Truth be told, as we docked, it had been a long time since we had been in the true north, strong and free (heh, a private joke from my old life really), and yet, even if it was a ways from the mainland? And half the island was, annoyingly, ruled by a Christian? Iceland was still in the general cultural sphere of home to a good number of us. That, and even if my plans were to sail back south eventually... well, all said and done, I likely could likely return to Norrland. It was not likely my brother could do much to me these days.

Still, I was only in my mid thirties and hale... not least because yes I had taken the right D&D mythic survival options, so I was going to live longer than normal. You know, something that I had come... somewhat clean to my wife about, as she noticed I was aging more gracefully than she was expecting. Honestly, from how Artemis poked me and scowled? I was not sure if she was happy that I would live longer than most men or annoyed. I mean hey, I had taken the restraints off her a while ago.

But, at the docks? Oh yes, there were the mortal officials, looking distinctly nervous at a group of three people waiting for us. Which, given their nature and how Artemis stiffened on seeing the tall bronze woman with glowing skin and golden hair done in a very elaborate pattern? Standing next to a woman in hunting leathers, skiis at her side and a bow on her back as she looked amused but otherwise whose only defining feature was being as tall as the bronze woman next to her? Yeah, they stood out. As did the stout man in his fifties with bare feet, no shoes or boots.

I made a gesture to Ivar, my effective second. "Ivar, you go handle that lot." I gestured with my head towards the officials, and he nodded... his own grey skinned and horned wife keeping pace behind him with her massive war club. "I'm going to be meeting up with the other officials..." I paused half a moment. "And my mother in law." You know, the men did not have to flinch... and Artemis did not have to elbow me in the side as I finished speaking. "Wish me luck men."

Judging from the raised eyebrows and smirks... yeah, they heard me, as I walked towards them, easily stepping off the gangplank. Now, I was opening my mouth to speak... when Leto reached out, fingers taking my chin as she looked me over with a critical eye before I could say anything. "My dear." Yeah, she was not addressing me, as Artemis went still. "Has he been making you happy?" Her tone was concerned, as she let go... and as she circled me, clearly inspecting me like a horse. "Truthfully, I had been surprised to hear that you had gotten married, given your vow. And then your father told me the details."

Her eyes moved away from me and to her daughter, even as her eyebrow rose and I did not move an inch, the other two accompanying her seeming more amused than anything else. "Which I will note, that you had never tried to contact me or your brother. Now. Did he prevent you from trying to contact us?" I will deny that I heard her squeak out a no mother, as I knew what was good for me. "So, you simply... did not inform us of your changed state of affairs then?"

Yes, mother in law was annoyed, I was going to be still and quiet... as the two gods from my own pantheon were looking on with amused eyes... and as Njord passed hacksilver to Skadi, a smile on both of their faces, as Leto asked some important questions to her daughter. Which did of course? Well, she did a turn and poked me hard in the chest. "And you! It has been fourteen years and there has not been a single child? Are you even trying to knock up my daughter?" She paused and glared at me... and then turned me around to stare at a mortified Artemis. "Tell me, are you not attracted her?"

"She is the most beautiful woman in the world in my heart and eyes." I paused half a moment. "And I am only partially saying that as I am legally obligated to say that as her husband."

Now, there were two peals of laughter from behind me as Leto let lout a sigh. "So then, I will ask, why have you not knocked up my daughter? I am fully aware that you not pleasing her is grounds for divorce here, so this had better not be..." Based on how both me and Artemis were looking down and away, cheeks flushed under the titaness of motherhoods sheer mom aura and how she paused? Yeah. "Good, so you HAVE been satisfying her. Which does beg the question. Why are there no grandchildren yet? Well?"

She was tapping her foot, and I decided to take the blame. "So, even if we were married, legally speaking, I refused to rape her. And yes, it would not legally be rape by the customs and law among the Olympians and by which custom we were married, by my own?" I gestured to Artemis. "If she says no, it means no."

There was a pause, and then Leto, looking at me. "By the decree of the Queen of Olympus, she was more your slave or concubine than a true wife."

I looked at her, defiance clear in my eyes. And I spoke simply. "I am fully aware she is a goddess. I am but a mortal. Trying to force the issue is a bad idea and while I captured her in a panic, that likely speaks poorly to my overall wisdom, I'm not quite that stupid. Besides, look at her!" I gestured at Artemis. "If I didn't treat her like an honored wife I'd deserve whatever she'd do to me in the divorce proceedings because I'd deserve it!"

There was a pause, before Leto smiled and patted me on the head. "Good boy. Now Artemis?" She moved, taking her daughter in a hug... and carrying her off. "We are going to talk details darling daughter mine!"

Could I have tried to rescue her? Sure... but I was wise enough to take my punishment for the betrayed looked on her face as I shook my head. Some things, a man should not get involved in. Which of course, is when a pair of hands, one masculine and one feminine, grab my shoulders. "Well boyo. That was funny as can be. Still, just here to have a little chat, not much of one, just a touch of one."

From the other side, a more feminine voice spoke. "Indeed. As it is, your deeds have brought honor and glory the gods and your people... and we have enjoyed the offerings and shrines." There was some chuckling in her tone. "Truthfully, even if we don't have too many, it is nice to explore some of the other places in far off lands, so thank you for that."

Her tone was warm, hand coming off, as did Njords. "Aye, lots of deals and bargains to be made, people to chat with and treasures to be found." A happy sigh, as the sea god spoke. "As it is, Odin just wanted someone to stop by to say that we are watching you with interest my lad, and that regardless of romantic entanglements?" Both of them chuckled. "Well, you still need to die well and you'll have a place in the hall, but word is that we'll be looking for an ambassador to the Greeks, regular trade and all that. Maybe some other lands, depending on how you do."

Skadi spoke next, a grin in her tone. "So, just keep doing what you are doing, and good wishes on the marriage young man!"

And with that? The two gods left. Honestly, that had gone fairly well. At the very least... I had an idea of what the gods were planning after I died. Which was no small thing really, as I pondered. All I had to do... was what I was already doing, heh? Well, the Azores sounded nice this time of year. Time to see if people still went there, or if everyone left with the winds.