Mists Of Midgard: The Serpent's Shadow

Chapter 1: Jormundia

As the winter winds howled outside, Liv sat by the flickering fire in her father's hall, watching her friends indulge in drink and revelry. Despite the festivities, a sense of restlessness gnawed at her. Without the daily toil of farming or training, she found herself longing for the crisp air of spring and the challenges of the open mist. Even though she yearned for the adventures that awaited beyond the grasp of winter, she couldn't deny the warmth or joy that filled the hall. This winter had been especially cold, baring Liv from the outdoors that she loved so much.

Liv had long, golden blonde hair that falls past her shoulders. Her deep blue eyes instantly draw attention, a trait she inherited from her mother. However the most notable feature on her face is a large burn scar on her neck, a mark that was left behind from a brutal attack by a neighbouring village when she was a child. To keep warm, she is wrapped in heavy furs, and an amulet of Freya hangs around her neck, a treasured possession from her late mother.

Long ago, the world faced a great cataclysmic event known as Ragnarok, which was thought to mark the end of the world. Yet, the world was instead reborn anew, rising from the ashes to a new beginning. People and their societies found themselves building new homes high in the clouds. Vast continents formed, floating among the clouds, with new white oceans separating them. This new world demanded change, which forged
a new era in this land they called Jormundia.

A man sitting at a table close to Liv's recounted tales to his children, much like Liv's father had done for her at that age. The man enjoyed the various foods with his children while he told them of the tales of old. His voice was low and gravelly, but Liv could understand him just fine. "Long before you were born," he began, "Before even I was born, the great ending, also known as Ragnarok began. Mighty Thor, the God of Thunder defeated Jormungandr, the Great World Serpent in combat." He told them of how Jormungandr's flesh created the mountainous land beneath their feet, and his breath created the mists between those lands. He spoke of how his father, and his grandfather before him recounted stories of Scandinavia, everything from their daily lives to raids in England. Scandinavia and other countries have indirectly shaped Jormundia. It is said survivors of Ragnarok were the first settlers here in the sky, because of this most cultures, religions, and ways of those times survived and are still around today.

There is much debate and discussion between the people of Jormundia. The descendants of Ragnarok, the first settlers of Jormundia are said to be from all walks of life. Jormundia homes those who believe in the Norse Pantheon, Christ, and other religions. Various different cultures still flourish, proving the existence of a previous world. It's not uncommon for a piece of that previous world to wash upon Jormundia's shore to be scavenged.

Liv had always found the mists intriguing, but also peaceful. She didn't exactly understand the science of how they worked. A giant wooden boat should not be able to float on an abyss of mist, but yet it does. And that same mist would swallow a person. People who fall into the mists are not seen again. Her father and her friend Falki had tried a few times to explain the science behind it that was learned over generations, but she was never one for math or other hobbies that don't include an axe, ale, or a boat.

Realizing she had zoned out for the moment, she found her father staring at her peculiarly. He had obviously requested her attention.

Liv smiled embarrassingly. "My bad, dad."

Her father and Jarl, Arvid III, ruled over Arvigrad. Arvigrad was a village that was settled by Liv's great grandfather. She grew up here, and her grandest goal she set for herself was to be Jarl here, like her father one day.

Arvid is an imposing figure with his long blonde hair and soft green eyes. His face is lined with wrinkles that tell tales of years past, and his long, braided beard completes the picture. The most notable feature, however, is a long scar that runs across his nose and cheek, giving him a rugged yet imposing appearance. He is draped in the furs of a massive black wolf, a testament to his rumored kill.

Arvid's expression eased. " Our men return from Osvik tomorrow. A messenger sent word that they are about a day away."

Liv lit up at those words. She was excited to hear of the raid. Usually she would be front and center when it came to the battlefield. She is a great leader on the battlefield despite the issues her father has had with her as of recently. She wasn't allowed on this last raid on his orders. During the last battle, she specifically ignored his orders to retreat. Staying instead of retreating actually worked in their favor, but she risked a lot of their men and women on a hunch. The past few years had been difficult for Arvigrad. They dealt with skirmishes and raids from Osvik from the West, and hostilities from Berwick in the North.

Arvid leaned back in his chair. " The raid sounded very successful. We'll hear all about it from Runar."

Liv was not only just a big fan of Runar, as a warrior, she also held feelings for him, feelings that she felt certain he also felt. Their interest in each other was obvious to most.

Liv took another swig of her ale, the last one the her cup had to offer. At this point, others had gathered around her father, pestering him with questions. She placed down her cup with a thud. "To Arvigrad!" The others responded in kind. Whereas it seemed the party was really about to start with the good news, Liv saw to it that she would be having no parts of it, as she was tired. She layed in the warmth and darkness of her room, the soft and low rumble of the bustling hall helping to put her asleep.