#VH: Nyberg

[mystical-evergreen]

Norde found himself slipping away. The heat and sun proved too much for his aging body. Idonea, having heard a collapse, rushed to fetch their neighbor Mary Everille.

Mary had heard stories in her youth of bargaining with the Reaper. Anything was worth a try, she couldn't let Idonea be orphaned once again.

[mystical-evergreen]

Norde was not an expert when it came to people. He was quiet and shy, but he was an excellent listener. He had to be, upon hearing the splash of the water Norde needed to know if it was the swish of the fish or an unexpected gush of wind. Perhaps that was why the villagers of Veonia liked to congregate at his home, they enjoyed his open ear.

Norde reasoned he liked fishing so much was because his catch couldn't try to start small talk.

[mystical-evergreen]

Norde's "good friend", Eldrid Linden comes by to visit. She reasons that even if Norde is a hermit he needs company. And oh how does he enjoy Eldrid's company...

[mystical-evergreen]

The guests left the Nyberg home late, but there were needs still needing tending. Norde washed Idonea and set her in her crib before washing himself. Tomorrow was to be a day of work, the old man would need plenty of rest.

[mystical-evergreen]

The night ends with a simple meal gathered around the table. Mary Everille and Bjorn Westergaard spoke fondly of their grandchildren and how quickly they were growing up. Eldrid piped up, expressing her excitement on her son beginning the search for a wife. She couldn't wait to hear the pitter patter of little feet again. Bjorn's son, Hakon had joined the elders and sat near the end of the table, smiling at his father's chatter.

Hakon mentioned how sweet treats always seemed to follow children. Mary then offered how ale and spirits always seemed to follow their tired parents. The table erupted with laughter, and the banter continued late into the evening.

[mystical-evergreen]

The arrival of the fellow elders of the village was not an odd thing. Norde, although very much a recluse, still enjoyed the friendship of his generation. Among today's guests were Eldrid Linden, Bjorn Westergaard, and of course Mary Everille. The ever present gossip, it was difficult to have an outing without Mary. Norde particularly liked Eldrid, she was a kind woman. However, he had little fondness for Bjorn, who took every opportunity to touch and be close to Mary. He even went as far as kissing her. It was scandalous, as Bjorn was a married man, but the elders knew better than to spread news of his infidelity.

Mary came by most often, and Norde considered her his closest friend. Today she complained of the aches she felt in her body. Old age had brought wisdom, she liked to brag, but also an unwanted tiredness. It made sense, after the death of her son Mary had taken up the manual labor required of a woodcutter.

[mystical-evergreen]

Mary had never been a gambling woman. Later on the woodcutter would say she had just lost the worst game of her life.

Outside, Njord began to howl. Even the family wolf knew something tragic had just transpired.

[mystical-evergreen]

The raging summer sun had proven too much for Norde Nyberg so he slipped into his hut for a refreshing nap. However, after passing out from exhaustion, the old fisherman found himself feeling much, much worse...

[mystical-evergreen]

Mary Everille visited the Nyberg house late one afternoon. After the usual banter and gossip, Mary inquired about Norde's ward. It was no secret to the village that the little girl had grown quite Active and was now seen out and about the village. Norde merely smiled. Idonea was growing up well, he thought.

[mystical-evergreen]

Idonea had learned how to be content by herself. Her uncle had woven reed blocks and a table for her to play with. He'd also traded some small bass for the Linden Family's old stuffed bear. Eldrid was happy to comply. She adored Idonae and missed having small children. Often Eldrid would help Norde with childcare.

[mystical-evergreen]

Njord had to be locked in the hut until Norde closed his business. The wolf-dog had grown extremely protective of the old man and his ward. Even though Njord had not grown aggressive, there was no need to risk having that reputation.

Upon his release, Njord joyfully bounced around his master. Maybe this was the type of relationship Norde preferred, dogs didn't know how to do small talk.

[mystical-evergreen]

Nyberg

Peasant Fisherman

The Nyberg family consists of Norde and his young niece Idonea. The Nybergs are humble fisherman who mind their business. Norde has always kept to himself, but will Idonea be what finally brings him into the community?

-> Norde Nyberg has always been a pretty big loner. For most of his life he spent his time by the river or at his hovel-side fish market. That isn’t to say he never entertained the idea of a family, or that he never wanted one, but Norde had simply accepted that he was too old for any such thing. That is until his niece, Idonea, was left abandoned on his doorstep. Now he’s the protective guardian of a sweet and bubbly toddler.

Family Sim

Neutral Authoritarian

Elder (50 years of age)

Follower of the Goddess

-> Idonea Nyberg was born to a runaway mother and Olaf Nyberg, who was Norde’s brother. Olaf had left his home decades ago, and only returned to drop off and abandon his infant daughter with someone who he knew could take care of her. He left a note, watcher knows who wrote it because Olaf certainly did not have those skills, explaining the situation. The last and only gift Olaf left was a request, that his daughter be named for her late mother. Afterward Olaf attempted to run for the hills, as if fearing some sort of trouble..., but he drowned while crossing the river Veonia. But none of that matters to Idonea, her biggest concern is learning to walk so she can come on her uncle’s fishing trips.

Neutral Authoritarian

Toddler (Aged 2)

Follower of the Goddess

Dramatic and Angler

The late Olaf Nyberg with his young daughter.

[mystical-evergreen]

Eldrid and Norde slipped outside to play catch. Norde couldn't help but notice how beautiful his fellow elder was.

So, as the pair went back into the fisherman's shack, they slicked away to a private room. Eldrid was married, but in that moment neither she nor Norde seemed to care.

[mystical-evergreen]

The Royal Steward Walton Cecil arrived at the Nyberg hut with a sour attitude. Usually Walton would be collecting taxes and recording the assets of the families under his charge, instead he had an unsavory orphan case on his manicured hands. It was no fault of Idonea herself, and truly Walton wasn't upset at her.

Walton decided he'd sort out the matter of a permanent guardian in the fall. For now, Idonea Nyberg would be looked after by her neighbors. The Royal Steward had some important letters to read anyway, the peasant girl would be fine...

[mystical-evergreen]

Idonea was inconsolable. She had been too young to rember her parents deaths, but the girl was old enough now to feel the crushing weight of finally being alone. Mary Everille did her best to console the child. Mary promised to check on Idonea in the morning before she left to fetch the Royal Steward.

At the very least Idonea had Njord to protect her.

[mystical-evergreen]

Now that she was older, Idonea enjoyed being outdoors with her uncle. While he worked, Idonea found herself making use of the new reed rope she'd received for her birthday.