Diplomatic Mission (OPEN!!!)

[Baldr the Bonkers]

DATE & TIME : 1st september, Early afternoon
WEATHER CONDITIONS : slightly cloudy
CHARACTERS INVOLVED : Baldr, Ulrika, Grima, Theropix, Ari, Haldor, Harold (dear gods how many RKBs are there? lol) Open
PREVIOUS THREADS ? Ghost Stories, Not a date

(Okay, the time has come for Berk and Hysteria to meet up once more ;D)

Baldr felt someone tapping him on his shoulder and work up. Pulling his blanket off himself he looked up at the man above him, “Berk is in sight, sir.” Baldr nodded and started to get up.

Baldr looked out to see the island ahead. The Hooligans’ port was fully visible from where they were, and they were no more than 15 minutes away. It was much lighter now than when it had been the last time he’d come, so he could see the place clearly.

He quickly got to getting his the upper layers of his clothes on, as he was already wearing his trousers and shirt. They would be there soon and ready he would be in full diplomat mode. He smiled slightly, this time diplomacy might actually effect things.

He looked at the skeleton crew they had here, he had enough people to man the ship, plus Theroputix and Ulrika; he didn’t want much more than that or need more. He didn’t want them to look like an army, or for that matter leave the ship tonight.

As they got closer to the island he moved closer to the front and looked at the port as it gained more detail. He couldn’t help but smile when he saw, once again, people were there to greet him. He was glad his tidings were better this time.

[Ulrika]

Ulrika was bored. So veery bored. They'd been crossing the Sullen Sea for ten days now, and it had been a very uneventful trip. The poor Hysterians had been lucky not to have put up with her during her stay, since she was locked away, but now in a confined space, they were very glad that she wasn't staying on their island much longer, and they'd be rid of her soon enough. At least their exchange wouldn't be as annoying.

On this unknowingly final day, Ulrika leaned over the side, watching the water slide past beneath her. She had her arms over the side, but she couldn't reach the water. She was hoping to maybe see a tidal dragon, like a Scalldron or a Thunder Drum, but chance was not with her on that front. A few days ago she swore she saw something under the water, and reminded of the story of the Doomfang, freaked out, alerting everyone on the ship.

But it turned out to be a just school of whales.

A seagull flew overhead before the current lookout could shout "Land ho!, that cut through the splashing waters. Ulrika looked up, but there was nothing in view on her side. She followed the gaze of the Hysterians, seeing the healer near the bow of the ship. She jumped up from her place and went to his side, and gasped as she saw the island from afar. She had rarely seen the island like this.

She was lost for words. Home. She genuinely felt happy. And the excitement in the child that had been whittled down over the days quickly resumed it's original strength. But it wasn't just her; the sailors with her increased their activity, also glad to finally see land after these past days.

There was quite a few people in the port. People were here to see her arrival? She grinned at the attention, unaware that the majority of people were most likely here to see the Hysterians instead, whose recent issues had made them slightly higher priority than the troublesome half-feral child.

[Venny and Camo]

Camo's antennas had perked up, the ocean had made more noise than usual. Blinking from the roof he perched upon, he leaned his head forward to get a better look. It was a ship, along the docks were people greeting the ship. Tilting his head in interest, he climbed down the Sharpblade residence's roof. He was stopped from a Venny that had ran past him with panicked expression.

The viking had ran all the way toward the docks, sure she had ran out of breath by then and was huffing along to get to the front of the docks. Curiosity had wanted her to check out what the ship contained. Excitement crawled onto her face, hoping it was her dad returning from his trip. However the excitement faded as she soon discovered it wasn't him.

Still trying to catch her breath, Venny had observed the ship, it didn't look like anyone from Berk. More foreign ships settling on Berk? No, there was someone familiar on the ship. "Ulrika?" Venny asked herself quietly. Wasn't she missing or something? Instead of questioning further, the prankster had awaited until the ship had successfully stopped onto the island.
((dont mind me i just wanted to join innn))

[Halldor Frodison]

The word had come in an hour or so from several dragon riders that were on lookout duty. They had spotted a Hysterian ship, and the multiple reports confirmed that it was just a single ship on it's way, unlike the armada like last time.

Halldor wasn't going to go easy because of one boat though. He didn't know what kind of game the Hysterians were going to play this time. The under-the-table move they did to search the village whilst everyone was away made the Second in Command very wary. The little island that made their village was still under a security lockdown. At least one upside for the villagers meant there'd be no Scratchet incidents for a while.

He saw through the necessary preparations made. He knew this was going to be an exchange and diplomacy meeting than anything else, but he wanted to make it clear that their people were not one to be contested again.

But he didn't want to be too threatening to increase their animosity. He had to remember this was a simple exchange of hostages and a few words, hopefully none to drastic. He'd rather be on good terms than ignite another fight.

Of course the hype of this exchange had the village buzzing, and as he waited, many villagers crowded around the harbour, scattered along the cliffs or the path leading down to the port, but the majority were behind the Second in Command, on the jetty made clear for the Hysterian vessel to land. He had Harold and Ari, who had been looking after him this whole time, not far behind him. Halldor was also in formal wear as he waited to greet Baldr, who was now the chief, from what he was aware of.

Part of him was glad Ulrika was still alive. The week that had passed living on the news of her dragon had surprisingly put a strain on some of the vikings, especially Ulrika's sister, who was like a mother to the girl. He was aware of the issues in the family, and briefly glancing backwards into the crowd, he wasn't surprised that her parents weren't there, except a fidgeting Caedence who wanted to see her sister. But she was being blocked by the majority of beefy vikings. With her stature, it would be difficult to push through.

The boat creaked into port, and some nearby Hooligans came forth to catch ropes to haul the boat into port. His stomach flipped in relief as he caught glimpse of a yellow flash that was Ulrika's head looking over the side.

The boat finally stopped and was securely tied into place. The gangplank came down. Halldor took a couple of steps back to allow the fresh leader descend from the ship.

Here we go.

"Welcome to Berk." He greeted.

[Ari]

(OOC: I won't post anything else until Red replies with Harold, after that I'm going to restart the cycle, anyone else who'd like to join in do so now ;D)

Ari and Harold left his house and started moving towards the port. The message had come to him a bit ago that the Hysterian boat would soon be docking, so it was a good idea for both him and the their prisoner to come over. Since they’d removed his brace a week ago, they’d tried once more to get information from him again, just in case they could. He was just as un forthcoming as he had been with the damaged jaw.

They reached the port and met Halldor there. The two of them conversed about minor details, but neither were in a talking mood. Soon the ship came into site so they made sure thing were ready then waited on the best landing spot for the ship.

He wondered how his niece felt about Harold leaving today. The two had spent a lot of time together, though it was mainly due to Kenna’s guilt for causing the injury. Ari didn’t understand it, but he didn’t stop it, having Harold removed from the house every so often wasn’t so bad.

As the ship drew near, Ari thought about the message Theroputix had sent him. With the main note there had been an extra part held within, something he’d been able to burn straight after reading. He had a feeling the other Shaman wanted him to do that.

It was a request for a second alone with him if they could make it. Ari was sure he could, but why?

[Brynhilder and Shock]

Bryn had never been a fan of Hysterians. Pride. She also didn't like messing things up for Berk. Duty. This left the fifteen-year-old VIT stuck between pride and duty. Never a nice place to be. Unfortunately, there was no compromise.
Well, better to be informed and make the right decision then be ignorant and make the wrong one. She thought, flying down after she confirmed that it was indeed Hysteria and not her going psycho. Shock pulled up about fourteen feet short of landing, though, and Bryn treated her to a couple irritated expletives before glancing down.
Oh.
Venny was parked below. "Right...sorry, Shock." She muttered, going a bit red about the ears. Shock glanced back at her in exasperation, then peeled off to the left, setting down as near to the boat as she could. Sliding off, she turned to Shock. "Sorry, but I think you might have to miss this one, girl. Don't look at me like that-" She added, for the Skrill looked indignant, "-it's not your fault. I just don't want some jumpy Hysterians starting a fight because you look like you're about to fry them." Shock scowled (at least, as much as a dragon could scowl) but heeded Bryn's words, pulling back to the village. Bryn sat on one of the outcroppings on the cliff just above the pathway down to the port- about five and a half feet up.
Still wary of the Hysterians, Bryn reached one hand over her shoulder and grasped the hilt of her sword for a moment, mainly just to reassure herself she wouldn't be defenseless if this was a trick.

Amber eyes fixed on the ship, Bryn felt her curiosity grow. Was Ulrika on the ship? And how - exactly - would the prisoner exchange work, assuming there was one?

(Just dropping in as a spectator, hopefully not a complication)

[Harold]

The time had come for Harold to finally leave Berk. The Hysterians were coming for him, and somehow one of the children on Berk had managed to weasel their way onto Hysteria and caused havoc whilst he was here.

He waited at the port with Ari the healer, who had looked after him all this time. He was glad he hadn't been treated badly as a prisoner, but it also made him consider whether Berk were truly enemies.

He watched the boat coming in from afar, the colours of his island flying. He briefly glanced back into the crowds, and looked up the cliff, where he could see smoke belching from from the forge at the top. He tweaked a frown. He was going to miss Kenna. She had been so kind to him, even after what he had tried to do, and the injury she caused. It had been such a long time since he had received that kind of kindness.

He turned back, the ship was slowly pulling into port. He saw Theraputix on board, some little girl, probably that 'Ulrika' he had heard about.

And then there was Baldr. He stared, and suddenly he felt his stomach cringe. He was the leader now. This man sent Fungus, he and the others on a mission. An important one. Now they had all died, he was the only one left. And that meant he had to take full responsibility. He wasn't aware of what Fungus had done. He believed to have failed the mission. He began trembling, feeling his heart thud like a drum in his chest.

What was going to happen to him? What would Baldr be like? He had heard of this leader of the armies as a strategist, and was generally liked. But memories of Hrothgar still had him on edge. How would he react to his failure?

[Baldr the Bonkers]

As the ship pulled into the port, Baldr saw some islanders run up one of the paths so he called for the lines to be thrown to them. The ship slowly came to a halt, it was tied up and a gangway was laid. Baldr stepped onto it and started walking down, he looked at the man who was there to greet him, or men.

One he immediately recognised to be Harold, he was surprised that of all the people he’d sent to break into the village he was the one to survive. Then again, the others were a violent nuts so it’s not so surprising they got killed over him.

Next to him was an elderly gentleman, given his dress and general standing, Baldr assumed he was the healer Theroputix had mentioned to him before. Finally there was the man who was his age. Baldr raised an eyebrow at this; he had been expecting Asther to greet him. He smiled, he’d probably meet her later.

“Thank you,” the Hysterian leader directed to this man, “I’m suprised not to see Asthere here to meet me…unless something’s happened that I haven’t heard about…” he wanted to try to prompt the man to give him his name, but Baldr couldn’t think of a way.

(OOC: sorry for the prolonged time, been mentally busy, am going to try and reply quicker again .

[Halldor Frodison]

The Hysterian chief thanked him, before asking about Asther's whereabouts. "Asther is currently unavailiable at this time.[/color] He answered. Halldor was slightly annoyed that the Chief hadn't shown herself, he felt it wasn't really the done thing, especially in a shaky situation like this. "I am Halldor Ulfr, son of Frodi, the Second in Command." He added, letting Baldr know he wasn't just adressing some random villager.

Better get the house rules out of the way, thought Halldor. He wanted to show hospitality, but he knew that the Berkites couldn't trust the Hysterians into their homes. "We'll allow you space and rest for tonight, the journey must have been long and weary for you. We will provide all the necessary supplies and food you may need for now and for the return journey. However I hope you understand that we can't let you make camp in the village, you and your men will be supervised upon entry."[/color] Halldor warned.

As Baldr agreed to these terms (or not xd), the Second in Command glanced to the boat to see Ulrika's head over the side. He was anxious to get her back. He was looking forwards for the whole ordeal to be over frankly, so that Berk could once again be in peace. The presence of the Hysterians was going to definitely stir a lot of trouble, especially to those who had lost loved ones in the war.

[Baldr the Bonkers]

Baldr listened to him and and nodded slightly as he explained her absence and who he was. He couldn’t help but smile at the way Halldor said his position, he’d not expected the man to be anything but.

The vice chief then went on to explain what they were willing to give them. Baldr was actually surprised but the level of hospitality that they were giving them, he guessed it was just he was used to his uncle’s rule and he had never let diplomatic ships leave their boat for camp.

“I would not expect anything less, though I do thank you for the hospitality you are giving us.” He looked over at Harold then back to Halldor, “Shall we start with trading our people? Maybe our respective healers should go to one side with them and check they’re both fine?”

Always be willing to give token concessions up front. he remembered his dad saying, Provided to don’t give away anything important it can only strengthen your position, either by making them underestimate you or respect you. This was very token, but it did have a purpose. It meant that Theroputix and Ari could talk one on one.

“I do also want to use my time here to try and…build some sort of relationship with Berk. I am not my uncle and do not wish for use to be on bad terms because of his paranoid view of your island.” One other chip he did have. He had someone to blame for their previous relations.

[Ulrika]

Ulrika peered over the edge of the vessel. She was impatient to leave but she was subtly being held back by the hysterians. Baldr and Halldor were having a conversation, but it was boring to the girl so she looked out to the crowds. She couldn't see many people who were note-worthy in Ulrika's life, so it kinda made her a little sad. But as she looked up she could see some dragons also watching the commotion, including Bryn's Skril. She didn't know where Bryn was, but she knew the dragon wasn't far.

Perhaps they did care that she had gone. She grinned. Ulrika was definitely excited to see everyone again. She wondered where Timbersbane was... She tried to imagine where she could have gone, if she returned home for help, or got stranded or killed by hysterians... She didn't know.

Quickly enough it was time for the trade. With a nudge on the shoulder by Theraputix, they both went to the gangplank and descended. Ulrika was in half a mind to run into the crowds and reunite with her normal life, but apparently things had to be taken care of. She saw the man who had been lurking at Ari's house. He really was a weedy weakling, in her eyes. He stood there fumbling nervously. There was also Ari and Halldor looking at her. The two authoritative figures staring on her like that made her uncomfortable. Theraputix lead her towards the other healer.

Ulrika gave an awkward smile. It was only just dawning on her now that attacking Hysteria might have not been a great idea and that she was destined to get into a lot of trouble.

"Hey Ari." She greeted. Let the onslaught begin.

[Venny and Camo]

Venny watched as some guy greeted the other guy, basically it was boring and anything worth while was watching the reactions of everybody. She caught something about the Hysterians spending the night here on Berk, which wasn't so bad. But then came the question if she should even bother anyone with some of her nifty pranks. Sure that might get her in bigger trouble than usual, but this is basically a one in a lifetime deal.

The ViT had looked over her shoulder and immediately regretted it. Shock and Bryn were behind her, at a reasonable distance of course. Those two did not like the prankster, at a very high level. Venny quickly turned her attention back to the ship, where Ulrika got off. She nervously greeted the old grump, which Venny didn't have that much of a opinon on. Sure Ari had saved her butt from a forest fire, but she was driving the dragon so she technically saved his butt.

Giving in to a yawn, Venny began to cross her arms and shuffle around the crowd to the back. She can give Ulrika a welcome back later. She looked busy talking with people that were more important to her, not that Venny minded.

[Ari]

Ari watched the Hysterian leader tentatively as he walked towards them on the gangplank. For now at least he came down on his own and though he guessed if he bothered to look an Ulrika he would find, he only found it interesting that she hadn’t come down with him rather than where she was instead.

Baldr asked about where the actual chief was, which stuck into him slightly. Ari was relatively fine with a woman as leader, she did after have a bit more validity to the role than her predeceaser. But it didn’t help her case for him when they had moments like these.

Ari tried to read the Hysterian’s reaction, it seemed like surprise and overly positive gratitude. This man seemed very different from the second in command who gave them the ultimatum to return Luna, the heir they’d not even known they’d been holding all this time. To believe all that happened just under a season ago.

Of course the difference would be expected, back then he had been a standing rather than actual leader. Back then he’d had the job of trying to get Luna back, though it after the war things showed he’d been sent here to make sure they didn’t find her. Back then he had come here for faux-diplomacy. Now he was here for the real thing, of course he would be acting differently. Ari couldn’t help but wonder how good this guy would be.

He then initiated the trade-off. Ari had assumed they would just send each person across and be done with it, so when he offered to have them both be checked on he didn’t know whether to be insulted or not. Then he remembered that extra note. He was giving a reason for the two healers to be together and alone, albeit with two listeners, but they could easily be sent off first and they’d follow slowly behind, then Theroputix to say what he wanted to.

Sure enough Theroputix walked down the gangplank with the little crazy hooligan girl in toe. He knew it was good that she had returned unharmed, the girl should have been killed for doing what she’d done, but Ari still wasn’t that please for her return. She was a lot of work, both in ailments and in being around.

She did however show uncharacteristic nerves as she got to them. While he didn’t let it affect his face, Ari inwardly smiled. At least she had enough sense to know she was in trouble right now, even if she didn’t too not do what she did.

She awkwardly said hello to him, he just looked at her for a few second. He couldn’t return the greeting; it might defuse the situation for her slightly. He looked up at the Hysterian healer and nodded to him, “nice to meet you at last. Shall was go over there?” he pointed further down the pathway towards the sea. It meant that no Hooligan would be able to come to them without first passing Baldr and Haldor and provided Theroputix whispered whatever he wanted to say the Hysterians couldn’t hear.

[Theraputix]

"Yes, it's nice to finally meet you too!" He replied, wheeling the stubborn Berk girl down the jetty a little further, along with Ari and Harold. It was weird finally meeting Ari. He didn't look anything like he had imagined.

"Don't worry too much for your... little Ulrika." He was unsure whether she was liked or not on Berk, the confusion because of her attitude and irritation for the past 10 days at sea. If she was always like this, it must be a nightmare. "We have treated her well, the only injuries she has is from when she fell, they're healing nicely but it's not at one hundred percent just yet." Theraputix informed. He had already told the Berkite Healer what had happened with the rebellious child, and that she had to do work to repair the damage she caused.

He listened to what Ari had to say (if he had to say anything). He was itching to ask the question he wanted to... But with two bystanders, it made him uncomfortable, especially the fellow Hysterian who was more or less aware of the situation with Ashaere, since his mission was to bring back evidence of her existance on Berk. He glanced at the Hysterian, who stiffened slightly at the gaze, which was a normal reaction. Theraputix smiled slightly, remembering him when he was little. He was a strange little kid.

The Hysterian Healer glanced back towards the crowds and then to Ari. He had to ask now. It was his only chance. He needed to know.

"Is... Is this alive?" He murmured, with haste, not wanting to be overheard by these two others.

[Ari]

Ari nodded when Theroputix talked about Ulrika, “I’d say roughly the same for Harold, he had a hammer to the face during the battle and we did our best to make it heal well. We took off the brace to it a few weeks ago, though he still isn’t talking that much.”

Ari did do a quick check over of Ulrika, but it all fitted roughly what the healer had said. He looked straight at Ulrika and nodded over the island, “you look fine, get back to shore.” As the girl started moving away, Theroputix asked the question.

“Is... Is this alive?”[/color] Ari froze for a moment, he’d know the question had been coming but he still seemed less prepared than he’d expected. He knew that he shouldn’t say yes, but all the stuff he’d learnt today changed his mind. They wanted her alive and on Berk apparently.

Finally, the healer nodded his head. “Alive and doing fine. Bit juddery right now because of...well, you know...” the guy who tried to kill her decided to come to the island she was hiding on. Theroputix then asked him to do something. Ari listened and, while a large part of him said he should say no, especially since he was sure she would say no, he agreed, “I’ll give the offer, just don’t expect a yes.”