the words peal from Hrothgar's chest, deep and foreboding. He stands to his full height, looking down warmly on his new friend.

I have returned. To stay. For a while, anyway. As you can see, I have been ajourn for a very long time, and have need of rest, and my kin. It is a pleasure to meet you, Yngvildr. Though we are not related by blood, we are related by kin. May our bonds never break. So speaks Hrothgar, Glory-Spear of the Shield-Danes...

Let us feast! It is a time fo great gladness! Pour the mead, and roast the boar! Tonight we shall dine like the Æsir themselves!

the doughty warrior raises his freshly-filled horn high above his head.

To the Scyldings, their kin, and our allies, all present tonight!

Hrothgar drains his horn in one astounding draught, and slams the empty vessel on the table, and lets out a mighty cheer...