Play@YSDC

Posted: **Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:31 pm**

The morning comes quickly to all those Dorset Hunters involved in the previous day’s excitement. Most awake to great aches and pains as the cuts and bruises delivered by the Ijiraat and the Vikings have just started to heal. The deep bite mark of an Ijiraat wolf on Yuralria’s neck and shoulder seems on the edge of infection. Unulaq’s wounded shoulder throbs with pain from his battle with the massive Viking invader and the Norse bowman. Ogtuk-Luk has seen better days; his leg slashed and torn by Ijiraat claws.

This is an important day for the Dorset people. In past years, the entire Dorset tribe would march to the inlet to ask for Sedna’s blessing in the great Cariboo Hunt. This year they had made arrangements with the Thule Inuit to increase their hunting grounds but with the threat of the Vikings loom over the Dorset People, the hunt itself is in jeopardy. The Shaman’s dive into the ocean will continue as planned as the Dorset Elder’s believe they need guidance from their godess now more than ever.

Thorrin wakes peacefully with Unulaq and smiles. After Yuralria’s healing, the Viking seems better off then most of the other Dorset Hunters. He slicks back his long Viking hair from his face and rises from the furs Unulaq had given him to sleep on.

Góðan dag Unulaq!

Yuralria and Ogtuk-luk rise separately from their deep slumbers to start their big day.

ooc – Yuralria, Ogtuk-luk, and Unulaq… briefly describe your morning please.

Posted: **Thu Apr 17, 2008 5:49 am**

Unalaq opened his eyes as heard the rustle of the furs nearby while the Viking awoke and rose for the day.

Góðan dag Unulaq!

He turned his head to face Thorrin and then back to the ceiling of his hut and put his hand over his eyes. He had thought for a fleeting moment that everything that had happened the two days before was just a dream. "Good morning to you, Thorrin," he responded as he wiped the sleep from his eyes. He rolled over to hoist himself up with his bad arm and immediately thought better of it from the shooting pain it caused as he took a deep inhaled breath. He sat up in his bed and exposed his wound to see how it fared... for it didn't feel much better than the day before. The bandages would need changing anyway.

As he rummaged through his belongings for some rags he could use to bandage the wound again, he said to his company, "Do not worry... we will find you something to eat soon enough." Observing the questioning look on the Viking's face, he lifted his hand to his mouth and said "Eat."

Posted: **Thu Apr 17, 2008 4:05 pm**

Yuralria awoke with a yawn to Alornerk making small yipping sounds and moving her paws gently. She was chasing some random beast in her dreams, and Yuralria smiled at the sight of it so early in the morning. "Are there not enough foes in real life, Alornerk?" she said with a smile, patting her gently while the dog slept. Alornerk awoke with a jump and grinned at her happily.

She rubbed her eyes, and for the first time her thoughts wandered to today and the meaning of it. She was nervous instantly. Today she would speak to Sedna. Today she would strip down to nothing and brave the icy water in front of the entire village. Today....was truly important. Yuralria's thoughts wandered to Tornuaq, and an icy hand clenched her chest and she felt her heart skip a beat. Where did he go? Would he be there? She reminisced the kiss they'd shared, and the warmth of his touch, and she felt fuzzy and wobbly inside. Then a moment later the warm feeling morphed into shame and remorse. She hadn't meant to make things harder. But they always wound up that way.

Yuralria rose, dressed, and began to inspect the arrowheads she'd blessed the night before. She knew she couldn't eat before the ceremony. Traditions were rather convenient for her, as she wouldn't keep anything down anyways. She looked over her desk for her headress and wands, touching each and inspecting them. She wanted to look perfect. She wanted Sedna to be pleased. If Sedna wasn't pleased, she'd have to tell the whole village of their poor hunting this year. That, after everything else, was something she just couldn't bear. Not today....not now. Not after yesterday and their distrust of me.

Posted: **Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:27 pm**

Unulaq steps outside his hut and the delicious smell of seal meat smoking over the Dorset fires hits him like a charging walrus bull. Thorrin is quick to follow, his nose high in the air sniffing wildly behind his friend. The entire village seemed a blur with activity. Women smiling at both Thorrrin and Unulaq as they walk past, curious of the new stranger and impressed with Unulaq’s new position of respect amongst the tribe. Men casting watchful glances their way; suspicious of Thorrin’s presence and somewhat jealous of Unulaq. They were all family though and Unulaq knew his people, while untrusting of change, would eventually accept Thorrin for the man he believed him to be.

Unualaq had overslept and his tribe had risen early to prepare themselves for the hour long walk across the ice to reach the ocean. There, they would wait for Yuralria to return from her meeting with the goddess and bring news of the hunt to her people. Sometimes it took hours for the shaman to return as Sedna was a difficult mistress to please. During this time, the Dorset people celebrated the life given to them by the gods by feasting and merry making.

Thorrin stretched his back and yawned keeping his eye on the smoking meat. For all the worry and turmoil of the previous day’s events, Thorrin looked genuinely happy.

Posted: **Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:28 pm**

Yuralria poked her head outside her hut and she could see the elder’s coming in her direction. All four of them! As this was her first year as Shaman, she had no idea what was expected or why the elders were marching to her door. The three months she had spent with Aglakti before she was driven from the village were spent in bewilderment. There was so much to learn in so little time. She had no time to learn how to deal with the elders. Aglakti was really good at it. She was well spoken and could stand her ground when the elder’s tried to force their own ideal onto the Dorset people. Aglakti had the mettle and the experience to stand up to the elders when she knew they were in the wrong. Yuralria, unfortunately, was inexperienced and the elders often took advantage of that. The combing ceremony would change all that… The elders would have to accept her authority after Sedna’s blessing. Then Yuralria would have the strength of character to guide her people through these troubled times.

Posted: **Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:28 pm**

Yuralria's head swims a little and her heart pounds in her ears. She withdraws from the door and goes back to inspecting her wands. If only I'd the time to meditate before the ceremony!

Posted: **Fri Apr 25, 2008 1:08 pm**

Unalaq led Thorrin to the food and let him get his own portion, then looked around. He didn't see Tornuaq, but figured he had his hands busy with his girl problems. Then, Unalaq realized something had been bothering him.

"You ... eat," Unalaq worded out to Thorrin and motioned to the food. "I... talk... come back." He made gestures with his hand to his mouth as if words would fall right out, and a wave indicating he would go away, and then come back. He finished it by patting the man on the shoulder, and rushed over to Yuralria's hut. He hoped he would beat the elders. He wanted to mend any problems between them before she actually headed out to speak to Sedna, not that he feared retribution, but he had always been taught to speak to everyone as if it were the last time they would ever meet - for in this harsh land, one could never be sure.

ooc: Sorry I hadn't posted in a while. I meant to, and then got sidetracked... then plum forgot.

Posted: **Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:10 pm**

Unulaq begins to run towards Yuralria’s hut and arrives before the Elders, who have stopped to discuss something with Faroo. (Qannaq’s young apprentice) Faroo is pointing frantically away from the village and the elders seem angered by what he is telling them.

ooc- Unulaq and Tornuaq can speak now... Don't wait for me to match you guys up. Just walk in or knock or whatever....
have a good weekend.

Posted: **Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:45 pm**

ooc: You mean Unalaq and Yuralria, right?

Unalaq called at Yuralria's hut entrance, not wishing to enter without permission (this time). "Yuralria ... may I speak with you? It is Unalaq."

Posted: **Sat Apr 26, 2008 2:50 am**

Yuralria looks startled at the voice from the tent flap....weren't the elders hot on his trail? This was peculiar timing....

She strides over to the flap and flings open the hide, looking at him accusatively. "Yes? What do you want?"

She couldn't help her poor attitude. Frankly the restless sleep the night before had left her feeling irritated, not to mention the army of elders about to maraud her at any given chance. The ceremony itself had covered her in a blanket of stress and foul agitaion. She tried to relax her expression and force a smile towards Unulaq, but her emotions kept coming rushing back. You have cut me....deep. I can smell your distrust a mile away....

Posted: **Sat Apr 26, 2008 8:54 pm**

"Yuralria, what happened yesterday was... well," Unalaq looked like he was at a loss of words, "eye-opening? But I want you to know that I feel you are doing what you think is right. I want you to know also that I have only done what I think is right. I have no spirit voices to influence me, just my gut and my view of life. As I am human, I am not flawless... but I remind you that you are human too. I know you intend to speak to Sedna today, probably with all sorts of questions about Thorrin, and I respect that. I only ask that you also ask of Loki as well. Let us find the truth out once and for all. Who can we trust? When you return, I will fall in line with all the others and listen to your wisdom from the mouth of Sedna, and I hope that you can forgive any disrespect I may have shown yesterday."

He paused once, and added, "Worry not about me knowing the feelings between Tornuaq and yourself. It is not my business, and I will stay out of it."

Posted: **Sun Apr 27, 2008 5:49 am**

Yuralria appeared quite defensive as Unulaq went on about Sedna, Thorrin and her pending ceremony. But her expression softened when he mentioned Tornuaq, and her eyes flickered at his name.

"Well thank you for your discretion, Unulaq. You know as well as I do that I am somewhat.....compromised."

She waves him in, dropping the hide flap behind him, and walks back to her desk, picking up the wand she'd been examining, and thoughtfully stroking it. She turns after a quiet moment and continues, "Sedna doesn't know Loki. At least......from what I gather of Loki's wife's description, it is so. I suspect I will not have a chance to speak any such names, if you want the truth of it."

Her mouth draws into a line of determination, with a hint of pride, "I know the pale faced man saved Tornuaq and your life. For that we are indebted to him. I will not occupy my thoughts further with friend or foe. He is safe here."

Posted: **Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:21 pm**

Yuralria and Unulaq are interrupted by the voice of an Elder outside Yuralria’s hut.

Unulaq… Yuralria… Come quickly. We have urgent news.

Assuming Yuralria and Unulaq answer and head outside her hut, they finds Elder So and So with Faroo who looks terrified to be put in the spotlight. The Elder pushes Faroo forward with his long driftwood walking stick.

Tell them!

Faroo rubs his shoulder where he was poked and gives the Elder a defiant look, typical of a young Dorest hunter, trying to prove his mettle.

There are two sleds missing. Tornuaq and Qannaq are both gone. Both sleds left the village separately in the night. I believe Qannaq’s sled follows Tornuaq as the tracks speak to me. Qannaq’s sled drags somewhat to the left.... There is worse new still. Another of the sleds was untied but could not be made to move. The tracks of a Dorset woman on foot follow those left by Qannaq and Tornuaq south towards the sea. Atraylaqu says her daughter Sashila is missing as well. I fear she has followed them on foot.

Posted: **Tue Apr 29, 2008 6:26 pm**

Unalaq was pleased enough by Yuralria's submission to the Thorrin matter... but that glib feeling didn't last long.

With the new news, Unalaq frowned ... "What business would Tornuaq have for running off in the middle of the night? Unless..." With sudden realization, he faced Yuralria and asked, "Do you think it is possible that he is still controlled by the desire to weild the knife?" He hurriedly asked, "Faroo, which direction did the sleds travel?"

Posted: **Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:28 pm**

Faroo nods, having been present in the Chief’s hut when Unulaq had told his story of Thorrin and the knife.

South towards the Thule hunting grounds… Qannaq followed him…. and Sashila shortly after on foot. She couldn’t have gotten far.

Posted: **Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:32 pm**

Unalaq looked to the chief and said "He might kill himself if he decides to go swimming for the knife. If it takes over his desires, he will keep swimming until he finds it... only he will not find it because the knife isn't in the water to be found." He glanced over to his dogs and added, "I could be on their trail in ten minutes... pick up Sashila on the way. Do you think it wise?"

Posted: **Thu May 01, 2008 12:19 am**

[OC Sorry for the delay...work's been a nightmare]

ImpInTraining wrote: With sudden realization, he faced Yuralria and asked, "Do you think it is possible that he is still controlled by the desire to weild the knife?" He hurriedly asked, "Faroo, which direction did the sleds travel?"

All the colour seems to drain from Yuralria's face as she looks back at him, and she avoids the chief's gaze altogether.

In a quiet, yet determined voice, she replies, "I must see that knife myself. It must have a draw on those that touch it. Perhaps it is covered in a spell. Either way, it is very powerful and should be treated with much respect."

"I fear for Tornuaq, and for Sashila. We encountered Ijiraat that killed many of our tribe already. We must send villagers to follow them. Unulaq! You must not go on your own. And if you leave, I believe it wise to take Thorrin with you. You have connected with him in a way that none of us have."

The rage and jealousy Yuralria feels inside is rising to the surface, and it may be apparent in her expression at the moment. She avoids glances, and turns away, which would seem like odd behaviour for her.

Posted: **Thu May 01, 2008 2:19 pm**

Unalaq nods, "As you wish..." he looks to the chief and says, "... with your blessing?"

Posted: **Thu May 01, 2008 8:24 pm**

Chief Kalituk begins to answer Unulaq but one of the four Elders interrupts…

No!

Tornuaq had no right to go running off after some foreign god’s tooth with the combing ceremony so close at hand…. and Qannaq should not have followed. On any other day we would grant you our blessing… but not on this day Unulaq..

All of the Elder’s nod their heads in agreement.

If Tornuaq’s actions have cost us Sedna’s blessing… this threat from the north-men will mean little compared to the ramifications of a failed hunt. Our year will be plagued with hunger and pestilence… We have seen it happen before and it will happen again. Sedna is a vengeful goddess. We will not risk her favor over some foreigner’s magic.

A second Elder chimes in, looking directly at the Shaman with empathy and concern deep in his eys.

Yuralria… Our good and lawful Shaman… You should not be concerning yourself with the actions of a renegade and mal-content. (Tornuaq) You must conserve your strength. It will take all that you are to earn your rightful place as Shaman in the eyes of the goddess.

And Unulaq… do not let your feelings for Tornuaq cloud your judgment. If Qannaq has followed in search of your brother, then his fate rests solely in his venerable hands. You have shown much promise and we believe that one day you will be chief to the benefit of all the Dorset People. Do not let a hasty decision ruin all you have worked for.

He then turns to Chief Kalituk and narrows his eyes, speaking sternly.

And you Kalituk… Your arrogance and your disrespect for the old ways is most disconcerting. You undermine us at every turn… Gather the people... ready the Kayaks…. We walk within the hour.

Posted: **Thu May 01, 2008 8:47 pm**

"And you would let your brother die??!" Yuralria nearly spits the words out, her voice squeaking a high pitched, disgusted tone. She was baffled at their lack of compassion. She lowered her eyes right after, ashamed at her outburst, and nods her head in apology.

"Very well." she said softly, her eyes flickering over Unulaq's pensively. She ducked back into her hut behind the hide flap and lay down on her bed face first.

This was all so confusing, so difficult, so startling for her. Did she even want to be Shaman anymore? To turn a hard heart and unfeeling eye on the man she loved, and to give her entire future to her village? To lie awake in her bed, untouched and lonely, for all her life....was it worth it? Tears began to stream faster down her cheeks and she hoped the elders wouldn't hear her on the other side. She buried her face in the furs of her bed and wept.

Posted: **Sat May 03, 2008 5:04 am**

Unalaq frowned and looked to the Chief, then said "What does it mean to be chief if you are not the one who makes decisions? Just a title? A fancy fur to wear at ceremonies?" He looked to the elders and said "If it is so frowned upon to save my brother's life, then at least I should be allowed to chase after Sashila and bring her back. She may not survive... she is no warrior. What if the Ijiraat attack her... or the bad Vikings cross her path?"

Posted: **Mon May 05, 2008 8:20 pm**

All four of the Edlers glare at Unulaq and Chief Kalituk glares back at them defiantly. . While the chief holds power in the Dorset village… the Elders often are heard above the voice of the chief when concerning serious matters of spiritual significance. If all four Elders agree… the chieftain’s spear can be taken from the acting chief. He can, of coarse, try to get it back but only through heroic deeds is the chieftain’s spear given.

Kalituk then looks back to Unulaq and Yuralria, gritting his teeth in frustration

I understand your feelings on this matter Unulaq. I pray to all our gods that Qannaq reached Tornuaq before he did something regrettable. The elders are simply concerned for the Shaman’s council with the goddess as should we all in this dark time for our people. We will send a small hunting party after Sashila ahead of the village.

One of the Elder’s begins to interrupt but Kalituk silences him with a stern look.

They will meet with us before the combing ceremony. This should satisfy the goddess and the Elders.

He then puts a hand on Unulaq’s shoulder.

I’m afraid Tornuaq is on his own… May Sedna guide him home.

Posted: **Tue May 06, 2008 12:25 am**

"Tornuaq can take care of himself - and if he dies, then it is his own fault and the will of the gods. It is Sashila I am worried about." He glanced at Yuralria and shook his head, "Poor foolish girl, thinks Tornuaq's heart belongs to her. She chases him out of love. Misplaced love at that. But I suppose that's her own fault as well."

He looked back to the chief and sighed "Let's get this on with then... what are we waiting for?"

Posted: **Wed May 07, 2008 5:05 pm**

[OC Yuralria is currently in her hut, bawling her eyes out...so Unulaq can say that but it wouldn't be directed to her.]

Yuralria can overhear the words drifting in from the door of the hut and her thoughts are wild with irrational temptation. Surely she couldn't follow after him herself....but she contemplated it seriously for a split second.

Tornuaq! No!!!!

Sashila running after him seemed typical of her, and Yuralria felt a stab of jealousy that she could, and get away with it. Yuralria, however, was wearing the chains of responsibility. Diving to the bottom of the sea to speak with Sedna would earn her the right to speak to the elders the way she should be able to, with weight and gravity on her words. At this point, though, she needed to mind her manners.

She rose from her bed, wiping the tears away angrily, snatched up her supplies, and burst through her door again.

"We must begin."

She didn't pause to ask permission, just wove through the men standing by her hut door and marched determinedly into the village. This was her moment to shine, and she knew it. Besides, changing the subject during times of disagreement seemed to have worked rather well in the past.

In her heart of hearts, she selfishly wished Unulaq would send the best warrior after Tornuaq. Either that or go himself.

Posted: **Wed May 07, 2008 6:23 pm**

The Elders watch Yuralria enter their midst with disdain and worry clear on their faces. They turn and march away from the small group beginning to gather around the Shaman. One of the Elders turns and points to Unulaq.

You are brave Unulaq... and a great asset to the tribe. Do not be late to the combing ceremony. Do not think the goddess will mistake your absence for heroism. Everything rests on this meeting. The tribe’s best warriors must be present or Sedna will think it an insult. It has happened before.

Chief Kalituk looks curiously at the Shaman before adressing Unualaq.

Go then Unualaq and find Sashila. Take Faroo with you and we will meet at Sedna’s cove in time for the combing ceremony. Please Unulaq…. Do not go after your brother.

Posted: **Wed May 07, 2008 6:24 pm**

Ogtuk-Luk plants his spear into the snow and looks at Yuralria with deeply concerned eyes.

Come Shaman! There is little time left to prepare. Sedna waits for no one.

Yuralria knows that Ogtuk-Luk means no offense in hurrying her from this awkward moment between her tribesmen. Perhaps he was trying to save her the shame of choosing not to accompany Unulaq in the search for Sashila or perhaps she really was pressed for time and if she didn’t finish her preparations in time, she could not make the dive.

Posted: **Wed May 07, 2008 10:14 pm**

"Yes Ogtuk-luk. Let's get going. I want to be one with the ocean and listen to the waves before I meet Sedna. Let's begin our journey."

Yuralria fiddles with the supplies she brought, lashing her spear and rattles to the outside of her soft leather pack. Inside, her vial of red and black powders, for the ceremonial face paint, dandelion root for healing should she be poisoned by the sea urchins, the arrow heads she would need to give to the men in her victory dance, and her offering to Sedna. She checked it to make sure it was still in order after her haste in leaving, and twisted the top rope in a knot to keep it all safe.

She threw her pack over her shoulder, and began to walk purposefully to the ocean side, eyes to the ground to avoid Ogtuk-luk's piercing glances. She knew that he could sense there was something not right with her. It would take her best brave face to fool Ogtuk-luk....he knew her so well.

If only there were time to spirit walk to Tornuaq....this day has robbed me of many things.......

Posted: **Thu May 08, 2008 10:31 pm**

Unalaq nodded to Chief Kalituk, "As you wish. Maybe you should take Thorrin with you?" He did not waste any time waiting for a response to that last suggestion. The warrior ran to his hut, grabbing up his spear and bone club, then hooked up the dogs to the sled and looked around for Faroo. As soon as they were both ready, he left to follow the tracks in hopes of finding Sashila.

Posted: **Fri May 09, 2008 7:09 pm**

oc – check out the map on the Dorset Maps thread to get a rough idea of your immediate area. Where you are going. Where the tribe is going. etc…

It’s a 4 hour sled ride to the Thule hunting grounds where Qannaq, Tornuaq and Sashila supposedly went. The point on the map marked Sedna is a 6 hour forced march.

Faroo is ready for travel almost immediately with his spear in hand and his long narrow walrus ivory club slung on his back. As Unulaq and Faroo ready their sleds Thorrin walks up to Unulaq with a curious look on his face, chewing on a giant peace of seal meat. He offers a piece to Unualaq before asking….

Tornuaq?

Posted: **Fri May 09, 2008 7:24 pm**

Unalaq smiled to Thorrin and accepted the whale meat, after all he almost forgot to eat. His smile disappeared as he explained, "Tornuaq..." he responded, and added... "Knife," while holding one hand open he slid it across his other as if cutting it.

Posted: **Mon May 12, 2008 10:15 pm**

Thorrin eyes Unulaq and regards him with a very saddened expression. Faroo is now waiting impatiently by the sled dogs.

Thorrin grabs Unulaq’s hand and locks forearms.

Gódur Heppni Unualaq. Finna Thinn vinur. Gæta sín á Loki!

He then gives Unualaq the rest of the meat and repeats what little Dorset he has learned.

Tornuaq Unulaq friend… Loki evil.

Faroo finally calls for Unulaq and starts his sled dogs moving at a slow trot, hoping Unulaq will get the message.

Posted: **Mon May 12, 2008 10:17 pm**

Ogtuk-Luk shadows Yuralria as she readies her supplies. She won’t need much, but the items she will require are delicate and will have to be packed with great care. Rattles and wands and intricately carved spirit sticks that her people will carry and use as best they see fit to attract the goddess’s attention.
Especially her shaman’s mask. Over the last few months, Yuralria has made three and she will have to choose the mask that most defines her. The snow owl… The walrus…. Or the lemming. If she is not happy with either one, she will have to make a fourth to wear as she first presents herself to Sedna. The tribe will be gathering in less than an hour waiting for their Shaman to lead them to the ancient birthing grounds of the creatures of the sea.

After a short time, Chief Kalituk calls to Yuralria from outside her hut.

Shaman! It is your chief. I wish council.

Ogtuk-luk rises… spear in hand ready to defend his shaman should she need it.

Posted: **Tue May 13, 2008 1:07 am**

"Friend," Unalaq repeated shaking Thorrin's hand. "I will be on my guard for Loki, do not worry."

He hopped on his dog sled and snapped the reigns getting them moving to catch up to Faroo.

Posted: **Tue May 13, 2008 7:06 pm**

Faroo and Unulaq drive their sleds for an hour, following Sashila’s tracks as she follows Tornuaq. Then the tracks suddenly veer west, away from Tornuaq and Qannaq’s sled marks and away from the Thule hunting grounds.

Faroo stops and looks longingly after the sled marks. It's obvious to Unulaq that Faroo wishes to carry on after his mentor Qannaq. He then puts his hands to his eyes blocking the light of the morning sun.

Sashila has gone off the trail. It is possible that she simply got lost. Damn her hide Unulaq. There is nothing but hills and iceflow to the west. In all honesty I had hoped that the women's trail would have led us to Qannaq and Tornuaq.

Posted: **Tue May 13, 2008 8:35 pm**

DSIGFUSS wrote: Especially her shaman’s mask. Over the last few months, Yuralria has made three and she will have to choose the mask that most defines her. The snow owl… The walrus…. Or the lemming. If she is not happy with either one, she will have to make a fourth to wear as she first presents herself to Sedna. The tribe will be gathering in less than an hour waiting for their Shaman to lead them to the ancient birthing grounds of the creatures of the sea.

After a short time, Chief Kalituk calls to Yuralria from outside her hut.

Shaman! It is your chief. I wish council.

Ogtuk-luk rises… spear in hand ready to defend his shaman should she need it.

Yuralria picks up her mask of the snow owl fondly, and turns it over to inspect for any cracks. This was her favorite..for somehow she felt stronger and wiser just by wearing it. She turns it over to gaze at the familiar paintings and traces them with her finger thoughtfully.

Chief Kalituk startled her and she jumped, looking at Ogtuk-luk in alarm. She laughed at herself inwardly however. She always felt far away and lost in thought in her hut. She strode to the door and emerged, pack in hand and mask clutched tightly.

"Yes, Chief? What may I help you with?"

Posted: **Wed May 14, 2008 1:00 am**

Unalaq stopped his sled and also looked toward both paths. "I know. Me too. But we cannot afford to anger Sedna, like the Elders said." He pointed in the direction where the sleds ran and said "That way lies Tornuaq, Qannaq, the cursed knife, Loki-following Vikings, and perhaps more crazed Ijiraat. We are fortunate to take a different path. I am just a little concerned that it is taking us in the opposite direction from where we need to go to meet the others. I hope we aren't late for the ceremony."

Posted: **Thu May 22, 2008 10:02 pm**

All four Elders enter Yuralria’s hut and gaze from side to side frowning their displeasure. One of the Elders seemed particularly disgusted with Yuralria’s collection of white Lemming rattles scattered about her wall. Some were ceremonial and some were decorative, but all of them made the Elders uncomfortable. It was that or the hollowed out walrus skull Yurulria kept close to her bedside to warn the spirtis she was not a woman to be trifled with. The skull still had a small amount of brain matter dried onto it’s white polished sides.

Your hut is…. interesting!

There is a long silence as Ogtuk-Luk positions himself in between Yuralria and the Elders, ready to strike if they were to presume themselves above the sanctity of the Shaman’s hut. Finally one of the Elders steps forward and addresses the Shaman with the respect she deserves.

Oh glorious Shaman… Bless us with the wisdom of all who have loved the goddess before and give us the courage to honor her til the ice breaks and melts back into the sea.

He bows low before Yuralria and the remaining three Elders follow suit.

We have come to ask you for guidance Shaman. We have received counsel that you are not to be trusted… but if you are not to be trusted, then who amongst us is. The Norseman? Surely Sedna would not leave her children in the hands of of a Shaman who wishes us harm. We have come to you this day before the combing ceremony to offer you our own blessing and wish you well in your task. And to ask of you a favor….

Posted: **Thu May 22, 2008 10:08 pm**

Faroo looks off to the south as the two leave the trail to follow Sashila’s foot prints in the snow. Unulaq can see a deep sadness in his eyes before he finally turns away from Tornuaq and Qannaq’s sled trail.

The two travel for an hour in the morning light heading west. In another couple hours it would be dark once again and depending on the moon god Aningan’s temper, the tracks would be increasingly difficult to follow.

During the short sled ride, Unualaq’s mind wanders to the inner politics of his tribe. Everyone had been acting so strangely over the last few days. The Edler’s were pushing their authority around as if they were about to lose it. Chief Kalituk seemed more of a pawn now than a charismatic leader. He cowed to the Elders like a deceitful child. The Shaman was holding secret meetings with unfamiliar gods. His best friend Tornuaq, bewitched by Viking Steel, had professed his love to Yuralria after years of keeping it to himself. Aside from a select few, the Dorset people seemed unconcerned that the Vikings could be invading their island home; that the once peaceful Ijiraat had gone savage and attacked the Dorsets as they made their way to the Thule hunting grounds to assist Unulaq and Tornuaq. The strange symbol on the underbelly of the Ijiraat; the symbol of Loki. It was all being ignored by those with the power to help.

Then Faroo stopped his sled just ahead of Unulaq. He jumped off and began to inspect the snow. Faroo looks back and motions silently, with the stillness of a great hunter,for Unulaq to approach.

ooc – Please include a Track roll in your next post Unulaq.

Posted: **Mon May 26, 2008 11:51 pm**

Spot Hidden (70%) (1d100=65)
Sneak(70%) (1d100=27)

Unalaq hopped off the sled and approached quietly to Faroo. He looked around at the ground and the surrounding territory to find out what had Faroo so spooked.

Posted: **Tue May 27, 2008 6:58 am**

dsigfuss wrote:He bows low before Yuralria and the remaining three Elders follow suit.

We have come to ask you for guidance Shaman. We have received counsel that you are not to be trusted… but if you are not to be trusted, then who amongst us is. The Norseman? Surely Sedna would not leave her children in the hands of of a Shaman who wishes us harm. We have come to you this day before the combing ceremony to offer you our own blessing and wish you well in your task. And to ask of you a favor….

A mixture of emotions washes over Yuralria's face; first the colour drains from her cheeks at the mention of trust, then worry, then changes into somewhat of relief and curiousity.

"A favour?" she croaks from a choked and anxious voice, then she smiles a little from embarassment, and waves her hand as if to indicate 'please go on'.

Posted: **Tue May 27, 2008 9:41 pm**

Unulaq stands beside Faroo and immediately he sees what the Dorset Hunter has spotted in the snow. The tracks of an arctic wolf approaches Sashilla’s own footprints and then continues his pace along side her. Sashilla’s tracks do not appear to have been disturbed as the wolf approached. Faroo eyes widen as he looks at Unualaq.

I can not tell who arrived first… The wolf or the girl… If Sashila is following the wolf then she is a fool. If the wolf is hunting the girl then she may already be dead. What should we do Unulaq?

Posted: **Tue May 27, 2008 9:53 pm**

The Elder looks at Yuralria and breathes deeply, scratching his white whispy beard with his one long dirty fingernail.

I will ask of you this one small thing Yuralria. Of our last Shaman Aglakti, we asked too much and for this the black bear came… We are certain.

We ask that once you have been granted permission by the goddess to enter the spirit world, that you take Thorrin with you. We must learn what his people’s intentions are and how this evil spirit Loki has spread his influence to our humble island.

Yuralria knows how huge of a favor this was for the Elder’s to be asking so early in her training. Up until know, her excursions into the spirit world had been mainly accidental. Her delving in spirit magic would invite other spirits and mystical creatures to draw her close to them in the spirit world. She would visit the spirit world in her dreams when she was invited and the experience was almost always pleasant. Spirits would call her into their mysterious land because they were curious or needed her help.
Only a true Shaman, blessed by Sedna during the combing ceremony could enter the spirit world of her own accord. Entering the spirit world without an invitation was dangerous enough for a Shaman by herself. She was considered an outsider and will be treated with malice and hostility by most spirits. It is an insult to travel the spirit world uninvited. A Shaman is often tolerated if the need is great enough… but a if she brings a guest, it will be seen as an outrage beyond reason in the spirit world. Time after time, Shaman's have been taught that it is very dangerous to bring others through the spirit veil.

Aglakti would often perform these favors for the Elders and the Dorset people. When a messenger would come from a far away village, the Elders would ask Aglakti to bring him to the spirit world so the message can be properly translated to avoid any cultural confusion. In the spirit world, language has no meaning. People of any race or culture can communicate freely.

The Elders took advantage of Aglakti in this way as traveling to the spirit world alone took a toll on the Shaman and bringing a guest with her was much worse.

ooc – more sanity loss.

It is good for Yuralria , however, to hear that the Elders have at least taken on some of the responsibility for the previous Shaman’s fall from grace.

Posted: **Thu May 29, 2008 4:59 am**

Unalaq's eyes grew wide with sudden realization, "Terrible..." he said as he looked out in the direction both tracks travelled in hopes of seeing one or both of them within range. Then he rushed back to his sled as he said to Faroo, "What we do now is ride hard. We must reach Sashilla before it is too late!"

Posted: **Thu May 29, 2008 7:56 am**

Yuralria's voice quivers as she replies, "I cannot oblige. I will not take a stranger with me to the first meeting with Sedna. She will be outraged. Truly, you know not what you ask me." Yuralria's eyes flicker to Ogtuk-luk's and she looks uncomfortable. "This sort if thing will bring trouble and penance to our people from the gods. We must stop disrespecting them."

Posted: **Thu May 29, 2008 11:17 pm**

Right!

Faroo races to his sled and gets his dogs moving just behind Unulaq. The two push their sled dogs through the morning light. They follow the tracks of Sashila and the wolf for close to 20 minutes before Unulaq loks up into the sky.

Then Unulaq notices something peculiar. There was a black bird flying low in the sky as if to get a better look at the Dorset hunters. It circled no more than 50 feet above them and Unualq could see the black of the bird’s eye… That, at least, was a relief as the eyes of a shape changing Ijiraat always blazed bright red.

Unulaq had noticed the black bird flying much higher before, but had paid it no attention, believing it to be an Arctic Coot. Now he was certain the bird was taking a special interest in his sled team. Unualaq had never seen a bird like this before; with long black tail feathers and sharp black talons… He had heard of similar birds, sacred to some western Inuit tribes, but he had never before seen one on his island. The name suddenly came to Unulaq… Raven! The black bird was most assuredly a Raven.

Faroo didn’t seem to notice the raven following them. Perhaps it’s searching for scraps the Dorset Hunters leave… Unulaq wasn’t sure.

oc – roll Ride Dog Sled and Inuit Mythos

Posted: **Thu May 29, 2008 11:18 pm**

The Elder holds up his hands apologetically. The Shaman had seen a great change in the Elder’s attitude towards her. Before they demanded respect… now they give it freely… Aglakti had always told Yuralria that the Dorset people respected the role of the Shaman in their tribe and that the respect they showed her was birthed in fear. Fear of the goddess and what her disciple might do with her blessings.

One of the Elders shakes his head…

Of course not Shaman Yuralria… Your time with Sedna is precious and belongs solely to you. I was implying that you attempt to parlay with Thorrin after your meeting. Once Sedna has given you permission to enter the Spirit World as you choose and you return to your people a full Shaman of the Dorset tribe. Then we would ask that you take Thorrin to the spirit world and ask the questions that desperately need answers.

Posted: **Fri May 30, 2008 4:52 am**

Dog Sled(45%); Inuit Mythos(15%) (1d100=60, 1d100=4)

Unalaq was distracted by the bird at a bad time as he failed to control his dog sled as well as he should have.

Posted: **Mon Jun 02, 2008 5:24 pm**

dsigfuss wrote:
Of course not Shaman Yuralria… Your time with Sedna is precious and belongs solely to you. I was implying that you attempt to parlay with Thorrin after your meeting. Once Sedna has given you permission to enter the Spirit World as you choose and you return to your people a full Shaman of the Dorset tribe. Then we would ask that you take Thorrin to the spirit world and ask the questions that desperately need answers.

Yuralria's face twists pensively into a scowl, and she stares at the elder that asked the same again. Did he not hear me tell him no? Why would he push, when to his own admission, they pushed Aglakti too far?

"And what questions are these? Thorrin is a stranger of our people. We should not trust him too quickly. I say this over and over again, and no one hears." Yuralria sighs, clearly tired of this discussion, and waves her hands. "Away. Let me rest. I will promise only to think on it."

Posted: **Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:08 pm**

Unualaq has trouble with his sled dogs and their pace seems to slow slightly. Faroo senses this and takes the lead. Unualaq’s sled team quickly adapts and speeds up to keep pace with Faroo.

With Faroo following the trail, Unulaq’s mind has time to wander. He thinks on the Raven and the stories the Elders would tell around the fire of a mysterious black bird from the west.

The legend of Sedna as told by the Western Inuit speaks of a Raven. From what Unualq remembers of the legend, Sedna lived as an Inuit daughter to the chief of her village. The chief had promised her daughter to an Inuit man who had traveled to Sedna’s lands from far away. When they were married, the Inuit man revealed himself to be the Raven. Sedna lived with the Raven for some time in a nest in the mountains. Sedna was very unhappy and her father could hear her crying from her mountain nest. One night the chief, not able to stand for her daughters suffering any longer, stole Sedna back from the Raven. As he rode his Kayak through the water, the Raven summoned a terrible storm to punish the chief. Fearing for his life, the chief threw his daughter over the side of the kayak, hoping the Raven would spare his life. Sedna tried to climb back into the kayak but the chief cut off her fingers with his oar. The severed fingers of Sedna became the mammals of the sea and Sedna their goddess. What became of the Raven is unclear, but the Inuit from the west often refer to the Raven as the Trickster and say that he can never be trusted.

The two Dorset hunters travel for another 20 minutes west until Faroo stops his sled and dismounts.

He scratches his head as the tracks of both the wolf and Sashila end at the Weasel River, now flowing freely to the North. Unulaq knows that the river should not have thawed until spring time when the Ice cracks and the snow melts into the sea. It was far too cold for the river to flowing so free.

ooc – Own Kingdom roll please.
ooc – Spot roll please.

Posted: **Tue Jun 03, 2008 1:30 am**

Own Kingdom (40%); Spot Hidden (70%) (1d100=29, 1d100=16)

"I'm concerned," Unalaq says to Faroo. "The raven tricks us. This river should not be flowing," he mistrusting his own eyes. He scooped up some snow and made a ball as he said "Perhaps it only flows in our own mind?"

Then he tosses the snowball into the river to see if it splashes, or bounces.

Posted: **Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:42 pm**

Unualaq tosses the snowball into the river and watches as it floats up stream. It is then that the Dorset Hunter realizes the river is flowing in the wrong direction, away from the sea and up into the mountains.

Faroo then calls to Unualaq.

Here! Sashila dragged something into the water.

His face is riddled with confusion as he follows a deep disturbance in the snow to the river’s edge.

Both sets of tracks end here. It… looks like she dragged a Kayak to the water. Where did she get a Kayak Unulaq?

Posted: **Tue Jun 03, 2008 9:58 pm**

One of the Elder's steps forward and points a finger at Yuralria. Ogtuk-Luk moves a step towards him as he does so.

No see here Sh...

Another Elder quickly interrupts.

Yes Shaman.... We will await your decision.. Perhaps we will discuss this matter after the combing ceremony. Our humblest apologies for disturbing you. We wish you luck and prosperity on your meeting with the godess..

With that the Elder's quickly file out of Yuralria's hut leaving the Shaman alone with her protector.

Ogtuk-Luk winces and grips his spear tightly as he watches the Elders leave. He then turns to Yurualria.

The Edler's are afraid of the power Sedna will grant you. We have been without a Shaman for far too long and the Edler's word has been a powerful influence on the Dorset people. They fear they will have no say when you return.

Posted: **Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:46 am**

Yuralria shudders involuntarily, then forces a smile. "Yes. They are used to getting their way. And they don't take kindly to being told no."

She raises her eyes heavenward and sighs, "I sometimes wonder if I'm cut out for all this. And now they don't trust me." She laughs sarcastically and rolls her eyes. "I can't win."

OC How long til we leave for the ceremony?

Posted: **Thu Jun 05, 2008 8:14 pm**

ooc- You are leaving now!

Yuralria finishes her preparations for the combing ceremony as Ogtuk-luk waits vigilantly outside her hut standing guard. She steps out into the cold morning air wearing her traditional Shaman’s furs she had inherited from Aglakti.

Her tribe is ready and waiting; lined up to the far end of the village, The Dorset hunters to her left and the Dorset women to her right; their children meandering behind them. Mothers carry their youngest wrapped tightly in furs for the journey.

The tribe is now in the capable hands of their Shaman.

Ogtuk-Luk raises his spear into the air and there is a thunderous applause from her people. The cheering of the Dorset people echoes through the village, waiting for Yuralria to silence them and begin their jourey to the birthplace of the godess Sedna.

Posted: **Sun Jun 08, 2008 4:28 am**

Unalaq looked at Faroo and said "It looks as if the wolf led her to the kayak. There are mysterious forces at work, that much is certain. We must continue moving fast if we hope to make the ceremony in time. We can ride along side of the river, hopefully the path will be safe for us."

He looked at the mountains and said "The knife that Tornuaq seeks wanted him to trek into the mountains. I cannot help but think there is some connection between the knife and this wolf. But whatever it is, whatever answers lie within the mountains, now isn't the time for us to go seek them out. We must make haste."

He jumped back on his dogsled and got the dogs back to running, keeping a safe distance from the river (20 feet or so) but still well within sight so he would not get lost.

Dog Sled (45%) (1d100=78)

Posted: **Mon Jun 09, 2008 7:36 am**

DSIGFUSS wrote: Ogtuk-Luk raises his spear into the air and there is a thunderous applause from her people. The cheering of the Dorset people echoes through the village, waiting for Yuralria to silence them and begin their jourey to the birthplace of the godess Sedna.

Yuralria steps out, feeling the cold pinch her cheeks and the thunderous applause sing like music in the air. She loved the excitement of these days. The feeling of unity and adrenaline rushing was almost addictive, and she listened with a smile on her face, raising her hands slowly over her head in triumphant acknowledgement of their support. It was moments like these that made her love her position as Shaman. She felt her heart leap in excitement, but she squelched the smile on her face quickly, so that she would not look to eager for their trust.

Yuralria's hand reached full height, and the crowd fell silent, "My good people. Thank you for your welcome. I am most eager to meet Sedna and share her blessing with all of you. It will be a prosperous year for all of us. I can feel it. Now, let us be off."

She begins to walk, eyeing Ogtuk-Luk carefully so as to not get too far ahead of him.

Posted: **Wed Jun 18, 2008 6:18 am**

The Dorset people Trek for nearly for nearly two hours and as they reach the highest point on the plains Ogtuk-luk walking just behind the Shaman points to the south. A large pillar of smoke rises far off in the distance, forming a giant black cloud. All of the Dorset people know that the Thule have a small fishing settlement a days walk south of the village.

Thule is burning my Shaman!

Yuralria can hear whispers spread though the ranks of her people like a wave. She can sense their fear for even the stoic Ogtuk-luk seems worried.

Posted: **Wed Jun 18, 2008 6:43 am**

Unulaq and Faroo ride their dogs hard north up the river until they finally spot what they were searching for... A kayak floating in the middle of the Weasel river. Standing alone in the middle of a beautifully carved kayak wearing little more than a few thin furs is Sashila. At this point, the river is no more than 50 feet across and Sashila doesn't seem to notice the two Dorset hunters approaching.

Posted: **Wed Jun 18, 2008 11:26 pm**

"Sashila!" Unalaq called out franticly hoping to get her attention. "Sashila! What are you doing? Come with us, meet us at the river's edge that we may make the ceremony for Sedna in time!"

Posted: **Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:40 am**

Yuralria stares into the distance, her eyes blinking in disbelief. Her mouth forms an 'O' and she stands, mutely, wondering why on earth this would happen to her good friends to the south.

"We must help! Hurry! Our friends are dying!" Yuralria's voice cracks with emotion and she begins to stride faster towards the village.

Posted: **Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:23 pm**

The Thule village is far away… At least half a day’s march… Still there could be
survivors from the fire who will certainly need help.

Ogtuk-luk drives his spear into the ground.

I could return for the sleds. We could be there in a few hours…

Thorrin calmly walks up to Yuralria and places a hand on her shoulder. Ogtuk-luk quickly shoves him away and points his spear at his chest.

Thorrin holds up his hands and says in perfect Dorset.

Peace! Ogtuk-luk! Peace!

Posted: **Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:24 pm**

Sashila keeps staring straight down the river while Unulaq calls out to her. Then at the exact moment when the Dorset hunter says the word Sedna, Sashila’s head darts to Unulaq. Her eyes appear hollow and devoid of any thought; much like the Shaman when she enters one of her trances.

Faroo continues to call out to her.

Sashila wake up silly girl. Where are you going?

Sashila does not even notice Faroo. She continues to stare blankly at Unulaq as he drives his dogs even faster to keep up with the kayak. Unulaq is disturbed at the balance the young girl is showing to be standing so straight in a one man kayak. He is not certain even he could perform such a feat without falling into the icy waters.

Posted: **Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:14 am**

Unalaq scooped up a handful of snow and made a snowball out of it, then hurled it toward Sashila's back hoping to snap her out of it.

Posted: **Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:55 am**

Yuralria looks at Thorrin inquisitively, wondering why he might've taken such an interest in her, amongst all the villagers. She pointed to the smoke from the village and then put her hands palms up in the air as though flabbergasted.

"Why Thorrin?"

Who knew if Thorrin could even answer them, but she had a feeling he knew more about this situation than she.

Posted: **Tue Jun 24, 2008 4:48 am**

Throw(25%) (1d100=57, 1d100=83, 1d100=15, 1d100=43)

Unalaq continued talking to the mesmerized girl "Come on, Sashila. We don't have time for this nonsense," as the first snowball fell behind her. He had forgotten to adjust for moving target.

He scooped up some more snow and this time overshot the moving target, the snowball flew a foot in front of her face and landed on the other bank of the river.

His third snowball, however, wasn't so terribly aimed. "You're not leaving me any choice..." he said as he took better aim and whipped the snowball square at her head. He hoped she wouldn't tumble into the waters when it hit.

Posted: **Tue Jun 24, 2008 6:28 am**

Sashila stares blankly at Unulaq as the first two snowballs whiz past her head. Faroo smiles enjoying the fun, but his smile is not enough to hide the intense look of fear on his face.

Then the third snowball hit Sashilla square in the face.

She topples into the icy water and immediately regains her faculties. Shashila shrieks in terror and scrambles for the kayak. She quickly gets her swimming legs and paddles for the shore. The river is strong however and as she nears the shore she slips under the water as she reaches for the edge of the ice. He eyes widen with fear as her arms flail for help.

Unulaq!

Posted: **Tue Jun 24, 2008 7:23 am**

Thorrin points to the burning Thule village.

margir Víkingur!

He holds out his hands and flashes his fingers in the Shaman's face several times. Ogtuk-luk points his spear at the Viking.

Back off Norseman! Noone touches the Shaman!

Thorrin smiles and grabs Ogtuk-luk's spear shaking it.

margir Norseman!
margir spjóts

He then begins to point at each of his fingers, flashing them wildly in Yuralria's face.

Yuralria...Ogtuk-luk... chief... fólk... dead!

Gera ekki fara til the eldur. Minn fólk vilja drepa þú allur!

Chief Kalituk walks up to Thorrin and Yuralria followed by two of the elders. He looks up at the Shaman and grips his spear tightly.

The Thule! No!

He grabs Thorrin and throws him to the snow.

Unulaq found a Thule spear in his belly. The Thule hunted this Norseman and now they burn!

The Dorset people stay in their ranks, two by two, snaking across the great white plains. The shocking gasps of surprise, fear and anger quickly ripples down the Dorset line like a wave of paranoia.

Posted: **Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:30 am**

Unalaq stopped his sled once he saw she fell in the water and ran to meet Sashila's pace in the river's current. When he saw her arms flailing helplessly, Unalaq plunged his own arms into the water in hopes of grasping her and pulling her to safety.

ooc: I hope she's close enough to grab, because I don't think getting wet before a long dog sled ride is a good idea. What should I roll against?

Posted: **Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:30 pm**

ooc- Make a grapple check at +10% cuz she's reaching for you. If you miss... well umm... don't miss.

Posted: **Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:42 am**

Yuralria tries hard to understand what Thorrin is saying and thinks she might have a clue. When he gets pushed to the ground by the elder, she stoops to help him up and replies crossly, "Stop! You've no idea that it is his fault! And you needn't be cruel either!"

Posted: **Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:52 am**

Grapple (45%+10%=55%) (1d100=59) Missed it by 4 measley %.

Posted: **Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:03 pm**

Unulaq reaches for Sashila as she approaches the ice bank but her fingers just barely slip through his own. Her hand scrapes along the side of the ice as she struggles to keep herself from slipping under.

Faroo is racing alongside Unulaq on his dogsled. He reaches back into his sled and retrieves a blanket hoping it will be of some help. He holds it out for Unualaq in case he might need it.

ooc- Roll luck. If you succeed you get an additional +10% to your grapple. If you fail your grapple % drops 10%. So if you pass your luck check, your grapple will be 65%. If you fail it will be 45%.

ooc- I just recently found out from a rules junkie buddy of mine that if you score a critical roll on a luck check your power increases… so keep that in mind when rolling.

Posted: **Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:04 pm**

Chief Kalituk stares at Yuralria with anger in his eyes. He looks around and realizes the effect he is having on his people. He drops his head.

Apologies Shaman… I have many friends among the Thule. This Norseman’s people did this. He is as much to blame as his white brothers.

Yuralria looks around to see eyes filled with fear and heads nodding in agreement with their chief.

Posted: **Thu Jun 26, 2008 11:59 pm**

"You may forget, I also have friends in the Thule, Chief Kalituk." Yuralria says it quietly, looking around uncertainly at the growing number of villagers that she is quickly losing popularity with. "But this man was with us for the last two days. He is not to blame, and yet you've blamed him without even understanding the words he says."

Posted: **Fri Jun 27, 2008 3:23 am**

Ick... Luck (50%) (1d100=83)
Grapple check (45%) (1d100=62)

Unalaq shouts out her name, "Sashila!" He grasps for her hand and plunges his arm into the water grasping again but he's lost her. "NO!" he exclaimed slamming his fist down on the ice. Without a moment's thought of the potential deadliness of his actions, Unalaq kicked his boots and jacket off and plunged into the frigid water as he tried to get ahold of the girl before it was too late.

Swim (40%) (1d100=24)

Posted: **Tue Jul 01, 2008 7:54 pm**

Chief Kalituk looks back at his people and calms himself after Yuralria’s response to his outburst.

My apologies Shaman. You are right…. I acted with my heart and not my head! We all have lost friends in Thule if that is what burns so brightly in the distance. Unulaq said we should trust this Norseman and that we will need him. He will help us through these dangerous and difficult times. Maybe he is right. Thorrin saved Tornuaq but he is also hunted by his own people. For what crime I can only guess? Still, I find it difficult to trust Thorrin. If he has betrayed his own people then how can we know he won’t betray us as well in the end? This matter is far too twisted in destiny and magics for me to decide our course. I will accept your decision on this matter Shaman… no matter the consequence.

Chief Kalituk bows low to the Shaman and the line of Dorset people follow him… lowering their heads and offering quiet prayers to the goddess Sedna, whom Yuralria is supposed to be meeting in just under 4 hours.

The Elders seem like they are on the verge of saying something disagreeable but they quickly fall into place and bow as the Dorset tribe pledges their allegiance to Yuralria.

Posted: **Tue Jul 01, 2008 7:57 pm**

Unulaq dives into the frigid cold waters of the Weasel River. The intensity of the cold hits him like a freefalling walrus. His head explodes with tiny prickles of paralyzing pain as he immediately feels his muscles begin to tighten. His instincts quickly take over and Unulaq begins to swim to Sashila.

Faroo leaps off his own dogsled and begins to run along side Unulaq and Sashila. Unualaq spots Sashila panicking near the edge of the ice. In just a few more moments she would have been under and lost forever to Unulaq and his people. Unulaq’s skill in the water quickly allows the Dorset hunter to catches up to her and he grabs hold of her furs. Unulaq’s hands slide along the edge of the ice. He doesn’t have the strength to pull both himself and Sashila out of the water. Faroo reaches out with his blanket.

Grab the blanket Unulaq!

ooc- roll Grapple +30% to grab hold of the blanket. A fairly easy task. (Very risky maneuver! Good thing you passed your swim check.)

Posted: **Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:11 pm**

ooc: Those dice gnomes are angry with me I think... but luckily, not too angry.

Grapple (45 + 30 = 75%) (1d100=67)

Unalaq worked his arm through Sashila's furs so that even if his grip weakened she would still be pulled out - or his arm would be pulled off in the process. Then he grabbed ahold of the blanket and spun his arm around twice to wrap the blanket around his other arm. Now, he held on with all he was worth and hoped Faroo could pull them both to safety. Every second counted in this frigid waters.

Posted: **Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:45 pm**

Faroo pulled with all his might until finally Unualaq was able to get a proper footing in the ice. Then with a howl from Faroo that could have toppled a mountain of snow, the Dorset Hunter pulled them free of the river.

Without warning Faroo quickly began to strip off Unulaq and Sashila’s clothing, caring little for whatever embarrassment they may be feeling. Confused and freezing, Sashila reached out and scratched at Unulaq’s face, leaving two deep raking slashes in his cheek.

Unulaq was more in control of his actions than the Dorset woman. He had only been in the river for a short time but even still, his muscles were tense. If he was forced into battle, he would not do well… he had to warm up and quickly.

Posted: **Wed Jul 02, 2008 3:05 pm**

Unalaq tried crawling toward his dog sled. He knew the blankets there would be dry and warm. "C-c-come, S-s-sashill-ll-lla," he beckoned her. Together, they would regain their body heat quick enough... he hoped.

Posted: **Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:53 am**

The sky spirits!

Amongst the bowing people of her tribe, Yuralria quickly sheds her boots and begins to shake them in the air, singing and dancing in a low humming voice.

Thule! Huantla chiup shiya! Stirktla truyi tlalam! Evert-la thundla rotlana ylaipi!

Atka! Atka!!! Quanna pana piqtok!

Atka! Atka! Thule....thule!

Yuralria shook her boot high in the air and let the falling snow drift onto her face in pain filled offering to the thunder sisters. If only they would bring a bolt of lightning and a storm of snow...to cover the village and extinguish the flames! This was the only way! Tears streamed down Yuralria's cheeks at the feeling of her very soul aching for this need from such angry spirits. Would Sedna be displeased?

Atak! Atka! ATKA!!!! Dancing barefoot, her toes aching from the pain of the cold, Yuralria continued her chant and offering.

Posted: **Mon Jul 14, 2008 4:09 am**

Unulaq presses Sashila’s body to his own. She is warm to the touch. Much warmer than she should be for being submerged in the frigid waterso fhte Weasel river. Unulaq feels better and stronger almost immediately.

Sashila, confused and bewildered, whispers his brother’s name before kissing him softly on the lips and pressing her body closer.

Tornuaq….

oc – roll a sanity check. If you pass do as you wish. If you fail… then please just post your roll.

Posted: **Mon Jul 14, 2008 4:09 am**

Dark storm clouds gather over head forming as if from the spirit world itself. Thunder sounds out from the mountains. The clouds move towards the burning Thule village with an unnatural speed and purpose. In the distance a shower rains down from the furious storm clouds smothering the rising trail of smoke. Yuralria then falls to the ground, exhausted, with madness clear in her eyes.

(see pm)

She awakens to Ogtuk-Luk shaking her shoulder!

Are you alright Shaman! We must hurry if we are to reach the Combing grounds in time for your union with the godess.

Posted: **Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:32 pm**

Yuralria looks at Ogtuk-luk, blinking, seeming disoriented and confused. "Yes," she says weakly, sitting up, and looks around at the rest of the villagers.

Where were we again? What happened?

"I....I think I saw......Sedna." she mumbles, rubbing her eyes deliriously.

Posted: **Tue Jul 15, 2008 12:33 pm**

Unalaq felt a tinge of jealousy for Tornuaq... growing like a cancer inside him. Here he was trekking miles into the icy wasteland after Sashila, risking his life to save her, getting clawed on the face even - and all she was thinking about was Tornuaq. Tornuaq who had obviously loved the Shaman ... yet tugged Sashila by the heartstrings instead of setting her straight and free. Ah well, at least she was warm. And then they kissed....

Sanity (53%) (1d100=87)

Posted: **Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:47 am**

The last thing Unulaq remembers is the kiss.

He wakes up on top of Sashila, wrapped in blankets, naked as the day they were born. He is tired to the point of collapse and battles sleep as he opens his eyes. Sashila, her eyes still closed, moans with pleasure.

mmmmm Tornuaq...

Faroo is no where to be seen.

Posted: **Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:00 pm**

Unalaq, though tired, knew this sort of thing was beyond forgiveness. He pushed off of Sashila and said to her harshly, "Snap out of it. Faroo is gone!" Looking around, Unalaq tried to locate his clothes. He kicked off his boots and jacket, so they would still be dry.

Posted: **Mon Jul 28, 2008 5:54 am**

Ogtuk-Luk helps the Shaman up from the cold snow. In the disance the fire is out and the smoke no longer billows from the horizon. Ogtuk-luk whispers to Yuralria...

Be strong Yuralria... Your people place much of their hope solely on you!

Yuralria gains her focus and then looks around.

The Dorset tribe has broken formation and have begun to gather around Yuralria and Ogtuk-luk. The fear is plain on their faces. Even Chief Kalituk looks frightened.

Thorrin, however, smiles fondly at Yuralria and begins to sing. His voice is so beautiful that all who hear it must listen. Strangely enough, Yuralria hears every word in perfect Dorset.

Hail Thor, Lord of Thunders,
master of the winds of the western world!
Hail Thor, hammer-wielder,
lord of lightning, lord of storms!

Bring the wind that bears the waters,
Master of the winds of the western world.
Call the cloud and all it utters,
Lord of lightning, lord of storms.

Then slowly Thorrin trails back into Old Norse...

Fetch the flock of cloud-sheep grazing...
Master of the winds af the vestri veröld.
Lyfting the svipuól of lightning blazing...
Lord of lightning, lord of storms.

In your arms the waters gather...
Húsbóndi af the vindur af the vestri veröld.
Svipa the veifa til reiði og löður.
Herra af elding , herra af stormur

When he finishes his ballad, Yuralria regards her people. Many are crying and looking to the sky for answers... others seem on the brink of panic. Even the elders shake their rattles and cry for Sedna's forgiveness.

Posted: **Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:03 am**

Sashila quickly wakens when Unulaq rises her. Her face turns from unbridled extasy to shock and horror as she looks up to see Unulaq dressing himself. She looks down at her own spent naked body and shivers with fear.

Unulaq? Where is Tornuaq? What happened to my furs? What have you done?

Unulaq then spots Faroo a short 100 meters off. His back is turned and he looks nervously over his shoulder to where Sashila and Unulaq are now quickly dressing themselves.

Posted: **Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:38 pm**

"It must have been the cold," Unalaq said trying to convince himself more than the girl. "Making our minds think crazy things... I don't know." He pulled his fur jacket tight and looked to her, "I'm sorry that ... well, sorry that it had to happen this way. I've always desired you, but I'm ... I'm not like this. I wouldn't take advantage..."

But he did, didn't he? He slid right in letting her believe he was Tornuaq. Did he do it on purpose? He couldn't be sure. He was embarassed and turned his head from her, "Sashila, I'm ... I'm sorry. I only wanted to save you from the freezing waters. I don't know why we did what we did after."

He started walking away heading toward Faroo, wondering why he hadn't stopped them from doing whatever it was they were doing. He felt more than a bit upset, not only that he was not in control of his own faculties, but also because he couldn't remember anything about their love making... something he had been fantasizing about for so long. Perhaps it was for the best... because if she had been calling Tornuaq's name the entire time, it would have driven him over the edge.

"Faroo... we must go... the ceremony..."

Posted: **Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:14 am**

Yuralria looks at Thorrin, a little taken aback and shocked.

"You....you are.....like me?" She tries to gesture but is unsure if it would come across. She points at him, then pats her chest, trying to sign the words.

"Your song....it is so similar.....and yet.....different."

Posted: **Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:18 am**

Faroo has difficulty looking at Unulaq or Sashila in the eyes.

He begins to speak and then looks back across the snowy plains.

Neither of you would stop! I tried... Your eyes were... they were gone... You would not stop your love making... Neither of you would listen... I felt compelled to join you.. I had to leave before my urges... I am so sorry!

Faroo lowers his head.

Sahshila, tears streaming down her face, tries to comfort Faroo but he pushes away. She then turns to Unulaq.

What did we do Unulaq?

Posted: **Thu Jul 31, 2008 8:56 pm**

Unalaq shook his head, "We did nothing. Something had control of us... something used us. Let's get out of this place before something worse happens." He led Sashila over to the dog sled and bundled her in, then approached Faroo again, "We will discuss this with the chief when we get back... later, after the ceremony. I'm glad you were stronger than I to resist. At least we have one person who was in charge of himself who can give testimony. There is no shame in what you did." He patted Faroo on the shoulder and nodded... and wished he could say the same for himself.

Posted: **Sat Aug 02, 2008 5:50 am**

Thorrin looks surprised for a moment as he listens to Yuralria's words a momentary look of understanding crosses his face before his usual look of confused excitement returns.

He shrugs his shoulders.

Meanwhile the Dorset people are all staring at Yuralria. They all look terrified. Some even angry!

Yuralria hears whispers from those closest to her.

She is just like Aglakti.

There is darkness in her. Can't you se it?

She is too powerful. She will bring down Sedna's wrath on us all.

She will kill us all!

Chief Kalituk stands and watches Yuralria, his eyes wide with amazement.

Ogtuk-luk grips his spear tightly ready to show his devotion to his Shaman should any of the Dorset villagers get unruly.

Posted: **Sat Aug 02, 2008 6:11 am**

Faroo looks at Unualq, but only for a second. The shame is still too close to his heart.

This is something for the Shaman to decide brother. We must hurry back if we are to make the combing ceremony. Perhaps Qannaq had more luck finding Tornuaq than us.

Sashilla stifles a whimper when Faroo mentions Tornuaq. She quickly moves to Faroo'as sled.

Sniff! Then let us make haste brothers...

She looks back to Unulaq and the Dorset Hunter can tell that she is trying her best to be strong. It hurts her dearly even to look at Unulaq.

I am so sorry I brought this on you Unulaq. I love you so much but not as you would like it to be. Please forgive me. These whitemen have more than shiny sharpened earth to harm us. Their power reaches right into our very hearts.

Sashilla turns away from Unulaq and motions for Faroo to move his sled dogs forward, leaving Unualaq to his thoughts.

Unualaq looks back across the river to see a large black wolf staring at him.

ooc- Unulaq go to new thread. Unulaq and the Big Black Dog!

Posted: **Sun Aug 03, 2008 1:55 am**

Yuralria swings around to face the villagers, her cheeks aflame with loathsome spite.

"Don't think I can't hear you and what you say about me! I just rescued our kin from the burning blaze enveloping their village! And this is how you repay me? By spreading rumours and second guessing my judgement? Who dare says this! Step forward and reveal yourself!"

Posted: **Sun Aug 03, 2008 6:45 am**

None of the Dorset villagers dare step forward. A dead silence hushes over the crowd.

Ogtuk-luk points his spear at the crowd gathering, ready for anything.

Chief Kalituk steps forward and raises his arms.

Resume the line! Hurry now brothers and sisters. The Shaman is right. This is a great day. Sedna is an all powerful godess. She rides with us and blesses us all.

Some of the crowd lingers.. Staring at Yuralria with contempt. Others nod and leave peacefully. The Elders shuffle about confused and whisper to each other, pausing every so often to glance concernedly at Yuralria.

Chief Kalituk approaches Yuralria slowly, apprehension in his every step. He lowers his voice so none of the lingering onlookers can hear.

Please Shaman... You must set the example here. That was the most amazing display of power I have ever seen. My people... Our people are frightened. After what happened with Aglakti and the Shadow Bear, can you blame them?

ooc- Psychology check.

Posted: **Tue Aug 05, 2008 3:08 am**

Tears slide down Yuralria's cheeks quickly, and she wipes them away without shame or excuse for their existence. She just stands there, staring down at Thule and the sizzling mess of smoke and blackened huts.

"I do not deserve Aglakti's reputation, Chief." She steadies her gaze, not wanting to look at him, for if she did, she would imply it were his fault. Instead she looked away at the broken village, and her heart ached for her brothers there.

OC Psychology 17 - tried to look up her psychology but it's actually missing from the dark ages character sheet (trust me, i checked) so not sure what the base amount is.

Posted: **Wed Aug 13, 2008 4:07 am**

ooc - Sorry... It's insight and you have 20%.

Chief Kalituk stares sympathetically towards Yuralria.

Of coarse Shaman! You deserve better.

He then holds his arms up in the air and calls to his people.

Back in your ranks! Two by two. That is the way! We all move as one.

The Dorset people obey their chief but cast mistrusting glances towards Yuralria.

Chief Kalituk calmy walks up to Yuralria as his people begin to organize themselves. Ogtuk-Luk moves in... his spear held tightly.

You must do more to calm the minds of your people Shaman! Reassure them! You deal in powerful magics! It confuses them! If I was not here.. your defensive nature might have been your undoing. Remember... You speak for Sedna. If they mistrust you... then they mistrust the godess! I will do what I can to help you in this matter!

Posted: **Wed Aug 13, 2008 6:06 am**

"Very well, Chief. I forget such matters, I suppose. My grandmother would say I forget because of my years." She casts a rueful look at Ogtuk-luk and continues to trudge behind the Chief.

Oh....wisdom....cast over me soon....please....

Posted: **Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:01 am**

Ogtuk-Luk keeps his hard stare as the progression of Dorset tribes people continue their march. The group walks for another hour and the Shaman's protector points to the west. Two sleds appear in the horizon and they both wave their hands in greeting.

All the Dorset people turn and whispers of who the strangers are creep through the crowd.

Tornuaq!

Unulaq!

Qannaq!

Sashila!

It takes the sleds a few minutes to arrive and as Unulaq and Faroo approach a roar of applause echoes over the snow as the Dorset tribe realize that Sashila is in tow. Unulaq and Faroo come to a complete stop in front of a small group of powerful men gathered next to the Shaman and her protector.

Manitok, Chief Kalituk, three Elders and Thorrin stand waiting behind Ogtuk-luk and Yuralria. Mannitok is grinning from ear to ear.

He calls out

Sashila! My sister... You are safe! Thank Sedna!

Posted: **Thu Aug 14, 2008 12:39 am**

Unalaq nodded to the procession and whispered to Faroo... "Let us just keep the details to ourselves for the time being... ok?" He then avoided the eyes of the Chief, and Manitok and turned to take his place in the parade of Inuit following the Shaman to her place of rites.

Posted: **Thu Aug 14, 2008 6:08 am**

[OC I'm reading it like 'a complete stop' means that we're not proceeding to the Sedna ritual quite yet...am I right?]

Posted: **Thu Aug 14, 2008 7:15 am**

ooc- Trixie! Stop turning threads into chit chat rooms! lol

Faroo nods as the group closes in. Mannitok lifts his sister off the young hunter's sled. Sashila looks cold and weak but still manages a smile.

I failed brother... Tornuaq is lost to us! The Norsemen will surely kill him!

Chief Kalituk frowns.

Was there no sign of Tornuaq then Unulaq? What of the Norsemen?

Posted: **Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:01 am**

Yuralria has a cloud of pain shadow her expression.

"Tornuaq? Where is he Unulaq? It wasn't....." She doesn't finish her sentence, rather stands openly, expectantly, that Unulaq would share what he knew.

Posted: **Fri Aug 15, 2008 3:42 am**

"Tornuaq's trail continued toward the knife. Sashila was led astray by a Black Wolf. Their tracks ran up to a river that was flowing... uphill! Sashila was on a canoe floating up toward the mountains, and Faroo and I managed to rescue her from that. I saw the Black Wolf as we were leaving. I know nothing else." His eyes didn't meet anyone else's as he was talking. Instead, he looked out to the distance, where they should be heading... seeming eager to get under way. "We must not be late. Faroo and I nearly killed our dogs getting back here in time for this ceremony."

Posted: **Fri Aug 15, 2008 5:01 am**

The knife....the knife that nearly drove him mad?" Yuralria looks intimidated, distraught....too distraught for her usual cool, collected self.

She looks uncertainly at the Chief. "You're right. We must forge ahead for the ceremony. But what of Tornuaq? Will we leave him to perish alone? Perhaps...if we.....could tell Thorrin....he might....." She trails off, leaving her completed thought unspoken.

Posted: **Sat Aug 16, 2008 2:33 am**

One of the more outspoken elders steps forward, as usual, needing to have his voice heard.

A Black Wolf! Nonsense! There has not been a black wolf in these lands for as long as we have been telling stories... and river flowing up into mountains.... Pfah!

The Elder turns to Yuralria.

Control this babbling Shaman... Your people already believe you cursed... Your meddling seems to be infecting our hunters now too!

Posted: **Sat Aug 16, 2008 1:38 pm**

Unalaq stepped forward toward the Elder and sneered, "Are you calling me a liar?" He was in no mood for the games that Elders play. He lifted a hand toward Thorin and said to the elder, "With everything strange that has happened in the past two days, can you honestly believe that?"

Posted: **Sat Aug 16, 2008 6:33 pm**

Yuralria looks utterly enraged at the elder's words. "How dare you speak to me like this? Were you there? Did you travel with Unulaq to rescue Sashila and Tornuaq? If the answer is no....then I suggest you hold your tongue on such matters. We have seen many things lately that would not normally occur. A knife that causes a man to go mad until he holds it. A village that seems to have been set afire for no reason. Don't try to explain away what you saw with your own eyes. Unulaq has no reason to lie to you. Right Unulaq?"

Posted: **Sun Aug 17, 2008 2:16 am**

Unalaq says to the Elders, "Faroo can tell you, he saw the wolf tracks too. Sashilla, well... she may not remember because she was entranced by the Black Wolf. But everything I told you is the truth. If I were not in my right mind, I would not have rushed here to join you all following your wishes. Instead, I would have headed off to rescue Tornuaq, which is what I feel I should have done." He frowns noticably and comments as he turns away from the Elders and Yuralria, "With as much mistrust and disrespect as I have been shown, I cannot help but wonder why I gave your wishes more value than that of the life of my friend."

He was concerned that he might not be able to hold his temper much more... so he tried to distance himself from the loud-mouthed Elders before they could push him beyond the brink of control.

Posted: **Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:11 pm**

Chief Kalituk looks sternly at Unulaq. Even if the Dorset hunter was right, that was no way to speak to an elder.

ooc- I'm renaming the Elder's Imp cuz I lost the names from when I was in pm with you during your solo meeting wth them back at the Dorset village. I've been seeing how long I can go without using name but I realize that isn't working cuz some Elders are more helpful than others and it will be important to know which Elders you can count on. If you remember, there were four. One was sympathetic to you (Makittuk). Two were agreeing with you but were against the Shaman (Kakoratuk and Pamiruq)and the fourth was neutral and did not speak much. (Sikuak).. See ESKIMOS thread for names and faces.

Luckily Elder Makittuk, who had taken a liking to Unulaq was quick to his defense.

Hush yourself Kakortok. Let the boy finish. I am very interested in this Black Wolf Unulaq. There are stories around him, very old stories... but they have only been shared amongst the elders. Like many things concerning the tribe.

Elder Kakoratuk's eyes glare with anger for pretty much every Dorset present. He crosses hsi arms.

Very well Makittuk! If you think it prudent. Continue...

Elder Makittuk approaches Unulaq. He gently takes his hand.

Now think carfully Unulaq. Like the Ijiraat, your memory of this creature may be tainted. Did the Black Wolf speak to you? Did you touch him?

Posted: **Tue Aug 19, 2008 12:50 am**

Unulaq thought carefully, thinking there may be something to a lost memory... but he shook his head. "There was something going on out there, something strange. The frozen river had melted and flowed the wrong way... toward the very mountains that called for Tornuaq when he held the cursed knife. Sashilla was unhearing of our calls, so I threw snowballs at her. One struck and sent her over the side of the boat. Fearing for her well-being, I dove into the waters and grabbed Sashilla to keep her from drowning. Faroo managed to pull us up. While we were finding our inner warmth... something happened and I woke up several minutes later. I lost a piece of time, as if something or someone else had used my body and cast me aside until it was done." He didn't explain further, feeling there was no purpose in telling all the dirty little details. "After I got my dry clothes back on and we had the dog sleds ready to go, Faroo had taken off, and I looked across the river to see the Black Wolf. The Black Wolf said nothing to me, but he howled as I rode away."

He gestured to Sashilla and said "She was walking with the Black Wolf from what I saw of her tracks. Maybe she spoke with him? Maybe he had something to do with making the river melt and flow uphill?"

He stepped closer and asked Elder Makittuk quietly, "Who is the Black Wolf? Why do I not know of his tales?"

Posted: **Tue Aug 19, 2008 5:06 am**

The Black Wolf lived in these lands long before the first Dorset or Thule first set foot in this snow. We don't know much. He ate the sick and the young, the strongest warrior. Nothing could stand before his hunger. Elders pass on these stories as a warning should he return. This is indeed a bad omen.\

Elder Kakoratuk scoffed.

Enough Makittuk! Do not sour this day with talk of false gods and pantheons.

Elder Makittuk shook his head.

It is now, more than ever, that we need the guidance of our own gods. It is these very questions that Yuralria was impose on the godess Sedna. We need answers.

Posted: **Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:50 am**

Unalaq nodded agreeing with the Elder. "Yes, many questions, so few answers." He fell silent and allowed the others to have their say or get moving... whichever.

Posted: **Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:59 am**

Faroo looks to the elders and says, Should some of us set up a guard? After all, the Norsemen could come upon us during the ceremony.

Posted: **Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:48 am**

Yuralria looks frustrated at the long conversation, "Why should we set up guard? Have they done something against us?" She looks questioning at Faroo, then glances at Thorrin. The difficulty and confusion was beginning to overwhelm her. "Come, let's continue on our way to the ceremony. We have much to ask of Sedna. The faster we arrive the faster I may ask her."

Posted: **Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:22 pm**

Unalaq agrees with Faroo, "The Norsemen do not await an invitation or require a reason to attack... they just do. A guard would be a good idea. We cannot afford to be caught with our spears down."

Posted: **Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:46 am**

Chief Kalituk nods.

Agreed! Mannitok you take a few hunters and circle the tribe. Let us know before it's too late.... Faroo, help Sashila to her mother and join Maniitok.

Maniitok dashes away and begins to assemble the watch.

Unulaq... walk with the Shaman for a while.... Elder Makittuk, If you care to join them.

Then Chief Kalituk puts his arm around Thorrin who looks more confused then ever before. He jumps slightly to his touch but then relaxes when the chief smiles.

Norseman... we have much that we need not discuss. Walk with me.

The chief and Thorrin walk back to the line and await the Shaman's call to continue on.

As Faroo carries Sashilla to her familySashilla whispers in his ear.

Posted: **Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:46 am**

Very soon you are moving again. It's only two more hours march to the combing ceremonial grounds; the birthplace of Sedna.

Posted: **Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:45 pm**

Yuralria racked her brain as she trudged in the snow for the story her Uktuk (grandpa) told her about the black wolf. It seemed to her, he had told her one when she was a child....and loved to tell it.

After a while of walking and thinking she began to remember.

Posted: **Fri Aug 22, 2008 1:59 am**

Unalaq walked along side of Yuralria at the Chief's direction and asked her, "Why is the Chief trying to speak with Thorrin? His Inuit tongue is baby-speak at best. What can he hope to learn from him?"

Posted: **Fri Aug 22, 2008 7:10 am**

"I don't know," she said, shaking her head. "He's acting.....strangely. Do you believe he is evil, Unulaq? Thorrin I mean....do you believe we should suspect things of him and his people considering....the strange occurences?" She seems to grasp for the right words. Unulaq seemed to be a fan of Thorrin....now he was changing his tune. One thing was certain...these were very strange days indeed.

Posted: **Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:31 pm**

Elder Makittuk shakes his head.

The chief is wise. He knows we have much to discuss. I donot trust the Norseman either. Perhaps the chief simply does not wish the Viking to overhear our conversation. We must be careful what we say around him but he still deserves our respect for what he did for Tornuaq at the Thule hunting frounds. Still... Just because his own people have turned against him... this does not mean he is one of us! His motives, for now, are unclear.

The Elder reaches for Unulaq's arm for support as they walk.

Now then Shaman! Tell me your thoughts on this Black Wolf. You have seen the Shadow Bear that plagues Aglakti? This wolf could be the same... could it not?

Posted: **Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:16 am**

Unalaq's comment in response to the question of Thorrin was "He's given me no reason to mistrust him. His motive originally was to take the knife to the mountain, same as Tornuaq. Now... who knows? But I trust what he says ... that his people make up one of two types... those who are evil and follow this Loki, and those who are - well... not evil. But Norse men seem to have their own customs that are quite different from what we are used to, and perhaps it is those differences that set you off? What has he done that you find mistrustful?"

He listens for what Yuralria thinks about the Black Wolf.

Posted: **Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:14 am**

Faroo nods to her and continues to take her to her family.

Posted: **Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:55 am**

Yuralria nods, "The blackwolf....I don't recall. I am sure my ancestor told me of a story, but I can't recall for certain. I don't know....it could be like the black bear, I suppose. I will have to ask Sedna." She uncertainly trudges along. Lately she was being challenged beyond her expectations....strange animals not like the usual...and she wasn't certain she liked it.

Posted: **Tue Aug 26, 2008 2:25 am**

Elder Makittuk lowers his head.

If you cannot weather us through this storm Yuralria... I fear for our people.

Elder Makittuk then turns his attention to Unulaq.

This stranger Thorrin and his people bring new gods to these snowy lands. Or he wishes to awaken old ones. This is never a good thing Unulaq. The Black Wolf made way for the White Bear. The serpent for the whale. The godess created the animals of the sea to spite her father. What if he chooses to return as well. We do not understand our own history well enough to survive these dark times. Too much has been lost.

What does Thorrin wish to accomplish here Unulaq. Surely he is driven by something and that most likely does not concern Sedna or her pantheon. As a foreigner, he no doubt serves a foreign god... This god who has given his people the gift of steel frightens me dear boy! Where Sedna gives life.. The Norse gods deal in gifts of death.

Posted: **Wed Aug 27, 2008 1:13 am**

"But you cannot lump one man in with the whole lot because he looks similar. Though Thorrin may not serve our gods, that doesn't mean he acts against them," Unalaq noted.

Posted: **Wed Aug 27, 2008 1:25 am**

Very wise Unulaq... But he still serves someone... And even our own gods have their own brand of cruelty! Whatever his intentions... I will remain fearful until they are clear to me! You would be wise to heed these words hunter.

Elder Makiituk looks back to Yuralria and eyes Ogtuk-luk. He smiles mischieviously at her. Like a child with a fresh secret.

There has been gossip Shaman... about you and the Tornuaq boy! Do you have feelings for him? Are the rumours true?

Posted: **Wed Aug 27, 2008 1:27 am**

Faroo finally arrives with Mannitok and the hunters begin circling the tribe, watching for any sign of the Viking invaders.

Mannitok stays alert but passes the time speaking with Faroo.

Faroo? What happened while you were away. My sister seems so.... distant.

Posted: **Wed Aug 27, 2008 1:35 am**

"She's probably just acting distant because of all that's going on," Faroo says, trying his best to keep eye contact.

Posted: **Wed Aug 27, 2008 2:14 am**

It has been strange Faroo! I wonder if this black wolf was just part of another Ijirrat attack. If those shapeshifting spirits did anything to hurt my sister.

Manniitok stabs at the air.

Why do you think they would turn on us so quickly Faroo? Our people have hardly seen them for many lifetimes. They were always just stories to me.. and Sashilla. Our mother told them to us as if they were a wonderful race of spirits, baring us no ill will at all. What they did to poor Fraqanaq. He was just a boy but they tore him apart. If not for the Shaman, I do not think he would have lived. Now he marches beside us... Do you think the wolf was an Ijiraat Faroo?

ooc- For info on the Ijiraat.. Please read the Eskimo Homework.

Posted: **Wed Aug 27, 2008 6:13 pm**

Yuralria turns on Elder Makittuk with a fierce anger and resentment, "You do nothing but stir up trouble! We do not need some busybody old coot bringing up worries and fears for all our warriors to think on! And for that matter, spreading gossip and rumours that aren't true! I will need to change your name to Meddlesome mother in law, for that is how you're acting!"

Posted: **Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:31 pm**

Unalaq smirked knowingly as he looked toward the angered Yuralria and he said "We should be more respectful towards our elders, yes? You have enough to worry about, Shaman, without getting all upset at Makittuk. If what he says is not true, then it should not cause you strife." He glanced at the elder and asked, "Do you think so?"

Posted: **Thu Aug 28, 2008 1:08 am**

Elder Makiituk narrows his eyes and stares hard at the Yuralria.

Mind your feelings Shaman! Your spitefilled response tells me more than any confession. I thought you would appreciate advice from someone with wisdom in this matter.

Elder Makiituk slows his pace, distancing himself from the Shaman and Unualaq.

You presume too much Shaman Yuralria. The other Elders would turn the whole village on you like they did to Aglakti if not for my support! Now... you no longer even have that! Good luck this day Shaman! I truely wish it!

Elder Makiituk turns and walks back through the line of Dorset villagers leaving Yuralria alone with Unulaq. Ogtuk-luk walks several paces to the side and glances at Yuralria worriedly.

Posted: **Thu Aug 28, 2008 5:50 pm**

Yuralria pulls her large, fur trimmed hood down over her head to hide the tears flowing freely down her cheeks.

Tornuaq....he's disappeared....and now they think I love him! Well I'll show them! I'll....I'll....

Her thoughts are a disarray of anger, resentment, and pain at the cruelty Makittuk just showed her. What did he expect anyways? For her to confess her undying love for Tornuaq the second he asked? And he asked with such meddling gossip obvious! How dare he!!!

Yuralria set her mind on revenge and figured after her dive with Sedna, she would hex Makittuk for all his meddling. She would show them.

Posted: **Sat Aug 30, 2008 1:41 am**

"I don't know. All I know is if I see any red eyed dogs," Faroo mimics Manniitok's air stab.

Posted: **Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:17 am**

Unalaq watched the Elder walk away and sighed. "Yuralria, you walk a treatcherous path when you put your own feelings at odds against traditional ways." He waited a second to see if she would object, and he added, "You know as well as I do that I know your true feelings just as you knew mine. But you should know something else... Tornuaq is my best friend. And if it is his will to be with you... to love you, then I wish him the best and I will help him have a happy life as best I can. That means I will help you too. But I cannot help you if you keep acting like a lovestruck Shaman with a secret."

Posted: **Tue Sep 02, 2008 2:28 am**

Yuralria blinks away tears, rubbing at her cheeks, and hoping Unulaq wouldn't notice. It's no use....he knows the truth....

"I....it......it's impossible...for a Shaman......" She says it quietly, then steals a glance at him. Then she sighs, finally ready to admit to the feelings that must seem so obvious to the casual observer, "I know...Tornuaq.....I...I've loved him so long.....I'm beginning to lose my head. I'm....I'm....just not myself."

She continues to trudge, then flashes him a pained look, as though he had her caught in a vice. Her fate depended on him keeping her confidence. She was caught like a rabbit in the sight of a wolf....acutely aware of the danger of the situation, so much so, that she felt she might fall over just from the hammering of her heart alone.

Posted: **Tue Sep 02, 2008 3:27 am**

"Don't worry," he nodded slowly to Yuralria, "your secret is safe with me. There are many things we do in our tribe that I feel are ... outdated. We have changed as a tribe, and some of our rules should change as well. I mean... so long as having an affair such as yours and Tornuaq's does not hamper your ability to perform as a Shaman, what should I care about your love life?" He chuckled, "I am anything but old-fashioned."

He waited a few moments, then asked, "So ... do you think your feelings for Tornuaq will hamper your abilities as Shaman? Will they alter your perceptions? Will your emotions send you on a wild rampage to throw your powers against members of our tribe? I think that is something you should ask yourself very carefully before you go any further with Tornuaq."

Posted: **Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:53 am**

Yuralria shakes her head in wonder, and narrows her eyes, "Hold on.....why would you think....."

Her mouth is agape, her expression bewildered. Then she shakes her head again and looks at her feet as she walks, continuing to trudge ahead in the group. Finally she pushes him, by the elbow, away from the main group. If anyone notices, she smiles faintly at them and turns away.

In a hushed whisper, she continues, "Perhaps you don't understand. I am Shaman. This must come first. I'll admit I was a little rash......with Elder Makittuk........but.....my love for Tornuaq.....it is still forbidden, Unulaq. I must not pursue it." She stares at him, morosely serious, meeting his gaze with one of her own. He can see the weight she carries every day when he looks in her eyes.

"Shaman has no......need........for men. I...simply...cannot."

Posted: **Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:19 pm**

Unalaq lifted an eyebrow curiously, "Really? Shaman you may be, but you're also a woman. All women I know have emotions and ... needs. But suit yourself. I'm there for you, whatever you decide. And if you decide to turn your back on Tornuaq, he still has Sashilla. I'm sure he'll rebound nicely."

Posted: **Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:30 pm**

Yuralria flushes, then bites her lip and lowers her gaze at the comment about Sashila. Oh! How I hate Sashila!

She smiles weakly and nods, "Despite my own selfish feelings, I can offer him nothing but heartache. If I did pursue it.....he would be....compromised in our village. The people would talk...they would hate him. I would not like to see it come to that."

Posted: **Wed Sep 03, 2008 2:47 am**

Unalaq chuckled, "He may be hated, but you'd be banned. Think of our unfortunate last Shaman. I wonder how she's doing all by herself in these dark times."

He walked silently, looking like there was something more he wanted to say, but he wasn't sure how to bring it about. "You know, since I have you at a disadvantage, maybe I could share something more than a little embarassing about myself? That is... if you're up to it."

Posted: **Wed Sep 03, 2008 3:55 am**

Yuralria quirks an eyebrow at this, and looks at him, smiling, curious now at this newly revealed 'secret'.

"Alright then! Who's underwear did you steal this time, Unulaq?"

She chuckles, remembering the time Unulaq threw Tornuaq's undergarments up the spear in the center of the village in the dead of night, for everyone to find in the morning. Tornuaq had been outraged. Oh! What sweet, simpler times!

OC Hope you don't mind me throwing a little haha in the mix....figured it wasn't too far off the rivalry between you two....

Posted: **Wed Sep 03, 2008 2:07 pm**

ooc: I shiver to think at what the payback was.

Unalaq suddenly got a very serious look about him, "Oh, nothing so trivial. It is very important that you please keep this to yourself for the time being... at least until we can figure out what happened and how best to proceed."

He picked a spot off in the distance to stare at as he recanted his tale, "I lept into the icy waters to save Sashilla from certain death. Faroo pulled me out, I pulled her out. We were freezing, Sashilla and I. We climbed under some furs on one of the dog sled to warm up as quickly as we could... and that's when it happened."

He looked to the Shaman and seemed a bit disheveled, perhaps embarrassed... a side of Unalaq rarely seen. "The next thing I remember, Sashilla and I had just finished having sex." He looked away again, focusing on that distant spot. "She whispered Tornuaq's name in my ear. She didn't even realize what had happened until I climbed off of her and got dressed. When she could not find Tornuaq, it dawned upon her that we just had sex."

Unalaq paused his walking and faced Yuralria and said "It is true, I have deep feelings for Sashilla, but I would never take advantage of her like that. I would never jeopardize the friendship that Tornuaq and I have. Something got inside me and wore me like a skin coat and did those things to her. Now, I fear I may lose my best friend, the respect and friendship of Manniitok, not to mention the rest of the tribe and the Elders. How they will all look down upon me after hearing I had raped Sashilla."

With a solemn look he stared at his feet and shook his head, "I am disappointed with myself. How could I let that happen to me? How could I be so weak to let something control me like that?" His eyes met Yuralria's again and he asked her, "How can I prove that it was not me that had my way with Sashilla in her time of weakness?"

Posted: **Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:26 pm**

Yuralria looks forlornly at Unulaq, "I am sorry to hear that, Unulaq. Your position is not enviable in all of this. But something taking you over....possessing you.....it sounds much like the story of the knife. We are in uncharted waters these days. I will fight for you, should it come to that." She reached out to touch his hand, out of instinct, then drew it back, thinking of the villagers watchful eyes behind them.

"Where was Faroo in all of this? Do you think he saw you? You should at least speak to Sashila in private and explain....she may hold your confidence if you ask her."

Posted: **Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:03 pm**

Far off in the distance Faroo spots two four-legged beasts with men atop their backs come over a rise in the snowy plains. He had never seen such creatures before. They could not make out the figures riding them but the beasts themselves were tall and muscular looking even from far away. Thier metal covered skin shone in the moonlight and from their vantage point both Faroo and Maniitok could tell that the creatures were black. Nothing in these lands were black, nothing born here at least. Fresh winter steam spurted from their noses as they trotted through the snow.

Faroo! Are they Norsemen or devilish spirits? We are close to the combing ceremony grounds. Perhaps it's a message from Sedna?

He grips his spear and shakes his head.

No! Norsemen! I can see their shiny skins from here!

Posted: **Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:40 pm**

"Faroo?" Unalaq asked looking at Yuralria. "Yeah, he was right there, saw the whole ugly thing. But he walked off to give us privacy thinking we were being intimate. I've asked him to keep things to himself for the time being. Sashilla, now... I don't know what she might do, but I imagine she's as embarrassed about it as I am."

ooc: Does Unalaq and Yuralria hear of the cries that Norsemen are near?

Posted: **Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:39 am**

Unulaq and Yuralria both hear Maniitok shouting and waving his spear high in the air with Faroo beside him. Neither can see the what they see yet but they clearly hear Maniitok cry out.

Norsemen! Norsemen!

Posted: **Fri Sep 05, 2008 3:20 pm**

Unalaq looks around for Thorrin, "Quickly, Yuralria... get back with the others. I would not want you getting hurt so close to your ceremony."

He hefted up his spear and went running toward Faroo and Maniitok.

Posted: **Fri Sep 05, 2008 6:59 pm**

Ogtuk-Luk glances at the Shaman! an intensity on his face that Yuralria immediately recognizes.

Do as he says.. You will be safe in the group. I will be near!

Unulaq quickly crosses the rise with Ogtuk-Luk hot on his heels.

Maniitok points off far in the distance and now Unulaq can see two large four legged creatures covered in shiny steel as the beast's of burden's armour glints in the moonlight.

Maniitok suddenly looks confused.

Dog sleds?

The two horses are not moving as quickly as Unulaq thought they might have been. It appears they are being walked beside two sets of dog sleds.

Posted: **Fri Sep 05, 2008 7:02 pm**

Now Chief Kalituk and Thorrin approach the Shaman follwed by two of the Elders Yuralria had not yet verbally abused. Chief Kalituk quickly gives Yuralria the responsibility of watching the friendly Norsemen.

Thorrin, strangely is looking up to the sky.

Posted: **Fri Sep 05, 2008 7:27 pm**

Yuralria dutifully moves to the larger group, then looks up into the sky herself.

She motions at Thorrin. "What? What do you see?"

Posted: **Fri Sep 05, 2008 7:27 pm**

"Be on guard, but be cautious. I feel these may be friends of Thorrin's, not the same men who attacked Tornuaq and myself before. If they were the same Norsemen, they would have charged us as soon as they saw us," Unalaq says with certainty.

Posted: **Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:11 am**

Seeing the guards Tornuaq looked to Qannaq and said, "Hold the horses, I'll ride forward on my sled and let them know. I'd hate for them to just get jumpy and start throwing spears or shooting arrows." With that said Tornuaq threw a fur over himself to help hide the armor and passed the horse reigns to Qannaq and rode forward on his sled half way to the guards. He then stopped and threw up his hands and started to wave.

Posted: **Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:53 am**

Maniitok yells with excitement and relief.

It's Tornuaq! Unulaq! It's Tornuaq! Our brother has made it back to us!

Posted: **Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:24 pm**

Unalaq felt awashed with relief. He had worried that Tornuaq might have done something stupid, like frozen himself stiff tryiing to get back the knife ... that wasn't even in the water to begin with. He would have lived with that guilt the rest of his life, knowing it was his fault that Tornuaq went seeking in the water in vain. Thank the gods it did not come to that. He started running forward waving.

Posted: **Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:38 pm**

Seeing Unulaq run forward Tornuaq quit waving and rode his dogs towards his friend, once close enough he removed the fur covering the chainmail shirt he wore and said, "I have decided brother that you are as crafty as the snow fox. The knife never made it to the water did it? I went searching and if it hadn't been for Qannaq I would have frozen to death. I cannot believe I fell for the same trick the dogs fall for with a stick." He laughed and shook his head, it was easy to see he was in good spirits.

However his expression darkened and he stepped off his sled and close to Unulaq. "Qannaq and I were heading for the ceremony when we saw a Thule village burning. It was the Norsemen. Two attacked Qannaq and I but both of us are okay. We did find a boy who survived the attack. He is well... hating these Norsemen, if Thorrin is around, might be best to hide him so the boy can speak to the elders, shaman and chief."

Posted: **Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:51 am**

Unalaq nodded to Tornuaq, "Forgive me, brother. I did not throw the knife in the water... but I did not keep it either. It is still well hidden on the beach, I hope. I could not risk you being forced to the mountain where you would surely freeze to death."

He listened to the rest of Tornuaq's tale and looked back to the Inuit group, "Thorrin is back there, but ... I'm not sure what he's doing." He turned about and pointed over Tornuaq's shoulder and asked "Who is that riding on those shiney beasts?"

Posted: **Sun Sep 07, 2008 7:26 pm**

DSIGFUSS wrote:The two horses are not moving as quickly as Unulaq thought they might have been. It appears they are being walked beside two sets of dog sleds.

Tornuaq smiled, "That's alright brother, there's nothing to forgive. I should have known you wouldn't just throw it but I had to check. I should have looked on the shore first though, I never got a chance after diving into the water. Even there the Norsemen were close, we had to leave quickly." Tornuaq's smiled faded as he realized the knife was on the shore and the Norsemen were in that area. "I don't know the importance of that knife but if the Norsemen are that close, should they find it..."

Tornuaq then waved Qannaq forward with the boy. "We took everything the two vikings had on them when we killed them. Who knows what could be useful." He said looking past Unulaq, he was looking into the crowd of villagers, scanning for someone it seemed.

Posted: **Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:20 am**

Unalaq shook his head, "If you did not happen to see the knife in its hiding spot, then chances are they will not either." He looked over his shoulder at where Tornuaq was glancing and asked, "Who are you looking for?" He turned back and said with a smile, "Yuralria is in fine shape, and we're heading out to do the ceremony now. I'm glad you all made it here on time. We could use the extra eyes to keep watch that no more Norsemen come about and interrupt things."

Posted: **Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:26 pm**

Tornuaq tried to hide his smile when the shaman's name was mentioned but he knew he couldn't fool Unulaq either. "I'm just glad to be back is all." he stated still trying to catch a glimpse of her.

Posted: **Mon Sep 08, 2008 4:07 pm**

[OC....wow....post crazy....we went camping for the weekend so there was too much packing and drinking to do to post

]

Yuralria feels every hair stand on end as she hears Manittok yell Tornuaq's name. Her heart skipped a beat, and she began to run towards the other group.

"Tornuaq! You're alright!" She shouted as she got closer, beaming at him. "You're wearing.....a strange metal! What happened??" She was clearly pleased to see him and joined them side by side. After a while she began to look like she was fighting herself and her real intentions.......she'd really wanted to embrace him and kiss him passionately.

Finally she manages to stammer out, "It's....so good to see you. We were afraid....er.....I was afraid.....you wouldn't return."

Posted: **Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:14 pm**

Seeing Yuralria, Tornuaq took a few quick steps past Unulaq, his arms to his side and back as if he was about to give her a huge loving embrace. However after about half a dozen steps his knee stiffened and he tripped, falling to his knees. By the time he got to his feet Yuralria was standing in front of him.

He couldn't help it he just stared into her beautiful sparkling eyes missing her questions all together until he realized the akward silence. "Metal? ...Oh yes! The shirt! Qannaq and I went to the Thule village but we were to late, it was in ruins. Then two Norsemen came at us on these horses. It was a sloppy battle, everyone missing and all." He then pulled out the bearded axe from his side and continued. "I barely got out of the way of this being in my skull but suddenly arrows started to come from the village. Well it didn't take Qannaq long to finish his off and the boy killed the last one that I wounded. We then grabbed everything they had, including the horses. I thought that we could find use for their things... they did and its out of their hands."

He then cleared his throat and smiled at Yuralria again, "I knew I'd see you again though. I couldn't die without feeling your..." He stopped as he noticed apparently for the first time they were not alone.

OOC: And yes I know Tornuaq's recount of the battle is slightly off.

Posted: **Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:22 pm**

Mannitok and Faroo look awkwardly at each other. It appears as through the rumors hadn't spread as quickly as Yuralria thought.

The Thule boy jumps off Qannaq's sled and his pet fox follows at his heels. He giggles at the obvious uncomfort being expressed amongst the adults.

ooc - Yuralria, Unulaq and Faroo... please roll a spot hidden. Contine talking if you will! Enjoying the dialogue.

Posted: **Tue Sep 09, 2008 1:54 am**

Yuralria giggled and turned crimson, then tried to finish his sentence, "Without feeling my.....presence, Tornuaq? A shaman has a watchful eye in many situations. I could sense you were in trouble, and I tried to help." She looked quickly at Maanitok and Faroo, and then smiled evenly. The lie sounded good anyways....why wouldn't she be looking after one of the warriors in a spirit walk? That's what Shaman's do after all! "So....you defeated them? The Norsemen? And you donned their armour?" She looked Tornuaq up and down, head to toe, and beamed proudly, feeling her heart flip flop for a moment. "We....we saw the Thule village burning. Was it the same two responsible for setting it afire?"

OC Spot hidden (38) rolled a 65

Posted: **Tue Sep 09, 2008 2:02 am**

Tornuaq swallowed hard and set his features as stoic as possible. Even through the horror that was the Thule village he could not help but feel excited to see Yuralria but also could not shake the great sadness he felt at not being able to touch her either. "I do not know. They attacked us almost immeadietly. We found the boy and I knew we had to get to the ceremony. As far as I know, the boy is the only survivor of the entire village."

'Why must a shaman never wed? For once couldn't Sedna change the rules?' Tornuaq thought as he look at Yuralria.

Posted: **Tue Sep 09, 2008 2:09 am**

Yuralria put her arm around the young Thule boy without a second thought. Sometimes her female instinct could forget entirely about her Shaman responsibilities.

"Your family? When did you see them last?" She stooped to his level, with tears pricking her eyes. She thought on the many cousins and relatives she had in the Thule. It was so unfair!

Posted: **Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:13 am**

Unalaq wasn't paying attention to Tornuaq and Yuralria. He decided to distance himself from the two lest he be blamed for them slipping up with their emotions. He started walking to those metal beasts, curious to see one up close.

Spot Hidden (78%) (1d100=80)

Posted: **Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:25 am**

The Thule boy lifted his hood and Yuralria could plainly see a large rune of some description carved across his forhead running from the corner of his left eye to the base of his hairline. The blood was still fresh and his short journey from the Thule fishing village had done little to heal the wound.

Torngusak looked defiantly to the Shaman, trying his best to hide his sadness.

They were all killed by the Norsemen. None survived but me. They asked me questions and I was forced to answer them. I hate them!

Torngusak embraced Yuralria as a son would hold his mother and weeped softly onher shoulder.

I hate them all! They marked me with their evil words Shaman! They killed Shaman Kunwaktok. They killed her and worse!

Torngusak's pet arctic fox snuggles in between Yuralria and the Thule boy.

Posted: **Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:45 am**

Yuralria's heart ached inside, and she held the boy in her arms and rocked him. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she tried not to sniffle or sob, for it would alarm him even more. She could feel his pain, deep within her, penetrating to a spot she didn't know existed.....a human spot that she, until now, had not been able to reach. It was suddenly in her to nurture him. She couldn't explain the need, it was just there, hungrily gnawing at her like an uncontrollable, fiercely protective, base instinct.

"Look at me," she said quietly, turning his face round to see him. "You have no family now, and yet you do. I will be your family. You and me....we are the same. We don't belong to anyone, and now we belong to each other. What those reckless men did was not right, and I will make their people pay, Torngusak. Tornuaq has paid those men a visit and righted the wrong already. Even today, they no longer breathe. But promise me you don't go hunting after justice on your own, alright?"

Posted: **Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:47 am**

Torngasak enjoys the warm embrace and nods silently, unsure what he should say.

Chief Kalituk walks up with Thorrin in tow and begins to admire the horses as well. Qannaq is tending to them unsure what they eat. They appear to be most similar to the cariboo so a fistful of berries or weed sufficed. Qannaq had found that one of the pouches contained a yellow musty smelling grain and the horse had eaten it reluctantly after the Dorset Hunter had fed it some dried fruits and fish. Faroo eagerly helps Qannaq with whatever he is doing.

Mannitok runs his hand over metal palting the Viking Warhorse wore. He smiles at Thorrin, much more comfortable in his presence now that he had spent some time with the happy go lucky Viking.

It's even harder than your shiny shirt Thorrin!

Thorrin grins back at Maniitok and reaches out to pet the tall dark stallion. He says something in his native tongue to the horse, scruffing his chin.

Hvar ert þinn yfirstjórn lítill einn? ÉG veðmál þeir ungfrú þú mjög mikill!

Seeing Thorrin for the first time, Torgasak suddenly pushes away from Yuralria's arms and yells at the Norseman.

No they don't? We killed them all! Me and Qannaq and Tornuaq killed them all!! For my mother and for my sister!

Posted: **Wed Sep 10, 2008 1:03 am**

Seeing Yuralria with the boy made Tornuaq smile sadly, it should be their son she comforted after something he did went wrong like a bad hunt or falling off the sled. He was about to turn and join the others at the horses and to talk to Maniitok when he heard the boy yell, looking in the direction of Thorrin. Tornuaq jumps and tries to tackle the boy before he or anyone got hurt.

Posted: **Wed Sep 10, 2008 1:33 am**

hvaða?

Thorrin cocks his head slightly at the Thule boy and then darts towards him shouting.

Þú geta skilja mig drengur? The rún Unualaq! the Rún! Hann geta tala minn tungumál! Koma hér drengur! Þú verða Hjálpa mig hjálpa þá skilja!

Cheif Kalituk, having taken responsibility for the red haired Viking stumbles for his spear. Ogtuk-Luk always by Yuralria's side step in front of the Shaman as Tornuaq tackles Torngusak.

The boy's shouting is muffled under the thickness of Tornuaq's furs.

Posted: **Wed Sep 10, 2008 1:47 am**

DSIGFUSS wrote:The boy's shouting is muffled under the thickness of Tornuaq's furs.

OOC: And snow.

Tornuaq still remained on Torngusak. He heard Unulaq's name in whatever Thorrin was going on about and guessed it has more to do about the rune over the boy's eye than anything else but he wasn't going to take a chance. "Unulaq! Get Thorrin to stop and I'll let the boy up slowly."

Posted: **Wed Sep 10, 2008 7:28 am**

"Don't hurt him!" Yuralria flees her perch to stand between Thorrin and Torngusak, reaching one arm out at Thorrin to keep him from moving closer, planting her feet and mustering all the height her five foot frame could allow "NO!" She shouts fiercely into Thorrin's face, and she points her spear to enforce the point. She nods to Ogtuk-luk. "Unulaq is right, we must take Thorrin away. It is only upsetting Torngusak! And for heaven's sake, let the boy up!" She watched Thorrin daringly, her eyes flashing angrily, and waited for Ogtuk-luk to drag Thorrin away.

She looks back at Tornuaq, confused, "Could it be possible......that he understands Thorrin??! It's another one of the wonders....like the knife...."She dropped to her knees over Torngusak, and her eyes search his face for the emotion written there, "Can you? Can you understand him? What did he say?"

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2008 12:23 am**

Tornuaq slowly got up off Torngusak but kept a hold of the boy. "I don't know if he can understand Thorrin but I do know that Thorrin will not hurt the boy. I have no doubt about that and would stake my life on it." Tornuaq said as he placed a hand on Yuralria's arm and looked into her eyes. "It has to be about the rune carved on the boy's face, it is a Norseman rune, Thorrin would understand what it is better than any of us. Thorrin did say Unulaq's name and I heard what sounded like run, could mean rune."

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2008 2:23 am**

Unalaq grabbed the arm of Thorrin and looked at him warningly to stop as he urged with a gentle pull. "The Norsemen," Unalaq stated confidently... "They etched that rune in the boy's head so that he could understand their questions."

He looked to Thorrin and said, "And what if ..." he traced the rune on his own forehead with a knife. "Then I understand you?" he asked as he pointed to his ear and to Thorrin's mouth.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2008 5:23 am**

[OC Imp! You're crazy!

The minute you turned a knife around on yourself, Yuralria would snatch it away and freak on you. I think we need a dex roll on that one for sure.]

"Don't!" Yuralria shouts, snatching at the knife. "Don't you know what it is?!" She has her hand steady on his, holding the knife, looking terrified back at their villagers, who are likely watching closely and murmuring amongst themselves already. She continues in a forced whisper, "They've cast a spell on him! You can't just go around scratching yourself in the forehead!!!! Think of our people, Unulaq! Right before Sedna no less.....they'd think you were possessed by Thorrin or something horrific like that! Please.....put the knife down."

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:53 pm**

As Unulaq begins to put pressure on the knife to his face, Thorrin calms himself right down. He puts a hand on Unulaq and shakes his head. The look of compassion on the Viking's face is unmistakable.

Thorrin looks to the Thule boy who scowls, hatred filling welling in his eyes.

Segja hann drengur! Segja Unulaq og the annar þessi this vilja ekki vinna.

Torngusak shakes his head.

No! You are evil and should not be trusted!

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:30 pm**

"Careful Torngusak, that evil Norseman saved my life." Tornuaq stated still holding onto the boy.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:52 pm**

What? Why? Mutters Torngusak confused.

Why did he save you? They killed my family?

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:08 am**

"They did and that's true but what's also true is that Thorrin did not. He saved my life after two Norseman tried to kill Unulaq and I. If it wasn't for Thorrin I'd be among the dead in my village tonight." Tornuaq said turning the boy around to look at him.

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:22 am**

The Thule boy looks defeatedly down to the ground and then raises his head to snarl at Thorrin. He looks more hurt than anyone realizes.

The Norseman says that Unulaq must not carve a rune on his face. It won't work for him... It will only work for evil shamans.

ooc- everyone roll idea.

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:31 am**

OC Rolled a 12, idea is 80

Yuralria tries to comfort the boy if he'll allow her to, smearing her own tears away with the back of her hand.

"Unulaq told us there are two types of Norsemen, Torngusak. Some are good and some are evil. We think.." Yuralria's eyes flicker to Thorrin's, carefully watching his every move, "that Thorrin is among the good. That's why he rescued Unulaq and Tornuaq. And why he stays with us and our people, however short lived that may be." Her last comment is pointed, meaningful, and she purses her lips against her own rising anger.

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2008 1:02 am**

OOC: Idea 55% Rolled 37%

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2008 1:49 am**

ooc: Idea(60%) (1d100=95) Incidentally, I don't think Yuralria was in any position to be snatching at any knife. Unalaq was over by the horses, by Thorrin and Yuralria was over by the boy. She'd have to run through the snow to get close enough to grab, and by then Unalaq would have held the knife too high for her to grab like a kid playing keep-away. But regardless... it doesn't come to that. When Thorrin seems to suggest against it, Unalaq lowers the knife.

Unalaq looked at Thorrin's hand on his own and then to the Norseman as he said more strange words. When Torngusak interprets for Thorrin, Unalaq nodded, and put his knife away. "Pity. We need to be able to understand these evil Norsemen eventually... or the only talking we will do is with our weapons." He smiled and nodded, "Perhaps that is Sedna's will. Blood for blood."

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:33 pm**

ooc- Let's say that everyone is within 15 feet of each other. True though... Yuralria couldn't have taken the knife away, but there were enough people present to stop Unualq from hurting himself.

Thorrin nods his head to Unulaq and presses his knife back to rest against the Dorset Hunter's heart. He then (If there are no objections) walks calmly up to the Thule boy and rests on one knee, starting at him with pleading eyes, his red hair dangling in front of his face. He makes hand gestures from his own mouth and then points to Unulaq, Tornuaq and the others.

Þóknast segja the annar hvaða ÉG er orðatiltæki?

Torngusak stares defiantly back at him, clenching his fists.

No! I won't help you!

ooc- Yuralria spot Hidden.

Posted: **Sat Sep 13, 2008 12:25 am**

Unalaq says to Torngusak, "Please... do it for me. Thorrin may be the key to us avoiding any more senseless deaths. He is the only one of his kind who has been helping us. His own people faught against him. He is not your enemy."

Posted: **Sat Sep 13, 2008 12:58 am**

roll 1d100

Persuade equivalent!

Posted: **Sat Sep 13, 2008 1:03 am**

DSIGFUSS wrote:ooc- Let's say that everyone is within 15 feet of each other. True though... Yuralria couldn't have taken the knife away, but there were enough people present to stop Unualq from hurting himself.

Thorrin nods his head to Unulaq and presses his knife back to rest against the Dorset Hunter's heart. He then (If there are no objections) walks calmly up to the Thule boy and rests on one knee, starting at him with pleading eyes, his red hair dangling in front of his face. He makes hand gestures from his own mouth and then points to Unulaq, Tornuaq and the others.

Þóknast segja the annar hvaða ÉG er orðatiltæki?

Torngusak stares defiantly back at him, clenching his fists.

No! I won't help you!

ooc- Yuralria spot Hidden.

Yuralria bends down to Torngusak's level, "Torngusak, it would help all of our people if you would translate for us. You are the only one who can do this for us. It would be like me....the Shaman....refusing to cast spells for the sake of our village. We need your help. You have a gift, Torngusak, and it is a powerful, and important one. Please...."

OC Spot hidden 38, rolled 32

Posted: **Sat Sep 13, 2008 1:05 am**

ooc- roll Persuade

Posted: **Sat Sep 13, 2008 1:13 am**

persuade (45) rolled 36

Posted: **Sat Sep 13, 2008 2:01 am**

Thanks to Unulaq and Yuralria's kind words, Torngusak reluctantly agrees and looks to Thorrin!

OK! But if anything happens to these people. I will kill you!

Silence lingers on the crowd for a moment as everyone takes in the harsh promise, the Thule boy of no more than 10 spoke.

Thorrin smiles and nods, but decides not to push his luck. It appeared to everyone that Thorrin had understood exactly what the boy had said.

Thorrin, finally able to communicate with his new friends, breathes a sigh of releif and continues. Torngusak translates.

The rune the boy carries was placed there by a witch of my order! Of the three hags that were sent here to lay waste to these lands, I do not know which one cast it. I assume it was Gelga. Once the rune of Mann is carved it allows those marked to understand whatever language the carver wishes. And all those who know the language well that hear him speak shall know what he says. It can never be removed. Soon the boy will loose his own tongue forever.

Torngusak holds his tongue and looks terrified.

No wait. He meant I won't be able to speak Inuit.

He smiles... nervously

The boy will only speak Norse for the rest of his days...

Torngusak's eyes well up with tears and he hugs Yuralria.

Posted: **Sat Sep 13, 2008 2:13 am**

"No!!!" Yuralria manages to choke out, before hugging him fiercely. She weeps for him, harried, lonely tears of despair. To be lost....among your own people....and yet never allowed to communicate again.....like being imprisoned in loneliness.....I can't let it happen!

"I'll make it right......I'll find a way. Torngusak!" She turns his face to hers and holds it in her hands, wiping his tears away, while her own drip quickly down her cheeks, "You are mine now....remember! We belong to each other. I will ask Sedna...do everything in my power! Don't dwell on it....we'll find a way! I promise!"

Posted: **Sat Sep 13, 2008 1:31 pm**

Tornuaq looked at the boy and just shook his head, he patted Thorrin's shoulder as he walked by heading for the horses. He grabbed one of the reigns and walked the horse over to Thorrin and handed him the reigns. He was the only one here who knew how to ride this beast and after all the help he had given he had more than well earned it.

Posted: **Sat Sep 13, 2008 1:46 pm**

Unalaq frowned at the revelation and looked down solemnly a moment. Then he lifted his head again and said, "We can talk while we walk, right? Maybe we should keep moving. We cannot afford to be late for Sedna's ceremony."

He walked over to Torngusak and put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "It will be all right. We will not abandon you no matter what happens. I learned to speak to Thorrin, together we will learn how to speak to each other. Maybe develop a system of hand language. Do not worry yourself over it. Yuralria will probably make it right as she promises... but if not, we will do something. You will not be alone."

He paused, then asked Torngusak, "Are you well enough to continue translating for us?"

ooc: Thanks for the help, Trixie. My persuade would have failed.

Posted: **Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:34 pm**

ooc- man you guys are good with the drama. Everyone gets 3% to add to any skill for making your Keeper happy.

Thorrin takes Tornuaq's offer and smiles, hopping up on the giant Icelandic Mare. He rides the beast with ease, as comfortable on the horse as the Inuit are on their kayaks. He grabs the reins of the other horse and clicks twice. The horse follows Thorrin who then comes to a stop in front of Tornuaq.

Thorrin pats the saddle and looks at Tornuaq offering him his hand.

Fjall upp Tornuaq! upp!

Play@YSDC

Chapter 3 : Sedna's Comb : (Yuralria, Ogtuk-Luk, Unulaq )

Chapter 3 : Sedna's Comb : (Yuralria, Ogtuk-Luk, Unulaq )

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