Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Earth - Bømlo

(snip)

“As for how you can help? First, I’d like your blessing and permission to go get her. Second, I’d like you help her process wha’ happened. I know she needs some time. So she has four more days, that’ll make a week.” and he nodded slightly at Cuyler. “And last… as a personal favor… could ye make certain she’s nae got anything sharp or pointy at hand when I come? I’d hate to start our marriage off with a mortal wound.” and he grinned as he took a drink.

Seamus McKenzie, Foresight Is Key

Now Cuyler really laughed, slapped his knee and after a moment took a deep breath. “Sorry, sorry. First of all this is Viking territory, you don’t need my blessing but if you want it, you have it, Seamus. We’ll get her settled and put to rights, though I can’t say that will help you. Ragna…well she’s all fire.” He chuckled again, “Aye I’ll make sure she’s got nothing sharp and pointy, nothing blunt either. Now part of this will be up to your timing, she practices every day, so you’d best not show up while she’s doing that. There’s a hunters blind southwest in the village. No one knows it’s there but me an my wife. When you’re chief you gotta get creative about being left alone sometimes. I suggest you keep an eye out there. I don’t suppose she’ll have time to pack,” and he laughed again, “My brother or I will drop her things off to your boat that morning. She’ll be after getting a new blade so I’ll make sure my brother takes his time on that one. There’s a fisherman’s hut just around the bend there,” Cuyler pointed. “You’re welcome to it, or you’re welcome to stay in the village but....that’s ruin the surprise. She’s due back tomorrow night.”
Cuyler, I’m getting a front row seat

“I’ll stay in the forest. Less chance anyone finds me and asks questions. The last night I’ll go to the blind. Mid-morning I will come for her. Should I come to your home?”

Seamus McKenzie, Planning For The Future

“Lad you come for her where and when you want, my home, the village center, sneak in her bedroom window for all I care. Mid-morning though, she’ll probably headed to the meadery.”

4 Days Later

Ragna was miserable, there was a gaping hole where Seamus should have been, and he wasn’t. The first day she’d spent in the archives double checking things she’d learned. The other half the day she trained, whacking away at training dummies and anyone dumb enough to agree. The second day she’d bugged her Uncle about a new sword, helped in the forge got in the way, annoyed him, the man wouldn’t move faster. Her aunt sat with her, tried to talk to her, gave her tea to help with her head. Though they all knew it wasn’t the migraine or it’s after affects bothering her now. That night she called Revna, apologizing. She hadn’t been able to get the papers and her letter delivered. Revna, as always, was caring compassionate and dug until Ragna told her what was going on. When Ragna told her she couldn’t breath anymore, it broke Revna. She knew what that was like. She called her Da insistent to know what was going on. He told Revna, Revna told Mike, she made her Da promise to get a vid. The third day, Cuyler worked with her till she couldn’t pick the blade up anymore, which meant almost all day. Then Helka took her and they had a long talk. She called Revna again, this time begging her to call the marriage void. Revna refused, telling her she had to wait: a year and a day. That was the law. She cried, sobbed, every night.

The fourth morning she was up early, before everyone else, unable to sleep, she called Runa this time, and Runa offered to come home. She cajoled Ragna into eating something while she watched, threatening to call their mom if she didn’t. Once the comm went black Runa swore in Norwegian and seriously considered getting someone in the village to tell Seamus to get a move on. Really what was it with McKenzie boys and waiting to get their women? AND MAKING THEM CRY! Mike’s bar and a few dents in the wall that day.

Ragna loved her clan, but she didn’t feel much like watching them be happy. She crossed the village center heading straight for the meadery. Cuyler was already out as always, working at the fence. “Ragna! Toss me your knife. Mine just broke. I’ve got to get this fence fixed before that bull decides he needs more children this season.” Ragna stopped, pulled the knife from her side and handed it to him. If she’d been wearing boots she’d have offered him those too. Da was always breaking knives. “There ya go, only one I’ve got today.” She headed off without a word.

Cuyler chuckled, watched her leave and then turned walking past the blind and dropped the knife into it. “Just make sure she gets it back…when it’s safe.”

Ragna Edman, Existing isn’t Living