RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
Subject: Sleipnir | Freyr Sat Jun 03, 2017 9:24 pm
Apart from some singing birds, it was quiet when Kettil stepped outside the farm where he and his family lived. He stretched himself, giving his muscles some space after a good night’s rest. Still yawning he walked towards the rain barrel that stood a little further against the wall. He splashed some fresh water in his face, startled himself when it was colder than expected. ’By the gods.’ he whispered to himself and shook his head from left to right. Waterdrops flew around and were still dripping from his hair when he walked upon the stables.
When he entered the stables, Kettil was welcomed by the snickering from some of the horses. Immediately a smile appeared on his face, and he stroke with his hand over the head of each horse that he passed by. It were the horses from the earl and the countess, six magnificent animals that weren’t allowed to spend the night outside in the pastures, afraid that someone would steal them. The stables weren’t big, it was a hall, with three stables on each side. On the end there was a little storage room where there was food and the horses their gear. Kettil picked four halters from the wall and started to put them on the horses heads. When he had finished, he opened the last two stables from the horses that weren’t wearing halters. ’Easy.’ he warned them with a soft voice when they stepped outside. Immediately he felt one of the horses nibble on his collar. Laughing he pushed against the horses nose and walked to the next two stables that were on opposite of each other. He clicked ropes to both of the halters and opened the stables, guiding the horses outside at the same time. With the next two stables he did exactly the same. Eventually he stepped outside, guiding four horses with rope and halter, the other two followed like they were dogs. It was a magnificent view to see, six stallions, almost unimaginable that it was even possible. But Kettil was able to do it, after a lot of training, patience and trust.
Freyr Rigasson
Herra
PROFIELMessages : 93 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 17 Place of birth : Skagerrak
Subject: Re: Sleipnir | Freyr Sat Jun 03, 2017 9:56 pm
when hell seems one step closer than heaven
Right after dawn, one of the servants had knocked on his door to wake him. The same ritual, every morning, so he could go to the stables while the village was waking up. As soon as he had heard the knock, he almost jumped out of bed. Even at this time he was still full of energy, knowing he would be at the stables soon, away from the village. He was not quite used to the fact he now had to be present most of the time, even after two years. He loved the feeling of freedom when he could go to the stables and hang out with Kettil. The older man now felt different towards him, acting weird sometimes, even if he had said he should just treat him like he had before countless times.
After a quick breakfast he had strapped on his sword and left the wooden barricade behind him. Just in time he arrived to see how Kettil was walking six horses as if he was guiding them with an invisible rope. Freyr had stopped by the fence, leaning on it as he took in the scene. He tried not to make any noise, he even held his breath for a second to make sure he didn’t disturb the moment. When Kettil released the horses into the meadow, he ducked under the fence to join him in the field. ”Morning Kettil”, He said with a broad smile, visibly delighted to be here, even in the early morning.
what is left but war?
Kettil Hagensson
Farmer
PROFIELMessages : 72 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
Subject: Re: Sleipnir | Freyr Sat Jun 03, 2017 11:05 pm
As soon as Kettil had released the stallions, they ran off, bucking and bolting into the pasture. They chased each other from the one side of the pasture to the other, clearly happy to stretch their strong legs after a night in their stable. A few pastures further, the horses from the villagers started to respond to the fierce animals from the royalties. Kettil stood on the inside of the pasture, watching the beasts when they showed themselves off to each other. He leaned against the fence, enjoying the early morning son and the breeze that played with his black curls. As he took a deep breath, he hung the halters over his shoulder, making preparation to bring them back to the stables. But not before he was almost frightened to death. ’Morning, Kettil.’ The voice of the young prince made him startle for the second time that morning. Kettil brought his hand to his heart and looked at Freyr that had appeared next to him. ’Good morning.’ he said calmly, recovering himself. Kettil bowed his head a little and put a smile on his face while he looked at Freyr. ’I wasn’t expecting you.’ he said honestly. Suddenly his eye fell to the sword that the little boy was wearing, probably costing more gold than Kettil would ever be able to get together. ’You want to visit the wolves today?’ he asked with an unsure laughter. He couldn’t imagine why the boy would be needing that weapon nearby the horses. In the meantime one of the stallions had come towards them, his neck and flanks already drenched with sweat.
Freyr Rigasson
Herra
PROFIELMessages : 93 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 17 Place of birth : Skagerrak
Subject: Re: Sleipnir | Freyr Sat Jun 03, 2017 11:50 pm
when hell seems one step closer than heaven
The fury some of the stallions displayed, could be rather scary to someone who didn’t know how to behave around horses. But Kettil was leaning against the fence in a quite relaxed stance. He was not scared, since he would notice every slight change in the behaviour of the horses. He was sure they would not come for him, and that was a sign for Freyr to approach him. While Kettil was an expert in reading horses, he could read people. As long as Kettil wasn’t alarmed by the animals, he wasn’t scared either. His sudden appearance made the young man almost jump up out of surprise. He had been unaware of his spectator, so it seemed.
’Good morning.’ He greeted back when he had found his voice again. And then he bowed his head a little bit. Something Freyr had never asked from his friend. ’I wasn’t expecting you.’ He then said. ”How could you not?” He grinned. ”This is by far my favourite place to be”, He continued with a softer smile. ’You want to visit the wolves today?’ The man then asked, looking at his sword. Now he had mentioned it, he gripped his hand around the handle. ”It was an idea of my mother. I can get used to the weight so now I’m just carrying it around every time I leave the house”, He replied. ”But if you want to go visit the wolves then we should go”, He said with a challenging tone in his voice. He had never visited the grounds where the pack lived, his father said it was way too dangerous for a boy his age. But if Kettil could escort him.. It wouldn’t be a problem, right?
what is left but war?
Kettil Hagensson
Farmer
PROFIELMessages : 72 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
No, Kettil wasn’t really expecting the younger boy. They used to hang out often, almost every day. By the stables, or the farm in general. He had learned Freyr a lot of things, things that he didn’t needed anymore now he had become the Prince of Skagerrak. So Kettil started to behave differently, took more distance and wasn’t hoping on seeing Freyr everyday like he had done before. Hoping was equally being disappointed. So yes, he was scared for a moment when the boy ducked beneath the fence of the pasture. ’How could you not?’ Freyr answered when Kettil had said that he wasn’t expecting him. ’This is by far my favourite place to be.’ Kettil looked at Freyr from the corner of his eye and tried to raise the corner of his mouth. How was it possible, that he could envy the boy like that? He didn’t wanted to, but his body and mind just did. ’I just thought you had other plans on a day like this.’ Like practicing for example, with the beautiful sword hanging on his side. So Kettil just asked a question about it, honest as he was. ’It was an idea of my mother. I can get used to the weight so now I’m just carrying it around every time I leave the house.’ It made sense, what he was saying, and Kettil nodded in an understanding way. It just gave him a weird feeling. ’But if you want to go visit the wolves then we should go.’ And by those words Kettil started to laugh softly. ’I don’t think you are ready for that yet.’ He raised his eyebrows, looking at the boy that almost had grown as tall as he was. ’And when you want to visit the wolves, only to test your sword, I am not willing to come.’ He put a soft smile on his lips as he said so. ’Unless you command me.’ Kettil grinned and swung the halters his way, making them slap softly against the side of his body. ’So Freyr, since you're here, what do you want to do?’ The stallion that was walking their side stopped next to Freyr, discovering the iron on his side with a flexed lip.
Freyr Rigasson
Herra
PROFIELMessages : 93 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 17 Place of birth : Skagerrak
Sometimes he sure wished things had stayed the same as they were two years ago. The responsibilities he had as prince also brought worries and difficulties. Every day there were new challenges. He missed the freedom he had as a stable boy. How careless he had been. How easy life was back then. But the boy kept looking forward, not back. He still enjoyed being at the stables more than anything else, and luckily his parents allowed him to visit them regularly. If it fitted in his program of the day, that was. Something Kettil knew as well. ’I just thought you had other plans on a day like this.’ He replied to his words. Freyr chuckled softly. ”That’s why I came early, so I can fulfil my duties later today”, He reacted with a little wink.
Kettil made a comment about his sword. It had been a gift from his parents, when he had started his training. Now he was simply carrying it around to get used to having it on his side at all times. Or to fight some wolves with. When he mentioned it, the older man started to laugh. ’I don’t think you are ready for that yet.’ He said, and Freyr nodded in agreement, a sheepish smile on his lips. ”I think you’re right”, He chuckled. ’And when you want to visit the wolves, only to test your sword, I am not willing to come.’ Kettil then said. ’Unless you command me.’ He said teasingly, giving him a soft push with the halters. ”Don’t worry friend, I will not command you to do something you’re scared of”, He grinned back, not planning on going easy on him today.
’So Freyr, since you're here, what do you want to do?’ The man then asked, while one of the horses curiously inspected his sword. A bit absent-minded he scratched the stallion on his neck. ”I am here to help you with whatever you need help with”, He then said with a smile. It could be simple tasks, but it would keep his mind busy and he would actually enjoy it. He simply yearned to do something that felt like a habit. ”Or we could go for a ride, if you have time for that”, He then proposed. For him it was all the same, as long as he could spend some time doing something he loved with a friend he held dear.
what is left but war?
Kettil Hagensson
Farmer
PROFIELMessages : 72 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
’I think you’re right.’ At least Freyr was aware of his own ability. Kettil knew he was a quick learner, but there was a difference between handling a horse or a sword. Or that was what he thought at least, since he never had the privilege to work with such magnificent weapons as Freyr. The most deadly weapon he ever had carried was the blunt axe that was used to cut some firewood for the farmer family. When the wolves were mentioned, Kettil took in his own point of view. He said honestly but in a polite way that he wouldn’t want to go with him if he was thinking about using his swords on the magnificent beasts. ’Don’t worry friend, I will not command you to do something you’re scared of.’ Kettil looked away, trying to suppress his laughter. ’If that is what you want to think, be my guest.’ When he looked back at Freyr, he pinched one eye to a split and touched his head with his finger. ’But now you say so. I think I still remember something about a little boy almost wetting his pants when he heard a horse whinny for the first time.’ He looked around, pretending he was looking for that certain boy. ’Don’t you remember that by any chance, Freyr?’ Kettil grinned while looking at the ground, hesitating about he just crossed the line or not.
’I am here to help you with whatever you need help with.’ Kettil looked back up, seeing Freyr petting one of the curious stallions. The stables still had to be mucked out and the equipment needed some cleaning af well. But that weren’t jobs for Freyr, not anymore. So Kettil was happy that he came with another proposal. ’Or we could go for a ride, if you have time for that.’ Kettil looked at the stallions in the pasture that had found their calm again. It were the horses from the Earl and Countess, and indirectely also Freyr. ’I will make time.’ he said, again nodding. Kettil passed him a halter and pointed to the horses, telling him that he had to pick one. ’Go ahead, you choose first.’ Of course Kettil had his favourite among the horses of the earl, since he spent a lot of time training their stamina and muscles. But he didn’t wanted to limit Freyr in his choises.
Freyr Rigasson
Herra
PROFIELMessages : 93 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 17 Place of birth : Skagerrak
Fighting a wolf was indeed not something he was ready for right now. Maybe he would never be. He wasn’t even ready to fight a real opponent yet. He practised on wooden dummies, or his mentor would teach him defensive positions with a wooden stick to poke him when he dropped his shield too low. His body was adjusting to his new lifestyle, which left him with sore muscles every night. But he made progress. He could train a bit longer each day, so he would be able to go into battle one day in the future. He wanted nothing more than to serve his parents and make them proud.
Kettil was also not that fond of going to visit the wolves today. Freyr couldn’t help but tease him a bit, although he regretted it moments later. ’If that is what you want to think, be my guest.’ The young man began to speak. ’But now you say so. I think I still remember something about a little boy almost wetting his pants when he heard a horse whinny for the first time.’ He continued, and he already knew this story was about him. ’Don’t you remember that by any chance, Freyr?’ He then asked. The prince tried to keep a straight face, but the corners of his mouth were pulling up a bit. ”I do not recall such thing”, He said, although he was lying. In the end he couldn’t keep his laughter to himself.
All jokes aside, it was time for some action. He offered his help with whatever, he didn’t mind doing the tasks he used to do. But he also proposed to go for a ride. He knew Kettil could train the horses, but going for a ride outside the paddock was not permitted. Only when the earl or the countess would join him. Or their son, for that matter, which was exactly his plan. ’I will make time.’ The man agreed. He handed over one of the halters. ’Go ahead, you choose first.’ He encouraged him. ”Thank you”, He said with a smile. It was not because he was lower in rank he would disrespect him. Even though Kettil didn’t see it that way anymore, Freyr still considered him as one of his best friends.
The boy walked over to the small herd, slowly, but with confidence. He kept the halter out of sight, a bit behind his back. Rather than walking up to them head on, he approached them from the side. Ofcourse they noticed him right away, and they started to play the little game they always played when they had to get to work. They started running around, hiding behind each other. He had set his mind on one of the smaller horses, although they seemed equally large from afar. Even though they seemed to be playful again, they also started looking at him curiously. He knew the timing was right, and without making eye contact, he walked up to his horse of choice.
Softly speaking to the stallion, he put his hand on his shoulder and petted him for a bit. The horse turned his head towards him, waiting for what Freyr would do next. Luckily they were well trained, so he stood still. The boy put the halter around his head and clicked the rope on the ring. He then rewarded the horse, after which he lead him away from the group. Kettil would probably do it twice as fast, but then again, he was the expert and Freyr only an expert in training.
what is left but war?
Kettil Hagensson
Farmer
PROFIELMessages : 72 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
Subject: Re: Sleipnir | Freyr Sat Jun 10, 2017 1:38 pm
’I do not recall such thing.’ Kettil tried to keep himself from laughing when he saw Freyr do exactly the same. But eventually the both of them bursted from laughter, drawing the horses’ attention. The memory about one of the first times he had taken the boy with him into the stabled had always kept him by. It was years ago, and it made Kettil think about all the things they had done together. It had felt like some sort of brotherhood, but unfortunately that feeling had slowly faded away when Rigas had become earl. At least it had for Kettil, since he knew that Freyr didn’t saw it as he did.
Somehow Kettil was both happy and unhappy that Freyr asked him to spend some time together. On the one side he had loads of work to do, for himself and his family. On the other side he wanted to have some fun like the both of them used to have. Kettil loved it to share his passion with others, to learn them some of his skills. But lately he had been wondering how much of a value his skills would be for Freyr. He was supposed to learn how carry a weapon, how to fight, how to defend himself. But the only things Kettil could learn him was about the behaviour of animals and the ways you had to handle them. What was his father thinking about the time he spent with just the stable boy. Rigas nor Gunnvur had once showed him any sign of respect or gratefulness for what he did, so why would they approve what their beloved son was doing with him? ’Thank you.’ the enthusiast voice of Freyr pulled him back from his thoughts. Kettil handed him over the halter and looked how the boy approached the small herd. In all the steps the boy took you could see he in fact had learned from the things that Kettil once had showed him. So without even knowing it, there appeared a proud smile on his face when Freyr came walking towards him with one of the smaller stallions, Helhest.
Kettil nodded in approval as Freyr took a halt next to him. ’Thank you.’ he immediately said with a grin on his face. He looked at the not-understanding look in Freyr’s eyes. Until Kettil pointed at the other horses who just had followed him. So Kettil was able to put a halter on Skygge, the black stallion with the longest mane, without havind to walk to the furthest corner of the pasture as Freyr had done. With a grin on his face he petted the horse on his shoulder and guided him towards the gate of the pasture. He opened it for Freyr and Helhest, and when the both of them had left the pasture he followed, closing it again without setting the other horses free. Kettil walked upon the stabled, bound Skygge to a wooden pole and disappeared in the stables, fetching the riding gear for both of the horses.
Freyr Rigasson
Herra
PROFIELMessages : 93 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 17 Place of birth : Skagerrak
Subject: Re: Sleipnir | Freyr Sat Jun 10, 2017 5:49 pm
when hell seems one step closer than heaven
Why did it feel like ages ago since he first had visited the stables? It was only a couple of years, he was probably around thirteen years old. But time was passing by so fast. Since his father had taken over, he had to grow up so fast he felt like he skipped his youth. And he was only sixteen. In the middle of his youth, so to speak. Did Kettil experience it in the same way or did it feel different when you were older? The coup must have had quite an impact on the stable boy too. Not in a way that he had lost his job, but things had changed for sure. Sometimes change was necessary. Change could be good. For him and his family it had changed for the better. He was granted opportunities he wouldn’t have had when he was still just the son of two warriors.
One thing that had not changed, was his love for nature and his love for horses. And their behaviour towards him hadn’t changed either. For them he was still a silly human walking around and occasionally sitting on their backs. Today he had chosen to take a ride on Helhest, one of the smaller horses in the herd. When he walked back, he saw how Kettil was smiling. ’Thank you.’ He said, and Freyr looked at him with confusion. What did the older man thank him for? And then he realised why, the horses had followed Helhest and now catching a horse would be much easier for the boy than it had been for him.
Kettil decided to pick Skygge, after which he opened the gate of the pasture. Freyr walked out first, and the gate was closed again before any of the other horses could escape. He saw Kettil bind Skygge to a wooden pole and walk inside the building. In the meantime he tied his own horse up too, and decided to talk to him for a bit while waiting for the stable boy to come back. Softly he whispered his secrets, his deepest fears and his greatest wishes, only to get silence in return. But getting them off his chest felt way better than not telling anyone at all.
what is left but war?
Kettil Hagensson
Farmer
PROFIELMessages : 72 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
’I would watch out with what you tell him.’ Kettil said with a smile on his face when he appeared outside again. He was packed with two saddles and bridles hanging over his shoulders and arms. ’They spread word in the herd, you know.’ He said with a soft grunt from tension when he dropped the equipment in the grass, ready to be used. ’And eventually it’ll reach my ears.’ Again he chuckled, raised his eyebrows in a daring way. Out of his pocket he took a soft brush, which he used to clear the back of the horse where the saddle was about to come. The horses weren’t dirty because he had brushed them the night before and they had spent the night in the stable. When he was finished he looked back at Freyr. ’Catch.’ he warned, and threw the brush in a high bow towards him, giving him enough time to catch it. Kettil took the saddle from Skygge from the grass and placed it on the stallion’s back. ’Easy.’ he calmed the horse down with a gentle tone in his voice when it started to tremble on spot out of excitement. With a certain gratefulness he fastened the girth and stroke the fur that covered the saddle in place. When he had done that, he looked over his shoulder to check how far Freyr was with Helhest and adjusted his speed when putting on the bridle so they finished almost at the same time. ’You want to try some of your sword techniques while on a horseback? Or what did you have in mind?’ Kettil watched him patiently and took the reins from Skygge, guiding him towards Freyr and Helhest.
Freyr Rigasson
Herra
PROFIELMessages : 93 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 17 Place of birth : Skagerrak
There were days where he would pick the company of an animal right over the company of humans. He himself hadn't experienced betrayel in his life, yet. But he had seen it all around him. People had their own dreams and aspirations. Some would do everything to achieve those. Even if it meant hurting the ones that picked them up and dragged them along in the proces. An animal would be loyal no matter what. Or that was what Freyr liked to believe. Kettil, on the other hand, had come outside to burst his little bubble. ’I would watch out with what you tell him.’ He warned him. ’They spread word in the herd, you know.’ He continued, while dropping the equipment in the grass. ’And eventually it’ll reach my ears.’ He then chuckled. Freyr rolled his eyes dramatically. "There is no way you can talk with the horses", He said, but with a hardly notable, unsure tone in his voice. Maybe.. Maybe he could? But that was impossible, right?
It kept him busy while he was preparing Helhest for the trip they were about to make. He brushed him quickly but thoroughly, as Kettil had shown him a hundred times before. He then proceeded to put the saddle on his back and the bridle around his head. They finished at almost the same time. ’You want to try some of your sword techniques while on a horseback? Or what did you have in mind?’ The stable boy asked. "Oh please no, my arms are still sore from yesterday's training", He said with a grin. "Let's just go for a ride through the fields.. And avoid the wolf territory", He suggested, while giving the older man a wink.
what is left but war?
Kettil Hagensson
Farmer
PROFIELMessages : 72 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
”There is no way you can talk with the horses.” Freyr said with a chuckle and rolled his eyes in their socket. Kettil looked at the grass between his feet and then stared into the distance. He raised his shoulders when he looked back at Freyr, answering his question in a non-verbal way. Maybe he could, maybe he could not. It was something he didn’t even know for himself. At times it looked like he knew exactly what the animals meant, and visa versa. But there were also times they were a mystery to him. After all they were animals. Born to run wild and be free.
It was all about the connection between horse and rider. And a lot of patience of course, something that Freyr definitely had gained during the last few years. He had grown so much, had got so much chances.. Kettil busted himself staring at his sword again. But his attention was drawn when Freyr guided his horse by the reins towards him. Just to be sure, Kettil asked him what he wanted to do today. Apparently not swinging his sword again, something that made him smile a bit. ”Oh please no, my arms are still sore from yesterday’s training. Let’s just go for a ride through the fields. And avoid the wolf territory.” And then a soft laugh came out of his mouth. ”Deal.” He answered with a nod, and swung his leg up. Softly he landed on Skygge’s back and picked up the reins. After all these years he didn’t needed stirrups anymore. Actually he didn’t needed a saddle at all. But he had decided to take it easy today, or at least as easy as Freyr wanted to take it.
Side by side they walked across the muddy road that guided them towards the fields. The fields were fallow, since everything was harvested a few weeks ago. Winter was on it’s way, and the people knew. ”How is your sword training going?” Kettil asked and turned his head to the side. ”Your father must have high expectations from you.” The splashing sound from the horse’s hooves and the blowing of the wind was the only thing audible in the distance. So the boy was free to speak up like he wanted to.
The stable boy’s reaction made him doubt his own words again. It seemed like he wasn’t even sure himself if he could talk with the horses or not. Oh well, even if Kettil knew one or two of his secrets, he trusted the older man with them. He wouldn’t be the one to admit to him he was scared of his future, scared of the man he would have to become to follow in the footsteps of his father. He wouldn’t dare to admit that out loud. But maybe, deep down, the stable boy already knew. Maybe he was onto him, the true reason why he still visited the stables. It was true, he loved being here. He loved being around the stables, working with the horses, chilling out with Kettil. But it was also a way to escape the pressure from time to time.
That’s why he didn’t want to do anything remotely related to fighting or ruling or being in command at this point. Although he would probably want to have some control over his horse later on, if he didn’t want to be thrown off. And his muscles were stiff from swinging his sword and holding up the heavy shield all day yesterday. Luckily, Kettil agreed. ”Deal.” He said with a nod. He mounted Skygge, and Freyr did the same with Helhest. He made himself as comfortable as possible in the saddle, but he would never have the same ease as Kettil had. It was as if the boy had a natural instinct for it, a gift from the Gods so he could connect with the horses like they were one.
The pass was set, and after sitting a bit wobbly, he gained back his confidence. He always needed a few minutes to get used to the rhythm of the horse. But now he was just fine. ”How is your sword training going?” The man suddenly asked. ”Your father must have high expectations from you.” He then implied. Freyr was visibly startled by the question. ”Training is going well, as far as I know. I feel like I’m getting better”, He said with a smile. He shouldn’t doubt himself. His mentor had nothing but good comments on his work. ”My father is a great leader and an excellent warrior. He expects the same from me. If I work hard, I’ll get there, eventually”, He continued, choosing his words carefully. His father had never been hard on him verbally. He had never expressed his expectations, or mentioned he was unhappy with the efforts his son displayed. So as long as he didn’t correct him on anything, he just assumed he was doing quite alright.
what is left but war?
Kettil Hagensson
Farmer
PROFIELMessages : 72 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
Kettil observed the boy as he took place in the saddle. It was visible that Freyr wasn’t used to ride a horse every day, but it was also visible that he learned from the advice Kettil gave him. Because of that it only took the boy a couple of minutes to find a comfortable seat in the saddle, and Kettil could see him gain confidence. His straightened back, his heels pressed down. When he was sure that the boy sat right, he looked back in front of him, focusing on the road the horses were walking upon? The both of them used to have hour long conversations about everything and nothing at the same time. But since Freyr’s father had become the new earl, Kettil had taken some distance. There was a new kind of understanding between the both of them. Or at least from his side. He knew he couldn’t act like he used to do, he had to show the boy respect, serve him like any other inhabitant from Skagerrak would do. And it was just different. So Kettil asked him a question where he couldn’t do much wrong with. Or at least that was what he hoped for. ”Training is going well, as far as I know. I feel like I’m getting better.” Kettil nodded in approval. ”Your muscles have grown in the past few weeks. Everybody is talking about it.” He said, followed by a soft laughter. ”My father is a great leader and an excellent warrior. He expects the same from me. If I work hard, I’ll get there, eventually.” Again Kettil nodded. The boy was right. ”You will, Freyr. You are a quick learner. And you are lucky with a father like yours.” He couldn’t help himself from thinking back about his own father. His face flashed before his eyes, like lightning. He pinched on the reins unaware, and Skygge took a step sideways. When the horse walked aside from the path, Kettil was pulled back into reality again. He blinked with his eyes, just as surprised as Freyr probably was. This wasn’t him.. ”I am sorry.” He mumbled and pressed the horse back on the path with the heel from his foot. ”What do you say?” Kettil then asked, trying to forget the little mistake he had just made. ”Are you ready for a decent gallop?” He looked at Freyr from the corner of his eye, ready to take of from the moment the boy was ready.
Freyr Rigasson
Herra
PROFIELMessages : 93 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 17 Place of birth : Skagerrak
Even though he had spent a lot of time around horses, he was still aware of the fact they could suddenly do something that might get him hurt or even killed. He wasn’t as confident around them as Kettil was. He had some experience with reading their body language, but he was still careful. He knew it was important to trust his tall companion, but he was still delivered to his mercy if he decided to buck or go for a run. The first few minutes he was a bit wary, but after a short time he adjusted his mindset, and he managed to relax. It was quiet out here, and where they would normally break the silence with endless chatter, no words were exchanged. He had a hard time figuring out a subject to talk about, and luckily Kettil saved him from picking anything awkward. He wanted to talk about his training, and that was fine. ”Your muscles have grown in the past few weeks. Everybody is talking about it.” The man said with a soft laugh. "Honestly I trained muscles I didn't even know I had", He joked back. The first few weeks he had been stiff from all the intense training.
”You will, Freyr. You are a quick learner. And you are lucky with a father like yours.” Kettil commented on his carefully phrased reply. The boy smiled warmly at him. He was glad the man at least could still give him a compliment. Suddenly his smile turned into a frown again though. Skygge reacted weirdly to something Kettil did. ”I am sorry.” He softly excused himself. Before he could ask what was wrong, the man suggested they would go for a real ride now. "You bet I am", He said with a grin, pushing back his questions. Clearly, Kettil didn't want to talk about it. So he readjusted the grip on his reins and encouraged Helhest to pick up his pace once more. He gave him some more freedom to stretch his neck, and the horse picked up the hint. He ran off like an arrow shot from a bow, and Freyr couldn’t keep back a scream of excitement when he was taking the lead for a second. He knew Kettil would probably catch up quickly, but for now he enjoyed being first for a while.
what is left but war?
Kettil Hagensson
Farmer
PROFIELMessages : 72 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
Subject: Re: Sleipnir | Freyr Sun Nov 19, 2017 7:57 pm
”You bet I am.” The younger boy answered, and Kettil managed to get a smile on his lips again. ”Good.” He said with a little nod, somewhat challenging Freyr into a small race. Kettil observed the signs Freyr gave to Helhest and raised his eyebrows when the stallion launched like a cannon ball. Skygge snorted when he saw his mate run off, he bowed his neck and started to gallop on spot because Kettil hadn’t allowed him to go forward yet. There were no words to describe the energy and fierceness from the animals. And then Kettil released the pressure on the reins, leaned forward and softly pressed his heels in the horse’s ribs. ”Go.” He whispered, and immediately felt the air rush through his ears when Skygge thundered forward. The sound from his hooves, clacking on the cold ground was like music in his ears. He heard Freyr scream from excitement and couldn’t help himself from smiling with his teeth revealed.
Slowly but certain he gained in on the duo in front of him. Skygge’s breath formed billowing clouds out of his nose. After a while Kettil was almost at the same height as Freyr was. He looked to his left and saw the boy’s position in the saddle. ”You need to lean more forward.” He shouted softly to get above the galloping sound of the horses. ”Press your knees together, lift your backside.” Kettil focused on the road for a second, and controlled Skygge as the path took a little turn to the right. ”Use your reins as a bridge over his neck if you can’t keep your balance.” Kettil did the same with his reins to show him what he meant. He crossed the reins over Skygge’s neck and pressed it down his mane, so it was like a handle which he could lean on as he was lifting his backside from the saddle. ”Just like that!” Kettil said with a big smile as the boy tried to do as he had told him.
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 17 Place of birth : Skagerrak
Subject: Re: Sleipnir | Freyr Sun Nov 19, 2017 10:56 pm
when hell seems one step closer than heaven
Normally he would enjoy a slow-paced walk with the horses. It would give the two time to catch up on whatever they wanted to talk about. But now it felt awkward and weird. As if every subject would only emphasise the gap between them. It would push Kettil further away, so he decided not to bring up anything. But the silence was weird as well. When the stable boy suggested to go for a run, he happily accepted right away. He was eager to see if Helhest was still this speed monster he used to be. Bred for speed and endurance. He barely needed to encourage him. The horse picked up the hints fairly easily and he just darted away. The wind was playing with his hair, and his heart rate went way up. The adrenaline was rushing, as he let the horse pretty much do his own thing. Aside from little corrections to keep him in the right direction, he just let him run wild for a while. Behind him, he heard the familiar thuds of Skygge and Kettil following them.
It took a bit longer than he’d expected, but eventually the other caught up. He then heard the man shout some instructions. Freyr watched as Kettil set the example. He tried to follow it as similar as he could. He too crossed the reins and pushed them down a bit. He immediately felt more supported and steady while sitting in this new position. ”Just like that!” The man smiled, and he couldn’t contain his laughter. This was just as the old days, and he enjoyed every second of it. The horses were more contained now as well, keeping their legs under their body instead of stretching them all the way. They were running up a gentle hill now, and when they reached the top, they had a nice view over the plains. In the distance, there was a herd of wild horses grazing peacefully. He held back Helhest for a second, in awe because of the view. ”One day, I’ll catch one of those”, He shared his dream with his friend. He was happy he was allowed to ride his father’s horses, but having one of his own.. That had to be extra special.
what is left but war?
Kettil Hagensson
Farmer
PROFIELMessages : 72 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
It always gave him so much statisfaction, being able to share his knowledge with others and to see them learn. And most of all: enjoy. And that was exactely what the younger boy was doing. It really looked like this was freeing his mind from all the hard work and training that he had been doing the last few days. Kettil was jealous off him, that he had the chance to do all that. But at the same time he realized that it probably wasn’t easy.
Both the horses galloped up a small hill, and came to a halt at the top. All four their breath was raised, and you could feel in the air that it brought a sort of relieve for all of them. Kettil turned his head in the same direction as Freyr did, and also saw the herd of horses, grazing a few miles in the distance. Skygge and Helhest also looked up, and Kettil wondered if they missed being wild, even though they were born in captivity. ”One day, I’ll catch one of those.” The young boy said and Kettil sighed deeply. ”I think that would be like a dream coming true.” He nodded and agreed with his dream. ”Are you planning on riding it into battle, one day?” He asked gently. Kettil had trained to many horses, prepared them for battle and everything that came with it. But he was so eager to feel what it was like to ride them into battle, to feel the thundering of the hooves when they were galloping towards their enemy. He could almost feel the adrenaline, even though he never had knew what it was to even hold a simple sword. Kettil was so despered to prove himself in any way, but he just didn’t seem to be given a chance to do so.
Having fun without anyone expecting anything from him, was the best feeling in the world. For once, he could just enjoy himself and not feel any pressure to achieve a certain goal. No pressure. It was rare these days. In fact, he should do stuff like this more often. Maybe he could talk to his parents about it. If he could relax a bit, from time to time, it might improve his focus and performance on days he had to train. For now, he didn’t worry about it though. At this moment, he was free as a bird. It also felt like he could connect to Kettil a bit more. Their friendship had started over their common love for horses, and going back to their roots sure had a positive impact on the boy. He hoped Kettil would feel the same way. He didn’t want the man to think they were not equals. To the horses, ranks didn’t matter either. So why would it matter to him? He valued their friendship, he couldn’t imagine how boring his life would be if he hadn’t met the stable boy. He had also learned quite a lot from him, which he appreciated as well.
Because, with the knowledge he had passed down, he would one day try to catch and tame a wild horse. If it hadn’t been for his friend, he wouldn’t even know how to ride. And now, one day, he would ride one of the stallions from the herd they were watching now. Or so he hoped. ”I think that would be like a dream coming true.” Kettil replied, and he hummed in agreement. ”Are you planning on riding it into battle, one day?” The man then asked. Freyr frowned for a second. ”I don’t know. I would be scared it would get hurt or even killed”, He confessed. He wouldn’t want his father’s horses to die in battle either, but at least they were trained properly. They wouldn’t panic as easy as a wild horse, right?
what is left but war?
Kettil Hagensson
Farmer
PROFIELMessages : 72 Country : Belgium
RPG SHEET Viking profile Title : Age : 23 y/o Place of birth : Skagerrak
They were still standing on top of the hill, wind blowing through their hair as well as the horses mane. Kettil closed his eyes for a second and took in the energy from the environments. He loved to come here, to empty his mind and to look at the untamable nature. Some things men just couldn’t change, catch of tame. Kettil thoughts about the sun raising and setting, about the thunder and lightning, the rain falling down from the sky. Without even realizing there had appeared a smile on his face. And then Freyr spoke again. ”I don’t know. I would be scared it would get hurt or even killed.” Kettil thought about his words. ”Yes, that is a horrible thought.” He inhaled deeply. ” But what if you could ride it into victory? What if you could overthrow the enemy on the back of your trusted steed?” Again he started to smile. ”I wonder what it would feel like to make a change in battle. How it feels to have power and to actually mean something.” He shook his head from left to right. ”After all these years you would think somebody would stop dreaming about things that will never happen. But here I am.” And then he started to laugh, a soft laughter. ”I really hope all your dreams come true, Freyr, whatever they may be. And if I can be of any help in them, please let me know. Then I would at least mean something to someone.” He turned his horse so he could face the son of the earl decently.
Catching a wild horse was another goal he wanted to accomplish. For once it was one that didn’t involve fighting. But Kettil still managed to turn the conversation towards the subject again. Probably without even realising himself. It had to be a norseman thing. Battle was always in the back of their minds. It was their nature, they were almost born just because they could go to war when they came of age. Kettil was lucky, in a way, that he was just a stable boy. He would never have to go on a raid. Even though he knew it was a way to gather riches and gain a reputation, it also scared him. Not because he was scared to die. He was afraid that he would never be as good as his parents. Their fame reached far beyond Skagerrak and the expectation that he would have to do the same one day, was sometimes too much for the young boy.
It seemed like his friends had more personal conflict than he had ever shown to him. Now he could understand his behaviour a little bit better. ”I really hope all your dreams come true, Freyr, whatever they may be. And if I can be of any help in them, please let me know. Then I would at least mean something to someone.” His last words gave him a strange feeling in his stomach. With a soft tap of his heel he made Hellhest take a step forward. The horse stretched his neck to sniff at Skygge, while Freyr extended his arm and grabbed Kettil’s shoulder firmly. ”You already mean something to me Kettil. Don’t say such things. You’re worth more than you even realise”, He said, with a tone that didn’t allow protest. ”You don’t need to prove yourself in any way”, He continued, after which he now patted the man’s shoulder playfully, to clear the air a bit again.
Subject: Sleipnir | Freyr 