eeli koskinen // liu yun

Hemming served the fish on a wooden tray/plate with a flourish, adding some herbs and sea salt to make it taste nicer. He knew that some people didn’t like the taste or smell of fish from observations he had made over the years. Still, he knew how to prepare them and never once showed off. It was just cooking, not something to make a fuss of.

“You could enquire with the king or consult the lawmaker,” he began slowly. Passing Liu Yun a plate, Hemming sank down onto the ground and reached for a pouch of ale. “They would need to know your intentions, but it shouldn’t be too hard. Trading is about the battle of wits, not swords after all.” Hemming offered the other male some of his drink. “Are you planning to stay long?”

He watched the fish being prepared despite the fact that he cared very little for the culinary act. It seemed like the cold appearance of the other male was not just a facade that needed to be broken. Liu Yun realised he should not try making friends and be so overly enthusiastic.And after the fish was finished, he thanked the chef and invited him to dine with him. ‘It would be my honour’ he bowed his head to the elder male.  ‘Thank you for your help. I shall seek the lawmaker. As for your question about the longevity of stay.’ Yun pretended to think about it though he knew he was not going to stay long, not too long. After all, why would he? ‘So far, I have no reason to stay for longer than I should. I know where my home is. It seems like eight years of travelling is enough.’  He smiled. 

Just a niggling | OPEN

A slight frown settled upon her brows, despite the mostly composed and untroubled expression on her face. She’d had an unexplained unease sitting in the pit of her stomach since the beginning of the week. Of course, it was barely there, barely noticeable, just a niggling that could easily be covered by a light lunch and some wine. However, every morning it returned. Eira had been taught never to ignore her instincts, but this was certainly indistinguishable and there was never any reason to raise alarm for something that could be nothing but indigestion or a turn in the weather. 

Eira looked up once more and realised someone had been speaking to her. “Hm? I’m sorry, forgive my distraction, what was it you were saying?” she asked.

He had been delivering Liv`s tools the whole afternoon and the sun seemed to be setting already. Eeli hated to admit it but he was starting to feel tired. No wonder, after a shift at Artemi`s and his running for Liv, he knew he should be content. His conscience clear, today he earned his living the right way, but he still felt dizzy and he was not limitless.  A young woman around his age was sitting, her hand on her belly and a grimace on her face. She did not seem comfortable at all and despite his disgust to actually form any forms of relationships, he asked ‘are you ok?’ just to receive no answer at all. It seemed that her attention was fully consumed by her discomfort if not something worse - pain. ‘I have asked whether you are okay.’ He repeated his question. 

“Eeli,” he panted the other’s name as he rested a hand on top of his head. If Artemi was being honest, this was the first time he had received oral sex. Was that bad to admit at a time like this? It probably was. The thought completely vanished out of his head when he suddenly felt cold down there. He was about to complain when he heard the question. Through his lust he had almost forgot how to speak so nodded in response. The idea of that happening almost pushed him over the edge and he had to control himself. “Yes.. I want that.. you,” he managed in a whisper.

As soon as her daughter was back, Liv instructed the girl to keep out of Eija’s sight. Tove decided to stick by her brother, watching the older girl with a furrowed brow. Liv knew that she was curious but would never ask. How much did the girl resemble her uncle (Liv’s younger brother) when she acted like this? Perhaps Tove had formed her own suspicions? That was more than likely with the nine year old.

A small pile of swords, daggers and an assorted of armour was placed into a small wagon for Eeli to deliver to various warriors. Once he had arrived, she indicated the assortment and went onto explain where they were going to. It was an easy one as she wanted to see how well he would perform.

“These are for the shieldmaidens, they are usually in the training yard away from the king.” Liv had given him a small smile as to reassure him. Many people didn’t like to associate themselves with the female warriors. It had something to do with how fierce they could be. “Ask for Agnes, she’s usually the one in charge and has the coin ready.” This was usually her brother’s job and he gladly went. How they adored him was beyond her. “Do you have any questions?”

Eija calmed down once she was the familiar face and she turned to continue her tasks of cleaning while Eeli took the instructions. 'I understand.' He had met Agnes, she was the one who told him to rob her brother and he did. Though he somehow expected him to be rich. He still had to flee the village for three days to sell the stolen goods in other places. It was a good bargain but did not last for long as Eeli way too many debts to pay. Whether he was asked to do his job, he would work well. No matter whether it was stealing or a proper work. At least, at those times his words mattered.  In the meantime when her father was delivering Eija finished her cleaning and came to the madam. ‘What can I do next?’ She said, her eyes puffy, her hands red after being dipped countless times in cold water. She was loyally expecting the task, like a dog for a stick. 

Upon seeing his reaction, Liv replaced her hammer onto her belt and gave him a soft expression. “Sorry,” she waved in apology, hoping that Liu understood her. There was only so many ways to expression oneself with a language barrier. Still, she was willing to try and she finding that the young man was somewhat charming, despite her initial thoughts.

Liv led him towards the hut and heard him speak. Assuming that he was thanking her, she nodded with a small smile. “That it perfectly okay.”

There was not only a language barrier between them, but also different mimicks and expressions. What meant sorry in one culture, was confusing in the other. Yun bowed, not knowing any other way to react. Was he supposed to be sorry too? Better safe than sorry. He apologised and as he followed her into the hut full of slaves, he counted his lucky stars that he was not one of them. Sure, his ego was screaming - you would have not been here, you would have defeated them all - but could he be sure? He knew that now he had to find someone to teach him, someone who would get him out of here. To make money, to save them, to leave and live a good life. What a philosophy. What a life goal.  He turned to her and thanked her again. 'Till we meet again.' He said in Chinese. Unsure whether he could convey the message. But his expression had changed. Somehow he was disappointed, somehow he did not expect their world to be so cruel. He hoped she was different.

Hemming nodded, trying keep his expression light. There was only so much he could handle and he was sure he would eventually get sick of the other male. Wasn’t that just the way with him? He honestly wondered how long people could stand being married for so many years. Companionships wasn’t on the cards for him, no matter what the Seeress had said to him. He was thankful for his independence and the odd diligence whenever he fancied it.

“I was about to have a break too,” he commented moving over to the small fire. Hemming reached over and grabbed a metal rod and fixed it over the fire on two sticks, already having slid the fish upon. Smearing some herbs on it, his gazed turned on the male. “You may call me Hemming,” he introduced, thinking it would be rude not to at this point.

Liu Yun watched the other male preparing the fish. It wasn`t that much of a fascinating process and he, himself, knew how to prepare food fairly well, but there was nothing much to do and the other male did not initiate much of a conversation. So Yun found someone who could understand him and yet, there was not much to be said. Wasn`t that the irony? That he had travelled the world and still had nothing much to say? ‘Liu Yun’ he bowed. ‘You know how I could start a trade here?’

she knew the appeals of boats. they were beautiful as the rode the waves. when you were standing on the waves you felt like you could see the edge of the world, and that instead of going on forever you could touch the very edge, if only you kept sailing. and maybe at the edge you would find some of the strange world of the gods. a world that was just for you. 

he was young looking. she wasn’t sure how old. not that it mattered. some men had the face of children, some children the face of men. and even children could have money from parents, or wills, or their first adventures. but this man was not any of those. an on looker. interesting. 

“hmmm, we don’t usually get people here who are just in here to look. any kind of boats in particular, or did you just want to see them getting made.” she said. she was swinging slightly, as was common when she hung upside down from the ropes. it was something that she didn’t intentionally do that often, but she did enjoy the feeling of it. 

Eeli felt almost embarrassed by his curiosity. He allowed himself to daydream, to imagine that one of the boats would be his. In what universe? In what life? The dreams and plans had already started to form in his head, he could see himself travelling the seas, settling in a new area, starting a new life. But who would be allowed to do so? Certainly not him, certainly no one like him would be offered another chance in life. Anger filled his vains. Why did she see him? why did she have to come out at that moment of weakness?  ‘Why would I watch being a boat made?’ He asked as if this was the most ridiculous thing ever. ‘How much for this?’ He pointed at the one that was just an average size. If running away, he might as well run away in style. 

Liv was watching the pair carefully, trying to pick within the surface. She had this nagging feeling eating at the back of her head. The feeling was starting to itch and she wondered when she would had to stretch away at it. Hopefully it wouldn’t be anytime soon and she could get to know them properly. How long had Liv been a mother now? Almost ten years now and she still had to understand different familial relationships. Hadn’t her mother made the odd about this before? Whilst she had come from a loving and openly affectionate family, there were people who were very minimal with how often they shared their love. She supposed that Dag and Eija were a prime example of this. Whether she liked it or not, she had the suspicion that she would not witness the truth of their kinship, no matter how much she wished for it.

“Of course, we’ll still be here whenever you’re ready,” she promised with a smile. Maybe Liv could get through to the girl? Or perhaps not, she thought afterward. There were things that she wouldn’t want to push on others. What if she scared them away? After all, she had to know everyone who lived here and she felt that there was a good story to be heard, by the time she was done.

She did not push him to answer anymore questions, so he thanked her and left to sell some stolen goods on the market and to work for Artemi a little bit longer. He wanted to show himself as a good worker, as someone trustworthy despite obviously being late. Eija was left to her own devices. The girl of 11 years was way too skinny and way too short for a child her age, but she worked quickly without talking and without looking. Life had taught her that curiosity was not always rewarded. Just as Eeli, neither she was much of a talker, but the children running around her, constantly asking for their mother`s attention did make her eyes turn off her tasks once or twice. So this is what it looked like having a mother?  But there was no time to ask such questions as the day did not stop for anyone. She did her work well and when it seemed like the set starting setting, she looked out the window, awaiting her father to come. Didn`t he say he would come and help with deliveries? It would not be the first promise that he had broken, yet she had never given up waiting. ‘He will come’ she whispered to herself, more to assure herself that he would never leave her here, right? And as her hands were slowly wrapping around herself, her body shaking with fear, he stood there talking to Liv.  ‘Sorry, I am late. How can I help?’ He said with a shaky voice. Obviously he had been running. 

Liv furrowed her brow as she tried to understand what he was saying. She supposed she got the gist of it, in a way. “You,” she pointed to him, “are, a, merchant?” Speaking slowly, she hoped that he could understand. She then pointed to herself and lifted up her hammer, “me, a, black, smith.” Liv considered him for a moment and nodded. Now it made much more sense as what he needed. “Maybe go and see the Seeress or one of the… servants,” she added, slowly trying to use simple words. “Shall I take you to one of them?” She gestured over to the Seeress’ hut and some slaves who were nearby, hoping that would help.

While Liu Yun had no idea what ‘merchant’ meant, he was thankful for the woman`s patience. Not that he could complain, most villagers were not rude, some just gave up easier than the others. He understood, it was not their obligation to explain their language to him - a stranger - it was his responsibility to play by the rules and adapt. But she was the one of very few that were only patient, but who also managed to smile during the hard conversation. Still the lifted hammer scared him a little. He took a step back and his eyes wide opened. Of course, it was a bit of a dramatic over exaggeration as Yun thought it would be unlikely that she would simply attack him in the middle of the market, but it still amused the audience. 

While still unsure whether he would lose his limbs, when she pointed at the hut, he simply shrugged. Whatever. He followed her lead. ‘ 谢谢’ {she she}’ he thanked her. 

A sharp breath. That was all it took for Artemi to realise what was going on and he didn’t make any move to stop it. The blood made his cheeks warm up as he found himself pressing back against the other’s lips. A moan left his lips when he felt Eeli’s tongue wondering around his own.

And then it was gone, Artemi moaning his protest. At the sound of the other’s tease, he looked down and tried to smirk through his lust. It probably looked like something else. “However much you’d want,” he managed in a whisper.

Hemming watched the other male carefully, seeing the slight reaction. His happiness was kind of, dare he say, adorable. Maybe he should himself before said or did something he would later regret? Still, his genuine happiness was kind of infectious and Hemming found himself smiling regardless. “I know a few sentences,” he admitted softly, shaking his hand to indicate this. The less he used it, however, the less he remembered as it hadn’t been very common until recently.

“A sliver coin will do for now,” he added with a small smile, remembering that he had to make a sale. “Do you require assistance cooking it?” Hemming pointed over to a pot beside a small fire, hoping that it was understood.

What a relief to hear that someone could speak his language. Liu Yun was well aware that he was the visitor here, the stranger, the potentional invader, the threat and he should not be picky. He should be humble and don`t expect people to play by his rules and he had learnt ...by travelling for eight years to leave his arrogance at home.Perhaps, that was also part of his father`s plan, to cure that carelessness, that arrogance of his then privileged young son, as well as to save him from the persecution.  Liu Yun smiled and found the sum that was needed. ‘Thank you’ he said, still with a smile, not believing his own luck. Sure, he had met people speaking Chinese outside of his own country but that was long ago, when they were still relatively close to home and those people were refugees or merchants and he knew he had to call himself lucky to find one such a well-travelled person in the Danish land. While he could cook fairly well, he could not miss the chance of a pleasant company of someone who understood him and was not a part of his group. ‘If you could’ he said. ‘If you have time, of course.’ He added. He still needed to find someone to show him how the things were around. 

Liv nodded her own head, understanding the gesture and guessing that he was trying out her name. She supposed it could be a tongue twister for those who wasn’t used to it. “It is nice to meet you too,” she smiled softly.

She watched him carefully as he waved about, obviously trying to ask her something. When Liu used some Old Norse, her expression brightened. It was no longer part of their common tongue but she could understand what was being said or what he was trying to say. “I am not a merchant,” she slowly shook her head. “I am a blacksmith, I make weapons.” Liv indicated to the tools about her belt; hammers, whetstones, the like.

Liu Yun was concerned whether he pronounced the words well. He had to be careful and the pride filled his eyes when he saw the woman`s smile. It encouraged him to continue the conversation. Like a child he tried to catch every glimpse of her facial expressions and while the words were strange to him, he understood one very well - weapons. The reason why he did so, was simply because when he first came to Denmark someone pointed a knife at him and threatened to kill him. Well, it was a very useful and memorable lesson. ‘Hmm’ he sighed, still unsure what she was trying to tell him, but he pointed at himself and repeated ‘selja’ as to indicate that he was the one that would be selling, but that was not important. The thing that he needed, the person that he needed was called laoshi in Chinese  He had no idea how to say ‘teacher’ in Old Norse so he just said ‘ kveða norse’, ‘laoshi’ and hoped for the best. 

‘open’

lief was often found high up. mostly when she was building the masts of ships, attaching all of the rigging and the ports where sails would be tied to. she also slept on the second level of her home, and would climb trees and to the roofs of buildings to clear her head, just to think. today she was working on the rigging, while her workers were eating. she was tied to the rigging through a complex system of straps that would keep her in place if she were to slip and fall. without these she could suffer the consequences. she’d seen it enough in childhood, cracked skulls and blood flowing on the ground. 

she heard someone walk in to her facility, and she turned down, straps that she used to keep her in place, holding her as she swung like that. she would use the loose rope to pull herself upwards. “are you buying a boat or is your boat broken?” she asked staring the new person down. 

Eeli had been thinking about his own boat for a while. He had been around the builder`s hut many times,but he had no courage to enter. Ever. It was simply that it seemed like such a far-away dream, to buy his own boat, to sail back home, to sail somewhere else that if he came to the shop, saw the price, he was sure he`d give up, he`d get angry and burn the place down in despair, crying - I WILL NEVER ACHIEVE THIS. How much more would he have to work? Steal? Kill?

But with Artemi`s money and Liv`s promise of work, he took all the courage and as a shy, wide-eyed child he entered the hut. His eyes wandered around as if he were in some magic land, people working, almost as if he had not been there though he was sure at least one or two turned their heads and were now carefully watching him like hawks. He just didn`t look like a typical customer, he wasn`t one of those buffed up Viking soldiers looking for a langskip or a kn ör. He was yet to make it into the proper merchants. It was a question of time till someone would stop his curious gazes. He was just a little surprised to be it a woman of a gentle look. ‘Nothing. I just...’ usually he wasn`t left speechless. He preferred to be silent, but now his throat was dry and he swallowed. Why did he feel like a little child? ‘No, I was just looking.’ But his eyes were shining with desire. If only he could afford one. 

How many years had Hemming been selling his fish here? It had seemed too long, even for him. He already had little memories of his life before here and everyday it became a strain to think of his parents. They were slaves, they had once told him, eventually freed due to their religious beliefs shifting. Hemming couldn’t remember the details fully and a part of him was sure that he did not want that. Instead, he held onto the rare positive times that involved himself and his father out fishing at some lake or other. That was the most freeing time he had ever spent in his youth. His habit had now became part of his trade and it provided him with many opportunists, especially when it suited his current mood.

The sight of a potential customer had truly woken him. Hemming had to hide what he was feeling when he heard the familiar word in both Danish and another language. It reminded him of the language his mother spoke to scold him. Ignoring the urge to grin, he turned his sights onto the trout displayed on his stand. Even with the cold seeping in, the fish still sparkled colourfully in the dull light. “How much do you carry?” Hemming directed the question to the boy, not turning his gaze from the fish. It was obvious that he wasn’t of these parts and travellers rarely carried enough coin with them as they bought more than they sold. “I will take… whatever bronze… gold you can spare. Pay,” he held up two fingers as if thinking on how much they usually sent for. “You cook it by yourself? I could cook it.” Hemming wasn’t sure how much was understood as he wasn’t making sense to himself. “Two… cowry shells,” he added slowly, this time in the tongue his parents spoke. He remembered them mentioning that form of payment. Hemming could easily use it somewhere.

Liu Yun had no idea whether the merchant was sleeping or thinking, but he waited for him to give him his fullest attention. He bowed the moemnt their eyes met as one would do to someone who was older. Liu Yun didn`t understand the question, but he waited whether maybe other instructions would follow. The rubbing of fingers, the little bow of the man`s head. Was he asking for money? Of course he was asking for money. They were at the market. Sooner or later everyone asked for money. He checked his little bag and counted the coins. Two silver coins, five bronze.' Still richer than a beggar, but he had to watch his expenses. He showed the man one silver coin.  He was surprised to hear the merchant speaking his language. ‘Oh, you know my language?’ It was more of a happy observation, a cry of joy, an observation rather than a question. ‘But I do have your kind of money. No worries. I have been travelling for long. Can you speak Chinese?’ He still had to make sure the man knew more than one sentence, right?