- Eivor: Valdis is right, there will be others.
- Brothir: If I had seen any more, I would have killed them too.
- Eivor: Where did you find this one?
imported>Lady Kyashira mNo edit summary |
imported>Darman36 Eivor faces the scout with her axe, she does not reach around him with it |
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| name = A Triumphant Return | | name = A Triumphant Return | ||
| image = ACV A Triumphant Return 12.png | | image = ACV A Triumphant Return 12.png | ||
| description = ''[[Oswald of East Anglia|Oswald]] returns to [[Northwic]] with treasure and a tale of victory over [[Rued | | description = ''[[Oswald of East Anglia|Oswald]] returns to [[Northwic]] with treasure and a tale of victory over [[Rued's clan]]. But will it be enough to win over [[Brothir|the]] [[Broder|brothers]]?'' | ||
| appearance = ''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' | | appearance = ''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' | ||
| type = Main {{c|The Tale of Thegn Oswald}} | | type = Main {{c|The Tale of Thegn Oswald}} | ||
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| date = 873 CE | | date = 873 CE | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''A Triumphant Return''' was a virtual representation of one of [[Eivor Varinsdottir]]'s [[Genetic memory|genetic memories]], relived by [[Layla Hassan]] through the [[Animus|Portable Animus HR-8.5]]. | '''A Triumphant Return''' 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]]. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
After returning to [[Northwic]], Eivor and her allies learned of a plan to attack [[Dunwic]]. | After returning to [[Norwich|Northwic]], Eivor and her allies learned of a plan to attack [[Dunwic]]. | ||
==Dialogue== | ==Dialogue== | ||
Eivor returned to Northwic to see how the brothers received [[Oswald of East Anglia|Oswald]]'s gifts and plan their next moves. As she neared the city's military encampment, she could hear arguing. | Eivor returned to Northwic to see how the brothers received [[Oswald of East Anglia|Oswald]]'s gifts and plan their next moves. As she neared the city's military encampment, she could hear arguing. | ||
*'''Oswald:''' ''That's silver, livestock, and a trophy from our slain enemy. What more do you want?'' | *'''[[Oswald of East Anglia|Oswald]]:''' ''That's [[silver]], livestock, and a trophy from our slain enemy. What more do you want?'' | ||
*'''[[Broder]]:''' ''Who said we wanted anything, [[Anglo-Saxons|Saxon]]?'' | *'''[[Broder]]:''' ''Who said we wanted anything, [[Anglo-Saxons|Saxon]]?'' | ||
Eivor approached Oswald, Valdis, and Broder. | Eivor approached Oswald, [[Valdis]], and Broder. | ||
*'''Broder:''' ''No battle-dented [[Vikings|Dane]] would ever follow this lump of lard into battle! I don't care how many | *'''Broder:''' ''No battle-dented [[Vikings|Dane]] would ever follow this lump of lard into battle! I don't care how many [[shield]]s he brings me!'' | ||
*'''Oswald:''' ''You mean to say you refuse my gifts, Broder?'' | *'''Oswald:''' ''You mean to say you refuse my gifts, Broder?'' | ||
*'''Broder:''' ''I don't have time for this!'' | *'''Broder:''' ''I don't have time for this!'' | ||
[[File:ACV A Triumphant Return 1.png|thumb|250px|Eivor coming across an argument between Oswald, Valdis and Broder]] | [[File:ACV A Triumphant Return 1.png|thumb|250px|Eivor coming across an argument between Oswald, Valdis and Broder]] | ||
*''' | *'''Valdis:''' ''It's a generous offering, Brother. You'd be a fool to turn your back.'' | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Refuse this and your shame will stain the name of your sons, and their sons beyond.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Refuse this and your shame will stain the name of your sons, and their sons beyond.'' | ||
*'''Broder:''' ''Stay out of this Wolf-Kissed!'' | *'''Broder:''' ''Stay out of this Wolf-Kissed!'' | ||
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Eivor pulled out her axe. | Eivor pulled out her axe. | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''Here's the tongue I use for licking.'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''Here's the tongue I use for licking.'' | ||
She stepped in close and put the blade against his | She stepped in close and put the blade against his crotch. The scout's eyes went wide, nervous. | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''How does it feel against your arse?'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''How does it feel against your arse?'' | ||
*'''Norse Warrior 1:''' ''When the brazier's lit at Dunwic, Rued and his men will rally. They mean to attack Northwic by its weakest wall.'' | *'''Norse Warrior 1:''' ''When the brazier's lit at Dunwic, Rued and his men will rally. They mean to attack Northwic by its weakest wall.'' | ||
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*'''Rued:''' ''Must I set sail for [[Denmark]] with nothing to show for the journey? After coming all this way?'' | *'''Rued:''' ''Must I set sail for [[Denmark]] with nothing to show for the journey? After coming all this way?'' | ||
*'''Oswald:''' ''You'll have my weight in silver. And an abundance of livestock and grain.'' | *'''Oswald:''' ''You'll have my weight in silver. And an abundance of livestock and grain.'' | ||
*'''Rued:''' ''I've taken ten times that already. What's the real prize? I'll make you an offer, pig-foot. A holmgang, just you and me, for the future of your kingdom.'' | *'''Rued:''' ''I've taken ten times that already. What's the real prize? I'll make you an offer, pig-foot. A'' {{Wiki|holmgang}}'', just you and me, for the future of your kingdom.'' | ||
Oswald considered for a moment. | Oswald considered for a moment. | ||
*'''Oswald:''' ''I accept. I accept! A fight to the death!'' | *'''Oswald:''' ''I accept. I accept! A fight to the death!'' | ||
*'''Rued:''' ''East Anglia's the prize, let it be heard! | *'''Rued:''' ''East Anglia's the prize, let it be heard!'' | ||
[[File:ACV A Triumphant Return 15.png|thumb|250px|Oswald and Rued facing off]] | [[File:ACV A Triumphant Return 15.png|thumb|250px|Oswald and Rued facing off]] | ||
Oswald and Rued faced off on a large balcony built off the side of one of the walls, hanging over the cliffside. | Oswald and Rued faced off on a large balcony built off the side of one of the walls, hanging over the cliffside. | ||
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*'''Oswald:''' ''No. He called on me.'' | *'''Oswald:''' ''No. He called on me.'' | ||
*'''Rued:''' ''Whenever you're ready, king of sheep shit!'' | *'''Rued:''' ''Whenever you're ready, king of sheep shit!'' | ||
Behind Rued, his pet wolf barked and pulled at the hold one of the warriors had on it. Oswald stepped up to the square and drew his sword. | Behind Rued, his pet wolf barked and pulled at the hold one of the warriors had on it. Oswald stepped up to the square and drew his [[sword]]. | ||
*'''Oswald:''' ''I'm ready.'' | *'''Oswald:''' ''I'm ready.'' | ||
Oswald looked back at Valdis and she nodded encouragingly. He braced himself and then charged Rued. Rued dodged Oswald's swing and pushed him back by the head, sending him tumbling to the ground. Oswald stood and Rued kicked him in the chest hard enough he slid to the edge of the square on his back. Before Oswald could rise, Rued threw an axe at him. Oswald managed to deflect it with his shield, but lost grip on | Oswald looked back at Valdis and she nodded encouragingly. He braced himself and then charged Rued. Rued dodged Oswald's swing and pushed him back by the head, sending him tumbling to the ground. Oswald stood and Rued kicked him in the chest hard enough he slid to the edge of the square on his back. Before Oswald could rise, Rued threw an axe at him. Oswald managed to deflect it with his shield, but lost his grip on it in the process and struggled to rise. Behind him, Finnr flinched away. Oswald managed to get up on his hands and knees. | ||
*'''Rued:''' ''Another Saxon king has bent the knee!'' | *'''Rued:''' ''Another Saxon king has bent the knee!'' | ||
Oswald remained there just long enough for Rued to draw close, then grabbed his sword from the ground, swinging it at Rued's chest. Rued | Oswald remained there just long enough for Rued to draw close, then grabbed his sword from the ground, swinging it at Rued's chest. Rued blocked it, pulling the sword from Oswald's grip and tossing it aside, but as he did, Oswald surprised him by following through with a punch from his off-hand. Rued struck him in the jaw, sending him falling face-down. Oswald lifted himself enough to look at Eivor, standing tense behind him. | ||
*'''Rued:''' ''Call me king before I gut you!'' | *'''Rued:''' ''Call me king before I gut you!'' | ||
Without any other weapon, Oswald grabbed a stick from the floor and tried to stab it at Rued's neck, but Rued grabbed Oswald's arm, slamming it against his knee, forcing the stick to fall from Oswald's hand. | Without any other weapon, Oswald grabbed a stick from the floor and tried to stab it at Rued's neck, but Rued grabbed Oswald's arm, slamming it against his knee, forcing the stick to fall from Oswald's hand. | ||
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*'''Rued:''' ''Call me king!'' | *'''Rued:''' ''Call me king!'' | ||
[[File:ACV A Triumphant Return 19.png|thumb|250px|Oswald and Rued seemingly falling off to their deaths]] | [[File:ACV A Triumphant Return 19.png|thumb|250px|Oswald and Rued seemingly falling off to their deaths]] | ||
With just enough leverage, Oswald lunged forward, biting | With just enough leverage, Oswald lunged forward, biting Rued's neck. While everyone looked on, shocked, Oswald punched Rued between the legs and sent them both falling over the ledge. | ||
*'''Rued:''' (scream) | *'''Rued:''' (scream) | ||
In the momentary still that followed, Eivor drew her axe and shouted to her companions. | In the momentary still that followed, Eivor drew her axe and shouted to her companions. | ||
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[[File:ACV A Triumphant Return 23.png|thumb|250px|Valdis reflecting on Oswald's sacrifice]] | [[File:ACV A Triumphant Return 23.png|thumb|250px|Valdis reflecting on Oswald's sacrifice]] | ||
The brothers nodded and began to walk away. Valdis hesitated. | The brothers nodded and began to walk away. Valdis hesitated. | ||
*'''Valdis:''' ''He died a hero, there's no doubt. If his god won't take him, Odin's sword-women will.'' | *'''Valdis:''' ''He died a hero, there's no doubt. If his god won't take him, Odin's [[Valkyrie|sword-women]] will.'' | ||
She turned away as well. Before leaving the area, Eivor went to the base of the cliff, where Oswald and Rued would have fallen. There were no bodies, but there was a sword, point-down in the rocks and sand. | She turned away as well. Before leaving the area, Eivor went to the base of the cliff, where Oswald and Rued would have fallen. There were no bodies, but there was a sword, point-down in the rocks and sand. | ||
*'''Eivor:''' ''This was Oswald's...'' | *'''Eivor:''' ''This was Oswald's...'' | ||
A Triumphant Return 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.
After returning to Northwic, Eivor and her allies learned of a plan to attack Dunwic.
Eivor returned to Northwic to see how the brothers received Oswald's gifts and plan their next moves. As she neared the city's military encampment, she could hear arguing.
Eivor approached Oswald, Valdis, and Broder.

Brothir came up from the direction of the docks, carrying a body over his shoulder.

He tossed the body at their feet, and Oswald knelt down to inspect it.

Oswald nodded and Eivor left the others behind, heading for the docks.
Eivor followed the river outside the city walls and, with help from Sýnin, located one of the scouts, armed and armored.
She fought the scout.
Eivor defeated the man and tied him up.
She picked him up to carry him back to the others.
Back in the city, the group gathered to interrogate the scout.

The scout spat in Oswald's face, who wiped it away with a glare.
Eivor stepped up behind Oswald.
Eivor pulled out her axe.
She stepped in close and put the blade against his crotch. The scout's eyes went wide, nervous.
Eivor and Oswald shared a glance, then the scout looked at Valdis and her brothers and laughed.
Eivor swung her axe into the scout's abdomen, killing him.
Eivor sheathed her axe. As she did, Valdis drew closer.
Oswald shook his head.
Valdis looked to her brothers and Broder nodded.
Oswald thought for a moment.
Finnr waved as he turned and walked away.
As Oswald and Valdis walked away, Eivor turned to the brothers.
Broder and Brothir began to walk away as well, Finnr returning to follow them.
Later, Eivor met up with the rest of the group in the ruins of a building just across the bridge from Dunwic.

Together, the group crouched behind a broken wall and looked at the fortress.
Tasks set, the group split and Eivor made for the bridge.
She used a rope alongside the bridge to cross to Dunwic's walls. As she neared the gate, she overheard a couple warriors talking.
Around the side of the fortress, Eivor found a hidden entrance and made her way inside, killing Rued's men as she went. In the ruined tower, she heard people calling for help. She found several people in cages and freed them. Atop the ramparts near the brazier, she heard more warriors talking.
Eivor killed the final warrior.

She lit the brazier and her allies joined her. Together they waited for nightfall, when Rued and his men arrived.
Rued looked over the group and pointed at Eivor.

Rued scowled.
Oswald considered for a moment.

Oswald and Rued faced off on a large balcony built off the side of one of the walls, hanging over the cliffside.
Before entering the fight, Oswald grabbed Eivor's arm and spoke to her hurriedly.
He breathed deep and turned to enter the square, but Eivor stopped him.
Behind Rued, his pet wolf barked and pulled at the hold one of the warriors had on it. Oswald stepped up to the square and drew his sword.
Oswald looked back at Valdis and she nodded encouragingly. He braced himself and then charged Rued. Rued dodged Oswald's swing and pushed him back by the head, sending him tumbling to the ground. Oswald stood and Rued kicked him in the chest hard enough he slid to the edge of the square on his back. Before Oswald could rise, Rued threw an axe at him. Oswald managed to deflect it with his shield, but lost his grip on it in the process and struggled to rise. Behind him, Finnr flinched away. Oswald managed to get up on his hands and knees.
Oswald remained there just long enough for Rued to draw close, then grabbed his sword from the ground, swinging it at Rued's chest. Rued blocked it, pulling the sword from Oswald's grip and tossing it aside, but as he did, Oswald surprised him by following through with a punch from his off-hand. Rued struck him in the jaw, sending him falling face-down. Oswald lifted himself enough to look at Eivor, standing tense behind him.
Without any other weapon, Oswald grabbed a stick from the floor and tried to stab it at Rued's neck, but Rued grabbed Oswald's arm, slamming it against his knee, forcing the stick to fall from Oswald's hand.

Rued dragged Oswald across the square by his wrist. Reaching the edge, Rued pulled Oswald up and held him dangling over the cliff by his neck.
Valdis tried to run toward them but was stopped by Brothir. Rued looked back at her. While Rued was distracted, Oswald met eyes with Eivor, clearly remembering her lesson from their "holmgang". Angered, Rued pulled Oswald closer.

With just enough leverage, Oswald lunged forward, biting Rued's neck. While everyone looked on, shocked, Oswald punched Rued between the legs and sent them both falling over the ledge.
In the momentary still that followed, Eivor drew her axe and shouted to her companions.

The group ran as Rued's men began to attack.

They made it across the bridge, back to their initial meeting place outside Dunwic. The enemy warriors didn't follow.
Somberly, Eivor looked back at the fortress.
He sounded doubtful.

The brothers nodded and began to walk away. Valdis hesitated.
She turned away as well. Before leaving the area, Eivor went to the base of the cliff, where Oswald and Rued would have fallen. There were no bodies, but there was a sword, point-down in the rocks and sand.
She found no other sign of them.
After Brothir killed one of Rued's scouts, Eivor tracked down another and questioned him until they learned Rued was planning to attack Northwic and his forces would rally at Dunwic. Eivor cleared Dunwic of Rued's men and waited with Oswald, Finnr, and Valdis and her brothers for Rued to arrive. Rued challenged Oswald to a holmgang, which ended in both men falling from the cliff, presumably to their deaths.