#odyssey

A toothless smile. He's not built for it, but is trying to rally his friend!

A pause "They might turn into horse shoes, but then the horse and not she would be invisible"

"What about... paint? It's temporary, it would wash off... but if you had some sort of opaque coloring medium? I was just thinking of that grafitti'd wall that said "Vali Was Here". Would something ON him share his invisibility, or would we be able to see him? Or... if he was wrapped in Shadow during the day?"

Dagmar frowns down at her hands.

"Sorry. Can we have a moment, Mistress?" He steps aside within the dwelling a little. "Dagmar? Talk to me?"

The sluagh nods and leaves them be

"Yeah?"

"What's up? You're closing up. Do you not want to do this? I think we could figure out a way.... but we're not doing this if you're not into it."

"I think we can find a way - trickery, instead of brute force, and get around his invisibility... but not if you're not okay."

"I just... I'm not Chief... "

"Stupid me shouldn't have said nuthin'."

"No, you're not. I wouldn't be here with her. You're the friend I chose to quest with. You think I'd run all over the country just on a say so from Vali and Lodge Boss? You're Dagmar. But something got to you, and... I'm your best friend. If you can't tell me, what's the point of having one?"

"I don't think... " She frowns. "This ain't like Abuela, right? If I failed there, nobody was gonna die, and the quest wasn't gonna suffer. We'd be out a treasure, that's all."

"I don't think I can do it."

"I think we could do it." There's a hint of something in his whisper. An earnestness.

"Maybe... maybe if we stopped the spring.."

"We can work together. With their warriors, my stealth, and you as our invisible secret weapon? We'll divert it, or stop it up, or find a way to keep it from him."

Grunt.

He waits. Not pushing. Letting her think it over.

She chews on a nail. "You are really good at being sneaky, for sure."

"Want to sleep on it and decide in the morning?"

"I'm sure your deeds today earned us at least a night's hospitality."

She nods.

"Cool. Then let's do that."

And it proves they get more than hospitality! When they get out there are cheers and feast has been prepared. They don't have boar, but quail and fish? that they have.. and it is cooked well. No Lutefisk here!

Mead and ale are offered... but so are juices from winter berries that are not fermented

Quail is almost chicken, so she saves some for Lovecraft.

Symon looks thoughtful, and quietly samples at whatever the sluagh madam may seem to prefer.

She covertly shares some rotted mutton.

He whispers to her in thanks, and quietly converses, as the Vikings have their own boisterous celebration.

As thick as thieves. And, rare tea is shared.

Lovecraft whispers and rubs against Dagmar When revolution comes, you maybe spared

Dagmar is a touch subdued, but she converses.

Dagmar hears others talk and share talks. Many are boasters! And want her to boast.

But one wiry woman is a quiet sort and offers a whet stone. When you sharpen your weapon, folks give you space

A murmured thanks.

Symon makes his way over to Dagmar. "I'm going to check out what passes for a bunk here. See you in the morning?"

"Sure thing."

A nod, and he heads off.

The weapon sharpening is almost soothing

Dag hones Flyswatter to a hair's edge. And thanks everyone for their hospitality. And retreats to sleep after checking on Star.

She falls asleep in a large bed, big woman like her? Symon's bed is nearbym saller, with boots at the foot at them ...but he's not back yet

Okay, she doesn't entirely sleep. She nods off a few times, but tries to wait up for Symon.

The little snake is curled up on his pillow. Hiszzzzzz. Hissszzzzzz. It's cute, even for a deadly wee serpent.

Dagmar dreams of home.. Tove's spicy meatloaf, and apple slices that she has to keep Snow from getting to...then she wakes up by will. No symon yet

Frown.

Some time passes. Soft snores from the snake. Louder snores from the one who drank the most fermented berry ale.

Sleepy vigilance.

Silence.... silence.... the softest of footfalls, and... his blankets shift.

"Mmrph?"