An Althing for the Half-Grown was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.
Description[]
A group of children decide how they will play together by roleplaying an Althing.
Dialogue[]
Eivor came upon a group of six children holding court, having arranged eight seats in two semi-circles facing one another, one in front of sacks of beans, the other in front of bundles of hay.
- Norse Child 1: The seats have spoken! Frode, write this down! Let it be known that candied pears emerge the victor this day!
- Norse Child 2: Aw, no!
- Norse Child 1: Onto the next ruling! Shall we play in the woods or down by the river tomorrow?
- Norse Child 2: Stools on the hay-side are for the woods, and the side with the sacks of beans for the river. Pick your seats! No pushing, Bjornsson! I'm watching you!
Three children picked the hay-side, and three picked the bean side.
- Norse Child 1: Well, this is not good. It's a draw! This has never happened!
One of the kids notice Eivor watching.
- Norse Child 2: Hm ... what about the Tall One? Can we ask her to help break this tie!
- Norse Child 1: Good idea, Frode! Tall One, sit by the hay-side if you vote for the woods! For the river... the side with the sacks of beans!
Eivor stood around thinking.
- Norse Child 1: Come on, Tall One!
- Norse Child 1: Hay-side stools for the woods, side with the sack of beans for the river!
- (If Eivor left the area)
- Norse Child 2: Hey! Hey, where are you going!
- Norse Child 1: The Tall One does not want to play, because the Tall One is a big baby.
- Eivor eventually returned to help the children.
- Norse Child 1: The answer is clear! We shall play in the woods tomorrow!
- Eivor: Aye!
- Norse Child 1: Now, on to the next great matter...
All rose for the next item on the agenda.
- Norse Child 1: We need a name for our merry band. The choices are Raiders of the Cake or the Shadow Dragons!
- Norse Child 2: Stools on the hay-side are for Raiders of the Cake, and side with the sacks of beans for Shadow Dragons! Pick your seats!
- Norse Child 1: Tall One, you too! Just in case we end up in a tie again!
The same three children picked the hay-side and the same three picked the bean side.
- Norse Child 2: It looks like we are tied... for now.
- Norse Child 1: Tall One, we need your help once more!
Eivor participating in the vote
- Norse Child 1: It is final! We shall henceforth be called Raiders of the Cake!
- Norse Child 2: I like cake!
- Eivor: Cake is delicious.
- Norse Child 2: Now, on to the next vote...
All rose for the next item in the agenda.
- Norse Child 1: What should we do if we manage to capture a Pict soldier? Stools on the hay-side are for beating him up! Side with the sacks of beans for taking him prisoner! Vote!
The same three children picked the hay-side and the same three picked the bean side.
- Norse Child 2: It looks like we are tied... for now.
- Norse Child 1: Tall One, we need your help once more!
- Norse Child 1: The seats have spoken! We shall show no mercy! The Badge of Courage will be given to those who voted as such! You too, Tall One!
The young girl gave Eivor a tooth.
- Eivor: Thank you, children. Remember, never go easy on your enemies!
- Norse Child 1: Frode! Write that down! The Tall One's words will be remembered!
The young girl gave Eivor a clover.
- Eivor: Remember, the more you know of your enemy the better. Do not let any opportunity to learn more of them escape you.
- Norse Child 1: Frode! You had better be writing these words of wisdom down!
With the matters concluded, the althing was adjourned.
- Norse Child 1: Thanks for the help, Tall One.
Eivor took her leave reflecting on the children's decision-making.
- Eivor: The next generation inspires confidence. Snotinghamscire is in good hands.
Outcome[]
Eivor helped break the tie in three of the children's votes for their model Althing and gave them some words of wisdom to ponder.