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Post by Blindside Tex on May 5, 2020 15:14:26 GMT -5
They were descendants of the great Ragnar Lothbrock himself, his village he once rules passed down over the ages. The famous fleet of ships only grew larger, the village transforming into a city. What made this home unique was the hill sides that protected them, and the farms that kept the city fed. Combined with their access to water – the city of Valihan was a force of nature. Though they did not bend the knee to any King, they lived on their own set of terms – maintaining the old ways of Norse. These villages and cities were feared, as there was no agreements, and they took what they wanted.
The hundreds of years of pushing into English territory, looting and killing – put the lands at risk. The cities who received the most – flourished wildly, making other Viking clans jealous and greedy. The War of Odin had only just begun… who of his sons would emerge victorious?
***
“There you are my beautiful” a man spoke as she stood above his daughter. He was a giant broad man, with a long braided beard. The sides of his head was shaved, and the Lothbrok braid was prominent – down the center of his scalp and cascading down his back. “A good battle braid, keeps the hair out of the eyes, hmm?” he smiled as his thick fingers brushed over her hair. He had braided her red hair perfectly. From each side smaller braids wove into a final thick braid, which fell to her shoulders, though parts of the hair was not braided – leaving strands to flow in the wind.
“And next...” he moved to the front of her. “The Markings of Ragnar...” he spoke and lifted a brush – he dipped it in a small jar and made strokes over her face. One marking crossed her eye, and the other started at her temple and drew down to her jaw and over her cheek bone. “We shall strike fear into their hearts...” he stepped back. “They will pause in your sheer beauty, and your blade shall rip them of their guts” he laughed then and stepped back.
“Is Odin still watching us?” he questioned as he looked to the sky. The woman lifted her gaze and smiled then.
“Yes father, he is” she gave a whistle then and from the blue sky an eagle landed on the edge of the boat that they sat, bobbing over the water with speed.
It was then that he turned and stepped to the center of the boat, his hand landing upon the mast. His eyes gazed out to the 25 other boats that followed their trail. Slowly the woman rose and stepped over next to him, her eyes looking out to the calm seas, over the ships.
“Today we will take back what is ours” he spoke. “These bastards claim the name of Odinson, yet thieve and rape their own brothers and sisters. They are no children of the Gods. They are heathens, traitors...” he spat then. “You will show them, hm? What it is be one with them?” he smiled and pat her cheek.
“I begin the offering” the woman spoke then and lifted a golden bowl. She set it down and then drew a blade from her thigh. She ran it across her arm, slicing through the tunic she wore easily. Blood leaked from her arm and dripped into the bowl. “A sacrifice of blood, the first is drawn in the name of Odin” she spoke aloud. Everyone on her boat was watching her. She held it upward then towards the Eagle. The eagle stared to the bowl for a moment, turning its head slightly – and then it pecked downward, dipping its beak in her blood.
“He accepts!” her father belted. “Odin is on our side today, my brothers and sisters!!” he shouted. It was then that all 25 ships suddenly belted into a roar of shouting and cheering. They gathered their weapons and shields, and as the ship approached shore – the entire 25 fleet beat on their shields in unison. A growing drum that came closer and closer to the battle grounds.
Bjorn, the fearless leader and father, stepped to the lip of the boat and as it came to shore he jumped from it. He held his shield and his axe – still beating. Tyra stepped off second, though she did not beat – she was quiet, her eyes staring forward to the hill side they had to climb. Her crystal blue hues glanced back to the ships which landed, soon enough the entire army stood on the shoreside.
“Father” she called out over the beating. “We will show them true strength” she called out and gripped his arm. It was then that she slipped away – gathering all of the Shield Maidens together. They did not beat, though they took up at least a quarter of the army. The Vikings over the hill would hear the beats, and assume the size of the army. The women stayed quiet, as was their role in this battle. The women split into two groups, and slipped away to the forest in the distance.
Bjorn lead his men upward to the top of the hill. He stood first – the beating suddenly stopped. He stared down to a battlefield – full of men, waiting their approach. This battle was the first that was not a vicious attack that scorned the Viking reputation. This was a planned agreement, a battle of the strongest army. No innocent would be taken in this fight. The winner would take the other, and claim the rights as the most powerful Viking clan…
Bjorn’s men slowly rise up the hillside, lining it completely – and then they rushed downward in a frenzy. Though several groups remained behind, while the wall of men shouted into the field.
Meanwhile the woman ran through the forest side, circling around the entire battlefield. It took them quite sometime to make it to the backside of the opposing army, the Viking men of Rykeen Drestgarth. Barreling from the forests came nearly 60 women, Tyra Ragnarin, leading the rush. She rushed forward, catching the backside of Destgarth’s men off guard.
Rykeen was holding the same tactic – withdrawing several men to rush in later in a final wave of strength. It was a common viking tactic… Tyra spun easily – her blade cutting into a mans throat, at the end of her spin it lodged into anothers chest. She placed her boot upon him and pulled it back, ducking just in time to dodge an axe. She shouted a word – and suddenly surrounding her – was her Shield Maidens. The held their shields up and several women from within stood. They opened the shield wall and allow men inward – where the woman dismembered them with ease. The shield circle moved inward on the backside of the battle field, until the entire second fleet was killed.
It was then that Tyra shouted – the Shield Maidens formed a long shield wall that pushed on the backside of Rykeen’s army. At the same time – Bjorn shouted and his men drew back and formed a similar wall. With a few words – an entire square was created around the remaining army of Rykeen. The battle stopped – no swords clashed.
Bjorn stepped out from the wall, looking directly to Rykeen who stood before his shrunken army. “Give up now, Rykeen, and I will spare you and your men” he shouted over the distance between them. “You have been defeated...” he raised his sword and axe into the air. He was covered in blood from the slaughter, not a lick of his skin could be seen over the crust of red.
Above them flew the Eagle, a loud caw filled the air in the silence. Rykeen slowly approached, he was gussied up in leathers, his long flowing hair was a tangled mess about him.
“I would rather die and rise to Valhalla then forfeit to your Godless Clan” then suddenly there was a loud boom. A bullet flew through the air and landed dead center in Bjorn’s chest. The lord stumbled back and gripped his chest – his eyes looking forward wide.
“You would use… their weapons?” he choked on blood and then collapsed forward.
Tyra stepped forward then – a cry outward as she screamed for her father. Rykeen’s army allowed her through as she rushed across to him, her knees collapsing as she came to her father. She gripped his cloak, as he fell head first into the bloodied soil. She turned her head then – looking to Rykeen, who stood proudly, and happily. She slowly approached him – though he did not budge. As she walked the blue sky had suddenly become covered in thick black clouds. Rykeen lifted his gaze – he did not expect much from the sullen daughter. He expected her to bow, as would be custom.
She came to him, her angry eyes looking up to the large man, who was nearly double her size. She reached up then and gripped his arm. “Rykeen” she spoke through her teeth.
Suddenly from the sky came a huge bolt of lightning – it hit Rykeen and pierced through his body. His flesh became singed, red lines of his arteries glowing brightly.
“May you reach your sweet heavens” she then drew her blade, untouched by the lightning, and lobbed his head off.
The entire battlefield was shocked in the pure display of power. She turned and looked to everyone, her breathing was heavy, her anger unmatched by anything she had felt before. “I will kill each of you” she shouted. “If you do not leave now” she followed and gripped her blade. It was then that the entire army of Rykeen dropped their blades and ran from the battle field. Tyra lifted the burnt head of Rykeen and then stepped over to her father. “May you rest in Valhalla, father” she nodded to several men, who lifted Bjorn upward, and they returned to the ships.
The sail back to their home was quiet. When they returned – Tyra stepped to the large hall that acted as both the dining and the psuedo-throne room. She set the head of Rykeen in her fathers seat, and then sat down in her own chair. Waiting for her mother to greet her return… Though, she had not said a word. Her brows were furrowed… She leaned back as men awkwardly filled the room, filling the center of the hall with the spoils of war. They had retrieved the loot, about 10 ships had made way for Rykeen’s city to retrieve the cattle, men and women, and the rest of the agreed upon loot.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 5, 2020 16:58:16 GMT -5
“Are you sure you want that one? It’ll cost you a fortune.” A man stood in a black vest, his exposed arms were thick sculpted metal. His black pants were military style, a gun rest upon his hip, an assault rifle upon his back. He had a device upon his head that rest over his eye that illuminated green as he looked to his client. “What was it you needed her for again?” He questioned as he looked up to a tube filled with liquid that held a woman suspended within the liquid. She had a mask over her nose and mouth, a black suit covered her body. Her dark bluish black locks floated in the water peacefully.
The man had his hand upon the glass, a smirk upon his lips. “When have you been the one to ask questions? I give you the credits, you let me take what I want. That’s the business. Isn’t it?” The man had dark eyes as he stared to the shop keep. He crossed his arms over his chest, he wore fine clothing, a suit that caused him to seem to stick out like a sore thumb. “You said she’s the best you’ve got. That’s what I need.” He held his hand up and a screen appeared before him. “How much?”
The shop keep drew in a breath. His question was out of life. Especially of a high class like the man that stood before him. This man came to the slums from his city in the sky just to make a purchase. Any other person that came through these doors...well he would allow them to have just about anything so long as they had the credits to pay. “2.” He spoke his eyes locked on the man.
The man gave a smirk and rolled the numbers easily. “2 thousand?” He laughed, “As if that would break me. I’ll have much more once I have her complete this mission for me.” He smirked, he then looked to the numbers as they lit up red upon his screen. His eyes looked to the shop keep once again. “Million?” He questioned, his expression serious now, agitation seemed to bubble up within him. “She better be worth it, or I’ll take this whole place down. Piece by piece. You’ll wish you could afford an afterlife.” He snapped as he rolled the numbers easily. A chime sounded and then man crossed his arms over his chest. “Now what?”
The shop keep watched him closely. “Well, Orion. Now we wake her. She’s been in stasis for a few years now. But it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.” He stepped over to the tube and looked up to her a long moment before he waved his hand and a keyboard illuminated. He punched in several buttons until the screen read that it was executing his command to end stasis.
“Well, well that wasn’t too hard was it, Nym?” Orion stepped forward, he brushed his jawline and grinned as he watched bubbles move through the fluid as it began to change colors. “She’s been in stasis for a few years huh? Does that cause them to slow down?” He asked curiously then. “I’m paying top dollar you know.”
“No. She’ll be just as she was when she became one of our agents. If not better.” Nym spoke his eyes moved to the woman within the tube. Her fingers curled slightly and her eyes fluttered open. She had striking crimson eyes that almost seemed to glow. “See, won’t be long now. Would you like a drink?”
“Tell me more about her.” Orion spoke as he stared to the woman within the tube. “How did she come to be one of your agents?” He questioned curiously.
“That’s classified information Orion.” Nym spoke, “You know that no one chooses this life.”
“Well what makes her so much better than the others?” He asked and looked to him curiously, a smirk upon his lips.
“She was a soldier...I think.” Nym furrowed his brows slightly, he knew much more than he was letting on. He stepped forward and clicked a few buttons as the liquid began to drain.
“What’s her name?” He asked as he watched her. She had her hands pressed against the glass, her eyes stared to Nym, the sound of her breathing through the apparatus seemed to fill the room. It was quick, almost panicked.
“Rylee.” Nym spoke as he clicked a few more buttons. Air filled the chamber which quickly wicked the left over fluid from her body. “What sort of clothing do you prefer her in?” He questioned then, his eyes still stared to Rylee, she pressed her forehead against the glass as she stared to him, her breathing had calmed considerably.
Orion seemed to think a long moment. “Something classy.” He grinned. “We are going to a party in the sky, after all.” He chuckled.
Nym drew in a breath and looked to him, “If you’re purchasing her for a date that isn’t exactly what our agents are for.”
Orion chuckled to this comment. “Nym you think I would have to purchase such company?” He laughed heartily. “No, I have plans for her. You’ll see. It’s going to make me rich. I’ll be the owner of the Pheonix Stone. You’ve heard of it, even in the slums. I’m sure.” He waved his hand. “Now hurry up, and do choose something nice.”
Nym was silent as he clicked away. His lifted his eyes to look to Rylee as light filled the tube and she was dressed to the nines as Orion had asked her to be. He took a step back as the door hissed open and steam released from the chamber, obscuring her from their vision. When she stepped forward the click of a heel sounded in the room and she was revealed to be in a beautiful black dress that would match to Orion well. Rylee looked down to herself, her hair had been pinned up neatly, only a few strands hung at the sides of her face. “Nym…? What is this?” She questioned as she lifted her eyes to see Orion.
“That’s perfect.” Orion spoke. “Very well, you’re coming with me dear.” He grasped her by wrapping his arm around her waist and tugged her from the room. Rylee glanced over her shoulder to Nym whom watched after her with almost worried eyes. All of the agents that Orion had ever hired had never returned to the shop in once piece. Orion led her to a car which they climbed inside the spacious material and he punched a few buttons before they took off down the roadway. “Rylee.” He spoke and looked to her, his eyes lingered on her for a long moment, his hand rest upon her thigh. “You have a very important mission this evening.” He spoke as he moved and clicked a few buttons which brought up a screen before them. A silver stone with black inscriptions spun before them in a hologram like image. “The Phoenix Stone. It is said to grant power to those that hold it, immortality even. If one can crack its code.” He glanced to her as she stared to the image. “I want it.”
“You clearly have money, why do you not just buy it?” Rylee looked to him with a flat expression.
Orion nearly growled as his smile flattened. “It isn’t for sale. It is on display this evening. I want you to kill James Tyden, his family, friends, guards. Whatever it takes. Kill them all if you have to. Just get the damn stone. Got it?”
Rylee looked back to the screen as he brought up the image of the man that he’d just asked her to kill. “You want me to kill everyone?” She questioned as she looked to him.
“Yes. If you must. But in the least kill James. Make it look like...an assassination.” He grinned. Rylee drew her brows together, she took in a breath to speak and then winced as Orion pressed a button on a bracelet that he wore upon his wrist. “Don’t forget who is in charge here, Rylee.” He leaned close to her, his eyes stared into hers as he held the button down a moment longer. “Ah good.” He leaned back.
The rest of the ride was filled with silence. Rylee would glance to Orion if his hand landed upon her in any fashion. Though she didn’t dare speak. That was the downside of her situation. She was nothing more than a gun for hire. She had no soul to him. No thoughts. She wasn’t allow to express her own opinion. She was merely an agent of Hexagon. An organization of hired assassins and thieves. Guaranteed to do any job without a single question asked.
As they approached the party Orion led her inside, his arm wrapped around her waist, he even planted a kiss upon her cheek for the cameras. She smiled as he ordered her to. Many of the paparazzi fell in love with the duo as they made their way into the largest party around the city in the clouds. Music played. Many danced and had drinks. Orion led her through the entire estate and to the room that the stone was on display in. Many mingled within the room. Not once did his hand leave her hips. He smirked to her as he felt the eyes of many around them upon them. They were the talk of the night. It was partly why he’d chosen her and not one of the old soldiers that Hexagon offered. Any of the agents could have gotten the job done, but not with such flare.
Orion led her down a set of stairs as the night drew toward a close. He kissed her as he pushed her into a dimly lit room. Rylee stepped back from him quickly, her brows drawn together. “When do you want me to complete the mission? I am not an escort for you.” She snapped, “This is not my job.”
Orion clicked the button for a few moments and he watched as she grit her teeth to the pain that surged through her body. “Don’t forget who is in charge, hm?” He turned and locked the door. “Now.” He walked over to a closet and pulled it open. “Here you are.” He pulled a body of an officer from the closet. “Get dressed.” He smirked as he moved and sat on the edge of the bed.
Rylee stepped to the dead officer and stripped the clothing from him. She glanced to Orion as he watched her intently, the sound of the music outside the room, the chatter of those at the party. She drew in a breath as she slipped the dress from her body and she pulled on the uniform piece by piece. She tightened the velcro of the vest down and as she lifted her eyes Orion stood before her with the helmet. “Can’t have them looking at your pretty face, hm?” He held a hood toward her.
Rylee pulled the cloth over her head and then strapped the helmet in place. She loaded the pistol upon her hip and checked the sights on the rifle that had been with the body. “Alright.” She spoke as she turned.
“Ah just a moment.” He pushed the body back in the closet and shut the door. He roughed up the bed a bit and then turned to her. “You’ll exit the room in approximately 10 minutes. Be sure no one sees you.” He spoke as he loosened his tie slightly and ruffled his hair. “Don’t let me down, hm?” He cupped her cheek before he chuckled and stepped from the room, adjusting his clothing.
Rylee scoffed and shook her head as she leaned against the wall. She closed her eyes slightly as she waited. Her memories of her life before Hexagon were beginning to fade. Nym said it would. With each time that she was placed into stasis her life before she was forced to become and agent became more of a mystery. The lights lowered outside the room. This was her chance. Rylee slipped from the room and along the skirts of the crowd. She moved swiftly her eyes lifted to the room that held the Phoenix Stone in it. James was standing near it with his wife, chatting among guests. Three guards stood in the glass room. She scanned the room carefully as she approached. She reached to the pistol upon her hip and drew it as she walked into the room. The first shot went directly between the eyes of her target. The second to his wife. Screams broke out. She continued walking forward as she brought two of the guards down. She felt hot metal slice into her leg as the third opened fire. Rylee rushed forward as she turned and shot the guard. She tossed the handgun and gripped the rifle that hung around her shoulders. Many had fled from the room in screams of terror as she rushed forward. She gripped the stone in her hand and looked to it a long moment before she heard shouts over the music.
As Rylee looked up at least twenty guards rushed into the room. “Shit...” She muttered as she rushed to the side. Gunfire commenced. She pulled the trigger upon her assault rifle and in a spray of bullets she rushed toward the exit of the room. Bullets cut through her uniform and sliced through the vest. She fell to her knees as her body became riddled with bullets. Blood ran from her nose and mouth as she crawled forward and leaned against the wall. The yells of the guards were muffled. She lifted the stone in her hands and turned it as her blood ran freely over it. “Immortality….huh…?” She muttered, her voice weak. The inscriptions began to glow as her head lulled to the side, her eyes slipped shut. The stone began to glow as well. The guards stood back from her as the light grew. Yelling filled the room and then….silence…
Rylee woke to the gentle sound of waves crashing against a beach shore. She blinked several times as she tried to make sense of things. The water lapped against her legs and up to her hips as the tide washed inward. “What’s this then?” A voice echoed and a shadow appeared above her. “What sort of clothing is this? English? No.” The man looked savage. He wore pelts of fur and had paint upon his face. “Ey.” He tapped her cheek, her eyes fluttered slightly. “You must be one of Rykeen’s huh?” He scoffed as he gripped at her wrist.
Rylee’s eyes opened wide then. She reached out to pull away from the man. He only cackled as she fought against him. He lifted her by her wrist as she was quite small in comparison to his nordic height. He then began to drag her along. Rylee couldn’t get her balance. “Stop!” She cried as she pulled against him. He laughed as he pulled her along, eventually he slung her over his shoulder.
Rylee slammed her fists against his back which only caused him to slam her against the ground. As her back hit the ground her head did as well. This caused her vision to blur and soon enough he was dragging her along by her wrist once again. Once they got her to town they tossed her in with other women locked away, though not before they stripped her of the strange armor that she wore. She was left in a tank top and the military style pants that she’d taken off of the officer. Rylee looked around to the women whom cried. “What...is this place…?” She muttered to herself as she looked about. She heard the clinking of glasses and the yells of men as she moved to a window. She grasped the bars and drew her brows together. The last thing she remembered was looking to the stone...she could feel her last breaths...what was this place? Was she alive?
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 5, 2020 18:42:25 GMT -5
“The spoils of war must be presented” A man spoke and chuckled as he was assisted by others. The women were shackled up and dragged to the hall, to line up against the wall – where each would be reviewed by the Lord and his family.
There was muttering in the halls. As Tyra sat upon her seat she drew in a long breath. Approached her came her Uncle, he stood before her for a long moment and then he knelt down before her. “Tyra” he took her hands then and kissed her bloodied knuckles. The room grew silent as her Uncle mourned quietly. Slowly then he stood and turned to the people who crowded the room.
Tyra showed no expression – she glanced over to her mother who entered, her hand upon her son’s back as they slowly approached. Her Uncle, Gavion looked around, taking in a deep breath. He wore leathers, and even he still had blood on his face. Tyra sat with splatters over her cheeks, but streams were silent tears had cleared a pathway…
“Today.. we fierce battle was made...” he smiled then, weakly though. His voice was deep, and the entire room focused on him, giving him the most of their attention. “We stormed the Hills of Ire, laying Rykeen’s men to the soil. What made the fight – was our glorious Shield Maidens, lead by our fierce Tyra… rushed through the forests to flank the backside of the second fleet. They formed the most inpenetratable shield circle you’ve ever seen. They single handedly slaughtered at least half of their army… it was something I will never forget...” he spoke, a slight tear in his eye as he shed the scene for everyone to hear. This was a common practice – to tell the tale of the war, to let the village see it too.
“We formed barriers around the entire army, our Lord – Bjorn approached Rkyeen – offering his mercy… Rkyeen refused.” he spoke and then stiffened. “Rykeen betrayed the Gods, he used the heathenous weaponry of those Saxon fools, a gun. He disrespected the way of Nordic War, the gods will be displeased...” he sucked in a breath then. People grew stiff – grumbling slightly with anger. “Tyra rushed to her father, barreling through the armies, and held him in his dying breath. She grew fit with rage… I watched the blue skies turn black with her fury… I saw in that moment – the Gods flowing through her, to smite Rykeen for his treachery.” he mode movements then. He stepped over to one of his men and gripped his arm. “She gripped his arm and spoke his name, and from the skies” his hand jolted upward. “Thor struck upon her command, a lightning bolt shattered his flesh, I saw it before my eyes. Not a touch upon Tyra, like she herself commanded his power” he let go of his man then, who stumbled backwards.
The army was awestruck, remembering the scene. The people of village gasped with the motions. Gavion stepped over to the throne and pulled head of Rykeen up. “You see! See the scorched lines over his head… She then drew her blade and beheaded him...” he threw the head down. “We won and Rykeen floats in his heaven. Our beloved Lord – Bjorn joins the Gods in Valhalla! He drinks and celebrates over a beautiful victory, he surely is praising Thor for Tyra’s revenge!” he shouted and everyone began to shout in joy. Many pounded the tables.
“We will send Bjorn Ragnarin, his body shall become one with this earth, Freya shall tend to it. His soul mingles with the gods… and we will continue his legacy. For Bjorn Ragnarin – long live our Lord” he spoke calmly in the end. Everyone was quiet for a moment, and then many began to chant – Long Live our Lord, Long Live Bjorn Ragnarin – over and over.
Finally Tyra stood from her seat, she was focused and quiet the entire while. The room hushed as she stood. “I watched my father fight, for honor… for glory… I watched him fall to the weak Rykeen...” she rolled her shoulders slightly. “In his honor – I am going to declare the spoils...” she looked before the pile of goods infront of her.
It was then that her brother slipped from his mothers hands. Trayven spoke confidently “No, you are not the Lord of his Clan… As Bjorn-son, this duty falls to-”
Suddenly Tyra punched her brother square in the jaw, so hard that he fell to the floor. People gasped, a few men chuckled. “Shut your fucking mouth” she spat at him. “No Lord rules today, you know this. The day of the Lord’s death is a day of respect. Sit your greedy ass down. I shall see his duty finished out, this fight was ours – not yours. Not while you-”
“Tyra, please” her mother spoke and nodded. “Go ahead with the spoils...You earned this” she bowed her head.
Tyra looked to Gavion, who bowed his head. She stepped before the chests of gold and opened one large one. “40% of the gold will be split evenly amongst the warriors who fought bravely today. 30% of the gold will split evenly to the families who lost today. 20% of the gold will be split evenly amongst the supporting families of the Clan, who did not fight. 15% will go to the war funds. 5% will go to the Lord Family” she spoke then.
This was the lowest amount the Lord family had even taken, but no one said anything. Rather, it was the most percent that was given to the warriors, and the clan members. “The cattle should be argued evenly amongst the farmers…60% of the food will be offered in rations, the remaining will be used in our weekly gatherings...” she looked to one of her men. “Bring forth the captors” she spoke.
The line of women, and men, where ushered into the center of the room, infront of all the gold. They were each pushed down to their knees. Tyra stepped to the furthest right and lifted the gaze of one of the men. “Farmer Arne” she spoke and stepped to the next. She spoke families’ names, who received the slave. Several of the men were sent to the mines, a few women that were sent to the textiles, sewing and of that nature.
She finally came to the last person, a woman. She looked different – very different. She held her hair differently. Tyra squat downward and lifted the woman’s gaze, a finger upon her chin. Tyra’s crystal blue hues looked into the red fierce eyes of this woman. She looked to the odd tattoo upon her cheek… she then leaned back and stood. “This one is mine” she spoke and then stepped back.
“Gavion will assist with distributions… We will send my Father within the next two hours.. and then we shall feast, and drink, until I can hear Bjorn above us throwing up in our honor” she smirked then and then she kicked the head of Rykeen. It flew across the room and smacked against the log wall. “Someone put that ass hole on a fucking spike” she stepped over to the slaves once more and grasped for a key, unlocking the woman.
“Come with me” she spoke and pulled her arm forward with a bit of strength. She glared to her brother, who stood next to her mother once more. He had a swollen black bruise on his chin, and a puffy lip from her. She huffed as she passed by him and lead the woman through a hallway, and then to her room.
She opened the door, revealing a rather large but well kept room. There were several shields leaning against the wall, swords hoisted above them. Her bed was large and covered in comfortable furs… “Fetch me a bucket from over there” she spoke as she began to take her armor off, peeling the thick leather vest from her chest – which had several slashes from swords in it. “What is your name?” she spoke with very little emotion. She had undressed to just her tunic and under garments. She suddenly drew a sword and held it to the woman. “You are strong” she spoke. “I can tell, defined muscles… powerful eyes...” she pressed the tip of the blade to the womans neck. “If you think of doing anything funny, I’ll make you pay...” she lowered the blade slowly. “You’ve just received the best job there is for a slave of Rykeen...” she brushed her hands off on her tunic. “Bring me the bucket now… and then pick some suitable clothing out of the wardrobe. I am no idea what you are wearing, but it is barbaric, and ugly...” she huffed and pulled a clean linen cloth out, to dip into the water and clean her skin…
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 5, 2020 20:08:45 GMT -5
Rylee pulled at the bar slightly and then frowned as it didn’t budge. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” A man spoke, he was leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. “You think Lord Rykeen was vicious? He was nothing compared to these heathens. Soulless bastards.” He spoke and clicked his tongue. “They will probably slaughter us all and drink our blood.” He let out a slightly defeated laugh.
She looked to him with a bit of a confused gaze. Her lips parted to speak though she realized something in that moment. The incessant hum that she’d become so accustomed to. The metallic device that had been implanted to give the men and women that paid for her service as a Hexagon Agent, it seemed to have malfunctioned. She reached her hand up to her neck, just below her ear, the lump was gone, as if it had melted away. It was a small size, but she’d always been able to feel it, about the size of a pea, but with enough punch to keep her from back talking any of Hexagon’s clients. “Who is Rykeen?” She asked the man then.
A look of surprise crossed over the man’s expression, then a look of frustration. Just as he looked as though he was about to speak the doors were thrust open. “For Valhalla! For Rykeen!” He rushed forward toward the men that came into the barn like holding cell.
Rykeen paused as she watched the man slaughtered before her eyes, an axe thrust into his chest, a bit of blood splattered upon her cheek. She reached up and wiped it away and looked to it a long moment. It was real, that was for certain.
“Hands. Do not fight us, less you want to end up like him.” One of the men ordered. Rylee opted to listen to her captors. This wasn’t the time to run. She had no idea where she was. So, where would she run to if she could escape? She was pushed into a tight line, heavy shackles were locked over her wrists. She ended up at the end of the line. Her eyes looked about the city. The buildings were something she’d never seen before. The lack of concrete. The lack of technology. “Keep moving.” She was shoved forward as she had paused in her steps slightly. Rylee looked back to the man, blood splattered over his leather armor, his skin was weathered. He looked nothing like the perfection that people had become in her world. Stasis had made that possible. Even an artificial afterlife...if one was rich enough.
As they were shuffled into the meal hall. She glanced around to the fighters that stood covered in blood from battle. The villagers, women and children stood with the warriors. Even women looked as though they had been to battle with paint upon their face. Was this the afterlife? Was this what happened when one died? No. This was no way to end up. She lifted her hands slightly and gazed to the shackles. Her hands were knocked back down by a man that stood next to her. He held a dagger toward her and eyed her a long moment before he looked back forward. Her attention turned to the man that took the attention of the room. As he spoke of the battle her expression went from that of confusion to that of interest.
The battle of Ire. She knew of it. It was in the history books of her time. Bjorn Ragnarin was known in the texts as a very tactile and very strong leader of the nordic vikings. Rylee drew her brows together, they spoke of the man’s death in the battle, he had fallen to the other clan. Just as the textbooks spoke of it. Though, the lightning and the gods were not spoken of in her texts. Her eyes looked to Tyra as the entire room had hushed. The glorious shield maiden that would lead the vikings through the hardest patch that their history would yet to face. As the saxons pressed upon the vikings, other clans would soon enough come to try their hand at victory over the legendary Ragarin clan. A history that had yet to take place. Rylee watched with a curious expression as the woman began to speak, the entire room was focused upon her. She watched as Trayven had stepped forward to claim his rightful place, she even noticed the chuckles in the crowd of warriors. She had not read of a brother in her history texts. Perhaps she’d missed that detail. It had been a long time and her memories were rather fuzzy.
Rylee racked her memories, she tried to think of more. But she seemed to be drawing a blank as she had come to accept. Her life before Hexagon was as much a mystery to her as was this place. As they were pushed forward she tensed up slightly. She wasn’t easy to put to her knees, but with a harsh blow to the back of her legs she’d been placed into position. Rylee grit her teeth slightly as she stared to the ground. Slaves. That is what she would be used for. She would go from being a slave to Hexagon’s clients...to this...whatever this was. When Tyra placed a finger beneath her chin and lifted her gaze Rylee drew in a breath as she gazed into the woman’s icy gaze. The words from the woman’s mouth surprised Rylee. Her jaw tightened slightly as she watched her walk away to make her announcements. Her eyes followed the head as it slammed across the room.
This had to be a dream. A horrible tube dream. It happened sometimes. To those that had been on stasis for too long. The brain would become bored and begin to create a fictional life. Nym told her of this when she was first brought onto the program. He had been her handler for years now. Nym was the only one at Hexagon that treated her with any care at all. Then again...he always said it was his fault she was there, she never quite figured out why he would blame himself.
Rylee watched as her hands were unshackled, her crimson eyes lifted to look to Tyra as she gripped her arm forcefully and pulled her forward. She followed quietly as she looked to the mother and brother of Tyra.
“Mother she can’t take a slave to herself. The lord is the one whom deserves such spoils.” Trayven spoke as he held his face. “I want her.” He spoke as he lowered his hand from his chin and looked to his mother. “As rightful lord I can make that decision.”
Rylee glanced about the room, her eyes looked to the shields and to the swords. She didn’t budge as Tyra ordered her to fetch a bucket. Her eyes moved to the woman as she began to remove her armor. Then Tyra had asked her name. Rylee had drew in a breath to speak, but just as she did she found herself staring down the blade of a sword. She didn’t pull back, she didn’t even flinch, she’d been on the receiving end of a weapon all too many times. Besides...if Tyra killed her the dream would end. She would return to the bliss of nothing that was stasis. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” She spoke her eyes locked on Tyra. “My name is Rylee.” She grasped an empty bucket from the corner and stepped from the room to fetch the water. She found her way to the hall room where a basin of fresh water was collected from the rains. Rylee glanced around the now silent room as she lowered the bucket into the fresh water. As she turned she found herself looking up to the lanky figure of Tyra’s brother.
“You’ll be mine tomorrow.” He spoke with a smug expression. “I’ll be lord and Tyra will have to follow my law.” He reached forward and gripped her chin a grin upon his lips. “I can’t wait.” He chuckled as he walked off into a different part of the home.
Rylee drew in a breath. She had to wake up. She walked back to Tyra’s room and set the bucket down. “I mixed a bit of the boiling water with the cool rain water...it should be to your liking.” She watched her a moment before she moved to the wardrobe and opened it. Rylee stared into it at the furs and leathers. She drew her brows together, this was not her sort of clothing. Military garb, kevlar. That was what she usually wore. She usually had a sniper or assault rifle in her hand as well. Though, that wasn’t something that existed in this time. Thousands of years before her own time. Eventually after thumbing through the clothing she pulled a simple dress from the rack, it was of dark grey woven material. It was loose fitting, but she pulled a thick leather belt around her waist. As she’d undressed, if Tyra had looked she would have seen scars from bullet wounds riddled along Rylee’s back, the wounds from the fight just before she had come to this world…
“Does this suit me better?” She questioned as she looked to Tyra with her crimson eyes that seemed to glow in the dimly lit room. Her eyes looked to the weapons again before settling back in on the shield maiden.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 5, 2020 20:35:43 GMT -5
Tyra turned as the door opened and Rylee entered once more. She nodded to the woman’s comment, saying nothing more. She dabbed the cloth into the water and leaned in towards the mirror – dabbing away at the blood speckled across her face. Her blue hues stared to the war paint on her face… she carefully cleaned up around it and leaned back. She looked into the mirror then – glancing to Rylee as she changed.
Tyra lifted her gaze and her brows pulled in together. She did not say anything, but the scars over the woman’s body interested her. They were not what she expected, for sure… Her fingers tucked strands of hair into the braid and she sighed softly. She turned then as Rylee had finished dressing. She stepped over to the pants that the woman took off, replacing with the dress…
Tyra lifted the pants and studied it. “Interesting...” she muttered. “I’ve never seen such tight stitching before...” she threw the pants down. “You are not of Viking...” she spoke and stepped over to the woman. “Your accent is wrong, your body is not right, this clothing...” she tilted her head. “Are you a Saxon capture? Or perhaps a Saxon spy? Hm?” she looked to the pants once more and huffed. “But you have the eyes of a Viking God” she lifted her gaze.
She stepped past the woman and pulled a tunic and pants out. She put on knee high boots and pulled on a cloak. There was an entire white fox woven into the shoulders of it, the head of the fox resting on her right shoulder. She appeared fierce and powerful, there was not another woman that looked like her.
“Where are you from, Rylee No-Family-Name” she spoke as she pulled a sword onto her waist. Just as she woman replied – there was a knock on the door. It slowly crept open and a blonde woman stepped inside, her mother.
“Mother” Tyra spoke plainly.
“Are you well?” Ingrid questioned, her hands clasped infront of her.
“I’m fine...” she spoke. “Are you?” she questioned.
“I am… okay” Ingrid replied, her brows pulled together.
“Not a lick of mourning on your face, mother” she spoke and stepped towards her. “Bjorn is finally gone, hm?” Tyra bit her lower lip. “If you would please excuse me, I must tend to his sending” she spoke and nudged past the woman. “Slave, come” Tyra called out.
“Don’t mind that woman, my mother” she pressed her lips together. “A marriage to bind Clans together, Ragnarin and Vignyth” she sighed. “She is the reason for his death… she pushed him to fight, he wanted to barter...” she scoffed and then pushed past the crowd, leading to the docks.
“Is it prepared?” she questioned.
“We need kindle” Gavion spoke. They stood over a floating boat, stacked with logs – on top was her father, resting with his sword on his chest. Tyra looked to the cold body for a long moment and then nodded. “I will gather the Kindle” she spoke
“Ah, Tyra – I can get someone-” Gavion tried to interrut.
“I will get the Kindle” she spoke once more. Gavion lowered his head and nodded.
Tyra lead Rylee out to the near by forest – she picked up several sticks and began to gather them. “Load yourself up, we should be able to gather enough...” she spoke and picked up another stick…
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 5, 2020 21:03:44 GMT -5
Rylee drew her brows together slightly as the woman inspected her pants. Of course she’d never seen such tight stitching...the pants were made by a machine, which this world didn’t have. She lifted her eyes to Tyra as she stepped forward. Everything that Tyra spoke was correct. She was not of the viking lineage. She was small. She looked almost frail in comparison to the tall Nordic people. The last comment caused her to raise her brows slightly. “Of everything it is my eyes that bother you the most, no doubt. That is the reason that Rykeen had interest in me...” She spoke as she turned slightly. She looked to her pants that had been thrown back on the floor once again, she wondered where her kevlar vest had ended up. What happened to the Phoenix Stone?
She had to wake up…
“You are correct. I am not a Viking, I was a captive to Rykeen. I am not a Saxon, nor am I a spy. I was traded in an effort to keep war from my land. I hail from Greenland. You’ve not heard of it, I can imagine. It is a long sail across the sea, very dangerous. Though the Saxon’s threatened my king and he offered up his most prized citizens to the Saxons as a peace treaty.” She knew that in this era the vikings had not sailed as far as Greenland. It was treacherous. Long. Most would die trying.
She looked over the woman as she stood with the fox pelt, it fit her well. It brought great strength to her appearance. She imagined that no other woman of the clan could pull such an outfit off. When there was a knock from the door she remained where she stood. “Please wake up.” She muttered to herself as the two exchanged in conversation. She was called forth by Tyra then and she followed her closely. Her eyes turned to look to Ingrid as she passed her. It was true, there was not a bit sadness behind her eyes. She followed Tyra as she spoke. “Hm, yes marriage for such a case doesn’t always end in a loving relationship...” She spoke her voice soft. She drew her brows together slightly when Tyra blamed her mother for the death of her father. Perhaps it was true. If he wanted to barter rather than fight. She let out a soft breath as she followed the woman through the crowd.
She looked up to the body that lay upon the top of the boat. The exchange was quick between the two and she found herself nearly chasing after Tyra to keep up. A dress might not have been the best choice, but she wasn’t certain of the clothing that she should have chosen. She watched as Tyra began to pick up sticks. Her crimson eyes followed her for a moment before she began gathering her own. She didn’t speak as she loaded her arms with sticks that would make for good kindling. “Lady Tyra.” She spoke as she stepped to her. She tripped over a root then and she went stumbling forward. The air seemed to freeze around Rylee as she fixed her actions. Time turned back as she adjusted the sticks back into her arms. She cleared her throat as she looked to Tyra. Magic. Yes. That was what made her such a great assassin. She was a highly skilled mage of her time. More so than she even knew. Magic had nearly died out in her time. Though, she had been under stasis for so long that magic had nearly left her. Until that moment. It had come so easily, she didn’t even have to think about it. “Shall we return?” She asked as if nothing had happened.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 5, 2020 21:30:26 GMT -5
Tyra picked up several sticks until her arms were full. She paused for a long moment and looked to the skies. The sun was nearly setting… they were on a slight hillside, from their position they could see out to the sea. She sucked in a breath and turned towards Rylee – she watched as the woman tripped and fell forward. Suddenly everything paused – though Tyra’s could move. She gasped slightly, and then Kylee had some how rewound time – she slipped back to her previous position, and the sticks lifted into the air and returned to her arms.
“Wait” she looked around. “What- did you – did you just do that?” she questioned with a confused expression. She lifted her gaze “Have the gods gifted you too?” she shook her head. “No, no way they would. You are not Viking” she shook her head. She looked back to the sky – the sun was close now. “You will explain this to me later… come” she ushered her forward and they rushed down the hillside, towards the village once more.
The village had gathered before the docks… Tyra handed the kindling over, to which several people began to fill the boat… Tyra stepped forward and knelt down just barely on the edge of the dock, sitting before her father. She reached upward and grasped a hanging braid from her hair and pulled her knife – she cut the lock off and slipped it under the hand of her father. “Take me with you… and never forget me” she whispered. She then reached forward and grasped the necklace about his neck and she cut it off, taking it for herself.
She held it in her hand – a necklace made of beads, in the center was a wolf’s fang… she slipped it away and then stood. She reached over to the single rope that held the boat in and she unraveled it. She tossed it onto the boat and then with her boot – she shoved the boat forward.
Everyone sat in silence as they watched the boat float away. The sun sat on the horizon, the pink and red hues flooding the sky. It was a beautiful sight… Ingrid had made her place next to her, Trayven next to her.
Tyra smirked then as a bow was handed to Trayven. It was customary for the son to light the father. Trayven took the bow and he slowly lit one of the arrows via torch and drew the bow back. Though when he let go – the arrow flew forward and then plunged directly into the water… There was grumbling of disappointment afterwhich.
Tyra reached over and took the bow with a slight grin on her face. She plucked a arrow out and lit it easily. She drew the string back and let her breath out slowly and released. The arrow flew high into the sky and arched downward, landing directly onto the boat with ease. It lit easily, as they doused it with oil. Tyra lifted her gaze and watched as the boat continued off, burning into the dying sunset…
“Bjorn Ragnarin, our Lord, may he drink with the Gods eternally” she spoke clearly and then handed the bow back to Trayven. “We shall return to the hall, a feast awaits us...” she smiled then and looked to Rylee and nodded. She turned her gaze back and Gavion put a hand upon her shoulder and he smiled.
“You did well, little bug” he spoke, using the childish name that Gavion and Bjorn had both called her since she could walk.
“Mmm...” Tyra placed a hand upon his and she nodded. “I think that name floats away with my father, Gavion.”
“Let it live one more night, hm? Tomorrow you may seek your revenge, but tonight – you remember your father” he spoke “My mighty brother” she cupped her cheek and then nodded. “Come on, I’ll break out the good ale” he lead her forward to the hall. Tyra turned her gaze to Rylee, expecting the woman to follow.
As they entered the hall – the tables were filled with food. People began to pour in. There was one long table horizontal to all the vertical tables. The table at which the Lord and his family, and select, would sit. Trayven took the seat of the Lord, Ingrid next to him. Tyra did not sit in her seat, she couldnt stand to sit next to her brother. She sat at the end of the table, where the Captain of War would sit, who is Gavion, he sat next to her, at the corner – sharing the spot with her. “Sit” Tyra commanded to Rylee, to sit next to her.
“Eat as much as you please.” she began to pile meat onto her plate, a basket of bread was passed around. Gavion filled both of their glasses and he held his mug upward.
The room grew quiet as she stood, clearing his voice. “To Bjorn, the hero of Ire – Tyra, to the men who fought along us, and those who died – they drink with Bjorn and the Gods tonight, and we celebrate them in the name of Valhalla!” he shouted. The entire room burst and their mugs clinked.
Gavion lowered his mug to Tyra and Rylee – offering to clink mugs. He then chugged his entire ale in one sitting and shouted victoriously. Tyra finally cracked a smirk and sipped on her ale. It was strong with wheat and malt flavors, easy to go down and quite delicious. They had one of the best brewers in all of the Viking lands, that kept their bellies full.
“You may be my slave” Tyra looked to the woman then. “but, do not listen to the stories… we folk of Ragnar are actually quite kind… you work hard, and you will be treated right. You act like my idiot brother, and well, you might eventually find yourself pushing up daisies, aye?” she took another sip and then with her fingers – she lifted a slice of chicken and took a large bite…
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 5, 2020 23:01:10 GMT -5
Rylee froze as she looked to Tyra whom began questioning her. The confused look on her face said it all. Magic wasn’t something that was widely known in this era either. “Uh...” She managed to get out before Tyra stated that she would explain this later and they were on their way back to the docks. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as she followed the woman. How to explain magic to someone that believed such traits were gifts of gods? That would become a rather sticky situation she imagined. Rylee was silent, she stood just far enough to Tyra, but just close enough to see each interaction. The smirk on her lips as she took the bow from her brother. His frown. His eyes locked on Rylee a few times during the ceremony and it gave her an uneasy feeling in her stomach.
She had to get out of here. She had to wake herself up. Nym. Where was Nym? He was supposed to monitor her brain activity. He was her keeper. If her activity spiked...he had to pull her out of stasis, even if for an hour before he put her back. What was he doing that he couldn’t pull her out? This was becoming a nightmare….
The true leader here was Tyra. She could see it on the woman’s face, it wasn’t Trayven, no he would never live up to the words typed into the books of history. She could even see it in the eyes of the villagers as Tyra spoke, they respected her. Though as customs were, she knew that Trayven was the rightful Lord to take the throne. Rylee stood silently as she watched the interaction between Gavion and Tyra a soft smile curved up her lips. At least she still had this man. He cared rather deeply for the girl. Rylee’s eyes moved to watch the burning boat that the lord was upon as it floated out to sea. Such a beautiful tradition. In her time all bodies were turned to ashes and stowed away in boxes with barcodes upon them. Unless you were rich, then your body was frozen in stasis in hopes that one day you could be returned to your previous body and continue to live. It was a concept that she’d known her entire life. At least. She thought that was what she knew. Her mind seemed to draw a blank again as she followed Tyra at her beckoning. She was used to getting ordered around. Following orders and taking flack from those whom purchased her expertise.
When she was told to sit at the table next to Tyra she hesitated slightly before she took the seat. She looked to the woman with a confused expression as she was told to eat as she pleased, and she was even offered ale. She looked to Gavion as he spoke with strength in his tone. He commanded the room’s attention. Rylee clinked her mug with the two, though she looked a bit uncomfortable. If she was a slave, why was she partaking in such an event? She took a long drink of the ale just as Tyra began to answer her question. “Of course.” She spoke as she watched the woman begin to eat. Rylee tore a piece of bread apart and ate. She couldn’t remember the last true meal she’d eaten. Not like this. It was all sludge and shakes in the future. She picked around the bone of the chicken, her eyes stared to the bone almost in awe. Real food. It was something of the past. And well...she was usually nourished by her tube, no need to eat when a job is in need of being done. She would complete her assignment and be placed right back into stasis. Sometimes Nym would wake her and offer her a shake, something...anything. But it wasn’t nearly as good as this.
“You have Loki’s eyes.” A man spoke from across the table. He grinned as he looked to her. “Tyra was wise to keep you. I bet you are blessed by the gods, eh?” He chuckled then as he looked to Tyra adoringly. “As our Tyra is blessed by Thor, and even Odin himself. You should see her in action, hm?” He drank his ale. “It will help to have the trickster upon our side. There will be more battles to fight.” The man spoke as he stood and left the table.
Rylee didn’t speak as the man spoke of Loki. The god of norse mythology. The only god with red eyes. Nym liked to bring that up a lot. He joked that she must be some norse descendant to have such eyes. But her roots traced back to parts of South America before the fall. Before the world went to hell and the city in the sky was built.
“I’m stealing her for a dance, Tyra.” One of the warriors placed a hand on Tyra’s shoulder. “Your father would have shared this one as well.” He chuckled as he held his hand out. “Come.” He nearly ordered as he pulled her upon the floor with the others that danced about. It was a lively dance to celebrate their win. Though a hint of sadness crept into the music played as the man pulled her about. She didn’t know the steps or what to do. Eventually he returned her to Tyra and thanked her and placed his hand on Tyra’s shoulder to offer his condolences.
Rylee took a drink of a fresh ale that was set before her. Her eyes stared ahead. She was already effected by the first drink she’d had. In fact, she’d never had anything quite this strong before. That she could remember at least. She was loose enough that a smirk curved up her lips. She was no longer trying to calculate how to get out of this dream. She was simply enjoying the moment. “So, Lady Tyra. What does your brother do to deserve Lord? If he is not a warrior? Is that not the viking way?” She looked to Tyra and then her eyes tracked to her brother whom was dancing about upon the floor with the others, his ale sloshed out of his mug carelessly.
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Post by Raven on May 6, 2020 9:30:54 GMT -5
Tyra looked to one of the warriors, he was one of the officers, she had always liked him. She smiled and nodded "Go right ahead, she has working legs" she winked and then leaned back as she observed the celebrations. She never really danced much, she was generally a quiet observer in the back. Her father would often tease and say she was the one to truly fear, the quiet ones were the most dangerous. She could only recall a few instances where she would dance, generally only with Bjorn or Gavion. Though, no one bothered to ask her to dance - they knew better, she was mourning.
She shut her eyes for a moment and she glimpsed back to the battlefield. She heard the gunfire over and over. The skies turning black. The feeling in her chest... as this was recalled - a storm rolled in swiftly, thunder pounding outside and rain began to pour down. She opened her eyes, the blue in her eyes glowing slightly. She pulled her brows together and took another long drag off her ale - polishing off the mug.
"More, little bug" Gavion poured and he smirked. She looked to Rylee - who was returned to the table. She smiled and leaned back - her eyes fell to her brother, who danced around. Her mother sat quietly, smiling as she watched her beloved son. Her thoughts were interrupted as Rylee asked freely.
"Ah.." she chuckled. "Tradition, of course. While Shield Maidens are fierce, we are still women. The sons continue the legacy. Does Trayvan deserve the throne? No" she chuckled then and sipped once more. Gavion glanced to her and slipped away, allowing her the privacy of her conversation. "I would sooner prefer to see my Uncle leading us, Gavion" she looked to his way briefly. "He would be next, should something happen to Trayvan" she then looked to the woman for a moment. "There are only two ways for me to lead this Clan. If I married and then my husband were to battle the clan lord, or if there was an uprising - it has only happened once. My...ancestor Lagertha was the first to be a Clan Leader as a woman. She was... an amazing Shield Maiden, and it was her power that demanded the respect. All of the Clan essentially has to agree to throw away the traditions, and it runs out of pure respect, and less of family honor" she leaned her head back slightly. "But that almost always ends badly, which it did for her. Since you break tradition - others feel they deserve the right, and thus they can challenge it" she nodded. "But, I do not have to be a Lord to lead. It is obvious, no one respects Trayvan. We Vikings - do as we please, in the end. We will follow Gavion, in time, I know it" she took another long sip.
"How does Greenland run things? I know there are other civilizations out there that are wildly different than us. While, some things I do not agree with here - We are people of true Freedom. No one truly commands us, I would have it no other way. We are...a Clan, we rely on each other, and we work together. Our people act like the legendary Shield Wall, if even one person does not agree and assist - then it becomes weak. We all know it so, and each of us would happily die for the other, and this is true. To die in battle is the greatest honor, and to die for someone else is even more of an honor." she looked to Rylee then and smirked. "Many people find that to be absurd... but this is what keeps us fighting, it is why we are relentless, our fires don't burn for ourselves, it burns for everyone"
She took another sip. "Ah, I'm talking too much" she said with a bit of a loose tongue, evident the drink was getting to her. "I don't think I've said so much in quite some time" she chuckled. "You.." she leaned forward and observed the womans eyes. "Daughter of Loki...You have his gifts..." she whispered. "Don't let anyone know this..." she leaned back. "It wouldnt be unlike him to gift his powers to an outsider, causing chaos amongst the people. It makes sense, I think..." she chuckled. "But it would cause Chaos...." she sucked in a breath. "I cannot stop thinking about... the lightning... I need to understand more." she whispered. "The gift, and meeting you - The Gods have a plan, I can see it. There is no explanation as to our meeting..." she finished her ale.
A song came through the air then the room started to laugh. They all suddenly burst into song, a traditional bar song. Tyra chuckled and then filled her drink once more - her silken voice joining in on the song. They pounded the tables and drank their ale all at once. "Drink" Tyra spoke and lifted her mug to Kylee, chuckling then as the men repeated the chorus. The entire table then chugged their ale all at once. Tyra slammed her wooden mug down when it was empty, being the first to finish - the room exploded with cheering and laughter. She then laughed as well, like a sudden urge - she didnt want to laugh... but she couldnt help it.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 7, 2020 10:30:27 GMT -5
Rylee looked to Tyra, a smile upon her lips. With each sip of the ale her worries and cares seemed to wash away. “Tradition. Of course.” She spoke as she listened to the woman. She was unaccustomed to such traditions. In her time the world was so different. Those with money held power. Those that could afford to own those beneath them, it didn’t matter the lineage. Murder was a normal thing in her time. She was an assassin for Hexagon....hired to kill those in power in order for others in power to replace them. It was a ruthless circle. Nothing like the speak of Valhalla. Death was not glory where she came from.
When Tyra questioned what Greenland was like Rylee lifted her mug to her lips to take a long drink. She was stalling as she thought of an answer. The truth would have been much easier for her. Though the truth may have gotten her killed, in the least. The fact that she had used her magic in front of Tyra was dangerous enough, even Tyra let her know not to allow anyone else to see. “Greenland is quite different.” She spoke with a soft smile about her lips. “It isn’t nearly as clan driven as your people. Mostly men are in power however...gender does not signify whom has power. It is money that places one in power. He whom has the most rules over us. We have a system in place, we call it a government. Much like the officers of your clan they decide the laws....” she paused to think a moment as she took another drink, nearly finished with her second mug. It was more ale than she’d ever had.
“Rykeen found me interesting because of my eyes....he called me that...” She gazed to Tyra, “Daughter of Loki...I didn’t know what Loki was until Rykeen. He took me as the single hostage. He told my ruler that I was enough of an offering to keep them from entering Greenland again....” She made her voice sound sad as she looked away slightly. “I never showed him...I didn’t mean to show you...but...” she gazed into Tyra’s crystal eyes. “I can teach you of the lightening. If it is your god that has gifted me...perhaps I can be of use to you. I understand how to use it quite well.” She gave an almost nervous smile, her voice was hushed so that no one else could hear. She has even leaned closer to Tyra. It was then that the song broke out and she sat back to look to the Vikings as they danced about.
Rylee had a drunken smirk upon her lips as she looked to Tyra, her voice was beautiful. “You can fight and sing?” She laughed. “You certainly will be a catch, won’t you?” She looked to Gastion whom chuckled to the comment.
Rylee looked to the men whom danced about and it was then that Trayvon approached. “I would like a dance.” He grasped her arm, though he was gentle. “So long as Tyra will share you.” He looked to his sister a long moment before he pulled Rylee from the chair. “Good, come.” He ordered. Rylee looked to Tyra a moment as she walked away. The image of Nym’s sad expression as Orion pulled her from Horizon headquarters flashed before her eyes. She stumbled which caused Trayvon to catch her. “If you wanted to be close to me all you had to do was state it.” He smirked as he held her there a long moment, his arms wrapped around her body.
“Just the ale, my lord.” She spoke.
“Hm, keep telling yourself that.” He spoke as he released her and began to lead the dance. She wasn’t as balanced as before when she danced with the officer. And in fact he pushed her around quite a bit. Leading her through the dance that she didn’t know anymore than she knew these people. Barbarians of their time. Though she wondered if Tyra was right....if they were indeed more gentle than the books stated them to be.
Trayvon pulled her in close once again at the end of the song. “Your eyes are impressive.” He spoke with a smirk. “Are you a daughter of Loki? Has he sent you here to me?” He held her firmly. “I will have to chose a bride. Yes?” He chuckled as he looked to her surprised expression. “It would only be fitting if a god has blessed us with his daughter to be gifted to me.” He finally released her and stepped away to drink more ale.
Rylee stood frozen. “Please wake up...” she breathed, her breaths shuddered. She could kill him, quite easily....though that was not the answer. She would be killed for such and act. Bum had warned her about dying in a tube dream. He said it shattered the soul. That once it happens she would never be the same. She could lose memories. She didn’t want that to happen. She had already lost enough...
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Post by Raven on May 7, 2020 16:45:22 GMT -5
Tyra pulled her brows together slightly - thinking of the concept laid out regarding Greenland. She leaned back slightly, it reminded her of England, of the Saxons... she knew a little bit about their kind, what was gathered from their spoils over the time... She didn't like the concept of one eternal ruler over the people, a ruler that no one ever even saw. She let out a slowly breath and took a long sip. "Sounds interesting..." she spoke softly.
"You can harnass lightning too?" she questioned, her eyes were confused. "Thor is the god of lightning..." she huffed slightly. "There must be something about this gift that you know, that I don't.. hm?" she spoke hushed. Though it obviously peeked her interest, but also perturbed her slightly. "We can discuss later..." she looked away then, just as the song burst aloud.
Afterwhich she looked to Rylee and chuckled "Watch yourself" she spoke, after Gavion chuckled. They had been trying to wed her for quite some time, but she refused. There was no match for her, she declared it. There had been rumors amongst the family, though none ever spoke it to her face. It was not uncommon for Shield Maidens to fight the womanly way, like men - their life surrounds the fight, and it becomes all they want...
Tyra looked to her brother as he approached and she bit her lip slightly, she then nodded relunctantly. She watched as the two danced - she couldn't keep her eyes off of it. She watched as her brother placed his hands upon her, groping her slightly. She stood suddenly and glanced to Gavion, who then turned his head - pretending to look away.
She pushed into the dancing area and gripped her brothers arm and peeled it from Rylee. "Careful there brother, she is not yours" she shoved him with a hand slightly. He stumbled back, drunk as can be.
"Ah, that is what you think eh?" he spat at his sister and then laughed. "Are you saying this is your personal whore? A woman, you? Sleeping with a woman?" she laughed "She is a slut, made for a real man!" he then gripped his crotch, shaking it proudly and then he laughed. The room grew silent and they stared to him. "What?! What the fuck are you staring at?" he scowled.
Tyra lifted her head and shook it slowly. She said nothing, she simply grasped the arm of Rylee and lead her back to the table. The music slowly began once again... her brother walked over - anger boiling from his skin.
"She will be mine by tomorrows end" he spoke through his teeth.
"If you were smart... you would leave Rylee to me..." Tyra spoke with a clear voice. "I will make you regret it... why don't you focus on just being Lord, hm? Before you start taking what is not yours..." she balled her fist.
Trayvon stepped back and scoffed, ushering away to the table then to refill his ale. No one really stood by him, danced, or talked to him after this - the party continued...
Tyra finally sighed and finished her ale. "Come on" she spoke and lead her out the doors of the main hall. They walked for a bit until they came to the docks. The seas waves crashed past them.. they stood a good bit out into the sea. To their left was all of their ships - lined up and tied to other docks. Tyra pulled the necklace from her pocket and held it up.
"Tell me more about... your gift?" she questioned. She held the necklace up then and started to tie it about her neck, though she struggled slightly. "Ehm.." she leaned down slightly. "Could you?" the strings were a little short to tie a knot easily without eyes.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 8, 2020 22:30:08 GMT -5
Rylee gave a light chuckle when she saw the perplexed look in Tyra’s eyes. When she asked about her control over lightning she simply shook her head. “No of course not. But I can help you understand it.” She spoke, her voice hushed as well. She had smirked to Tyra and was about to respond after she’d been told to watch herself, though that was the moment that Trayvon had approached them.
At the end of the dance Rylee flinched slightly as Tyra came at her brother. The words that were exchanged between the two caused her to take a step back. Her eyes stared to the two, her jaw loosened slightly. She allowed Tyra to lead her away from the center of attention and back over to the table, though she didn’t speak as she glanced back to see Trayvon headed toward them. Rylee was silent during this next exchange as well. When she was told to follow she glanced back to Trayvon a moment before she followed Tyra to the main hall. Her eyes moved about and she took in the hand built hall. She could only imagine the hours of work it took to put this place together. The skins and furs that lined the furniture. The crackle of the fire within the hearth.
Rylee glanced to the homes as they walked outside and toward the docks. She leaned against the railing and stared to the ships for along time, the craftsmanship was incredible. She reached forward to feel the careful cuts that had been made into the bow of one of the ships. Though her thoughts were broken when Tyra spoke, her crimson eyes turned to the woman. “It’s not always a gift.” She gave a soft smile. She watched as Tyra fumbled with the necklace only to ask for help in the end. “Oh...um...” She stepped forward. “Of course.” She moved around behind her and carefully took the strings into her fingertips, her fingers grazed against Tyra’s. She drew in a breath as she carefully tied the necklace into a knot. She allowed it to settle around Tyra’s neck before she stepped to the side again.
Rylee looked to Tyra a long moment. “So, my gift.” She spoke as she seemed to contemplate. “When you first discover that you’ve been gifted...it might feel strange.” She gave a soft smile as she seemed to think deeply again. “I remember...I was young...it was the first time that I had manipulated time.” She gave a small chuckle. “I knocked over a pot that my mother had crafted...she spent hours on it...and I bumped into it, and just before it hit the ground it became frozen, suspended in the air.” Rylee paused and grinned then. “I saved it, just before it was broken. I can feel the magic.” She spoke as she lifted her hand. “Here.” She nodded. “Place your palm against mine.” She focused on Tyra’s eyes. She took in a breath and allowed her eyes to close. “Now focus, close your eyes.” Rylee focused her magic, “You should feel the power within you, if you focus….the gift will call to you. Almost as though it speaks to you.” She believed she could show Tyra her magic, she could teach her. In fact, she could help Tyra harness her power and anyone that threatened the clan would be unable to do any harm to them. She may as well help out while she’s in the tube dream. At least that was what she had decided. There was no sense in fighting it, the more she fought it the more trouble she seemed to get into.
“Imagine the feeling you had within you when you called upon the Thor to help you on the battlefield. How did it feel as the sky filled with clouds? Try to harness that feeling.” Rylee opened her eyes, there was a slight glow to the crimson, she had syphoned some of her magic into Tyra to help her call upon her powers.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 9, 2020 18:01:06 GMT -5
“Thank you” Tyra muttered softly as the necklace was tied. She stood upright and placed hand upon the fang that rest between her collarbones… she turned towards the sea then as she spoke of the gift, How she came upon it herself. “Hmm… magic?” she thought for a long moment. She turned as Rylee came closer to her. She gazed to the woman – her glowing red eyes and the pattern on her cheek. She slowly raised her hand and placed it upon hers and then took in a deep breath.
The sea passing by them in rolls of sound were a filling noise. She leaned her head back slightly as she listened to the woman’s words. “It felt….” her brows pulled together. “I was so angry” she whispered. “We...had won in honor, and he killed him ruthlessly...” she shook her head slightly, her eyes filling with tears. She huffed in a breath of air “When I held him..” she spoke through a tear. “his blood covering my hands” the wind began to pick up around them. She had not cried….
She grit her teeth then as clouds covered the sky once more – lightning striking across the skies with energy. With Anger. “I would give anything to kill Rykeen again. And again” she spoke and then her hand dropped downward, she turned swiftly and brushed the tears from her eyes. She looked up then to the sea – which churned in her anger. Her crystal blue eyes watched it, watched her power.
“Odin… Thor” she whispered. “I am not worthy of your gifts...” she shook her head. She looked by to Rylee after clearing her voice. “But why me, why us?” she questioned softly. “What… do I do with this?” she questioned. “Is there a purpose? A reason…?” she shook her head.
A moment passed and foot steps prodded on the wooden dock. Gavion stood, holding his cape in the wind that was wipping around. “Tyra” he called out. He slowly stepped over, pushing through the wind that did nothing to her or Rylee. He came closer to her and then wrapped his large arms around her, pulling in closely. The wind began to whip harder – this concealed her cries, where were practically near a whaling state, she cried hardy into his whooley vest, burying her head into his care. Slowly as she did – the wind calmed down, but the storm did not leave. Instead it began to rain, cold pelting water slapping against the surface of the sea.
“Come on dear” he spoke softly and lead her back towards the hall. The place had cleared out by now, some remained to chit chat and drink, most had went to bed. It was hard to celebrate late into the night with such a sad thought on their mind…. He walked her into the back hallways and until they came upon her room.
Gavion led her to the bed and then sat down next to her on the side of it. His eyes turning to Rylee who should have followed them. “Get her some hot tea, the kitchen is down the hall and to the right… “ he spoke and then looked back to her. “It is okay little bug” he spoke softly and brushed a bit of hair out of her face, smiling weakly. “We received word from Rykeens brother, who has demanded revenge...” he chuckled.
“I’ll kill every last one of his family, and give their blood to Odin by my own hand” she spoke with anger, lightning struck in the distance – causing the earth to rumble.
“That’s my girl” he spoke and then stood.
“Uncle...” Tyra sat up and looked to him. “I want you on the throne” she spoke. “You are the only one capable of leading in my father’s wake”
“Hm… For now – your brother is our leader… we shall see what comes of that, hm?” he turned then as Rylee returned with tea. “Clean her up, get her to sleep, in the morning you both are needed for the hunt.” he then turned from the room, his hands pulling his soaked cloak off and rolling it up in his arms – stepping towards his own room down the hall.
Tyra turned to Rylee and then sighed softly. “Thank you..” she whispered and took a sip from the tea. “You will sleep here, I do not trust my idiot brother, so you will stay in my sight...” she slowly stood then and reached for her gauntlets, taking them off. Piece by piece she took her clothing off until she remain in her undergarments, to which she pulled a fresh tunic on. She handed a tunic towards Rylee then and then sat back down on her bed, tea in hand. “Tell me more about Greenland… tell me your favorite memory” she spoke softly as she moved to lay down… to talk until she could sleep, but with the way she was feeling… may be never.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 9, 2020 18:01:10 GMT -5
“Thank you” Tyra muttered softly as the necklace was tied. She stood upright and placed hand upon the fang that rest between her collarbones… she turned towards the sea then as she spoke of the gift, How she came upon it herself. “Hmm… magic?” she thought for a long moment. She turned as Rylee came closer to her. She gazed to the woman – her glowing red eyes and the pattern on her cheek. She slowly raised her hand and placed it upon hers and then took in a deep breath.
The sea passing by them in rolls of sound were a filling noise. She leaned her head back slightly as she listened to the woman’s words. “It felt….” her brows pulled together. “I was so angry” she whispered. “We...had won in honor, and he killed him ruthlessly...” she shook her head slightly, her eyes filling with tears. She huffed in a breath of air “When I held him..” she spoke through a tear. “his blood covering my hands” the wind began to pick up around them. She had not cried….
She grit her teeth then as clouds covered the sky once more – lightning striking across the skies with energy. With Anger. “I would give anything to kill Rykeen again. And again” she spoke and then her hand dropped downward, she turned swiftly and brushed the tears from her eyes. She looked up then to the sea – which churned in her anger. Her crystal blue eyes watched it, watched her power.
“Odin… Thor” she whispered. “I am not worthy of your gifts...” she shook her head. She looked by to Rylee after clearing her voice. “But why me, why us?” she questioned softly. “What… do I do with this?” she questioned. “Is there a purpose? A reason…?” she shook her head.
A moment passed and foot steps prodded on the wooden dock. Gavion stood, holding his cape in the wind that was wipping around. “Tyra” he called out. He slowly stepped over, pushing through the wind that did nothing to her or Rylee. He came closer to her and then wrapped his large arms around her, pulling in closely. The wind began to whip harder – this concealed her cries, where were practically near a whaling state, she cried hardy into his whooley vest, burying her head into his care. Slowly as she did – the wind calmed down, but the storm did not leave. Instead it began to rain, cold pelting water slapping against the surface of the sea.
“Come on dear” he spoke softly and lead her back towards the hall. The place had cleared out by now, some remained to chit chat and drink, most had went to bed. It was hard to celebrate late into the night with such a sad thought on their mind…. He walked her into the back hallways and until they came upon her room.
Gavion led her to the bed and then sat down next to her on the side of it. His eyes turning to Rylee who should have followed them. “Get her some hot tea, the kitchen is down the hall and to the right… “ he spoke and then looked back to her. “It is okay little bug” he spoke softly and brushed a bit of hair out of her face, smiling weakly. “We received word from Rykeens brother, who has demanded revenge...” he chuckled.
“I’ll kill every last one of his family, and give their blood to Odin by my own hand” she spoke with anger, lightning struck in the distance – causing the earth to rumble.
“That’s my girl” he spoke and then stood.
“Uncle...” Tyra sat up and looked to him. “I want you on the throne” she spoke. “You are the only one capable of leading in my father’s wake”
“Hm… For now – your brother is our leader… we shall see what comes of that, hm?” he turned then as Rylee returned with tea. “Clean her up, get her to sleep, in the morning you both are needed for the hunt.” he then turned from the room, his hands pulling his soaked cloak off and rolling it up in his arms – stepping towards his own room down the hall.
Tyra turned to Rylee and then sighed softly. “Thank you..” she whispered and took a sip from the tea. “You will sleep here, I do not trust my idiot brother, so you will stay in my sight...” she slowly stood then and reached for her gauntlets, taking them off. Piece by piece she took her clothing off until she remain in her undergarments, to which she pulled a fresh tunic on. She handed a tunic towards Rylee then and then sat back down on her bed, tea in hand. “Tell me more about Greenland… tell me your favorite memory” she spoke softly as she moved to lay down… to talk until she could sleep, but with the way she was feeling… may be never.
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Post by Blindside Tex on May 9, 2020 19:29:20 GMT -5
Rylee took in a breath as Tyra spoke the word magic, she hadn’t realized that she’d slipped such a word. Though she had only offered a soft smile in return and nodded her head. “Go on.” Rylee spoke as she watched Tyra. She knew the woman had not taken a moment to grieve. But she also knew that such a strong emotion would draw the magic forth. She only hoped that Tyra could feel the sensation, the magic bubbling within her. She opened her eyes to look to Tyra as she spoke, a look of sadness washed over Rylee’s expression, her brows furrowed slightly. She did not flinch as the skies filled with lightning. Her eyes simply looked up to the raging storm as mist from the rough sea speckled across her cheeks.
“You are plenty worthy.” Rylee spoke, “You will become a strong leader, I can see it.” She gave a gentle smile. “Your clan is going to need someone to protect them now that Rykeen has been killed. Perhaps this is Odin’s gift to you, to allow you to protect your clan.” She held onto the railing as the wind kicked up and blew her hair around, slightly, but not nearly as much as it should. Her crimson eyes watched as Gavion approached, the wind pushed against him. It was brutal, like standing in the rings of a hurricane. She took a step back as he took Tyra into his arms and she bowed her head slightly as she listened to the wails that came from the woman. Her eyes looked away out to the sea as the cool rain began to fall. She shivered slightly as the droplets began to soak through her dress.
Rylee followed the two as Gavion led Tyra inside. She shivered as she hugged her arms to her body. Her eyes gazed up to the skies as more lightning struck. When Gavion gave her an order she simply gave a nod and slipped from the room. This world was beginning to feel more real with each moment she spent within it. “Nym...” She muttered to herself as she walked down the hallway. She managed to find the kitchen and she entered carefully, her eyes looked about before she found a kettle for water. She placed it over the warm hearth that was baked down to coals. Rylee looked over her shoulder before she held her hand out toward the pot. Time accelerated for it as she watched it carefully. Soon enough a whistle filled the kitchen and a smirk curved up her lips. Her magic was unique. Unlike anything that anyone else in her world had used. Most trained on the elements, but she had been gifted with time.
Rylee pulled the kettle from the hearth and turned as she heard footsteps approaching. Her eyes lifted to see a shadowy figure at the entrance to the kitchen, the features dulled out by the dim lighting. She paused for a moment before she poured the boiling water into a large mug and she dropped in a metal ball of tea leaves. “You’ll be mine tomorrow.” A chuckle came from the doorway, the words slurred. Trayvon stepped into the light, he staggered slightly. Clearly rather drunk. He walked over swiftly to Rylee and gripped onto her. Before Rylee could respond the kettle fell to the floor and splashed what was left of the boiled water over the wooden planks. She let out a yelp as he gripped her body, his hands moved over the soaked fabric of her dress as he pinned her against the wall. “I’ll be Lord in the morning.” He breathed as he kissed down her neck, he nipped at her slightly.
Rylee grit her teeth and just as she was about to shove him from her a voice caused Trayvon to pause. “Young Lord, do you not think that you should leave your sister’s slave to her? At least until you have become our Lord.” It was the officer that had danced with her.
Trayvon frowned slightly his hands pulled from her body. He gripped her chin and gazed into her eyes a moment. “You’re mine tomorrow.” He snickered. “All mine.” He licked his lips before he released her roughly. The officer glanced to her a moment before he walked the young lord from the room.
Rylee stood a long moment her eyes stared to the spilled water and the kettle. She bit her lip slightly. “Nym...you need to wake me up...I know my vitals must be spiked….please...please wake me up...” She had tears in her eyes. She brushed one away as it rolled down her cheek. She lifted the steaming mug and walked down the hall. Rylee entered the room as thunder rumbled outside. “Yes, of course.” She spoke as Gavion gave her another order. She set the mug down next to the bed. “Be careful, it’s hot.” She gave a soft smile before she shivered once again. A sigh of relief came over her lips when Tyra spoke that she would be staying in this room where Tyra could keep an eye on her. Protection from Trayvon was something that she wouldn’t argue. Rylee watched as Tyra began to remove her gauntlets she drew in a breath as she asked for more information about Greenland….her favorite memory…
Rylee took the tunic that Tyra offered her, she looked to it a moment as her muscles shivered from the cold of her dress. Rylee peeled the dress from her body and she slipped the tunic over her cool skin. She sat at the edge of the end of the bed, her eyes looked to Tyra. “Greenland is much different. Thank you for keeping me here...” She thought for a moment as she drummed up a memory.
“Well, Greenland isn’t exactly what you would think it to be.” She gave a soft smile. “In fact, it is quite the opposite. It’s very cold. We have ice caps, glaciers...snow...” She gazed into Tyra’s crystal eyes. “I was very young….”
A little girl twirled around as huge snowflakes fell around her. She giggled as she ran, her gloved hands held upon the string of a sled as she rushed up to the top of a small hill. A younger child ran behind her, laughter filled the air as the two climbed upon the sled and slid down the hill quickly. “Look at you two.” A woman stepped forward. The two children ran to her and threw their arms around her. “Come on inside, hm?” She kissed the tops of their heads. “I have cocoa and graham crackers inside.”
The young Rylee grinned, her crimson eyes were as striking as ever. “Cocoa!” She said gleefully as she rushed toward the cabin. She ran inside followed by her little brother and they piled around the kitchen table.
Their mother chuckled as she set their mugs in front of them with a dollop of marshmallow on top. She leaned forward and gave a kiss to the top of each of their heads before she set a plate of crackers upon the table. The front door opened and moments later a man walked inside, he was dressed in a military uniform. He grinned as he stepped forward and kissed the woman before he looked to the children. “Been playing in the snow?” He asked as he stepped forward.
Rylee stood from the table and rushed forward to her father whom lifted her up and placed her upon his hip as he hugged herself tightly to him. “Daddy.” She giggled happily. Her younger brother hugged upon his leg. Rylee snuggled her face against him as her father chuckled heartily. It was a laugh that she’d nearly forgotten.
Rylee sat with a bit of a glassiness in her eyes, unshed tears. Her life was nothing like this. Not even close. This seemed like a different life to her, her childhood felt so long ago...the memories were a blur, and yet she held onto this memory. She refused to forget no matter how much Hexagon tried to wipe her memories. No matter how much the company wanted her to be nothing more than a killer for hire. She gave a soft smile. “So...um...what else do you want to know?” She asked then, her crimson eyes focused on Tyra.
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