A Meeting Of The Chiefs

[MajesticOwyn 334]

 

The frigid cold of the Cisaltine's beat down on the column of men that marched through it's frosty valleys below. One by one the fur-clad warriors reached the small plateau that had been chosen as a meeting place. Clan Orvar and Clan Oknir, both of Gorundyr blood, both Men of the Northwood. It was here that the two clans would meet for the first time since the fall of their homeland in Anthos.

 

Morvan gazed out at the lifeless Cailean in the distance, its braziers now devoid of any light. As the last of his clansmen took their seats, he turned to address the group before him, raising his voice into a powerful shout. 

 

"I am Morvan, Chieftain of Clan Orvar and Battlelord of the Hundred Sons. Today we gather around this fire to form a sitting circle so that both those of Orvar and Oknir can talk of the futures of our Clans and that of the Gorundyr people as a whole."

 

With a nod towards those of Oknir, Morvan lowers himself to a seat upon the large boulder at the head of the fire, his eyes scanning the congregation with an intent smile.

[Andartus Orvar 20]

Clan Orvar's High Priest, the Gorunprestr Andartus, sits at Morvan's side. He watches, and listens, white eyes bright within the shadow of his stag-skull hood, the ice-rhimed hide of Andarta's stag pulled in tightly around his shoulders. His hands lay on the skull and and haft of his hand-and-a-half warhammer, tapping concentric rings into the iron of the hammer's stag-muzzle gently.

 

Before any words are offered from either side, he forms the symbol of Gorund over his chest, fingertips to the base of his palms, thumbs joined between to form the iris of Gorund's eye, before speaking up to offer blessings of the eight Gorundyr gods, wishing peace and prosperity upon all present.

[Dontbepissed 18]

Chieftain Tormud Oknir stands and nods towards Morvan Orvar. "I am Tormud Oknir, chieftain of Clan Oknir, we have come to seek out the remaining Gorundyr people hoping to insure our future in this perilous time." As he speaks he walks around the large fire that burns in the center of the circle. "As you all may know, we have made very little friends with the land of Oren. This puts us in harms way, for their devout number far more than ours. If it came to such blows I fear we may not stand up to such assaults. We must seek the survival of all our people! We must protect the young for they are our future, and strive to honor and please our gods for they are our divine protection!" He looks to Morvan ready for him to respond.

[MajesticOwyn 334]

Morvan nods to the man, standing from his seat to address the group again.

 

"The Imperium is not a force to take lightly, though we still have our friends within its borders. Not all are like Boris and his lapdog Eldaril. Let us speak of our two clans, of the journey south across the seas. Tormud of Oknir, have you established plans for your people to cross the great southern sea to reach the land of our ancestors?"

[Dontbepissed 18]

Tormud stands and gathers his thoughts before addressing the group.

 

"You are right, the men of Oren are the least of our worries now. I have gathered our supplies together upon carts, Clan Oknir is waiting to move at the slightest notice. My uncle Giorsal has been gathering our Warband, the Shields of Stone. Clan Oknir has yet fully recovered from out past war, most of our warriors killed, and our city of Oknarus burnt. I believe we should make the journey together, to insure the safety of the Gorundyric people; splitting up when we reach our ancient land will insure the safety of our young and old."

[MajesticOwyn 334]

Morvan's face is hard and expressionless as he watches Tormud talk, only speaking when it is clear it is his turn. 

 

"As Oknir is of the Gorundyr people, you are welcome to join us on our ship, there is plenty of room for us to all sail together to the new world. The Wavebreaker it is aptly named, for it will weather and storm and carry us to the land of our ancestors. There is, however, still the issue of the old oaths that were sworn to Barid the Reaver. All the clans of Gorundyr blood either fell or swore to his might. As Son of Mabon who was Son of Barid, I am granted his title of Yagar. It is my blood right to lead the Gorundyr to a new age of prosperity. I do not think splitting our forces is a good idea, the Gorundyr have only ever known true might under the unity of the clans."

 

With that he falls silent, glancing to others in his party who may wish to put in their voice.

[loakmendbe 62]

"Splitting could mean the end of us." Says the grayed man with a green headband. "Ragaros Orvar, Brother to Mabon and son of Barid." he scratches at his mustache, then goes to say "In the Savaar, those Clans who did not retreat to Orvar Hold when the Black Scourge came fell. We are what to assume the last of the Gorundyr, others may float in, but as of now there is only us. The Divines wouldn't smile upon us were we to fight and squabble, and not go together to the new land, South of us." he says, sipping from a soup bowl.

 

"Morvan is right, he is granted the title of Yagar being Grandson of Barid, and inheritance of the seat of Chieftain. Those bonds that united the Clans in the Savaar still last, even with not many Clans being left." he says, motioning to Morvan. "I've seen much in my days, and it would be wise to come with us together, rather than seperate. Soon we could establish what we had in the Savaar. Several Clans living side by side."

[Dontbepissed 18]

Tormud remains silent for awhile staring deep into the fire, collecting his thoughts. He slowly rises and looks around at every Gorundyric man or woman that had come.

 

"It is true, you hold the right of Barid, and the title of Yagar. Though by my honor as chieftain of Clan Oknir I cannot refuse, however, the Gorundyr people are clanfolk, they prefer to stay among clan. I fear lands would be given to the clan of your blood more so than my clan simply because you favor them more. I would only willing do so with the blessing of my uncle, Giorsal Oknir."

 

All eyes stare at Giorsal, waiting for him to rise and speak his mind.

[yopplwasupxxx 5946]

Giorsal Oknir snaps awake, having been in a daydream. His calloused hand rubs his eyes, rising from the stump of a fallen spruce. Giorsal takes a few steps forward, now being fully in the light of the fire. He makes a quick bow of his head in respect to the Chief Orvar, stating,

 

"Giorsal Oknir, son of Mokvir."

 

After announcing himself, he turns his attention to his nephew and the rest of the Gorundyric people gathered at the campsite. He clears his throat, speaking in a tired tone,

 

"My nephew, I have seen you grown up from the suckling babe at your mother's *** to a full grown man. You have made many choices which have saved your clansmen, mine included. As I will say, you are like your father incarnate. But do not have dreams of the past cloud your judgement. Chief of Orvar is right, we must stand as a united people, akin to the time of Barid. There are so few of our people left, Tormud, and dividing us will only cause our untimely demise."

 

Giorsal pauses, gathering his words once more. He trails his eyes over to the Chief Morvan, studying him intensely. Wen he turns his eyes back to his nepew, he says:

 

"And if greed does overpower the Chief of Orvar, favoring his clansmen over the rest of our people, then it can be dealt with accordingly. But from what I've seen and heard of the Chief of Orvar, I can safely presume he is an honest and honorable man, strong and capable enough to carry the Gorundyric people on his shoulders. So aye, my nephew, you have my blessing, do your father and my brother proud."

 

Giorsal would smile as he ends, bowing his head once more and taking his original spot on the stump of the fallen spruce.

[Dontbepissed 18]

Tormud nods and rises, clapping his uncle on the back and thanking him.

 

"My uncle speaks true, he is far wiser than his years. If he believes in you Morvan Orvar, than so do I."

 

Tormud kneels, and motions for the rest of his clan to do the same.

 

"I Tormud, Cheiftain of Clan Oknir swear to serve, and protect the united Gorundyr people of clan Oknir and Orvar. I will follow you into the void Morvan, blood of old Barid. And by doing so I name you Yagar, my honorable King."

 

Tormud rises, along with the rest of his clan and grins. "Now let us begin the feasting!"

[MajesticOwyn 334]

Morvan stands and steps closer to the fire with a smile. With a swift motion, he extends his arms towards the grouping of Gorundyr before him. 

"It is settled, then. This is a new Era for the Gorundyr and both Clan Orvar and Oknir. Together we will rebuild our people and one day rival the strength we knew during Barid's rule. No other will stomp us into the ground, no other will send us into disarray. We stand united against all threats, be them mortal or divine. Feast, my people, for the new world beckons us to its shores. For the Gorundyr!"

 

With that, Morvan joined his clansmen, both those of Orvar and Oknir. Laughter was had, food was shared. Soon, they would all embark on a journey together. Far over Draug's sea, the land of their ancestors awaits.

[Glyc 234]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.