In part one, we met two brothers who couldn’t have been more different: The protective pacifist Kjeld White-Paw with a secret he’ll do anything to get rid of, and his obnoxious, sly-tongued brother Reidar who longs for an adventure of his own. Life in the Skaal village was quiet, with the peaceable Nordic people continuing on as they had for centuries—by keeping to themselves.
But fate, as it turns out, had different plans.
A letter arrives out of the blue addressed to a man long dead, about matters never discussed, from a place never visited. To Reidar, it’s the hint of an adventure he’s always craved. To Kjeld, it’s a painful reminder of just how many secrets their father kept. Secrets that still need to be paid for.
But this letter only heralded difficult times ahead. Trouble appeared wearing black cloaks and high brows.
With the intention of getting their hands on the closely guarded secret to forging Stalhrim, a covert group of Thalmor stole away the Skaal blacksmith, Baldor Iron-Shaper, and dragged him hither and yon to the farthest reaches of Solstheim for questioning.
After hearing news that his mentor had been captured, Kjeld sprang into action: with Reidar and Morwen and Kjeld’s lovable dog Rakki joining the pursuit, they track the blacksmith to an abandoned hunting lodge far from the village. Kjeld and Reidar manage to rescue Baldor, but not without getting themselves in muddy waters. To save his brother’s life, Kjeld takes Baldor’s place and allows himself to be lead away to the Northshore Landing, where he meets the Justiciar in charge of the operation.
Damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t, Kjeld, weary and wounded from the abuse of his captors, nearly spills his master’s secret. Then, in an unexpected display of courage, Reidar arrives to free Kjeld—with the warriors of Thirsk charging in behind him.
The Justiciar wisely chooses to stand down, and the high elves depart the island immediately.
The Thalmor had been thwarted, the secret protected, no lives were lost. This was a miraculous victory well worth celebrating, and yet so many questions remained.
It is for this reason that Kjeld and Reidar decide to sail for Windhelm to deliver an answer to Jarl Ulfric’s letter personally. For Kjeld, it’s much less about bringing a message, and more about solving the mystery behind his terrifying burden.
If he can cure his affliction, he can have the normal life he craves. Reidar, who would have to be chained to a rock to stop him from going on this trip, was foaming at the mouth to see their parents’ homeland and to find fame and fortune within Skyrim’s borders.
But they couldn’t leave just yet.
There was a new member of the family whose arrival could not be rushed.
♦♦♦
Morning Star became the month of ‘new beginnings’.
On the ninth day, in the early hours of a new morning, Helmi welcomed a beautiful dark-haired daughter into the world. The warriors of Thirsk rejoiced, and the Skaal sent many gifts to the new mother and baby. She was called Naiyah, in honor of a beloved aunt that had passed on.
Reidar and Kjeld were instantly enchanted with their tiny perfect niece, and they constantly visited Thirsk Meadhall, enough to the point where Otto’s protectiveness and Helmi’s exasperation forbade them from dropping in more than once a day.
However, with Naiyah’s arrival, a new journey could finally get under way.
Arrangements were made for Helmi, Otto and Naiyah to move into the family homestead in Skaal Village, where they would have more room and could take care of Kjeld’s dog, Rakki in his absence.
On the 18th of Morning Star, with backpacks packed and enough coin to pay the captain, Kjeld and Reidar departed for Windhelm aboard The Northern Maiden.
That three day voyage filled them with anticipation. Eager for what lie in store ahead, Reidar kept his spirits high despite losing a battle with seasickness. And as for Kjeld, some fear lingered in the back of his mind that he may not find the answers he’s looking for.
At least one thing was for certain.
Whatever they were going to find in Skyrim, it was going to change everything.
Frost Moon: Part II will continue on April 22nd!
Stay tuned!
Comments
Heehee and your support, as always dear Rancid, is appreciated. <3
Haha Lissette I would love to see a timeline for Albie! I like charts and maps and timelines for stories, they... more