Day Three of the Odinsleep (The Arrival - Part Two)

DAY ONE (Day Three of the Odinsleep), 9:00 am

As Baldur’s song ends Cedron looks astonished, “That was absolutely beautiful!  I must learn that ballad from you.  Do you think there will be time?”  The son of Odin laughs, “My singing is but a poor reflection of that which my brother Bragi is capable of.  I am sure you find him to be a more accomplished tutor if you can win his favor.”

When Baldur finishes speaking Shadow replies, “Well, you may be in luck as we have members of our group that revel in the killing of trolls, giants, dark elves, and demons.  When this over, we need to be moving on to our own version of the Prime Material Plane.  Perhaps this Odin you speak of can assist us on our journey.”

 Ra’ziir, taken slightly off-guard by Baldur’s claim nods and simply says, “Noted.”  The bladesinger easily transitions into his next line of thought and asks, “But, isn’t that the type of thing a ‘god of mischief’ might say?”  Cedron adds, “And also, how exactly did you know we would be arriving here and why do you think we could be of assistance to one as powerful as yourself?”

Baldur laughs, “Both of you ask wise questions.  I only ask that you trust me long enough to reach our destination and then you will perhaps, see the veracity of my words.  As to my knowledge of your arrival, the All-Father has the gift of foresight and bade me be here to greet you.”

Raven returns to the group and speaks to Baldur, “And what is it we are supposed to do exactly?  If you are so powerful that gazing upon your true form would burn out our eyes, what is it that we are supposed to accomplish?”  Hansuke, still sitting upon the elf’s shoulder in the guise of a cat, meows a few times.

Baldur laughs, “I have no idea.  Father did not tell me.  It looks like we will find out together.  And, little one, you can use your words.  I know that you are more than you appear to be.”

 Desmond nods his head, content to return to the life he knew as a soldier when things were easy and the only thing he needed to worry about was which enemy to kill first.  Grotto elbows the former sergeant, “I would love to kill some vile goblins if they show their faces.  Lead the way!  Much carousing awaits and not enough blood has been spilled to honor Hanseath’s lately!

 Kysek shakes his head, “So, this fighting; does it come in waves or is there rest in between?  Or is it constant for the three and one-half days?  I ask because even for an elf, that long without reverie could be brutal and for our human companions, it would surely prove fatal!  Can we plan?  Set traps and ambushes?  There is so much to question and so little time to learn!”

Once again, Baldur answers, “If only the fiends would attack en masse.  Then my brothers and I could wipe them from the field of battle.  But alas, they attack in small groups, a company of ogres anchored by a Jotun.  They hit and retreat, probing our defenses for a weakness, as if one existed!  We drive them back and a few hours later, they come again, leaving time to recuperate from the efforts of the previous fight.”

 Arthur says, “Look, that is all fine and well but what I want to know is if there will be smith I can visit?  I have some work I want to get done.” The jovial man laughs, “The finest smiths in the Nine Realms call Asgard home.  Believe me, I am sure you will be able to find one who can provide whatever it is you require.”

Korbin is somewhat surprised by the implication that there are other birds like him in this land.  He wonders if the immortality granted him by the Grimmlands will remain in effect here now that he is outside of his home dimension.  The fact that he couldn’t be permanently killed was a large factor in his willingness to take risks.

Drax trails along at the back of the group, listening to everyone’s questions and noting Baldur’s responses, pondering how all of this fits together and how the information gained now may be used later.

= = = = = =

• Arthur: 100% health;

• Bubo: 100% health;

• Cedron: 100% health;

• Desmond 100% health;

• Drax: 100% health;

• Grotto: 100% health;

• Hansuke: 100% health;

• Korbin: 100% health;

• Kysek: 100% health;

• Morn: 100% health;

• Niklas: 100% health;

• Raven: 100% health;

• Ra’ziir: 100% health;

• Shadow: 100% health;

• Spewer: 100 % health;