- Eivor: It's a grave thing to be ealdorman in a time of war, Ceolbert.
- Ivarr: He will piss his pants first thing, that's for certain.
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{{Era|ACV|Memories}} | {{Era|ACV|Memories}} | ||
{{IncompleteMemory|Valhalla}} | |||
{{Memory Infobox | {{Memory Infobox | ||
| name = War Weary | | name = War Weary | ||
| Line 13: | Line 14: | ||
| source = [[Eivor Varinsdottir]] | | source = [[Eivor Varinsdottir]] | ||
| location = [[Quatford]], [[Shropshire|Sciropescire]], [[Mercia]] | | location = [[Quatford]], [[Shropshire|Sciropescire]], [[Mercia]] | ||
| date = c. | | date = c. 873 | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''War Weary''' was a virtual representation of one of [[Eivor Varinsdottir]]'s [[Genetic memory|genetic memories]], relived by [[Layla Hassan]] in 2020 through the [[Animus|Portable Animus HR-8.5]]. | '''War Weary''' was a virtual representation of one of [[Eivor Varinsdottir]]'s [[Genetic memory|genetic memories]], relived by [[Layla Hassan]] in 2020 through the [[Animus|Portable Animus HR-8.5]]. | ||
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*'''Eivor:''' ''I hope your tutelage has prepared him well,'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''I hope your tutelage has prepared him well,'' | ||
*'''Randvi:''' ''Indeed. But I think it best if you supervise these talks. If Ceolbert can make this work, we will gain a valuable alliance.'' | *'''Randvi:''' ''Indeed. But I think it best if you supervise these talks. If Ceolbert can make this work, we will gain a valuable alliance.'' | ||
Eivor pledged herself to | Eivor pledged herself to Sciropescire. | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''I'll make my way to Sciropescire.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''I'll make my way to Sciropescire.'' | ||
*'''Randvi:''' ''I am relieved. He and Ivarr should be in [[Quatford]] just now. You will find it along the [[Afon Hafren River]].'' | *'''Randvi:''' ''I am relieved. He and Ivarr should be in [[Quatford]] just now. You will find it along the [[Afon Hafren River]].'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''If Ivarr is with him, I will certainly be needed.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''If Ivarr is with him, I will certainly be needed.'' | ||
Eivor arrived in Quatford near the church and overheard Norse and Briton soldiers standing apart, arguing. | |||
*'''Norse Warrior 1:''' ''Your King Rhodri's in there, begging on his chubby knees for peace!'' | |||
*'''Briton Warrior 1:''' ''Peace? Who wants peace?'' | |||
Eivor continued into the village proper and heard an even larger mob arguing. | |||
*'''Norse Warrior 2:''' ''Rhodri's nothing but a stinking pile of sheep dung.'' | |||
*'''Briton Warrior 2:''' ''This isn't your fight, Danes. Go back to the [[North Sea|sea]].'' | |||
*'''Norse Warrior 3:''' ''You come over here and say that!'' | |||
*'''Briton Warrior 2:''' ''Come on. Take a swing at me. A good swing.'' | |||
Two more warriors argued. | |||
*'''Norse Warrior 4:''' ''Your sorry king wants peace.'' | |||
*'''Briton Warrior 3:''' ''Poor Danes. So far from home. Who's with your wives now, eh?'' | |||
Eivor finally reached the [[longhouse]] overlooking the village, where she overheard a conversation. | |||
*'''Anglo-Saxon Man:''' ''We've had nothing for days.'' | *'''Anglo-Saxon Man:''' ''We've had nothing for days.'' | ||
*'''Anglo-Saxon Woman:''' ''Nettle and turnips. It's all I could find.'' | *'''Anglo-Saxon Woman:''' ''Nettle and turnips. It's all I could find.'' | ||
| Line 38: | Line 50: | ||
*'''Anglo-Saxon Child:''' ''Thank you, ma'am.'' | *'''Anglo-Saxon Child:''' ''Thank you, ma'am.'' | ||
Eivor entered the longhouse and saw Ceolbert and Ivarr sparring. | Eivor entered the longhouse and saw Ceolbert and Ivarr sparring. | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Come on, boy...ha!'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Come on, boy... ha!'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''Aaah, oof | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''Aaah, oof!'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''You wouldn't stop a lamb. Come on | *'''Ivarr:''' ''You wouldn't stop a [[Sheep|lamb]]. Come on!'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''I hurt my shoulder.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''I hurt my shoulder.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Shake it off | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Shake it off!'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''Ha!'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''Ha!'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Don't hold back. Follow through!'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Don't hold back. Follow through!'' | ||
| Line 49: | Line 61: | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''Oof!'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''Oof!'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''To your feet. Up! You keep moving as long as your body will follow. Whoop!'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''To your feet. Up! You keep moving as long as your body will follow. Whoop!'' | ||
[[File:ACV War Weary 2.png|thumb|250px|Eivor approaching Ceolbert after he was thrown down by Ivarr] | [[File:ACV War Weary 2.png|thumb|250px|Eivor approaching Ceolbert after he was thrown down by Ivarr]] | ||
Eivor approached the two. Ivarr picked up Ceolbert from behind and threw him to the ground. | Eivor approached the two. Ivarr picked up Ceolbert from behind and threw him to the ground. | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Ah ah! Not half bad, boy. But be fierce. Dirty. Strike at my balls!'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Ah ah! Not half bad, boy. But be fierce. Dirty. Strike at my balls!'' | ||
| Line 58: | Line 70: | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''I will be at your side when they do. Is there anything I should know first?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''I will be at your side when they do. Is there anything I should know first?'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''The venerable King Rhodri is here. I am to deal with him directly.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''The venerable King Rhodri is here. I am to deal with him directly.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr''' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Rhodri is desperate for peace, ever since we captured his sniveling brother, [[Gwriad ap Merfyn|Gwriad]]. Sounds like a man coughing up snot. Gwriad ap Merfyn!'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert''' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''Rhodri waits at the [[church]] nearby.'' | ||
*'''Eivor''' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Who speaks for Sciropescire in these talks?'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''The last [[ealdorman]] was killed in battle. Bishop [[Deorlaf]] is standing in.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''The last [[ealdorman]] was killed in battle. [[Scholar|Bishop]] [[Deorlaf]] is standing in.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Until we get this wet whelp installed! That is his father's wish.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Until we get this wet whelp installed! That is his father's wish.'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''I find the idea of leading a shire on my own quite...quite terrifying.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''I find the idea of leading a shire on my own quite... quite terrifying.'' | ||
<tabber> | <tabber> | ||
|-|Ealdorman is a weighty title.= | |-|Ealdorman is a weighty title.= | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''It's a grave thing to be ealdorman in a time of war, Ceolbert.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''It's a grave thing to be ealdorman in a time of war, Ceolbert.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''He will piss his pants first thing, that's for certain.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''He will piss his pants first thing, that's for certain.'' | ||
|-|Don't get ahead of yourself.= | |-|Don't get ahead of yourself.= | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Don't fret until you have taken up the ealdorman's title. Too many things can go wrong between now and then.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Don't fret until you have taken up the ealdorman's title. Too many things can go wrong between now and then.'' | ||
*'''Coelbert:''' ''My father thinks me fit already, I shouldn't want to disappoint him.'' | *'''Coelbert:''' ''My father thinks me fit already, I shouldn't want to disappoint him.'' | ||
|-|Watch out for Ivarr.= | |-|Watch out for Ivarr.= | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Ivarr will toughen you up. But watch your back. He's a wily one.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Ivarr will toughen you up. But watch your back. He's a wily one.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''It is always the same with me, boy. When things get too quiet, I throw daggers.' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''It is always the same with me, boy. When things get too quiet, I throw [[Short blade|daggers]].' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''I'll be on my guard.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''I'll be on my guard.'' | ||
</tabber> | </tabber> | ||
[[File:ACV War Weary 3.png|thumb|250px|Eivor, Ivarr and Ceolbert discussing about Rhodri]] | [[File:ACV War Weary 3.png|thumb|250px|Eivor, Ivarr and Ceolbert discussing about Rhodri]] | ||
| Line 88: | Line 97: | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''It may be you should stay behind, Ivarr. That's not a recipe for a good parlay.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''It may be you should stay behind, Ivarr. That's not a recipe for a good parlay.'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''I'd like you both to be there. To guide me, to judge my fitness.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''I'd like you both to be there. To guide me, to judge my fitness.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Give us your word then. Your blade stays in | *'''Eivor:''' ''Give us your word then. Your blade stays in its sheath.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Eivor, don't make me laugh. We both know what my word is worth. But sure, I will let you do the talking. Probably.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Eivor, don't make me laugh. We both know what my word is worth. But sure, I will let you do the talking. Probably.'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''Excellent. Now...to the church, I think. Our guests await.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''Excellent. Now... to the church, I think. Our guests await.'' | ||
[[File:ACV War Weary 4.png|thumb|250px|The trio riding towards to the church meeting point]] | [[File:ACV War Weary 4.png|thumb|250px|The trio riding towards to the church meeting point]] | ||
Ceolbert walked away as Ivarr gestured to Eivor to walk along. The three mounted | Ceolbert walked away as Ivarr gestured to Eivor to walk along. The three mounted [[horse]]s and headed to the church. | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''It's not far, just across the village. We've been at war with the Britons for coming on two years.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''It's not far, just across the village. We've been at war with the Britons for coming on two years.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''The Britons had the best of it, 'til me and my | *'''Ivarr:''' ''The Britons had the best of it, 'til me and my ''[[berserkr]]s'' plowed through their ranks and chased Rhodri's brother into a ditch.'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''That's why Rhodri's talking peace now. It's thanks to Ivarr.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''That's why Rhodri's talking peace now. It's thanks to Ivarr.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''I am going to enjoy seeing him squeal, the old oak. Not nearly as much as taking him down, though. That would seal my legacy.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''I am going to enjoy seeing him squeal, the old oak. Not nearly as much as taking him down, though. That would seal my legacy.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Your legacy?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Your legacy?'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''As King Killer. They do not all get away like Burgred did, Wolf-Kissed.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''As King Killer. They do not all get away like [[Burgred of Mercia|Burgred]] did, Wolf-Kissed.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Keep the peace, Ivarr.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Keep the peace, Ivarr.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''What has become of your preening brother?'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''What has become of your preening [[Sigurd Styrbjornsson|brother]]?'' | ||
<tabber> | |||
|-|Sciropescire unlocked via Oxenefordscire= | |||
Eivor sighed. | Eivor sighed. | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Ah, my brother. We parted. His road is unsure.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Ah, my brother. We parted. His road is unsure.'' | ||
|-|Sciropescire unlocked via East Anglia= | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''I have not seen him since we were together in [[Leicestershire|Ledecestrescire]]. I am left uneasy when he is away.'' | |||
</tabber> | |||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''You are better off leaving that sauntering pole in your wake.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''You are better off leaving that sauntering pole in your wake.'' | ||
They dismounted and approached the church. | They dismounted and approached the church. | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''Our Bishop Deorlaf and King Rhodri are ensconced in the church ahead.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''Our Bishop Deorlaf and King Rhodri are ensconced in the church ahead.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''These houses of Christ. They're all so hard and cold.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''These houses of [[Jesus of Nazareth|Christ]]. They're all so hard and cold.'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''Yet within is warmth. The Christian God unites King Rhodri, Bishop Deorlaf, and myself. On His ground, peace will be made.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''Yet within is warmth. The [[Christianity|Christian]] God unites King Rhodri, Bishop Deorlaf, and myself. On His ground, peace will be made.'' | ||
They walked between the arguing camps of Norse and Briton soldiers. | |||
*'''Norse Warrior 1:''' ''Briton cowards! All of you!'' | |||
*'''Briton Warrior 1:''' ''Suck on yellow snow! Filthy Danes. We'll festoon our halls with your entrails!'' | |||
*'''Norse Warrior 5:''' ''Come on, then. Let's have at it.'' | |||
[[File:ACV War Weary 5.png|thumb|250px|The Britons consulting with Bishop Deorlaf]] | [[File:ACV War Weary 5.png|thumb|250px|The Britons consulting with Bishop Deorlaf]] | ||
Eivor, Ceolbert and Ivarr entered the church, where King Rhodri, his wife | Eivor, Ceolbert, and Ivarr entered the church, where King Rhodri, his wife [[Angharad ferch Meurig|Angharad]], Captain [[Ynyr ap Cadfarch]], and Bishop Deorlaf were having a conversation. | ||
*'''King Rhodri:''' ''Captain Ynyr! Explain to the good bishop our position.'' | *'''King Rhodri:''' ''Captain Ynyr! Explain to the good bishop our position.'' | ||
*'''Ynyr ap Cadfarch:''' ''Yes, my sovereign. Bishop Deorlaf. We are deaf to offers of peace until Gwriad is returned to us.'' | *'''Ynyr ap Cadfarch:''' ''Yes, my sovereign. Bishop Deorlaf. We are deaf to offers of peace until Gwriad is returned to us.'' | ||
The three approached the group. | The three approached the group. | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''The king's brother | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''The king's brother is—'' | ||
Ivarr barged into the group in the middle of conversation. | Ivarr barged into the group in the middle of conversation. | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''The king's brother is a moldering sack of cow dung.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''The king's brother is a moldering sack of [[Cattle|cow]] dung.'' | ||
*'''King Rhodri:''' ''You. I know your face, your stench. Ivarr...the one they call Boneless. Did I not gift you that scar myself?'' | *'''King Rhodri:''' ''You. I know your face, your stench. Ivarr... the one they call Boneless. Did I not gift you that scar myself?'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Ah! You did, and I mean to gift you a gash, you reeking piss pot. In your fat fucking skull!'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Ah! You did, and I mean to gift you a gash, you reeking piss pot. In your fat fucking skull!'' | ||
Eivor stepped in the middle. | Eivor stepped in the middle. | ||
| Line 122: | Line 140: | ||
<tabber> | <tabber> | ||
|-|Rhodri should speak with Ceolbert.= | |-|Rhodri should speak with Ceolbert.= | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''My lord, this is Ceolbert, the future ealdorman of this shire and the son of [[Ceolwulf II of Mercia|Ceolwulf of Mercia]].'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''My lord, this is Ceolbert, the future ealdorman of this shire and the son of [[Ceolwulf II of Mercia|Ceolwulf]] of [[Mercia]].'' | ||
*'''King Rhodri:''' ''This green stripling? Ealdorman? You couldn't piss without help, boy.'' | *'''King Rhodri:''' ''This green stripling? Ealdorman? You couldn't piss without help, boy.'' | ||
|-|Ivarr is right to challenge you.= | |||
|-|Ivarr is right to challenge you.= | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Rhodri. You've wasted your men's lives in a fruitless war. Ivarr need not show respect to you. '' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Rhodri. You've wasted your men's lives in a fruitless war. Ivarr need not show respect to you. '' | ||
*'''Angharad:''' ''This Dane is deluded! How dare you speak to my husband in this manner'' | *'''Angharad:''' ''This [[Vikings|Dane]] is deluded! How dare you speak to my husband in this manner'' | ||
|-|We are here for peace.= | |-|We are here for peace.= | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Now is not the time for keeping grudges. We're here to smooth a path to peace.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Now is not the time for keeping grudges. We're here to smooth a path to peace.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Peace, peace peace! Not with this bag of Briton slop.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Peace, peace, peace! Not with this bag of Briton slop.'' | ||
*'''King Rhodri:''' ''On that we are agreed..'' | *'''King Rhodri:''' ''On that we are agreed..'' | ||
</tabber> | </tabber> | ||
[[File:ACV War Weary 7.png|thumb|250px|Deorlaf urging everyone to calm down]] | [[File:ACV War Weary 7.png|thumb|250px|Deorlaf urging everyone to calm down]] | ||
| Line 142: | Line 157: | ||
*'''Angharad:''' ''Husband. Keep your head. It is in our interest to find a way to peace. All of us.'' | *'''Angharad:''' ''Husband. Keep your head. It is in our interest to find a way to peace. All of us.'' | ||
*'''King Rhodri:''' ''First, my brother.'' | *'''King Rhodri:''' ''First, my brother.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''First your head on a pike. | *'''Ivarr:''' ''First your head on a [[pike]]. Then the runt goes free.'' | ||
Rhodri started to reach for his | Rhodri started to reach for his [[sword]]. | ||
*'''Angharad:''' ''Husband! No!'' | *'''Angharad:''' ''Husband! No!'' | ||
She stepped between | She stepped between Rhodri and Ivarr. | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Enough! This is a house of God! Let us take some few minutes to gather ourselves, shall we? Eivor, to me.'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Enough! This is a house of God! Let us take some few minutes to gather ourselves, shall we? Eivor, to me.'' | ||
The bishop approached Eivor. | The bishop approached Eivor. | ||
[[File:ACV War Weary 8.png|thumb|250px|Eivor requested by Deorlaf to assist in maintaing the peace]] | [[File:ACV War Weary 8.png|thumb|250px|Eivor requested by Deorlaf to assist in maintaing the peace]] | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''I do not know you well, but Ceolbert believes you a steady head. We need such a one.'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''I do not know you well, but Ceolbert believes you a steady head. We need such a one.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''It may be too late. I see the crows of war gathering.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''It may be too late. I see the [[Raven|crows]] of war gathering.'' | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' I have a hefty sum of silver. Speak to the people here. If the silver will help one bring us toward peace, offer it to them. | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' I have a hefty sum of [[silver]]. Speak to the people here. If the silver will help one bring us toward peace, offer it to them. | ||
Eivor first spoke to Ceolbert. | He gave her a bag of 650 silver pieces. Eivor first spoke to Ceolbert. | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''These talks are stalled. I fear the upshot.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''These talks are stalled. I fear the upshot.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Do not fret. You will be ealdorman yet.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Do not fret. You will be ealdorman yet.'' | ||
| Line 162: | Line 177: | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''If you first agree to peace, he will be returned. Would a sum of silver help overleap this difficulty?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''If you first agree to peace, he will be returned. Would a sum of silver help overleap this difficulty?'' | ||
*'''King Rhodri:''' ''I cannot be purchased with looted silver, Dane. Stand away.'' | *'''King Rhodri:''' ''I cannot be purchased with looted silver, Dane. Stand away.'' | ||
Ivarr | Ivarr complained loudly. | ||
* '''Ivarr:''' ''Talk, talk, talk! All we do is talk! | * '''Ivarr:''' ''Talk, talk, talk! All we do is talk! | ||
Eivor spoke to | Eivor spoke to Ynyr. | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''You are with Rhodri, yes? One of his advisors?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''You are with Rhodri, yes? One of his advisors?'' | ||
*'''Ynyr Ap Cadfarch:''' ''I am that. Ynyr ap Cadfarch by name. Address me proper.'' | *'''Ynyr Ap Cadfarch:''' ''I am that. Ynyr ap Cadfarch by name. Address me proper.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Tell me...soldier...do you still hold sway with your king?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Tell me... [[soldier]]... do you still hold sway with your king?'' | ||
*'''Ynyr Ap Cadfarch:''' ''He consults me for his every decision. If I push for war, he will agree. If I argue for peace, he will follow.'' | *'''Ynyr Ap Cadfarch:''' ''He consults me for his every decision. If I push for war, he will agree. If I argue for peace, he will follow.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Peace is our desired end. Is there a chance that some silver might lead you to counsel your king in the same direction?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Peace is our desired end. Is there a chance that some silver might lead you to counsel your king in the same direction?'' | ||
*'''Ynyr Ap Cadfarch:''' ''A sack of silver? For me? Hm. Yes, I might amend my advice to Rhodri for a tidy sum of shining metal. Yes.'' | *'''Ynyr Ap Cadfarch:''' ''A sack of silver? For me? Hm. Yes, I might amend my advice to Rhodri for a tidy sum of shining metal. Yes.'' | ||
Ivarr complained again. | |||
Ivarr complained again | |||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''We should settle this with blood, not pretty words.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''We should settle this with blood, not pretty words.'' | ||
Eivor next spoke to Angharad. | Eivor next spoke to Angharad. | ||
| Line 192: | Line 193: | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''If I could provide a boon of silver, would that guide your husband way from the war?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''If I could provide a boon of silver, would that guide your husband way from the war?'' | ||
*'''Angharad:''' ''A replenished treasury would certainly help my husband come to peace.'' | *'''Angharad:''' ''A replenished treasury would certainly help my husband come to peace.'' | ||
Ivarr threw a pot to the ground, breaking it. | |||
Ivarr threw a pot to the ground. | |||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Ahh! Enough of this nonsense!'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Ahh! Enough of this nonsense!'' | ||
Eivor approached Ivarr. | Eivor approached Ivarr. | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Ivarr.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Ivarr.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Lock the doors. Murder that sweating pig and have done with it.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Lock the doors. Murder that sweating [[pig]] and have done with it.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''If I could find you silver, would that quell your bitterness while we seek peace?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''If I could find you silver, would that quell your bitterness while we seek peace?'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Peace. Is that what you think is going to happen here? I told you, I know this bastard.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Peace. Is that what you think is going to happen here? I told you, I know this bastard.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Will silver quiet you?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Will silver quiet you?'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''It may, it may not. I would have to see the silver in my hands to know for sure.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''It may, it may not. I would have to see the silver in my hands to know for sure.'' | ||
Eivor finally spoke to [[Gwriad ap Merfyn]]. | Eivor finally spoke to [[Gwriad ap Merfyn]]. | ||
*'''Gwriad ap Merfyn: | *'''Gwriad ap Merfyn:''' (pained moan) | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''You are Gwriad, are you not? Brother to King Rhodri.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''You are Gwriad, are you not? Brother to King Rhodri.'' | ||
*'''Gwriad ap Merfyn:''' ''So I am. And a bruised pawn in your bloody game.'' | *'''Gwriad ap Merfyn:''' ''So I am. And a bruised pawn in your bloody game.'' | ||
| Line 241: | Line 214: | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Knock Rhodri from his throne, withdraw all Briton soldiers from Sciropescire, and never again threaten this border.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Knock Rhodri from his throne, withdraw all Briton soldiers from Sciropescire, and never again threaten this border.'' | ||
*'''Gwriad ap Merfyn:''' ''If you speak true, I would make that bargain gladly.'' | *'''Gwriad ap Merfyn:''' ''If you speak true, I would make that bargain gladly.'' | ||
Eivor finished her investigations. | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''I should report what I know to Bishop Deorlaf.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''I should report what I know to Bishop Deorlaf.'' | ||
Eivor found a note on a podium in the back of the church. | Eivor found a note on a podium in the back of the church. | ||
| Line 262: | Line 223: | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Have you come to a decision? To whom have you given the silver?'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Have you come to a decision? To whom have you given the silver?'' | ||
(I'm still thinking it over.) | (I'm still thinking it over.) | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''I have yet to make my decision. Bishop Deorlaf: Please, don't tarry.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''I have yet to make my decision. | ||
( | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Please, don't tarry.'' | ||
Eivor left to bribe her candidate. | |||
<tabber> | |||
|-|Ynyr= | |||
{{#tag:tabber| | |||
Here is silver. (650)= | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Take this. Spend it as you will, and tell Rhodri his best path is peace.'' | |||
*'''Ynyr ap Cadfarch:''' ''You have a bargain.'' | |||
{{!}}-{{!}} | |||
I need to think about it.= | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''You are a wise warrior. Perhaps the silver will become available.'' | |||
*'''Ynyr ap Cadfarch:''' ''Hmph. And you, go take a shit and let me know how it turns out.'' | |||
Eivor spoke to him again. | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Ynyr.'' | |||
*'''Ynyr ap Cadfarch:''' ''You again. What of the silver you spoke of?'' | |||
}} | |||
|-|Angharad= | |||
{{#tag:tabber| | |||
Here is silver. (650)= | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Lady Angharad. Take this silver. Do what you can to calm your husband.'' | |||
*'''Angharad:''' ''I shall. The [[Kingdom of Gwynedd]] thanks you.'' | |||
{{!}}-{{!}} | |||
I need to think about it.= | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''If such a boon comes, I'll consider your words.'' | |||
Eivor spoke to her again. | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Dear lady.'' | |||
*'''Angharad:''' ''The treasure you spoke of would help bring us to peace.'' | |||
}} | |||
|-|Ivarr= | |||
{{#tag:tabber| | |||
Here is silver. (650)= | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Damn your eyes. Here is the silver. Do with it what you will, but do not upset this chance at peace.'' | |||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''I did not know you were so foolish with [[coin]].'' | |||
After Eivor walked away, Ivarr bragged aloud. | |||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Silver! Good. I can bludgeon Rhodri to death with how heavy a bag I have.'' | |||
{{!}}-{{!}} | |||
I need to think about it= | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''If there is any silver to be had, I'll think about it.'' | |||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''You do that.'' | |||
Ivarr spoke aloud afterward. | |||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Now you dangle silver before me? Are you so frightened of the Britons that you fight your battles with wealth?'' | |||
Eivor spoke to him again. | |||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Back again, eh? Brought any treasure with you? I will see that it is well spent.'' | |||
}} | |||
|-|Gwriad= | |||
{{#tag:tabber| | |||
Here is silver. (650)= | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Take this silver, depose your brother, and you'll rule with our support.'' | |||
*'''Gwriad ap Merfyn:''' ''His blood will gush at my first opportunity.'' | |||
{{!}}-{{!}} | |||
I need to think about it.= | |||
* '''Eivor:''' ''I will see about the silver.'' | |||
Eivor spoke to him again. | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Gwriad.'' | |||
*'''Gwriad ap Merfyn:''' ''Are we in league, Dane? To buy me a throne? What say you?'' | |||
}} | |||
|-|Herself= | |||
Eivor subtly pocketed the money for herself. | |||
</tabber> | |||
Eivor talked to Deorlaf again. | |||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Eivor, my friend.'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Eivor, my friend.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''I spoke with more people.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''I spoke with more people.'' | ||
| Line 272: | Line 292: | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''The Captain of the Guard will advise Rhodri to sign the agreement. Peace will be yours.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''The Captain of the Guard will advise Rhodri to sign the agreement. Peace will be yours.'' | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Let is pray Rhodri takes his advice.'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Let is pray Rhodri takes his advice.'' | ||
|-|Angharad= | |-|Angharad= | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Lady Angharad will use the silver to bolster the royal treasury. That will reassure and calm Rhodri.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Lady Angharad will use the silver to bolster the royal treasury. That will reassure and calm Rhodri.'' | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Ah. | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Ah. A wise woman indeed.'' | ||
|-|Ivarr= | |-|Ivarr= | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''I gave the silver to Ivarr for his assurance that he will stay calm.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''I gave the silver to Ivarr for his assurance that he will stay calm.'' | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''I have yet to see Ivarr look calm.'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''I have yet to see Ivarr look calm.'' | ||
|-|Gwriad ap Merfyn= | |-|Gwriad ap Merfyn= | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Rhodri's brother will use the silver to take the crown himself, by force.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Rhodri's brother will use the silver to take the crown himself, by force.'' | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''He promised rebellion? Are you sure this was wise?'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''He promised rebellion? Are you sure this was wise?'' | ||
|-|⚖️The silver is in good hands.= | |||
|-| | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Your silver's in the hands of one who wants it most. Now pray to your god it does some good.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Your silver's in the hands of one who wants it most. Now pray to your god it does some good.'' | ||
</tabber> | </tabber> | ||
[[File:ACV War Weary 9.png|thumb|250px|Eivor trying to restrain Ivarr]] | [[File:ACV War Weary 9.png|thumb|250px|Eivor trying to restrain Ivarr]] | ||
| Line 294: | Line 309: | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Ivarr, no!'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Ivarr, no!'' | ||
Eivor managed to hold Ivarr back. | Eivor managed to hold Ivarr back. | ||
*'''King Rhodri:''' ''Boneless Ivarr. Spineless, toothless, gutless. You | *'''King Rhodri:''' ''Boneless Ivarr. Spineless, toothless, gutless. You cannot kill me! A [[dragon]] will be my death as my seers have foretold! | ||
Gwriad walked closer behind Ivarr. Ivarr noticed him. | Gwriad walked closer behind Ivarr. Ivarr noticed him. | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''And your brother? Does your destiny guard him?'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''And your brother? Does your destiny guard him?'' | ||
| Line 300: | Line 315: | ||
*'''Angharad:''' ''Gwriad!'' | *'''Angharad:''' ''Gwriad!'' | ||
[[File:ACV War Weary 10.png|thumb|250px|Ivarr slicing Gwriad's neck]] | [[File:ACV War Weary 10.png|thumb|250px|Ivarr slicing Gwriad's neck]] | ||
Ivarr | Ivarr slit Gwriad's throat. | ||
*'''King Rhodri:''' ''By God Almighty, I' | *'''King Rhodri:''' ''By God Almighty, I'll—'' | ||
Rhodri started toward Ivarr. | Rhodri started toward Ivarr. | ||
*'''Ynyr Ap Cadfarch:''' ''Get them to safety. Go! Quickly!'' | *'''Ynyr Ap Cadfarch:''' ''Get them to safety. Go! Quickly!'' | ||
| Line 311: | Line 326: | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Ahh! Now that is vikingr diplomacy! Show the fuckers who the real warriors are.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Ahh! Now that is vikingr diplomacy! Show the fuckers who the real warriors are.'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert''' ''Ivarr, you have scuppered the peace!'' | *'''Ceolbert''' ''Ivarr, you have scuppered the peace!'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' '' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Do not be fooled by peace, boy. It is just an empty voice between axe blows. | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Dear Lord, this is a massacre!'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Dear Lord, this is a massacre!'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''We have no choice now but to fight our way out of this. | *'''Eivor:''' ''We have no choice now but to fight our way out of this. | ||
| Line 321: | Line 336: | ||
Ceolbert followed after him. Eivor turned to Deorlaf. | Ceolbert followed after him. Eivor turned to Deorlaf. | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Stay here where it's safest, bishop.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Stay here where it's safest, bishop.'' | ||
:If Eivor gave Gwriad the silver, she looted it from his body. | |||
:*'''Eivor:''' ''Gwriad won't need this silver now.'' | |||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Help me with this fucking door!'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Help me with this fucking door!'' | ||
Eivor and Ivarr forced open the door. | Eivor and Ivarr forced open the door. | ||
| Line 327: | Line 344: | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''For Mercia!'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''For Mercia!'' | ||
[[File:ACV War Weary 14.png|thumb|250px|Fighting outside the church]] | [[File:ACV War Weary 14.png|thumb|250px|Fighting outside the church]] | ||
Eivor and the others fought and killed the Britons outside the church. | Eivor and the others fought and killed the Britons outside the church. A war horn sounded. | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''There are more at the river!'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''There are more at the river!'' | ||
Everyone ran down the hill to the battle in the river. | Everyone ran down the hill to the battle in the river. | ||
| Line 335: | Line 352: | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''Good God, what carnage. We must let Bishop Deorlaf know that the battle is done.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''Good God, what carnage. We must let Bishop Deorlaf know that the battle is done.'' | ||
Eivor, Ivarr, and Ceolbert walked back up the hill to the church. | Eivor, Ivarr, and Ceolbert walked back up the hill to the church. | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''You did yourself proud, | *'''Ivarr:''' ''You did yourself proud, ''ætheling''.'' | ||
*'''Ceolbert:''' ''This was not a battle we needed, Ivarr.'' | *'''Ceolbert:''' ''This was not a battle we needed, Ivarr.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''When you are king, Ceolbert, you won't need battles. You will crave them.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''When you are king, Ceolbert, you won't need battles. You will crave them.'' | ||
| Line 345: | Line 362: | ||
* '''Eivor:''' ''You nearly got Ceolbert killed, you boneless flap of leather.'' | * '''Eivor:''' ''You nearly got Ceolbert killed, you boneless flap of leather.'' | ||
* '''Ivarr:''' ''Ah, the diplomat speaks what she really feels.'' | * '''Ivarr:''' ''Ah, the diplomat speaks what she really feels.'' | ||
* '''Eivor:''' ''Fail us again, Son of Ragnar, and I'll send you back to Repton without your limbs. | * '''Eivor:''' ''Fail us again, [[Sons of Ragnar|Son]] of [[Ragnar Lothbrok|Ragnar]], and I'll send you back to Repton without your limbs.'' | ||
Eivor turned to the rest of the group. | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''What's done is done. We must plan our next moves before the Britons regroup.'' | |||
|-|Ivarr was right.= | |-|Ivarr was right.= | ||
* '''Eivor:''' ''Ivarr has a point. Rhodri showed us nothing but contempt. Peace was not to be written today.'' | * '''Eivor:''' ''Ivarr has a point. Rhodri showed us nothing but contempt. Peace was not to be written today.'' | ||
* '''Ivarr:''' ''You see, | * '''Ivarr:''' ''You see, ''ætheling'' ? Eivor understands. There can be no peace with these backwards Britons.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''What's done is done. We must plan our next moves before the Britons regroup.'' | |||
|-|What Ivarr did no longer matters.= | |-|What Ivarr did no longer matters.= | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''What's done is done. We must plan our next moves before the Britons regroup.'' | |||
</tabber> | </tabber> | ||
[[File:ACV War Weary 16.png|thumb|250px|The group discussing their next plans]] | [[File:ACV War Weary 16.png|thumb|250px|The group discussing their next plans]] | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''They will retreat to their great castle, for certain. It's well-nigh impregnable.'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''They will retreat to their great castle, for certain. It's well-nigh impregnable.'' | ||
*'''Ivarr:''' ''Then we starve them out. Attack their supplies. Watch them beg for death.'' | *'''Ivarr:''' ''Then we starve them out. Attack their supplies. Watch them beg for death.'' | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Dear God. More death, more war, endless refugees.'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Dear God. More death, more war, endless refugees.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''This is our only way forward, Deorlaf. You know the territory best, how can we hurt them?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''This is our only way forward, Deorlaf. You know the territory best, how can we hurt them?'' | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Well...for food and supplies, they stockpile cargo at [[Wenlocan Outpost]], down south of Quatford. Rhodri has another secret supply line. Ask those among the refugees near the river. Those who have fled from occupied villages.'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Well... for food and supplies, they stockpile cargo at [[Wenlocan Outpost]], down south of Quatford.'' | ||
:(Already looted Wenlocan Outpost) | |||
:*'''Eivor:''' ''I came across Wenlocan earlier. I've taken that cargo already.'' | |||
:*'''Ivarr:''' ''Well done, ''drengr (courageous warrior). | |||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Rhodri has another secret supply line. Ask those among the refugees near the river. Those who have fled from occupied villages.'' | |||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Rhodri's Britons will strike back long before we can.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Rhodri's Britons will strike back long before we can.'' | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Indeed. They will send Ynyr and his soldiers. They train in [[Wesberie]], west of the [[Hill Gate Remnants|ruined tower]].'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''Indeed. They will send Ynyr and his soldiers. They train in [[Wesberie]], west of the [[Hill Gate Remnants|ruined tower]].'' | ||
| Line 369: | Line 391: | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''I'll meet you both in Wesberie then, once I've done some damage. Until then.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''I'll meet you both in Wesberie then, once I've done some damage. Until then.'' | ||
Ivarr walked off with Ceolbert close behind. Deorlaf turned to Eivor. | Ivarr walked off with Ceolbert close behind. Deorlaf turned to Eivor. | ||
*'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''One last thing. We'll need a fyrd before our battle's done. Try to free any captives you find. They'll swell our ranks.'' | *'''Bishop Deorlaf:''' ''One last thing. We'll need a ''{{Wiki|fyrd}}'' before our battle's done. Try to free any captives you find. They'll swell our ranks.'' | ||
Eivor could speak to Deorlaf again. | Eivor could speak to Deorlaf again. | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Good bishop.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Good bishop.'' | ||
| Line 376: | Line 398: | ||
==Outcome== | ==Outcome== | ||
Ivarr killed Rhodri's brother at the meeting, | Ivarr killed Rhodri's brother Gwriad at the meeting, forcing Eivor and her allies to defend themselves from the guards. Afterwards, Eivor worked to disrupt the Britons' war efforts. | ||
==Behind the scenes== | |||
*The option to pledge to Sciropescire, and thus this memory and its succedent memories, becomes available upon solidifying an alliance in either [[East Anglia]] or [[Oxfordshire|Oxenefordscire]], regardless of which region is completed first (or comes first in any logical narrative sense). | |||
*If the silver is given to Gwyriad, it can be looted from his corpse after Ivarr kills him. | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center | <gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180"> | ||
ACV War Weary 1.png|Ceolbert sparring with Ivarr | ACV War Weary 1.png|Ceolbert sparring with Ivarr | ||
ACV War Weary 11.png|Rhodri | ACV War Weary 11.png|Rhodri restrained after witnessing Ivarr murder Gwriad | ||
ACV War Weary 12.png|Fighting within the church | ACV War Weary 12.png|Fighting within the church | ||
ACV War Weary 13.png|Gwriad's body | ACV War Weary 13.png|Gwriad's body | ||
Latest revision as of 02:07, 25 May 2026
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I thought we wanted the same thing. This memory has been marked as incomplete. Please update the page to include the missing dialogue transcription(s) or choice(s), and then remove this template once done. |
War Weary was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan in 2020 through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.
Description[edit | edit source]
Eivor met with Ceolbert and Ivarr the Boneless to oversee the peace talks between them and King Rhodri the Great.
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Eivor went to speak to Randvi at the alliance map about her next pledge
- Eivor: So Ceolbert has traveled to Sciropescire.
- Randvi: He has, into a difficult situation. The Shire has been mired in a long war with Rhodri, King of the Britons. Ceolbert hopes to negotiate a peace with the Britons of the west. A difficult task for one so green.
- Eivor: I hope your tutelage has prepared him well,
- Randvi: Indeed. But I think it best if you supervise these talks. If Ceolbert can make this work, we will gain a valuable alliance.
Eivor pledged herself to Sciropescire.
- Eivor: I'll make my way to Sciropescire.
- Randvi: I am relieved. He and Ivarr should be in Quatford just now. You will find it along the Afon Hafren River.
- Eivor: If Ivarr is with him, I will certainly be needed.
Eivor arrived in Quatford near the church and overheard Norse and Briton soldiers standing apart, arguing.
- Norse Warrior 1: Your King Rhodri's in there, begging on his chubby knees for peace!
- Briton Warrior 1: Peace? Who wants peace?
Eivor continued into the village proper and heard an even larger mob arguing.
- Norse Warrior 2: Rhodri's nothing but a stinking pile of sheep dung.
- Briton Warrior 2: This isn't your fight, Danes. Go back to the sea.
- Norse Warrior 3: You come over here and say that!
- Briton Warrior 2: Come on. Take a swing at me. A good swing.
Two more warriors argued.
- Norse Warrior 4: Your sorry king wants peace.
- Briton Warrior 3: Poor Danes. So far from home. Who's with your wives now, eh?
Eivor finally reached the longhouse overlooking the village, where she overheard a conversation.
- Anglo-Saxon Man: We've had nothing for days.
- Anglo-Saxon Woman: Nettle and turnips. It's all I could find.
- Anglo-Saxon Child: Smells good, that.
- Anglo-Saxon Woman: There you go, young man.
- Anglo-Saxon Man: Curse this war. Say your thanks, Bertwic.
- Anglo-Saxon Child: Thank you, ma'am.
Eivor entered the longhouse and saw Ceolbert and Ivarr sparring.
- Ivarr: Come on, boy... ha!
- Ceolbert: Aaah, oof!
- Ivarr: You wouldn't stop a lamb. Come on!
- Ceolbert: I hurt my shoulder.
- Ivarr: Shake it off!
- Ceolbert: Ha!
- Ivarr: Don't hold back. Follow through!
- Ceolbert: Aaaah!
- Ivarr: And...
- Ceolbert: Oof!
- Ivarr: To your feet. Up! You keep moving as long as your body will follow. Whoop!
Eivor approached the two. Ivarr picked up Ceolbert from behind and threw him to the ground.
- Ivarr: Ah ah! Not half bad, boy. But be fierce. Dirty. Strike at my balls!
- Eivor: Ivarr, are you training the boy or tormenting him?
- Ivarr: One will lead to the other in time.
Ceolbert dusted himself off.
- Ceolbert: Eivor, well met. You received my message, and just in time. Our negotiations with the Britons have not yet begun.
- Eivor: I will be at your side when they do. Is there anything I should know first?
- Ceolbert: The venerable King Rhodri is here. I am to deal with him directly.
- Ivarr: Rhodri is desperate for peace, ever since we captured his sniveling brother, Gwriad. Sounds like a man coughing up snot. Gwriad ap Merfyn!
- Ceolbert: Rhodri waits at the church nearby.
- Eivor: Who speaks for Sciropescire in these talks?
- Ceolbert: The last ealdorman was killed in battle. Bishop Deorlaf is standing in.
- Ivarr: Until we get this wet whelp installed! That is his father's wish.
- Ceolbert: I find the idea of leading a shire on my own quite... quite terrifying.
- Eivor: Don't fret until you have taken up the ealdorman's title. Too many things can go wrong between now and then.
- Coelbert: My father thinks me fit already, I shouldn't want to disappoint him.
- Eivor: Ivarr will toughen you up. But watch your back. He's a wily one.
- Ivarr: It is always the same with me, boy. When things get too quiet, I throw daggers.'
- Ceolbert: I'll be on my guard.
- Eivor: As future ealdorman, you should speak in the talks as well. But with humility. Rhodri is a king and will expect to be treated as one.
- Ivarr: Rhodri will want us to get down on our knees and sniff the rosy wind blowing from his ass. I know the man.
- Eivor: You've met him?
- Ivarr: Met him, fought him. He gave me this nick here.
Ivarr gestured to the scar along his face.
- Ivarr: He gave me this nick here. Maybe I can give him one back. Remind him some call me King Killer.
- Eivor: It may be you should stay behind, Ivarr. That's not a recipe for a good parlay.
- Ceolbert: I'd like you both to be there. To guide me, to judge my fitness.
- Eivor: Give us your word then. Your blade stays in its sheath.
- Ivarr: Eivor, don't make me laugh. We both know what my word is worth. But sure, I will let you do the talking. Probably.
- Ceolbert: Excellent. Now... to the church, I think. Our guests await.
Ceolbert walked away as Ivarr gestured to Eivor to walk along. The three mounted horses and headed to the church.
- Ceolbert: It's not far, just across the village. We've been at war with the Britons for coming on two years.
- Ivarr: The Britons had the best of it, 'til me and my berserkrs plowed through their ranks and chased Rhodri's brother into a ditch.
- Ceolbert: That's why Rhodri's talking peace now. It's thanks to Ivarr.
- Ivarr: I am going to enjoy seeing him squeal, the old oak. Not nearly as much as taking him down, though. That would seal my legacy.
- Eivor: Your legacy?
- Ivarr: As King Killer. They do not all get away like Burgred did, Wolf-Kissed.
- Eivor: Keep the peace, Ivarr.
- Ivarr: What has become of your preening brother?
Eivor sighed.
- Eivor: Ah, my brother. We parted. His road is unsure.
- Eivor: I have not seen him since we were together in Ledecestrescire. I am left uneasy when he is away.
- Ivarr: You are better off leaving that sauntering pole in your wake.
They dismounted and approached the church.
- Ceolbert: Our Bishop Deorlaf and King Rhodri are ensconced in the church ahead.
- Eivor: These houses of Christ. They're all so hard and cold.
- Ceolbert: Yet within is warmth. The Christian God unites King Rhodri, Bishop Deorlaf, and myself. On His ground, peace will be made.
They walked between the arguing camps of Norse and Briton soldiers.
- Norse Warrior 1: Briton cowards! All of you!
- Briton Warrior 1: Suck on yellow snow! Filthy Danes. We'll festoon our halls with your entrails!
- Norse Warrior 5: Come on, then. Let's have at it.
Eivor, Ceolbert, and Ivarr entered the church, where King Rhodri, his wife Angharad, Captain Ynyr ap Cadfarch, and Bishop Deorlaf were having a conversation.
- King Rhodri: Captain Ynyr! Explain to the good bishop our position.
- Ynyr ap Cadfarch: Yes, my sovereign. Bishop Deorlaf. We are deaf to offers of peace until Gwriad is returned to us.
The three approached the group.
- Bishop Deorlaf: The king's brother is—
Ivarr barged into the group in the middle of conversation.
- Ivarr: The king's brother is a moldering sack of cow dung.
- King Rhodri: You. I know your face, your stench. Ivarr... the one they call Boneless. Did I not gift you that scar myself?
- Ivarr: Ah! You did, and I mean to gift you a gash, you reeking piss pot. In your fat fucking skull!
Eivor stepped in the middle.
- Eivor: Hold! both of you!
- Eivor: Rhodri. You've wasted your men's lives in a fruitless war. Ivarr need not show respect to you.
- Angharad: This Dane is deluded! How dare you speak to my husband in this manner
- Eivor: Now is not the time for keeping grudges. We're here to smooth a path to peace.
- Ivarr: Peace, peace, peace! Not with this bag of Briton slop.
- King Rhodri: On that we are agreed..
- Bishop Deorlaf: Now, now, calm everyone. Good faith is all I ask.
- King Rhodri: You know my demands. Until my brother Gwriad walks free, peace between us is impossible.
- Ivarr: He is lucky he can walk at all! Fell on his own blade fleeing from us!
- King Rhodri: I will soon help you fall on yours.
- Angharad: Husband. Keep your head. It is in our interest to find a way to peace. All of us.
- King Rhodri: First, my brother.
- Ivarr: First your head on a pike. Then the runt goes free.
Rhodri started to reach for his sword.
- Angharad: Husband! No!
She stepped between Rhodri and Ivarr.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Enough! This is a house of God! Let us take some few minutes to gather ourselves, shall we? Eivor, to me.
The bishop approached Eivor.
- Bishop Deorlaf: I do not know you well, but Ceolbert believes you a steady head. We need such a one.
- Eivor: It may be too late. I see the crows of war gathering.
- Bishop Deorlaf: I have a hefty sum of silver. Speak to the people here. If the silver will help one bring us toward peace, offer it to them.
He gave her a bag of 650 silver pieces. Eivor first spoke to Ceolbert.
- Ceolbert: These talks are stalled. I fear the upshot.
- Eivor: Do not fret. You will be ealdorman yet.
Eivor then spoke to King Rhodri.
- Eivor: King Rhodri.
- King Rhodri: What is it, Dane?
- Eivor: I wish to help you to peace.
- King Rhodri: I will not talk of peace until my brother Gwriad, is returned to me.
- Eivor: If you first agree to peace, he will be returned. Would a sum of silver help overleap this difficulty?
- King Rhodri: I cannot be purchased with looted silver, Dane. Stand away.
Ivarr complained loudly.
- Ivarr: Talk, talk, talk! All we do is talk!
Eivor spoke to Ynyr.
- Eivor: You are with Rhodri, yes? One of his advisors?
- Ynyr Ap Cadfarch: I am that. Ynyr ap Cadfarch by name. Address me proper.
- Eivor: Tell me... soldier... do you still hold sway with your king?
- Ynyr Ap Cadfarch: He consults me for his every decision. If I push for war, he will agree. If I argue for peace, he will follow.
- Eivor: Peace is our desired end. Is there a chance that some silver might lead you to counsel your king in the same direction?
- Ynyr Ap Cadfarch: A sack of silver? For me? Hm. Yes, I might amend my advice to Rhodri for a tidy sum of shining metal. Yes.
Ivarr complained again.
- Ivarr: We should settle this with blood, not pretty words.
Eivor next spoke to Angharad.
- Eivor: Lady. Let is get past the anger and find our way to an agreement. What is your husband's greatest concern?
- Angharad: The royal treasury has been depleted by the war. This brings immense strain to Rhodri and his every decision.
- Eivor: If I could provide a boon of silver, would that guide your husband way from the war?
- Angharad: A replenished treasury would certainly help my husband come to peace.
Ivarr threw a pot to the ground, breaking it.
- Ivarr: Ahh! Enough of this nonsense!
Eivor approached Ivarr.
- Eivor: Ivarr.
- Ivarr: Lock the doors. Murder that sweating pig and have done with it.
- Eivor: If I could find you silver, would that quell your bitterness while we seek peace?
- Ivarr: Peace. Is that what you think is going to happen here? I told you, I know this bastard.
- Eivor: Will silver quiet you?
- Ivarr: It may, it may not. I would have to see the silver in my hands to know for sure.
Eivor finally spoke to Gwriad ap Merfyn.
- Gwriad ap Merfyn: (pained moan)
- Eivor: You are Gwriad, are you not? Brother to King Rhodri.
- Gwriad ap Merfyn: So I am. And a bruised pawn in your bloody game.
- Eivor: How do you stand with your brother?
- Gwriad ap Merfyn: My brother loves me well. Yet he can be slow and stubborn. Were I king, I'd have played all this quite differently.
- Eivor: What if you had the chance?
- Gwriad ap Merfyn: At the crown? I would leap at the chance to rule. But a man needs wealth to bring down a king. Nobles must be bought, you understand.
- Eivor: I make no promises, but I may be able to find you the silver you need.
- Gwriad ap Merfyn: Under what terms?
- Eivor: Knock Rhodri from his throne, withdraw all Briton soldiers from Sciropescire, and never again threaten this border.
- Gwriad ap Merfyn: If you speak true, I would make that bargain gladly.
Eivor finished her investigations.
- Eivor: I should report what I know to Bishop Deorlaf.
Eivor found a note on a podium in the back of the church.
- Letter to Bishop Deorlaf from Ceolwulf:
Revered Bishop,
It is my intention to install my son, Ceolbert, as Ealdorman of Sciropescire.
However, he is yet young and untested. I ask that you, good Bishop, stand as ealdorman and exercise all attendant powers until such time as my boy grows into himself. At which point, you shall return to your God-ordained duties.
Ceolwulf, King of Mercia
Eivor spoke to Deorlaf.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Eivor, my friend.
- Eivor: I asked around as you suggested.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Have you come to a decision? To whom have you given the silver?
(I'm still thinking it over.)
- Eivor: I have yet to make my decision.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Please, don't tarry.
Eivor left to bribe her candidate.
- Eivor: Take this. Spend it as you will, and tell Rhodri his best path is peace.
- Ynyr ap Cadfarch: You have a bargain.
- Eivor: You are a wise warrior. Perhaps the silver will become available.
- Ynyr ap Cadfarch: Hmph. And you, go take a shit and let me know how it turns out.
- Eivor: Ynyr.
- Ynyr ap Cadfarch: You again. What of the silver you spoke of?
- Eivor: Lady Angharad. Take this silver. Do what you can to calm your husband.
- Angharad: I shall. The Kingdom of Gwynedd thanks you.
- Eivor: If such a boon comes, I'll consider your words.
- Eivor: Dear lady.
- Angharad: The treasure you spoke of would help bring us to peace.
- Eivor: Damn your eyes. Here is the silver. Do with it what you will, but do not upset this chance at peace.
- Ivarr: I did not know you were so foolish with coin.
After Eivor walked away, Ivarr bragged aloud.
- Ivarr: Silver! Good. I can bludgeon Rhodri to death with how heavy a bag I have.
- Eivor: If there is any silver to be had, I'll think about it.
- Ivarr: You do that.
- Ivarr: Now you dangle silver before me? Are you so frightened of the Britons that you fight your battles with wealth?
- Ivarr: Back again, eh? Brought any treasure with you? I will see that it is well spent.
- Eivor: Take this silver, depose your brother, and you'll rule with our support.
- Gwriad ap Merfyn: His blood will gush at my first opportunity.
- Eivor: I will see about the silver.
- Eivor: Gwriad.
- Gwriad ap Merfyn: Are we in league, Dane? To buy me a throne? What say you?
Eivor subtly pocketed the money for herself.
Eivor talked to Deorlaf again.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Eivor, my friend.
- Eivor: I spoke with more people.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Have you made a decision at last? Ivarr is increasingly agitated.
If Eivor gave it to:
- Eivor: The Captain of the Guard will advise Rhodri to sign the agreement. Peace will be yours.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Let is pray Rhodri takes his advice.
- Eivor: Lady Angharad will use the silver to bolster the royal treasury. That will reassure and calm Rhodri.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Ah. A wise woman indeed.
- Eivor: I gave the silver to Ivarr for his assurance that he will stay calm.
- Bishop Deorlaf: I have yet to see Ivarr look calm.
- Eivor: Rhodri's brother will use the silver to take the crown himself, by force.
- Bishop Deorlaf: He promised rebellion? Are you sure this was wise?
- Eivor: Your silver's in the hands of one who wants it most. Now pray to your god it does some good.
Suddenly, Ivarr rushed toward Rhodri.
- Ivarr: Rhodri! I see you mocking me! I challenge you! Single combat. Now!
- Bishop Deorlaf: Ivarr, no!
Eivor managed to hold Ivarr back.
- King Rhodri: Boneless Ivarr. Spineless, toothless, gutless. You cannot kill me! A dragon will be my death as my seers have foretold!
Gwriad walked closer behind Ivarr. Ivarr noticed him.
- Ivarr: And your brother? Does your destiny guard him?
Ivarr turned around, knife in hand.
- Angharad: Gwriad!
Ivarr slit Gwriad's throat.
- King Rhodri: By God Almighty, I'll—
Rhodri started toward Ivarr.
- Ynyr Ap Cadfarch: Get them to safety. Go! Quickly!
One of the guards pulled Rhodri toward the church door.
- King Rhodri: Kill the Boneless one! Paint this chapel with his blood!
The guards attacked.
- Eivor: Ivarr! What have you done?
Eivor, Ivarr, Ceolbert and their guards fought and killed Rhodri's men. And Eivor approached Gwriad's dead body.
- Ivarr: Ahh! Now that is vikingr diplomacy! Show the fuckers who the real warriors are.
- Ceolbert Ivarr, you have scuppered the peace!
- Ivarr: Do not be fooled by peace, boy. It is just an empty voice between axe blows.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Dear Lord, this is a massacre!
- Eivor: We have no choice now but to fight our way out of this.
- Ivarr: Ah! A good test for you, boy!
- Bishop Deorlaf: Lord, forgive us.
- Ivarr: Stay close, Ceolbert. You watch my back and I will pull the knives from yours!
Ivarr ran toward the door.
- Ceolbert Dear Lord.
Ceolbert followed after him. Eivor turned to Deorlaf.
- Eivor: Stay here where it's safest, bishop.
- If Eivor gave Gwriad the silver, she looted it from his body.
- Eivor: Gwriad won't need this silver now.
- Ivarr: Help me with this fucking door!
Eivor and Ivarr forced open the door.
- Norse Warrior: Rhodri's fled! It's war!
- Ivarr: Briton cowards. I am Ivarr, King Killer!
- Ceolbert: For Mercia!
Eivor and the others fought and killed the Britons outside the church. A war horn sounded.
- Eivor: There are more at the river!
Everyone ran down the hill to the battle in the river.
- Norse Warrior: Gut them!
- Briton Warrior: Kill the Danes!
Eivor, Ivarr, Ceolbert, and the Danes killed the rest of the Britons.
- Ceolbert: Good God, what carnage. We must let Bishop Deorlaf know that the battle is done.
Eivor, Ivarr, and Ceolbert walked back up the hill to the church.
- Ivarr: You did yourself proud, ætheling.
- Ceolbert: This was not a battle we needed, Ivarr.
- Ivarr: When you are king, Ceolbert, you won't need battles. You will crave them.
They entered the church. Where Deorlaf raised an accusatory finger in Ivarr's direction.
- Bishop Deorlaf: You murdered Rhodri's brother, you beast! Our one chance at peace is lost!
- Ivarr: Peace with Rhodri is as likely as you dying a virgin, bishop. It won't happen. He is too canny, too vile.
- Eivor: You nearly got Ceolbert killed, you boneless flap of leather.
- Ivarr: Ah, the diplomat speaks what she really feels.
- Eivor: Fail us again, Son of Ragnar, and I'll send you back to Repton without your limbs.
Eivor turned to the rest of the group.
- Eivor: What's done is done. We must plan our next moves before the Britons regroup.
- Eivor: Ivarr has a point. Rhodri showed us nothing but contempt. Peace was not to be written today.
- Ivarr: You see, ætheling ? Eivor understands. There can be no peace with these backwards Britons.
- Eivor: What's done is done. We must plan our next moves before the Britons regroup.
- Eivor: What's done is done. We must plan our next moves before the Britons regroup.
- Bishop Deorlaf: They will retreat to their great castle, for certain. It's well-nigh impregnable.
- Ivarr: Then we starve them out. Attack their supplies. Watch them beg for death.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Dear God. More death, more war, endless refugees.
- Eivor: This is our only way forward, Deorlaf. You know the territory best, how can we hurt them?
- Bishop Deorlaf: Well... for food and supplies, they stockpile cargo at Wenlocan Outpost, down south of Quatford.
- (Already looted Wenlocan Outpost)
- Eivor: I came across Wenlocan earlier. I've taken that cargo already.
- Ivarr: Well done, drengr (courageous warrior).
- Bishop Deorlaf: Rhodri has another secret supply line. Ask those among the refugees near the river. Those who have fled from occupied villages.
- Eivor: Rhodri's Britons will strike back long before we can.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Indeed. They will send Ynyr and his soldiers. They train in Wesberie, west of the ruined tower.
- Ivarr: You do not need me to hold your hand, Eivor. I will head to Wesberie, scout around.
- Ceolbert: I know your methods of scouting. It always leads to swordplay.
- Ivarr: I'm as regular as tidewater.
Ceolbert shook his head.
- Ceolbert: I shall go with you. If only to get an honest accounting of our situation.
- Eivor: I'll meet you both in Wesberie then, once I've done some damage. Until then.
Ivarr walked off with Ceolbert close behind. Deorlaf turned to Eivor.
- Bishop Deorlaf: One last thing. We'll need a fyrd before our battle's done. Try to free any captives you find. They'll swell our ranks.
Eivor could speak to Deorlaf again.
- Eivor: Good bishop.
- Bishop Deorlaf: Have you made progress, my friend?
- Eivor: Some. Have no fear.
Outcome[edit | edit source]
Ivarr killed Rhodri's brother Gwriad at the meeting, forcing Eivor and her allies to defend themselves from the guards. Afterwards, Eivor worked to disrupt the Britons' war efforts.
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
- The option to pledge to Sciropescire, and thus this memory and its succedent memories, becomes available upon solidifying an alliance in either East Anglia or Oxenefordscire, regardless of which region is completed first (or comes first in any logical narrative sense).
- If the silver is given to Gwyriad, it can be looted from his corpse after Ivarr kills him.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
Ceolbert sparring with Ivarr -
Rhodri restrained after witnessing Ivarr murder Gwriad -
Fighting within the church -
Gwriad's body -
Battle by the river
