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

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

As the group climbs free of the well, Raven ignores the proffered hand of Baldur and instead looks around the cavern, taking in the sights as Hansuke continues to rest upon his shoulder.  The earthen chamber is large, its ceiling is easily over a hundred feet in height and the three massive roots that penetrate its ceiling are thick, wider than the stoutest walls of any city he has ever visited.  Drax climbs free of the well on his own and looks around, noting that from this side, the well is filled with water, meaning that this was likely a one-way trip.

Arthur stands, staring around in awe of what is before his eyes – things he had never dreamed existed, let along expected to see since leaving his tavern in Lankhmar.

Shadow accepts the hand and as his feet touch the ground of yet another world, he asks Baldur, “Where might we be? What land, err… Realm is this?"

As Kysek emerges, he scowls, “Nope, this isn’t home... Go figure... Can we cut to the chase here? What wrong needs righted here so we can be done with this?”  Thoughts of his wife and newborn son in the Barrie Grange foremost in his mind.

At the mention of “battle” Grotto becomes excited, "Yes! Battle! Let's go honor Hanseath!"  Cedron frowns and, looking around at several of his companions, realizes that they still bear wounds from the battle with the Jabberwock two days ago.  He prepares to call upon the magic of Malazzarr to heal his companions when something unexpected happens.

Ra’ziir turns his gaze upon Baldur and begins to invoke his ability of arcane sight.  Baldur turns and says, “If you value your eyesight, I would not dare such a thing.  Staring upon my unfiltered form could reduce your eyes to ash and leave you blinded and disfigured.  Know that I am far beyond anything you have ever encountered with more power than many of you can imagine.”

“I see however, that many of you bear injuries sustained in your journeys.  Perhaps I should remedy that before we leave here.”  He begins to sing a soft, gentle tune and energy flows through him, washing over the group, mending our hurts.

Korbin flaps his wings twice and flies over to Baldur and cocks his head, staring him in the eye.  “Do you know who I am?” the bird asks.  Baldur smiles once again, “I can see that you are a noble bird of the type favored by my father.  Worry not, good crow, I am sure that by the end of our adventurers here, all those in the land will know your name!”

Morn introduces himself hesitantly, almost afraid to speak for fear of saying something foolish before joining Cedron and asking under his breath, “Is it just me or is he really attractive?”

After he has healed the group, Baldur grasps Ra’ziir by the forearm in the manner of warriors.  “Pray, take care when calling upon your gifts.  Others here are far more powerful than I.”




He turns to face Shadow and Kysek, “As for your questions, I can answer both at once.  Beyond the Prime Material Plane, there exists the Realm Eternal, Asgard.  The shining light of the Nine Realms, Asgard is home to the Gods, all of whom bow down before the All-Father, Odin.  Odin's lifeblood flows through Asgard and Asgard IS Odin.  His power is all and He keeps the Asgardian realm safe.  But once, each winter, the All-Father must rest and enter the Odinsleep.  While Odin slumbers, His absence leaves Asgard vulnerable and this is when the wicked descend upon His kingdom.  For seven days, an onslaught of trolls, giants, dark elves, and demons seek to take control of the Nine Realms.  The enemies of the Æsir, led by Loki, god of mischief attack the city of Asgard.  For the next three and one-half days, you are to fight at our side, opposing Loki and his armies until the All-Father awakens and shall receive a bountiful reward for your efforts.”
 

 

“Before we go, there is something I must do,” Raven says.  He walks over to one of the roots and kneels, digging in the dirt until he finds several small stones and arranges them to form a miniature seat and bows his head, praying softly to his god before rejoining the rest of the group.