Lukas walked into the kitchen, grumbling crankily to himself as he did so. "It's too early for this. The sun hasn't even been up for two hours," he muttered. He blinked when he found a young woman humming as she cooked porridge. "Who the hell are you?" he snapped, the beginning of a spell at the tip of his tongue. The woman turned around and Lukas immediately relaxed when he recognized his sister's eyes and hair.
"Sorry. You gave me a heartattack. I thought you were a trick by the fairies, a spirit, or one of Aiyanna's people," he mumbled, sitting down. Dagny gave him an apologetic smile. "Well, I'm glad that's the reason you got a heartattack. I thought you were going to freak out about how much older I got," she said quietly. Lukas shook his head. "I'm going to find something to reverse the spell. Don't worry about it. This won't last too long," he said.
Dagny raised an eyebrow. So that was how her brother was handling all of this. Complete and utter denial. He'd already had said it himself that prophecies weren't things to mess with or try to reverse. "Did you and the others come up with a way to talk to Aiyanna?" she asked. This time it was Lukas's turn to raise an eyebrow. "What makes you think we're going to talk to her? She's the reason for this mess," he said.
Dagny paused in stirring the pot. "You guys aren't even going to try to talk her down? You both were really upset last night. Maybe now that you've had sometime to take it in and think about it, you both are a bit calmer," she said. "I've had time to think about it. She had time to think about it. We all knew going there that there was a chance for an attack or something nasty. Why do you think we had the meeting specified to be under peaceful circumstances?" he asked.
"B-But...you guys are just upset. I don't see any reason why you guys should go and kill each other because of or over me!" said Dagny, blinking when she realized she had started shouting. Lukas simply took the wooden spoon out of her hand, gave the porridge a last stir, and served it into two bowls. "You're my sister. I haven't had you for very long. I'm not gonna let that witch take you away so soon," he said.
"Kinda hypocritical to call her a witch since you and I both do magic," she muttered under her breath, taking the bowl he handed her. He smirked. "True I suppose, but it beats the name I really rather call her. Dagny, don't worry about us. We've been in plenty wars, more wars than that woman could ever think imaginable. None of us are to be considered lightly. Hell, Tino is terrifying on the battlefield. He has the best aim out of any of us," said Lukas, smirking wider at her doubtful expression.
"...If you say so. Lukas, you said it yourself. Prophecies shouldn't be messed with. We shouldn't attempt to alter it. It wouldn't be your fault. You didn't have anything to do with this prophecy, as much as you might want to think so. I really don't mind what's going to happen…" said Dagny, sitting down at the table. Lukas frowned. "There's something here you're not telling me," he said.
Dagny sighed, playing with the little braid she had framing her face. "Lukas...I've been having dreams...and I've used your runes without asking. I'm sorry. It's not good," she said. Lukas blinked. "You've been using my runes? I've been punishing Raliegh because I thought he and the other trolls got into them again," he said with a slight frown. "I know...I've been kinda sneaking him the sweets you've been withholding from him," said Dagny with a slight smile.
Lukas sighed. "I swear, Mathias influences you too much. Well, what did you see in the runes? And when did you use the runes?" he asked. "...I've been using them for a while. Since I looked about eight or nine...I'm sorry Lukas! You kept saying you were going to make me my own set but you never did...so I kinda used yours," she said, cheeks turning a bit red. Lukas sighed. "Right...I'll get on that. Are there any other things of mine you've been using without permission?" he asked.
"...Does feeding and playing with the trolls behind your back count?" she asked. "No. Just watch how much you feed Olaf. He's sneaky at trying to get extra handouts," said Lukas flatly, smirking when he noticed Olaf huff from his place outside the window. Dagny sighed. "Anyways...None of the runes had been very clear. I've been having nightmares where you guys are fighting and getting hurt...I don't think this is a good idea," she lied.
Lukas relaxed slightly, the bit of pain she had spotted in his eyes fading away when he heard she didn't have anything really sustansive to say. "Dagny, it's going to be scary for you if a fight does break out. It'd be your first one, but I promise you that it won't be anything to worry about. The others and I will be fine. If you want, we'll even train you how to fight. There's a lot of girls back at our homes that make fiercesome warriors," he said.
Dagny shook her head. "I'll learn enough to defend myself...but I don't want to be a warrior. I rather try to get you and Native America to get along," she said. Lukas smiled faintly before ruffling her hair. "Well, that makes sense. The Elk did say that you were meant to serve a huge role as a mediator. I suppose you still show the traits of being one even if that's not what your role is now," said Lukas.
Dagny frowned. "What is my role now then?" she asked. Lukas shook his head, sighing. "I'm not sure Dagny. It looks like your future is a bit blurry with all of the changes the prophecy is bringing. But it could be a good thing. You can do one of the few things people like us can't do. You can choose your own destiny," he said, smiling at the last bit. Dagny blinked. "...But how would that affect my people? The settlers?" she asked.
"Their not completely yours. You can feel them, you're aware of them, but the government and the people themselves still consider themselves Norweigen, Danish, Finnish, or Swedish. They affect you but you don't strongly impact them. It could be a good thing Dagny. To be honest, the rest of us are a little jealous. We're used to having people decide most things for us," he said. She raised an eyebrow. "Sometimes I feel the same way," she huffed. He snorted. "That's different. You're only a few decades old," he said.
"I'd be considered old enough to make my own decisions if I were human," muttered Dagny. "I'm not getting into that again Dag. The trouble isn't worth it," chuckled Norway. Dagny smirked back at him. The last time they had argued about it she managed to convince the trolls to hide all of his socks somewhere in the forest. "You have to admit, you were slightly impressed," she teased before finishing her food and getting up.
Lukas started to speak before someone crashed through the door. They both jumped up, spinning around to find Mathias panting, holding an armful of swords. Berwald followed him holding an armful of documents. "Tino is coming with arrow-making materials," muttered Berwald. Lukas made a face. "Mathias, how many times do I have to tell you not to break my door down?!" he asked. "My bad," said Mathias, dumping the weapons onto the table.
Dagny blinked. "...What are all those for?" she asked. Mathias looked like she grew two heads, something she admitedly wouldn't have been surprised if it did happen. "The war. We gotta be prepared. We only have today to figure everything out. Tomorrow is our last day to prepare. Dagny, I need you to go house to house and inform them that tonight there's giong to be a meeting at the square. We're gonna sit here and talk strategy," said Mathias.
Dagny blinked. "Wait...None of you are even considering talking to her? Trying to make peace. Not one of you?" she asked. Berwald nodded. "Too late," he said. "How is it too late?! It was just last night!" said Dagny. "Vin, she had all this time to make her decisions. We were warned before by Earth that she had already set everything in motion," said Mathias. "She's made her decision. We've made ours. We won't let her just run wild and do whatever she says," said Lukas, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Besides, we can't risk that she might hurt one of the settlers or that one of her people might. It probably won't even be anything serious. Did Lukas already offer to let you fight? I've made a dagger I thought would suit you dear," said Tino, walking into the house holding several quivers full of unfinished arrows and bows. "Or if you like, you could help me put these together," said Tino.
Dagny looked at Berwald for help. The Swede sighed. "Dagny, go tell them about the meeting. Once we have our minds set, you know they're hard to change. As Lukas said, this has gone beyond our control," said Tino. "I'm sorry Dagny. We'll make this quick and painless. Promise," said Berwald. Dagny sighed but nodded. Lukas looked slightly relieved that she seemed to have finally accepted it. Dagny left the cabin and started doing as she was told.
The meeting was hushed. Dagny sat with the settlers, who gave her weird glances and whispered. She sighed. Was this what her brothers experienced when they were in their own countries? "Why are we having a meeting?" asked one of the men sitting down next to her. "Yeah, what's going on? Is it because of the crops? We're almost done bringing in the harvest. It does look like it's going to snow soon but we should have it in before the weather really gives us something to worry about," said another man.
Lukas and the other Nordics walked into the room and stood at the front. "I know you're all wondering why you were asked here on such short noticed but, to make things short and simple. We're not the only people on this land. There are natives who are not happy to see us here. They have threatened to take action against us if we leave the settlement. We're looking at a war," he said, stepping in front of the podium before Mathias could.
The men in the room started grumbling while the very few women fell silent. "Over what? We've been keeping to our territory here. Most of us only venture into the woods to hunt or find wood and even then we try not to stray too far because of the cold and the animals here. I still vote we find that polar bear cub that's been getting into my fish baskets," said Orick, standing up. Dagny made a mental note to make sure Kuma wasn't wandering into the village again. With her last growth spurt the bear had grown enough that it could walk around and get into trouble.
"Did one of the boys here pick a fight? Did we do something to upset them or offend them in anyway?" asked Helga, Orick's wife. She remained sitting but the concern was in her voice all the same. Lukas sighed and shifted his weight slightly, a sign that it was Mathias's turn to try to talk to him. Mathias was skilled in getting a crowd wiled up or calmed down. Berwald was keeping a sharp eye on the crowd, trying to spot any potential troublemakers. Tino was the one who would later go visit those troublemakers and ensure they would not disobey any orders.
"Guys calm down. Listen, they haven't even heard of us before. They don't know how awesome we are at pillaging and raiding. I'm sure after a week of fighting, if even that, they'll calm down. After all, we spoke to the leader and it looks like they're still using spears. We have the superior experience and weapondry. We just need to focus on maintaining and increasing our resources. As long as we do that, we'll all be fine," said Mathias.
"This woman that you met, their leader. Was she a human leader or was she like you?" asked a man, leaning against the wall. "She is like my siblings and I. She calls herself Aiyanna, or in more technical terms, The Representative of Native America. While that does make it harder to fight her than say a rogue group of humans who haven't formed an organized unity, she's still no match for us!" said Mathias enthusiastically.
"Does she have any allies? Do we have a plan?" asked Leif, one of the leaders of the settlement. "We are not entirely sure about her allies. She has mentioned to Vinland and us that she has children spread across this land. We do not know how many she may have, if she meant they were also personifications, if they will help, or even if she is telling the truth about it," said Lukas, jumping in to make sure that Mathias didn't make it seem too optimistic of a fight.
"You still do not speak of a plan," huffed Leif. Mathias quickly took over. "With Vinland's help, we can find out where their camp is. We will strike the first blow in hopes that it will be unexpected and overwhelming enough that they give up, or at the very least damage their morale. If we have the chance, we capture both the human and non human leaders and 'convince' them to yield. If necessary, we raid the camp, but that is to be only done in extreme circumstances. We don't want to make them angry enough that they find the energy to strike back. That and we are not entirely sure of what they're capable of," said Mathias seriously.
"You said that she's spoken to Vinland. What of?" said Olga, this time standing up. Dagny sighed and stood up after Lukas gave her an approving nod. "When I was smaller, I used to watch her in the forest. She used to be a friend of mine. It's complicated…" said Vinland, not sure what to say. "Vinland was tricked into thinking the woman was a friend. The woman has abused magic to place a dark prophecy on Dag-Vinland's head. Aiyanna has already decided to destroy what we've made here. We won't hesitate to return the favor," said Lukas.
Dagny blinked when cheering rose up in response to that. She quickly stood up again. "But I highly recommend that we try to make peace with her. Harsh words were exchanged but it could be possible that at least one side has changed their mind on the matter. At the very least, we could do what we can to not provoke their wrath," she said. "Are you sure she's a viking?" shouted someone in the back of the room, causing a round of laughter. Dagny felt her cheeks turn pink.
Berwald frowned. "She is one of us and that's why we will defend her. We will not allow Aiyanna to push us out," he growled. "And if we let her do that...Dagny's bound to die," said Lukas under his breath. "What's this about a prophecy? How will it affect us? What does it say?" asked another man, this one also standing up. The people muttered amongst themselves. They didn't want to mess with this woman if she was willing to use dark magic.
"We're still unraveling it but it will only affect Dagny, none of the settlers. It may have very limited effects on the other nations here present, before you ask that," said Lukas. "Then why even bother?" muttered the same man who had stood up. "Because this is our home now. Think! None of the other countries even know about this place. We were here first! Imagine the advantage we could have if anything were to happen!" said Helga.
"I know! Imagine England's face when he finds out what we have! Heck, if he finds out! We're not gonna tell him until it's too late for him. If we tell him, he'll come over here and take over. We'll lose all of the resources we have here. Just the other week we found a rich source of iron! Plus, do you guys really want to make the trip back all the way to our home countries after everything we've been through? Heck, Leif you're exiled. Where else are you gonna go?" asked Mathias. Leif Erickson scowled.
There was a silence before Birger's parents stood up. "We will not leave our son here in this land. If you nations believe we can win the fight to stay here, I am ready to join," said his mother. Birger's father nodded. "We knew it might not be easy to stay here the first winter. We've gone through so much here. It'd be a shame to suffer through all of that and let it lay to waste in the end. You question whether Vinland is a Viking. Would a Viking simply walk away from a challenge like this?" he asked, addressing the crowd.
The crowd started mumbling before people stood up, pledging to help in the coming war. Men and women began hitting their weapons against the floor and the wall, making the room swell with cheering. Dagny's eyes widened as she looked around the room. Everyone, every one of her citizens, had stood up and pledged to protect her. She swallowed. It was heart touching...but she hoped it would be unnecessary. If her brothers weren't going to try to keep or make the peace, she was going to do it for them.
After the meeting, Dagny waited until the villagers had distracted her brothers before she wandered into the forest, knowing Aiyanna would keep her promise of not attacking until the next morning. Dagny looked around the forest as she walked. She knew that Aiyanna must have had a scout keeping watch on the area. Otherwise, how would she know that they had left the settlement. "Aiayanna, I know you're there. Either you or one of your men," she whispered into the forest. She heard a nearby rustle.
"Dagny, you know it's not safe out here. What if it was one of my humans? None of them would have recognized you. Sure you might heal if they attack you but your brothers will not appreciate the sight of you injured. Come. Let's go where it is safe to speak. Cheveyo, come!" said Aiyanna. Cheveyo locked Dagny, making part of her hair stand on in. Dagny had to chuckle as she climbed onto the buffalo.
"He's still friendly as ever," said Dagny, petting the beast's head. Aiyanna cracked a smirk. "I think he's attached to you. You've been feeding him berries behind my back haven't you," she said. "Maybe one or two. I've been known to feed my familiy's pets behind their backs," said Dagny with a smile. Aiyanna smiled and brought her to the outskirts of the tribe's camp that she was staying with.
Dagny blinked. "Why are we at your tribe's camp?" she asked quietly. Aiyanna blinked, jumping off of Cheveyo. "You came to stay here, didn't you? Isn't that why you were wandering through the forest? You came during your settlement's meeting to prevent your brothers from finding out, correct?" she asked. "Well, yes and no. My brothers don't know that I'm out here but-" Aiyanna quickly cut her off.
"Don't worry about your brothers. I will make sure that they know where you are so they don't worry. I'm sure they will leave once the realize you've made your decision. And don't worry about my people. I'm sure I can convince them to take you in as well. You still have your settlement to keep you company as well. I'm sure you'll be needing a woman to guide you as well. I will take care of all of this," said Aiyanna, sounding extremely determined.
"Aiyanna, I'm not here to stay. I'm here to ask you to take back your declaration of war. There's no reason for one. There's no reason for any of us to fight. I know we're all upset and scared but hurting each other isn't the answer!" said Dagny, quickly spitting what she had to say out before she was interrupte again. Aiyanna frowned. "...You're not leaving your brothers. You're here to try to save them?" she asked.
"Not save them exactly...but save all of us. I don't want to see any of you fight. You haven't even tried to get to know them. I know my brothers tend to speak without thinking, but they're not bad people. I think they would respect you greatly and come to know you as a friend if you two tried to get along. You're all warriors of some degree. There's no need to try to push anyone off the land," said Dagny.
Native America frowned. "That is a shame," she said. Dagny blinked. Aiyanna agreed with her? "I-It is?" asked Dagny nervously. "Truly a shame. I thought you were better than your brothers. You're innocent, compared to them, but none of you seem to get what all of this really is about. Dagny, I won't stop fighting until they're gone. No more. No less. They don't belong on this side of the earth. I won't give them the opportunity to hurt me or my children. I won't take a chance that they might be friendly because so far they haven't proven that to me," said Aiyanna.
"Aiyanna-" The older country quickly cut her off. "I'm sorry Vinland. I thoguht we could have been friends. I was open to taking you in as another daughter-" said Aiyanna. "Then you're just as bad as they are if you believe them to conquer people!" hissed Dagny, starting to get frustrated. Aiyanna's eyes narrowed. "Cheveyo, take Vinland here. Dear girl, the next time we see each other, we'll be enemies. Watch your back and don't leave the settlement until you have decided whose side your own if you're smart," said Aiyanna.
"Aiyanna…" started Dagny. "Not Aiyanna. Native America. Go child. You have five mintues to get out of my sight," said Aiyanna. Dagny swallowed and quickly got on Cheveyo. The buffalo nudged Aiyanna, not wanting to move. "You heard me Cheveyo. Get her out of here. I mean it. I'm not in a good mood," she said. Cheveyo sighed and ran in the other direction.
Let me know what you guys think so I can modify as necessary if there are any things to correct or add. Also, to any Canadians, I would appreciate it if you guys have any tidbits about early discovery or colonialization of Canada you believe could be interesting. Thank you!