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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2021 12:41:54 GMT -5
Raenisa looked to Tora as the woman lifted one of the many books that were set upon her desk. The one that the Seer lifted was an old journal that belonged to her grandfather. She read his journals quite often. The information that was kept between those pages was a priceless account of history for years ago. Forgotten history. Her brow rose slightly when the woman spoke that their people were not to different at all. Certainly the elvish people loved their rituals and relics, it was what had kept them alive for so long. Untouched for centuries. Long ago the city of Armalon was shrouded beneath a magical blanket that hid it from those that sought to enter the city. From the sea the castle could be seen. But the magic of the forest kept strangers from entering the city. Such a spell was created to protect the people of Armalon from the outside threats. In these days the dragons were allies. The shroud of protection was a spell between an elf and the dragon Ezzas. It was her great grandmother that held the will to protect the city.
The queen seemed to be deep in thought as she stared to the leather bound book that Tora sat back upon the desk. The woman’s words washed over her and she lifted her amber hues to look to her. “I do not hide the fear of war from my people.” She spoke her brows tugged together slightly. “But they do not need to know every aspect of this war. It would crush the spirit of the city.” She stared to the couch where Tora told her to sit. The queen hesitated for quite a moment. She sucked in a breath and stepped forward. She tensed greatly as Tora reached forward and placed a hand upon her shoulder. There was a silence in the room that seemed to steal the queen’s breath away. When Tora began to massage into her shoulders the queen took in a breath slowly. It took several moments for the woman to relax.
“I promise my people each and every day that we will make it out of this dark shadow. That we will once again flourish.” The queen spoke, her voice soft. Not commanding as it usually was. As Tora spoke of Ragnarok the queen fell silent, listening carefully. Her eyes closed and she saw the world that Tora described. The absolute despair of the world in pieces. She’d relaxed more just before Tora stopped massaging her. Raenisa’s amber hues opened and she looked to Tora as she walked across the room. She stood slowly and listened to this woman that vowed to give her life in war for her. The queen looked to the map as Tora made her request.
“10 Archers? I’ve rangers.” She smirked slightly. “They are much more valuable than just a simple archer. I’ll send some of my best with you...” She stepped over and gazed to the map as well. “The shield maidens...yes that sounds like a good idea. We cannot have them running back to Alexander.” She drew in a breath, “The officers of the Alexander knights wear a red cape that is draped over their right shoulder.” The queen gazed to Tora then. “You can’t miss them.”
Raenisa gave a soft chuckle when Tora told her to unwind. She shook her head. “If only I could do just that.” She watched as Tora bowed deeply, the bow was much better than the day before. When the woman stepped from the room the queen stepped forward swiftly. “Seer, before you go.” The queen had an old book in her hand. “My grandfather...this is his journal. I have marked a few entries for you.” She held the book forward. “He admired the strength and resilience of your people, while the world feared your ancestors. Read it. You’ll see.” She smiled then. Within the pages of this journal Tora would read of an excursion where Raenisa’s grandfather actually befriended a clan of Vikings. He offered an old relic to them in exchange for their peace. It was a necklace that had been in elven hands for centuries, gifted by the earth mother to protect the one who wears it. “Good night, Tora.” The queen turned and closed the door.
The queen stepped over to the map and poured herself a glass of red wine. She stared to the map for a long moment as a soft sigh came from her lips. “Perhaps tonight the tides will turn.” She whispered softly.
**
Amara stood within the training grounds with Eldrin she held her bow in her left hand. Eldrin was busy placing targets. “Alright, princess.” Eldrin spoke as he came back to her side. “Quickly, don’t make a sound. Ten targets.” He smirked to her.
The princess grinned back to him. “You think that’s a challenge?” She drew in a breath. She waited for a nod from Eldrin and she began. Amara moved forward swiftly, each footstrike was silent. She drew from her quiver upon her hip and loaded each arrow. One by one the targets were eliminated with perfect precision. For the final target Amara leaped through the air and as she twisted with grace she loosed the arrow. It sliced into the target just as her foot landed on the ground.
“There are always more enemies than you can see.” Eldrin spoke.
Amara turned to him with a confused expression as she watched the man nod. She heard a heavy footfall behind her and just before the man could bring a wooden sword down upon her Amara blocked the attack with her bow. She scrambled back from the man that stood before her, but he swung again and again. The princess blocked each attack with her bow. She shoved back against him, her teeth grit.
“What does a ranger do when confronted like this, Amara?” Eldrin questioned. “Now.” He ordered. Eldrin always had a way of surprising the princess in her training sessions. It made her a better ranger in the end.
Amara kicked into the chest of the knight which caused him to stumble back. Though as she looked around two other attackers came from their hiding places. “A ranger will do whatever it is to survive.” Amara answered Eldrin’s question. Her expression was purely focused. She smirked slightly as she rolled forward, her bow swept the legs of one of the attackers and she slipped his sword from his hands. “Dead.” She announced as she pointed the sword to his neck. She blocked an attack with her bow with her other hand, almost using it like a shield. She slipped about and attacked with the sword hitting the back side of a knight’s leg before she brought the blade to his neck as well. “Two.” She spoke with a grin on her lips. She then ducked beneath the attack from the final knight. She dodged and moved with ease until she managed to knock him off balance. She placed her sword to his neck as well and chuckled triumphantly.
Eldrin clapped and shook his head. “You never cease to amaze me, princess. No matter the challenge you always seem to surprise me. We will practice more tomorrow, hm?” He grinned as he helped his men up off of the ground.
Amara helped another up and handed him the wooden sword back. She then hung her bow over her shoulders. Her crystal hues gazed up to the castle. She seemed to be deep in thought as if she expected the castle to answer a question that she’d posed it.
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Post by Raven on Dec 14, 2021 17:38:00 GMT -5
Tora walked from the castle and made her way down the courtyard. She turned her gaze as she heard some shouting.. her curiousity was peaked and she found herself following the sounds. Tora's boots scuffed against the stone of the training grounds, she paused and crossed her arms. Her hues looked to Amara.. she grinned as she watched the woman fight.
Tora stepped forward as the fight ended. "Wait - " Tora grinned and held a hand up. "Impressive" she spoke as she approached Amara, she tilted her head and looked about. "Very great training... I like the focus on getting caught off guard" she grinned. "I like to believe a ranger may not always be alone... one ranger, versus 5 men?" she raised a brow. "Possible yes, train for the unexpected... but what about in the battle field? The ranger, or archer - is actually the keystone to a battle. I had this wild idea" she stepped forward and grasped a wooden sword and shield from the rack.
"Some time ago.. I thought, what if we put the Archer in the middle of the field, and use a more defensive offence? Hm, so - Amara, come here" she lifted the round shield and held it high. "You stand behind me, and when you notch your arrow.. hover over my shoulder. I hold my shield to block you and protect you, but low enough for your arrow to go over it... You shoot the targets.. send the men in attack" she gripped the shield.
Tora stood with her shield forward, her sword anchored back - a defensive stance. She knelt down just slightly in her knees, so her shield was in the perfect spot. "Amara, imagine the hours of a clock. Call the hour for incoming" she spoke and gripped the sword. "Go!" she shouted.
As Amara shot her bow - Tora glanced to the men that rushed them. 5 men all at once, as well as Amara taking care of further targets. One man rushed up "12, me" Tora called out and slammed the man with her shield. "6, you" she spoke as she kicked him back. Just as Amara took care of 6 oclock - Tora shifted swiftly, ducking under the bow of Amara. "4, me" she sliced forward with power, sending the man flying back. "Continue ranged" she called and shuffled swiftly. "5, me. 3 you" she called and circled around Amara.
The entire time - Amara stayed in the middle. Tora shuffled around with a very precise footing, she was swift like a river flowing around a bend. She responded to a call from Amara.. then all of the men were on the ground, done.
"A Ranger and Warrior - a perfect combination, you see?" she smirked. "If I had it my way - I wouldn't leave Amara's side.. it would never be a worry of what she did not see, because I would see it for her" she grinned. "Wars are not won with raw talent, with a shining star" she put her sword and shield back on the rack. "They are won with strategy, and teamwork... a shining star - can change the war. A entire army to protect the shining star? Now thats called winning..." she grinned and nodded.
"Anyways..." she dusted her hands off and straightened up. "I am actually here on behalf of the Queen. The Vikings are attacking the Human settlement tonight. I am sending my Shield Maidens to scout the forests and set up perimeter. I need 10 rangers, and Rhys" she turned to Amara. "And before you ask, no - you cannot come..." she smirked as she looked to the young woman.
"But I have something for you, and the Queen..." she pulled out a round orb, it was golden and glowing brightly. "I will let you watch..." she handed the orb over. It was a little bigger than an apple. Tora stepped back and her eye began to glow. The same vision she could see through the eye - now also displayed in the orb, like a mirror. "You can also hear" she spoke - her voice came out through the orb. "I activate it... but since you can't come, I figure you can be there in spirit, hm?" she grinned and then the orb shut off.
"If you could send the people to my camp as soon as possible, that would be great... Farewell, Princess." she bowed deeply and then walked away...
***
Tora had gathered the group into her tent, almost all 30 or so people were able to crowd into her tent. The Rangers made their way in. "Ah - Rhys, thank you for joining us, come to the front" she had her officers around her table, a rough drawing of the map was before them.
"Alright, we will take two boats and ride the coast. Here shortly - we will have the Shield Maidens and 5 of the rangers leave. You will pull onto the coast early, don't go past this bend in the river.. Pull the boat up and try to hide it. " she moved her finger across the map. "You will scout the camp and set perimeter... Your goal is to ensure no one escapes the camp. You do not rush the camp unless I give the signal, which is two horns" she spoke and waited for the crew to nod. "Yvette will lead the Shield Maidens, go ahead. Pick your crew and go now" she spoke.
Yvette stood from the table - she was smaller than the rest, but that did not mean anything. She had flaming red hair and piercing blue eyes.. half of her head was shaved with Viking tattoos on her scalp... She tapped a few women and a few of the rangers, and then left with them in tow.
"Alright, we ride up with 2 ships. One ship will go slowly north. I will lead the first ship, we will land directly on their bay. Ship two will continue north, half a mile - get out, and make your way as soon as possible to strike from the north. We will arrive and strike swiftly, it wont take long for the place to wake up..." she stood then and clapped her hands. "Odin will get his blood today..." she grinned and the room cheered. After a few moments - they all dispersed.
"Rhys" Tora called over. "You will lead my men in the northern ship" she called him over. You will have the remaining 5 rangers with you, and a few viking. Based on the map I saw.. there is a small hill here" she pointed to the north of the city. "You'll want to make your way there - and fire into the city. I'm going to send you in with Balder Flame, a very special... explosive treat. By the time you arrive - the camp will be awake and fighting. The Flame should only be used as a last resort method, if we are losing the fight, three horn sounds to signal. Understood?" she questioned.
"Alright, go prepare. You will want to ditch the shining armor, go with leather. We want to be steathy and swift, not reflect every fire and star" she grinned. "Do this well, and I'll give you another go with Veyra" she smirked and waved him off.
Moments later Hilda walked into the room, she sashayed over to the table and sat down ontop of it, her legs crossed delicately. "Hilda?" Tora questioned softly.
"Oh, sorry. Did you need this?" She questioned as she looked to the map.
"Not anymore..." Tora grinned and then sighed, she leaned back and let out long breath.
"What do you need, how can I help you?" she questioned.
"Hm, we have a few hours to spare... our normal battle preparations?" Tora questioned with a grin.
"A hot plate, hot mead, and a hot bath, all of the hot and great things" Hilda quickly stood and rushed away to prepare...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2021 18:34:17 GMT -5
Eldrin stood with crossed arms as he looked to Tora. The captain raised his brow slightly, “She should be prepared for anything. If the day comes that she must fight on the field, I would rather her be prepared.” He commented. “If your people aren’t able to push back the Alexander nights we may be in such a situation where she will be forced to use this knowledge.”
Amara looked to him, the old elf was bitter in his age. Cold sometimes. “Eldrin, let her talk. Your queen has requested the aid of Tora’s people. Are you doubting the queen again?” Her voice was thick with the royal accent. Commanding even. Amara was fit to become a ruler one day. She turned her attention back to Tora then listening to the woman. “In the middle of the field?” She questioned curiously as she moved to stand behind Tora. A bit of a smirk curved up her lips. She focused and she moved as though she had fought with Tora in such a dance hundreds of times. She called out the incoming, a grin upon her lips. Before Amara knew it, all their attackers were down. She chuckled lightly as she helped one of the men up to his feet. “That, is an incredible take upon the battlefield. Could you imagine? Such speed. The enemy wouldn’t see it coming.” She was giddy, her eyes alight. The princess smirked as Tora said her first comment about fighting at Amara’s side.
Eldrin had a smirk upon his lips, to see such excitement in the princess. “That was quite impressive. I’ve never seen such strategies.” He seemed to ponder the thought.
The princess looked to Tora as she spoke of the need for rangers. Her lips parted as she made to request to come, but just as she drew in a breath to speak Tora already spoke the words. She wasn’t allowed to come. The grin disappeared from her expression, her brow furrowed. “If I wasn’t the princess I would be allowed to go.” She huffed. Though her curiosity was captivated once more by the glowing orb. A soft smile curved up her lips as she took it into her hand. She let out a sigh, “I do suppose this will help. Thank you, Seer.” She nodded. “Good luck, though, I don’t believe you need it.” She smiled.
Eldrin drew in a breath, “Thank you.” He spoke to Tora and nodded. He was thanking her for shooting the princess down before the young woman could even ask it. “I’ll send my best rangers.” He spoke before he bowed to the princess and stepped off.
Amara glanced after Tora a moment before she grinned and hurried into the castle with the orb. As she stepped into the halls she saw Rhys, whom immediately blushed and adverted his eyes. “Rhys!” She called to him as he tried to turn down another hallway.
“Oh, princess. Hello. I didn’t see you there.” Rhys spoke sheepishly. He bowed deeply. “How may I assist?”
Amara chuckled as she looked to him. “You’ve been requested by the Seer, to go on the attack tonight.” She elbowed him playfully. “Look at you, already making new friends.”
Rhys blushed deeper and scratched at his head, “Oh...really?” He questioned and sucked in a breath. “That’s quite astonishing.” He chuckled.
“She needed rangers. But of course I’m not allowed to go.” Amara rolled her eyes and then smirked to Rhys. “At least you get to go. You’re one of our strongest warriors.”
“Oh me? No I’m nothing compared to Eldrin or some of the officers.” He gave a nervous smile to the princess. “And...you...you shouldn’t go, you’re the princess. We are supposed to be protecting you.” He raised a brow slightly. “Your mother would have everyone’s head if you went. You know that. I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of her wrath.” He chuckled lightly.
Amara rolled her eyes again. “Well, I do suppose you’ll have to deal with sub-par Rangers then.” She chuckled lightly. “Be careful, Rhys.” She pat his shoulder before she walked off down the hallway. She made her way up the spiraling staircase and to the door of her mother’s study. She knocked lightly. “Mother?” She questioned as she pushed the door open. Amara gazed about the empty room. She looked to the orb in her hands a long moment before she turned and stepped from the room. Her boots clicked along the marble flooring as she searched through the castle. It took nearly an hour for her to locate the queen. She found the queen in the gardens of the castle. It was encased in glass and kept warm by a magical spell.
“Amara, dear.” The queen turned and gave a smile as she looked to her daughter. She held an empty wine glass in her hand. “You put on quite an impressive show.” She spoke as she touched the pedal of a beautiful white lily. “You cannot go with the vikings. I don’t want to lose you.”
“I know mother.” Amara spoke as she stopped at her mother’s side. “Tora gave us this. We can watch.” She lifted up the orb. “You’ll see. It’s impressive. The magic that they possess is so different from our own.”
“Ah yes, the gift that Odin gives them is something quite special isn’t it?” The queen spoke. “Shall we have dinner then? Prepare to watch the guards fall? This is the beginning Amara. We will destroy the blight upon the land.” The queen grinned and wrapped her arm around her daughter. She kissed the top of her head and walked along with her.
The two ate dinner, discussing many things. The queen asked of what Amara had learned at the viking camp. Amara spoke of the god Odin that Tora had spoken about and she asked about Ragnarok. But Raenisa only smirked to her daughter and told her that she would have to ask the Seer for a better answer to that question. Soon enough the two were in the queen’s study with glasses of wine awaiting the orb to come to life.
**
Rhys made his way to the camp swiftly with the rangers in tow, women and men. He had a grin on his face. He couldn’t believe that the Seer had chosen him. He was such a young warrior, there were plenty of others that were far more experienced than he was. It was an honor that he would not forget. He stood and listened to Tora he cheered as the others cheered. “I will lead them?” He questioned his brows raised. “Yes, of course. I will not let you down.” He looked to the map and nodded. “I understand.” He looked to Tora. A dizzy spell came over him as he gazed into her eyes.
**
The soft laughter of a young child filled the air. Rhys was 5 years old or so. He looked about the cobblestone streets of the beautiful city of Armalon. He held a small wooden horse in his hands just as yelling broke out. He spun around to his father whom shoved a dagger into the young child’s hand. “Kill the pointy earred fuckers.” His father spoke in a gruff voice. “They won’t see it coming from ye boy.” He chuckled as he pulled on his helmet. “Kill as many as you can my boy. Make me and the king proud huh?”
“Father?” The boy asked, his voice broke. He looked to the dagger in his hand. “W-why?” He asked but his father was no longer paying any attention to him. His father was dressed in shining armor with a red cape over his right shoulder. Rhys sucked in a breath as he stared to the dagger once again. As he heard the yells of war the dagger clattered to the ground and he ran. He ran from alleyway to alleyway until he rounded a corner. He tripped over one of the uneven stones in the street and tumbled to a stop right before the queen whom had lightening balled in her hands. Rhys took in gasping breaths, tears rolled down his cheeks as he scrambled backward.
The queen’s eyes softened and the lightening disappeared. She held her hand forward toward him and spoke in the elven language. He didn’t understand her. He trembled as he looked to her hand. She spoke the words again. Rhys reached forward and took her hand. He felt her arm wrap around him and an overwhelming sense of safety filled him. Rhys hugged onto the queen as she rushed him through the streets. The bodies of soldiers were littered over the cobblestone.
“Rhys!” His father’s voice called out. “Do it boy!” He stood before them. “Do it.” He ordered. Rhys shook his head and buried his face against Raenisa. “Stab the fucking queen! If you kill her they won’t have a leader! You coward!” The knight yelled as he looked to his son is disgust.
Raenisa held onto the boy, “It’s alright.” She spoke, speaking his language. She looked to the knight her eyes soft. “You’ve planned this. All along? The treaty. The peace. The friendship. It was all fake.” Her voice broke. “You killed the dragon queen. You killed our king.” Her breathing shook.
The knight cackled as he looked to her. “If you don’t release my son, I’ll have to kill you.” He held his blade toward her, pressing it against the queen’s neck. “I don’t know what sort of spell you cast on my boy, but he doesn’t act like this.” He pressed the sword forward slightly. It cut into the side of Raenisa’s neck, but she stood perfectly still her amber hues trained on the man. The sound of a dagger slicing into flesh filled her ears then. The sword that the knight held clattered to the ground. He looked down to see his son holding the hit of a dagger that was pushed upward into his heard through a gap in his armor. “My….son….” He fell to his knees as blood began to leak from his lips.
Raenisa swiftly stepped forward as other human knights began to rush toward them. “I’m so sorry.” She whispered as she scooped the boy up and carried him off in a sprint as knights chased after them. “I’ll keep you safe.” She breathed as she rushed along. Her own knights could be seen behind her attacking the humans.
**
Rhys blinked a few times as he stared to Tora for a moment. It took him a moment, his eyes searched hers. “Leathers...right...” He spoke and looked to his armor and let out a half chuckle. When she mentioned Veyra a grin lit up his face. “I promise not to let you down then, Seer.” He spoke as he stepped from the tent.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2021 19:50:29 GMT -5
Tora’s eye shined brightly and she was pulled into a vision. She remained stiff and silent as she saw it play before her eyes… the War, likely the war that started it all. She peered to the young boy – and his engagement with the Queen…
The vision faded – Tora gasped for a quick breath, like she had held it the entire time. She looked to Rhys for a long moment. “Rhys” she spoke and then stood. “If you are quick enough, I think Veyra may be able to send you off...” she grinned and then watched as he left.
Tora stepped out of the tent after waiting a moment, sure to not follow behind Rhys. She walked directly into another tent, to see a large brute of a man moving a crate. “Torig” she called.
“Seer” he smirked. He was a very large viking, he had long hair – which was likely never cut in his life. His hair was one massive braid that passed his rear… his beard was equally so. It was made of many large braids that came into one before his chest. “What is it?” he questioned.
“You have the Flame?” She questioned and peered to the box.
“Oh yes” he chuckled deeply and opened the box. It reveal many old wine bottles and such, filled with a thick liquid… Tora lifted one of the bottles up and turned it about in her hand. At the top of it was a cloth sticking out of it. It was much like molotav, but with a extra bang. She set it carefully back in the crate.
“Excellent… Great work. Listen – Rhys will lead you into battle… let him have his moment.. but if he fails, you protect him at all costs. Understand?” she questioned.
“The little man, he will lead us?” He questioned with a grunt, thinking for a moment.
“He is capable… he is also close to the Queen… offer him this gift, and she will return the favor” she spoke with a grin.
“Aren’t we already killing her humans?” he questioned, confused.
“Oh, sweet Torig. It is politics… listen. You protect him. Okay? If he panics and cannot lead – you drag him out to the field, but he cannot die. Worst case scenario – you both return to the boat. You go back to the village and call for backup.” she placed a hand on his forearm, which was massive in comparison to her hand.
“Oye oye, what is in it for me then?” He questioned, with a lifted unkept brow.
“Isn’t my honor enough?” She laughed “Fine, I have a spare barrel of Mead in my tent. I will give it to you if he returns unscathed”
“Ha. Deal. No take backs” he closed the lid to the Baldur Flame, and then nodded.
“Good, see you tonight” she spoke and then left the tent.
As she came out – snow began to fall from the sky. She glanced to the mountains peak – dark clouds were rolling in. “Perfect” Tora grinned. She rushed down the path and made her way to the river that drove north. The road was sloshy with dark muddy snow, which covered her boots as she rushed.
She came to the waters, which moved calmly. The Shield Maidens were preparing the boat. Tora came out towards the boat and assisted with setting the oars, and moving supplies onto it. She closed her eyes briefly, and opened them once again. “Are you ready?” she questioned.
“It is an easy kill, Tora – you need to relax” Yvette spoke and grasped her shield and tossed it onto her back.
“Tonight I hold the burdens of my people, and the Elves…” she let out a deep sigh. “Do not underestimate the humans… Expect them to also have scouts. Find them, fuck them up. Rangers – you know these lands better than any of us – be our guide, and show no mercy” she spoke as she gripped the stern of the boat. “All in” she nodded.
The crowd climbed into the boat as it sat at the dock. Tora pushed the boat away and the Shield Maidens gripped the oars. They rowed in unison – perfectly matching the timing. “Show these Elves what it means to be Viking” Tora spoke as she leaned against one of the poles. She smirked as the sweet sounds of the Shield Maiden filled the air – they sang, as all Viking do upon a ship…
Tora turned and pulled the other two boats closer to the water…
“Are you stressing?” a familiar voice spoke to her. Hilda stepped forward, her arms crossed.
“No….” Tora grinned, Hilda stepped over and pulled her hand, forcing her back to the village for her dinner, mead, and bath… and whatever else may have come
***
Tora stepped from her tent – she wore her traditional garb, leathers and her white wolf cloak. She glanced to the sky – the snow was falling decently now, the ground was covered in a good layer of snow… “Gather my warriors and meet at the water” she squinted slightly, and then stepped away.
She made her way to the river, where a crowd of people stood. As she arrived – she closed her eyes briefly, and opened them. Her glowing eye seem to light up, and the Orb of Vision would too – her own vision appeared in the orb as she saw it.
The boats were already prepared. “It will take roughly 2 hours to make our way up the river” she spoke and glanced to the moon. It was easily 10pm already, which was good timing for their attack. “It is a cold night for them, these mountains are not their home, the snow isn’t in their blood” she spoke and grinned. “They will be drinking their ale and booze – trying to warm their bellies. Huddling around the fire and cuddling with their bunkmates...” she gripped her axe and then held it into the air. “We’ll gut them in their sleep” she shouted. The group cheered in awe, though the 5 rangers remained quiet, looking to each other.
“We came across the Great Seas, our parents, our wives and husbands – children and family wait for us on our Islands… and we are here. We fight for the greater future, we fight for them – and for us. We await the death that brings us to Valhalla, we wait to drink their coveted wine” she grinned and gripped her axe with strength. “You followed me here, you believed in my vision. We shall show this world to fear us once again!” she gripped the boat then and shoved her arm forward, signaling to board.
Torig climbed into his boat and pointed to the front of it “Rhys leads us” he smirked, the others climbed in and soon enough they were pushed out to the water. Tora glanced to Rhys and grinned, she gave him a thumbs up as they float away.
The last group – the largest warriors she could find. They climbed into the boat and Tora gave a shove. She jumped onto the stern easily and placed a hand on the rudder. “Oh Valhalla!” Tora began to sing – her ship instantly jumped into the song, and the ship in front of them joined too…
***
The Shield Maiden had made it to the land. They found a spot to pull the boat up onto the bank, it was visible from the waters – but not from above. They made their way up through the forests – guided by the Rangers…
“A post” Yvette pointed. There was smoke rising in the distance from a fire. Yvette could see her breath even from her nose – but it did not bother her any. If anything – the Viking dealt with the snow more than most, it did not seem to impact the Viking or Elves at all…
“Maidens take the south, Rangers go to the otherside and flank” she pointed and then gripped her shield. “We go first, you back up” she spoke and then nodded to her women.
5 Shield Maiden moved together through the shadows easily, from tree to tree until they were close on the camp. Yvette listened to them talk around the fire, laughing and not paying attention at all. There was a wooden stand, with one person sitting on it… Yvette knelt down, just behind a bush, hidden from sight. She drew her bow and released it in one breath. The man sitting ontop of the tower suddenly fell to the ground with a very large thud.
The other men at the camp jumped “The fuck was that?” one spoke and finished his ale. “Good God is Gerald - “ he rushed forward. The entire camp crowded around, before they could even determine cause of death – the maidens rushed forward.
The woman shouted as they ran together. Yvette held a spear in her hand, shield in the other. She lunged forward and stabbed into a man, and bashed another with her shield. As they attacked – the Rangers flooded in, their arrows piercing stragglers, and even one who tried to get away. In seconds the post was clear…
“Grendal – You stay and man the post. Keep the fire stoked.. We do not know if there were orders for anyone to check on the post – but be prepared. Maidens – drag the bodies into the bushes, and we will continue.”
Grendal climbed the wooden post and looked out. Her vision was just above the tree lines.. “There is another post due east, and one more north.” she called out.
“Perfect, we clear those out as well.”
“Sunset is over in 10, we Tora said she would ride just after sunset. We should expect the fight in roughly 2 hours” Yvette spoke and then nodded. “We go, may Odin watch over you” she called out to Grendal, and then the group moved out once more…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2021 20:38:46 GMT -5
Rhys stared to Tora a long moment, he sucked in a breath. The memory. It had been so long since he thought of that day. When she mentioned the viking woman again he smirked. “Really?” He questioned. He felt welcomed by these people. Sometimes around the elves he was treated a bit differently. The queen treated him no different than anyone else, she often protected him. She frowned greatly upon anyone whom treated him poorly. But, she queen was not always around to protect Rhys. “Thank you, Seer. I will not let you down.” He spoke with a grin as he quickly moved away in search of the woman.
Rhys quickly found her and he was welcomed by her towing him off to a tent with a wide grin upon his lips.
**
As the time passed Amara and Raenisa drank their wine and relaxed. The queen spoke of the history of the elves, she spoke of the dragons and the time long ago when the city was protected. Amara smiled as she listened to her mother she leaned back against the couch and sipped from her glass of wine. “I think that the Vikings are a lot less savage than our people believe.” The princess spoke with a bit of a slur in her speech.
“Oh?” The queen questioned with a chuckle, she smirked to her daughter. “What makes you say that out of nowhere?” She asked with a raised brow.
“They just live life differently. That’s all. I like them...” The princess’ hues turned to the orb as it began to glow. “Look!” She shot up from the couch and made her way over to the desk where she scooped up the orb and brought it back to the couch where her mother still sat. “Wow...” She spoke as she looked to the warriors and the rangers upon the ship.
The queen sat up and gazed into the orb, “Ahhh look at Rhys.” She grinned, much like that of a proud mother. “How do you think he will do on the battlefield, Amara?”
The princess drew in a breath to speak, but just before she began to speak the Vikings burst into song. She sat captivated for a long time. Her people did not have such a thing. No chants for marching, or rowing of a boat. Silence was the key of her people. “Rhys is skilled, I believe he is a lot more skilled than he has confidence.” Amara spoke as she watched the boats cut through the waters with ease. “You’ve seen him in training a lot more than I. What do you believe?”
The queen tilted her head slightly. “I believe you are right my dear. Rhys is young. This will be his first true taste of this war. Sure he has helped with recon missions. But he has not yet tasted the blood of the enemy in such a way that he will tonight. They will likely encounter more than 50 men that they must kill. That is what makes or breaks a good warrior. It will be terrifying. But if he does not choose to lean into the battle. He could be injured. Or worse, if he does not trust in his kills, he could die.” The queen spoke and then drew in a breath. She took a long drink from her glass of wine before she set it upon the table to refill it from the bottle. “I trust that he will be a fine warrior though. He has fine warriors with him as well as some of our best rangers.”
The princess watched her mother curiously as the queen spoke. “Do you think that I would fail mother?” She asked after a long moment.
The queen sat back against the couch and then she smirked. “Of course not, my dear.” She hugged her from the side. “But, that is not the reason that you do not go into war. You are much to valuable to be lost in a fight that we are more than capable of handling with our guard. You will be the ruler of Armalon one day. I trust that you will make an excellent queen.” Raenisa spoke and then smiled to her daughter.
The two continued speaking of tactics of the war and eventually they stood at the queen’s desk. Raenisa spoke of the encampments of the Alexander knights. She spoke of Alexander which she had visited nearly 23 years ago now. She smiled to her daughter and then looked to the orb. “Look, they’ve arrived.”
**
Rhys stood at the bow of the ship. His crystal hues had looked to Tora and he grinned to her as he called for the ship to charge forward. The spray of the sea upon his face. He chuckled as he took it in. It was a strange feeling, to be in charge of a group. He was usually beneath an officer of the guard. The time to the north passed swiftly. Soon enough they pulled the ship upon the shore. He could see the flickering flames of the encampment ahead. “We fan out. Make sure that no one escapes. They all die. Stay low and out of sight. Pick a target and take them down quietly. We know how to do this.” He ordered the rangers as he marched forward. He crouched down as they crept forward up the hillside. His crystal hues looked down upon the encampment. Only a few were awake. Some stood around the huge bonfire in the center of the city. His breath shook as he looked to them. Unsuspecting.
Rhys lifted up his hand and signaled his archers once he saw movement on the other side of the camp. Their vantage point gave him the perfect view of the encampment. The arrows flew through the air. The 3 men drinking around the fire fell, one even fell into the fire. Silence. A lookout that was perched upon a tower plummeted to the icy ground, an arrow through his skull. It was then that there was a yell. A man raced across the camp screaming. Rhys grit his teeth. Two arrows flew through the air and pierced into this man. But it was too late. The camp was awake. “Keep firing.” He spoke clearly his eyes gazed to the other side of the camp, looking for the shield maidens and Tora’s group. Armored knights began to come from the tents.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2021 21:30:30 GMT -5
Tora kept an arm on the rudder, holding it in place as they rowed up the river. “Wind Is on our side today” Tora called out and pulled at a line. The sail fell loose and became taught with wind. The rowers lifted their oars and locked them into place above the water. She looked to the sky – which was thick with clouds, snow danced its way from its grip and landed gently upon the waters…
“So what might we expect from these Alexanderian people?” One viking questioned to Tora.
Tora leaned back and grinned slightly “Imagine a doe, prancing in the forest. With it’s adorable little spots, and cute little face. Now, take that Doe and put a sword in its hoof. It will flail, a lot. And Maybe – just maybe on of the flails may be directed at you” she laughed then. “In truth – I do not know. I think they lack skill but have number” she raised a brow.
“I hardly doubt they begin training at 5 years, hm?” One man questioned.
“Oh no, If they did – there would be no war…” Tora laughed then and she glanced forward… the bend she expected. In the far far distance there was smoke, just barely visible. “Oars up” she called. The group moved swiftly to pull the oars and set them inside the boat. She pulled again at the line, the boat shifted so it moved closer to the shore line and it moved slowly, as to not disturb the waters.
“Oye – Innit that a boat?” a voice could be heard from the banks. Tora turned her gaze and she pulled her brows together. In an instant – should could see almost perfectly in the darkness, her eye giving her sight. One man stood by a tree, peeing into the river.
Tora reached forward and tugged the bow off of one of the Viking before him, and she fired an arrow. The arrow flew the air and pierced the man in the chest. The second man screeched and rushed away, his pants still partially down.
Tora pulled the boat quickly to the shore and stood – she jumped and landed knee deep in the freezing water. “Go – I will meet you at the village!” she shouted and rushed forward. She pulled her axe and rushed with speed. She jumped over a log easily and shifted between trees as she ran. As the man came into sight – she pulled her arm back and threw her Axe with rage.
The axe spun swiftly and then lodged into his spin, severing it easily. She came upon and then placed a boot on his back and pulled at her axe. Blood poured over and leaked into the snow… Tora stepped over the man and grit her teeth. She saw her ship turning around the bend – where the village was.
Tora rushed forward until she was on the outer edge of the camp. She glanced upward to the hillside in the distance – she saw Rhys, and the men. She turned her gaze to the water side – where her ship pulled up just enough for the crowd of men to jump off and rush.
The sound of water sloshing to their rushing steps was like drums to her ear. They screamed and shouted as they ran forward. Tora looked forward into the camp – glancing at the tents and structures. The largest one would be the commanding officer… she pulled her other axe and then stepped forward through the fresh snow.
The fight began quickly – dead men were already laying in the pathways, other humans rushed over them, shield and sword in hand. Tora turned as a tent flap opened – she shoved her axe into the gut of a soldier, who was partially dressed. She then cut his head clear off his shoulders and moved forward. She cut the lines of the tent, causing it to collapse, and the few people inside struggling to gather themselves.
Four men rushed forward towards her – she blocked two attacks and ducked the other. Easily she bashed her axes into their ankles, knocking two of the men over. As she stood upward her axe cut one of the swords directly in half, and the other sliced the throat of one of the men. She threw her axe downward and it stabbed into the skull, through the helmet, of a man. She then reached forward and grasped the broken blade of the knight, and shoved it through his chest piece. The remaining man thrusted his blade and Tora blocked the attack with a large dagger, she flipped it and stabbed him between his collar bones.
Tora glanced up to see another man charging her – but he suddenly stopped and fell over, an arrow in his back. She glanced to its source – Yvette grinned to her and docked another arrow…
Tora smirked and then sliced forward – she cut into the backside of the large Captains tent and stepped inside. “Oh, hello.” she spoke – there was 8 men, standing in a circle around the Captain. Tora stepped back and out of the tent, though she stood quietly.
One of the men peaked his head out of the hole she created – and Tora sliced it off cleanly. “Idiot” she muttered and then kicked his body back into the tent as it was falling over. Before it hit the ground she was already infront, two men came running out the front – each got an axe to the chest. She pulled them out and then barged inward.
She was slammed in the face by a shield, which caused her to stumble backward. She was dazed slightly as she fell back. She hit a table and easily shimmied around it as she gathered herself. “Oye” she called out and slapped the table. One knight sliced forward, to which she threw a plate at him. He cut the plate in half… so she threw a bottle at him. He cut it and it shattered all over the place.
“What are you doing?!” The Captain shouted.
Tora raised a brow and then she lifted the table’s edge and quickly threw it at them. She jumped forward and cut one mans arm off. He cried as it hit the ground and bled about. Tora lifted her brow and pointed to the arm with her axe – the man quickly scrambled to pick up his arm. It was just the captain left now… She threw her axe and it killed the armless man…
“Who are you?” The Captain spoke, trembling slightly.
“I am Torasvar Vyarson, daughter of Jarl Erik Vyarson. I am descedent of Ragnar Lothbrok himself. I am Viking and Viking rage incarnate. Who… are you?” she questioned as she held an axe to his throat. She spoke his native tongue, in truth – she spoke many tongues, but this one she did not do so well. Her accent was incredibly thick..
“I – I – I am Damien Wilbrough” he trembled.
“No no, you – Captain Damien Wil..wil.. fuck it. Captain” she spoke. “You own your title to your death! Speak it!” she shouted.
“Captain! Damien Wilbrough – Ma’am”
“Ma’am, what the - “ she grunted and then she kicked him in the chest. She stabbed her axe forward into his hand, piercing it into the dirt. She stepped away and grasped one of the chairs.
“Captain – tell me” she stepped over him, each leg on either side of him. “Your other camps” she nodded.
The Captain shook his head no.
“No? Okay, fine. My way then. Oh uh.” she cleared her throat. “Princess, please look away” she spoke in Elvish. She waited a moment.
The man began to scream as she pounded him with the chair – over and over. His ribs broke, his face turned purple and swollen. She stopped after several minutes. “Camps” she spoke.
“Please – Stop. We have two camps, two camps” he cried out in pain, his face was barely recognizable. Tora looked to the man but then she looked off to the side, so he was not in her vision.
“Map – now” she lifted the axe and then picked him up with one arm. She shoved him to the map that was on the ground. “You can draw with your blood, hm?” she spoke and nodded.
The Captain hesitated… he held up a finger and dipped it into the streaming blood coming from his nose. He marked two spots on the map with an X.
“Oh, good Captain” she spoke and then she knelt over the map. “Good..good..” she lifted the map and tilted it several times. The flap of the tent opened and Tora’s head snapped.
Yvette stepped inside and then scoffed, she stepped over to the captain and shook her head. “Are you playing with him?” she spoke with a dead tone, her face staring to Tora.
“Oh, me? No, no no. Information. Look” she pointed to the map “two more camps, pretty good huh?” Tora grinned and then rolled the map up. “I mean, it’s not my best work”
“No, no it is not...” Yvette sighed and then stabbed him in the heart with her spear. “Come on, we’re nearly finished…”
Tora leaned down and pulled the red cape off his shoulder and smirked “Thank you” she spoke to the dead body. Tora threw the red cloak over her shoulder and stepped outside.
“We’re gathering the bodies to burn them, they are loading the boats up with loot. There is not much, some rations… but they have weapons, some armor...” she shrugged.
“Okay.. round up the gold and split among the Viking… I will retrieve what I need and return. You go back and assemble a scouting group… hm.. 5 in total. They will stay here, any of these pigs come – they attack. Understood?” she questioned Yvette. The woman nodded and quickly rushed away.
She walked back into the captains tent and dug around. She threw every book she could find, every piece of writing – she practically packed the entire tent into the blankets of the bed and pulled the sack over her back.
“Rhys!” she called out as she peered to the young boy. “Come on, we head back – my men will clean up and handle this place, you come back and have a fine glass of wine, hm?” he she questioned with a grin.
As she stepped to the small boat – she tossed the sack onto it and climbed aboard, with Rhys and two other viking. The rest would make trips with the ship, as they finished the dirty work…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2021 22:13:33 GMT -5
The princess carried the orb over to the couch and sat down next to her mother. The two watched in silence as Tora rushed after the man on the hillside. “How did she see him?” Amara questioned as she watched the axe fly through the air to kill the man. Tora moved so quickly. Much more quickly than Amara ever thought that the viking woman could run and her steps were not loud, she did not trudge through the snow.
It was a front seat to the action as the camp was rushed by the vikings and rangers. “Tora has a lot of practice raiding cities. That is what vikings do, Amara.” The queen spoke. “It is their way of life. Raiding gets them food, money...”
The princess watched as the scene unfolded her jaw loose. At one point she caught a glimpse of Rhys, he had his sword drawn and he was slicing through soldiers. Arrows cut through the air and took targets down with ease. This was a well orchestrated attack. Not one soldier escaped to warn the others. Amara gasped when Tora chopped the head from a soldier, when she gutted another. It was gruesome. She began to understand why those that were not Viking called them savages. The way that they fought was ruthless. When Tora cleared out the entire tent and slammed her axe into the captain’s hand Amara’s brows raised. When Tora asked her to look away Amara looked to her mother whom nodded and took the orb from her daughter. Raenisa stood and walked back over to the desk. The queen watched the beating that the man took, she sipped from her wine, her expression solemn. It did not make her feel triumphant. But she knew this was something that had to be done. So many of her people had died to these Alexander knights.
The princess sat on the couch, she pressed her lips together and shuddered to the thought of if the Vikings would have ended up as their enemy rather than their ally.
**
Rhys had blood splattered across his face when Tora found him. He gazed about the camp, he only had a few cuts on him from the attack. He chuckled slightly as he looked to Tora. “That was exhilarating. To finally cut those men down! They’ve wreaked havoc on us since I was a child. It feels good to finally do something back to them, and not lose. We caught them off guard enough they didn’t seem to have enough time to make their ritual circles and perform their blood magic.” He grinned as he wiped the blood from his sword. “Your shield maiden and warriors are an honor to fight alongside.” He awkwardly beat his chest as he had seen the vikings do toward Tora, a grin upon his lips. He dug in his pocket and held a chain out toward Tora with a smirk. “It’s a dragon’s tooth.” It had a slight glow to it. “You should have it, Seer.” He placed it into her and and curled her fingertips around it. “In honor of our victory here today. This is because of you.” He pat her shoulder. Rhys was high on his adrenaline.
The ride back to Armalon was full of gleeful chatter from Rhys and a few of the elvish rangers. As they neared the shoreline something could be seen upon the beach. The queen stood upon the shore awaiting the return of the vikings and her rangers. Amara stood with her, a smile upon her lips. The queen grinned as they came ashore. “Very well done.” She pat Rhys’ shoulder and looked to Tora. “Impressive tactics. They didn’t have a chance to react to you.” She nodded as she watched the men begin to unload the ship. The queen held a bag forward. “An installment of the money that we have agreed upon.” Raenisa spoke. “I am very surprised that you were able to squeeze information out of the captain.” The queen then held a bottle forward. “In celebration?” She questioned, a smile curved up her lips. “This is more potent, I think you might like it. It is a barley wine, aged for over 100 years.” She chuckled, it was evident that the queen was riding the high of the victory as well. It had been so long since they had triumphed against the Alexander knights.
"Mother isn't joking when she says it is quite potent." Amara spoke up with a chuckle. She looked to Rhys. "You fought bravely and showed the strength of our people." She complimented.
The queen smirked slightly, "Come, come let us celebrate this victory. Do you wish to come to the castle? Or would you prefer to celebrate in your camp?" The smile upon the queen's face was genuine, her cold stare seemed to be a distant memory of the past in this moment.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2021 22:38:31 GMT -5
Tora looked to Rhys with a grin on her face as he spoke of fighting, the joys of the war. Tora laughed and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Feels good doesn’t it? There is nothing better in the world than fighting. There are two pleasures, to give life – and take life away. That is raw power, it is what Gods do everyday!” she shouted and beat her chest with him. She grinned and sat back “You look good, you know. Out there, fighting – you fought well.” she bowed her head and then glanced up as he touched her hand.
Tora glanced down to the tooth. She had never seen one before.. she turned it in her hand. The magic off of it seem to shake her core… She closed her hand around the necklace and then slipped it away into a pocket. “You know” she smirked “When Viking raid – they return to their village with their plunders… and in the end – The Vikings pick something from their plunder and offer it to the Jarl, our Leader… and it is not out of obligation, requirement or law. It is just what they did.. giving thanks to their leader...” she smirked “You have Viking in you boy… be careful” she grinned and leaned back to allow him to converse with the others…
Tora sat upward as they rounded a bend and she saw a figure standing on the coast. She grinned when she recognized who it was. At this point she turned her vision off, they had seen enough as it was… Tora stood as the boat came to the dock, she easily leapt off before it even stopped moving. “My Queen” Tora lifted the red cape from her shoulder and handed it to one of the guards that followed the Queen.
Tora pulled off her gloves and was working on her arms, pulling the wrapping off – which would protect her arms. “Thank you” she grinned. She turned as the money was offered… she lifted a brow and plucked the bag from her hand and then tossed it to a passing viking. “Put it with my things, in my tent please” she nodded and then stepped closer to the Queen and Princess.
“Well, I can’t say squeezing the information.. was my best work, but it did the job” she looked over the Queen… the woman was smiling, a lot. There was color to her cheeks, and life to her aura. Tora tilted her head – in this moment, Tora carried the burdens of her people… she could see it now. And for that moment… she was happy to hold them.
“I would say uhh… Your castle sounds best. You really don’t want to witness an raid-after-party… trust me” she laughed and lead them forward to the little carriage that waited on them. “Come on then” she grinned and held the door open for them. She waited for the two women to slide in, side by side… then she stepped inside. “Oh, fancy. I’ve never been in one of these..” she rubbed the silky interior wall with a hand. She held out a hand and then opened the door once more “RHYS” she shouted loudly, like a brother might down the street to his youngest.
Rhys glanced over and waved. Tora groaned and waved for him to come. Soon enough he squeezed himself into the small carriage.
“Let me see this…. 100 years of age” she reached forward and grasped the wine bottle out of Amara’s hands. She turned it about in her hand – reading the engravings. “Hmmm...” she held it back. “Exciting” she smirked and glanced to Rhys.
“Oh Rhys, disgusting, you have blood on your chin here” she pulled out a hankerchief and licked it – she smudged the blood off and then pat his cheek. “Fit as a fiddle” she mocked and then laughed. “Okay, let me see the bottle again” Tora spoke and snatched the bottle once more.
Tora lifted her dagger and stabbed into the cork, she gave it a twist and it popped loudly. Tora laughed and then handed the bottle to Rhys. “Go on then, the warrior to pop his cherry gets to drink first!” she exclaimed. She laughed as he took a long swig and nearly choked. “Oo, thank you” she jerked the bottle back and then took a long swig directly out of it.
“Oh, hope you weren’t wanting to drink it all fancy like” Tora laughed and then took another swig. “Real good though” she spoke into the bottle…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2021 23:10:46 GMT -5
Raenisa watched the Seer and glanced up the hill as she heard shouts from the Vikings that had taken off to carry items toward the village. “I do imagine it would be a bit rowdy.” The queen commented.
Amara followed after Tora and the queen toward the carriage. She glanced over her shoulder to Rhys and then climbed inside. “You’ve never been in a carriage?” She questioned. “Though I’m certain you could have the same surprise of me never riding in a viking boat.” She chuckled lightly. The queen shot a look to Amara and then princess merely smirked in response.
When Tora called out to Rhys the queen winced slightly. Loud. The vikings were so loud. She chuckled though and shook her head as the young knight came running to the carriage. Rhys climbed in and smiled, “my queen, princess.” He bowed his head and looked about the carriage. He too had never had the luxury of riding in a carriage. “It’s less spacious inside than I imagined.” He commented.
Amara laughed to his comment as she handed the bottle forward. “Specially crafted. There’s only one way to make this sort of wine. It sits in a special barrel for a long time before it is placed in those bottles. Those are made of the crystal of the mountain. It gives it a unique flavor.” The princess offered up the information as Tora looked over the bottle. She then took the bottle back and watched as Tora took care off the blood on Rhys’ face. The queen chuckled lightly as she watched the two. When the bottle was snatched back Amara raised a brow slightly. She looked to Rhys. “You know Rhys, you have quite a bit of blood on you there.” She spoke pointing to his leathers.
Rhys looked down to the leathers, though as he went to respond Tora snatched the bottle back from the princess. He raised his brows as he watched her stab into the cork. His eyes looked to the queen and then back to Tora. When she held the bottle toward him, “Oh...um...” He glanced to the queen once again. She didn’t look cross. He expected her to be. But she wasn’t. He took the swig and choked on the flavor as he held the bottle back toward Tora.
The queen laughed as she watched Tora take a drink from the bottle. “Oh, no not at all. I wouldn’t expect you to drink it from the proper wine glass...” She spoke, though after she spoke this she broke into a laugh when Tora took another drink and spoke of how good it was. After a few minutes they arrived back at the castle. “Come I have more if you’ve run out.” She looked to the small bottle of barley wine. We will celebrate.” She smiled as she climbed the stairs of the castle. Raenisa led the three up to a gathering room. It was a stunning room with plush chairs to relax in, a large fireplace that already crackled with life, and a large window to overlook the beautiful mountains. “Wine, dear?” The queen looked to her daughter whom nodded. She looked to Rhys, “Wine? What shall it be Rhys?”
“Oh my queen I shouldn’t drink--….”
“Nonsense. You’ve just won your first battle. You must celebrate, Rhys.” She waved her hand at him. She then looked to Tora a long moment. “I’ve something better than that Barley Wine. If you like that….you may like this more.” She walked away then and stepped behind a doorway and down a set of stairs into the cellar.
Amara looked to the two, “Your fighting, it was so well controlled. You knew every move before they did it. Your reactions were incredible.” She spoke as she looked to Tora in awe. She stood and stepped across the room to gather glasses for them to drink out of. She set two wine glasses on the table and two shorter glasses. Almost as if she knew exactly what her mother was going to bring for the two to drink.
Rhys grinned as he looked to Tora. “It was incredible to watch. The shield maidens rushed in. The warriors right with them. And you.” He chuckled. “You belong on the battlefield. Not everyone does. But you do.”
The door pushed opened and then queen came from the cellar. She carried a bottle of redwine, a short stout bottle of a dark liquid and another of a caramel liquid. She stepped to the table and looked to Tora, “Now then, we will drink from the glasses this time, hm?” She smirked as she grasped a bottle opener from the table. She screwed it into the cork of the wine. Which she then poured for her and her daughter. The queen opened the dark liquid then and poured for Rhys whom grinned. She then opened the caramel liquid, “A treat. I’ve never shared this with anyone outside of our people. But you deserve it after tonight.” She poured the liquid. It swirled into the glass. It had a smell of caramel and vanilla, yet there was a bitter tone to the liquid as well. The queen sat down and took a sip of her wine. “Now let’s enjoy, hm?” She smiled.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2021 23:36:39 GMT -5
Tora laughed and took a swig of the wine once more. As they came to the castle – she stumbled out slightly and then stretched outward. “Not bad, I suppose. Warm.. does the job” Tora shrugged and grinned. They walked into the castle and winded the stairs to the gathering room. When Tora entered the room – she walked around for a moment. She touched the fireplace – the wood that was carved into elven woman…
She laughed as the Queen left the room, shouting from down a set of stairs. “Whatever you suggest, m’lady” she looked to a small statue on the mantle and then walked over to one of the chairs. She unloaded her weapons and shed her armor, until she was down to a simple tunic, pants and boots. “Ahh” she sucked in a breath and let it out. Under all the armor – she was a nicely framed woman. She had strong broad shoulders, she had the rest of the womanly features – despite her thighs and arms being rather muscular…
“Sometimes I forget how heavy all of that is” she sat down and crossed her legs, she appeared more feminine and even proper without her armor, or at least she felt that way.
Tora turned her gaze the Princess – who spoke of her fighting, and Rhys complimented her too. Tora was already slightly buzzed, and happy – she blushed ever so slightly. “Ah.. thank you… Plenty of practice” she chuckled. “It is enjoyable to be able to share it with you.. we have fought for ourselves for so long, its a good ego boost to brag” she chuckled and then reached for the glass offered to her.
“Ah.. thank you” Tora took the glass and took a sip. She leaned back as the flavors hit her “Whoa” she spoke and then her brows pulled together. She lifted the glass and took another sip, but longer this time. She release a content sound and tilted her head again “Huh” she took another sip. “This – this is amazing.” she took several sips before she calmed down…
“So Rhys, tell us. Tell us how it felt, tell us how you barged into the city – you fought your foes and defeated them. How did it go? I was in the tent the majority of the time – I missed the artwork!” she spoke and took a long sip. “Every warrior must tell their tale, around the bonfire. Roughly 5 drinks in, well over the feast… it is Viking tradition. Tell us your tale” she demanded.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 15, 2021 0:33:58 GMT -5
The queen smirked slightly, “Elvish secret. It’s quite an old recipe.” She spoke after Tora complimented the drink. She sipped from her wine and smiled as a servant came into the room and placed a beautifully decorated charcuterie board upon the table.
Rhys grinned as Tora told him to speak his tale. He took a long drink of the dark liquor and looked to the queen. To be drinking in the presence of the queen. To be drinking with the princess. His eyes lulled over to Amara and he grinned once again. He then looked to Tora. “Well, we came upon the hillside and hiked all the way to the top. We could see everything. We could see down to the river where your boat docked. We could see the group from the west as they made their way toward the city. We could see every movement within the city. Our rangers did exactly as we needed them to. They took out those that were on the platforms above the city, they took out those that wandered between the tents. As your warriors rushed toward the city I could see them, their axes and shields.” He took a long swig of his drink. His speech was beginning to run together.
Amara leaned forward in her seat, her wine glass held in both hands, her cheeks rosy pink, a smile upon her lips as she listened to the excitement. “What did it feel like?” She asked.
Rhys looked to Amara and chuckled, “It felt like we were gods. Like nothing could stop us.” He smirked, “I was nervous as we rode up...I worried that maybe we would not succeed. But the viking that you sent with me.” He looked to Tora. “The big one….T...Tivar?” He questioned having difficulty with the man’s name. “He made all of us feel the fires of the battle. He spoke of your gods. I felt like if there was anything I could do, this was meant to be done.” He hit his chest and grinned again.
The queen watched curiously as Rhys spoke, “You won because of great tactic from a leader that is well practiced in the skill. She guided you quite well into that battle and gave you all the chance to succeed. Not every battle will be full of triumph such as this one. It will only become more difficult from here.” She took a drink of her wine.
Rhys looked to the queen and bowed his head. “Yes my queen. Yes I know. But we will be ready. This is our time. We will end this war and we will be the victor.” He spoke with confidence. His words pushed more and more together as he finished his glass.
Amara looked to Tora when Rhys finished and she smiled. “If every warrior must tell their tale then you shall tell yours.” She grabbed a cracker and a piece of meat and cheese and munched upon it. Her own words were loose from a night of drinking.
The queen chuckled and shook her head as she poured another round for everyone. Rhys smirked to the queen, “Thank you, my queen.” He raised the glass. “A toast. To the lovely Seer Tora.” He held his glass forward.
The princess chuckled, “A toast to the fine warriors that succeeded tonight.” She held her own glass up.
Raenisa lifted up her glass and glanced to Tora. “A toast to a fine leader, an a ruthless warrior, as well as a proper lady when she must be.” She smirked at the end of her sentence before she pushed her glass forward to finish the toast to Tora that Rhys had started. “So then you must tell us your tales then. Rhys only knows with his own eyes saw.” She took a long drink from her wine. The queen was relaxed as ever, the smile upon her lips made her appear genuinely beautiful. The way she was meant to be seen, but she was suppressed so much by her worry and stress that very few saw such a smile from the woman. Her amber hues settled in on Tora then.
**
The thunder of hooves sounded over the soft ground of the forest. Raenisa rode upon her pitch black horse. Her silvery hair flowed through the air behind her. She had a smile upon her lips as she rode along. Completely at peace. She rode into the mountains edging higher and higher until snow blanketed the ground and the trees began to thin. She climbed from her horse as she came to a small pathway that led through the center of a large boulder. “I’ll be back old friend.” She pat the shoulder of the horse. Raenisa stepped forward through the tunnel that was lined in elvish text. She ran her fingertips along the stone as she made her way forward. She was young. Her jaw was not nearly as defined as it was now. Her eyes were full of innocence. Her eyes were blue, like that of many elves. Not the amber hue that her eyes were in the present time.
Raenisa paused slightly as she made it through the tunnel. The pathway that led forward was lined in elven statues that stood a good twenty feet above her head, the hands were pressed together in prayer. Waterfalls fell from within the hands of each statue and cascaded off of the sides of the cliffs. The queen stepped forward slowly as she overlooked the valley before her. The castle could be seen far away, it looked so small from up here. She made her way to the edge of the cliff where an alter stood. Raenisa placed her fingertips upon the bowl of stone and looked over the elvish text, it was ancient. Some of the text was gone from the weather. One must have the spell memorized in order to commune with the gods. She’d spent years preparing for this moment.
Raenisa knelt down before the alter and the beautiful ancient elvish began to come from her lips as she drew her dagger. She held her hand above the bowl and cut deeply into her hand. The young queen winced, but she did not falter in the spell. She continued to speak. Raenisa squeezed her hand as the blood ran from the cut, the words began to glow. She felt the magic within her as she spoke the final few words of the spell and she leaned forward heavily against the altar. There was a rush of white light. A beautiful female goddess wearing white silks with white silvery hair stepped forward from the light. “Raenisa Avariel. Daughter of King Avariel of Armalon. Granddaughter to Aeris Avariel.” The woman lifted Raenisa’s hands into her own and brought her to a standing position. This was the goddess Aerdrie, she was the primary goddess of the elves. She ruled and kept peace over all of the other gods and goddesses.
“Aerdrie.” Raenisa spoke, breathless. She felt dizzy. She could hardly breath. Hardly move. Each movement felt heavy.
The goddess smiled and cupped her cheek. “You have a long future my dear.” She spoke with gentle hues. “Long and trying. You will need your strength. Never forget it. Do not give in, no matter how much you may wish to. You, have a gift. The Gift that your great grandfather held.” She walked Raenisa toward the alter once again and around it. She walked her to the edge of the cliff. “You can do many things child. You will do many things. But you must not give in.” The goddess spoke in riddle. None of her words made sense to the young elf. Then suddenly she was shoved from the cliff.
Raenisa grasped at the goddess as there was a flash of light where the woman stood. She cried out as she plummeted toward the ground below. There was a roar that sounded then and suddenly a shadow eclipsed the sun. Raenisa couldn’t breathe, she tried to cry out. The world around her slowly faded into darkness…
When she woke as the sun neared the horizon and dusk was upon her...she had a terrible gash upon her thigh. It burned like that of a metal rod stuck in a flame. She sat up slowly to see that she lay upon the cliff at the alter. Though her eyes were amber now, no longer blue. It was a sign, a gift of the gods. A gift to the strongest of leaders of Armalon.
**
The queen was leaned back in her chair. “Mother?” Amara questioned, she looked to Tora. “Tora?” She furrowed her brows, she saw the glow in Tora’s eye.
“What’s going on?” Rhys asked confused. “Are they...alright?” He hiccuped.
The princess looked to him and gave a nod, she stumbled slightly. “yes, yes. You should go get some rest hm?” She stood him up and walked him from the room. The princess came back to the room and sat down across from the two. It was a long memory. She bit her lip slightly. “Mother?” She asked again as her mother’s eyes fluttered and she sat up slowly. The queen gazed to Tora then, her heart was pounding within her chest.
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Post by Raven on Dec 15, 2021 10:34:24 GMT -5
Tora smirked as Rhys spoke of his experience.. she intentionally gave him the best spot. She knew how awe inspiring it was to watch the battle before your eyes. The fierce power of the thundering of boots, the shouting of Viking through the valley. The best was when they realized it was Vikings, and they would shout and scream. No one knew their language, but everyone knew the shriek of ‘Viking!!! Run!’ there was something toxic and attractive about it.
Tora laughed “Torig” she nodded “He is the largest Viking man we’ve ever seen… I’ve seen the man break a oak log over his knee…” she chuckled. “That feeling – that energy in your blood… that is what we live for, we live for the fight. Nothing can come close to it, and nothing can compare…” she finished her drink and smacked her lips. “The truth is, we may be savage – bloody and cruel… but our strength does not come from our rage. It is our confidence, our belief that we truly are meant to do exactly that… that is our key.” She lifted her glass towards the Queen. “Perhaps more?” she smirked.
The Queen spoke of Tora’s planning. She smirked and leaned back into the seat. “Thank you, my Queen. Gracious of you” she chuckled. “I wont deny that, I put a lot of effort into my strategy” she accepted her glass back and held her glass up in the air. “Skol” she smirked and took a sip.
“A proper lady?” Tora laughed and took another sip. “Ha, sure” she took a sip and adjusted herself in her seat. “We rode up the waters, it was quiet.. Dark skies, snow falling constantly. Very annoying to have to brush myself off, but… we approached the campsite and I noticed there were men by the river. I quickly jumped the boat and chased them down, before they could run and tell the city. By the time I made it to the village – they began to charge in. I was a little disappointed to not lead the charge myself, but… I made due with what I had. I remember seeing you Rhys, you were pointing forward from the hill side – the archers shooting on your command” she smirked.
“I took out a few guys, these humans did not fight, really. They were like butter. Perhaps it was the sudden charge that caught them offguard…” she shrugged. “The Queen mentioned – I’ve done raids a few times, and this is true. I know a few tricks..” she chuckled. “If you approach from the back of a tent – they never expect it. So I did, I cut into the back of the Commander’s tent. When they noticed me – I stepped back out and let them come out one by one – which, is the smarter Tactic. There was 8 man in the tent, even with my skills – I wouldn’t try to take that many on…” she smirked. “I knew the Officer would send men to come around and try and flank me, so I moved swiftly. Second trick to war – never sit in one place. Ever. You move, always” she motioned with her hands as she spoke, describing the tent. How the other two men came out the front and they were done before they even looked up.
“Then, I delicately extracted information from the officer…” she looked to the Queen and smirked – it was then that she was drawn into a vision. She stared to the Queen with her glowing eye and froze.
Tora gasped for air as she came to, several minutes later. She stood up quickly and set her glass down on the table. Tora stared to the Queen for a long moment – her eyes searching the woman’s. This vision was different. She could feel the Queen’s emotions in the memory, the beating of her heart – the strange feeling in her chest.. the burning of her leg. Tora leaned back into the seat and sighed softly.
“I apologize, my Queen. I have invaded on your memories…” she let out a sigh. “I am so far from mastering my abilities… I am the first of my kind to have something like this. I am my own teacher, and my learning curve is…” she chuckled and sighed. “I am surprised though… I had no idea I was sitting before someone who has spoken to her Gods.. it is an honor. Here I thought I was the only one who communed with them…” she smirked. “It actually.. makes me feel a little better. To be their beacon, their chosen one – it exhausting, and terrifying” she laughed weakly then. “At least, my Gods are not always very forgiving.” She stood then and looked to the Princess.
“Hmm – maybe you have something you can teach me, Raenisa? Is there a method to meditation? I read that Elves are very attuned to their spirit… I wonder if I need to be the same? Odin whispers in my dreams – I need to ‘Align the stars to seek desire’ It is so damned cryptic…” she shook her head…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 15, 2021 11:55:31 GMT -5
Raenisa didn’t speak, her eyes looked to Tora. She could feel the woman there in the memory. Almost as if she’d invited her there. Her brows furrowed slightly. Amara looked back and forth between the two, her brows raised. It was then that Tora broke the deafening silence of the room. The queen closed her eyes slightly as the woman spoke of invading her memories and the Seer’s abilities. The queen opened her eyes after the woman spoke of the communion with the gods. A smile split her lips then, “The elves are not much different than that of your people. You were correct when you stated that earlier. Our gods. Are much like yours. They are exhausting and cryptic. They only choose a select few to gift and sometimes their gifts are not what you may wish to have.”
The queen looked to her daughter and gave a gentle smile, “Why don’t you get some rest dear? I’ll show Tora how to get in-tune with her spirit.” She stood and drew in a breath as she felt the rush from the alcohol within her body. The queen stood still for a moment before she nodded. “All of the gods are cryptic. Why should they simply give us the answers? They too had to discover the answers to the riddles within the world. It would not be fair to give everything away now, would it?” The queen had a smirk upon her lips. She hugged Amara and kissed the top of her head, “I’ll see you in the morning sweet Amara.”
Amara hugged her mother and then glanced to Tora. She gave a grin to the woman, “I want to hear more stories about your gods and your battles.” She spoke and then chuckled. She placed a hand upon Tora’s shoulder and gazed into her eyes a moment. “Thank you.” She spoke and then she stepped from the room.
The queen waited a moment after her daughter left and she then looked to Tora. “I’ll show you what to do.” She spoke as she took a few steps forward. “We cannot meditate here. I have a room for that.” She led Tora from the room. “How interesting your gift is that you pluck memories from those around you.” She commented. “That particular memory was the turning point in my life.” She spoke as they walked through the silent dim hallways of the castle. Few guards were seen. The city was asleep. It was late in the evening, or even early morning for that matter. “My great grandfather had passed. I wished to seek closure. Many of us will make the trek to Aerdrie’s temple. It is a special place, centuries old. It has withstood the elements. Long ago, it was enclosed...but over the years the walls have disintegrated and all that is left are the beautiful statues and the alter upon the cliff.” She paused as they made their way up a spiral flight of stairs. “Many of our elders believed that Aerdrie herself caused the temple to fall to pieces, that she much preferred the wind and the sun over an enclosure.”
Raenisa pushed a heavy wooden door open. They had climbed to the top of one of the castle towers. The room was round and held many books. The center of the room was left empty with the exception of a few circles of inscriptions upon the floor. “There is a world that you must tap into in order to see the stars so that you may align with them. But seeking desire, that can be a dangerous thing.” She smirked slightly. “If you are not careful. Desire has been the downfall of many great rulers.” The queen even in her inebriated state spoke with such wisdom. “Come here.” She took Tora’s hand and led her to one of the inscriptions. “You’ll sit.” She spoke as she gently pushed against her shoulders. Raenisa then sat in a circle that touched Tora’s. She looked to the woman with her amber hues a long moment before she gave a gentle smile. “Whatever you do, do not run, stay with me.”
Raenisa then held both of her hands forward and nodded to Tora. “Close your eyes and listen to my words. Do not open your eyes until I tell you.” The queen began to speak in the ancient elven tongue. Her words flowed like water through a gentle stream. The inscriptions upon the floor began to glow and the temperature within the room began to plummet. She held onto Tora’s hands, her grip tightened slightly as she continued the spell. Then silence. Raenisa kept her grip on Tora. “Keep your eyes closed.” She spoke, though her voice would have sounded far away. A wind whipped around them, thunder crackled. Raenisa gripped more tightly upon Tora as if she feared she would be ripped away. She spoke several more words in the ancient tongue. Then suddenly the wind stopped. The cold stayed however. The sound of the howl of a wolf echoed. “Okay.” Raenisa spoke as she opened her hues. The amber of her eyes seemed to glow now. The world around them was absolutely stunning. Tall mountains with jagged cliffs. They stood upon the peak of a mountain. The queen gazed around the world. “This is the plane of the gods, of spirits. Ysgard.” She gazed about as there was a roar in the distance. A beautiful white dragon flew through the skies.
“This place is long forgotten and many will never see it. It is a place that my elders were able to visit. To come and go as they pleased. But as the times have changed...so have my people. Those that are not in-tune with their spirit may not pass into this realm, at least without a chaperone.” She smirked to Tora. Why the queen felt comfortable showing this world to Tora...she did not know. She’d never taken a stranger here. She hadn’t taken many elves to this realm. Raenisa still had a hold of Tora’s hands. She gazed into the woman’s hues. “Now. Focus. Imagine your destiny. Allow the stars to align.” She spoke in the same cryptic words that the gods did.
The world around them swirled and the beautiful mountains disappeared. They stood in the center of a huge city. The queen’s glowing amber hues gazed about, her grip remained on Tora. A grin curved up her lips as she saw the Nordic buildings, the design. It was a flourishing city by the sea.
“Careful child.” A voice spoke and a flash of light appeared next to them. Aerdrie stood before the two. She reached forward and touched Tora’s cheek, “This one.” She clicked her tongue. “Will bring great change. Your world as you know it will be morphed into something anew.” She looked to Raenisa a smile upon her lips. The goddess touched the queen’s cheek and smirked as inscriptions appeared where she touched. Then there was a flash and the goddess disappeared. Raenisa took in quick breaths as the inscriptions continued to glow a bright blue. She whispered several words in the ancient tongue as she leaned forward. The world around them swirled and faded to black.
Raenisa opened her eyes and they were once again sitting within the castle. The inscriptions still glowed along her jaw and down the side of her neck. She finally released Tora’s hands as she stared to her. “Aerdrie has not appeared to me since that day on the cliff. I’ve searched for her...and asked for her help so many times...” She let out a chuckle and then hugged Tora. The queen realized after a moment that she was hugging the Seer and she released her quickly and stood. “Apologies.” She drew in a breath. “This is good news.” She nodded then and looked about the room. It seemed she was in deep thought now, attempting to wrap her head around what the goddess said.
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Post by Raven on Dec 15, 2021 23:46:09 GMT -5
Tora raised a brow – she did not expect the Queen to teach her in this very minute. She cleared her throat and stood, after finishing her drink of course. “Good night, Amara” she bowed and smiled “More stories to come, do not fear – I won’t be going any where” she watched the mother and daughter exchange their good nights. For a moment she forgot the woman before her was the Queen, but rather just another mother – with gentle eyes for her daughter…
“You have an entire room for meditating?” she made a perplexed face and then followed behind her. “Well, I see all time. Sometimes I see a vision and it is the future, or maybe even the current. I have to determine which it is, and some times that can be very hard” she spoke as they climbed the stairs. “The vision of you though, that was easy. Your eyes were different, and you had a youthful glow to you. Though, that glow came back today.. quite beautiful” she spoke, the drinks influencing her bold words. Though flirting and swooning was easy for her, something was different about the Queen… something that she couldn’t put her finger on…
She listened to the woman speak of her history, her Grandfather and desire for closure… “Hah, what a thought, but I do not blame her… the mountain skies are like nothing else” she stepped into the large room. Tora’s mouth dropped slightly as she peered to all of the books… the room was astonishing, large and decorated…
Tora moved to the center of the room and looked to the etchings of the runes. “A world?” she questioned softly. She wondered what she meant, was she going to travel to one of the other realms? Asgard – the realm of the Gods? The thought made her gut squirm within her chest. “Ah, Temptation is the sweetest of poisons…” she smirked and then looked down to the Queen’s hand as she clasped Tora’s.
Tora sat as guided by Raenisa, she searched the woman’s eyes and then nodded slowly. “I’ll stay with you” she whispered in a low tone. For a moment – Tora lost her breath, as if the woman stole it from her lips. She reached forward and grasped Raenisa’s hands and she followed her instruction. Her eyes closed and she took in deep breaths. She focused in on the words the Queen spoke – she did not recognize them at all, not a single word. It was beautiful though, the way the words flowed from one to another, like a falling leaf dancing to the ground.
Her gentle thoughts shifted swiftly with the howling of wind, which threatened to push her over. She held on and kept her eyes shut, almost like a little girl might – squeezing them tightly through the storm. When the hell grew quiet – Tora opened her eyes with Raenisa. She let go of the womans hands and stood swiftly, she turned around several times as she peered to the world around her. “Ysgard?” she questioned. “Ysgard.. you know of Ysgard? I thought…” she stepped forward and looked to the huge mountainscapes
“Ysgard is where the Gods and Heroes come to essentially… retire, escape, or live casually… after the Second War of Asgard – the Valkyries came to live here in the mountains, for their protection but actually the bulk of their forces were killed.. they came here to recover…” she looked to the dragon that flew above them, his shadow so perfectly displayed over the mountain side as he flapped with strength.
“Many Gods came here to get away from the Politics and Energy of Asgard” she rambled on. “Asgard was full of too much shit to deal with..” she shook her head “I am here?” she questioned softly. She knelt down and buried her hand into the snow and lifted a handful up. She squeezed it and let it break away between her fingers. The freezing cold stung her hand and threatened to crawl up her arm.
Tora stood and turned to the woman as she approached, the Queens took Tora’s hands and gripped them gently. Tora sucked in a breath and let it slowly, the cold air crisp in her lungs. She shut her eyes and let out the breath… When she opened her eye – her glowing eye was bright blue, rather than the gold of normal.
Tora turned her head to the morphing world around them. She did not let go, almost for fear the image would disappear like a mirage in the distance. With a breeze of the wind – a woman appeared. The woman from the memory Tora witnessed.. She was beyond beautiful, just seeing her shook her core and made her heart thump wildly. Tora looked past the woman for a moment as movement caught her eye.
A raven landed in the center of the road and morphed into a figure. A tall and broad man, with a braided white beard – and one eye. Tora went to move towards him – to rip her hands away and run to him. The man held a hand up and she froze in place.
Slowly he stepped forward until he stood next to Aerdrie. The man approached her and stared to her for a very long moment. “She does not know I am here” he whispered softly. “My sweet Freya” he whispered. He reached a hand forward to touch her but he paused, just an inch from her shoulder. “She must never know I was here” he spoke. His voice was deep, yet smooth. It caused her to relax instantly. She felt this urge to fall into his arms, to even touch him. All she could do is breath, and look at him. She fought so hard to speak – but nothing moved. He did not allow it.
“Do you believe you have what it takes?” he questioned and glanced to her with his single eye. “You want to play as a God….” He leaned in closely, so close she could smell is breath. It smelled like honey and morning dew. “Let us see how you fair…” he looked to her. His eye was crystal blue – gleaming brightly. Just like hers.
Tora gasped – the world collapsed on her and she returned to the castle. She opened her eyes and her single glowing eye – remained blue. She breathed quickly – it felt like she could not catch it. She breathed harder and harder. Nothing changed. She grew dizzy quickly. “Good news…” she managed to say, repeating the words of the Queen, and then collapsed on the floor.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 17, 2021 11:15:01 GMT -5
The queen looked to Tora with curious hues, the woman’s eye. Once golden, it was now bright blue. “Seer?” The queen questioned as she watched the woman fight to breathe. She moved forward and placed her hand upon the woman’s back just as Tora fought to speak the two words to her. Then when the woman collapsed the queen managed to lower her body to the floor slowly. Her brows furrowed as she stared to the woman. She feared that this was her doing. She had never brought a human into the other realm. Perhaps it was too hard on their fragile bodies? She grit her teeth slightly as she stood, the queen took a moment, her own body was taxed from the endeavor. She walked to the door of the room, “Guards?” She spoke though her voice did not raise alarm. Two of her knights that stood within the hall rushed over.
“My queen?” One questioned as they both bowed to her.
“Our friend has had quite a bit to drink. Would you assist in getting her to her room for the evening? I’ll follow up with her to ensure that she is alright.” The queen spoke as she moved to a bookcase and began thumbing through the books.
“Of course my queen.” One of the knights spoke as the two moved into the room and scooped Tora up carefully. They then carried her from the room.
The queen pulled a book from a shelf and flipped through the pages swiftly. She ran her finger along the hand written text and carefully she gathered the ingredients that were listed. Different herbs and liquids all mixed together to steep in boiling water to make a sort of elixir. She took in a deep breath as she carried the steaming mug through the halls of the castle. Her eyelids were beginning to grow heavy at this point. Though she made it to Tora’s room with ease. The queen set the mug down on the bedside table next to the woman and the enchanting smell of the elixir began to fill the room. A hint of lavender wafted through the air. The queen stepped into the adjacent room and slipped from the tight corset of her dress. She pulled on a soft robe that hung to her knees and a pair of slippers. She sat next to the bed, her eyes looked over the Viking. Worry in her hues. What a foolish idea to take this woman into the other realm. Ysgard was known to cause many to perish...to drive those that were not strong enough to insanity. Raenisa searched over Tora, as she stood at the bedside. She ran her fingertips along the woman’s shoulder and arm as she began to speak in the ancient language once again. A line of crackling blue light traced along Tora’s arm. The queen stood still for a moment before she turned and sat upon the chair at the bedside. She feared that Tora would not wake. The queen feared that she would lose the little hope that she’d found. Her eyes began to tug and soon enough Raenisa’s head lulled to the side and she fell into a deep sleep.
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