Beowulf

King of the Geats

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daughter-of-the-alfather said: “A king?” Ratha smiled over at Guthbrand and chuckled. “Never told me that. Always hiding something.” She turned to look over at his son and smiled at him. “And you shall be the jarl after your father? I believe you will make a good one.” She sipped on her goblet and swirled the mead in the cup. She had never dined with men of such high ranking before it was almost unnerving almost but the two had made her feel so welcomed.  “Thank you both for your kindness and warm welcoming. I was so worried about you Guthbrand, but to see you safe and still alive made my heart calm. I’m glad to be in your company, both of your company.” She nodded over at Geirmund with a soft look in her eyes that shown her true beauty. “I hope we can become good friends.”

Geirmund smiled back. “I’m sure we will.”
After the meal ended, Guthbrand and Geirmund got up to go to their chambers. Before Geirmund left, he said to Ratha, “Don’t forget the boar hunt in the morning. We’ll set out from the hall at sunrise.”

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rathafirebringer said: Ratha smiled at Geirmund and shook her head. “Its fine. I love talking about them.” She looked up into his eyes with a gentle gaze. “My father was a stone mason and helped build the mead hall of my former king. He was a kind man, could drink anyone under the table! When I was little I remembered when he was drunk he would pick me up in his large hands and swing me around…” “My mother came from a long line of wise women. People would say that Odin lain with one of my ancestors and gave the power to read the runes to their female child. Every woman from my mother’s blood line knows how to read runes…” Her small hand felt at the pouch at her waist. “She was a beautiful woman…My father said every man wanted her hand but she fell in love with him. Even if he wasn’t a warrior like his brother, she loved him all the same.”

Guthbrand said, “My father, Guthmund was the last king of Uppland. Late in his life, his cousin Eysteinn of Thrándheim invaded. Eysteinn still permitted me to rule, but diminished my rank to that of jarl. Eysteinn has been dead for many years, and his successor, Halfdan Whiteshanks offered me back the crown of Uppland, but I declined. Jarl is enough responsibility already.”

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rathafirebringer said: Ratha stared at the food in awe since she hadn’t had food like this in years. She forgot her girlish manner and started to devour the food like the men. She nodded over at Geirmund when she tasted the deer. “Very lean. A good hunt!” She laughed happily and told some tales to the two men about her life after Guthbrand had left. The young woman proudly boasted a tale about a large boar that stalked their land and ate most if their crops. She had wrestled the beast down and killed it, taking its tusk as a trophy. The tusk hung around her throat showing the impressive size of the animal. 

At first, Geirmund was surprised at the speed and amount Ratha was eating, but soon he was laughing.”You nearly have the appetite of Thor!”
When she told of the boar, both men were very impressed.

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rathafirebringer said: Ratha liked Geirmund, he knew the fun of challenges even if she was a woman. “Well we will see.” She smiled at him and sat next to Guthbrand. “Hope your son knows what he is getting into. I’ve gotten better at hunting since you last saw me.” She giggled a little, relaxing with the two men. Her face eased and she looked happy again.

Soon, the servants came in from the kitchens, bearing platters filled with many different foods. Breads, cheeses, roasted vegetables, soups, and finally, the main dish; a roasted venison.

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rathafirebringer said: “A stag? I use to hunt boars and enjoyed the hunt them more since they have a temper.” Ratha smiled at the young man and sipped on her goblet. “I could show you how much skill I have in hunting. Maybe tomorrow I will hunt with you and educate you.” Her crystal blue eyes flashed almost as if she was challenging him.

“I didn’t see any boar today- but yes. You can come on the hunt tomorrow. I’d like to see if you really can take down a boar.” Geirmund’s eyes twinkled. He loved these kind of games.

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rathafirebringer said: Ratha’s eyes widen slightly and she looked down at her feet a little after locking eyes with the younger man. Her heart pounded a little and she started to play with her Helm of Awe necklace. Guthbrand was right about his son being a charmer, his looks could make a girl swoon. “My lord Geirmund.” She bowed low to Gerimund. “My name is Ratha. I met your father when I was a young girl and he encouraged me to become a better warrior.” She blushed bright red at her words. “I…well he really scolded me first off when I spoke out of turn in front of the king…well I mean…” She shyly buried her face in his hands and laughed a little out of shyness. 

“Yes, my father told me about you. Welcome to our hall! I caught a stag during my hunt. Supper will be ready shortly.”
They led her over to to a table that had been set up at the end of the hall. A servant poured each of them a goblet of mead.

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rathafirebringer said: Ratha sighed happily when she saw the warm pool. She bathed for a long hour, scrubbing the dirt from her travel off her body until she was pink all over and hair washed. She knew that it would only be right to wear a dress to dine with the lord and his family so she laid out a blue gown with an apron over it as traditional to the Nordic people. She combed the knots from her hair and braided it before returning to the hall. The young woman looked down at herself and put her hands clasped in front of herself since her blade was left back in her room. The dress made her feel almost naked since it had been years since she had worn any womanly things. Ratha smiled over at Guthbrand and bowed. “Thank you for offering a bed for me.” 

Guthbrand smiled at her. “Ratha, let me introduce my son, Geirmund.”
Geirmund looked strikingly like a younge version of his father. He had the same fair hair and a short beard, but his eyes were a deep green, while Guthbrand’s were blue. He wore a green tunic and cloak and dark wool breeches. He stood as tall as Guthbrand. He was certainly his father’s son.

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rathafirebringer said: “I am honored.” Ratha bowed low to Guthbrand and smiled. “I guess I should bathe before I dine. If you,d have your servants show me where I might be staying and where I can clean the dirt off of me and change.”

One of Guthbrand’s servants led Ratha to the guesthouse behind the hall. It was a small building with a bed, a hearth, and a small pool to bathe in. There was also a sauna near the guesthouse, but this was rarely used, with it being summer, and a few other outbuildings: a vé, stables, and an outhouse.