Of Blood and Gods

Of Blood and Gods was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.

Description

Eivor met with Hemming's seer to discuss who should become the next jarl.

Dialogue

Eivor traveled to the seer's house, with bystanders nearby.

• Norse Man 1: With Hemming Jarl gone, can Vili hold the reins? Will he guide us true?

Eivor entered the house and saw a note within her home.

Final Rites
Trygve, do not forget the final preparations for Hemming Jarl. Tie his shoes together, clip his fingernails, and exit the house not from the main door. He was a noble man in life, but we should follow our traditions, lest we have a draugr to deal with.

Eivor soon talked with the seer.

• Norse Woman 1: You are the Wolf-Kissed one, the Raven of Battle whose fame grows with each waxing of the moon.
• Eivor: I struggle with the choice Hemming left for me. I would have your council on the matter.
• Norse Woman 1: A slaughter must be made. Many sheep at the bottom of the Sleeping Jotun, before the pyre is lit. Follow.

The seer stood up and led Eivor to her sheep outside.

• Norse Woman 1: Come creatures. You are to serve the gods and bid them welcome our beloved Hemming Jarl with ale and open arms.

Eivor following the Seer and her sheeps

The sheep followed the seer as well. Along their climb up the mountain, the seer talked with Eivor.

• Eivor: Do you have the gift of foresight, seer? Can you augur what is to come?
• Norse Woman 1: I see what need be seen, when it need be.
• Eivor: A great gift.
• Norse Woman 1: A great burden.
• Eivor: Did Hemming Jarl consult you often? Did he unburden his woes?
• Norse Woman 1: We spoke often. Yet too often he left with more burdens than he brought.
• Eivor: He worried about the future of his clan. About who would be jarl.
• Norse Woman 1: Speak less. Lest our words draw foul spirits to dog us.
• Eivor: As you wish.

The seer directing Eivor up the Sleeping Jotun

The seer led Eivor and the sheep near the peak.

• Eivor: Volva, I—
• Norse Woman 1: Your heart is restless. Your mind is clouded. You seek more than a guarantee of good omens.
• Eivor: I seek the gods' wisdom.
• Norse Woman 1: You wish to know who would best serve this clan as jarl.
• Eivor: I do. Between Vili and Trygve there is no clear choice.
• Norse Woman 1: We stand in the shadow of the giant, the great keeper of secrets. Here you'll find a drink of the resounding sea. Ascend the Sleeping Jotun. Consume the waters. And meditate at its peak. Do not seek answers to your questions. They will find you.

Eivor reached The Sleeping Jotun's summit

Eivor climbed to the peak of The Sleeping Jotun.

• Eivor: This is the summit. To seek an answer I should clear my mind and still my heart.

Eivor sat and started to meditate at its summit. Time passed as night came. Eivor drank the waters and waited. Within a misty daze, Eivor turned around and saw the spirit of Hemming Jarl.

• Eivor: Hemming Jarl? Is it truly you?
• Hemming: Of spirit. Not of flesh.
• Eivor: Why have you not reached Odin's hall?

Hemming and Eivor walked to the edge of the summit.

• Hemming: I will in time. As the flames of my pyre burn, I will ride the path of wood-smoke to the All-Father's hall of champions.

Eivor consulting with Hemming on his son Vili and Trygve

• Eivor: I am grateful to see you once more, jarl. I struggle with the task you set before me. To choose your heir is not an easy thing. One man is beloved, but does not want the task. The other man is fit for the task, but is not favored.

Hemming nodded and turned to Eivor.

• Hemming: I could not give you any more counsel in life, Eivor. So too in death am I rendered silent.
• Eivor: Forget wise counsel and rational arguments. What does your heart tell you?
• Hemming: My heart is stopped. It says nothing.
• Eivor: This should not be my decision, Hemming. The choice was always yours to make! You were their chief.
• Hemming: As Sigurd is your chief! But that does not quench your appetite for glory, as you covet his place upon the high seat of your clan.
• Eivor: I do not seek to replace Sigurd! Fate weaved our futures long ago. We are only following its pattern!
• Hemming: Yet you see it coming. You welcome it.
• Eivor: Shall I renounce my fate, then? Abandon the path to glory I walk?
• Hemming: No. I want you to die in defense of it.

Eivor fighting against Hemming

Eivor fought with the Draugr Hemming.

• Hemming: This is not how I remember you.
• Eivor: Aaah!

Midway through the battle, Eivor garnered a lead against Hemming.

• Eivor: You left me too soon, Hemming Jarl. Your shire's fate is uncertain.
• Hemming: I trusted you to make the right decision. I still do.

Eivor was proving victorious against Hemming.

• Hemming: Your edge is blunted by indecision. You lead warriors now, never waver.
• Eivor: You did, Hemming Jarl. You did.
• Hemming: And that is why my words should land true. Trust your judgment.

Draugr Hemming Jarl lost to Eivor in combat

Eivor defeated Draugr Hemming in combat.

• Eivor: You pushed me, Hemming. I never intended this.
• Hemming: Have no regrets, Eivor. You have given me the greatest battle-death I sought in life.
• Eivor: You old fox. Was that the point of riling me up?

A light appeared to Hemming Jarl as a shadowy figure was in the light.

Hemming "leaving" to join Odin in Valhalla

• Hemming: Ah. The All-Father ... he comes to welcome me to his wall. And I must follow. The choice you make will be the right one.

Hemming left to join Odin in Valhalla. Later, Eivor awoke from her meditation.

• Eivor: The Althing (clan gathering) is tomorrow, and a jarl must be chosen. I should speak with Sunniva about this.

Outcome

Eivor met with Hemming's seer and meditated at The Sleeping Jotun before defeating a draugr apparition of Hemming in battle.

Gallery

• 
  Eivor met with the Seer in her home
• 
  Eivor with the Seer and her sheeps
• 
  Eivor meditating on top of the mountain peak

References

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla