"In short, as you see our journey has gone well, and we were able to buy everything except most of the clothes and shoes that Dagny had already sold, and a few things as mementos. We sold the sundial the first evening to Jarl Steinnes, and it was mounted on a square in the harbor before dinner the next day.
It only took a day to locate Dagny working on a farm outside Kambsnes. Of course she recognized Jane, and I was introduced as Sejdmann Arnessons concubine. It wasn't difficult to buy most. Jane had prepared a sketch of Tom on paper from her 'mobile' and with it in the bargin we bought everything except the 'multi-tool' and the 'wristwatch' for only 35 ounces of silver. I informed her that for my man most have limited value, but he wants to keep it away from the public as it can be dangerous if not taken care of properly; the sejd might make them start a fire and the smoke and material is toxic unless handled and disposed of properly, and I pointed out the small logos much of them have and lied about what they ment. When we passed by, my man wanted us to try to buy it. And if Sejdmann Arnesson doesn't have much use from them, who does?
Dagny tried to bargin for more silver, because if we traveled all the way there to buy it, they must be worth more. But she got dejected when I told her that we were there and in more towns along the coast to sell Sundials - a new thing my man created - and test the improvements of the ship while spreading the rumor about the Academy and the upcoming Auction. Buying her things was just a thing to do on the journey and she can go down and look at sundial in the harbor that Jarl Steinnes bought. Had her things been really important, my man would have been there with us and we wouldn't have waited until we happen to pass by. We could have been here weeks ago. Dagny didn't understand that the 'wristwatch' is a much advanced arm carried version of a sundial, but it is very nice, though not so heavy nor gold or silver, so I managed to buy the wristwatch for an additional 5 ounces of silver.
I told Dagny to keep Tom's 'multi-tool' because it was not that important, and of course she understood that it was valuable - it is a nice good knife, but most of the tools isn't much use here. If she needs silver, she might be able to sell it for maybe 5 ounces to the right person, but she shouldn't wait too long. My man could of course buy it, but for him the value is somewhat lower; he has several of his own and already made tools that are similar in quality here and will start selling, so she should hurry. I showed her my knife which is much more impressive, bigger and looks more exclusive. She included the multi-tool for an additional 4 ounces, and what sealed the deal was that she got to come along on our way back, all the way to Skiringsalr."
Robert is so pleased that we got everything, and don't care for the 44 ounces of silver. In the end Dagny was really happy when she got gold and silver it in her hand, and gold has its own allure. It is a great wealth for an ordinary woman here, and it is possible to buy a good small farm with it if she is lucky and finds someone that will sell. She will also have enough to buy animals and probably her own female slave, as she already has 22 ounces of silver from the clothes she sold. In the end, she has earned 6-8 years salary for her short time with Tom. It is easier to find land to buy in the southern or eastern parts, which was the reason she wanted to go there. She will never know that Robert had even given me permission to include land and animals down south in the deal if I had too, and 44 is far far below what he said I could give. With all the sundials sold, we actually have more silver and gold with us back than when we left.
It warms me inside that I got such a good deal that Robert thinks it is a piffle. He doesn't really care about things like the multi-tool, but it is a small sum for him, and he prefers to keep Midgård things from others. Robert can so easily earn huge income on just steel and North Arrows, so what is such a piffle?
It was entertaining to see how Jane cursed over the 'powerbank' with the 'solar panel' when she got reminded about it. I had to promise to not tell Robert that Jane wants it badly, because even though she doesn't need it when she lives here, she has learned that backup plans are good to have. They both have so much 'technology' with them, that it must be an important part of life in Midgård, so it might be understandable that she doesn't want to be dependent on Robert for 'power'. For them that word is more about 'electric energy' than what people here associate with that word. Jane seems to be worried that we will force her out of the mansion sooner or later, and then a 'solar panel' will be important. But it does have a sejdish white light that is very practical, so I understand her. It is good that Tom never showed that to Dagny or how to 'charge' his things.
On the journey after Dagny left, I told Jane what Robert had been willing to pay, and Jane admitted she already knew she was so damn stupid for not seeing the value in Tom's things and could have shared them with Dagny, especially the technology that Dagny didn't understand or saw any use for. And Janes right; she could have gotten rich, and she still underestimated what Robert was willing to pay, which has made her re-evaluate why Robert consider them worth that much.
Jane is deeply impressed that Robert seems to find an alternative use for everything, even what she considers to be garbage, but their value and use are sometimes obvious after he have explained it to her, even if she refuses to say more than that. She is annoyed that she seem to lack the skill and knowledge to use it, even after being told. It confirms my belief that Robert is good at seeing opportunities in everything and obviously is a very skilled craftsman, and it makes me even more proud of being his woman.
I also promised not to tell him how impressed she is with his skill and knowledge in the most widespread areas, even what are traditionally women skills, and how much he has managed to do here in such a short time. She is really annoyed that she performed chores that anyone could do, on a farm in nowhere and 'lived in this world', while he immediately began to improve and change Alfheimr into their world. That made me really start to understand how powerful some of the things and technologies Robert have started to introduce here really are, because Jane seem to thinks it is completely insane with just what he's accomplished so far. And Robert has just started.
My lovely man tuck a few loose strands of my hair behind my ear without really thinking about it, mimicing how I often do it, and let his hand caress my face. I give him another quick kiss.
"So, the journey continued to Dufansdalr and on to Njahamrar. I sold a sundial in Dufansdalr and two in Njahamrar, where Dagny left the ship as she found land to buy, so Dagny doesn't doubt the story, especially after she understood how enthusiastic Asta and the crew is over the new sail. So there is now a sundial in the center or by the harbor in each of the largest coastal towns from Kambsnes in the north to Miohus in the south.
Asta would also like you to know, that we sailed directly from Njahamrar to here, which saved time, and that she has taken sun heights many times during the journey and every one has been right and she wrote it down for the future. She is very happy with the ships maps, sextant and ships compass, and I must say she is skilled and fast at the math. I can follow her calculations but she is so much faster."
Its so nice to see Roberts smile, and I happily let him kiss me. He has such high hopes for both Asta, the shipscompass and the sextants, and every confirmation that it is useful makes him happy. I wonder if Robert really understands what a reputation he and his ship are starting to get among seafarers, and how fast it has spread. So many sailors and Captains just wanted to come aboard, touch the ship, its nameplate, talk to the crew and Asta.
Asta was so proud to show the sextant, the ship compass and tell them about the maps. How she can sail wherever she wants, directly, without having to follow the coast, or just guess and hope for the best. Asta knows that the ship will get there even on a gray day without sun and we have already sailed through nights without sight of stars, or cloudy gray rainy days, and become lost, and she really wants to try to make long voyages across the seas to the distant islands out there. A couple of Captains have reverently just wanted to touch the ships compass, as it was a holy relic, and its mighty sejd is worthy of their admiration. The ships compass should be decorated with engravings. Most of what Robert does should be decorated and made more beautiful, but he has no interest in it and considers it unnecessary work. But someone else can be hired to do the engravings, and it shouldn't be hard to talk him into it.
Asta avoided going in to details to visitors, but almost no one can even read the numbers, understand her tables, or follow the calculations - for almost everyone it is really sejd, with sejdish runes. But they understand that she didn't invent it, and it is a better system for counting things and navigating; a sejd for seafarers and traders, developed by Sejdmann Robert Arnesson. There is probably few sailor who doubts what Robert have created, even if they do not dare to use it. There was a few who admitted they have made lifepreservers, and there is a rumour about a life being saved. Robert knows it goes against the image of being manly, bold and unafraid, but eventually it might become common after some with it survive. A lot of people will continue to die before they slowly start to learn from survivors.
It was also fun to see how proud the crew is that they can fetch 'their' monocular whenever they want, and have let some important visitors carefully try to use it. The man up in the masts lookout usually bring it while sailing, and Asta find some amusement in that duty have become more appreciated. The crew absolutely enjoy resting in deck chairs on the foredeck while in good weather. The crane is another thing, and it have been shown to a couple of Captains and crews, as well as how the deck prisms give light below deck. I believe I've never seen such jealousy from seafarers as some visitors were when they left, and many Captains and Storman have asked if things like this will be sold by Robert.
Asta and the crew have told so many visitors about Roberts Academy, and that it will sell things as well as teach navigation among other topics. Robert will have so many willing students. Seafarers, merchants and Kingdoms will drown him in gold to get those seats at the Academy. There will be a waiting list.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Dagny was not prepared for the visitors and the reverence, and she no longer doubts the purpose of the voyage or how valuable Roberts creations are - or Roberts power - but she mourns that Tom wasn't his equal, and that her chance with Robert disappeared before she even understood it. She tried to hide it, but was so jealous of me and Jane. I wonder if the other two women in Hildifjoer really understand what they missed.
I have to remember to ask Robert about the ships name, and what 'Nerd' means. I still don't know why Jane thinks the name of the ship is so funny. Why she just shakes her head or smiles when she sees the nameplate. One day she suddenly asked me to explain the name again and then she started laughing. Really laughing her ass off. She just said 'Nerd' several times and laughed.
"The journey, however, has been really boring. Trapped on a ship, lying rocking in a hammock and after the first days we had several windy and quite cold mixed with rain. Robert, I want to be the first to say that even if we only lived here for a short time before the journey, I really missed what you call the amenities - warm room, hot water, showers and toilets. I can only imagine how you and Jane must have felt when you came here. I have been looking forward to a hot shower and will soon take one, and it would be nice if someone could scrub my back."
I give Robert a meaningful look, and he understands. I of course made sure to wash myself properly before we stepped ashore, so I would be presentable to Robert, but I am really looking forward to that shower and scrubbing.
"Iselin, I've heard people talk about the magnificent nature that exists in the northwest, but your home country are fabulously beautiful, albeit harsh with limited land to cultivate, and I saw only a small part. I hope we all can take a summer voyage together in a couple of years, and continue far north. Experience the land of the midnight sun. Asta has been nice company and accompanied us from time to time. I only talked a little with Dagny before she left in Njahamrar, and mostly Jane and I have talked to each other to practise her Norse, while discussing clothes and other things."
I give Robert another meaningful look as I say that, and he understands that Jane shared so much about Midgård sex and clothes. Janes wicked content smile isn't the least bit discreet. It was such a good opportunity to take advantage of the fact that Jane, unlike Robert, drinks mead, but prefers wine. Another sign that she has grown up among their nobility, and I brought some wine and mugs to lighten her tongue. We have had several days and evenings on the ship where I methodically got her to talk a little more each time.
I did not expect Midgård to have such a huge amount and variety of sex and I doubt Jane even told me half. Quite different from what I heard guards, maids or others women talking about in the castle. So many names for different things. Such ingenuity!
But I should have understood that in a world that has come that far with technologies, they will of course used the same progress for sex as well. They have more time and more amenities, because they do not have to spend time farming, and they have needed to invent things to spend time. Where you can just turn on a tap to get hot water, and shower whenever you want to and don't need a maid to wash clothes. A 'machine' does it by itself and you can take out clean dry clothes after a couple of hours. That almost everyone, and not just the rich, have so much free time that they have to invent things to make time go by. That entertainment is such a huge part of their world, and they seem to have so much variety. Because people get bored with the same old things. Huge warehouse shops, just for games! Warehouses just for sexy cloths and accessories for sex!
I have heard and know how much sex it can be here when there is time for it, especially during the dark winter months, and they have it so much safer from diseases and more ways to avoid children. They even have ways to forsee future sickness before a child is even born - before it is even concieved - and can move the seed from one woman to another! Their 'doctors' can cut open a woman and remove the child and then sew her back up without problems. They're so skilled at it that some women choose to do it instead of giving a natural birth. Because its easier and might not even give a noticeable scar. Jane is horrified by how common it is for children to die young and deaths from childbirth, and I can understand that when it is that rare in her world. Her fear to have a child here with Robert is understandable. She see it as life threatening. Like a man walking in to a First Blood duel.
I feel Roberts hug, and I would like to spend so much more of my time in Roberts wonderful embrace, and I have missed him so much. Midgård must be absolutely wonderful and fantastic.
Jane doesn't understand how much pleasure and excitement I have found in almost everything she hinted at before we left. After that first night when Robert took such good care of me, I am not afraid to try anything with Robert, and I know that he will do everything for me and that I can trust him. After that first interesting sexual experiences from Janes hints that I had never considered, I have slowly gotten Jane to give me more and more tips, and she seems to enjoy giving me information to tease Robert for being 'so boring', and the journey and the wine have made her it easier to use her carelessness.
Jane apparently doesn't actually know how enjoyable much of it can be with the right man, because she admitted that she never went far with Tom, but I think that Tom was not caring and tender enough. Not careful, and didn't think enough about her pleasure. Robert enjoys it more when he knows I am enjoying it. When we share pleasure. We'll take it step by step, but during the journey I got so much more information that I burned into my memory. So many possibilities. Jane is probably right that Robert as a single man with something called 'internet' will probably always know what I mean - what I want - but she is wrong that he wouldn't tell or suggest it because he is 'too boring'. I have to be the one to take the initiative, which I'm happy to do. At least until we get behind closed doors.
What was Jane saying? "No matter what they say, every man wants his wife to be a lady in front of guests, a maid in the home, a cook in the kitchen and a hóra in the bedroom. Then you have to become rich while you are the perfect mother."
In some ways, Midgård is like here, but that is only partly true of Robert, and Jane grumpy agreed. We know she has several erroneous opinions about Robert she just refuses to let go. I had to make it clear that we all though that he should take her as his kept woman and quickly make her pregnant, and it is Roberts principles, morals and ideas about what is right for us and her that are the reason why she is just a friend, and not pregnant. Something I am happy about nowadays, but of course I won't tell her that. Then he is also not 'too boring' - he is just so very concerned about us, and afraid to accidentally give us a bad experiences or make it feel forced. It is his protective instinct that prevents him from living out his desires and testing his ideas, and I look forward to exploring and broadening our sexual views together. Exploring together. Its also much better that he feels as safe and comfortable with me as possible, both because he will trust, value and love me more, but also so he won't subconsciously look for another woman to give him something he can't with us. I don't like Caecilia, but it could be much worse. Caecilia can not become pregnant. Liv is a risk, and it is good that she doesn't live here on the island. Especially if she actually gets pregnant, because Robert will surely become terribly protective of the baby and her.
Of course, Ciara would do whatever Robert wanted, but she is not particularly interested in sex or experimenting, and Robert knows it. Caecilia is a bigger threat, not least because Iselin obviously wants Caecilia in her and Roberts life, and certainly sowed the seed to Caecilias desire to be his personal maid. Caecilia is a threat because she sees Robert as Frejas emissary. When it involves sex, Caecilia will not hesitate for long to do whatever Robert wants, and feel honored to do so.
Jane warned me about Caecilia, and especially in combination with Iselin - but Jane should not think that she can distract me from her, because in the long run Jane is a much bigger threat than Caecilia, and not just because she will eventually have to bear his children. Caecilia competes sexually, but only sexually. Jane competes for his mind, heart and soul. I'm afraid it is only a matter of time before she tries to make their friendship more intimate and permanent, and she will succeed. When she realise that Robert is the only one who will treat her and give her the life she expects, and she has far too much in common with Robert, and is far too beautiful. They even have their own language, and Robert already uses her as a confidant to lighten his heart.
Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
At the same time, Jane is far too valuable to not keep close and safe, just for the knowledge she has, and it is easier to make her to reveal things than Robert, partly because she makes a different decision of what is important. Only the sketches she made on clothes, and the materials she described. Like corsets. There are wide belts for women to hold in the waist with and I already have a couple of them, but I want to see and experience what she sketched. All of it. Feel Roberts eyes and hunger when he sees me in such sensual Midgård things. Feel them under my dress, and be able to sleep in such luxurious creations. We appreciated my own creation with embroidered ribbons, and when I told Jane, I surprised her, just as I had hoped.
So much I enjoyed it behind my careful facade as I only sipped on the wine when she carelessly told me about other clothes and ideas just in an attempt to impress - to show she knew more. When I later calmly feed her bits of information about wooden things, Ciaras jewel and that I squirt, and how Robert took care of me. It shocked her, and made her tell more. Squirting is apparently not that uncommon in Midgård, and some see it as something coveted and a fetish in its own right, but I hid my pain and disappointment that Jane also don't think that even Midgård have a cure. I have to accept that I will continue to do so, but it is at least safe for the both of us.
But it was so entertaining to see her faces, and I enticed her to tell me more when we talked about positions and I told her how I love to be taken from behind; on all fours, against a wall or over a table, so I squirt down or away from Robert, and that I like to feel his hands on my hips and on my breasts. That I am his woman that he possessively takes, and the times he helps with one hand are the times I come strongest. How I love to have his head between my legs, feels his tongue and fingers. I had to correct her and say that it was my suggestion with anal sex, and that Robert didn't try to 'stick it in the wrong hole by mistake' or force me to do it, and that I love that feeling too, partly because it feels a bit sinful. Robert has become good in making that enjoyable.
It was so hard to hold a calm facade and pretend that I already knew of other things she brought up, even though we havn't tried it, while I focused on remembering every word and hint. So many ideas! I need to talk to Robert about some, get him to make some of it, and do a lot myself. Even if Jane avoided explaining what certain things mean or is, I can still ask Robert to give it a try, because he will not know that I don't know!
Jane understood at the end, especially when she one evening realised that I barely drank. I just topped up my mug when hers was almost empty. An advantage with clay or metal mugs over nicer luxurious transparent glasses or crystal. She took her loss well and said she would never play chess against me, or whatever 'poker' is. Her insight made my victory so much sweeter, and she has accepted her loss nicely, but she does not want to admit it to Robert and instead tries to pretend she did it deliberately.
My victory just get better, and so too will sex with Robert be!