Blót in the back

[hellomajortom]

The goats in the hotel had nearly sent Tom into a downward spiral. Especially, when Vars informed him, they were going to slaughter them in a bathtub and start a bonfire on one of the balconies. It had taken time for the ex-astronaut to discover what was going on. Apparently, the twins were somehow at fault for this by putting the idea of a full Blót into Aarne’s mind at some point. He wasn’t particularly surprised by that part though he was surprised that they thought they could get away with this without him finding out. Aarne’s innocent look when questioned about starting a fire had the Fin glancing at Viktor and Tom shaking his head. Of course, the Brit singer would be the one to start the fire.

Tom had eventually given up and decided the best course of action was to direct, rather than try to deter, the Scandinavians from the task they were set on. He put a hold on the whole outer patio, thankfully fenced in with a high privacy fence, with the hotel to be theirs, undisturbed for two days. The musicians knowing, they would have to clean the place and return it to the state it was when they rented it. It was the only way Tom could imagine keeping this in some kind of control. Controlled and directed chaos was what the Brit did best these days. He watched them clear out all the furniture and tables. Things were getting strange, at least to Tom. He kept hearing chanting and saw more knives than he knew the musicians were traveling with. He did know about the traditional instruments and was less surprised to see those.

Music was forgotten which was an odd thing on the tour, to the point Ziggy postponed two tour dates to later in the month. Everyone threw themselves into some part of it, at least all the Scandinavians, and they dragged along their non-Nordic partners. There was cooking and prepping. The three goats housed out in the patio were tended to like royalty, fed apples and groomed all day. Tom wasn’t sure what to make of all of this though he did set out to ensure there was a proper iron firepit. Maybe not proper to the Nordic traditions but one to keep the fire from spreading across the patio. All he needed was Viktor to throw something flammable in it and set the whole side of the hotel alite. He had seen Rik teaching some how to sing and then watched as Ollie and Torden took turns slowly hand carving a large wooden bowl. Tom had no idea what any of this was for, but his sweet tooth told him the food smelled amazing. Omenakakku and Æblekage, Finnish and Danish respectively, were the sweets he kept smelling that made his stomach rumble. Tom loved apple pie and just how this was described to him sounded even better.

He was fascinated and worried in equal measures. Worried the hotel was about to be set on fire. Not to mention having to pull a tight noose to keep unwanted press out of the way. Damien ended up on paparazzi patrol. It was well into the night when he saw Aarne in full face paint and some antlered headpiece. Tom knew that things were happening. He was curious, it outweighed all of his reservations. Tom had once been a very devout Christian, funny how nearly dying in space had changed that. His wife had changed his perspective even further. That spiritual void only fueled the curiosity.

He wasn’t sure what to expect when he stepped out on that patio, but it felt like he had walked on to a movie set or stepped into the past. Most of the Scandinavians had at least partial traditional gear on or something that blended the two like Var’s long punk leather jacket with the fur collar and studs, the huge wolf painted on the back obviously Fenrir. Even Tom knew that now when he saw the broken chain hanging off the shoulders. It was nice to see Rik on the harp again. The music was soothing but noticing the pile of axes and the wooden target Tom knew this would get rowdy as the night went on. There was a table laid out with sweets and vegetables, but the selection of knives caught his attention. He wondered if Rekker was around and wondered if someone should watch the Brit. Maybe the situation would keep his hands off the blades. The variety of apples was incomprehensible but he had heard talk of some goddess of youth and apples. At least the apples made sense and the whispers that Mikkel would lead this Blót. The youngest for a celebration of youth wasn’t a hard connection to make even if he didn’t have much understanding of the intricacies of the religions or this event.

He wasn’t expecting to see Dee all painted up with her hair in braids, apparently in charge of sharpening the knives. After some thought he remembered that she was some sort of pagan, Wiccan he thought or one of the modern branches. He noticed Aarne and Mikkel with the goats, singing to them. Why that seemed the strangest in this whole landscape of new situations, Tom couldn’t pinpoint, though he wasn’t surprised at all to see Thomas in the background wide eyed and watching. Thomas was obsessed with human culture, and this was a chance to see it firsthand. The Anthean would never pass that up.

The patio went silent all the sudden, in unison, and it startled Tom, as an outsider with no true understanding of what the night would entail. Tom looked around for what was happening but noticed that every eye was on the two with the goats. Mikkel was singing in Danish that Tom couldn’t understand. He had a good handle on Swedish but hadn’t even started Danish yet. However, he didn’t miss the knife being passed around nor the bowl of water out of which everyone was washing their face. He hesitated and glanced at Raev beside him, who was offering him the two items.

“Witness the sharpness and cleanse your face.” He instructed quietly. It wasn’t appropriate to talk, or that was what Tom gathered from the situation. He felt like a child where everyone else knew what they were doing, and he didn’t. Being the oldest in the group, aside from the Antheans, the role reversal put him ill at ease. The ex-astronaut was rarely in a place where he was completely clueless.

Tom took the knife and wondered what to do, he ran his thumb on the cutting edge just like he would test a kitchen knife. He had no idea if that was the right thing to do but no one said anything. He then splashed the water on his face and handed both things off to the next person. Tom was counting musicians and noticed everyone was around, including Ziggy and he swore he saw the twins in the hotel earlier. Isamu better be here if he was the one that started this trajectory.

The knife made its way to Aarne who spoke in Finnish to Mikkel, a language Tom knew even less about. Mikkel responded in Danish and then took the knife while Aarne picked up that wooden bowl that he had seen the Vestergaard brothers making the day before. The way he held it out and Mikkel squatted with the goat Tom knew what was coming. The knife cut like butter through the neck and the blood came flooding out, Aarne catching it in that bowl. The animal barely struggled or made a sound. The kill must have been clean, precise. All three goats were slaughtered in turn before Aarne stood and held the bowl of blood overhead. It sloshed and Tom watched it rain down on the white clothing Aarne and Mikkel wore.

Tom was staring and couldn’t blink. There were words coming in more than one language he didn’t understand. Viktor, Harald, and Vars being splashed with blood before Mikkel offered them the dead goats. A thought ran through his head about the young, feminine boy offering the sacrificed animals to the older, masculine, warriors of the group. He wondered about all the cultural meaning he was missing. Like a midnight mass, the movements were practiced and mechanical so they must have all meant something even if he was clueless. Tom felt like a play by play would have been helpful but he would have to make due with remembering and asking later. The goats were taken to a table beside the fire pit which was blazing hot enough he could feel the heat. Someone had to have stoked it up while he was transfixed on the goats. Tom watched with awe as Devon also joined the three with Dee and the animals were quickly cleaned and beheaded. He’d seen animals butchered before, but this was something else, parts separated out into piles for reasons he didn’t know. Tom only came around when something wet touched his face. He looked over to see the Dane and the Fin standing there. Mikkel’s red hand slipping from his face, and he could feel the cool wetness left behind.

Mikkel spoke in Danish and then Aarne repeated, or Tom thought he did anyway, the words in English. “Will you join us?”

For a moment he could only imagine he was about to be treated like some village elder. In this village of a tour, he was the elder and the leader even if everyone went their own ways on a personal level. Tom was stunned, not by the invitation but the drips of blood rolling over the white paint on Aarne’s cheek and the mess of red in Mikkel’s bleach white hair. The details felt overwhelming, but he found himself nodding and then jumped as blood was splattered on his face. It was still warm and caused him to step back. Glancing around he noticed he was the first to be anointed, was that even right but it did remind him of holy water in that midnight mass on his mind. The thought of being treated like a village elder came around again. His focus had been so driven down to one thing that he missed the fact that the Danes were singing. Rik on the harp and Ansgar on some war drum while Ollie and Raev sang. What they were singing was lost on the Brit who didn’t know the language though he did pick up a couple of god names, all Norse. It didn’t even sound like Danish. Maybe it was something else? Vars spoke Old Norse and Tom wondered if there was an Old Danish or some equivalent. Truth was he was well outside his area of expertise or experience. This coming from a man who had lived with aliens. Tom cracked a smile with that thought, interrupted by Aarne kissing his cheek before they went off to find others. He noticed the elder feeling had some merit when Hexed and Robert were the next approached. The oldest of the group.

Tom glanced at the spitted goats and realized that the intent of this was to go on until food was ready to share. Tom took a breath and decided he was going to need a drink to survive this. No mule though. He had seen enough people huddled in the bathroom from the Danish liquor. Maybe Hunter had some wine, surely he wouldn’t be caught at a party without it. Tom didn’t move from where he stood near the middle of the patio. His eyes were trying desperately to take this all in but there was simply too much. Tonight wasn’t going to be like any other experience. Another notch on his belt of strange things he’d lived through in his life.

Comments

Harald and Lars

[dodsmetall_kriger]

Harald was in his element now dressed in reindeer fur leggings with furry leather boots and nothing covering his top half. He walked shirtless, muscles exposed as well as his tattoos and smears of blood covering his torso. The huge man had blood in his beard and had his twin throwing axes still strapped to either side of his waist as always. Behind him was the more timid tart Lars who hated the stench of blood and didn't really enjoy the more traditional side of his heritage, Blóts included.

"We celebrate. Blood for warriors. Brother need courage."

Harald patting Lars on the shoulder, encouraging the drummer to not shy away from where he came from. The young blond just smelling of floral perfume, trying not to get blood anywhere near him. There was food and drink though so that was a bonus.

The Ivarsson brothers and Gilly

[rockandroll_swede]

Erik and Hunter were both traditional spiritual men so this Blót was known to them. Gilly, however, was not expecting such a ceremony and was wide-eyed and a little unsure about the whole goat slaughtering aspect of it. Hunter now squeezing the tarty drummer's hand because Gilly didn't seem to like blood much. Perhaps the remnants of Erik's knife injury had brought up some past trauma for the boy.

"It's ok, Gilly. This is a celebration of our culture. It's not so bad the goat's blood. I'm sure Fluffig will enjoy this too."

The guitarist now looking around to see if he could spot Robert, hopefully shirtless among the others. Hunter bringing to the table three large jugs of red wine for people to enjoy. He was dressed in a furry robe which was tinged at the edges with a pattern of leopard print. A mix of traditional with modern contemporary which Hunter had designed and made for events like this.

"Please come and enjoy the wine, blomma. Everyone. Erik, I know you want to smear blood on Robert's chest."

Mick, Weird and Rex

[guitar_voodoo]

Mick had no clue what was going on really but after spending a year or more with the crazy Scandis all of this was not such a surprise really. The blond guitarist could smell the stench of the goat's blood and wasn't bothered by it unlike Gilly and Lars. The tarts not liking blood was not such a surprise. Weird seemed to take it in his stride being shirtless as well as his brother Rex, who was looking around to see if he could spot his Dane. Ansgar.

"Bloody hell! I've never been to a blot---or whatever it's called. Being shirtless is nothing new but this ceremony is certainly different."

Rex nodded and was also shirtless the same as Mick. The Brits looked a little out of their depth but wanted to join in. What did Ziggy make of all this? Would he smear blood over Mick's chest? The blond would no doubt join in and be friendly, wanting to show his appreciation for all of this.

Larsson brothers arrive

[swedish_rocker]

Hans had wanted to go to something like this for a long time since he still believed in the old ways just as Hunter did. Bjorn, just wanted to go because Rekker was going to be covered in blood and it was a party. Booze, blood and chaos. This was perfect for the crazy Swede who was now walking into the Blót shirtless wearing tight black pleather pants along with neon pink sparkly high-heeled boots. Hans dressed in just a pair of faded blue jeans and shoes.

"Fuck yeah! Where's my grouchy ginger bastard? You need to find your hairy boy too."

Bjorn giggling, already drunk from drinking beforehand as he always did while Hans just laughed, shaking his head. Well, this would prove interesting that was for sure. The whole blood splattering thing though? He was fine with it but Bjorn might cringe slightly surely.

The Hell's Angels arrive

[hellfire_andfury]

Viktor was already shirtless wearing just a pair of ripped jeans, hoping to get covered in blood and fight with some of the others. Playfighting and getting rough was something the punk craved and right now he was smirking as he shoved Billy along from behind, wanting to see if he could find his Danish pastry boy, Rik.

"This will be fucking epic. A Norse booze-up."

Zack just shaking his head laughing slightly because he wasn't one for loud, boozey parties but he was interested in the traditions of the other band members and wanted to join in even if he was the sober one. Damien would surely join and and might be covered in blood too.

"You just want to get naked and "wrestle" on the floor with Vars all covered in blood you kinky bastard."

Billy's comment getting a loud laugh from Joe who was practically naked, wearing only a small black thong covering his assets. His ass was on show as he slapped it, giggling, high and drunk as usual. He wanted to find his Peachy and get covered in blood. Having sex while covered in blood sounded like fun.

"Fuck yeah! A blood booze up! Cover me, bitches!"

Billy snorting out laughter at Joe's comment.

The Magnusson brothers...causing chaos

[basmastare]

Sigurd was shirtless wearing a pair of tight black leather pants with a silver belt chain around his waist. Karl, laughing at his brother being such a dirty daddy was wearing just a pair of boxer briefs with hearts on. How classy. Sigurd just rolling his eyes at Karl's attire for attending a traditional festival. Honestly, he expected no less from his trashy brother.

"You're such a fucking kinky daddy---SIGGY!"

The older Swede hitting the back of his brother's head lightly with his palm at the comments. Fuck, Karl! The man was always calling him stupid names. Karl just laughing, dodging another hit and mooning his ass at Sigurd.

"Don't be such a bore, Siggy! Your brat is here somewhere covered in blood and gagging for your cock."

Sigurd scowled and then went to smack Karl on the back but missed as the younger Swede ducked and giggled.

The Halvorsson brothers

[rebellisk_tarta]

Fredrik and Johan were now entering into the celebration, shirtless and wearing just a pair of pants and shoes. Johan wearing a pair of tight fitting tiger leggings and Fredrik wearing some sparkly black pants with glittery silver stars along the seam. Just a little bit of glam as he liked to wear.

"I wonder if Mikkel is here covered in blood. Maybe you can rub some onto Ulfen's hairy chest. I know you want to!"

The young bassist now giggling, shoving his brother in the side with an elbow as Johan laughed, messing up Fredrik's hair slightly. Would they both be sucked into the celebration and splattered with blood? Hopefully.

"Just like you want to rub some on Mikkel's? Your kissy, cuddle soul mate."

The Gustaffsson brothers & Hjalmar

[nordlig_pojke]

Sven and Ulrik were now arriving towing a half-drunk Hjalmar to the celebration. Fredrik had already gone ahead to find Mikkel and Ivar was now bringing along some bottles of his latest concoction if anyone wanted to try any. The batch was pure hell on earth in terms of a hangover so the Brits better watch out.

"Dee should be here because Rekker said she would be with the girls I think. That's what I heard anyway."

Ulrik along with Sven and Hjalmar were shirtless just dressed in pants and shoes, enjoying what was going on so far. The drunken guitarist squinting slightly because he'd drank so much the night before he was still a little hungover. Time didn't really matter to Hjalmar because he was always so out of it.

"You mean you want to paint your hot ginger's chest in blood, baby brother?"

Sven grinning, mussing up Ulrik's hair, which earnt the singer a jab in the ribs. Hjalmar just wanted to find Torden and drink with him.

Torden/Ulfen/Ansgar

[tordenvejr]

Torden had been here awhile with Ollie before Ansgar arrived. There was a soothing quality to Ansgar's drumming that had Torden slouched down in cushions beside him. Eventually, Ulfen came over to lay with him but he did get up to bring Lars over to meet the other two and he hoped they got along. He also wondered where Hjalmar was though at this party at least he would be safe if he passed out. He also had it in his mind to get Devon over with a few drinks. He and Lars should talk, if nothing else, to see if they liked each other. Lars sure liked Devon but the Hexed drummer was quiet and stayed to himself a lot.

Korppi

[kuoleman_laulu]

Korppi hadn't told anyone he was arriving, not really. He got the invite from Vars who knew him from around Oslo. It seemed a perfect time for him to meet up with his bandmate. He'd been in the city for a couple days but hadn't made it to the hotel. He's in his usual attire; leather pants, black and white face paint, axe strapped to his back and he has his small falcon on his shoulder. He's looking for Harald but happy to talk to anyone who runs into him while he's walking around.