"... For no man mistakes these hostile elements as anything but a sign from the Gods."
Encamped with what measly pickings they could secure in the Drazj Wastes, a Chieftain listened as one of his men lamented the fortunes of their tribe. Drinking heavily, tensions grew - disrespect had become more common between the nomads. Unity was only necessary until the hunt was done.
"Cease the speak about the Gods; you make no offerings, amongst us are no Staagir, yet here you exercise your jaw at dinner to do nothing more than bemoan what we all face." Scowling, the Chieftain poured himself some spirits upon some foraged roots for what little flavour they could provide the alcohol.
Encamped with what measly pickings they could secure in the Drazj Wastes, a Chieftain listened as one of his men lamented the fortunes of their tribe. Drinking heavily, tensions grew - disrespect had become more common between the nomads. Unity was only necessary until the hunt was done.
"You would deny that the Gods are trying to? Even that father of yours heeded Daguyr whenever she afforded him visions! Do not act so ignorant, Yermak." Huffing, the tribesman looked to those gathered for support before continuing. "Why, you are but a bastard, of course you act a fool. Did you even serve against the Elves in his Horde? What, did he give you a little lodge that you got to hunt from while we bled? Do not blab to me. Why we even followed him I do not know - Foreseth foretold our end in his visions, and sure enough he led us to it. What fools we were to follow Virathus to war, what fools are we to struggle by the side of any who venerate the memory of an Imperial failure. You are Huu-."
Reaching for his neck, the tribesman clawed at a bowstring that pressed deeply into his skin. Some roared in approval, others looked on cow-towed. A veteran had a bowstring around the dissenters neck, and a boot pressing against his head. For mere moments did he struggle before a sickening crack. Chief Yermak looked upon the man, his visage splayed fury, but his heart heavy with grief. All bore a fury, feeling betrayed by the Empire they had been coaxed into serving. Many thought they looked onto a Golden age but months ago; here they now sat, men already looting the dead man's bowl for an extra rabbit haunch - an extra mouthful for their meal.
Bastards of Virathus and Stillicho littered the lands. All felt wronged and in ruin, having spent all their favour and opportunity supporting a man who was juxtified by the Empire he convinced them to serve. Hard was it for the Velheimers, harder still was it for all who dared not worship the Emperor. 78 000 men of Drixagh had fought bravely on the shores of Daendroc, but all were now traitors in the eyes of the Southerners. Ostracized in their own lands for aiding the Empire, and by the Empire for doing so at the behest of Archduke Krupp. It seemed a Northerner could neither be Imperial, nor a Velheimer, where they once proudly served as both.
Yermak set aside his food and drink, and started towards the East, trying to remember the Czabri Bone shores. Little come to mind; better times were well behind him, and all he faced was the unrelenting blizzards.
Ahead of him was reality; a wasteland with a sea of snow to navigate, with no where in sight to sail to. Upon the face of Yermak though, a smile only grew.
No Velheimer looked upon even the harshest winter daunted. For no matter how cruel a winter, a spring would see the Sun Smile upon the people of the North. Every chief and his tribe could ride circles around this snowy hell for generations, and they would strike the second and opportunity came before them as their kin did before them. Chests of true Northerne men and women bore hearts that never faltered - for never had a great warrior seated himself in the face of adversity.
Perhaps time would prove the people right that they were fools to follow Virathus into Imperial freys, maybe time would vindicate the efforts of those who supported him. Those of Drixagh knew though, that blizzards came upon winds of change.
Just wished to put up this post to give a little spirit to those who enjoyed/enjoy the Northerne Culture. In hindsight I realize the efforts I spearhead really marred a lot of the opportunity and such that was available to it with my hasty, then bitter departure. Here's to hoping it continues to be enjoyed without running against the grain of the story, interests and enjoyment of the server, whilst also not giving up the cool cultural and character quirks that made it so enjoyable to participate in. Happy hunting folks.
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