20th Trial of Ymiden 713th Arc
Jasper limped they were approaching the edge of the forest. Besides him, merrily prancing was Laquin. Slightly ahead of them, showing the smoothest path for the injured boy, Gorm led the way. The Ydalir had lost all of his normally grouchiness, and had helped when it was needed, but outside of that had left Jasper to take care of himself on the way back. Jasper had appreciated it, and he had openly communicated with the experienced ranger. Jasper would have liked to take a rest, but he knew this part of the forest, and really wanted to look upon his home. The forest was a fun place to visit but he had had his fun, and wanted home.
Gorm looked back at Jasper, the old man’s his expression taking on some of its grouchiness as they got closer to other people. Jasper grinned eagerly back, and got a small smile and a grunt for his effort. He slowed down even more so that the three of them were walking side by side. They had talked very little, but Jasper was good with that. The events of the past trials had needed to be reviewed and thought over.
Jasper certainly hoped that he passed the test of Resolve, but more importantly Jasper felt that he had come of age in a very real sense out there in the wilds, and among the spirits. He was positive that he had followed the directions of the higher spirits specifically Myrkvior. Jasper had been scared but had made something of a plan, sure if he had more time he could have made a better one, but he had acted, and he had paid the cost.
He looked down at the frolicking colt and smile. Yes he would have to take care of this joyful creature, but it would be worth it. Jasper felt a swell of satisfaction. Sure others might have done better, but the boy wasn’t ashamed of what had happened. He would face the mocking of his brother for fainting, but he knew Lynond would have as well.
He just hope his father would understand, and more importantly take him seriously now. Jasper though it was unfair that his father always made everything a joke and Jasper had inherited that trait from the man, but he always treated Jasper like her wasn’t to be taken seriously, that everything was a joke with the boy. It was true that Jasper rarely frowned but that didn’t mean it wasn’t serious.
Jasper sighed and looked over at Gorm. “I think we will get home in time for the end of Hesterfor celebration.” Before the sentence was done, Jasper was smiling again.
“Most likely.” Gorm acknowledged. “My friend Toke will be most irritated with me.”
“Toke?” Jasper asked as he paused to keep from tripping over Laquin, and then started walking again.
“A Aesir Shaman who I new when I was young.” Gorm said. “He was coming to supervice the tests, and we were going to sit around the fire and remember the good old times.”
“Is that actually fun?” Jasper asked curious.
“You still haven’t reached your prime, onces your past it you will understand.” Gorm said with an almost fatherly smile. Jasper just shrugged and contiuned to limp along. It was only half a break before they came upon Myrkvior Shrine. This time both of them walked over to the shrine and knelt next to each other. Each raised their hands in supplication. There was a silent moment and Jasper spoke.
“Oh Dark Mother, we offer our thanks on this Trial for our safe return.” Jasper said in his smoothly baritone voice. “We have adventured in and out of your real and offer praises for you gifts and blessings on our journey. I personally thank you for guidance these past trials. I would not be here with out your help.” Jasper lowered one hand and pulled out a string with Grendal claws crafted into a crude necklace. “Please accept this gift of gratitude for all that you have done.” The claws while not pretty were valuable piece of décor. Jasper placed it on the alter and then returned his arms to a raised position.
Jasper breathed slowly and waited to see if there would be an answer. It did come, but not in the way he would have thought. He heard shouts of joy as they sat their kneeling, and Jasper felt a tear in his eyes as he understood the dark mother had answered her acceptance by giving him the most valuable thing in the world. His family had come to find him. With Gorm’s help Jasper stood up, and as before paused to kiss the same image at the edge of the shrine. Jasper patted Laquin head as he pranced around them. Jasper hurriedly limped out of the forset where his family was waiting at the edge. The brown eyed boy could see them waiting beyond the edge. His family turned as they heard the sound of someone rushing out of the forest.
Jasper saw first his parents. His mother was currently holding his little sister Asatia who was only a few cycles old at this point. His mother also called Asatia, was a brown haired woman, with streaks of blond hair. Her expression appeared resolved. She was at that moment talking with Jasper’s father and her husband Lynond, and an older man sitting in a wagon, as Aesir by his cloths. Asatia saw her son first and handed over the baby to one of his brothers before rushing across the open ground. Jasper could see she wanted to hug him, but instead she stopped in front of him and clasped him on the shoulders in the way that adults did with each other.
Jasper raised his hand and returned the gesture, and adult greeting and adult. He felt a hug smile spread across his face and fetl his eyes grow moist. Both of them stepped aside as they heard Jasper’s father approach. The tall man, at this point taller then his son, but with the same brown hair and eyes, also clasped his son on the shoulders. His grin just as broad as his son’s. After a moment Lynond threw dignity to the wind and pulled his son into a hug.
“Son, Welcome Home.” He said as the two of them laughted and hugged at the same time.
“What is that?” One of his younger brother’s, Danesia, called pointing to something behind Jasper. The young man turned and looked to see Laquin trying to hid behind Jasper’s leg. Everyone paused and looked down at the creature. There was a whistle from one of Jasper’s uncles as the crowd registered a Slepiener with the crowd.
Lynond raised and eyebrow and looked over at his wife, who gave a small shrug. Jasper spoke up then. “This is Laquin he will be living with us.” Jasper said trying to bend down. It didn’t work and Jasper half collapsed but righted himself and then ran his hand along the creatures mane.
“Jasper what is wrong?” His mother asked even as the young man motioned for his younger brothers to come over and see the creature. The boys unconcerned with strange behaviors approached eagerly.
“Your son is trying to hide his injured leg.” Gorm said. Durring the reunion he had walked over and was now talking with the old Aesir. Jasper glanced over at the old ranger as he allowed his brothers to approach one by one.
“What happened?” Lynond asked the elderly ranger.
“You son took a flying leap out of a tree into a fighter between a mare and a Grendel.” Gorm said with complete dead pan voice and expression. There was a moment of silence as everyone looked at the Ydalir. Jasper’s father then threw back his head and laughed. He patted Jasper’s back.
“Tell me son, was the Grendel as ugly as they say.”Lynond said teasingly. He clearly though Gorm was being funny. Jasper felt Gorm’s eyes on him as he stood up. Laquin was excisted with all of the attention from the brother’s though he still remained pressed up again Jasper’s leg. Jasper looked into his fathers eye’s and there was a twinkle in the young man’s gaze that made his father give pause.
“I can’t really describe it. Its best if you just look for yourself.” Jasper slipped his pack off and firmly shoved it into his father’s arms.
Lynond’s smile faultered just a bit as he accepted the bag, he didn’t immediately open as if he was afraid of what was in the bag. His wife came up and leaned against his side. That movement seemed to awaken him from his brief stupor and he flipped the bag open. Inside was the fur of the Grendal. Gorm had skinned the creature and then let Jasper cure it while they waited until the could travel. Jasper had very carefully packed the skin so that the face of the ceature was the first thing you saw when opening the back. Jasper hadn’t opened the bag after that.
Jasper watched intently a smile on his lips as his parents flipped open the flap. His father let out an explative, and his mother took a step back. It was then as if a flood had been let loss and Jasper’s uncles and aunts who had come congregated on his parents and the pack. There was much talking and shoting as the farmers look upon one of the storied nightmares. They no longer doughted, there was the skin, and Gorm a retired Ydalir said it was so.
“Come one men.” His oldest uncle called and with five of his brothers surrounded Jasper, causing Laquin to panic. The men laughed and then bent a picked up Jasper to carry on their shoulders. Normally Jasper would be been blushing and bursting with pride, but two of his uncles were clutching his leg right where his tendons had been pulled. He made a gasping motion with his mouth but prevented any words from coming out. After the initial shock he was able to force a smile on his face as the crowd jostled him over to the wagon.
Chaos followed as everyone figured out how they are getting home. In the end Asatia and Jasper’s aunt Aslaug took charge and made necissary arrangements. Jasper with his injury was delegated to the back of the wagon where he could lean over and comfort Laquin who was not allowed in the wagon. In the wagon with him was Gorm, who had tried to object that he wasn’t that old, the aged Aesir Toke, and the children to young to walk that distance but to old not to ride on their mothers.
Jasper watched as everyone was being arranged. Something kept drawing his attention towards a spot opposite him and next to the Aesir Toke. He took a deep breath and tried to push the chaos around him out of his mind. There was something there, he knew that there was some type of Anak. It wasn’t until the world began to quiet and the wagon move that he could focus better. There was still chattering among the adults, the wagon creeked and swayed, and Hatenia and Danesia were arguing about who got to sit next to the creepy old man.
Jasper lost himself in the swaying of the wagon its rythem an echo of the contors of the earth itself. He felt a hunger, a desperate hunger, no, starvation radiating from the spot by Toke. Jasper eyes focused as he realized Hatenia was about to sit in that spot. He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around the boy.
“Come sit with me.” He said in that older brother firm but kind way. The young boy blinked at his older brother in surprise but willingly sat in Jasper’s lap. “Did you want to pet Laquin again?” Jasper asked to distract from his action.
“Yes.” His little brother said excitedly. Jasper carefully held his brother as he leaned over and allowed Laquin to sniff his hand. Then with a sleipnir’s dignity allowed the boy to touch the top of his head. Jasper felt some of the dread fade as he watched the boy giggle. When his arms started to grow tired he pulled the boy back and let him lean his head against Jasper’s shoulder. The rocking of the wagon began to grow less intense as they came to the track that Jasper and Gorm had taken Trials before when they left the village.
When Hatenia had drifted off to sleep and the other child were distracted Jasper looked at the Aesir and asked. “How did you know we would be here?”
“What makes you think I knew anything.” Toke asked. His green gaze was curious and instense. It was hard to tell what color his hair had been as what little there was left was whispy white. He had a number of lines on his face, but Jasper was sure that this man had spent his life smiling and happy.
“I could total see my mother camping out on the edge of the forest when I returned late, but a visiting Aesir during the trials of Hesterfor has better things to do then keep a protective mother bear company.” Jasper said with a humorous smile. “So what that suggest is you knew Gorm would finally come back this trial.”
Jasper glanced over at Gorm, who was pretending to sleep. Jasper knew the old ranger could sleep anywhere and drop off instantly, he had just spent several trials with the man, but he also knew that Gorm wouldn’t fall asleep when he could be reminiscing with and old friend. The young man returned his unflinching gaze towards Toke. The old priest gaze had gained a twinkle as he pondered Jasper statement.
“I am going to answer your question one of my own.” Said the crackled voice. “Why didn’t you let your brother sit next to me?”
Jasper blanched and looked at the space and then back at the Aesir. “There is an Anak there.”
“So, Anaks don’t care if a mortal sits where it is.” The priest said leaning forward.
“Yes but to come in contact is to be influence by it.” Jasper said looking down at his brother.
“Does this Anak scare you.” The old man asked.
Jasper gave him a look like he had asked something stupid. “I respect all spirits, but some of them are less pleasant of others, and I felt that a Anak of Starvation didn’t need to be influencing my brother.”
“Does it worry you that there is a Anak of Starvation around.” The Aesir asked as he leaned back.
Jasper hugged his brother close. “I don’t like to see creatures suffer, but the deer population has been out of control, and now because of it the wolf population and other predators has grown fat and their numbers have been sliming down the herds. I suspect that’s why I ran into a Grendel so far down, the spirit of starvation has driven the predators into territories they wouldn’t normally venture into. It is just as important as the Anak that inspire the wolves to exapand their population.”
Toka tapped his chin and then nodded his head. “Insightful.”
Jasper shrugged, “Common sense if you pay attention.” He looked at the man. “So are you trying to tell me you came with my family to pick up this Anak?”
“No Jasper.” Toka said. “I did take the oppertunity while I was here, but your mother came out of your hold this morning saying she had a dream during the night, and the fox of the Dark Mother had told her that you would return today. What ever was said in the dream worried your mother.”
“Thank you for your answer.” Jasper said and they both grew quiet. Gorm pretended to wake up at this point and while he and his friend talked Jasper drifted off to sleep snuggling Hatenia.
Jasper limped they were approaching the edge of the forest. Besides him, merrily prancing was Laquin. Slightly ahead of them, showing the smoothest path for the injured boy, Gorm led the way. The Ydalir had lost all of his normally grouchiness, and had helped when it was needed, but outside of that had left Jasper to take care of himself on the way back. Jasper had appreciated it, and he had openly communicated with the experienced ranger. Jasper would have liked to take a rest, but he knew this part of the forest, and really wanted to look upon his home. The forest was a fun place to visit but he had had his fun, and wanted home.
Gorm looked back at Jasper, the old man’s his expression taking on some of its grouchiness as they got closer to other people. Jasper grinned eagerly back, and got a small smile and a grunt for his effort. He slowed down even more so that the three of them were walking side by side. They had talked very little, but Jasper was good with that. The events of the past trials had needed to be reviewed and thought over.
Jasper certainly hoped that he passed the test of Resolve, but more importantly Jasper felt that he had come of age in a very real sense out there in the wilds, and among the spirits. He was positive that he had followed the directions of the higher spirits specifically Myrkvior. Jasper had been scared but had made something of a plan, sure if he had more time he could have made a better one, but he had acted, and he had paid the cost.
He looked down at the frolicking colt and smile. Yes he would have to take care of this joyful creature, but it would be worth it. Jasper felt a swell of satisfaction. Sure others might have done better, but the boy wasn’t ashamed of what had happened. He would face the mocking of his brother for fainting, but he knew Lynond would have as well.
He just hope his father would understand, and more importantly take him seriously now. Jasper though it was unfair that his father always made everything a joke and Jasper had inherited that trait from the man, but he always treated Jasper like her wasn’t to be taken seriously, that everything was a joke with the boy. It was true that Jasper rarely frowned but that didn’t mean it wasn’t serious.
Jasper sighed and looked over at Gorm. “I think we will get home in time for the end of Hesterfor celebration.” Before the sentence was done, Jasper was smiling again.
“Most likely.” Gorm acknowledged. “My friend Toke will be most irritated with me.”
“Toke?” Jasper asked as he paused to keep from tripping over Laquin, and then started walking again.
“A Aesir Shaman who I new when I was young.” Gorm said. “He was coming to supervice the tests, and we were going to sit around the fire and remember the good old times.”
“Is that actually fun?” Jasper asked curious.
“You still haven’t reached your prime, onces your past it you will understand.” Gorm said with an almost fatherly smile. Jasper just shrugged and contiuned to limp along. It was only half a break before they came upon Myrkvior Shrine. This time both of them walked over to the shrine and knelt next to each other. Each raised their hands in supplication. There was a silent moment and Jasper spoke.
“Oh Dark Mother, we offer our thanks on this Trial for our safe return.” Jasper said in his smoothly baritone voice. “We have adventured in and out of your real and offer praises for you gifts and blessings on our journey. I personally thank you for guidance these past trials. I would not be here with out your help.” Jasper lowered one hand and pulled out a string with Grendal claws crafted into a crude necklace. “Please accept this gift of gratitude for all that you have done.” The claws while not pretty were valuable piece of décor. Jasper placed it on the alter and then returned his arms to a raised position.
Jasper breathed slowly and waited to see if there would be an answer. It did come, but not in the way he would have thought. He heard shouts of joy as they sat their kneeling, and Jasper felt a tear in his eyes as he understood the dark mother had answered her acceptance by giving him the most valuable thing in the world. His family had come to find him. With Gorm’s help Jasper stood up, and as before paused to kiss the same image at the edge of the shrine. Jasper patted Laquin head as he pranced around them. Jasper hurriedly limped out of the forset where his family was waiting at the edge. The brown eyed boy could see them waiting beyond the edge. His family turned as they heard the sound of someone rushing out of the forest.
Jasper saw first his parents. His mother was currently holding his little sister Asatia who was only a few cycles old at this point. His mother also called Asatia, was a brown haired woman, with streaks of blond hair. Her expression appeared resolved. She was at that moment talking with Jasper’s father and her husband Lynond, and an older man sitting in a wagon, as Aesir by his cloths. Asatia saw her son first and handed over the baby to one of his brothers before rushing across the open ground. Jasper could see she wanted to hug him, but instead she stopped in front of him and clasped him on the shoulders in the way that adults did with each other.
Jasper raised his hand and returned the gesture, and adult greeting and adult. He felt a hug smile spread across his face and fetl his eyes grow moist. Both of them stepped aside as they heard Jasper’s father approach. The tall man, at this point taller then his son, but with the same brown hair and eyes, also clasped his son on the shoulders. His grin just as broad as his son’s. After a moment Lynond threw dignity to the wind and pulled his son into a hug.
“Son, Welcome Home.” He said as the two of them laughted and hugged at the same time.
“What is that?” One of his younger brother’s, Danesia, called pointing to something behind Jasper. The young man turned and looked to see Laquin trying to hid behind Jasper’s leg. Everyone paused and looked down at the creature. There was a whistle from one of Jasper’s uncles as the crowd registered a Slepiener with the crowd.
Lynond raised and eyebrow and looked over at his wife, who gave a small shrug. Jasper spoke up then. “This is Laquin he will be living with us.” Jasper said trying to bend down. It didn’t work and Jasper half collapsed but righted himself and then ran his hand along the creatures mane.
“Jasper what is wrong?” His mother asked even as the young man motioned for his younger brothers to come over and see the creature. The boys unconcerned with strange behaviors approached eagerly.
“Your son is trying to hide his injured leg.” Gorm said. Durring the reunion he had walked over and was now talking with the old Aesir. Jasper glanced over at the old ranger as he allowed his brothers to approach one by one.
“What happened?” Lynond asked the elderly ranger.
“You son took a flying leap out of a tree into a fighter between a mare and a Grendel.” Gorm said with complete dead pan voice and expression. There was a moment of silence as everyone looked at the Ydalir. Jasper’s father then threw back his head and laughed. He patted Jasper’s back.
“Tell me son, was the Grendel as ugly as they say.”Lynond said teasingly. He clearly though Gorm was being funny. Jasper felt Gorm’s eyes on him as he stood up. Laquin was excisted with all of the attention from the brother’s though he still remained pressed up again Jasper’s leg. Jasper looked into his fathers eye’s and there was a twinkle in the young man’s gaze that made his father give pause.
“I can’t really describe it. Its best if you just look for yourself.” Jasper slipped his pack off and firmly shoved it into his father’s arms.
Lynond’s smile faultered just a bit as he accepted the bag, he didn’t immediately open as if he was afraid of what was in the bag. His wife came up and leaned against his side. That movement seemed to awaken him from his brief stupor and he flipped the bag open. Inside was the fur of the Grendal. Gorm had skinned the creature and then let Jasper cure it while they waited until the could travel. Jasper had very carefully packed the skin so that the face of the ceature was the first thing you saw when opening the back. Jasper hadn’t opened the bag after that.
Jasper watched intently a smile on his lips as his parents flipped open the flap. His father let out an explative, and his mother took a step back. It was then as if a flood had been let loss and Jasper’s uncles and aunts who had come congregated on his parents and the pack. There was much talking and shoting as the farmers look upon one of the storied nightmares. They no longer doughted, there was the skin, and Gorm a retired Ydalir said it was so.
“Come one men.” His oldest uncle called and with five of his brothers surrounded Jasper, causing Laquin to panic. The men laughed and then bent a picked up Jasper to carry on their shoulders. Normally Jasper would be been blushing and bursting with pride, but two of his uncles were clutching his leg right where his tendons had been pulled. He made a gasping motion with his mouth but prevented any words from coming out. After the initial shock he was able to force a smile on his face as the crowd jostled him over to the wagon.
Chaos followed as everyone figured out how they are getting home. In the end Asatia and Jasper’s aunt Aslaug took charge and made necissary arrangements. Jasper with his injury was delegated to the back of the wagon where he could lean over and comfort Laquin who was not allowed in the wagon. In the wagon with him was Gorm, who had tried to object that he wasn’t that old, the aged Aesir Toke, and the children to young to walk that distance but to old not to ride on their mothers.
Jasper watched as everyone was being arranged. Something kept drawing his attention towards a spot opposite him and next to the Aesir Toke. He took a deep breath and tried to push the chaos around him out of his mind. There was something there, he knew that there was some type of Anak. It wasn’t until the world began to quiet and the wagon move that he could focus better. There was still chattering among the adults, the wagon creeked and swayed, and Hatenia and Danesia were arguing about who got to sit next to the creepy old man.
Jasper lost himself in the swaying of the wagon its rythem an echo of the contors of the earth itself. He felt a hunger, a desperate hunger, no, starvation radiating from the spot by Toke. Jasper eyes focused as he realized Hatenia was about to sit in that spot. He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around the boy.
“Come sit with me.” He said in that older brother firm but kind way. The young boy blinked at his older brother in surprise but willingly sat in Jasper’s lap. “Did you want to pet Laquin again?” Jasper asked to distract from his action.
“Yes.” His little brother said excitedly. Jasper carefully held his brother as he leaned over and allowed Laquin to sniff his hand. Then with a sleipnir’s dignity allowed the boy to touch the top of his head. Jasper felt some of the dread fade as he watched the boy giggle. When his arms started to grow tired he pulled the boy back and let him lean his head against Jasper’s shoulder. The rocking of the wagon began to grow less intense as they came to the track that Jasper and Gorm had taken Trials before when they left the village.
When Hatenia had drifted off to sleep and the other child were distracted Jasper looked at the Aesir and asked. “How did you know we would be here?”
“What makes you think I knew anything.” Toke asked. His green gaze was curious and instense. It was hard to tell what color his hair had been as what little there was left was whispy white. He had a number of lines on his face, but Jasper was sure that this man had spent his life smiling and happy.
“I could total see my mother camping out on the edge of the forest when I returned late, but a visiting Aesir during the trials of Hesterfor has better things to do then keep a protective mother bear company.” Jasper said with a humorous smile. “So what that suggest is you knew Gorm would finally come back this trial.”
Jasper glanced over at Gorm, who was pretending to sleep. Jasper knew the old ranger could sleep anywhere and drop off instantly, he had just spent several trials with the man, but he also knew that Gorm wouldn’t fall asleep when he could be reminiscing with and old friend. The young man returned his unflinching gaze towards Toke. The old priest gaze had gained a twinkle as he pondered Jasper statement.
“I am going to answer your question one of my own.” Said the crackled voice. “Why didn’t you let your brother sit next to me?”
Jasper blanched and looked at the space and then back at the Aesir. “There is an Anak there.”
“So, Anaks don’t care if a mortal sits where it is.” The priest said leaning forward.
“Yes but to come in contact is to be influence by it.” Jasper said looking down at his brother.
“Does this Anak scare you.” The old man asked.
Jasper gave him a look like he had asked something stupid. “I respect all spirits, but some of them are less pleasant of others, and I felt that a Anak of Starvation didn’t need to be influencing my brother.”
“Does it worry you that there is a Anak of Starvation around.” The Aesir asked as he leaned back.
Jasper hugged his brother close. “I don’t like to see creatures suffer, but the deer population has been out of control, and now because of it the wolf population and other predators has grown fat and their numbers have been sliming down the herds. I suspect that’s why I ran into a Grendel so far down, the spirit of starvation has driven the predators into territories they wouldn’t normally venture into. It is just as important as the Anak that inspire the wolves to exapand their population.”
Toka tapped his chin and then nodded his head. “Insightful.”
Jasper shrugged, “Common sense if you pay attention.” He looked at the man. “So are you trying to tell me you came with my family to pick up this Anak?”
“No Jasper.” Toka said. “I did take the oppertunity while I was here, but your mother came out of your hold this morning saying she had a dream during the night, and the fox of the Dark Mother had told her that you would return today. What ever was said in the dream worried your mother.”
“Thank you for your answer.” Jasper said and they both grew quiet. Gorm pretended to wake up at this point and while he and his friend talked Jasper drifted off to sleep snuggling Hatenia.
