Right time, right moment

Subject: Right time, right moment Wed May 31, 2017 9:10 pm

Haskell

Always the same. ‘Go.’ He said to the young boy who stood there panting, ready to become a Viking warrior someday. Haskell leaned against the tree, looking how he dropped that sword and ran off before Haskell could ask any more of him. He putted a lot of pressure on the becoming fighters. War and raid wouldn’t be soft on them to so why should he. But lack at interest he hated the most and that boy didn’t care less if he was a warrior or not. He followed the running bow with his dark eyes before he pushed away from the tree and walked over to the sword. He crouched and took it from between the grass before walking to the small weapon depot they had here. He gave the sword to one of the hands and past the great hall. Halfdan wasn’t around; he went on trading business so it was rather calm for him and the rest of the high ranks.

Days like this gave him enough time for himself and there wasn’t a place he loved more to be than outside the village, away from the noises, the slaves, the people asking for attention. He pulled his leather armory out and leaved it in his sleeping quarters here in the village. He had to spend a lot of time here, more than he could be home with his parents. He pulled a leather bag over his head, strapped his sword around his hips and walked out again. The more he came on the outside, the more he relaxed. He pulled a short strain of grass and putted it between his lips, following the hardly recognizable path towards the outlaying farms. In this time of the year the field got there seeds, grains sprouting from the ground, crops. He jumped over a fence that leaded into a pasture, looking to the few horses grazing there. This was how it all began for him, at a simple farm with even more simple parents. And his parents taught him to be descent and all he became was ruthless and violent. Still his heart was as soft as his parents made it. He chewed on the piece of grass, looking over the horse while walking aside the fences further to the farms. He forgot all about what he had to teach those little brads, he just enjoyed the silence, or at least for how long there was any …

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Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:07 am

The sun was burning hot in the sky. Winter was passing by and warmer days were standing in front of the door. The days were starting to get longer and warmer. What made sure that the crops they had sowed and planted were growing nicely. It wasn’t always that easy in these lands to have a good season. So everyone was always happy when they did. Life seemed to be returning and that was a good thing. Soon the waiting would be over and they could go east the grains. What was a hard work. Leaning down all the way and cutting it off. Binding it together. Drying it. Making sure it doesn’t rain. Then separating it and filtering it. Making sure most of it could be used for the winter supply. It was hard work. Early mornings and late nights. Maybe even a bit unthankful work. Because people did look down at most farmers. But they often forgot that it were the farmers that made sure they had their food. What would happen without them? People would go hungry. That did not concern Vern at all. To him… The people could say what they wanted. Being thankful towards him or unthankful it didn’t matter. He was happy enough with the job he had. With the work he could do. It was hard yes, but it kept him busy and he took joy from it. He felt joy to see the crops grow. It made him happy to see animals being born and see them take their first steps. It reminded him that life always went on. No matter what, if one thing died another would take its place.
Just like every day he was up in the early hours and made sure to count the animals. You never knew who was around and it wasn’t unusual for some of the animals to disappear at night. It was easier now that they were walking outside. He didn’t have to feed them every day. The grass that stood long was more than enough for them. He had gone to take water and fill the crates with it. Making sure not to forget to fill those for the animals as well. After that he went around checking all the crops. Taking out the weeds that weren’t supposed to be there. Now he let his hand run over one a plume of grain. It tickled in his hand and he smiled at it. He finally had found peace again.

For as far as he could think he had done most of his work for today. There wasn’t much more he could do but wait for the right time to east everything and start that. It would get busy. He let the plume of grain slip from his hand as he walked out of the field. Stretching his arms up in the air and cracking his neck, as he started walking back to the farm. Putting the things he had carried with him to weed out all the weeds down. Taking a drink and a piece of bread to chew on. Before he went into one of the stables. Them being empty now, he walked to the back of it and kneeled down. Opening a hidden door in the floor and taking out his old sword. One of the things he had taken with him when he left his home. He trained with it a lot, almost every day if he could. He hid it because he was worried someone might take it when he wasn’t here, but working on the fields. He wouldn’t want this sword to be stolen from him. Though it was just a piece of metal, to him it held memories he didn’t want to erase. He took it and put it on his side, before he walked out again. Going to one of the fields. But his eyes soon moved over the pastures and the horses in it. They would fat up nicely with the way they were eating. He smiled and let out a chuckle before he walked over to the fence and leaned his arms on it. Resting his chin on one of his hands as he watched them move. Beautiful animals. He always had loved horses. But then again he loved so much things it was hard to keep track on it all. Vern sunk away in his own thoughts, before movement in the corner of his eyes woke him up.
He smiled when he saw who was walking up to the farms. Someone he didn’t see much here anymore. He stood up straight and waved at the man. ”haha! Haven’t seen you here in a while!” His voice sounded maybe a bit too enthusiastic. But when was It not? But he could say. That he was happy to see someone he knew. Not many people visited the farms. Let alone that someone would visit him. He was still just a stranger here. Not that he minded. But it could get lonely from time to time. So some company even if it was just for a second was very appreciated. ”Here to visit your parents?” he smiled lightly. That family… They were good people and good neighbours.

Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Thu Jul 20, 2017 12:54 pm

Haskell

The noise of Skagen died a little away with every step he took into the field he ran for so many times when he was young. Every bit of land out here remembered him of something. How he work aside his father, to slow to keep up with all the work … how he laid here with the first girl he ever had. How he forgot time on moments when he needed some peace. Haskell treasured more out here than he did in Skagen itself. And remembering wasn’t a bad thing, just the other way around. Keeping memories made you stronger, made you fight for what right. Haskell his loyalty lied with Halfdan, the earl of this village but he fought for his parents, he fought for the protection of every soul living out here. He fought for his neighbors, he fought for his earl, the innocent, even the slaves. But it all started with the fact he wanted to protect his parents, the farms out here. And when he looked over the fields, to the horses he never regret a moment of doing that. Skagen had his time … the previous earl lost from the ruthlessness King Harald and Halfdan had, scared a lot of people away while doing it. Haskell changed his attitude after that, gave his parents something by laying his sword before the new earl. Haskell was a man of honor, but more than that he was a man that loved being out here, that loved his parents, that loved the essence of what made him the warrior he now was.

The horses hardly looked up when he walked by. He should have one in the future, it would traveling fort and back from Skagen to out here a lot easier. Maybe he could be a little more home then. His eyes scouted the animals, looking for one that maybe suited his temper. But despite he knew everything from killing a sheep to pulling in the harvest, he knew little about horses. The little straw between his lips rolled fort and back while he studied the animals that were walking these lands. But when he looked back to the path before him he noticed something else. A young man, hanging over the fence way to far away in his thoughts. Haskell smiled on the sight, knowing he did it so much to when he was his age. Just like he did earlier Vern was looking to the horses, who know what he was thinking about the animals. The little smile he got became a little more playful, eager to sneak around the boy to startle him. He knew Vern already as long as … well, the boy was here. They were neighbors and it was nice. But giving so much time he lost for Halfdan he didn’t came here that often anymore.

Haskell tried to walk a little slower, in a way that would keep Vern his eyes on the horses instead of him. But he failed, the boy shifted his look towards Haskell. Haskell took the straw of grass out of his mouth and smiled softly when the young man straighten up, and started waving. Haskell pulled up just two fingers in a greeting manor before throwing the strain of grass away. With the words he couldn’t do something else than saying right some words back. ‘You still look that little?’ He joked in some kind of a reply, walking over the last distance to the fence. Haskell pulled up to the fence, ready to climb over it but with the question he sat down on it for a moment. ‘Here to see how big a mess you make.’ He kicked Vern against the head in a playful manor before he jumped the other side over the fence, looking to the farms that started to surround them. ‘How are things over here?’ He asked than a little more to the subject. Haskell often walked over and back but only to visit his parents shortly, for other things he hardly had time, except for today, time enough.

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Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Sat Jul 29, 2017 12:43 pm

His arm soon dropped as the man greeted him back. He hadn’t expected to see Haskell today, or anytime soon. So it really was a very nice surprise. Here on the farms it could get lonely sometimes. Especially for him… he was still just a stranger here, even if two years had passed. Not that he blamed anyone. He did come suddenly and out of nowhere and the story he had made up to hide his actually past, well it was simple ad so it was normal that people had their doubts. That was why he decided to become a farmer. Not seeing many people and being able to do something simple that didn’t catch many people their eyes. That was all he needed. The rest, the silent, staying hidden. Being a normal farmer and nothing more to anyone. Though it was still hard on him as he used to love being surrounded by people, his friend, his family, teachers. He never had really been left alone.
His face got a blank look at the man his comment. He stared at Haskell and then let out a dry fake laugh. He wasn’t that small…. Though it was true he hadn’t grown much anymore in the two years he was here. He probably wouldn’t grow anymore ether. Maybe some inches but that would be it.
He looked up at the ma when he climbed up the fence. Waiting for an answer on his question. Haskell did really care about his parents. He Had respect for that. It was a good, strong and honourable man. If only more people in this world would be like him… Then the world would be a whole lot better. That was a given. He looked surprised at the words of the man again and groaned when he got kicked by him.
He let out a huff and rubbed his head before he looked back at Haskell. ”When do I ever make a mess of anything?” He smiled and grossed his arms. Meaning his words. Even though he knew very well he made a mess of almost everything. Especially in the beginning. He had no idea how to be a farmer and day in and day out he had made many mistakes. It hadn’t been funny, he had ruined part of the crops. He had let sheep escape and chickens. Having to run after them and catch them all. What was for sure a funny sight for anyone who had seen him. Though he would rather have hunt them down and just eaten them all… At that moment he really believed the bad fortune came because he had been punished by the gods. Punished for being a traitor. But then Haskell and his parents came and thought him how to be a good farmer. What had made his life a whole lot more easier. He was thankful for that. For all they had done and he had sworn to himself that one day he would repay them for their kindness. Though he still had no idea how at the moment, he would figure out a way. ”And don’t be a worry ward. Everything is fine here.” He gave Haskell a pat on the shoulder and smiled, before mentioning to the farms. ”Doesn’t everything look just fine?” He let his hand fall back to his side. Yeah this year would be a good year. Meaning they would have a good winter as well. He looked back up at the man. ”If you don’t see it my friend, then you should check your eye sight.” He said in a jokingly manner. But he had to say he was proud on himself. Because he actually managed to do everything well for ones. He turned back to look at the horses and smiled. Still magnificent. ”So you finally got some time off, if you stayed away much longer… I wouldn’t recognise you anymore.” Maybe next time he should greet him as an old man. He held in the laugh that wanted to come out. That would make a fun scene for sure.

Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Sat Jul 29, 2017 7:19 pm

Haskell

If Haskell wasn’t a day joking it was a day less lived. Although he was very serious half of the time, in his work, on moments like this he just loved it. And Vern just was around, hanging there over the wood so his day probably couldn’t get any better. He loved the boy, he knew the first day Vern came in here like it was yesterday. Since then his parents took him a little under their wing, Haskell could on moments see him as his own little brother and that was nice. Because in return he and his parents learned the boy held an eye out. Haskell his parents got on their old days, he wouldn’t leave with a rested heart if it wasn’t for Vern being around so much. On the other side Haskell always asked himself from where the boy came, why he didn’t wanted to be a fighter, a warrior, he would do good. But after month the idea slipped away and he would look out for Vern, just as he looked a little bit out for Haskell his old growing parents.

The dried out laugh made him chuckle while he crawled over the fence, jumping of the other side. With that question his chuckle became more of a loud laugh. ‘You really want me to count that?’ He asked with a smile before getting all serious. ‘That one time you didn’t closed the gate properly and all the sheep ran out,’ He showed one finger. ‘That other time with you misjudged the weather and we were all soaking wet for your crops,’ he pushed another finger up. ‘You want me to go on?’ He asked teasingly before he wrapped his arm around Vern his shoulders. ‘It wouldn’t be fun without you so,’ he gave that firm pet again, pulling his shoulder back after asking how things were around here. When Vern said to be not worried and he mentions to the farms Haskell looked around. It looked good, better than in years. But then Vern came with that joke, just as Haskell was planning on complimenting him. ‘I’m gonna kick you to the ground little friend.’ He warned him on a joyful way before shaking his head. ‘It seems good, you are doing good.’ He approved of the good looking surroundings, this meant a good harvest and for that a very good winter. They all needed to be thankful, the winters were hard out here. There was a short silence, Haskell grabbed another straw and rolled it between his fingers when Vern started talking. He looked aside, squeezing his eyes a little against the light. He chuckled on the last word the boy spoke. ‘Duty Vern, one day you will maybe learn.’ He started, playing with the straw. ‘Halfdan is off for business so it’s calm, if you want to take over Skagen now is your change.’ He winked looking up to the farms that started to show. ‘Got the whole day.’ With other words if Vern of another farm needed some serious help, now was the moment. Haskell loved to help, he had the muscles to, with the two of them they could move some work.

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Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Fri Aug 04, 2017 2:50 pm

His usual smile disappeared as soon as Haskell started to rattle and count off all the mistakes he had made in the past. All those failures…. Funny moments when you looked back at it now. After all he had to admit he didn’t think anyone would be able to fail so glorious at farming as him. If there was a price for the worst farmer out there… Well then at that time he surely would have gotten it. But hey no one could blame him, he never had to do anything of that sort in his life. He had been careless and really… If he thought about it. Being a prince hadn’t been easy. But seeming how he had to live now, actually being closer to people now. Working like one of them… he saw now how easy his life actually had been and how bad the other people had it. Well bad he was sure they were happy at times. But it wasn’t easy to say the least. Also it wasn’t fair… So in that way maybe he should be thankful to the gods that they opened his eyes like that. If he would be king… He would try to make some changes. But what was the chance of that happening now? He looked back up at the man when he said it wouldn’t be fun without him. He let out a dry humph. ”Of course not, you my friend would have no one to laugh with otherwise.” So he wasn’t completely sure to be happy with that or not. He snickered when the man said he was going to kick him to the ground. That might just not be as easy as the man thought it would be. After all he had trained whole his life to fight. Though… Haskell nor anyone else knew about that and frankly he had made it look like he was a really bad fighter when he came here. Just so that he didn’t have to go raid. Though there was always that ache in his heart that longed for it.

The snicker soon changed in a proud and happy smile when Haskell said he did good. He didn’t know why but getting complimented by this man, his friend. It felt good. Maybe because he respected the man a lot. Or maybe because Haskell had become kind of as an older brother he never had.
His eyes soon moved back to the horses listening to Haskell his words. Duty… Duty this Duty that. It was always the same wasn’t it? And if he wanted to take over Skagen? He let out a laugh and looked at the man. ”Well maybe I should take that chance.” He put his hands in his hips and went into a proud stand. ”Admit it I would be a great earl!” He chuckled and let his hands fall back to his sides. But frankly he had no such interests. Not over Skagen at least. He let out a hum and looked back at the horses.
”A whole day you say?” A sly smile formed on his lips. He looked back at Haskell and turned on his heel before he started to walk. Mentioning the man to follow him. ”Then I got the perfect job for you my friend! One you’re worthy off. One only you can finish with great honor!” He bit his lip trying not to laugh as he started to walk towards his farm. Frankly he wasn’t going to his home. Instead of that he walked over to one of the stables the horses stayed at night. Opening the doors he turned around and rested with his back against the wall. Crossing his arms and putting one feet up against the wall as well. ”The stables could use some cleaning.” He smiled and looked at Haskell with an amused look. ”You do want to have a horse one day don’t you? Then you need to know how to take care of one.” That was really the only thing he could think of that needed to be done at the moment. Though maybe others needed help and he didn’t mind going around to look.

Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Sun Aug 06, 2017 2:49 pm

Haskell

Counting up the mistakes Vern had made was only to taunt the boy. Vern knew he wasn’t punishing him with it. To be honest, just as Haskell did Vern come a very long way. Haskell was born a farmer, for several years until the Halfdan became the new earl of Skagen. After that he devoted his life for fighting and defending this village. What was a huge jump, Haskell learned a lot over the years, it made him better, stronger. Just as it did for Vern. Vern came from Uddevalla and that was it … he didn’t know anything about farming, or fighting. Haskell sometimes ask himself were Vern came from other than Uddevalla. But that boy learned a lot on a very short time and Haskell was proud of what he became. Vern had the potential, it was only timing. The words made him smile while looking down. ‘What a boring life I would have if you weren’t in it hmm?’ He looked aside, shaking his head in the smile. Although he had a lot of enjoyment with his men and Harald but it wasn’t the same as this innocent battering against each other.

When he started about duty he could almost hear Vern his eyes roll. He turned his head and looked aside to his friend who suggested that he might try to take over Skagen. ‘You willing on taking me on? Because,’ he pointed over his shoulder to the village. But before he could go further Vern asked if he would be a good earl and Haskell looked judgy over the boy his body. ‘Well, there is some work here and there,’ he taped his fingers on Vern his shoulder, stomach, there wasn’t even a weapon hanging around his waist. ‘But yeah, you could.’ He chewed on the strain of grass, looking over the boy again. ‘What would be your first act as a earl, pretend you can take Skagen over in this and a day?’ He asked curious walking further to the farms. He lives aside an earl, he kind of know how ruling went but Vern, he was curious.

When they arrived at the farms the mischief Vern showed didn’t promised much good. When he started talking Haskell followed him, amused looking around before shaking his head in amusement. He threw the strand of grass away and followed him in the stables. He stood still aside Vern and looked at the filthy stables, already knowing it before Vern told him. He looked aside to Vern and nodded with the words, dropping his leather back at the side, pulling the belt over his shoulder. Haskell always wore his sword on his back, he found it easier. It wasn’t just a sword, his father let it made with a blacksmith when Haskell finished his first raid. It had a stone in the handle, a stone his father gave him once when he was young. ‘Here, hold on.’ He pushed it against Vern his chest. He rolled the sleeves up from his shirt until his elbows before he grabbed a kind of shovel and walked to the first stable. ‘You know I was a farmer ones to.’ If Vern wanted to taunt him with this he was wrong. Haskell still loved the farmerswork.

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Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Wed Aug 09, 2017 7:54 am

Could he just say that Haskell probably was the funniest man he had ever known. Yeah he took his work and everything duty related very serious. As it should be, naturally. But Haskell at least knew when it was time to make some fun and relax. To just go out the way you wanted when no one was around, with a good friend, when duty wasn’t a part of it. Not many people could part from the duty line and stayed so damn serious all the time. What got boring really fast. What did you have to your life if it wasn’t a bit of fun? Nothing right?
And yes he would be willing to taking Haskell on if he actually planned on taking over Skagen. He knew it wouldn’t be easy.. Knowing what great warrior the man was and he knew the man wouldn’t betray the earl. No… he wouldn’t betray Halfdan. The man had too much honour. He could say that Halfdan was a lucky man to have Haskell at his side. A man he could truly trust. Maybe the only thing that Vern sometimes had a problem with because it was hard at times to hide his past from this man. The urge to tell the truth… The fact was that he really didn’t like lying to this man. He had the feeling that even if Haskell knew he would keep it a secret. But… Could he really be sure? If his past had taught him one thing then it was that he couldn’t trust anyone for sure. Not even his most trusted friend. Even if he wanted it, there was a voice in his head that screamed to him to keep his mouth shut and that was what he was doing. Staying silent completely.
He gave a shocked face when Haskell said that there was some work… But… His smile became wide and he let out a loud happy excited “YES!”. That meant that he actually believed that he could do it right! It made him happy! Because getting a compliment even if it was a small one. Was always good to hear. And little did this man know what he actually was capable off.

He let out a loud hum when he asked what his first act would be. Pretend he could take over Skagen in a day. Would be a funny thing. Though he wouldn’t live long. At least he wouldn’t be able to do it on his own. ”I would give a big feast, where everyone is welcome to join and eat till their stomach burst, drink till they are so drunk they can’t stand on their feet!” ne big party. Really who didn’t like a party huh? Especially with good warm, tasty food. Though thought about it alone started to make him hungry. He had to remember to invite Haskell for dinner. Of course he wouldn’t forget his parents, they were welcome to join as well.
He stared at Haskell standing against the stable, waiting for a good reaction of the man. Before he looked a bit confused when he shoved his sword in his arms. Vern was so surprised he almost let the sword fall. But he was able to warp his arms around it just in time as Haskell walked into the stables. He listened to the words of the man and made a pouting face. Well this surely wasn’t the reaction he had hoped for, but… ”Well you wouldn’t say.~” He looked down at Haskell’s sword, it was a beauty, really a beauty. He peaked into the stables at Haskell. ”I just want to make sure you still got it in you my friend.” He smiled. But then sighed. Well he wasn’t planning on letting Haskell do all this on his own. He walked in and turned to the wall. Very carefully placing Haskell’s sword down. Slow, as if he was going to break it with just a touch. Before he held his hands out, making sure it wouldn’t fall over. He was sure it was important to the man. He turned and started to walk out. ”Hold on, I’m going to get the cart.” He fast enough walked towards the cart, where they could put in the hay. Putting it in front of the door, before he took another shovel and walked to a quarter. Two hands made lighter work. And he would feel too bad if the man actually did his job… Again. That had happened to many times already. ”And as thanks, for me helping you with this. You better come and eat with me tonight.” Even though it was Haskell helping him. The little twist made it better and gave him a general reason to invite the man. Even though he didn’t need a reason really. He had walked in on Haskell and his parents a lot without being invited and he always had gotten food and a drink or two… Maybe even more than that… He had to admit, some nights he didn’t remember very clearly anymore…

Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Thu Sep 07, 2017 9:05 pm

Haskell

He saw Vern thinking about it … about taking over Skagen. If it was one thing Haskell thought about many times it was how to stronghold Skagen against people who wanted to take over. He knew about the history of Skagen, he knew there was somebody before Halfdan, people still talked. He was just a little farmers boy when it happened but his loyalty always rested with Halfdan. Pretending in his mind that Vern would take it over was just as amusing as that time they drove sheep inside with just the two of them. But when he looked aside to the boy he knew there was something there. He knew that boy had to have some hidden ability. He wasn’t cut out for the farmers work only, he was bright, would be a good fighter but just as always Haskell didn’t ask. Not in the deep sense of it anyway.

When he asked what his first act would be and the answer came Haskell started to laugh, laying his hand on Vern his shoulder. ‘You are a man to my heart.’ He complimented him. He petted the young man on his shoulder and shook his head amused. ‘It’s a long time ago that we drank together until we couldn’t walk straight, maybe I need to take you in town some time, time for you to get really drunk with your neighbor again.’ He pointed to the little house from his parents, where he used to live in. Inviting women, lots of food. ‘I would love an earl like that.’ Haskell smirked. Halfdan was such an earl, it wasn’t much know but those feast were there often, within the high ranks where Haskell was in. Getting drunk with Vern would be more epic than most of the other adventures they had, which mostly included farm work.

Talked about it, he looked into the stables, shoving his swords into Vern his arms. Apparently Vern didn’t saw it coming and that just brought a smile on Haskell his lips as he walked into the stable. With the words there came a reaction. Haskell turned around and followed the gaze towards the sword. ‘Don’t give me a feeling of guilt, it won’t work.’ He smiled, looking to the sword for a moment. Some said he left his family to feel powerful while all Haskell did was protecting everybody, learning the young once how to conquer. With the other words he chuckled shortly. ‘Thank you my friend.’ He said, resting his arm on the shovel. ‘Are you planning on keep farming for the rest of you life?’ He asked not far after. Was this all Vern desired in his life? He looked how the boy putted the sword down and took another shovel before they both started to work. Haskell loved it, how stupid it sounded, it reminded him of back in the day when this was everything he did. When Vern said he should stay to eat Haskell looked up. ‘It was about time.’ He winked playfully. ‘I hope you have enough in the house, I’m always hungry like a horse after labor like this.’ He joked, taunting his friend a little.

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Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Fri Sep 08, 2017 10:17 am

It was a fact that they hadn’t sat together drinking for a long time Maybe a bit too long to his liking and those nights. Were always fun. Though there were some of those nights that were rather blurry in his mind. Were he had drank too much. Though most of those nights he had pretended to be drunk. Though it didn’t make it less fun. He really loved the man and Haskell was also a man to his heart. He would love to actually get real drunk and not having to pretend. But the fact was that he faired he would say too much when he was drunk. If Haskell was as drunk as him, the man would probably just think it was a joke if he spoke to much of the real him. But if someone else might hear… It was too much of a risk and one he wasn’t willing to take. Not till he had figured out what to do. Because it had been on his mind a lot lately. How hard he tried to forget, it still didn’t seem to be enough. He laughed. ”We should!” he looked at the house as Haskell pointed at it. A bright smile came playing around his lips. ”Though I’m not sure if your parents would like to see us coming.” After all he had to admit, he was a handful sober, and he knew was a whole lot more trouble when he wasn’t. And it was a fact that he didn’t like to bother people or ask to much of them.

He let out a hum when Haskell said he would love an earl like that. He was sure he would. But then he had heard that Halfdan was such an earl. He didn’t go much into the city away from the far. But go to the shore line or sitting in the dunes. Hidden away from watchful eyes. The parties he never attended. He missed those though, being closer to people, laugh and play games. See people drunkenly fall over their own feet. Those were the days, feeling truly alive. As he took up some hay and threw it out the door into the cart he chuckles hearing his friend speak again. ”Well at least I tried.” He said in a teasing manner. Of course he wasn’t trying to give the man a feeling of guilt as he knew Haskell loved the thing he was doing now and he should be proud of it too. He did a good job as well and Vern had to admit Halfdan had a good man at his side that was for sure. Loyal to the death, trying to protect his home and those in it. The thought of that made him realise that that was something he hadn’t been able too. He had ran and it made him wonder if he had made a mistake with leaving. Then again what other choice did he have? He looked at the man and blinked at the sudden question. Before he laughed. ”I am happy where I am now.” And it wasn’t a lie, he loved the farm life. The people the days. It was a total different experience. But he also felt warm and welcome here, it had become home. He was safe here. ”But who can tell what the gods have in store for me?” He turned to Haskell. ”Maybe I will be marrying a beautiful princess one day!” He said while wiggling his brows towards Haskell. Looking dead serious for a second, before he laughed.

Returning back to the hay to work further. But it did made him wonder. ”But what would you have me do?” Haskell had a good sense of people. He knew that by now, sharp eyes and mind. So what would the man have him do other than farming? He was born as a prince, and he was the one who was supposed to be king after his father. It had been his dream for many years. And he couldn’t say that he didn’t want to take that task on his shoulders. After all… they were still his people and he wanted to fight for them. Be a strong and good king. One who was loved by the people and feared by his enemies. But who knew if the gods had that plan for him? He had left that road and he could not tell what would come in the future. Maybe he hoped that he could one day chance his father to the man he had once been?

He looked back at the man and smiled hearing he could eat like a horse, and the joke behind it. But he would not let the man get to him. ”I would have thought, you would be used to more than this.” He said before shrugging and getting back to his work. ”Guess I was wrong.” He said in just the some joking manner as Haskell had used. He had almost forgotten how good their times together could be. He could honestly say he loved the man. ”Do not worry my friend, I’ve got enough carrots laying around.” He looked at his friend from the corner of his mind. Wanting to see his reaction. Trying his best not to start laughing again. Though that was difficult, somehow he never could keep a straight face with him around.

Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Wed Oct 11, 2017 7:37 pm

Haskell

It was a refreshment for Haskell to be around the people he loved, who were different from the constant trill of fighting, or the cocky behavior of his men, the ones he trained or lived around. So he enjoyed it, there was no danger here, he wasn’t looking for one in Vern, for that he knew the boy already too long. The thoughts of drinking with his close friend again made him smile, surly after the comment that Vern made. ‘My parents are getting old Vern,’ he began, looking at the little farm his parents lived. ‘They wouldn’t hear half what we are saying or see half of what we are doing.’ He winked. Not that it wasn’t that bad yet but he noticed. In that way he always felt guilty for not being around enough, for being so devoted to the fighting power of Skagen. Probably his parents should laugh a bit, seeing the fun the both of them had. Giving no one of them hadn’t a wife yet they were free to do what they desired.

Seeing the dirt laying around in the stables give him strangely enough happy thoughts, love to do the work. After handling so much sword today, some dirty hay and a shovel was actually a pretty good break from reality. When Vern noticed he at least tried Haskell turned to his friend and shook his head smiling. Given Vern didn’t moved lot away from his farm Haskell always questioned in his head where the young man was from. The question popped out rather innocent. He let his arm rest on his shovel while he listened. ‘The gods surly will reward you for your hard work.’ He added on his question. But then came the words that made Haskell laugh out loud. He gave Vern a push against the shoulder. ‘For that you have to get out of that farm first mate.’ He laughed, pulling him right back to watch him in the eyes. ‘Don’t think I will bring them to you, I’ll probably will marry one myself.’ He gave a pet and turned back to his work. Vern and a princess, he chuckled again. That boy had a wide imagination.

When the question came Haskell stopped for a moment, looking over his shoulder to Vern while thinking. ‘Where you are good at.’ He answered, rolling a piece of hay between his fingers. ‘You have a keen eye Vern, we can always use keen eyes and bright mind.’ He followed. He knew Vern, it was an observant person. He thought about it a little further before Vern invited him for dinner and he just forgot it. The teasing between them knew no limits and Haskell actually was glad he had somebody as Vern in his life. ‘We gonna do this the whole night, aren’t we?’ He asked, pointing out to the teasing between one another. When he served the carrots Haskell stroke his hand over his head, his hair up in a bun. Haskell grabbed some hay and threw it over to Vern. ‘That is why you look so strange, eating to much of that stuff.’ Pointing to his skin, like it would turn orange any moment.

Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Tue Nov 14, 2017 4:52 pm

He wasn’t so sure if the gods would reward him with anything anymore. Though his friend did not know what he did. Though he did ask them to forgive him and he hoped that the gods understood why he did what he did. He also had not lost hope that one day his father might understand as well and that he would be able to go home. Though after all this time it seemed he had a new home and one he loved a lot as well. But who knew truly what the future held? He was content here really, but then… Would he be able to live like this whole his life? Like Haskell said he would have to get off the farm once in a while if he wanted to live a real life and as a fact he did want to go out. But then he was stuck on the thought it was better to stay hidden. He chuckled slightly realizing that what his friend said was true. Very true. He soon enough stared at him with a blank face and gave out a snort. He was well aware that Haskell wouldn’t bring the ladies to him. No he would rather keep them all for himself. ”You with a princess?” He said with a certain irony in his voice.

Though he was sure any woman would be very lucky to have Haskell and wouldn’t say no to him. But what was the fun in admitting that? He turned back to the work as he still wanted to have a drink with his friend and of course good food. So the sooner they finished here… The sooner they could start their party. He waited patiently for the next answer on his question and he could say he was more than just a little bit curious. His attention slid right back to his ‘brother’ when he started talking. Resting his arms on the shovel and staring at the man. ‘What I’m good at?’ He had to say…. What was he good at? A lot of things but then had he the right to say he was good at them? Or was he just over confident. He stayed silent for a while hearing the words his friend spoke. He was happy that at least Haskell knew that he wasn’t a total idiot.

He chuckled as only answer when his friend asked if they would do this whole night. Was there ever a time where he would stop being the clown? Stop trying to tease his friend and make him smile? He didn’t think Haskell or anyone had seen his serious side jet. It was however something rare for him to show and right here right now… There was no need for it. He rather have fun and live like this then live a stern life that he would regret later on.

The moment his friend said he looked strange his eyes widened in shock and he stared as Haskell in disbelieve before he brought his hand to his cheek as if he was trying to feel that there was something strange about him. Before he laughed and then looked up as if he was thinking about it. Pressing his lips together and moving his head from left to right in a ‘Hum’ manner. ”I might be eating too much of them.” He would admit it, now that he thought about it. He ate a lot of them. He laughed and then pointed at the work. ”Let’s finish this first now, other jokes will come later.” And he was sure there would be a lot of them.

After he said that he concentrated on the work, starting to whistle a happy toon and when Haskell was not looking and he was passing by his friend he tried to stick some hay in his friends hair without noticing. It looked funny at the very least. And so time passed by just the same as it always would but with his friend here it was a happier time. After finishing he walked to the door stretching. Letting out a relieved sigh. Before he smiled ”Finally drinks!” He looked back at Haskell. ”And carrots!” He was planning on giving Haskell some carrots if he liked it or not.

Subject: Re: Right time, right moment Sat Nov 18, 2017 1:31 pm

Haskell

Although they conversation always stayed airy, the subject was in a way a little serious, both looking into the future of their lives. Time flew by, Haskell noticed that more than anything in the world and as a Viking it was your duty to not stay on the same place but to go with time, follow the gods around in war and love and friendship. Clearly the gods wanted Vern to stay put. Haskell wasn’t pushing either, he just saw it as a shame to keep somebody so honest and good and full of possibilities, outside the village, in a farm. The question made him not. ‘In my dreams yes.’ He answered. He had all kinds of princesses in his dreams. ‘She is gorgeous, you would like her very much.’ He stated, like it was the most normal thing, dreaming about princesses. Sadly his dreams weren’t all that nice and charming. Haskell always had a lot on his mind and that tend to follow him into the nights.

For a moment in was silent, both of them working hard in the ways they were used to it. There weren’t much Vikings around who still wanted to do things like this, who stayed that close to who they were before. Haskell did, cleaning this didn’t represent nothing for him, it was what he years ago did for a living, when he was still young, ignorant to the world. Vern didn’t answer on his compliment on the earl welcoming such a bright mind as him. Soon Haskell would leave to raid again, he would have to miss his parents again, Vern even. Haskell put a lot of effort in his friendships, it was dearly to him, somebody like Vern aside him would probably make it as complete as it could be. Fighting was depending on others and to do that you needed to trust one another. He knew it wouldn’t be any problem with Vern.

Carrots. That was todays meal. Haskell laughed when Vern admitted on eating too much of them. When he pointed down to the work Haskell shove his shovel into the ground. ‘Yes boss.’ He just answered, giving his friend a wink before getting back to work. He was almost planning on joking that this wasn’t cleaned in ages but given Vern would have a proper answer again he just let it go, knowing they wouldn’t finish anyway otherwise. Vern was whistling a happy toon and Haskell smiled, a generally one. It all was so familiar and he loved the feeling of it, like he wasn’t a Radningar anymore. When they were done he felt even a little sweaty. Vern stretched out and Haskell grabbed his sword from against the wall. ‘Drinks sound good!’ He announced. Offcourse the carrot joke had to follow. ‘Carrots to.’ He just gave in to it, giving Vern a firm pet against the shoulder in advance.

Subject: Re: Right time, right moment

» 1. Position in time
» Time may take us in to different places
» [SIC] Free Time (open)
» It's been a long time. [Svart]
» Beautiful things come together one stitch at a time