The celebration hadn't been Anlaf's idea, but she wouldn't deny her people the chance to celebrate. It had been years since they had heard that any humans had surfaced. If there was anything to celebrate, it was certainly this. After hundreds of years, their purpose in this world had been restored. They were meant to live their own lives, of course, but ultimately it was their job to create a new world for all to live in after Ragnarok.<br/><br/>Not many in Kaupang were old enough to remember the old world. After the great war of wars, their kind flourished in a way that it never had before. Their numbers multiplied in droves. Where once children were few and far between for the shifters, the streets of their cities were always filled with the sounds of children laughing and playing now.<br/><br/>Most of Kaupang's residents were on the beach to enjoy the celebrations. Drums kept a steady, primal beat, accented by string and wind instruments. Several bonfires lined the area, the biggest at the heart of the festivities. Fresh meat was being cooked over the open flame, and several tables were laden with everything from cheese to fruit to vegetables to all manner of baked delights. It was no proper party without alcohol, so ale, wine, and mead flowed by the barrel full. Men and women alike drank from horns and mugs while they feasted and made merry.<br/><br/>The Earl, herself, was in attendance as well. A large table was set up specially for her and those worthy of sitting in her presence. She had changed for the party, now wearing a brilliant red dress with intricate gold stitching decorating it. As with her bright blue outfit earlier, such vibrant colors signified her position within the society. Though the colors were far easier to make now, they kept with their peoples' original traditions. Bright colors like blue and red, along with their various hues and combinations, were worn only by those with high standing in their community - leaders and the wealthy.<br/><br/>Unlike earlier when Ashley had visited the longhouse, Anlaf was not sitting alone this time. Sitting to her right, and at a distance that was far closer than simply being friendly, sat another woman. Anlaf's companion was a few inches shorter than herself, her skin a rich tan in color, with dark hair and the left side of her head shaved. The woman had sharp, but beautiful features, and dark eyes. Their chairs were nearly touching, and the two were leaned in toward one another. Wooden plates nearly overflowing with food sat in front of each of them.<br/><br/>"<i>Here, you must try the honeycakes</i>," the dark-haired woman suggested. She broke off a piece of the dessert, which was topped with sugary icing and berries. She was dressed in dark trousers and a light blue tunic, a dark brown vest over top of it. Swirling tattoos reached up her neck from beneath her shirt, stopping just below her jaw.<br/><br/>"Dagny," Anlaf chastised lightly, laughing as she glanced up. "<i>I have not even finished my roasted lamb</i>."<br/><br/>"<i>One bite of honeycake will not ruin your appetite</i>," Dagny replied with a wide smile. Not taking 'no' for an answer, she lifted the dessert toward Anlaf's lips and lifted a brow expectantly.<br/><br/>Anlaf rolled her eyes, then leaned forward and plucked the sweet treat from the woman's grasp with her teeth. She savored the taste before grinning. "<i>You were right, the honeycakes are delicious</i>."<br/><br/>Dagny was pleased with her triumph, nudging Anlaf with her shoulder as the two enjoyed their food. Some of the Earl's guards were nearby - as they always were. However, their guests weren't told to keep their distance from the Earl. In fact, an invitation had been extended to Ashley to join Anlaf at her table. The others from the bunker were told that they could mix and mingle with the locals - they were all welcome in Kaupang, and free to move about as they pleased.<br/><br/>Residents of the city occasionally stopped by the table to pay their respects to their leader. She was often among them, but such a cheery atmosphere had everyone wanting to express their gratitude for it. It was not every day that they had such a feast.<br/><br/>One man in particular, who'd had far too much to drink already, was more than happy to voice his happiness - loudly. "<i>Hail Earl Anlaf!</i>" he declared before her table, stumbling a step back as he lifted his horn of ale. "<i>Kaupang has not seen such a celebration in-... in years! Even the gods will hear us tonight! Hail Earl Anlaf!</i>"<br/><br/>"Hail Earl Anlaf!" it was Gunnar who translated the salute for their human guests.<br/><br/>"Hail Earl Anlaf!" A loud chorus of toasts went up through the crowd, many people turning to the table where the Earl sat to lift their drinks to her. Anlaf smiled as she and Dagny both lifted their mugs, returning the salute before taking a drink.