In the afternoon we test the water system, and the water pump works and can pump up cold well water in the tank. It just takes forever. We open the tanks valve and the taps for the kitchen, toilet and bathrooms work. There are a couple of connections on the copper pipes that drips, so they need to be re-soldered, but there is no big issues, and it is a fairly quick fix. The water system works.
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All the interior doors have been assembled and mounted, and all my own furniture was finished yesterday so I have been able to sit in relative peace inside the workshop and work. I have assembled six oil lamps, and I am working on the seventh when Ciara comes. She gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and say that we have had our first guests. As I put my work aside to go meet our guests, I realize that this is the day before the Tosra gathering, so I guess Liv has come to take a look. Damn, I have to spend at least a day visiting that gathering. Argh. I would rather have finished my work here and had some peace, but we need to introduce ourselves to the people in the immediate area, and it's just another day before I can start to relax.
I'm correct that Liv's here, but so is Jarl Skiringe with her daughter Siri and two guards. They're waiting in the main hall, and Iselin and Kari are already here. We greet each other, while I regret to inform that I cannot be a good host as we are still moving in, which they just laughingly confirm that they clearly see and hear. Our talk have attracted Jane and Caecilia who show up, and I introduce Jane as a 'wanderer' who came here when I did, and who sought me out in Borgarsandr. That gives Jane instant respect from both of them, and they are definitely curious about her, but she stay in the background. Jarl Skiringe notices and reacts to Caecilia's mark, which is just visible at the edge of her dresses neckline, but she doesn't mention it, and just gives me a quick look I don't really know how to answer. I introduced her as just Caecilia.
As Jarl Skiringe speaks, we show them to the combined meeting room and dining room, and we take a seat in the two large sofas. It's just me, Iselin, Kari in one, with Liv, Jarl Skiringe and Siri in the other. And Alith with one of Skiringe's guards in the background.
"We won't disturb for long. Its just that we've heard a lot about the construction from merchants in recent weeks, who more and more have taken a detour to sail past, so we became curious to see for ourselfs as we passed by." I bet it was Skiringe's own merchants that she ordered to take that detour. "From the boat we saw the massive copper roof glistening in the sun, and we of course wanted to take a closer look and say hello, when we saw your ship was anchored here."
"You don't disturb. We are surprised how quickly the mansion have been built. Everything isn't finished, although I think most exterior windows will be in place today and we tested that the water system worked a while ago. A lot of work left, but we will live here from now on."
"Water system? I look forward to be shown, if that is acceptable."
"Of course it is. If you accept to live slighty spartan, you can be our first guests and stay for the night, we have guest rooms that can be used."
According to custom, I am supposed to offer travellers accommodation and food, and I did invite Liv. Liv and Jarl Skiringe quickly look at each and both accept. A guard is sent to fetch their packs from the boat, and one of the Skiringe's maids.
They congratulate me for the mighty impressive mansion, the roof and huge amount of windows and how different it is. How bright it is indoors. Quite different from a castle or a longhouse. Jarl Skiringe understands why the farm she gave me didn't really meet my expectations. I say that the farm was appreciated - as well as the tour - but in the future the farm there will probably look different, or maybe there will be a new house inspired by this but smaller up on the cliffs to the south, so the farm can still be used as is. I will probably try to clear up some of the land in some valleys to get more arable land, and build my own small harbor on the coast. There is just a lot to finish building on the islands first, as the Academy's building havn't even been started. It will be bigger than this mansion, and thats just the first section.
They are incredibly impressed by the windows. But they have noticed the thick iron reinforcements, and she asks if I will let her copy it to her own estate. She has, of course, realized the purpose. I smile, nod and replay that 'Jarl Skiringe will probably find more things she wants to copy for her home.' She wonders if we can put titles aside in private, I immediately agree. I should have suggested it myself, especially since we have been very intimate.
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I quickly show the mansion and their separate guest rooms. When we walk around, I take the opportunity to introduce Jalida and Elvira to Myrun, so they understand that they have been properly freed, but I don't mention that they have been slaves, although Myrun certainly assumes it given their appearance and dialects. I hope Myrun doesn't think badly of Iselin because she was born as a slave.
We talk about the 'spice' overdose, and Liv inform us that the sex probably didn't make any difference, and was just unnecessary pain. What probably happens with a far too large dose is permanent damage; either constant erection or inability to get an erection without spice, both of which didn't happen. They're happy that my spirit and body is strong and that I endured. But many users don't have sufficient knowledge. I can imagine there is a lot of mysticism about it, because it is a magic powder even for Liv, which makes men hard and erect for a long time. Powerful Juju. Even several of the sejd women who sell it probably lack knowledge, and there certainly is great variation in concentration. Many buy it from someone else during gatherings, who are careful with the dissemination of knowledge. Liv isn't surprised that Caecilia made that mistake, and even if there is a chance that Caecilia took advantage of the situation for us to have sex - it has already been done.
As for IUDs, its obvious that Liv didn't keep it a secret from Myrun and the short answer is; "Excellent". There have been no major problems, no one has had children and there are 53 women in Skiringsalr and its surrounding who have them now - including both of them - and both look me in the eye with quick glances at Iselin and Kari. It feels wrong that both Iselin and Kari just calmly give me short nods back when I look at them, and Iselin takes my hand to reassure me. But this is a different world, with different social norms and I need to learn and adapt. Poor me, as both Liv and Myrun are attractive women, especially Liv. Sitting like this, it is a bit striking how much older they look than all my sambos, but I don't see their age as negative, and Liv is attractive and very nice in bed. But Myrun is a couple of years older than me, and the oldest woman I've ever had sex with, and they are both alone in their age categories. That feels a bit tragic, but I have hardly had women throw themselfs at me before.
Liv will present her work and IUDs to the other sejdwomen during the Tosra gathering and it has gathered extra many, partly because she has already spread a rumour, and partly because they are curious about me and my Academy. I now have closer to the gathering than most, so I should showed up and talk to the sejd women, but not until the second day. I'm still a man and some sejd things are not for me, which I completely agree with. I also tell them that I can surprise and show some special sejd whose likes they havn't seen before. I intend to use my remaining fireworks rockets.
When Kari ask Liv and Myrun, it becomes clear that Jane's question might be true. Couldn't elves fertility be different from humans? I havn't even thought about that, but I had expected my company to hear about many elves who got pregnant 6-8 times considering how often it happened in the past in Midgård, and still do in some parts of the world. I don't have to go back many generations to find 8-12 children in Swedish families. But the elves seem to struggle to get pregnant 4-5 times. My company got dumbfounded when they realized that almost every human relationship is a single wife, so a human woman gave birth to 12 children - it was not a man with three wives. Humans and Elves have the same 9-month pregnancy, so they also realized how many years difference there must be between the oldest and youngest child, and problems with heredity, and such. Not to mention food and more.
IUDs are still important, because an unwanted pregnancy is dangerous, costly and a social burden. However, it begs the question of what cause the low fertility rate. Just geneology? Men? Women? Both? Environmental toxins? Lifestyle? Food? They seem to lose fertility faster than humans as they get older, but does that apply to one or both sexes? But the chance that I can make Iselin and/or Kari pregnant has decreased even more, which no-one in my company liked to hear - especially Jane. Jane loves to joke about sex and tease, but she does not want to be a mother, and we both want to be just friends.
We switch topic a bit and Myrun says that there will be Jarls and other powerful people from the region attending the gathering, and again, partly because of me. She usually only participates every other year or so, but this year is special, and who knows, it might be an annual thing from now on. Again that look, but now followed by a subtile growing wicked smile.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Myrun says she shouldn't be surprised by my two beautiful exotic maids, but is really surprised that I already have a hóra here, which Liv didn't notice. But I confirm that yes; Caecilia was a gift I did not want, and even if I don't take full advantage of her presence, its complicated to forcing her away, as Radgeirrson persuaded her to swear to Freya to be mine. Liv sighs and gives an apologetic look, while Myrun just nods that she understands, and says it partly explains the proclamation that King Aeriksson just sent out, that reached them before they left Skiringsalr. I've not heard anything about that.
A proclamation that is to be read aloud, and each Jarl should send a man around to the larger villages to read it aloud, and then attach it on their notice board so that literate people could read it and pass it on.
In short, I am so very masculine that even begin a Sejdmann doesn't matter. I am also faithful to Freya's beliefs and have so much honor and self-control that I only have sex with a few free women - never slaves or anyone coerced or forced - and gifts from his subjects in the form of women for sexual purposes is an insult to my honor and Freya, and the giver will be punished by King Aeriksson. It continued stating that I have undeservedly gained a reputation for being lustful just because I have several women around me that I protect as a man should, and that many of his subjects are shortsighted fools. And in short, that King Aeriksson is tired of people who put me or my Academy in danger, and that I should be treated almost like himself, because I am important for everyone's future.
The proclamation briefly informed about the duel and that Storman Radgeirrson was convicted of attempted to end my bloodline, the sentence he received, etc. The proclamation ended with a short list with examples of proven sejd I made in front of many noteworthy witnesses in separate locations, so my sejd shouldn't be questioned.
- Made a common stone illuminate a great hall with a pure white light, without fire or heat.
- Killed a man with thunder in a forced duel in self-defense.
- Made lightning strike, with thunder and rain indoors on a sunny summer day, after I left an estate where Freya and I were offended.
Both questioningly raise their eyebrows at the end, so I just shrug, and confirm with a small smug smile. Iselin and Ciara are very smug and proud, while Kari is better at being subtle. Given that they believe that the god Thor is the cause of thunder and storms, it is a fairly masculine thing to have done, even if the real event is quite pathetic.
Myrun consider the whole proclamation to be very entertaining, because she has never seen or heard such a proclamation before, especially not with that kind of language from the King, so he must be 'annoyed' at a lot of people. Usually it is only new laws, major events, wars or the like that are proclaimed in that way, and everyone with an ounce of wisdom realizes how seriously King Aeriksson is. The language also shows that the King wants everyone to understand that my sejd is powerful and deadly, and my masculinity is now beyond questioning as it indirectly accuse King Aeriksson of lying, and that it is better they make King Aeriksson angry, than me.
It's one hell of a proclamation, and it should help me avoid problems, and should reduce my problems with future female gifts - so I'm happy about that. But it sure won't reduce my desirability among women. I ask Myrun to save a copy and give it to me in the future. It would be fun to have, which makes her smile.
Elvira knocks on the doorframe and apologizes for disturbing, but the craftsmen want to test the water and hot water system, and I asked to be notified. Liv and Myrun want to see, so we end our second talk. Cold water is already officially in use, and the hot water system doesn't leak and also works well. Even if the hot water hasn't become warmer than lukewarm, it is more comfortable than cold water. When I explain and show what a shower is, like warm soft rain indoors to clean under, it becomes clear that Myrun and Liv will try to shower tonight. Its fortuitous that the cook is working the fireplaces hard to feed all of us and try all the possibilities the kitchen provides, as a lot of hot water will be used this evening. Jane's enthusiasm has already got everyone interested, and I will take the first shower myself.
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Iselin is waiting for me outside the big bathroom, with a towel and a change of cloths and a sinful smile. She tells me that Jane slipped into the small bathroom and is already taking a shower, but I don't mind giving Jane that small victory, and hold the door open for Iselin.
When we come out we are clean and relaxed, and Jane looks out the door from the kitchen. She grins and says, "So that is why you took your time. Oi! Kari!" She nods toward us. Kari comes out of the kitchen, with a towel and change, sees Iselin, gives me a kiss and goes into the big bathroom. I need to remember to make her feel special. Jane accompanies us as we walk to the main building:
"Ciara's in the smaller bathroom. Robert, I've never been so happy for a lukewarm shower. That felt... divine. I'm happy that I didn't arrive here tomorrow and could have experienced this house before we talked. I would have been fucking desperate to stay, and an even more epic moron." Jane stops us outside her bedroom. "I've been thinking. Say your theory is correct about travel here require a strong Aurora, lightningstrike and unchanged nature. This happened in the summer, and was very strong. So, shouldn't that mean that the Aurora covered at least a large part of Europe, if not further? When lots of people are out hiking in mountains? Shouldn't it be quite likely that there was a lightning storm somewhere that might have sent other humans here?"
"Actually, that is a good point. I've been hiking in lots of mountains all over Europe at that time of the year, and the weather have turned bad before. Although never with a lightningstrike really close by. Weather tend to shift in mountains more and faster than at the coast, and if I remember correctly, bad weather happened to me in Andorra, Ireland, Scotland and several times in Norway. Oh, and Adrspach in the Czech Republic." Jane har ett belåtet leende. "And I did meet other hikers. In Andorra, over an hour it went from a warm sunny day to a sharp drop in temperature while absolutely pouring down rain and lightning, but I just threw on a poncho and kept walking down through the streams forming on the path. The weather might stay bad, so no point in trying to make camp and wait it out. I only had 3-4 hours down to the car. I poured out water from my boots a couple of times, and my feet was bad over the next few days, but it did keep raining. I passed many many hikers taking shelter under trees or heading to the closest refuge, and I helped some pass slippery and really bad sections. Most didn't even have boots or anything extra to wear. Few had more than a bottle of water and a waistbag."
"Oh, you mean they were less prepared than me?"
"Thats a low threshold to pass, so drop the smugface. You did more than a 'up and down' daytrip. We might not be the only humans here after all, although you shouldn't get your hopes up about company. If other humans did come here, quite a few might not have survived to civilization, or ended up in a bad situation. It might be damn hard to find them. News travel slow, and you know I've kept a low profile about being human. We might find out from new inventions or ideas, and if word of all my stuff spread, other humans might suspect. Hell, they might get inspired. Like my North arrows are ridiculously simple to make, and electricity is just a complicated, but good, way to do it."
"It is?"
"Yes. Compasses are a very old invention, and while some were from natural magnetic rock, most later were made, and there wasn't electricity until many centuries later. And no, I won't tell you how it is done. But now you know it can be done. And thats my point. For the elves here they're magic, but like you, a human who hears about it will understand it is a compass needle, and if they havn't already made them, many will know how to make electricity, or do it without. Shit. Humans might end up causing a literal armsrace and wars in the next few years."
"What? You lost me."
"You know stuff about war and violence will be more popular and attractive to sell to rulers than stuff like sanitation or math, and many humans will be pleased by that advantage instead of thinking its a bad idea and keep it secret. Sadly, most beings have the morals they can afford to have, and I'm not a shining exception. We all like to think about doing the right thing, but when that gets hard, limits gets moved. If you were here and alone, stepping of the boat in Borgarsandr with limited prospects, wouldn't you be tempted try to sell cannons and explosives to the King? If you could leverage it to be given a title, wealth and land? What might stop some people is the risk at being taken prisoner and be forced to make it, as any smart King would like to keep it secret and exclusive. A couple of humans might be wannabe conquerers wishing to carve out their own Kingdom. Few will be able to do what I did. We tend to think the worst of people, and justify actions by 'someone else will so, I might do it', and so on."
"Yeah, that sounds like humans." She dejectedly sighs. "Bollocks, I just did. There might be an armsrace and wars. Bloody hell. Literally."
"Yeah. Its been three months, and information about me is out there. I should use the winter to make some preparations for war and gather intel. I'll have to try and ask merchants if certain goods have become popular, or in high demand, or merchants asking about certain goods with English names. And other common languages. Humans won't know the name its called here. Like ingredients for blackpowder. Blackpowder can obviously be made from scratch, but many humans won't know how. Or demand for copper. I will have an edge in copper, as probably the largest copper mine in Europe is about 300km from here in Sweden, so news might not spread that I buy copper like crazy, but demand from other places might, although you don't need much for most things. And the copper guild like me. Periodically in history that mine supplied two thirds of the worlds production until the industrial age when demand skyrocketed. Oh well, time will tell, but I need to start getting intel. And if we learn about something, then I have a hard decision to make. Contact and say 'hello', or try to stay secret. Ally, ignore or try to remove any human from the board."
"Ooh, that turned dark."
"I generally try to help, be diplomatic and avoid violence. Violence feels caveman - the bully option - and it is the last resort. Before coming here I hadn't been in any kind of fight since childhood, and few back then too. But if I find out some human has been using violence and killing, and looks in my direction? Behave like a rabid animal, be treated like a rabid animal. I will absolutely try to assassinate that fucker before he or she even knows about me, and hopefully leave no trace what the fuck happened or who is behind it."
Jane just stares as I take Iselins hand and walk away. I don't like to talk a lot with Jane in English, with others are present. They don't know what we are talking about, so I give Iselin a brief summary that there may be more people in the world.
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Before the evening meal, I light up my first seven oil lamps and use them to illuminate the main hall, meeting room, corridors, kitchen, etc. As we sit there with our guests and eat, I think that this probably is the start of a new era for Alfheimr. Hopefully it will be bright.