Alfheimr Renaissance

Sailing to Borgarsandr, day 9

Njahamrar (Kristianssand)

That's still a damn nice way to wake up... Craaap. We really can't make a habit out of this. Iselin works for me, and that's just... wrong. I wonder if she really wants to do this, or just thinks she has to do it as a reward for freeing her. Or that I freed her to have sex with her, and she feels obligated.

Argh!

Done is done, relax and enjoy that a really sexy and beautiful elf woman wants you to enjoy this moment, and take those thoughts later today. The distraction means that I manage to hold out for quite a long time before the sound changes and I spasm. I'm not happy about how Iselin suffered for her skill, but I appreciate it.

When she's done, Iselin crawls up and puts her head on my chest, just like last time. After a few minutes I lift her up a little more, kiss her and just hold her against me when she puts her head against mine. This time the left arm is free. We play a little with our toes even though she is much shorter than me. It's so nice to just lie there and hold her. I can get used to this. Before I came to this world, it was too long ago. It probably last half an hour where we just lie like that in silence and I try to avoid thinking. Then a thought pops up. Eira. I look over but see no one in the other bed.

"Iselin, where is Eira?! Did she sleep here last night?!"

"She's out on the deck. I woke up when she got up and snuck out - I think she wanted to avoid disturbing us. I used a few coins to rent the other cabin with it's bed for her for the night so she could lock and feel safe, but it seems like Eira chose to sleep here anyway. I didn't lock if she needed to fetch something or was hungry. I guess she feels safer here with us, than alone."

Heh, Iselin had planned it well, and again she's using something I given her in a way I never intended. I appreciates a woman who is sneaky, smart and makes a plan to get what she wants, but thinks of others. Iselin matches far too well what I like in a woman. Damn lucky she's not interested in technology, science or is generally nerdy.

We are lying quietly in bed as we listen to life and movement outside. They seems to be unloading or loading things on the boat. Eira sneaks in with a tray of food. She see that we are awake and puts it down on the table, but just tells us to stay put, and takes out the food accessories. Iselin cuddles up to me, but after a few minutes we have to eat. It's with a sigh that she crawls out of bed and takes some food. Still completely naked.

I sit up and look a little puzzled at where my clothes are, but Eira is quick to hold them out to me, and I thank her. Folded and neath. Heh, I've not had anyone do that since I moved away from home after high school, and even though I had girlfriends, I wash my own cloths, and we never really lived together. Iselin makes a complaining noise about me putting on clothes, but slips on her dress after a hug. We eat in relative peace and quiet, the sounds from outside don't really disturb the peace and quiet inside.

"Iselin; enjoy your day, but take it easy today, you will have more free days where you can do what you want..."

A cunning and devilish smile spreads over Iselin's face, while she bites her lower lip and her eyes just look at me. I loose my thoughts and doubt less that she feels forced to go to bed with me, and instead see it as a reward to herself. And me. I still going to be anxious every time my self-control betrays me...

Ha! What self-control? It has become a remote control she plays with. If she smiles in the right way, self-control is down for knockout.

Eira takes care of the dishes without us saying anything, and it feels good that she has started to try to be active. I care less about what she does, it's more important that she feels comfortable enough to come out of her shell. When Eira comes back, she picks up her leather bag, looks at it and then she takes a needle and thread and starts embroidering. Iselin and I look at her, but we say nothing, we just relax and rest a little. I don't complain that Iselin does it crawled up against me, but Iselin breaks the silence:

"Robert, if you can, you should hire one or two warriors to protect you and your property. They can even in some situations duel in your place if needed. But it's important to show ones social status with property, that you have people and warriors under you, and is willing to show wealth in how you spend it. To be able to keep a warrior force well equipped and looking good. Even the King and Jarls need to do this. That was partly why Jarl Steinnes, without hesitation, bought your North Arrow in front of everyone, and walked around and showed it. To make everyone understand he have so much gold that he could do it, and that everyone could see it was a smart purchase of mighty sejd and that he wasn't cheated. Even though he probably won't use the arrow, it has fulfilled part of it's purpose, and the knowledge that he have a sejdish North Arrow is important enough. That is why he organizes a big feast and invited a lot of people. The more people, the better the feast is and the better the guests are, the clearer his status becomes. That you don't already have guards, can be interpret as no one wants to be it."

Crap.

Sure, I can afford it, but I don't like it.

"Iselin, thank you for saying this. It's something I have to think about. As you know, I just don't like to have a lot of people around me all the time, and I won't like a couple of beefy warriors who follow me everywhere. Ugh. Even if they swear loyalty to me, I also don't like that there are such people near you... and considering that Eira just hurt herself on the needle, I interpret it as she doesn't appreciate it either. Where would I even find them? Will asking around be interpreted as me having to look for warriors?"

"Yes, it can easily be interpreted that way, and being a Sejdmann will limit who wants to seek service with you. The best would be if you establish such a reputation that warriors voluntarily seek you out and come and swear allegiance to you. Preferably in front of others. Because it will only be a few, the first ones should be skilled and look capable and good."

"What do these warriors expect me to give them? Salary?"

"They expect food and housing, preferably the opportunity for rewards or in some cases smaller gifts or equipment. How much silver depends on how good the warrior is, and to some extent how well equipped they already are, and how long they have served. Should someone show up with their own horse and full equipment in fine condition, then they will expect more silver. But 4-24 ounces a year, usually paid in three months interval, but you really shouldn't accept the cheapest lowliest guards."

"Iselin, thanks again for saying this. One more thing to try to resolve in the near future."

Argh! More people near me. But if it's needed, then it's needed. How do I get warriors to apply for service? I will need to be out and about, talking to people and being social so that free warriors will find out there's an opportunity to serve me. I not looking forward to talking to people here, especially men. I'm still so very unsure of that role and what to say and talk about, and it doesn't help that I suck at the language. It's still difficult to understand much of what Iselin says even though she has helped me a lot by explaining words and concepts, and she has generally started to stick to simpler words.

It's still morning and I go to Danr and ask if there is any non-swimming brave sailor I can ask if he want to test something for me. Danr quickly answers 'Hagan', gets up and even though I think I know who he is, Danr shows me. I recognize him as one of the two who guarded me in Kambsnes on the shopping trip, and enjoying that hammock.

Hagan is a larger but pretty much stereotypical Viking sailor. I ask if he wants to participate in a test at the beach - it will look a bit silly, but it's meant to help someone who ends up in the sea to avoid drowning. It seems to interest Hagan and he's directly ready, but I stop and says I need a little time to change, and he should be prepared to get wet.

I return to the cabin and weighs the vest with the help of the weighing scales - the bowls can be taken off so it is quite easy. It's to check how much water the vest will absorb, so I need to weigh it before and after.

I also tell the women I have to change, and I would appreciate if they go outside, but if they are to stay, at least Eira should turn around and close her eyes. Iselin has already seen me naked, and I suspects she will try to look anyway. Eira puts away her embroidery and gets a little red but does what I asked as she chooses to stay.

I unpack my quick-drying shorts and start changing clothes. When I have my underpants left, I look over my shoulder and see two quick hands that close the fingers in front of Eira's eyes, while Iselin shamelessly looks on with a smile. I quickly step out of my underwear and into my shorts, then put on my shirt and trousers again. I pick up the grey bag with the small microfiber bath towel, and since it's Iselin's free day, I ask Eira to put away the embroidery until we're back, take the bath towel and follow along, which she immediately does. She seems to like to take Iselin's place and prove she is useful, even though Iselin also chooses to come along. After all; entertainment is entertainment.

With the life preserver over my shoulder we meet up with Hagan, who is standing in simple trousers and a shirt, waiting for us at the gangway, accompanied by Danr. We step ashore on the pier, and there is a lot of people moving about and it seems like the fish have already been taken in for the day. They don't seem to have large fishing boats or even huge fishing nets hanging here. I assumed fishing would be a bigger industry. We walk away about 20m down the beach where it's more free space. The water looks shallow enough. I ask Iselin to hold the life preserver and I take off my trousers, shoes and shirt, and Eira is quick to take them before Iselin has a chance, folds them and puts them in her shoulder bag. There are some elves who react when they see me standing there with my baggy black swimming shorts and hairy body - it definitely sounds like some of those positive shouts are feminine and appreciative. Just something to get used to. Then I go out into the water, dive under and swim around a bit.

Ah...

It's nice with a morning dip. Especially after last night's exercises. Water is a little cold, but nice once I get used to it. Maybe we should visit that bathhouse again before the boat leaves town? I dive down and stay a little underwater so I cool off and get half a minute with just the sound of the sea.

I swim back and return up on the beach, take the life preserver and go out into the shallow water. It floats well and when I push it down there's a lot of resistance that doesn't seem to subside after a couple of minutes when the vest is soaking wet. Good. I quickly put on the vest and check how it feels and that it works. Seems to give okay buoyancy and the head is held up as it should. I should probably split the neck pocket in two and maybe increase the total flotation a bit there. I return to the beach while I take off the vest, and ask Hagan to test it out in the water. Hagan has already taken off his shirt that Eira holds and the contrast between our bodies are striking. Both in muscles and hair. I help Hagan fasten the vest while I explain.

"I want you to go out until the water is at stomach level and then just slowly sit down in the water. You will notice that your upper body is lifted up and back." And I show what I mean. "Just let it do that and try to float. When it feels good, get up again, repeat, and if you are willing and start trusting the vest, try to move around by kicking your legs and using your arms, but stay in shallow water and follow the beach so you can stand up if you need to. If you seem to be panicking, I will hurry out to help you stand, and I will try to drag you back or swim backstroke with my arms around you."

Hagan just nods seriously. Then he go out and do exactly what I said. Hagan is a little worried at first and not prepared for the movement, but seems to gradually relax and after a couple of times finally lies and bobs looking happy, and he raise his clenched fists in a triumphant victory gesture towards the sky. Then he starts kicking around and paddling around with legs and arms while laughing. He is not graceful. There are a lot of sailors, warriors, fishermen and women watching as Hagan walks up the beach, radiating satisfaction and happiness.

"With this mighty vest, I don't have to worry about the depths of the sea taking me."

"You are a brave man, and I am proud that you wanted to test my invention. We have enough material to sew another vest, and I hope you will receive the new one as a gift from me to you. Remember that you were first, and that your vest will be the first real life preserver vest. This is just the test, and we will add another pouch on the back and make slight improvements."

"I would be honored to have a vest like this, and will wear it with pride when I am at sea."

I turn to the people on the pier and project my voice;

"Don't judge by appearance, because even a person who can't swim can float with this vest and swim around. Think how valuable it can be if you end up in the water on a spring or autumn day, with clothes that weigh you down. How nice it can be with that extra safety in a storm on a small boat. In the future I hope it will become common with such life preserver vests among sailors, fishermen and everyone who is out at sea and on water. It will save lives, and a man can't feed his children or come to Valhalla if he drowns. The Gods like people who are smart and prepared. If anyone wants to try this life preserver, you are welcome down here on the beach."

There's a lot of mumbling and talking on the bridge. I help Hagan off with the vest, and by that time there are two men walking towards us. One is a slave who is wearing a neckring and seems to be sent down by a man up on the bridge. I help both men with the vest and they get the same instructions as Hagan, and both seem to get the same experience out in the water, even if the slaves panic a bit at first but try again. I guess the slave couldn't swim.

When they are finished and come back, there is a small queue forming on the beach. Including three young women who smile and seem more attentive to me, than the life preserver - I just laugh. I'm still not used to that. Almost like a reverse booth babe. But instead of good-looking girls to attract men into the booth at a trade fair, this is a slightly fat older hairy nerd in swimming shorts on a beach.

While I help people, I explain how the vest is made and planned improvements and ways to make it cheaper by eliminating shoulder adjustments and that it can be tied on, and that I want those who are here to spread the information further; this is my gift to all who sail on water and sea - men and women. I specifically point out that the birch bark will need to be replaced and will crack if it gets too cold, which affects the buoyancy, and that cargo can't be taken. The vest is just to help a body float, and a larger heavier person will need larger pockets for more birch bark.

All three women actually want to try on the vest. They have pants and I understand why they keep shirts on. The first one is a slave, but the other two are not. The second woman is short with big breasts, and she seems to enjoy my discomfort when I have to tighten the straps. Even though she is short and have big breasts, the vest works okay, although her breasts gets in the way. Good test of a completely different body shape than expected, and as far from Hagan as we could get, but I should be able to make a design more adapted for women like her by making a fold halfway up the bark pockets. It fits okayish as is. The loose strap ends should be pushed inside the vest against the breasts and sides of the body, but when I signal her to do it herself, she just smile and says:

"Come on and do it right - you helped the men who didn't do it themselves."

I feel a little embarrassed, so I get revenge when I look into her blue eyes and with a low voice answer; "And I saw your shirt when I helped you. You will probably soon appreciate the cold water." Then I calmly push down the straps, everywhere and methodically, while I look her in the eyes, and I'm a little surprised that it feels like she has something hard in her nipples - feels ring like. She walks out into the water with a controlled face. Feels like she's staying in longer than most people do, but maybe that's just my opinion, and it looks like she could swim. Her blue-grey hair braid hangs loose and dangles when she comes up again. She gestures that she will loosen the vest herself, and I of course let her do it.

My win.

Her friend who is next in line looks a little worried when I arrive with the wet vest and a small smile, but when their equipment have changed hands, she expectantly stands in front of me. The vest fits her better, but she is taller and flat-chested. In the end, she goes out into the water just as quickly because she wanted the same hands on service. She's so much redder in the face, and I was more careful and less feely than with her friend who practically asked for it. She's waiting up by Iselin and Eira. I can imagine she doesn't want too many eyes her. Her wet clothes stick well on her body, and from here I can confirm that breast piercings exist in this world, but she has a small nose ring as well, and her friend have several rings in the outer lobes of her ears. I have seen different piercings on other men and women before, so it seems to be common. I've just not looked closely on women's breast. Well, I have on a few breasts. Tattoos seem more unusual even though I have seen some. I've also seen someone with a burn mark on their face or shoulder, but according to Iselin that's a way to mark certain criminals, and the rune says what they did, and might include to whom.

After more than an hour, there are quite a lot of people watching from the pier and there is still a queue, but I say that I unfortunately can't help more test today, and there are some complaining exclamations, especially from the older women in the queue. Danr is quite happy and he seems to have done a lot of business with others up on the pier during my show, and of course, I have drawn extra people here. Once we get back onboard the ship, I see some sailors gathered on deck testing a hammock someone in the crew mounted there. A good day. Danr's really happy, and the ship won't leave until tomorrow morning, since he's waiting for animal furs to arrive. I don't know if I should be happy or sad about the change in plans. Another day. Eh, probably better this way.

After I weigh the vest, I hang the wet life preserver against the aft decks wall out in the sun on the deck where people can examine it, and we return to our cabin and relax. Eira picks up her embroidery again, and I don't want to interrupt her by ask her to start sewing the vest for Hagan, and it's Iselin's free day. Hagan has earned the vest and he is brave.

I lie there thinking. Hagan seemed nice during the time he was my guard in Kambsnes, and he seems to like me. Maybe he could accept becoming my guard? But how is he as a person? What does he think about me being a Sejdmann, and what are his beliefs? How is he as a warrior and a guard? Can I trust him? Does he actually want to be my full-time guard or will he be offended if I discreetly ask? Does he want to leave the ship?

There is a knock on the door and Iselin opens, but the door blocks my view of who it is. Iselin greets, nods and with a smug expression announces that there are two warriors outside who want to go in Sejdmann Robert Arnesson's service.

Okay?

I'm starting to recognize that smug face on Iselin. Outside the door are the two women who wanted to test the life preserver and started the whole 'getting felt up by the Sejdmann' business. Not that I really complained about that, just a bit uncomfortable with the obvious flirting, and a few somewhat less discrete invitations to continue some place else tonight. But I thought the ship would be leaving and declined. Damn. Both women stand straight-backed, each with a shield and spear, as well as an axe and a dagger in their belts, and seem to have made themselves stately with leather armour and other clothing. The shorter but more confident of them with the blue-grey hair braid, also have a bow and a quiver on the side, and say:

"My name is Alith. Me and my friend Bodil wish to be in Sejdmann's service and would like to negotiate."

Heh, shieldmaidens! I didn't think about that and I've seen other female warriors here. Iselin is wonderfully smart and cunning. She is several moves ahead and sees opportunities where I havn't even thought about it. Talk about Jarl Steinnes can't see the difference between diamond and coal. Iselin discreetly whispers from behind:

"It's best if you take the meeting outside the cabin. Go a little bit away, but where people see you and talk low. Offer them a two-year service to begin with. Give them three to four fifths of their starting offer."

A large diamond. If I guess correctly, Iselin has already arranged so they will sleep in the small vacant cabin with a bunk bed next to us. I turn smiling towards Iselin and obscuring my mouth from the shieldmaiden:

"I've already booked the cabin next door?"

The ill-restrained giggle and contented smile say enough, but the slight nod confirms. Iselin know I can afford it and it's an excellent solution. Huge diamond. I ask the shieldmaidens to follow to the bow where I half sit on the railing while we talk. They are both shieldmaidens, with their own equipment and can use it. Her friend Bodil hasn't got a bow yet, but is good at shooting one. They offer to prove their skill, but I say I believe them. It's not like I would understand. I inform them that the job for me will mean big changes and include travel, as I don't know where it will end, and it might be far from here.

But they are willing to swear allegiance for two years no matter where that service takes them, and want 18 ounces of silver each per year. I offer them 12 ounces, which they quickly accept, so I guess I could have gone lower, but I thought they would give a new counter offer and finish at about 15 ounces. Then again, I don't know what anyone else would offer. They kneel before me, and with their fists on their hearts they swear an oath to serve me faithfully, to protect me and my possessions, my honor, and so on. Yay, more people near me. And more women. What is this? If fate is already written as they believe here, then some God or Goddess seems to like stories with an uncomfortable man surrounded by women of all colors. But then at least a blonde, a brunette and a black-haired woman are missing, unless there arn't more exotic hair colors here than Alith's blue-grey and Bodil's white hair. Actually, I've seen a faint blonde green tone too. Or that might just be to much copper in the water. Then again, it might also be the story of Iselin in a 'Edmund Blackadder' way, with a stupid bumbling boss. But, talk about luxury problems... I return to reality and asks them to stand up.

"As you understand there will be language problems as I don't come from here, and you will learn that I do things differently than you are used to, and you need to adapt to this, but I guess you already know that. Do you have any other equipment? Do you need time before we leave town? This ship won't sail until tomorrow."

"We have our things with us in our bags against the wall over there. We are prepared for immediate departure."

So I just nod and; "Then let's look at your cabin."

I go to Danr and confirm that Iselin has booked the small cabin on my behalf, to which he answers yes, but we take the payment later tonight when there are fewer people here. Iselin really is a diamond. Who doesn't want a maid who is so damn good at finding solutions when they arise, and smart enough to think them through and know her boss so well?

"This cabin is for you to use during the journey. You already know my cabin is next door. Iselin and Eira sleep in there. Once we leave the harbor you can relax. I expect you to take care of guarding and other things by yourselves, and you will find I'm not a strenuous boss. If you think I am about to do something stupid - tell me. I expect you who are better warriors than I, to have more experience. I'm stupid if I don't take advantage of it." Quieter I say; "Eira can react to men who come close, so if Iselin or I arn't around, I appreciate if you keep an extra eye on her. Let me get silver for your first quarter salary, and I apologize in advance and ask you to remind me or Iselin immediately when it's time for the next payment. I don't really follow your calender."

They look at each other a little questioningly, shrug their shoulders and after a little quick non verbal communication between them, shorter Alith stands outside my door while Bodil starts to carry their bags. I unpacked my scales and see Bodil testing the beds, and she makes the decision to take the upper one as she obviously finds it a little easier to get up there. I weigh 3 ounces of silver for each of them, and it's clear they appreciate getting an advance salary and being in my service. It might have been a while for them, which would explain why they quickly accepted my 12 ounce counter offer. Oh, well. Done is done, and I now have two guards. When I close the door behind me, I can only smile and say to a rightly satisfied and smug faced Iselin:

"Thank you, Iselin. Even on your day off, you solve problems and work. Once again, you have proven how fast you are at finding solutions and taking initiative. Let's celebrate by eating something good after I have taking a nap."