Athelstan stands there lost in thought, pondering the question. Finally he breaks his silence,
"Ragnar is a complicated fellow to say the least. Like his kin, he love adventure, battle and plunder. He has gone on many raids, that's actually how we met, but getting back on the subject, Ragnar is curious. He craves knowledge above all treasures, that is why many believe he's a the son of Odin himself. He usually show's the most interest in philosophies and religion. Many a times has he asked about my faith and why do I do what I do in the name of it. He's also show some interest in the sciences. I keep telling him he would love Rome... but I don't think Rome would love him."

[Yaakovia]

Joseph was listening carefully, remembering every detail, and as Athelstan kept going with his answer, a smile of satisfaction was inevitable.

"I think that's great news for both of us. Thank you for that information. And if you don't mind, I'd like to ask a little bit more. How much does the people of Rorukheim know about Judaism? What do you know about it? And, would it be possible for us to get another meeting with King Ragnar soon, before we leave?"

At the same time, the escorts of Joseph were already doing lehitpalel, but the young translator had his mind in another place.

[Rorukheim]

Joseph was listening carefully, remembering every detail, and as Athelstan kept going with his answer, a smile of satisfaction was inevitable.

"I think that's great news for both of us. Thank you for that information. And if you don't mind, I'd like to ask a little bit more. How much does the people of Rorukheim know about Judaism? What do you know about it? And, would it be possible for us to get another meeting with King Ragnar soon, before we leave?"

At the same time, the escorts of Joseph were already doing lehitpalel, but the young translator had his mind in another place.

Athelstan stiffens at the mention of Rorukheim's knowledge of Judaism. Never the less, he tells Joseph the trouble past of Rorukheim and other faiths.
"The Rorukheimian's follow the faith of their fathers, their fathers before them. Their pagan ways have led them to be more or less aggressive when they come in contact with other faiths. As for I, I cannot say I know more than you worship Yahweh. My monastery did not teach us the ways of Judaism." He takes a brief pause.
"I'm sure you'll meet with Ragnar again before you leave." He begins to leave, "After all, you're invited to his feast."

[Yaakovia]

"Well, it was very kind of you, Athelstan. Thank you for your time. We shall see each other at the feast again, then." Joseph said with a honest smile as the councilor started walking away. Then he turned around and joined the rest of his group for the last part of their service.

Later that night, the diplomat stood awake, writing a few letters adressed to the court in Tartu.

[Renaplauza]

A ship bearing banners of Renaplauza arrives just off the coast. A blond woman arrives at the harbor on row boat.
"Salvete. Pono tibi non opus est omnibus principiis, ego principis Maxillia Targaryen, wife of Lucius Rogovan-sors. Haec dicit Dominus revertar cum pueri nostri, Arvid, Princeps Renaplauza." She says to the guards. Then she quickly realizes her mistake and starts again. "Hilsener. Jeg antar at jeg ikke trenger noen introduksjoner, jeg er prinsesse Maxillia Targaryen, kone til Rogovan Battle-Fate. Jeg har kommet tilbake, med vårt barn, Arvid, prins av Renaplauza."

The guard captian bows, and says "Velkommen, min dame, jeg skal eskorte deg til Rogovan umiddelbart." He leads her and her escort away from the harbor and into Jorrvaskr and eventually into the Palace of Wolves

[Rorukheim]

"Well, it was very kind of you, Athelstan. Thank you for your time. We shall see each other at the feast again, then." Joseph said with a honest smile as the councilor started walking away. Then he turned around and joined the rest of his group for the last part of their service.

Later that night, the diplomat stood awake, writing a few letters adressed to the court in Tartu.

A sudden loud bang at the door awakes your company and interrupts the diplomats writing. Opening it, you find a burly man with a typical clean and braided beard and red cheeks.
"Konge Ragnar be din tilstedeværelse på festen." He practically burps out, before heading back to the feast.

[Rorukheim]

A ship bearing banners of Renaplauza arrives just off the coast. A blond woman arrives at the harbor on row boat.
"Salvete. Pono tibi non opus est omnibus principiis, ego principis Maxillia Targaryen, wife of Lucius Rogovan-sors. Haec dicit Dominus revertar cum pueri nostri, Arvid, Princeps Renaplauza." She says to the guards. Then she quickly realizes her mistake and starts again. "Hilsener. Jeg antar at jeg ikke trenger noen introduksjoner, jeg er prinsesse Maxillia Targaryen, kone til Rogovan Battle-Fate. Jeg har kommet tilbake, med vårt barn, Arvid, prins av Renaplauza."

The guard captian bows, and says "Velkommen, min dame, jeg skal eskorte deg til Rogovan umiddelbart." He leads her and her escort away from the harbor and into Jorrvaskr and eventually into the Palace of Wolves

Seeing the approaching group, a guard rushes into the palace where a feast was taking place. As Maxillia and Arvid(Norwegian John) approach the palace, they're met by Rogovan himself, who was in Jorrvaskr for a few days.
"Av gudene, du er endelig hjem." and with that he opens his arms and hugs Maxillia, giving her a little kiss on the forehead, and picks up Arvid.
"Arvid. Du har fått større siden sist jeg så deg. Har du øvd? Har du kjempet?" He asks John.

[Renaplauza]

Maxillia laughs, "Jeg håper du skjønner at han bare er to år gammel." She smiles as Rogovan leads her into the great hall. She cannot wait to see her father-in-law, to which she has brought a gift.

[Rorukheim]

Maxillia laughs, "Jeg håper du skjønner at han bare er to år gammel." She smiles as Rogovan leads her into the great hall. She cannot wait to see her father-in-law, to which she has brought a gift.

Rogovan laughs.
"Jeg begynte å slåss rundt hans alder med andre gutter." He says before leading you through the packed Great Hall of Ragnar. Finally after much pushing and shoving you appear before Ragnar. He sits on his dark wooden throne, tankard in hand. He give Maxillia a warm smile.
"Maxillia, hva en hyggelig overraskelse." he says before taking another draught from his tankard.

[Renaplauza]

She bows her head and heads to the seat that the King gestures her towards. She sits down next to a man she does not recognize, he looks like a foreigner. She simply says, "Du har vært borte fra retten for en stund nå, men jeg kjenner deg ikke igjen. Hvem er du?"

He turns and Maxillia sees the crest of Yaakovia on his shirt. She then speaks in her native tognue, "Non vidistis coram te, quis es?"

[Rorukheim]

She bows her head and heads to the seat that the King gestures her towards. She sits down next to a man she does not recognize, he looks like a foreigner. She simply says, "Du har vært borte fra retten for en stund nå, men jeg kjenner deg ikke igjen. Hvem er du?"

He turns and Maxillia sees the crest of Yaakovia on his shirt. She then speaks in her native tognue, "Non vidistis coram te, quis es?"

The Palace of Wolves-
Bjorn leans towards Maxillia, in an almost whisper he says to her,
"Er jøder fra et kongerike kalt Yaakovia. De vil gjøre en handel allianse med dem, men vi har noe mer i tankene med dem." He returns to eating and drinking before asking Maxillia a questions.
"Hva er en gave du har brakt til min far?"

[Rorukheim]

The Palace of Ragnar, Jorrvaskr-
Athelstan sits in the humble library in the Palace, deciphering the scrolls and parchments found on board of the Grandmaster's ship. Before the battle Ragnar instructed that the leader of the Order is to be brought to him alive, and that all documents in his room were to be taken and brought back. Ragnar wanted to know why they would dare cross so far north, into Rorukheimian waters. Thus Athelstan has been spending the past few hours reading through reports from Generals, letters from Church officials, sermons to read to inspire the troops and other so far unconcerned documents. Most of the work was in German, making difficult for Athelstan to read as he only had a limited German vocabulary. That's when a particular paper stuck out at him as odd.

Though his eyes and mind were weary, they seemed waken at the look of a familiar language. He pick up the paper and began to read. The language was none other than his native tongue. He began to read aloud,
"To the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order,

I, Leofwine, Duke of Devonshire; write to you on behalf of all Lords of Dumnonia.

I apologise that I do not yet know your name, but I do know your and your Order's purpose.
We do get some travelers in to our ports, bringing news from Europe. It is my understanding that as Grand Master, you have been tasked with dismantling the pagan hierarchy and seek to bring Christianity to these pagans..."
He trails off, his voice becoming a murmur before it becomes audible again.
"It may be too dangerous for you to sail to Dumnonia yourselves, but, please, Grand Master, I implore you to at least provide a distraction in the Baltic Sea, in hopes that the armies of Norsemen who have stolen our lands and our lives in fair England will be recalled.

Yours, In Service to Christ, On Behalf of the Lords of Dumnonia,
Duke Leofwine of Devonshire."

He stops, and ponders the letter, rereading every word.
"There's why the Order dared to travel into pagan waters... but who this Duke Leofwine of Devonshire? Much more what is Dumnonia?" Athelstan questions. "Last I was home there was no duchy know as Dumnonia. This is most troubling."
Athelstan slumps into his chair and continues to stare at the letter before him. Suddenly it hit him.
"They plan to attack Ormr and his army, or at least be rid of them. Now last I heard Ormr's forces have reached around six thousand strong. If they plan to attack they'll have to have a much larger force to siege and face Ormr." He pauses briefly, before continuing his stream of thought, "I do not think they will be so bold to take him on alone... no it's obvious they're building a large army. If they have letters reaching as far as Germania, then who knows who else will receive such a letter..."
He jumps out of his chair and rushes through the halls of the palace. He must tell Ragnar of his findings.

He finds Ragnar in the courtyard of the palace, practicing his archery. As Athelstan approaches, Ragnar turns and gives him a small grin. He lowers his bow and gives Athelstan a hard smack on the back as Athelstan reaches him.
"Athelstan," Ragnar starts. "To what do I owe this pleasure"
Athelstan flinched at the force of the smack, before continuing. "Ragnar, I bring news of England. It's not good..."
Ragnar's face changes as Athelstan recalls to him of his discovery. As he finishes Ragnar calls his bastard son over and tells him to prepare forty ships, and send one at once with a message. It should only take it a few weeks before it arrives.

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