There are many who are curious about me and my company, and Myrun enjoys acting as our guide as we walk around and she introduce us to various people here.

Storman Maurr is happy to meet and eager to tell me that everything went well. I tell him that I have drawings and sketches on the ferry and other things, and that I have given Digraldi in Borgarsandr the task of manufacturing some important parts, as well as bronze bells to summon the ferry. But it will probably take a month or two before I can come and do the installation. If he visits my camp here tomorrow, I can give him the drawings etc, and we can talk more details. Before we part, Maurr introduces me to a couple of other Stormans, and the ferry is of course a small prestige project for him, so I understand that he wants to brag, and he also tells everyone about the fireworks at Naeswulf's feast, but I try to tone it down so he doesn't overhype the experience.

I can not keep all the names and descriptions in my head, but Alith discreetly tries to take photos. It was a good idea to teach her that. Everyone has already heard of me and not unexpectedly, me and my Academy are the big topic of conversation, partly because it is the biggest that has happened in the region this year, and partly because it is only a couple of hours walk north. The Ting raised important issues about trade between my islands and the surrounding area, taxes etc, and next spring and Ting here, I will both want and need to participate. Participating in Tings is a part of life here, just like voting in elections and other stuff in my old life. Radgeirrson's verdict has become known here, and I should have expected King Asbjörn to send a man to inform and get information, read out the proclamation and so on, but until everything is arranged by the Tingsman, Radgeirrson's properties are not officially mine, and it will be really official when it is informed about at the upcoming Northmen Tinget in 5 months.

Those who came from the north have told others about the large copper shimmer in the sunlight and I understand that some of those who came yesterday, today took a small voyage north just to look at the building a little closer without getting ashore. Some have ridden or walk to watch the shimmer over the sea from the cliffs to the north. No one has ever seen or even thought of making such a statement of wealth, so in the eyes of many I am already worthy of my Furst title. Of course, most here know that copper will begin to lose its luster and darken, which over the years will acquire a green color, and most people wonder what I intend to do about it, but I tell them that I do not intend to prevent it. Sure it would be pretty to keep the copper shimmer, but it's just stupid to do, unnecessary work and not why I put copper on the roof.

After a while, when Kari and Myrun smilingly point it out, I realise that my attempts to explain the benefits of copper roofs, and that I don't care about keeping its copper shimmer, are taken as an even greater statement of wealth. That I did not create a copper roof to brag about it, but only because I think it is better, and I am so rich that I didn't have to worry about the cost.

Some who arrived late last night from north have also said that it was a faint shimmering light that shone over the water from there last night. Myrun encourage the rumors by proudly saying that she visited the mansion last night, and it is more sejdish than they understand. Not only copper roof and huge beautiful glass windows everywhere, but also dozens of rooms, and private rooms for everyone. Then luxuries like with cold and hot water available directly from the wall when you want it. Just turn on a small brass wheel and it will starts to flow, and the maids will never have to fetch water from a stream or lake. Wonderful warm indoor rain in the bathrooms if you do not want to use a bathtub, and its like standing under a small gentle warm waterfall, and everything is not even finished yet. There are two luxury bathrooms, a sauna and washroom for cloths. Indoors. Many people look at me in amazement when they hear her stories and I can only confirm.

They become more amazed when Myrun tries to explain the kitchen, followed by the fact that the whole mansion will be warm this winter, without lighted fireplaces except in the kitchen, and that all fireplaces are masonary miracles where the smoke just disappears up a chimney. If I had offered tours of the mansion, every tour would be packed, but I know better than to unnecessarily invite people, and much is not finished. It is better to give selective tours of the Academy this spring or summer.

There are some who ask about the carriage they've heard about, which Myrun does not know about, so I just say that I can show it to her in the future. Unfortunately, this is an island and there is no good road here, so I would just be cumbersome and unnecessary to bring the carriage here. That I did not even bother to tell, or show and brag about the carriage to Myrun, is taken as further proof of wealth.

Why is so much about showing of wealth?

We are waiting for the whole grilled pig at Myruns camp to be finished along with two geese, but sit with Iselin, Kari and Ciara next to me in deck chairs outside our tent and just look out over the festivities.

Jane is frantically making ink sketches of the gathering, humans - elves - and more. She does it because she really wants to, but her artwork has attracted some admirers. I imagine this is the first time many of them see any image in that way, and it is probably the first time a gathering like this is depicted at all. Talk about documenting history for the future, in a way no-one did in Midgard.

When I pointed it out to Jane, she missed her step a bit, before she started to sketch frantically, so I lend her my compact camera so she can discreetly take photos to save time and not miss anything important.

A really old well dressed man comes up with his male servant, one of the Storman I was introduced to before with some funny name I don't remember, but there are plenty of those. I remembered him because he has a cane and only thin white hair in braids from the sides and back, with small gold jewellery braided in and he looks quite dashing, and he is probably the oldest elf I have seen. He must be well over 60 years old. We introduce ourselves again, and he says his name is Skarde, and he only wants to try one of the deck chairs as they look more comfortable than a stool or wooden chair. Of course I let him, although I warn that it might be difficult for him to get up again without help, but he just waves it away and Elvira set out a chair for him which he happily sinks into. He seems to like that chair, and I can see how he relaxes all over his body and just enjoys it.

Most people here are careful to come up to me, but he has long since stopped caring about such things and we looked so comfortable in the chairs. He gives me compliments over my beautiful company, which we just thank for. So I introduce everyone by name, and Jane, who is fascinated by his appearance, asks if she can sketch him where he is, happily siting in the chair, which he is proud to let her do. She takes the opportunity to take several photos as well. He might not understand the camera, but he sure knows how to pose and smile for the pretty young woman.

We small talk and jump between subject. About the gathering. About the Academy. About life, family, love, etc. It is almost painful to see him when he say he is alone, no children anymore, just a grandchild he can not meet, but he does not want to go into it so I don't ask. He just says that I should be happy about my company; marry and have children - many children - and do not wait until it is too late. To value what I have and not carelessly sacrifice it due to greed. My first thought is that he means wanting more women, but I realise that he means family, and Skarde sounds like another person with a tragic and violent life. How many families or siblings are not divided over the seas, and never meet again? Not knowing what happened to some loved one? How much violence has he not seen and contributed to? He is old enough to have live thru the last huge raid and wars and so on.

It reminds me that I have almost died twice, so I grab Iselin and Kari's hands, and say that next year he will hopefully see a change in both areas, because now I have some place to take root. Both smile and looks so happy, but especially Kari is extra happy about that declaration. She really seem to want to get married, and who knows? It might happen after summer next year. I still think too long term. I give both of them a kiss, and Ciara gets up so she can also get one, which becomes two as she slide into my lap, so she does not feel pushed aside by Kari.

The old man laughs and says he won't disturb anymore, and while he gets up to go, he reminds me that Freya blesses any children created during the night. Subtle. We also get up to say goodbye. He is really impressed by Jane's sketch of him there in the chair, and proudly tells Jane that his name is Skarde, and he proudly write his name on the sketch when she asks him to. When she tries to give him the sketch, he just shakes his head and says he is too old to appreciate it for a long time. He asks her to keep the sketch and make an old man happy, so that someone remembers him. That he was here. Skarde doubts that he will experience another summer, and he asks her to continue documenting life here and gives her a lot of praise, and an ounce of silver, which definitely surprises us, not least Jane.

He compliments me for my Academy and hopes for more things like simple comfortable chairs to be sold, and hot water whenever you want it, isn't a shame either, and worth more than gold in a chest. So what can I do other than give him the chair he was sitting in, which he is very happy to accept. His servant carries it for him and as they go back to his own big tent, and we hear how he warbles a tune as he leaves with a smile on his face.

We eat well grilled meat with some glaze on together with Myrun, Siri and Liv. They also appreciate the deck chairs and I regret that I didn't bring more. Whatever glaze was used is seriously good, and Myruns servant is pleased with the praise.

I'm not much for seeing animal sacrifices but its feels like I need to. This is a part of life here, a sacrifices to the gods, and sometimes they sacrifice volunteer men at important large events. It is an honor to give themselfs to the gods, but far from all are worthy. However, it is another 7 years before the next great religious gathering in the kingdom, which I am happy about as I guess I will need to attend. Of course they have a gathering every year where atleast one volunteer is sacrificed, but some years are more important, like next year which is a third year when three volunteers are sacrificed, and every ninth when nine volunteers are sacrificed, which makes the average 2.3 people per year. As this is the end of the harvest and the harvest has been good, most of the animals are sacrificed to the gods Frey and Siv as thanks. But Oden, Tor and Freja also get their own sacrifice.

When the animal sacrifices have finished, it's time for me to show my sejd, and the Völva who did the sacrificing draws attention to me and shout out that Sejdmann Robert Arnesson from my Furstdome and Academy islands has promised a short performance like never before.

So I go to the three prepared fireworks rockets, and calm everyone down and say that they don't need to be scared, but they should sit down and hold on tight to their stops. Many don't listen, which some regret when the first rocket flies up. To calm the many frightened elves, as well as lighten the mood, I joke and point out that I warned them, and now they have spilled mead unnecessarily and on the ground it makes no one happy. It helps, and most people can enjoy the next two rockets more. Storman Maurr beams and with a smugface elbows the man next to him in an 'I told you so' gesture. To cheers and shouts of 'Sejdmann Arnesson!' I thank them for their time and hope a continued great gathering.

I take a stroll thru the camps, watch the fires and the people feasting. They drink plenty of mead but also wine, and I receive so many offers of both, and many have wooden bowls with mushrooms and other things they also offer me to eat. No way in hell I'll eat anything like that. It is something they deliberately take for its narcotic effect. Musicians play more or less well depending on how much they have drunk, and some sing while others swing fire and dance. A lot of fondeling, kissing and cozying up to eachother, or just have sex in various shelters and tents.

I get ridiculously many 'suggestions' and proposals from women, couples and girls. The youngest couldn't even have be 14. Isch! She might think she is an adult, but I do not, and at the same time I needed to try to say no in a good way, and that she should look for someone her own age.

Hóra Baugeid introduces herself, and shows me her branded breast while she gracefully slides her arm around mine, and asks if she can join me for the rest of the evening, and promises to entertain me. Sure, she wears some kind of lute, but the look she gives me tells another story, and her other hand has found something intimate to rub, so I think she means more than playing music and singing. She is good looking and she is probably Gunhild's age, but I say no, and that I have already promised my evening and night away. And unfortunately she can not accompany me either, so I can give the woman the appreciation she deserves. And I'll be busy tomorrow morning too. And I will use the day to recover so I am in good shape for the next night and my women.

She looks so hurt and disappointed, and says she has 'spice', but I immediately say no and that I refuse to use such. Which gives me a little more respect as she has seen my company is beautiful younger women. The first thing that makes her loose a bit of composure and take a small step wrong, is when I say that I already have a horá in my company. She apparently did not know that there is another horá at the gathering, and is disappointed that I already have my own. And no, I do not need two. And no, I won't change my mind after a night with her.

Gunhild is quick to answer Baugeid's questioning look, that they're just my guards. Alith and Gunhild have been walking behind me as guards, and finds everything very entertaining. I don't mind that they bet on things to have fun, but do my guards and sambos really have to bet on how many women will try to get me to their sleeping pelts?

Baugeid shows no sign at all of leaving my arm, and suggests that we take the path past her tent so she can fetch other instruments and show her skill, which makes me redirect our walk towards Myrun's camp, and when Baugeid realises where we are heading and who I intend to spend the night with, she apologizes and thanks for the company. Myrun gets a small smile when Baugeid leaves my arm, probably annoyed that I seemed to take another and younger woman to her bed. She takes my arm instead, and leads me to her tent where Liv holds up the tent canvas. Myrun recognized Baugeid, and whispers to me that Liv will also join us tonight, so I need to prove that I am man enough for both, as they will take turns. Myrun has also prepared with jars of water, cider, mead and small snacks. Myruns already a bit tipsy, and casually eat a mushroom, so it might be more than alcohol. She folds away the canvas into the side tent where her bed is, and seductively settles down on the edge of the bed, and extends her hand towards me.

Three is an important number, and the fact that Liv is Fjölkunnig and I am a Sejdmann, makes this a sacred act where we three with sex worship to Freya now that the harvest is officially over. Even though it actually isn't. They are both happy about our threesome, and are convinced that Freya will bless us with prosperity and luck this winter. Myrun thinks she is especially blessed that we can accompany her in bed, as she is the only one in the North who is accompanied by a Sejdwoman and a Sejdmann.

I'm careful to end in Liv, because Myrun does not seem to see a pregnancy as something to avoid. I become a little worried that Myrun has removed her IUDs, but she seems convinced that Freya will make her pregnant if Freya so wish - IUD or not. But it is definitely a thing to keep in mind, while we have an interesting and intimate evening together to the sound of the big feast and music outside.