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[ It's been a little while now, since Floki arrived in this world. He's had a lot to deal with, emotionally when it comes to the Gods here. Believing that any interaction, involvement or acknowledgement of them is a direct insult to his Gods, the real Gods!

It's also taken him a while to get used to the communication devices. Floki is fluent in Runes, one of the lucky and knowledgeable Vikings that managed to teach himself how to communicate through them. Floki could read and write, understand and create tales through this means, yet the phone device he was given? This was all new and strange.

So, here he was. The first appearance over the network sat in what looked like a beautifully crafted, ornate wooden Viking boat. The head was of Fáfnir, the mythical Midgard Serpent. Floki slumped against he neck of the dragon, a smirk-like sneer pulled over his lips. He placed the phone on the side of the boat, freeing his hands so that he was able to pick up a rather large wooden statue he'd handcarved himself. ]

May the Alföðr himself, bless my boat.

[ Raising both arms to the sky, fingers twitching in random movements, a strange chirp of a giggle left his lips before he stroked the statue with one hand, a gesture of praise with his other, moved down his forehead before kissing the knuckle of his thumb. ]

The true Gods should be pleased to see someone still worships them. I shall be blessed a bountiful life so long as I reject these false deities... And you should all be wise too, turn your back on their lies, for Odin is forgiving of the ignorant and blind but not those who will turn their backs in blasphemy.

[ Turning his head aside, Floki spat at the ground as if he was so disgusted in what he was saying, disgusted that people here fell for the glamour these so-called Gods had them under. ]

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I want mainly to compare notes with another boatbuilder. Our boats seem to have some structure in common, and I'm wondering about the respective histories of our worlds, and the wind and weather and water conditions that cause us to make similar choices in construction. I'm also wondering if we might work on a project together at some time? Unless your preference is to work alone, of course.

[ Curufin smiles back. ]

I don't really know the purpose of those temples. The gods spend time in them, so maybe they just think of their temples as their mansions. Nobody goes there to worship, so far as I can tell. It's true they can gift a person with minor powers, but I don't think it lasts long. And it's true they can resurrect a dead Hadrielite, and that they can materialize ordinary objects such as weapons, food, clothing, houses and buildings. This is part of their power over the physical world. I wouldn't call it a godly power, though. Not considering its purpose.

[ Curufin wonders if Floki shaves with that axe, too. XD ]

Oh, I agree with you! -- they disrespect whatever real Gods may exist. But I'd be surprised if the Hadriel gods have any awareness that there exist other powerful beings in the multiverse with a better claim to being called gods. They seem very. . . self-preoccupied. I think they'd just give you a raise of the eyebrows if you suggested that their acts are an insult to the real Gods.

Edited 2018-06-11 02:08 (UTC)

[ Another scratch to the stubble at the side of his beard as he listens to the stranger talk. His reasons didn't sound so strange after all. He had some good ideas and points. Floki could be persuaded. ]

So, you wish to learn more from my people? You believe you and I have many similarities? Perhaps you are from one of the Nine Realms? Álfheimr, Vanaheimr or perhaps even Asgard from the looks of you?

[ Floki gives a small nod of his head at the returned smile. ]

Then there is no need for the temples? Someone should take them down, it would please the Gods to do so, especially if they are not used. That or... Perhaps turn them into proper temples, for proper Gods...

[ Oh, he actually does shave with that axe! He uses it for everything from fighting to cooking, boatbuilding and shaving. Floki is a resourceful man after all. ]

And now you want to work with Floki too? Te-hee! I normally work alone, spur of the moment. I never make plans or calculate factors in... I simply see a tree and see what is inside of it, see what I can make from it, there and then.

... If you believe you can work in such a way, then I will agree.

Yes, I do wish to learn more of your people. I think it's likely we do have similarities. In our territory in our world, I and my brothers had some mortal allies in our fight against the Dark Enemy of the World. The language they spoke may have been distantly related to yours, as I've heard a similar term before: Alfheim or Elfheim. We Elves of Middle-earth called our former country Elvenhome or Eldamar.

Perhaps you can explain these Nine Realms to me? What is it about me that makes you think of the three places you named?

There is no need for the temples, from our point of view! The only use they are to us is as places we can be reasonably sure of finding the Hadriel gods if we want to make a bargain with them for something we need. But I doubt they'd let us demolish the buildings. But tell me of your Gods? Whom do you worship, and how would you honor them if you had a temple here?

[ And a resourceful man makes full use of what has been given to him or made by him. One should not slight an excellent tool! ]

[ He smiles when Floki describes his working methods. ] I often work with iron and other metals in the same way as you describe. I see what its nature is, and I see what I can do with it, and the vision flows through my mind, my eyes, and my hands, and the result is the finished product. I sometimes make plans and calculations, but not always, and I think we can easily find ways to work with one another. I would be honored to build a ship with you, Floki.

And by the way, my name is Curufin son of Fëanor.

Te-hee! So then Floki was right!? Are you Ljósálfr then? Or a Light Elf as you might say?

[ He was pleased that he had guessed right, there was something about the man, something otherworldly and Floki had a keen eye when it came to spotting the subtle differences. ]

We have Nine realms, all attached and connected by Yggdrasil, the World Tree. The different wolds all take up home on Yggdrasil's branches see? I am from a place called Midgard, whereas you would be from Álfheimr! I thought perhaps you cam from Vanaheimr perhaps as the beings that live there can see the future and are full of wisdom... You seem smart so I assumed so... That or, you were, in fact, one of the many Gods in disguise? That would mean my guess of you dwelling in Asgard placed you as a holy being.

[ Elves weren't holy but they were very powerful and not to be messed with. Floki felt he had no need to lie to this Elf, especially now he knew his true identity. ]

Unlike what you say, our Nine worlds can no intermingle so easy. There is only one safe and true way to visit another world, and that is through the Bifröst into Asgard... Something a mere mortal like myself couldn't do unless I was dead.

[ Floki could ramble on forever about his Gods and the lore that came with them, but he hardly knew this Elf, hardly knew anything about him or why he was interested. ]

Similarities... Is that the only reason you wish to learn? there is nothing cunning up your sleeve is there, Elf?

[ Curufin grins in response to Floki's giggle. It is a sudden, pleasing sound, as full of amusement and delight as it is. ] I guess Floki was right! Ljósálfr might just be the right word. We call ourselves the Calaquendi, which means Elves of the Light. It denotes those who answered the summons of the Valar, the Powers of the World, and came to live in Valinor, which was their home. We remained there a long time before we returned to Middle-earth. Which I think would be the equivalent of your Midgard.

[ It is true that Curufin radiates a subtle air of otherworldliness, and an attentive eye that is attuned to this quality can pick it up. Floki of course would be such a person. ]

Some of us can see the future -- I sometimes can, but it is not very consistent, and I can't do it on purpose. Some Elves are full of wisdom, but I make no such claim for myself. And as for holiness. . . [ He shrugs ruefully. ]. . . nope, I can't claim that either. And I'm certainly not a God in disguise.

[ Floki is right, Elves are powerful but not holy. Holiness is not their estate. ]

I like your World Tree, and I have heard of it before. My mortal allies spoke of it, though not by that name. What is the Bifröst? Is it a path of spirits?

[ Curufin wouldn't mind if Floki did ramble on forever! He is finding this fascinating. ]

Possible similarities is one reason I wish to learn. Otherwise, it is hard to say quite why. But the moment I saw your face and your boat, I had a feeling of. . . a strange familiarity, I suppose. It is quite intriguing. Why, do you think I might have something up my sleeve? [ Smile ] Do you often have to wonder if chance-met strangers are trying to trick you in some way, Floki?

[ All the words and the descriptions of what they meant, all sounded so familiar to Floki too. Could it be that they were from a very similar place? Perhaps just from another time maybe? He smiled a long and fond smile before commenting again. ]

Our worlds do indeed sound somewhat the same. Your word Valar, we use too. It means a group of Gods that foretold the end of the world. ragnarok.

[ So then he was indeed an Elf? Floki would believe him for now, though being aware of his otherworldliness still made the Viking curious, maybe he was a God in disguise and took the form of an Elf instead? He'd keep an eye on him for sure. ]

You could call the Bifröst a path of spirits, yes though it is more of a burning rainbow in the sky. A beautiful bridge for the Gods to walk, down into my world. There is a powerful God who rests at the end, keeping ever a watchful eye, making so that the Jötnar, or as you might call them, Frost Giants from entering Asgard. On nights when the sky is alive with moving colour, you can sometimes see it.

[ Floki motions with his hands, the motion of flowing and a bright smile on his face. He was enjoying talking with this Elf very much so. ]

It is often true, yes, that a chance-met stranger would have reason to trick you. You, however, I have decided do not.

[ A pause and a thoughtful expression danced over his face. ]

Would you... Would you like to come and see my boat, in person?

[ Curufin is wondering the same thing! Could their worlds be connected in time, or be slightly different versions of one another? This is a mystery worth exploring. ]

Oho! Our gods, our Valar, have also foretold the ending of the world. They say there will be a great battle, in which the virtuous amongst those slain by our great enemy will return and pitch into the fight, and all of the Valar will be there. The world will be destroyed in that mighty battle, but a new one will be made. I'd rather like to be there -- I hate to miss a fight! -- but I doubt I will be.

Bifröst is the rainbow path? Yes, I have seen it! -- a shimmering pathway in the sunset or the sunrise, and of course it's highly visible at the end of a rainstorm. I even attempted to cross it myself after I was dead, though I had to give it up because I was afraid I'd be too visible to a discerning eye, from the Earth. We have no Frost Giants except a few in the Misty Mountains far to the east of my country of Beleriand. These giants have never seemed inclined to storm the country of the Valar, although in the mountains they sometimes give travelers a hard time, I have heard. It is interesting that in your world, they have become such a nuisance to the Gods!

[ Curufin is finding this conversation equally enjoyable! ]

I'm glad you judge me to be who I say I am. I am honored to be believed by you.

[ His face lights up. ] Yes! I would be very pleased to see your boat, in person. Just tell me where I should meet you.

[ A mystery worth exploring, indeed! Floki would gladly do so at Curufin's side. Maybe they would find more things in common than first thought/ ]

It sounds like a fight to end all fights! Very much like the fables of my land speak of... Only a few differences so far, from what I can tell.

We must gather food and drink, spend us a deal of time to explore such lore and legends. What do you say? The Viking and The Elf? For one day, our tale here might just very well be a tale sang by future generations to come.

[ A wide, genuine smile pulled over Floki's lips as she said this. If he had a drinking horn at hand, he would have toasted to them!

However, Curufin gained Floki's attention once more, when he mentioned walking the Bifröst when dead? ]

So this is not the first time you have walked the earth? How did you die before?

[ He could talk to him like this for hours. Floki pressing his thumb to his lip, ready to chew should his attention waver. ]

Floki is free, like the wind. I come and go, settle sometimes. I'm sure you can find me by my boat. Now, then or after. But mostly now if you like? my head is racing you see! With questions and ideas, I want to share with you.

[ Curufin will go for this! ]

A veritable Ragnarok, indeed! Perhaps we'll meet at that battle? And wield our swords and axes together against the Powers of Darkness?

But as you suggest, we must meet and talk before then, surely! With food and drink. The Elf and the Viking will exchange stories of two strangely similar worlds, and perhaps as you say, we may venture exploits here in Hadriel that will be sung by future bards. [ All of the above would please Curufin greatly! ]

[ Curufin returns that smile with a genuine one of his own. ]

I have walked the earth more than once. In my original life, I died making the greatest mistake of my life, causing dreadful destruction and sorrow. My six brothers and I attacked Doriath, a kingdom that had never done us harm, except that its ruler was in possession of a great and magical jewel, a Silmaril, that had been crafted by our father and stolen by Morgoth, that same Dark Enemy of the World whom I mentioned before. It changed hands a number of times, and we sons of Fëanor pursued it. We had sworn an oath of eternal hatred and vengeance upon Morgoth and upon anyone who sought to keep the jewel from us. It was not an ordinary jewel, as it had been made with a little of the original light of the universe, and it shone with a great and holy light. But beautiful as it was, and dearly as we loved our father who had made us swear that Oath with him, none of it was worth the price that we paid for it nor the price we made others pay.

I and two of my brothers died in that attack. Words have great power in our universe, and such a dreadful Oath should never be sworn, for it will pursue the oath-taker until it is either fulfilled or the oath-taker is dead, and it will poison the lives of all whom it touches. I will regret my madness unto the ending of the earth, but I cannot change the past, I can only strive to make the future different.

[ He has told this story to a few, but not to many. Most in Hadriel do not know about this at all, or do not know it in detail. Nor are most interested to know. It is rather nice when someone actually asks. Besides, he wants to know Floki's story, too. ]

[ Grin. ] Now would be good! I suppose you must be on North Island, as that is the only place where there is a forest to provide the wood for your amazing vessel, and you cannot be far from the shore, or it would be too troublesome to slide the ship down to the water. How about if I bring my own boat around the island and find you?

Edited 2018-06-19 03:40 (UTC)

[ Floki listened with ears wide-open, absorbing each word spoken and turning it into images in his mind's eye. It was all so fascinating- though as the Elf agreed to meet him, Floki thought it best to keep his questions and thoughts until then. ]

Wait, let me stop you there. Come, come to Floki, we shall compare ships, talk more about the end times and how the battle it will bring will make us our fame! I want to hear more of your brothers and the evil you fight alongside them. Come, come to Floki, I will be waiting for you at the banks of the water.

[ The sparkle in his eyes indicated just how excited he was about this meeting. Wasting no time, Floki cut the video, slipped the phone device into one of the pouches attached to his belt and started to roll his ship down to the water's edge.

Floki had made the boat inland, he was currently pushing it across many long logs he had cut down and set out in a track, like a primitive train track. He had to stop every so often to move the logs that had fallen behind and set them in front to work as the new track. This didn't take him as long as you would think, so, around about the time it would have taken Curufin to reach him, Floki should almost have his ship in the water. ]

I will come, then!

[ He, too, was excited about this meeting! He took the tiller and turned the ship towards the shoreline and coasted along it for the few hours it took to reach Floki's location. When he rounded one of the little capes, there was the Viking boat in the water, not far off shore. And behind it on the shore, he spotted the rows of logs that Floki had used as a conveyer belt to get the ship into the water.

He cupped his hands on either side of his mouth and shouted. ]

Hail Floki! By all the Gods, your boat is a wonder!

[ Floki climbed up onto the tallest part of his own boat and started to wave at Curufin as he came into view and earshot. ]

Curufin! Hello, my friend! It is good to see you!

[ Yelling as loud as he could, before he started to wing off of the dragon head that sat as his boats main focal point. Excited and overjoyed to have a fellow seaman here and one that was so familiar to his own people!

An Elf? Or all the races in all the realms he would have loved to have visited his world and wanted to learn as much as he could about it. ]

You can dock over there!

[ Pointing not far from his own boat, there was a stream that came from inland and broke at the mouth of the sea, it was shallow enough to sail a boat into and the tide seemed not to pull so strongly back out. It should be safe for the time being. ]

It is good to see you, too, Floki, my friend!

[ Curufin sailed his boat to shore and then moored it in the stream-mouth that Floki had indicated. He waded up the stream bank to meet the Viking. ]

You have to show me every detail of your boat! [ Grin. ]

[ And not just the boats! They could talk more of their Gods, their lives, their peoples and worlds. This was a priceless opportunity! ]

Edited 2018-07-29 22:30 (UTC)

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