A tale of two cities

[Relit]

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In the not very far distance sat Halmar, the former city of the hated Hounds of Chulainn. Now under new ownership, The Frisian Freedom.

"How long has it been since we came here? It feels like years but its only been a short while." said Tormund Forkbeard, as he continued his march toward the city.

Beside him, marched Rotfeast, who recently recovered from his brush with illness. Rotfeast replied, "The only thing I remember from the last time we were here was the fires. By Odin, the entire plain was aflame. Looks much... better now...", as they passed a family of peasant farmers who were working their fields completely naked.

It was a strange time in and around the Raven lands, mostly quiet. A time of peace and prosperity, where the only enemy was boredom. But all that was soon to change for the men marching again toward Halmar. A great feast was expected, a vast celebration lasting over a week. The Frisians have promised exotic foods, alcohol and games of skill and something they are calling a "Erotic handshake competition". Halmar itself supposedly has been richly decorated to honor its coming guests.

"Let us remember that we are also here as diplomats from our people, we do not wish to anger our neighbor by appearing rude.", Tormund softly said as he watched Rotfeast walk backwards and stare at the farmers they had passed moments ago.

"Yes... but these Frisians... why do they do these things? Why do they act so strange? What do their Gods think of them?" asked Rotfeast.

"It is not for us to question the Gods, ours or theirs... Oh dear Odin, why?" Tormund began as they crested over a small rise and got full view of the city gates.

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They were wide open and a large crowd was gathered in greeting before them. Across the entire city flying high above the towers were banners, not unlike every other city... but in Halmar every banner was a rainbow. Crudely drawn upon the very walls of the city were 'pictures' of people and animals engaged in prolific lovemaking. Up on the walls, they could see piles of men, women and animals engaged in the very acts drawn.

Both men stopped immediately and stared in shock and horror, as a very familiar person jumped from above the gatehouse whilst riding a horse and yelled:

"Welcome to Halmar, fuck youuuuuuuu...", Daruvian shouted and fell. He held up both his middle fingers as if to further emphasize his meaning.

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Dedicated to Rotfeast and from the Ravens to the Frisians with love.

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The second half of the story wherein Sandersson and his delegation of Frisians arrive at Narra for the other half of the celebration, will be posted tomorrow.

[Lemon]

10/10

[Artyem]

Rotfeast is a true warrior, so much so that they won't even let him into Valhalla yet.

[Relit]

All the preparations had been finished for hours, it was all down to the waiting now. All the distinguished men of the Raven warband were present and standing quietly facing the great Narra Mead Hall doors. The fires in all five fireplaces were lit and roaring away, already the smells of roasted chicken, pork and beef wafted in the room, mingling with the sweet smells of the freshly made bread.

Great casks of ale and mead lined the walls stacked to the rafters. All was ready for the guests arrival. The Chieftain glanced slowly around the room at all the work that had been done, all while seated on his thrice Gods-forsaken wooden throne.

"Oh do I wish the Gods had not seen fit to bless the walls of Sargoth with invincibility" he muttered while again glaring down at the arms of the throne.

Outside the mead hall, he could hear the cheers of the city-folk greeting the Frisian delegation. The people loved them almost as much as they loved the Dragoni of Vahalia. There was even cries of "Fimbulvetr!" to be heard, even after all this time apart, the people still remember. They may not be so happy for much longer if word from Malayurg castle continues to reveal border frictions, but those are problems for another day.

As the cheering became louder and louder, the men in the hall perked up and waited for Frisians. Three great knocks upon the mead hall doors announced that the greeting ceremony was beginning.

A huscarl, fully armed, stepped forward and read from a small piece of paper:

"My Chieftain, I present to you, The High Lord of the Frisian Freedom, The Keeper of Halmar, Protector of the Eastern Watches, The Duke of Male Chastity, and Earl of the... Rainbow."

The huscarl had a confused look on his face while finishing the task. The Chieftain smirked. He knew the 'quirks' of the Frisians all too well. The doors opened slowly to reveal the Frisians in all their knightly splendor. Plate and chain on all of them, all perfectly polished but the Chieftain knew these men would not wear ceremonial gear here in Narra. It would be disrespectful to him, as their host.

Behind Sandersson came, Havelle the Kind, Jack the One, and even the Knight of the Pink himself. A distinguished group, lords all and men who are known to all in Narra. Good choices to be diplomats here. The Chieftain rose from his throne and met Sandersson halfway across the room, as a equal and stood before him with his arm raised to shake hands.

"Chieftain of the Raven Warband, Jarl of Narra, let me greet you as we do a brother in our lands!" Sandersson cried and promptly reached down and grasped the Chieftain right between the legs.

So ends the tale of Narra and Halmar... for now.

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Dedicated to Turboflex and Sandersson, the two of you are both great guys and make playing strat/crpg worth it.