Eye Spy.....

It was just a couple ahn's before I saw the kaiila's with riders come towards me. I saw Honey over one of the saddles, and the wench of a Bond was giggling. It made me instantly furious. I told the girl my feet were hurting, who knows what she was doing to make them take so long to return this way for me. I lifted to my feet as I did a side glance at the verr that seemed a bit weary towards the large fanged kaiila's that seemed a bit on edge, or so I assumed with the way they were clawing at the ground. One was really locking his eyes on the little one I had earlier, as I would give it a swat back to its mother. I figured the girl had not for filled her duties in telling them to bring me a cart for my aching feet, as none was around or following in the distance. They had this smug look as the kaiila's also had Alvis and Lilly a bit unsure, finding the pair of small house sleen near my bare ankles.

"Would you be so kind to back your beast up? Can you not see my creatures are not at ease with you being so close?"

They chuckled.

"I am pretty serious, have little respect would you?"

Another chuckle.

I will say, I was not impressed at all with these Outpost guards. Even by the size in the distance it must be one of great wealth. These men were clearly not civilized. Not one removed his helmet so we could have a proper conversation. I felt myself getting a little angry at the obvious disrespect. I didn't know these men, nor did I really understand the culture of the South. I have heard they don't put as much respect into their FreeWomen as they do in the North, so I was trying to let my composure adjust to such barbaric actions. I simply nodded, and took a step back, before I continued to talk.

"So who is the head person in charge?"

They all looked at each other, the one to the left, simply nodded to the one on the right. Then I felt my heart race a bit when he slipped off his saddle. Then the other off his saddle, then another. Until three men on the ground walking towards the Verr, and two towards me. This for some reason didn't feel.....Good. I was brave, show no fear, stand up straight, look them straight into the eyes..or helm....and when they stop to talk...stop to talk...STOP TO TALK. It screamed over and over in my mind as the steps didn't slow down, but kept coming, I was so shocked when he leaned in, shouldered my stomach and lifted me up like it was nothing! No man has touched me like so! The NERVE! I didn't let the thought of dagger cross my mind as fist were drumming some beat of anger across the back of his shoulders and my feet kicked as much as I could under the grasp of his hold across the back of my knees. Of course I had my mouth, which I was slicing words in anger that might find the skill of shanking jabs. I felt my pouch cut off my shoulder by the strap, and it was tossed to the other man who had walked up with him. They were stealing my stuff!

"Put me down you brute! Do you have any idea who I am? How dare you put a hand on me, much less a shoulder! Release me now! I have seen house sleens with more class and respect then you!"

I wasn't sure what made me feel the surge of anger heighten, their chuckles or the fact he put me over the saddle like Honey was on one of the still saddled men! I felt leather instantly catch my feet, while an elbow was skillfully pressed to my palms pinned at the small of my back.Then leather found my wrist, amazingly quick, but I still tried to kick the best I could with the class of a fish flapping on the shore.

"I will see your head is put on a pole outside the gates for your actions! I demand to see the leader! You have the honor of a......"

That was the last word that came out clearly as my hair was balled up and shoved into my mouth. These men moved so fast, I had to be impressed, from the time he jumped up to saddle, shoved hair in my mouth and placed his glove there to keep it in, we were moving. The kaiila turned and I saw the man shoving Alvis and Lilly in this sack of sorts! They were stealing my sleen! The one who was near the verr, got on his kaiila and were herding them to follow with the beast that was still snapping at the small one I was holding earlier. They were stealing my Verr!!

I closed my eyes, simply cause I was getting a face full of dust as the kaiila broke into a run, wishing Odin would just open the ground right now to swallow the beast, of course with a horrid gust of wind to push me off the saddle before the rider and beast fell into a pit of darkness. Yes, I clearly enjoyed one to many stories.

This couldn't get worse.

Of course that is the one thing you should never think. Especially once the beast stopped and by the time you open your eyes you have been thrown at the boots of some man lounging by a fire. Jeeze. You can't be serious.

The Will of Bosk

It had been the longest walk of my life. It was warm, a bit to warm for the layers of deeply hued greens of fine woven cloth and velvet. I had to slip off my boots, and bound the lances to just swing them over my shoulder with the bota strap and my strap of my leather pouch of personal items I was carrying. Even the bands of golden bracelets felt heavy, a I would run my fingers across designed bands, as each meant something different. Nine on each arm, one for every year of my life. I had placed the two plain ones in my pouch now replaced by the one Blushes gave me, and the one Big Red did. I exhaled at the thought of both of them, feeling the threat of tears. It always comes in three, I think I had hit my limit. Three. But the turnings always seemed to keep rotating. My new three was..being forced to leave the North, One. Walking this stream leaving my hope chest behind, as me and Honey follow three bosk, and a small herd of Verr. Two. I was almost afraid of what Three would be.

I had to say, the grass was nice under my feet. Lush, soft, and cool. I was considering loosening the ties along my chest over the long sleeves of tunic I was wearing when I saw speckles in the far distance. They were between us, the brown Thassa of bosk and the Outpost looking mass. Perhaps they were guards.

I called to Honey, pointing out the many gatherings of dots in the distance, as they clearly were looking at the three bosk far ahead of us, and logic said...if I could see them, they could clearly see us. I told Honey to run on down and have one of them get a small cart or something, cause my feet hurt. I want to speak to someone important. Make sure to ask first if there is a fellow named Para-vaci around, cause if there was...perhaps this isn't one of those Merchant Outpost. I have heard about wily outlaws from the books Blushes would read to me. For a moment, I felt a cool rush in my chest. Weird feeling. Made my skin prickle all over. I looked up to the Sky, my mass of long crimson locks bound back with a green velvet matching ribbon, almost as rich at my eyes. The heat made some of that coolness fade from my lungs, but it lingered deeply within. Honey being the slut she was just took off running calling out "Jarl's! Over here Jarl's!" I shall switch her for that once we return home. Wanton slut. I reached down picking up a weary lamb, born not to long before we left the North, honestly I was surprise she lived through this trip, but in her blue eyes, it showed she was exhausted as I was. Taking a step towards the waters, I sat on the shoreline, dipping my toes into its welcoming sooth caress. My hand ran down the fluff of down so pure and soft on the lamb. I thought of woolen blankets of newborns. I would wait, see where those three bosk had taken us.

Happy Easter!!!

Following fates stream

After a few days rest, I was starting to get use to the smell of rich grass around me. The sound of the stream that never ceased its song. The sounds of the breeze against the wagon canvas tent. It was pretty nice. I liked to close my eyes and just breath in the land around me before I would look out at the night just breaking its darkness for the eastern light sneaking in. I can't remember missing a sunrise. Though at the hall my bedroom faced it, and I would draw back curtains to watch it every morning. Here, I have to say, it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. It was like bands of golden circular chains molded into a ball that was reflecting the power of the stars that were fading away, and seem to cause the moons to be lost in its radiance. Tunnuk had decided last night, he would head up stream for a day's walk to see what he could find taking one of the Bond's with him. Me and two bond's would head down stream for a day, and if I found anything, I would send for him, and visa versa. We embraced, as we each wished each other Odin's blessing for a fruitful and safe travel. I packed up my things in the pouch slung over my back, by a strap across my chest, and took down the small canvas tent, using the poles to have it dragged, by one of the girls. Honey was rounding up the small herd of Verr when the bosk started to move. The three seemed on a mission and they were heading down stream with a sniff of the air and a bellow now and then. I figured it was wise to follow their path, and off we went.

We spent the time playing sight games, trying to guess what the other person was looking at, though it was hard to get past just grass, hills, bosk and verr. Now and then we got a bird or a bug. I looked out now and then, still in the back of mind wondering if that Warrior named Parvaci would come back. At the end of the cot the girl was dragging we hung a gutted fish. The smell of rotting fish might keep away the wild sleen as they preferred fresh kills. The plains urts didn't bother us much as I think Alvis and Lilly scared them away.

We walked for a good seven ahns when we had no choice but to stop and rest. Share a meal of boiled meat between us and the small house sleen. I napped for about an ahn when I heard a low growl of Alvis. The three of us awakened..a bit startled. I have to say we were happy to see nothing but Alvis on a distant high hill growling towards the plains on the other side. Gathering everything up we walked up the hill, hoping to find a city in the distance. What we saw was nothing we had ever seen before. It was like the thassa, the waves of brown bodies of bosk in the distance. On the other side was something that looked like homes built in a pattern out in the middle of no where. It was hard to see from where we were, but they were some kind of structures in different colors. Perhaps it was a huge bosk outpost or something. I had never seen so many bosk in my life. I figured the rancher of bosk had to be a very wealthy man. Our three little Nothern Bosk were already a far away ahead of us, having started their travel while we slept. I told Honey to go find Tunnuk, tell me we found an outpost. She was delighted, embracing me in a sudden unexpected huge. Telling me soon I would be soaking in some rich merchants bath, and eat a fine meal, get new clothing, and we would all be on our way home in days. I liked her dream as she giggled running back from where we came. Me and the other Bond...started our way for the long walk to this unknown outpost.

I was so ready for a warm bath, with scented oils, a girl to brush my hair, and warm lush furs to snuggle in and sleep for a whole day after this adventure! My fingers ran across the hammer that was latched to my necklace that use to belong to my Father. Home never seemed so sweet, then the thought of being back in my own chambers.

These boots are made for walking

Morning came again, and the animals were looking very refreshed, not enough to try to strap the last three bosk to a wagon, but perhaps after a day's rest just three could handle pulling one that was light. Tunnuk made these things..I have no idea what to call them. Using some wood from a wagon it was almost like a cart with no wheels, yet like the homemade slave yokes we had yesterday. He had leather bound across two poles, and was having the girls put things in them to be dragged as we walked back to the stream. I only packed what I could carry for myself. I hated leaving my hope chest behind, but I took just another light dress, my book I couldn't read, both of the stuffed sleens, and still had my dagger, shears, and keys on my belt. I put on thick verr wool socks for my feet were sore from the last walk. In another bag, I put some dried grass, dung and flint to start a fire with. Finally packed salt, some flour, and picked all but one peach from my peach tree I didn't really want to leave behind. The girls had some more poles and the canvases taken off the other wagons. We could make tents with them for our few days rest by the stream. Tunnuk carried all his weapons on him, and we put cooking pots and kettles, along with furs to sit and sleep, along with other things needed just for daily life, like soap, mints, spices, and some of the meat left over from the roasted bosk yesterday.

It took longer getting there, as we had to get the animals moving and the slaves were hauling their own loads. I was exhausted and while the animals drank from the stream I took the time to soak my feet, while the slaves got the makeshift tents up and Tunnuk sat near me and talked about things on his mind, to get my thoughts on the plans or just my thoughts in general. He told me about the young men who attacked us. Plains people he said. I didn't know anything about them. He said there were different kinds, but he thought he heard the one that escaped with some of the silk slaves say something about, Paravaci or something that sounds like that. Weird name. I assumed it was the Warriors name. For our Warriors sometimes yelled out their names so the enemy will know who they couldn't kill. Made sense. He seemed very fascinated by the young men that died. He was amazed at how fast they were, and the strength they fought. He would have been honored to die by their hands. He pulled out the stringed leather thing with three weighted stones he said he pulled from the legs of one of the Bond's. Handing it to me, I have to honestly say, I had no idea what it was. Strange device to bind someone with. Tunnuk shrugged, assuming perhaps they thought our slaves weak and the stones would weight them down. I had to smile. I looked behind us and saw two tents up. He said one was for me, the other was for him and all the girls. I rolled my eyes as he chuckled. He got up to see about the meal so we could rest for the night, morning we would decide which way to head back. The thing about this strange land was...it was so flat. There were hills around, but nothing that mattered. Everything looked the same distance away. We could follow the stream, see where it spilled into. A bigger body of water meant a ship or barge would be close. That would get us home. But which way up the stream would be better? To see if the body of water was spilling into down stream, would be more vast, or upstream where it started? We had a few days to decide, I trusted Tunnuk. My life was in his hands, so the trust was there even if my heart still was only half beating in faith.

So what now little bond?

It was late in the day when I finally awakened. We had lost another bosk through the night, I could smell the meats roasting. I could hear the yelps of the Alvis and Lilly at each other, as they must be stealing bits from the spit that would come loose with the turnings. I still felt sore, but I had to stay busy. Tunnuk looked exhausted and I saw why would I passed him on the wagon steps. He had covered the ashes with dirt once they smoldered down. I think the chopping I heard was part of my dream, but he wanted to cover them before I awakened. He was a kind man. No wonder his companion seemed so happy, and she had seven sons she had given him. I told him to rest, me and the three girls that were left, thank Odin, who were all bond's would take the buckets to the stream. I whistled for Alvis and Lilly. They would let us know if anyone was within smelling distance. Tunnuk wanted to fight it and come with us, but I promised we would hurry back, it didn't look so far today, and I needed the walk...to clear my head.

I walked in the wagon as the bond's got the buckets ready. We didn't have slave yokes that would make carrying easier for many buckets on the shoulders of each girl, but we compromised. Honey was a smart girl it was her suggestion. We took long post used as a frame for the wagon entrances, and Tunnuk had cut two deep notches on each side. So we could all carry four buckets each. I was tossing bota's out the wagon, for we would carry as much as we could to get the animal's refreshed. I paused, seeing Big Red had left her white stuffed sleen on top of my hope chest. I felt my heart ache, as I reached over, pressing it against my nose. It smelled like my sister, who liked perfumes and oils of sweet citrus aromas. Honey wanted in and just eased beside me, touching lightly against my elbow. All I could do was look at her, for the longest no words came out, cause I couldn't find them. I couldn't get a straight thought in my head. I suddenly felt so very confused. Finally words would form, but they would finally slip from my tongue thick and slow like wild honey.

"So what now?"

Honey smiled, as she lifted to her feet, and put her hands on her hips. Arrogant little bond she was. For a moment I wished I had a switch.

"Who is the Mistress, and who is the slave?"

I think that caused me to blink a few times. Gotta admire her will power. Cause she got me up to my feet and swinging at her, not hard, but enough to make my point.

"Stop being lazy and making me angry, we have water to get you mouthy wench of a bond. I shall sell you to a dung collector"

She smiled though she ran out as if to fear another lash out. I shall have to thank her later. Maybe. So out I went, with straps of bota's on my back and chest, a stick bowed across my shoulders I held in place not to have the rope handles of the buckets slip from the notches. We started to walk, the four of us. Honey had a leather pouch strapped across her shoulder, I wondered what it was for, but lost the mood to ask as I, and the girls watched around us, and listened for anything from Alvis and Lilly who were having a great time with all the new scents and running through the tall grass.

It was a walk that took us four ahns to reach the stream. I wish I had brought clothing and soap to bath after we filled every bucket and bota. There was still lots of daylight, I told the girls to go bath and swim. For we had a long and heavy walk back. Honey walked up and handed me the pouch she had I saw earlier. Just dropped it at my side, then took off running towards the other girls at the far bank of the long stream. Arrogant wench. Opening the pouch I found a fresh green dress, soap, and a brush, with a rep towel. Yes, she took very good care of me. It made a strange thought come to my mind as I started to undress. If slaves were fueled by sex alone, why was Honey such a good slave to me? Even when I treat her cruel, she was there with devotion. She got nothing from me but demands. It made no sense. I scolded myself for thinking to much, as I took my time bathing in the water warmed by the afternoon heat. By the time I finished, dried and dressed the girls were waiting for me. I felt refreshed, in body and soul. The ache was there, but water seemed to cruel the bulk of my woes. We started back, it took longer as we struggled with the weight of water, which I had dearly under estimated. The girls were a lot swifter then me, and took most of my share of bota's. Tunnuk was waiting for us impatiently, scolding the girls for taking so long, but not one of them said it was I that made them wait. They were at his feet begging to be forgiven, as I shook my head and started to carry buckets of water to the last three bosk, and fill buckets we couldn't carry from the bota's for the verr. I had never tasted water to delicious, as we staked bota's that were left, and it wasn't many, one for each of us. We ate, and then slept. For tomorrow we would walk again, this time to shepherd the bosk and verr to the stream, and try to make some sort of camp there..until Tunnuk could think of the best way for us to return home.

Pain..under the flesh.

I woke up alone. The smell of honey and sorrow was thick. My own vision was blurred with emotions, attempting to lean up from sleeping on the ground which left me sore. The first thing I saw, when I could finally see was Big Red handing Tunnuk an arrow. She looked so at peace, and it left me wondering why I was a mess. She must have spent the morning finding her most beautiful dress, Honey must have brushed her hair a hundred times to make it shine so, and put it up in elaborate combs and jeweled pins. I just placed the woven blanket around my shoulders, and walked to a wagon to lay in it. I didn't want to face today. It would be sunset before anything would happen. I couldn't deal with it right now. I just couldn't. I didn't need to. Big Red walked in, and just laid next to me now. Instead of me embracing her, she held me. So much older and wiser my Twin seemed. I grasped tight to her, and my heart wept when my eyes refused. She sang softly, a song Blushes taught her, to calm my restless beast, as Blushes said Mother use to say when I was a baby. Only the song would ease my soul, and help me sleep.

Dream away sweet little red,
Just dream away......
Dream of strong men in battles won,
So your safe in the halls of your home.
Dream away little red,
Just dream away.......
Let nothing torment your beautiful soul this day,
Just let your mind dance in clouded bliss,
For your heart beats at peace's caress.
Dream away little red,
Just dream away.......
Today is now a memory in hope chest's,
Locked away...
Tomorrow will bring a new view of
Today's lessons that lead the way.
Dream away sweet little red,
Just dream away.

She was still there when I woke up. Her fingers against my cheek, and she smiled so delicately. I think it was her strength that fed my soul. She would keep me alive. We walked out together and I was surprised to see it was almost dusk. I almost panicked when she pressed a finger to my lips, and leaned whispering in my ear.

"I didn't wake you cause the moment we had was the best one I could ever have as a last memory. I shall think of the peaceful look on your face, and how you clung to me. Take this bracelet, add it to yours and know, I am here with you, always. Our hearts will always beat as one. We will meet again one day, and I will be waiting for you."

She kissed both of my cheeks as I slipped the bracelet on my wrist. Golden with etchings of bosk horns along the surface. It was for strength. Three wagons had been stripped of their canvases'. Upon them were the bodies of the Merchant, a slave I would learn that took her own life grieving the Merchant's death, my sisters hope chest, and many of the Merchants goods. The second wagon had all the fallen Warriors, their weapons, and a bond bound before the Northern Warrior, who begged to travel with him. The third held the two young Warriors. Bound beside them were the rest of the three silken girls, I felt a pride that Tunnuk would honor them with prizes they had sought, for it was obvious they went after the girls under the wagon when they saw our weak our livestock was. They would travel with the young brave Warriors. I stood there, watching Tunnuk light each fire under the wagons that would start to climb up each wheel. He stood beside me, as tips of arrows would be lit, and one by one, my sister first, then the girls, were given mercy from the fires pain as the arrows pierced their hearts. I stood there, with Honey beside me for many ahn's watching the fires rage. It wasn't until I thought my knees wouldn't be able to keep me up any longer did I return to the wagon with Honey's help. I could only see flames whose image was burned into my mind. It was the reach of each tip towards the sky that lulled me to sleep finally.

Bloody blades of destiny

I didn't think things could get worse. We had lost half the bosk, the only reason the verr were just slightly stronger was cause they eat everything. The lack of water didn't effect them as strongly as the bosk. I would feed the verr peaches from my tree and that seemed enough to keep their thirst under control. We had lost three guards from Ar, and one of my Brother's men to fever, after we didn't have clean water to clean wounds over an attack from a wild sleens that came near the wagons. I would share what little water we were able to filter at a muddy stream with Alvis, but I could see him getting weaker also, as he slept many ahns during our travel. I think we attracted the sleen from setting the bodies of the bosk on fire.We tried to cook what we could, but we had no extra water to boil meat with to make it last longer. The only plus side was, we could see water. It was only a half a day's walk. I fought with the foolish lying merchant all night over not making the bosk pull it towards the water. They couldn't handle it. Even I was starting to feel tired and worse for wear also. We had lost five wagons, over stuffing the ones we have, which made no sense but he refused to leave any of his goods behind. We burned the Warriors in the wagons we left behind. We could handle this. Yes we could. Finally Big Red talked him into letting us walk to get the water. Me, her and the Bond's would walk with buckets to get water and bring it back for the bosk. Once we got them watered, we would be able to have them take us to the stream. I was so tired. I just crawled in the furs of the wagon, now shared by all the Free, the slaves slept under the wagon on furs.

I swear my head had just found the verr wool pillow when I heard the scream from under the wagon. The guards from Ar were on watch and there was only the sounds of falling bodies. The men were up and running out the wagon entrance. Me and Big Red just embraced each other as we listened. The sounds were horrible. Battle cries I had never heard before, the bellow of our Northern men, and the sound of beast snarling. Our little house sleens were growling by the wagon walls, I started to hum. Anything to block the sounds that made our hearts throb so deeply in our chest. It felt like ahn's before a gasp from both of us filled the air, that was only happiness when we saw the bloody axe push back the leather. Tunnuk nodded that all was clear, I could have kissed him. The deep set frown at his face told me, and stopped me from doing so. Something awful had happened. Big Red pushed past him running out to find her merchant. I had just lifted to my feet to walk out when I heard the screaming. My heart dropped. I knew what it meant. I didn't need to walk out to see, for my heart jumped into my throat causing it to stretch and burn. I had to fight for a breath and swallow it back down as each throb was so painful. I walked out and I could smell blood in the air. It had a mixture of salt from tears and flames being lit by the Northern men left to help keep an eye for anyone returning, and to see any sleen that might come as they would smell the fresh spill of blood also. I kissed Big Red on her salted cheek, but it was a time for silence. So nothing was expected to be said. There was work to do. The weeping Bond's knew the drill, as the silk slaves seem to coward by the wheels. I told them to fetch what water was left in bota's, even if droplets get what they could from the bottoms and put warmed mead in bowls also. Furs were laid across the ground near a fire, and we all carried the bodies to each fur. There was the Merchant, the rest of his four guards that were left, another of the Northern men, and two of the attackers. They were young. Barely men. I started on the young men after the girls had stripped them and wrapped the men in loin cloths, washing the wounds, and dirt from their bodies after the battle. Big Red was working on the Merchant, and the girls on the Warrior's. Once the bodies were clean, and wrapped tight in furs we slept outside by them. I snuggled against Big Red, just holding her tight, feeling her tears moisten my hair. I couldn't help but wish, tomorrow wouldn't come.

Dreaming of Hope

"Odin take me now!!!"

I just screamed out catching a mouthful of dust in the process, coughing, gagging and trying to roll out of the way to my feet before getting out of the way as the wagons were called to a stop for the 6th time in four hands. It was late in the night so they decided to just stop. The lying foolish merchant had been pushing the wagons far more driving ahn's then should be done. I didn't know much about moving wagons, but I did know bosk, and they were using Northern bosk to pull wagons. Our Bosk were a bit thicker, and heavy downed still. I could see them panting while pulling the wagons, and two had died already. Every time I heard a bellow I would try to lean over the railing and look out at the bosk suffering, it broke my heart. I just wasn't good at the leaning over the railing thing. I fell off once again, just missing being trampled and ran over by wheels. That was one thing I was getting good at. Not getting crushed, but not at the whole...don't fall thing. I had a huge bruise on my bottom. We had run out of water last night. I was thirsty for it, though I had mead. Which might be the reason I fell tonight. I think we were going to lose a few more bosk by tomorrow if we didn't find water soon. One of the guardsmen was complaining over needing Kaiila or Tarn's or something. We didn't have kaiila in the North, they wouldn't be able to handle our harsh winters and grounds all year round. Pretty useless. We needed to travel we sailed.

I walked over to the wagon, reaching up to let Alvis down so he could run and tend to his own sleen wilds. We had been on the trail for hands and its the first time I had noticed Lilly, Big Red's sleen. No wonder Alvis had been hanging on the platform he must have smelled her. Big Red walked up to me, blushing. Yes, please...Odin, don't make me have to sit and hear this! He wasn't so kind. She went on and on about sex, and how sweet the foolish lying merchant was. How wonderful our life would be when we got to Ar. How he felt he knew the right man for me. I just walked back in the wagon, it was safe now it wasn't moving. She was truly killing my Honey Buzz I had going from my mead dinner earlier. I started to undress, as the dress...was thick with dust. Slipping on the lightest one I had of a rich red velvet. I used oils to try to freshen myself as water was gone. I felt so dirty still. Cleaning my hands over and over again before we sat before my hope chest. I think this is the only moment we shared, was enjoying memories of the past to bring to the future. My Mother set up chest for both of us. To start to set up our homes when we companioned. I had woven sheets for the sleeping couch for my first night. I feel a dry heave almost touch as I looked over seeing Big Red blush when I pulled them out. I just didn't get the big deal over sex. I had no idea. Lay there, let a man heavy ho over you and if he does it right, a kid will come out of it. Fun. Big Red saw me roll my eyes as she gave me a pinch on the shoulder.

"One day, you will know love, and then..nothing else will matter Vivica"

Sure sure. I didn't comment, just shrugged. Pulling out a stuffed sleen, Mother made one for both of us out of leather and wool. Mine was black and Big Red's was White. We bought laughed remember how we would hide each others and make bets who would find theirs first. Small dresses, and slippers. Tiny golden bracelets, and tears touched my eyes when I saw Blushes must have slipped in the book, she use to read to me. The one with the blue leather binding had my favorite stories. Battles and wise common people. Morals, I liked stories with a lesson. Something that would enrich my life. I didn't let the tears drop, but just gloss over my gaze as I dried it with the flowing edge of my sleeve. Told myself, I wanted to learn its words. Something to look forward to. Not that I didn't know them by heart, but it would be nice to find comfort in seeing them jump at me other then in my mind. I could hold a story, against my chest, and teach my own children to write it's words. To much thinking again. Clear the mind Little Red, clear the mind. I laughed pulling out a dagger with a broken blade. Big Red couldn't help but smirk. We both said it at the same time.

"The first kiss!"

I spent the rest of the night giggling over stories and tales of our childhood. It was nice. Its been a long time since we had done that. Not since we were little girls. Me and Big Red are so different, but there was no doubt that we were twins. We shared something special. Because of her, perhaps there is hope for me. I will get some of her nurturing nature.

The trail ahead.

The first couple of days, I pouted. I laid in the wagon, just feeding slices of jerky to Alvis. I think after the second day he was pretty sick of it himself. He would sit on the platform with Tunnuk, my brothers best friend. Shameful, even Alvis was sick of my self inflected misery. Within a hand I had yet to see Big Red, who was clearly making the most out of the time in her wagon. Hopefully a child would be here soon and it would be a boy, so I could return home. I have never debated the fact people called me self centered. Because, I was. I admit it. Good thing its my right to be. I was bored. There was only water right now to wash with a rep cloth and heated at a cauldron over makeshift fires at night. I wanted a bath. A long hot soak. I wanted my hair washed. I wanted my hands rubbed, and my feet oiled. The closer South we got, the hotter it was getting. Even on beautiful warm days of the North, there was still a crisp cool morning breeze. I loved to get up and watch the light just demand its power across the land and no one or thing could stop the will of the Sky, though the water would show its power also in reflecting it right back.

Okay I'm bored.

Odin never traveled by wagon. Stupid lying foolish Merchant. I can't say I liked wagons all that much. Of course this is a first time for me, beyond just riding down stone paths with a bosk pulling cart fulls of hay, harvested ta sarna, and vegetables. We had fruit trees and bushes too. The Merchant had a little fit over me bringing a peach tree, how foolish he is. He should be singing praise that I would bring a peach tree I planted myself as a young girl, it gave the biggest and ripest of peaches. Not to sweet, but a smooth mellow taste, that just makes one happy. I plucked a peach off earlier, and just rolled it against my fingers. The tree was in a huge pot cause spring had just arrived and is still chilled out until summer, I kept it in the main hall. Father was very proud of me. He said I might have a nurturing bone in me yet to make a great Mistress of some hall and give a man many heirs. I felt a tear swell at the thought of my Father. I guess one really doesn't realize what they have until its gone. He taught me a lot. When I would fall, he would tell me to get up, look at my bleeding hands or knees, if I could still think, walk, and move my arms, I had everything I needed in life. Bond's would follow me around as soon as walked into the Hall, for torn dresses were a given. Often I heard I should have been a boy, I would just comment that boys didn't have the class I did. I looked at my palm, it was still just a slight bit blushed with color from the burn I got two hands ago. I was at the black smiths forge to get the dagger my Father gave me sharpened. Of course I went to see Northaniel. I will say I had a bit of a young woman's crush on him. He was his Father's apprentice. He would be taking over the Forge as his own the next season. I could handle being a blacksmiths woman. My Father wouldn't see it, but I would work on him. I had leaned over on the smelting hearth trying to strike a cute pose when Northaniel walked by. To bad I didn't judge the distance well, cause I fell right back trying to grab a handle off the side. Metal..fire..Hot. Not a good idea. So I ended up walking home with a throbbing palm wrapped in cloth and salve, a bruised ego, but I did get my dagger sharpened. After of course I let it go when I was falling and it stabbed Northaniel's Father right through the boot. Okay so it was a bit sharper then I thought it was.

The news hit my Father long before I got there, walking in the hall he had a huge grin. Our conversation was simple.

"So you got hurt?"
"Yes, Father"
"Can you think clearly?"
"Yes, Father"
"Can you walk?"
"Yes, Father, and even stand before you foolishly as I am now"
"Can you move your arms?"
"Yes, Father"
"Good, go get me some mead"
"Only if I can get some for myself Father"

With that he would chuckle and I would sit beside him. He might not care about the physical wounds I would get, but he was always tender with my bruised heart. It was those times, he would allow Blushes to get me a small mug of warmed mead, which I would just put my head on his shoulder and sip slowly. No more words were needed. Those moments meant the world to me. Now that life was over. Alvis came back in through the wagon flaps curling on my lap. I simply cried again, though my eyes wept, now and then I would smile seeing Alvis shake the droplets off his head. I told myself, no more tears. Have to be strong. Make Father proud.

Be Well's...Blow

I listened to the giggling of bonds and bets of Warriors on how long it would take us to get to Ar. I just leaned against the entrance of the Hall, looking at the train of 10 wagons being prepared to depart. One wagon was mine, one of the lying foolish Merchant and Big Red, a couple of the Merchant's hired guards, and a few men coming with us, who would return North once we arrived. Big Red had a good dowry. There was much salt, and axes. A small herd of bosk and verr traveling with us. A few bonds also that the Merchant was allowed to pick out himself from the Hall, though I did notice Ingrid wasn't in those displaying. I knew my Brother had a soft spot for her as much as she did for him. I have no doubt she had been locked away somewhere. Alvis stayed at my feet, giving a low growl to the Southern Warriors that walked back and forth. We didn't have a huge party we were traveling with, but I still felt safe with Northern Jarl's in tow to show the best paths to take.

Claes walked up placing a hand on my shoulder, I gently touched it, and smiled up to him. We never talked much, on a personal level of feelings and such. Not like me and Von talked. I had a feeling Von was out with the Verr again. We said our Be Well's earlier, he gave me another bracelet with designs of the rune's on it for luck. He walked off before he would see my tears. I thanked Claes for the necklace again, he just smiled. Though I didn't care for his companion Ollah, I knew she would take good care of him, just as Ingrid would. I watched the thick haired Bosk be lead out by a thick plot of grass for some grazing before we started off. Bond's were pulling straws to see who would be first to shepherd the Verr. I had to smile as Honey jumped up and down as she would be the first. She was the type that just wanted to get things done, so she could spend the rest of the time easing the travel pains of Warriors. I huffed watching her seeing Claes chuckle, asking me if I perhaps wanted to leave Honey here with him. Of course I said no, he had enough to entertain himself with. The horn sounded as those of the hall came out to wish final Be Well's to all of us. Claes walked me to the wagon, helping me up after a final embrace. He whispered to me, there was a barrel of mead in my wagon to help ease the travel pains. I had to laugh softly. I even waved to Ollah now, as Claes lifted Alvis and placed him on the platform with me. I looked up across the hall and saw Von standing on the stone wall fence waving. I waved over to him now in the distance.

Everything would be okay. I hoped.

With that, the wagons started to move, and Northern Warriors, started to sing the song of Jarl's.

Halls of the Head Jarl, Claes

I lay on the thickness of layered warm furs of my sleeping couch watching the dance of the flames in the fire place build into the wall. There is a fur beside it, where my personal bondsmaiden sleeps. She was given to me five years ago by my Father. She had very dark brown hair, and a fair enough face. She works hard, and has a nice witty temper that amuses me, and also inspires me when I'm feeling lazy and don't want to get out from the layers of coverings. I call her Honey cause her eyes are light and rich like mead. They look so gentle even with her Northern temper most girls have, that even I am proud of. If she was the type to cry and coward away, I think I would have gotten rid of her. I honestly enjoy her. She can read, to where, I can't. When the Foolish lying merchant comes around in the past, he would bring books to get on my good side, for Honey to read to me in the evenings. She is from the South originally. I sometimes have lashed her when she seemed to happy when I was in a mood of restlessness. No reason other then, her thrill of watching men sail into the shorelines bothered me. I told her to be wanton slut near others, not me. I think it first hit me the day she crawled into my sleeping chambers smelling of my bothers oils and paga. It was near day break and I assumed she had just crawled out from under him, needing to get warmed fur rugs on the floor before I awakened. I was so angry. I didn't even understand my own anger at first as I beat her soundly with a switch and she begged me to forgive her. Yet, I had no remorse but curious nature watching her work with just a slight flinch with the other bonds of the hall, teasing men who touched the bruised welts along her thighs, belly and arms. I felt jealous. I remember asking my Father about this. Once he stopped coughing from the bit of mead he didn't spit out across the table, even soaking the salt bowls. He just stared at me with his deep green eyes that matched mine. He told me no such talk at the his table from his daughters! Letting a fist slam against it as it caused all our plates to jump and food to roll against the polished wooden surface. One would think I asked something other then "Is it just sex that makes slaves so wanton when they look at men?" I figured it was a simple enough question. One I didn't answer again, though there was giggles from Von and Big Red. A tisk or two from Claes. Blushes who was always at Father's side even took a step back and quietly just went to get us replacements of whatever jumped from our plates that rolled to the floor that Alvis was enjoying from under the table.

But it wasn't my Father's table anymore, it was Claes's. They were having a great feast tonight. In honor of the lying foolish Merchant and my sisters Companionship, and us leaving at the break of dawn. This would be the last night of rest in the room I have had all my life. Honey finished all the minor packing of my clothing and jewelry. The other girls helped out with closing the curtain's and getting coverings for the stuff in my room, as Claes's promised it would be here for me, if I found later..much later in the future, I wanted to return home, as long as I waited until Big Red at least gave the man a son. My luck would have it, she will have all daughters, and Claes laughed when I said such. I heard the knock on the door, I didn't bother to look over. I knew the knock, it was Honey. She walked in with a tray, setting it on the small low table beside the couch, which was now empty minus a single tharlorian oil lamp. On the tray she had a mug of warmed mead, a brush, and a necklace. I finally sat up on the edge of the couch so she could brush my hair, as I couldn't make everyone wait for my arrival. She lifted the necklace, a solid pendent I knew well, it even caused my eyes to gloss in tears. Honey telling me, Claes's sent it over as a gift, knowing it would please me, and him to see me wearing it. It was my Father's. I let her slip it around my neck, as I took a few breaths to keep the tears from falling across my freckled cheeks.

I just continued then to watch the fire, as my fingers ran across the cool metal hammer resting low against the cloth of my chest. It was dyed a rich green, and ran long, sweeping the ground with black edging at the hem, that could be easily replaced when I shredded it with the long walks of the fields and climbing the big stone walled fence. Honey just brushed my hair back, with a thick black strap of cloth to keep it out of my face, for the briefest moment, I wondered what Big Red's hair looked like. She was a companioned woman now, it would be done up high in metal combs and tight around her head.

I took a deep breath, as Honey held open the door for me. Walking across the hall, following the rich scents of roasted meats and warm bread, I walked in and took my place at the high table.

Big Red & Little Red

I can't say I was all to happy. I showed such by tossing my brothers good boots in the cooking hearth sending those wench of bond maidens running off crying for him as they were mere targets when they got close. My Father was dead from a duel with...a Merchant! The shame, and the anguish. A skilled swordsmen gone Merchant. Nasty little Southern secret I suppose. Liars, all of them. Big Red is in love with the fool. Though she is lucky he didn't enslave her. It was his right, but the lying fool was in love with her also. My Father refused to part with his favorite Daughter to be dragged to the soiled ways of the South, he was afraid, she would lose her fire. They don't honor their women like the North does, I would hear him argue with Big Red she when spoke of the Merchant. Our Mother had died long ago, birthing a huge boy named Von. My youngest brother, my best friend, was out with the Verr. He didn't need to be, but he found solace with them. I had been out there with him also, but became so angry at his pain, I decided I needed to burn some boots. We were not of the richest halls but we were very comfortable and wanted for nothing. We had a large number of bosk, verr, and our gardens were rich with dirt we would bring over by the wagons full from the warmer lands traveled, that we would keep moist in travel with water, and fertile with flatted bosk dung. It was a form my Father's Father's Father had discovered that made the fruit tree's grow more bountiful and the beets the reddest over all of the land. How sparse was good farming land, but we were lucky. Every year since I can remember my Father would go Dirt Hunting. Him and my eldest brother Claes, who I was very angry with right now. It could have been many things that triggered my fury. Could have been Claes's companion Ollah, I could smell the smoke from my Fathers burnt ship still in the air and she was already wearing my Mothers key's and shears at her belt. I was shocked the very haughty Ollah didn't ask for me and Big Red's keys as soon as she latched my Mothers to her waist. I found out why soon enough. With a new head Mistress, and the saving of my sister's freedom, we were both being sent South with the Merchant. Ollah had talked my brother into it. Is said if Odin wished us parted, he wouldn't have had us born as such. For me and Big Red were twins. She wished not the hall with its new Jarl to face Odin's Fury if the parted which was Odin's wish to keep together. I loved my home, the land, the smell and the work. My sister might be suited for the South, she savored the pampered ways my Father allowed her. I myself with Von would be out seeing who could jar honey first without being stung, or shear the wool from Verr faster, dug the most holes to plant cabbage. Yes, we would hear the cheers of the Bond's trying to get us to go faster, for in all honesty our contest really did get in the way of their work. Father's favored girl, Blushes, was a big strong girl, who honestly became our motherly figure after Mother sailed with ashes and smoke to the wind. Big Red and I, were only three, and Claes was seven. Blushes nursed Von, for Father kept her with milk, Blushes would joke to say the reason was, he liked it warm at all times, and yes, to her namesake...she would blush. I never, when I got older and wiser asked any questions about this. Blushes made Father happy, and took very good care of us all, though Claes wasn't very kind to her, not cruel, but never wanted her in the same room with him. Yes, strange, perhaps a pit of emptiness, as she was with Father now, together, a golden bracelet she wore I placed in the mix of the many around my wrist. As we washed and prepared Father for his journey, she handed it to me. Said it was a gift my Father gave her when her milk first came in. He was so pleased. I didn't need to wonder anymore, every little secret was told in its finely carved band, a bracelet of a Lady of the North. I figured, she must have submitted after Claes was born, no wonder his hair wasn't red like mine, Big Red's or Von's. It was a lighter hue of Blushes. I kissed her cheek, and told her thank you. Though she called me Mistress, she was the best Mother I could remember. I heard Claes stalking down the steps with weeping Bond's scared of his anger. I simply walked out the kitchen towards my chambers with Alvis at my heels. Alvis was young, given, no, I picked him at birth. Runt, and not very aggressive. Not that miniature house sleen got very aggressive, it was bred out of them carefully, but it was still here. Can't fight all of nature. I fattened him up on sweet thick verr milk and cooked meats. Nothing triggers nature like raw meat and blood. His small silky body stayed close to me. Father said he should have been destroyed. If he had come from a private breeder he would have, but he was born in our own pens. Bred from a line of my Mother's house sleen. Her family were famous for the small silky sleen. Good for roaming the halls, and tracking hiding girls, smelling anyone trying to come close to windows or doors that didn't smell of our people or those of our land. He was the fifth pup which made him rare also, probably a runt cause he was squished. Most sleen, big and small only have four. I would be taking Alvis with me. We were leaving tomorrow morning, I should start to pack. Or at least allow the Bond's in my room that were sleeping by the door with dried tears cause I wouldn't allow them in. "Vivica, stop being a brat and try to make the most out of this. It will be a great change for both of us" Big Red would tell me. She had to be the only one that used my birth name. Everyone called me Little Red. Not cause I was second born, but because my twin was taller and bigger then me. She was beautiful, and sometimes I envied her height. We had Bond's taller then me, though the Foolish Lying Merchant would tease, I would blend in well in Ar, for my height is common in the South. I would just give a sassy little tone of indifference back to my twin of "Treena, not all of us are so humbled and soft as you to be ready for this life of paved streets and little tea cafe's" at this point I would run and duck for I knew she would be throwing something at me. I loved my sister. In a way, I was happy to be going, for I knew she would be sad without me. She liked to Mother me also, though we were the same age, and yes, she was a lot calmer then me. I loved adventure and new things. I also loved mead as me and Von had been sipping it out on the ledge of the fence wall to block the wind from the Bosk on the harsher of snow flurries, since we were old enough to sneak it out. One of the Bond's at the door was brave enough to walk in, in her hand was a small cup, warmed mead, I could smell it before she got there. She slipped beside me, after I took it from her hands, and hugged me. "I shall miss you Vivica, my beloved Little Red" she said. I told her never to call me Mistress, in private, she was my best friend growing up, and she had been so in love with my older brother. So much so... to submit. "Ingrid, I shall miss you more" Finally I laid my head on her shoulder, and cried.