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Post by Nyte on Jun 9, 2019 18:13:51 GMT -5
Mag returned quickly from her work on Otta. He was sure the man offered up all kinds of curses for the older woman but she would have sent him on with a smile nonetheless. He had hoped that Moira would come recover the babe before Mag returned but his wish was not granted and as the woman began to tease the pair he kept his eyes forward or glancing about at those that still cheered and laughed around him. Normally he met Mag's teasing with retorts of his own but she had far to much ammunition this time for him to even consider the possibility of responding. He was glad when Moira returned and took her child from Azariah and relieved that Mag had walked off to bother someone else.
"Mm." was all Varmod managed to muster in response to Azariah's comment about Mag and turned to glance at Azariah as he continued to eat. "She's always known how to get under my skin." He admitted and groaned and took another swig of mead. "I'm not sure how she can be so persistent about teasing us when we're trying to plan a war. There will be plenty of time for such things afterward." He was trying to reassure himself but he was making himself more nervous by the moment. He had never had a father figure so he wasn't sure what a father did. Hell he had barely had a mother figure. He didn't understand parental dynamics and the uncertainty unsettled him greatly.
He wanted to change the subject of their conversation but found his mind lacking in options. So he cleared his throat and simply focused on his food and drink. He was going to need more mead. Someone on the other side of the hall had also gotten a couple of instruments and started to play as people clapped along and sang the songs of old passed down by their ancestors.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 9, 2019 18:57:31 GMT -5
Azariah bit her lip slightly, her smile melted from her expression. She quietly ate her food for a few minutes before she noticed that Varmond’s mug was empty. “I’ll get a pitcher.” She stood and kissed his cheek before she slipped away. Mag’s comments before hadn’t caused Varmond to seem to unsettled. She drew her brows together slightly as she found a wooden pitcher.
“Are you alright, Az?” Moira’s voice asked.
Azariah turned and glanced to Moira whom was looking to her with a worried expression. “Oh yes, yes of course, just exhausted.” She gave a gentle smile. “It was a busy day, hm?”
Moira let out an exasperated laugh. “Oh yes, very busy indeed.” She placed her hand on Azariah’s shoulder. “You fought well I heard. Thank you, Az.” Moira nodded before she slipped to the front door with Asgar in her arms.
Azariah glanced about the room to the happy people of Skajadol. She exchanged smiles with several of the men and women as she made her way through the thick of the crowd back to her husband’s side. “Here you are.” Azariah placed her hand on his back gingerly as she reached forward and poured the pitcher into his mug. She poured herself another mug as well. She then slipped into her seat and glanced to Varmond. She was uneasy with his behavior. “Mag means well, you said that before...” She finally spoke after a few minutes of silence. She cleared her throat before she took a long drink of her mead. Her body was loosened up the more she drank. Azariah stood after a few moments, her fingertips trailed up his arm. “I’m going to return home.” She spoke as she leaned down and whispered in his ear. “Perhaps you need a break from these people, hm?” She walked away from Varmond then leaving him at the table.
Azariah walked into the crisp air of night, the sun had set over the mountains and the kiss of Skadi was cold against her cheeks. She took in a breath as she closed her eyes, she smiled to the sounds of the men playing music within the great hall, the laugher carried out into the streets of the city. It was a wonderful atmosphere filled with joy.
“The war. It’s your fault.” A voice came from the shadows.
The smile slipped from Azariah’s expression. She glanced around. “Who...who’s there?” She asked.
“Many will die and only you will be to blame.” The voice hissed. “But I will welcome those who belong to me.”
Azariah’s eyes fell upon the voice then. The was a beautiful woman that had long black flowing hair. She wore a dark dress that reached all the way to the snow, shadows seemed to swirl about her feet. “Hel.” She spoke her voice small.
“Yes girl.” Hel moved forward with a swiftness that only the shadows may hold. Her hand clutched around Azariah’s neck. “You stole a soul from me.” She tilted her head, her eyes were a marbled white color. “You’re playing with the balance mortal.” She growled as she gripped more tightly. “I should take your soul in your brother’s place. That would be more than an even trade.” She cackled then as she held Azariah against the side of a building in the shadows.
Azariah squirmed her eyes began to glow white as she choked against the goddess’ hold. She couldn’t budge. She couldn’t escape the clutch of the goddess.
“Fenrir would quite enjoy chewing upon your bones.” Hel hissed as she leaned in closer. “Don’t steal souls from me, Odin cannot save you from my wrath.”
“Let her go.” A woman’s voice spoke.
Hel grit her teeth as her ghostly eyes turned to look to Frigg whom stood with light around her body. “Frigg...” Her voice was low, agitated. Her grip loosened. “Do you miss Balder?” She cackled then as she slipped away from Azariah. She circled around the woman. “I have him quite busy.” She then glanced to Azariah. “I’ll talk to you again soon to collect my debt.” She disappeared then.
Azariah stared to Frigg as she approached her. Frigg cupped the cheek of the girl and gave a gentle smile. “Shhh, it’s alright.” She smiled. “Come.” She walked her toward her home. The streets were empty thankfully. Then again, the gods seemed to know when it was safe to show up. When they would go unnoticed. “Azariah.” Frigg spoke as she led her into the home. “Odin has gifted you with such an incredible power.” She searched her eyes, “At my request you were born.” Her lips curved up in a smile. “My son Balder was taken from me...and I wanted a child to watch over, a child to love and a child to grow.” She sat Azariah upon the bed. “That child is you, Azariah. The King and queen were chosen because it was a safe place for you to grow. Now you have been placed under the protection of Skadi’s son. A wise warrior.” She brushed her hair from her face. “Do not let me lose another child to Hel.” Frigg glanced to the door then, “Be safe, young Azariah.” Frigg smiled and with that she disappeared.
Azariah’s jaw was loose as she slowly stood. She stripped herself of her clothing and dressed in a nightgown that she had the seamstress weave for her. It was a dark anthracite color that brought out the silver in her eyes. She poured herself a large glass of red wine and drank it quickly. Daughter of Frigg and Odin…? Was it true what Frigg said? Or was that truly Loki at his games again? Would Hel have killed her? She poured another glass. After about 20 minutes she was on her third glass and she sat before the stoked fire. A smile upon her lips as she watched the flickering flames. Her body was loose, her cheeks pink. She glanced to the door, waiting for Varmond to return from the feast.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 9, 2019 19:59:52 GMT -5
Varmod gave a soft shiver as Azariah's fingers lightly touched his arm and he felt her warm breath upon her ear. She was right. He did want to be back home, but his people also expected him to celebrate with them. He would stay just a while longer and then he would follow Azariah home to enjoy the rest of the evening in a more peaceful environment. So while he remained in his seat he made sure to eat his fill of roasted meat, baked breads, and sweet mead. It was a good feast and one that his people needed after the stress of training ad preparing for war. The weeks to come would only be difficult and exhausting.
When he finally managed to excuse himself he departed out of a side door, to prevent Mag from getting in any more comments about him siring any children, and made his way through the snow as fresh powder started to settle against the houses and in the roads. It was quiet and the wind held a sharp bite to it as it touched his cheeks and arms. For all the merriment in the main hall and the trials of the day Varmod still felt uneasy as he walked home. Like something was waiting in the shadows to jump out at him around every corner. As he neared his door he couldn't seem to get inside quite fast enough and once he closed the door behind him he slide the bar into place that locked them inside and everything else out before taking a breath.
He turned around and saw Azariah sitting next to the hearth, already in her nightgown, and holding a glass of red liquid. At least she was relaxed and safe which eased his mind greatly. "I think the people are going to keep drinking late into the night. I left before Mag got to drunk to rally anyone to join her in her teasing." He chuckled and unclipped his cloak then hung it on the peg next to the door before crossing the room and lowering himself to sit next to Azariah by the fire. "What is that smile for?" He asked as he saw the expression she held and the light coloring of her cheeks.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 9, 2019 20:13:54 GMT -5
Azariah reached her hand over and took Varmond’s hand. She looked to him and let out a soft chuckle. “I’m just glad you’re home. I may have had a few glasses of wine.” She turned and set her wine on the table before she cupped his cheek. “Let them drink.” She kissed him, “They deserve to cherish these moments before war.” She kissed him again. “Just as you deserve to relax Varmond.” She chuckled, clearly drunk. The stress of everything was overwhelming. The wine allowed her an escape. It allowed her not to care, not to think too much about the situation. About Hel. About Frigg….and Odin…
She pressed her lips to his and both hands gripped the sides of his head a moment before she pulled back. “Mag is just teasing, that’s all.” She smirked, “Isn’t that what you said before?” She ran her fingertips down his arm lightly before she reached over him to the table. Her lips nearly touched his again before she sat back in her chair once more. The wind pushed against the home, the gust whistled against the sides of the home. “Ah, Skadi is at play again it seems.” She raised a brow. “Don’t think she’s in on the game with Mag do you?” She winked to him, a playful joyous smile upon her lips. “Though, we are at war it seems.” She finished off the third glass of wine and glanced to him. She wanted to tell him of her visit from Frigg, she wanted to tell him of the words the goddess spoke to her. She wanted to tell him of Hel and her threats. But, she also didn’t want to worry her husband. He had enough on his mind, enough to worry over. He didn’t need to fret over his wife...the daughter of Frigg and Odin. Did that make Azariah a goddess? A smile curved up her lips again at the thought.
She stood and poured a glass of wine for Varmond and kissed his cheek. “Have a drink, dear. Relax.” She poured another glass for herself as she ran her fingers along his back taking in the feeling of his muscles beneath his jerkin. She hummed lightly before she sat back down and sipped from her wine. “We should celebrate more often.” She smiled to him then, “Just like this.” She took his hand and laced her fingers through his, her thumb rubbed along the back of his hand. “It’s quiet, we don’t have Mag to tease us here.” She grinned then as a laugh escaped over her lips. “Nothing to worry about, hm?”
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Post by Nyte on Jun 9, 2019 20:38:42 GMT -5
As Azariah spoke, her words not as clear as they would normally be, and she giggled and kissed him Varmod couldn't help but to think back to their wedding night. When she had drank quite a bit of mead rather quickly and how.. affectionate she had been. It seemed that the drink made her very relaxed, which in a way was very good news to him. He knew a way to get her to forget about the worries of the day and just enjoy the company they shared. He would keep that in mind for later as well.
When she poured him a glass of wine as well he looked down at the liquid and gave a bit of uneasy laughter. He had drank quite a bit during the feast but he supposed a bit more wouldn't hurt. He sipped his wine and sighed as he felt her touch along his body and as she interlaced her fingers with his he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers gently. "I suppose you're right." He told her and let his smile hide his worries about Mag and her teasing implications. "I made sure the door was locked anyway. She couldn't get in if she tried." He chuckled at that and imagined the old woman knocking on their door just to give them a hard time.
As he looked at Azariah he smiled and couldn't help but to think of how he had thought being married to her would be a tiresome chore at first. He had done it because Skadi wanted him to, but he was glad she had sent him. There was no other woman he could see himself with and enjoying their company the way he did Azariah. Turning slightly he set his glass on the table and then took her glass from her to do the same with it and them pulled her from her seat to guide her into his lap. He could feel the mead and wine working their way through his body and mind, relaxing him more as he looked to his wife. "What do you make of Mag's words, hmm? To have a babe of your own?" He pulled her gently into him and kissed along the side of her neck and down to her shoulder.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 9, 2019 21:10:28 GMT -5
Azariah chuckled when he spoke that he locked the door to keep Mag out. “At least we don’t have to worry about being bothered. Hm?” She took a drink of her wine. She gazed to him as he seemed to drift away into his own thoughts. “What’s going on in that head of yours, darling?” She questioned. It was then that he took her glass of wine. Azariah giggled as he moved her and she followed his lead. She leaned her head to the side and sighed happily. “Oh still stuck on Mag are we?” She questioned playfully as she leaned in and kissed him. “And what of the babe?” She smirked to him. “Does it frighten you? You became rather quiet when I had Moira’s handsome son.” Her words were slightly slurred as she spoke. She hummed slightly again, her hands rest upon his shoulders, she gazed into his eyes a long moment. “We are at war now Varmond.” She brushed his hair from his eyes. “No need to worry about such things now, hm?” She chuckled again. “For now we worry about how strong we have become, how well we fight together. I could not imagine fighting alongside anyone else. You balance me, Varmond.” She kissed him again, her affection only seemed to grow as the wine settled in her system. Her arms were now wrapped around behind him.
The princess pulled back and gazed into his eyes a long moment. “If you worry so much of Mag...you will tire yourself out quick, she’ll always make her comments I believe. Even when you have sired an heir.” She winked and kissed along his jaw and neck. “Surly he will be just as strong, he will follow his father’s honor well.” She leaned back again, her hands moved to his shoulders as she looked down to him. “Or we could have a beautiful daughter, hm?” She chuckled and shook her head. “If you had asked me of my opinion a few months ago...before I was wed to you...” She smirked. “I would have called you mad and fought with you about it. But now, it’s a possibility, yes.” She kissed him a long moment before she leaned back. “Frigg visited me.” She spoke, out of context. “On my way home tonight.” The wine was loosening her lips, loosening her will to speak of her encounter with Hel.
“Hel was there. She was unhappy with me. My brother’s soul belongs to her so I am to get it back for her. Frigg stopped her from taking me to the underworld...” She paused a long moment and then smiled to Varmond, she brushed his hair from his eyes and watched him a long moment. “Frigg said something to me...” She stopped speaking again. She cupped his cheeks and kissed him. “I don’t want to worry you, Varmond.” She hugged herself into the nape of his neck and kissed along his collar bones. The wine had its hold on her like a vice. “I am Frigg and Odin’s daughter. They placed me in Whitlock to protect me from the other gods.” She pulled back and gazed to him again. She traced her hands along him, massaging him here and there. Admiring his form. The wine made her numb to the situation. It made her not afraid. It relaxed her completely so that she could tell him such a thing. Otherwise sober she would have taken weeks to tell him.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 9, 2019 21:26:15 GMT -5
Varmod tensed when she began to tease him and ask if the idea frightened him. It did but he would never admit that. Though as she moved her hands along his body and kissed him tenderly as he felt her weight on his lap he quickly found those fears falling to the back of his mind. His own hands traveled up her thighs and along her waist as she toyed with the idea of having a son or daughter and he even caught himself smiling as she did. However when she mentioned Frigg he paused in his movements and listened with a worried expression.
The confusing thing was that as Azariah told him this earth shaking news of gods visiting her and telling her of her supposed origins he was fighting his body's natural responses to her touch. Not to mention the mead and wine made his mind a bit hazy as well and he found it hard to focus on either one thing for very long. She ease that she spoke of the encounter was almost as if it were a simple occurrence, like running into a troublesome uncle or cousin in the square rather than having gods threaten you.
He shifted underneath her as he tried to think and process the information as her hands massaged along his chest he was easily distracted and gripped her legs firmly once more as he pulled her firmly against his body. "Hel will have to go through me to take you to the underworld. I'll send a thousand men to their deaths before I let her touch a hair on your head." He told her though the gravity of the entire encounter hadn't really yet set in thanks to the drink. "You know that don't you?" He asked with a worried look furrowing his brow. "I'd walk into the bowels of the earth and face any god for you. Loke, Skadi, even Odin. None of them are worthy of your company." The alcohol had loosened his lips as well and what he spoke of was blasphemy, but he did not care.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 9, 2019 21:39:26 GMT -5
Azariah pulled back to gaze into his eyes as the words began to slip from his mouth. A smile curved up her lips. “A worthy opponent.” Azariah chuckled before she kissed him again. “You’re my protector, Varmond.” She ran her fingertips through his hair and along his shoulders. “I would fight any of the gods for you too, Varmond.” She breathed as her lips grazed over his once again. It was as if she knew her touch was intoxicating to him. She pulled from him and stood slowly. Azariah leaned down, her hands upon his thighs as she gazed into his eyes. “Come on.” She breathed before she took his hand and she led him to the bed. She turned and wrapped her arms around him as she kissed him and she pulled him back onto the furs.
**
As the morning light filtered into the room Azariah woke in a daze. The alcohol blurred her memory of what happened. She shivered as the cold of Skadi leaked over her body. Though she was tucked in against Varmond’s side, her leg draped over his leg, her arm hugged around his torso and her head upon his chest. She lifted her head slowly as she blinked the sleep from her eyes. Her mind began to collect the events from the night slowly. First she remembered the feast. Next the horrifying run in with Hel. Frigg’s conversation had her heart raised and then the next moments were filled with thoughts of Varmond. The passion. A shiver ran down her spine as she lay her head back upon his chest, a small smile upon her lips. She traced over his chest and hummed lightly, a song from her childhood that her mother used to sing to her. The song was beautiful as it came over her lips. It was soothing and well rehearsed. Azariah didn’t want to press forward, she didn’t want to venture into the war. She didn’t want to think of Hel or the other Gods...this...where she lay now, this is where she wanted to remain. She wanted to forget the rest of the world in that moment. To lay all of her troubles to rest and forget...
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Post by Nyte on Jun 9, 2019 21:58:18 GMT -5
In the morning Varmod woke to the soft sound of a melody and at first his groggy mind couldn't place where it was coming from but he quickly roused himself from his sleep enough to realize it was coming from Azariah at his side. He groaned and pulled the furs up higher on them to keep the cold at bay. "Morning already?" He asked with his deep voice still laced heavily with sleep. His arm that lay beneath Azariah held her to him and his thumb gently caressed her hip in slow circles. "I think I had more mead than I realized at the feast." He commented and raised his other hand to rub the sleep from his eyes and brush his hair back and out of his face. "Remind me not to let you convince me to drink wine after a feast in the future." He said and chuckled as his head throbbed a bit.
There were voices outside indicating others were awake and carrying on with their daily routine already which made Varmod wonder just how long they had slept. "I suppose we should get up and start preparations." He sighed and opened his eyes to look down at Azariah as she lay against his chest. "Want to go around with me today or want to work with your shield maidens some more?" He asked and moved a strand of hair from her cheek. "I think I remember the blacksmith asking to see me at some point." The blacksmith was a rather unpleasant fellow who seemed perpetually in a horrid mood. His craftsmanship was unparalleled however so hardly anyone said anything to him about his attitude.
Once he was more awake Varmod tossed the furs from his body and collected his clothes to get dressed. Once he had his boots on he walked to the fire and stirred the coals back to life and fed the hearth a couple fresh logs of wood. Then he made his way over to the wash basin to wash his face and tame his mane-like hair and tied it back at the nape of his neck. "Perhaps check on Moira today to see how her boy did through his first night, hmm?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 9, 2019 22:43:30 GMT -5
Azariah gave a gentle smile to her husband as she looked up to him. “Morning came swiftly, hm?” She leaned up and kissed his cheek before she snuggled against his side, enjoying the moment. When he spoke of getting up Azariah sighed softly, though a chuckle came over her lips. “Can’t spend the say inside?” She smirked to him before she slipped from his side. “We will celebrate and rest plenty after we’ve put an end to this foolish war.” She pulled a fur around her bare body and stepped to the clothing rack where she pulled pieces of clothing onto her body. Her usual boots, black pants with a fur battle skirt around her waist. Leather belts hung haphazardly about her hips she pulled on a deep blue corset today, it was something the seamstress had made especially for her a week ago. She wore a white tunic beneath it and it caused the silver in her eyes to almost appear to glow. She then carefully brushed through her hair before she glanced to Varmond as he spoke. He was stirring the coals of the fire to bring warmth back into the home. “I will check on Moira while you deal with that angry fiend of a blacksmith.” She chuckled as she came to his side.
Azariah wrapped her arms about his neck and gazed up into his eyes. “I promise not to give you wine after a feast again.” She winked before she grasped the front of his jerkin and kissed him sweetly. She raised a brow as she pulled back. “Though I can’t say I regret it too much.” She chuckled before she turned, “I’ll gather the maidens and run them through drills in the afternoon and I will help gather supplies...before we know it we will stand on Whitlock’s boarder.” Azariah glanced to him. “You shall be king of the vikings and I your queen.” She had a strength behind her voice when she spoke as she gathered her weapons and strapped them to her body, her sword hung at her hip her bow and quiver over her shoulder. Today she did not take her shield. She planned on teaching the maidens to fight without a shield, for the moments that the shield is broken or knocked away.
The princess walked into the streets of Skajadol and she was greeted with nods of approval from many of the citizens. They had undoubtedly all heard of her aim from the back of Varmond’s horse and how she’d taken out the scouts of Whitlock. She weaved through the city to find Moira’s home. She knocked on the door, “Moira?” She asked.
It took a few moments but the door opened. Moira looked to Azariah with tired eyes. “Az.” She breathed a sigh of relief. “Please, come inside out of the cold.” She nodded as a cry came from the other room. “Asgar is a lively one, just like his father the boy kept me up nearly all night.” She yawned.
Azariah watched as Moira lifted the child into her arms and soothed him, his cries quieted into coos and eventually the child was silent. “Let me cook for you.” Azariah spoke as she pulled a pot and began preparing grits over the hearth. She stoked the fire for Moira and picked up her home as she boiled the grits over the fire. Azariah spent most of the day with her friend, she took turns caring for the baby so that Moira could get a few hours of rest. The child giggled and batted at Azariah’s long hair and he gazed to her in awe it seemed. Did he know she was a goddess? Azariah wondered this a few times as the babe gazed to her and cooed.
By the afternoon Azariah stood on the cleared field with her shield maidens. She walked through the ranks and instructed them to remove their shields. “How are we supposed to fight without our shields?” One of the younger ones questioned.
Azariah smirked. “Wonderful of you to ask. Put your shield down.” She nodded. “Come here.” Azariah stood in the middle now, the maidens surrounded the two in a circle giving them girth. Azariah had never called a member to the center like this before without instruction. Azariah handed a wooden sword forward to the maiden and gave a smile as she held her own wooden sword in her hands. “When it comes to fighting a man your footwork will always save you. You are faster. You can slip beneath his swings and around his back before he will be able to catch up to you. Use that to your advantage.” Azariah instructed. She raised her sword. “Now, you will dodge when I attack, that is all I ask. Get behind me and strike.” The young maiden looked nervous. None of the maiden’s had faced Azariah before. Not like this. Azariah raised her sword and tapped against the girls wooden blade a grin upon her lips. They began then. Azariah moved slowly, not as swiftly as she normally would. She gave lead to the girl and made her movements wider like a larger opponent may move. Though as the dance drew on Azariah quickened her steps. The maiden was beginning to tire. “Don’t give in. The moment you give in you’ve lost.” Azariah warned as her sword clattered against the young maiden’s. She knocked her from her feet and stood on the maiden’s sword with her own sword aimed at her throat. “You fought well, I challenged you.” Azariah spoke as she took a step back and offered her a hand with a smile upon her lips. “Now, I want everyone to grab a partner and perform these actions.” She ordered as she looked around to them. “If you cannot survive without your shield, what will you do in battle when it breaks from a hard blow?”
The rest of the day was spent with tactics and movement. Azariah grew tired as the sun began to set and she dismissed the women. She walked through the city and yawned as she headed toward their home. She glanced about the homes, smoke came from each chimney. She made it home and slumped in the chair before the hearth. Her body was tired. She yawned lightly as she relaxed and allowed her eyes to rest for a few minutes as she awaited Varmond. The clouds were dark outside, another storm from Skadi seemed to be brewing in the distance.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 9, 2019 23:19:09 GMT -5
When Varmod walked the streets he could tell that many others were not moving as swiftly as they normally would. So many had enjoyed the mead to much and were paying the price for it now, though none complained of the necessary work. When he got to the blacksmith he found the hulking man yelling at one of his apprentices about how the boy had not gotten the edge of a sword right and threatened to make him work the bellows longer than normal. "Still every so pleasant to work with." Varmod commented as he came up behind the man who turned to glare at who was stupid enough to intervene in his discipline. When he saw it was Varmod who spoke he held his tongue and simply grumbled a bit under his breath. "Aye, Jarl. Well met. I was hoping to see you this mornin." He told him. "Got a cache of weapons for you to inspect."
Varmod agreed and checked over the quality of the swords and arrows the smith had made. They were all of fine quality, as expected, but the smith wasn't happy till he got approval from the Jarl. When Varmod finished with the smith he went to ensure that provisions were being collected for their journey to Whitlock and also checked on their horses and cattle. He passed by the training field and saw Azariah working with the women at one point, casting a small smile in her direction, then continued on with his checks and organization for them to be able to march on Whitlock.
As the sun started to set beyond the mountains the people retired to their homes to escape the unforgiving cold of the night. Varmod breathed warm air into his palms and rubbed his hands together to keep the warmth in his fingers as he walked through the streets. He was almost back to his home when he stopped as he heard the screech of an owl behind him. His blood ran cold and he slowly turned to see a woman in white standing behind him. "Mother." He said in greeting but held no love in his tone.
"Hello my dear boy. You seem well, and your people are strong even during my storms." She smiled and spoke sweetly but Varmod felt a chill run down his spine regardless. "I've come to wish you luck on your battle with Whitlock." She said and stepped towards him through the snow.
"Oh? Why the concern? You've never wished me well before any other battle." He stated with a confused tone.
Skadi smiled and glanced away towards the south for a moment before replying. "Whitlock had one of my shrines destroyed and I wish to see the place burned to the ground. They've cursed every god they have perceived to abandon them. Rather than ask my forgiveness they simply turned their backs on me and blood must be paid."
Varmod sighed as he listened to the goddess and gave a short nod. "I understand." He told her and glanced towards his home. "I will burn Whitlock as you ask. Anything else?" He asked with a slightly impatient tone.
"Cant a Mother spend some quality time with her son? I haven't seen you in months." She pouted almost as if Varmod had hurt her feelings.
He sighed and bowed his head. "I apologize, but I did not think you wanted to see me."
She waved her hand, which sent a cold breeze through the city and made him shiver. "Of course I want to see you my son. I want to give you a gift." She smiled that hauntingly sweet smile once more and stepped up to him to place a single kiss upon his cheek. "It's about time you embraced your heritage." She whispered to him.
Varmod opened his mouth to reply but ended up only groaning as he felt ice spread across his cheek where she had kissed him. The ice burned and froze his blood at the same time as his divine blood reacted to the goddess's will. His hand flew to his cheek as the pain radiated across his face then down his neck. Skadi laughed at her son's pain as he twisted away from her and ran the rest of the way to his door. He burst through and headed towards the warmth of the fire to try and stop the painful ice from spreading further. The veins along his cheek a deep blue hue as he grit his teeth while shaking. The warmth of his hearth did not touch the ice spreading through his body and he was not able to yell out either as he writhed in pain.
For what seemed like an eternity, but was most likely only a couple of minutes, Varmod huddled and shook on the floor in agony. Then as the ice reached every part of him the pain suddenly stopped and he was released from its hold as he took a gasping breath. His body felt cold and he shivered uncontrollably, though from the cold or pain he wasn't sure, and he looked towards Azariah. "Skadi." He managed to say a bit breathlessly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 10, 2019 19:49:27 GMT -5
Azariah’s rest didn’t last long it seemed. Her eyes opened as she heard the door slam open, cold gusted in from outside. “Varmond?” She questioned as she rose to her feet quickly. She wrapped her arm around him as he fell before the hearth. Her eyes widened as she saw the cyanotic coloring to his skin. She quickly pulled her thick cloak from around her shoulders and she wrapped it around him. Her eyes began to glow as she placed her hand upon his cheek. Though as she touched her warm skin to his icy cheek something strange happened. The princess grit her teeth as ice crawled up her arm to which she quickly withdrew her hand. She whimpered slightly as her hand was frozen into place for a few moments before it thawed and she was able to move her fingers once again.
Azariah placed her hand upon his chest and she took in quick breaths. “Come on.” She seemed to beg as she curled her fingers into the cloth of his jerkin. The glow in her eyes remained and her hand took on the same glow. Her breathing quickened as she focused on turning back time and thawing his cells. Though nothing happened. She couldn’t counteract what Skadi did to Varmond. Her eyes filled with worry as she pulled him into her arms, her cloak wrapped around him. Azariah kissed the top of his head as she closed her eyes. It wasn’t until he breathed Skadi’s name that her brows tucked together. “Why...why does she torment you? You’re her son.” Azariah growled, clearly irritated. She didn’t move from beneath him as she hugged his back to her chest. Her fingertips traced along his skin and she tucked the cloak around him more tightly. “I’ll protect you.” She whispered. “I won’t let this happen again.” She muttered and shook her head as she rest her cheek upon the top of his head.
Azariah sat like this for a long time, her eyes gazed into the fires flickering flames that danced about happily. “What did she do to you…?” She muttered, wondering out loud. “Why…?” She whispered. Her expression was focused as she tried to find Skadi’s motivation.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 10, 2019 21:00:05 GMT -5
As Varmod trembled after the horrendous 'gift' his mother had bestowed upon him he focused on his breathing and the feeling of Azariah's arms wound tightly around him. It took him several minutes before he had gathered himself enough to muster a coherent response to her questions and he gripped her sleeve as he turned his head into her the crook of her arm. "I'm nothing but a tool or play thing for that woman. Something she perceives as owning and can easily dispose of if I don't listen to her." He groaned and pushed himself up into an upright position. He could feel his muscles were already sore from the ordeal. He also felt.. different in a way that he couldn't explain. Like his nerves were standing on end and he could feel everything around him with hyper intensity. It was.. unnerving in a way.
He shifted his gaze to Azariah and reached up to touch his cheek where the affliction had started. "She said she was giving me a gift." He let his hand fall and opened and closed his fist. He frowned and went to push himself up from the floor but only managed to stumble backward and slam back into the table behind him. As he fell he pushed the table back and landed on his back once more, but as he did ice erupted from him and crawled along the floor and up the wall to the ceiling of the house. He groaned and turned over, as he had actually slammed his head on the ground when he fell, and held his hand to his neck as he looked up at the blast of ice. His expression changed from angry to fearful as he saw the destruction and he pushed himself up onto his knees. "What did she do to me?"
Skadi had always played games with him or used him as a pawn but she had never influenced him to this degree before. She had granted him some control over her precious ice and he hated it. He had never envied his mother and her power, but rather he despised her. With all the meddling from the gods in the recent days this was the final straw and he had had enough. He reached to grab one of their chairs and threw it with a single hand against the wall, and as he did it also became encompassed in ice and froze mid-fall back to the floor. "I don't want this retched power!" He yelled in anger. "Why cant the gods leave me and the rest of us alone!" He slammed his fist into the ground and the ground cracked beneath him as more ice filled the gaps. "If they hate each other so much why don't they fight their own damn battles rather than making us mortals do it. We have so much more to lose!"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 11, 2019 20:02:48 GMT -5
Azariah was quiet as she held Varmond, she kissed his cheek as she rocked slightly. When he finally spoke she loosened her grip upon him and allowed him to sit up. Her eyes looked to him with a concerned gaze. She had a sadness in her eyes as she listened to him, he felt as much of a trophy or toy as she did. She knew the feeling. It was the worst feeling in the world. “A gift?” She questioned as he stood. She moved to her feet as well only to reach forward toward him as he fell. His leather jerkin slipped from her grasp and then suddenly ice climbed the walls of the cabin. “Varmond...” Azariah breathed as she looked to the destruction, she could see the fear in his eyes.
As he stood to his feet Azariah stepped forward. He cursed the gods. His voice was so angry. Azariah wrapped her arms around him and held him. “Varmond you need to calm down.” She moved and gripped his face, her hands on either side. Her eyes began to glow white as she looked up to him. “You have to stay calm.” She grit her teeth as ice began to form on her hands, her bare skin upon his cheeks caused ice to filter onto her body. Her breath began to tremble. “Varmond…” She breathed as she leaned up toward him. “Focus on me. Focus on Skajadol. Do not pay the gods any attention.” Her voice was soft, her touch gentle. Her hands would feel warm against his cheeks like the heat of a campfire. She could feel the cold spreading through her body and even her breathing began to feel difficult. “Varmond look at me and breathe.” Azariah strained to speak this time. She leaned forward then, still holding her hands to his cheeks. She pressed her lips to his in an effort to calm him down and to focus his attention on something else. When her lips pressed to his she could feel the rush of cold escape from Varmond into her body. Her lips turned a purplish blue color as she released him from her hold upon him. The magical glow of her eyes vanished as she staggered back slightly.
Azariah stumbled and nearly fell as her legs backed against the bed. Her breathing was shallow and rapid as she fought against the cold that had entered her body. “Varmond...” She tried to be strong, her silver eyes looked to him fear hidden behind her expression. “Think of the feast...think of anything but Skadi and your hatred for the gods.” She moved her fingers slowly to get the blood to begin circulation once again, her hands had taken on a bluish tint as well.
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Post by Nyte on Jun 11, 2019 21:18:01 GMT -5
Varmod continued to shake with anger even as Azariah reached out to him to try and calm his rage. He hated the gods and their meddling. Their petty fights and hunger for power. They were far worse than any man he had ever met and they would live until Ragnarok harbored in a new age. He would tormented for his entire life and then for eternity afterwards. The thought back over his life and what had happened up until the current point. All the wars and trials, and even his betrothal to Azariah. It had all been planned for him. He then thought back to the passionate nights they had shared. What if he did sire a child? Would they be tormented as well? He couldn't condemn anyone to that life.
It wasn't until he heard Azariah's strained voice that he managed to pull himself out of the pit of rage he had become trapped in. He blinked a few times and his eyes focused as he saw her stumbling back against the bed. "Azariah.." He started to say and gathered himself enough to get up and make his way to where she was and wrapped her in his arms. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." He told her and closed his eyes as he squeezed her tightly.
As he held her he slowly regained his senses and as he did the ice around the room slowly began to dissipate. Skadi's gift was powerful but his control was lacking. It seemed that his emotions were the driving force behind his ability to direct it. As he held Azariah and he felt his anger subside he pulled the cold from her body and back into his own. He rubbed her back and arms to try and warm her back up, not realizing he was already restoring her warmth. "I let her get to me. I know I shouldn't, but this time she just.. I'm sorry."
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