Avita's Journal

Day One

As I walked through the bustle of activity on the docks and up the gangplank to the Gungir, I turned to look back to the Hall with sad eyes and an overwhelming feeling of emptiness. Knowing I cannot change the will of a Man, I turned to the rail, gripping it for some sense of support. I gazed out over the Thassa, dark eyes lifted and looking to the vibrant green waters swelling and rolling, lost in My thoughts, unknowing of the direction I would go and not particularly caring.

The deep shudder of the serpent caused me to grip tighter to the railing, breath catching in My throat as I felt the life within her belly as the mooring lines were cast off and she began to move. Trying to stay small and out of the way, I looked over her decks, hearing Tyr's booming voice guiding her direction followed by the even beat of the drum as the Keleustes set the rythm for the Gungir's dance over the water. The oars began to dip and sway in unison, the serpent quickly heeling to the call of her Masters.

As she cleared the harbor the mainsail was unfurled, snapping into place and filled with Odn's breath, with awe I watched, feeling the unbridaled strength of the sea beneath My feet. With a determined resolve I turned from the rail, cursing the heavy robes that have become My prison and moved to find a place to settle in for the voyage.

In the early hours of the evening, I could see land looming up over the horizion. With stiffness from sitting long and eyes weary from watcing the seemilgly endless well of the sea.  I rose and walked about the deck, thoughts of firm ground and the warmth of a Hall fueling My steps as I paced restlessly.

With great finesse Tyr brought the Gungir to dock, followed closely behind by the Runner.  In a flurry of organization the mooring lines were secured and the gangplank lowered. It seemed that all disembarked with a lil relief, especially Ri, who was quite green *chuckles*.

W/we had arrived at Vanir's Fjord.

At the Hall, a warm fire, hot food and a festive atmosphere greeted each of U/us. Anyone would be hard pressed to offer a welcome that would equal the one that they gave. Under the supervision of Jarla and the Free Women, well trained bonds were sent to make up rooms in the Chalet, everything from freshly aired linens and warm furs to small scented soaps lay in wait.

In the Hall, much ale passed from the hands of the bonds to the Free while Kurzon and Tyr entertained with a spar, songs of the North flowed from Jareth and Nyx and riddles circulated among A/all.

That night I wearily sank to the plushness of the bed, laying staring at the ceiling for a full ahn, my mind swimming with the events of the day, finally, with a deep breath I forced my eyes closed and let the exquisite slumber come.

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