[ WP ] This is how it begins ! Fueled with their first worship in 1,00 years , the Norse gods arise from the bowels of the earth ...

Ranveig shivered beneath robes too thin to keep the early morning cool at bay. The wind that rose off the water and up the Fjord threatened to pull the hood from his head. And yet, his eyes shone bright and a smile played upon his lips. 
 
 Next to him the Gyoja, Helge leaned upon her staff. She too wore a smile, framed by cheeks turned red by the cold. 
 
 Behind them, a crowd was gathered nearly 1,000 strong. Most of those gathered spoke quietly to friends, both old and new, in soft tones meant to nurse hangovers earned at last night ’ s feast to honor the return of the Gods. The coming events had been foretold centuries ago, and the resurgence of the faith had brought them to fruition. Exactly one year ago, they Gods had specified this day, time, and place for their return. During the ritual that brought forth this announcement, the God had also demanded that a great worship be provided to them upon their return. Those gathered had spent a long year preparing to satisfy the God ’ s demand. 
 
 Thunder rumbled across the clear blue sky. 
 
 The murmuring of the crowd stopped. Ranveig and Helge exchanged glances, and then gazed again down the length of the Fjord. 
 
 The sun emerged from behind the cliffs of the Fjord. It brought with it a fierce wind that drove back many of those assembled. Ranveig ’ s hood was thrown away with a snap. 
 
 Lightning struck, close to the water ’ s edge. Those gathered threw up their arms to shade their eyes. 
 
 As vision cleared, three great men were seen to have appeared at the shore. 
 
 The one closest to to crowd carried a staff, and wore an eyepatch. A crow sat on his shoulder. 
 
 “ Odin. ” Helge said. The word was so soft that Ranveig caught it only as a flutter on the wind. 
 
 To Odin ’ s right, a great warrior stood, a hammer hung easy in his grip. To Odin ’ s right a man stood, unclothed. He held a scepter in his left hand, for his right was missing. 
 
 Ranveig and Helge dropped to their knees, they could hear the crowd doing the same. 
 
 RISE MORTAL. 
 
 It was Odin who spoke. When he did, no other sound could be heard. But he did not yell. Rather, when he spoke, the sounds of the world seemed to dim. 
 
 WE HAVE RETURNED AND ARE PLEASED TO SEE SO MANY GATHERED HERE. WE WOULD EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE, BUT TIME IS PRECIOUS AND SO WE WOULD HAVE OUR WARSHIP. 
 
 “ Of course, my Lord. ” Ranveig said. He had thought they might first move to the encampment for the feast. Things were better prepared there. But the God ’ s will was iron law, and must be obeyed. 
 
 He turned to the crowed. Though just as startled, they were already preparing. Many of those that played small instruments had brought them, and readied them. In a moment they were playing. Ranveig signaled the crowed and started the chant. 
 
 *Se mónaþ is nemned on Léden Novembris... * 
 
 SILENCE YOUR SINGING, MORTAL. DID WE NOT JUST SAY TIME WAS SHORT? WE DEMAND OUR WARSHIP. 
 
 “ My Lord, ” Helge said, “ We are attempting to give it to you... does it not please you? ” 
 
 The Gods turned to examine the empty water of the Fjord, before addressing the Priest and Priestess. 
 
 WHAT IS THIS, IS YOUR SINGING SOME MANNER OF SUMMONING? 
 
 “ Just the summoning of our joy at your presence, my Lord. ” Helge said. 
 
 THEN YOU CLAIM OUR WARSHIP IS HERE? 
 
 “ Just so. We are gathered here only to give you worship, as demanded. ” 
 
 WHAT MANNER OF WARSHIP IS THIS? WE CAN NOT SEE IT. 
 
 Ranveig face paled. How could he have known the Gods would demand a dance? He should have anticipated this. He was not ready. 
 
 “ Lord, ” He said. “ We apologize, we did not know that you wished your worship to be... visible. ” 
 
 YOU HAVE CRAFTED AN INVISIBLE WARSHIP, MORTAL? 
 
 “ In a manner of speaking, I suppose that is correct. ” 
 
 MOST EXCELLENT. WE DID NOT ANTICIPATE YOUR RACE PROGRESSING SO FAR IN YOUR ABILITIES. WE ARE QUITE PLEASED. 
 
 “ Lord, did they not have dancing when you were on the earth? ” 
 
 DANCING? 
 
 “ Yes. ” 
 
 AND WHAT WOULD WE NEED WITH DANCING ON OUR WARSHIP? WE DO NOT DANCE, MORTAL, WE RAID. 
 
 Ranveig and Helge exchanged another set of quick glances, as the first inkling of understanding descended upon them. 
 
 “ Raid? ” Helge manages the question, at long last. 
 
 YES. RAID. UPON OUR GREAT WARSHIP THAT YOU HAVE PROVIDED FOR US. QUICK, MORTAL, SHOW US HOW TO BOARD THIS MAGNIFICENT VESSEL OF YOUR CREATION. WE SHALL SAIL FORTH INTO BATTLE, AND WITH THE DECK OF SUCH A MIGHTY SHIP BENEATH OUR FEET, WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS. 
 
 As the voice of Odin faded, the only sounds that replaced it were those of the wind and the birds. Not even the breath of the worshipers could be heard. 
 
 WELL, MORTAL? SHOW US TO OUR MIGHTY WARSHIP. 
 
 Ranveig cleared his throat. 
 
 “ Ummm, Lord. ” He began. “ I fear there may have been a mistake. ” 
 
 *** 
 
 One-hundred miles from the Fjord, the buildings of Bergen rattled. The citizens, looked to the sky for the source of thunder, but their gaze was only met by blue. Those that had been looking north swore the sky was split with lightning such as they had never seen. 
 
 Back at the Fjord. Nothing was left but the odd scattering of small musical instruments, blackened by fire.
