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Wedding Horns was a virtual representation of one of Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan in 2020 through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.
Description[]
Eivor attended Oswald and Valdis' wedding in Elmenham.
Dialogue[]
With Rued defeated, Eivor traveled from Burgh Castle to Elmenham. When she arrived, she found the fences and posts covered in flowers and the townspeople in high spirits.
- Eivor: Wedding preparation's in full bloom.
Eivor made her way to the church.
- Anglo-Saxon Child 1: Come come, the wedding is soon to start!
- Anglo-Saxon Child 2: How grand!
Eivor approached Oswald as he talked to a woman outside the church.
- Anglo-Saxon Woman 1: A beautiful and worthy celebration, my lord.
- Oswald: Thank you. May this feast set a spirited tone for East Anglia's future.
Oswald turned to Eivor.
- Oswald: Eivor, I'm so glad you've made it! Just like you to keep a king waiting at his own wedding.
- Eivor: Yet, I arrived in the end.
- Oswald: A part of me worried you wouldn't.
- Eivor: I told you I'd see you crowned. And now here we are.
- Oswald: Without you, I'd be dead. Another wasted hope for East Anglia.
- Eivor: You look good, Oswald. Like a man about to marry a more powerful woman.
- Oswald: Do I? Because I'm nervous as hell.
- Eivor: Of all the battles a man can fight, the war against himself is the hardest to win.
Oswald laughed.
- Oswald: There is, there is! You won't be disappointed by what Elmenham has to offer.
- Eivor: You look good, Oswald. Like a man about to marry a more powerful woman.
- Oswald: Do I? Because I'm nervous as hell.
- Eivor: Of all the battles a man can fight, the war against himself is the hardest to win.
Oswald nodded, before entering the church as Eivor followed. Inside, Finnr and Wynnstan, reeve of Theotford, stood at the altar with Oswald. Finnr clasped Oswald's arm in solidarity as Eivor leaned on a column in the shadows. Valdis entered the chapel flanked by Broder and Brothir. She briefly glanced at Eivor, who nodded, before proceeding down the nave to Oswald's side. Finnr offered a cup of red paint to the couple, and they marked each others' foreheads then placed a ring on their partner's left ring finger.
- Finnr: I hereby name you man and wife. And as man and wife, I name you...
Finnr turned to Wynnstan and took the crown he offered, placing it on Oswald's head.
- Finnr: Oswald of Elmenham, first of his name, the rightful king of East Anglia... with his Lady Valdis, soul, fist, and beauty of this land.
Bells rang as the congregation cheered. Eivor nodded again and peeled herself off the column and made for the door. Exiting the church, she turned a corner to see the side lot readied for a party. Finnr walked up behind.
- Eivor: You've done it, steward. A king now sits on the throne of East Anglia.
- Finnr: Don't leave yourself out of this song. We did it together.
- Eivor: Back to your dreams, then. Of fire and Helheim.
- Finnr: I lost my way some time ago. Hard to say when. I don't want to be here. I never did. This was Halfdan's dream. He ordered me to see it through. In my dreams, I'm sailing, remember? Wind in my beard, salt on my lips. I want that life again. Whether or not I find it, only time will tell. Until then, let us feast, drink, and forget our pain!
Finnr walked off. Behind her, Eivor could hear some of the party-goers talking.
- Anglo-Saxon Woman 2: A Dane? Leading a Saxon army?
- Anglo-Saxon Woman 3: Better than her brothers too. She charged into battle without fear.
Brothir called out to Eivor from under a nearby pavilion.
- Brothir: Eivor, care for a challenge?
Eivor spoke to Brothir.
- Brothir: Eivor! Wolf-Kissed! Gaze upon my pots. They stand so strong! Unbreakable at this distance, no?
- Eivor: They are not, Brothir. My arrows shatter whatever targets they strike.
- Brothir: Even after draining so much mead? Succeed and you shall be rewarded!
- Eivor: Keep your eyes open long enough to witness this, you drunken lout.
Eivor downed a mug of ale and began loosing arrows at all the pots, breaking them.
- Brothir: Yes! That's it! As with everything, an easy task for the Wolf-Kissed.
- Eivor: Barely a challenge.
- Brothir: Impressive! Impressive! Here, as promised. Now go enjoy the party.
Eivor groaned.
- Eivor: This is beneath me, Brothir.
- Brothir: And you're no fun! It took so long to set those pots up, and I... Ooh... ale.
Brothir shook his head.
- Brothir: (blows a raspberry)
Eivor returned later and spoke to him again.
- Brothir: Eivor!
- Eivor: Still waiting for me to break your pots?
- Brothir: Yes! No one else will entertain me. Come on! Do it!
Eivor re-entered the church.
- Anglo-Saxon Man 1: I've never seen this church look so beautiful.
- Anglo-Saxon Woman 5: Oswald designed it himself. Handpicked all the decorations here.
Eivor found a note behind the altar.
- Unfinished Verses
Valdis, I have never heard a name such as yours. But it brings to mind the flowers of my—
Dear, Valdis, you are our Queen now. Together we will bear the fruits of—
Valdis, you are the sole captor of my soul, my burning ember, the igneous—
Exiting the church, Eivor found another note in the longhouse.
- Nobleman's Diary
I have worked tirelessly for this marriage alliance. And now that it approaches, I find myself beset by doubts. Plagued by fears that I am unworthy as a king, a husband, even as a lover. And this woman shall be my wife—it cannot be politics alone. A woman such as Valdis deserves more. A poem perhaps? No, no ... or should I?
Returning to the main party beside the church, Eivor approached Oswald and Valdis at the stage.
- Oswald: ...so I told the Dane, "You get the wool while the Saxon gets his milk." They'll trade with each other, and when the time comes, we will make it into a good stew for everyone.
- Valdis: You like sheep?
- Oswald: I hate it, actually. When we make that stew, you can have my bowl.
- Valdis: You think in such a strange way.
Eivor spoke to Valdis.
- Eivor: What do you make of this Christian ceremony?
- Valdis: Finnr is no priest, but he did the job well enough. And as far as wedding ceremonies go, I intend this one to be my last.
- Eivor: Oswald is a good man.
- Valdis: He is. If not for you, I would have lost him. Thank you, Eivor.
Eivor spoke to Oswald.
- Oswald: Eivor! The festivities have only just begun. Enjoy yourself.
As she passed, Eivor heard some of the nearby dancers speaking
- Norse Man: Behold! How light-footed I am!
- Anglo-Saxon Man 2: You're as light-footed as a bear in a birch tree!
- Anglo-Saxon Man 3: These are the moves of Elmenham!
Eivor walked by Broder standing near the ale caskets.
- Broder: Skal, Eivor! Let's have a drink!
Eivor talked to him.
- Broder: Your fist is without ale! Let us address that.
- Eivor: Surely a special kind of mettle is required for drinking before the new king.
- Broder: A mettle not unlike your own!
- Eivor: To Odin and his endless glories.
- Brotder: And the new king of East Anglia! May his reign be long and good!
Eivor raised a glass in toast and downed the contents.
- Broder: Not bad, Wolf-Kissed! I wager you couldn't drink more than me if you tried.
- Eivor: A fool's wager.
- Broder: A challenge nonetheless. What say you?
- Eivor: I will drink you under the table.
- Broder: Confident are you? Let us see how you fair against the Ale Beast of East Anglia. And we'll make it interesting. Put your silver where your mouth is. What say you?
- Eivor: I accept.
Broder laughed uproariously.
- Broder: Then let our guts live forever in their tales. Come, let the making of a legend begin!
Broder waved her away. She returned later and spoke to him again.
- Broder: Eivor! Drink, come drink!
- Eivor: Still here, drunkard?
- Broder: Waiting for you! Come now, accept my challenge.
Broder waved her away. She returned later and spoke to him again.
- Broder: Eivor! Drink, come drink!
- Eivor: Still here, drunkard?
- Broder: Waiting for you! Come now, accept my challenge.
A crowd gathered to cheer as Eivor and Broder downed their horns of ale.
- Eivor: The ale here... it's strong. But I am stronger.
Eivor cackled.
- Broder: Aye, stronger than me. You drink as well as Valdis. Now that I would pay to see!
(If Eivor gambled on the match, the following scene will play out.)
- Eivor: Speaking of payment, where is my silver?
- Broder: Here. Well earned, Wolf-Kissed.
- Eivor: I'll (hic) get you next time.
Eivor talked to Broder after the match, slurring her words.
- Eivor: This ale is strong, Broder.
- Broder: Hah, but I am stronger! Better luck next time, Wolf-Kissed.
(If Eivor gambled on the match:)
- Broder: Now, you owe me some silver.
- Eivor: Fine, take it.
Eivor left the ale caskets.
- Anglo-Saxon Woman 6: Skal? Is that what you say?
- Norse Woman 1: Yes, to celebrate. Skal! Drink more!
Near the steps to the side of the church, Eivor heard someone call out.
- Norse Woman 2: Look there, Finnr on the roof!
- Norse Man 2: The road to Valhalla does not run that way, Finnr!
- Norse Woman 2: He's been up there a while.
As she drew near, a drunk Finnr called down to Eivor from a ledge near the church roof.
- Finnr: Eivor, Eivor. Some sweet wine for a sweet swine. Come join me!
Eivor climbed up the church and met with Finnr.
- Finnr: The Saxon god wanders somewhere up here, does he not? I haven't seen him.
- Eivor: They like to say he moves with mystery.
Finnr gave a doubtful glance, then motioned to the sun as Eivor stared confused.
- Finnr: Look, the moon! It moves untroubled now. But one day, it will be eaten by a giant wolf, and the nights will be black forevermore.
- Eivor: Are you all right?
- Finnr: I tasted glory once again! And it was good.
- Eivor: I'm glad to hear it. Now—
- Finnr: I always felt like Sköll or Hati, chasing and trying to fulfill Halfdan's wishes. But now I've caught my Sun and Moon... I've got them and I... I don't know.
- Eivor: You can let them go. Sail to a further shore.
- Finnr: My longship's in Valhalla! Or don't you remember, Fire-Starter?
Finnr collapsed. Exasperated, Eivor rolled their eyes.
- Eivor: Come on. Let's get you to solid ground.
- Finnr: Hm! Everything's spinny.
Eivor picked up Finnr.
- Finnr: You're very stong.
- Eivor: Y-you're very large.
Eivor climbed down the church and deposited Finnr on the ground.
- Finnr: Sorry for this, Eivor. I've had one last glory, I should be happy. I am happy. Thank you.
- Eivor: It need not be the last.
- Finnr: Not the last...
Finnr waved her off and fell asleep. Leaving him there, Eivor came to a feast table set with apples, bread, and a roast wild boar. Eivor frowned before turning as a tipsy Broder walked up behind her.
- Broder: The boar represents fertility. Did you know that?
- Eivor: As does Freyr. What's your point?
- Broder: You impress me, Eivor. Your battle wisdom, your strength of character, skilled in so many ways. Yet I wonder. Is there any skill of mins that I could impress upon you?
- Eivor: Even a fool has something to teach, whether they're aware of the lesson or not.
- Broder: Aye, aye. but I could show you how to wield my... plough-sword.
- Eivor: Be plain about it, stiff-spear. You want to lay with me, is that it?
- Broder: That I do. Will you follow me? To a place more comfortable?
Eivor stepped in close.
- Eivor: A good plough-sword is a rare thing. Lead the way.
Broder looked shocked for a moment before leading Eivor down some steps beside the table to a short jetty. Eivor moved to kiss Broder, before grabbing him by the neck and pushing him against the stone wall. The scene faded as they passionately kissed.
- Broder: Gods...
The scene resumed as Eivor brushed off the arm of her cloak.
- Broder: That's worth a verse or two in some skald's song. I'll remember that for all time, Eivor.
- Eivor I shall as well, Brothir.
- Broder: Brothir? I'm not Brothir! Búri's balls! You thought I was my brother?
- Eivor: To be honest, I didn't think at all.
Eivor left Broder alone to sulk bitterly.
- Broder: All day long, all I hear is Brothir this and Brothir that. How strong he is, how handsome. It's always Brothir, Brothir, Brothir...
Broder awkwardly excused himself.
- Broder: Wait, did you hear... Did my brother just call me? I think he... You know, I should go. Brothir?
Broder awkwardly excused himself.
- Broder: Wait, did you hear... Did my brother just call me? I think he... You know, I should go. Brothir?
Eivor knocked on the table.
- Eivor: Have another horn of mead, Broder. It's brewed with clover and raspberry, they say.
- Broder: Did you hear what I...?
Eivor smiled as she handed a full horn to Broder, who immediately downed it.
- Broder: Mmmm. Yes, it's good.
- Eivor: Keep that up.
Broder awkwardly excused himself.
- Broder: Wait, did you hear... Did my brother just call me? I think he... You know, I should go. Brothir?
- Eivor: Enough fun and games. I should see how Oswald is doing.
Eivor returned to Oswald and Valdis at the stage.
- Oswald: Eivor, I'm about to address our guests, and I'd like you to be there.
- Eivor: It's been a worthy ceremony so far.
- Oswald: And have you had enough fun yet?
- Eivor: I'm ready to hear you address your kingdom.
- Oswald: Good. Come, come. Join me.
Oswald and Valdis took the stage as the crowd gathered around.
- Oswald: Friends, honored guests. We've pushed through hard times. It seems like all we've known is loss. And suffering. But it is not conflict that binds us. It is compassion. May we always favor compassion, even when our enemies refuse its boon. So... to my Dane friends and neighbors, I give thanks for the bravery you have shown during our collective struggles. And for my fellow Christians, may we continue standing as examples of our Lord's grace. Lights in the dark. I see East Anglia's future right here. Right now. In all of you, Dane and Saxon alike. To our future!
The crowd cheered in support. Finnr, having recovered from his hangover, stood in the crowd and nodded in agreement. Broder, also in attendance, spoke to Brothir.
- Broder: Still a bit soft on insults, but the king has courage.
- Oswald: And to Eivor, without whom none of this would have been possible!
Oswald motioned Eivor forward, and the Viking stepped onto the stage.
- Valdis: On behalf of East Anglia, let this ring be proof of our loyalty to the Raven Clan, and all they have done for us today.
Valdis gave Eivor an arm ring.
- Oswald: Would you have any words of wisdom for us?
- Eivor: Oswald – you would not have been my first choice as king. Nor my second. I thought you weak, bendable, without resolve. But not all men are as they first appear. I came to see that Oswald's heart is amongst the largest I have ever known. He is sturdy, he has wisdom, he has courage. All qualities worthy of a man to be king. He is the king East Anglia deserves, and the king you need. To the good King Oswald!
- Finnr: Okay, everyone, the bridal race starts now. Remember, you all have to lose to the bride and groom!
Eivor and the attendees raced to the longhouse.
- Brothir: Quick, brother!
- Broder: We can't lose to Oswald!
Eivor arrived at the longhouse behind all the other participants. Out of breath, Brothir laughed at her.
- Brothir: You lost!
Eivor bowed, accepting her defeat. Later, she sat alone, watching the party until Oswald stepped before her.
- Eivor: It was a beautiful wedding, Oswald. Like you said it would be.
- Oswald: Thanks to you and everything you've done here.
- Eivor: It won't be easy putting the pieces of East Anglia back together. But you won't be alone. Saxon and Dane have banded together in your name. You're the right man for the throne, and they'll be with you.
Oswald turned to see Valdis talking to Broder and Brothir. She noticed him and nodded before resuming her conversation.
- Oswald: Thank you, Eivor. I don't know what to say.
Eivor and Oswald shook hands.
- Eivor: There will be a day when I come calling.
Oswald nodded.
- Oswald: Goodbye, friend.
- Eivor: Until next time, great king.
- Finnr: Steady all. And ready yourself for the wedding race, the king and his bride against all!
A wounded soldier entered the churchyard, interrupting the festivities.
- Norse Soldier: My king!... He... he—
Rued suddenly came from behind and impaled the man on a blade.
- Rued: The sheep you left to guard me have been shorn! Oswald! King of the sheep-fuckers! Show your eyes!
Oswald glanced at Valdis before descending the stage steps to meet Rued.
- Eivor: I challenge you!
- Oswald: I accept.
Eivor nodded.
- Rued: No square. Only sweat and blood!
Eivor walked up to Oswald.
- Eivor: He may be wounded, but do not let your guard down.
- Oswald: Let's settle this.
Rued drew his longsword.
- Rued: I will bury you, Saxon! I'll take all that is yours!
Oswald drew his short sword and readied his shield. Rued initiated combat with a heavy swing, which Oswald deflected. The two began fighting, with Oswald using his smaller stature to dodge Rued's blows. In short order, Oswald shield-bashed Rued to the ground and moved for a killing strike with his sword, only to feint and kick Rued in the head.
- Oswald: Should a king show mercy to one so malevolent? So cruel?
Rued painfully rose to his knees.
- Oswald: I'll not give you the satisfaction of a good death, for my God forbids such cruelty. Therefore you are outcast, from this moment on.
- Rued: You have won! My life is yours.
Oswald shook his head.
- Oswald: Your life is God's.
Oswald cut Rued on the cheek as Brothir flinched and Broder shook his head.
- Rued: Raaaah!
- Oswald: Now go, leave my kingdom and never return.
Publicly shamed, Rued rose to his feet and walked away.
- Broder: I do not understand this Saxon religion.
- Brothir: Oswald is a coin, one side mercy, the other courage. There are few like him, I'll admit. Saxon or Dane.
Finnr walked up to Eivor.
- Finnr: Such a strange display. Courage and restraint like I have never seen. With all that's happened, with all the chaos Rued wrought... still Oswald found reason to spare him.
- Eivor: It is a strange thing.
Oswald approached the two after sharing a moment with Valdis.
- Finnr: A remarkable thing. From what inner spring does such kindness run? I'd like to know.
Finnr knelt to the ground.
- Finnr: With my duties here fulfilled, I now choose East Anglia. I fight for you, my king.
- Oswald: Rise, old friend. You're embarrassing me.
- Eivor: Be well, Finnr. Your choice is a bold one.
Finnr nodded, then left.
- Eivor: You continue to surprise, Oswald of Elmenham.
- Oswald: Thank you. When we first met, I made an oath. I promised you an alliance.
Eivor nodded.
- Eivor: You did.
- Oswald: You'll have it. So long as I draw breath.
- Eivor: Till next time, king.
The wedding attendees gathered in a circle as Rued and Eivor fought.
- Rued: You! Always getting in the way.
East Anglia can burn for all I care!
Eivor killed Rued. Oswald walked up to Eivor and looked down at Rued's body.
- Oswald: I wish it had not come to this. So much death. So much anger.
- Eivor: What's done is done.
Eivor turned and walked away.
- Oswald: You're leaving now?
- Eivor: I should. Your wedding should be a day of peace and happiness. Today I lack both.
- Oswald: Eivor. You've done East Anglia a great service. I promised you an alliance, and now you have it.
Oswald and Eivor shook hands.
- Eivor: And one day I will need you to make good on that alliance.
Oswald nodded as Eivor took her leave.
- Eivor: I should find Finnr. Say goodbye before I leave.
Eivor met with Broder outside the main hall.
- Eivor: Broder.
- Broder: Eivor. You will be missed.
- Eivor: I gave you a few good memories to keep.
Broder laughed.
- Broder: That you did.
- Eivor: Take care of your king, Broder. He will need you in the years to come.
Before leaving, Eivor spoke to Broder once more.
- Broder: The old soft-heart has guts. Strange I never saw it until now.
Eivor entered the hall and saw Brothir.
- Eivor: Brothir. Oswald is in your hands now. Protect your king. And call out to my banner should the need arise.
- Brothir: Aye, Eivor. Without a moment's hesitation. Travel safe.
- Eivor: I will, friend.
Before leaving, Eivor spoke to Brothir once more.
- Brothir: We met in a play of fists, Eivor, and now look at us! Fast friends!
Eivor spotted Valdis warming herself by the fireplace.
- Eivor: Valdis.
- Valdis: Will you not stay a moment longer, Eivor?
- Eivor: I should not linger. My banner-folk await my return.
- Valdis: I understand.
- Eivor: Take care, Valdis. You fought well, and won yourself a worthy king.
- Valdis: I did, didn't I? Take care, Eivor.
Before leaving, Eivor spoke to Valdis once more.
- Valdis: Thank you, Eivor, for making today a reality.
Eivor then found Oswald sitting at the table set for the new couple.
- Oswald: A dream come true, like none other. Thank you for everything, from the bottom of my heart!
Before leaving, Eivor spoke to Oswald once more.
- Oswald: I'll send a message to Halfdan in the North. He'll be please to knot that a king now sits upon East Anglia's troubled throne.
Eivor found Finnr leaning on a support beam across from Oswald.
- Finnr: Ah, greetings, Eivor.
- Eivor: You're missing the festivities.
Finnr waved his hand dismissively.
- Finnr: I've had my fill.
- Eivor: It's as much yours as it is Oswald's.
- Finnr: I was a crumbling man, Eivor. Before all this I thought I'd died a tired old failure. But now, my heart burns bright, with newfound fire. I want to live hard, die fierce.
- Eivor: Glory cares not for age, Finnr. Sail with me. My ship could always use a wise head and a strong axe.
- Finnr: Together?
- Eivor: Together.
- Finnr: I'll gather my things.
Before leaving, Eivor spoke to Finnr once more.
- Finnr: What a celebration!
As she left Elmenham, Eivor saw an elderly woman and her son also leaving the party.
- Anglo-Saxon Woman 7: It's good that Oswald married a Dane. I'm tired of fighting.
- Anglo-Saxon Man 4: I know, Mother. Maybe peace is the way of things now.
Outcome[]
Eivor joined the wedding guests in celebrating the marriage of Oswald and Valdis.
Trivia[]
- If Eivor romanced Broder and then called him by the wrong name, he complains about how wonderful everyone thinks his brother is and how it's always "Brothir, Brothir, Brothir." This is a reference to a scene from the 1960s TV show The Brady Bunch, in which Jan complains about her sister and everything is always "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia".
- Finnr can be recruited as a member of the Jomsvikings depending on decisions Eivor makes in the memory.
- If Eivor chooses to spare Rued in A Fury from the Sea, he will appear in the memory after Oswald's speech. Choosing to let Oswald duel against Rued will prevent Finnr from being recruited, as he will pledge his allegiance to Oswald. Choosing to duel against Rued in Oswald's place will allow for Finnr to be recruited.