Chapter 1 – Are You Ready?

“Master, the settlement for the Desuigon’s has completed.”
“Understood. Ensure the protective barrier is maintained while I am gone. Additionally, I have uploaded a transport design for you to implement. Once that is complete you can work on the ocean’s lifeforms.”
“Understood and commands confirmed, master.”
The light comes down to start the construction of the transport system.
As the first bit is laid, I am greeted by a recently awoken Hákonr.
“Good morning, Mr. Ninety. What is it that you are constructing?”
“Good morning to you Hákonr. This is a mass transport device that Ástríðr has devised to enable connection to the other villages.”
“That does seem different than the individual vehicles we once used.”
“Indeed. I assume you may eventually bring back that mode sometime after I meet with the Dark Elves.”
“You will meet with them and they live?”
“Currently their status is unknown and my initial reading of Svartalfheim showed no active Tornado of Souls where their lives would be housed.”
“That is unfortunate. I hope your reading was in error.”
“As do I. I have need of their making skills. Not for me but for the Midengardians and the Desuigons to defend yourselves.”
“I’m sorry, but who are these Desuigons?”
“Forgive me. I neglected to inform you of their existence. They are a race of aquatic beings from the planet Desuigo who were expelled from the creature who called itself Kraken.”
“And these Desuigons are a peaceful race I hope.”
“They are a mostly peaceful race but do know how to defend themselves if provoked.”
“That’s good to hear. If they want to live in our waters, I don’t see any issue sharing our world with them if they feel they have nowhere else to go.”
“They do have a world to go back to but these particular Desuigons tire of their strife against that world’s surface dwellers and have decided to live in peace in the ocean here if they are allowed to.”
“I don’t see a problem here but I don’t know how the other villages will respond.”
“Your observation is astute. I will have to also bring their existence to the attention of Jarl Ivar and Jarl Hrólfr and see what they decide.”
“I see that they have leaders already. Has one been decided for here as well?”
“I intended to ask you to provide that function.”
“Me? Why do you think I should be?”
“Your past in a military leadership position should be more than sufficient wouldn’t you think?”
“Oh, I see. If there is none other here to lead this village then I would be honored to do so.”
“Assuming there are no objections to you doing so from the other villagers.”
“Of course. Are you going to be off to Svartalfheim soon?”
“I will depart once Ástríðr and Fenris are ready and have arrived.”
“I see. Well, I will leave you so you can make your departure.”
Just as Hákonr leaves Ástríðr and Fenris exit the nearby domicile wearing similarly matching outfits.
Ástríðr is wearing blue leggings that extend up above her torso with a strap over each shoulder.
The green animal skin gloves match the color of her shirt under the shoulder straps.
Atop her head is a yellow helmet with a light in the middle of the front.
Fenris’ is much like Ástríðr’s but the leggings green and the shirt and gloves blue.
Fenris’ ears protrude from the top sides of her helmet and there is an opening in her leggings where her tail exits.
“We’re ready to go.”
“What is the reason for your ridiculous attire?”
“It’s not ridiculous. It’s the perfect outfit for exploring caves.”
“If that is how you interpret our investigation of Svartalfheim.”
“Yeah, speaking of Svartalfheim, where’s the transport pod?”
“We will not be using it. The closest beachhead to us is in the direction of Svartalfheim via seacraft.”
“A…ship, or is it a boat? I always get those two confused.”
“The seacraft is only big enough to hold just the three of us comfortably so it would meet the closer definition of a boat.”
“Yeah, I guess so. I mean it’s not like we’re not going to be rowing our way to Svartalfheim. Or at least I hope not.”
“Your deduction is correct.”
“Which one? I don’t really want to be rowing my way to Svartalfheim.”
Fenris tugs on Ástríðr’s leggings.
“What is a boat and what is rowing?”
“I feel you should explain to Fenris during our way to the beachhead.”
“Yeah, I will but you never answered my question.”
I mount my repair assistance vehicle and depart the village.
“Wait a minute. I said I’m not gonna row!! Mr. Ninety!!”
Ástríðr’s repair assistance vehicle with her and Fenris aboard departs the village and begins following my trajectory.