Echoes from Valhalla

ᚺᛖᚱᛖ ᚲᛟᛗᛖᛊ ᚦᛖ ᛒᛖᚱᛊᛖᚱᚲᛖᚱ (Here Comes the Berserker)

Then said Thrym, lord of ogres:
"Bring in the hammer to sanctify the bride,
Lay Mjollnir on the girl's lap,
Consecrate us together by the hand of Var!"

-Thrymskvida, Poetic Edda

---

'Who are you? My master asked you a question.' Ulf growled beside Robin, his fur bristling as he eyed the stranger that appeared where the buried now lay.

"Woah, easy wolf. I come here with no ill intentions brave guardian of the seiðr witch," the man called back, keeping a cautious distance as Robin studied him from afar.

'Sweet words do not work on me, berserker.'

A berserker?

Robin dropped her hands to her side gazing at the large man who towered almost more than six feet, blending in among the trees in the distance. His bright blue hair battling for vibrance against the sky was tied back in a Ragnar braid with the sides shaved clean. While his beard hung in loose braids, save for a single strand of black intertwined with the vibrant blue. Draped over his broad shoulders was the fur of a black bear, yet his upper torso remained bare save for a belt strapped across his chest and torso holding his shield in place.

Robin's eyes held onto the sight of the intricate tattoo that peeked below his cape of fur, that covered his left pec and shoulder, down to his arms. A design of a wolf head its jaws wide for hunger, as detailed knotwork and swirling patterns twisted in a serpent-like shape almost alive in movement, descended down his arm, all the way to the top of his hand.

Just like an iron collar had branded her as a thrall, this branded him as a warrior, yet also a craftsman with the subtle outlines of axes and hammers that were hidden beneath the light blue knotwork of his tattoo.

'Robin-' Ulf began.

She shot her palm, requiring silence from her companion as she treaded carefully toward the curious figure.

"I must say, having a descendant of Fenrir at your command is quite impressive," the Viking whistled, his sharp gaze tracing the contours of Robin's raven-black hair and piercing blue eyes. "That must have been some blood pact."

"Enough of this feigned friendliness, who are you? why are you here? You say you're looking for me, why is it that you've arrived only after Lokkstrang?"

She crossed her hands across her chest as sprouts of hands appeared, bounding the man's body with her limbed ropes, if he were to attack, there was some time to run.

'What are you doing?! You can't just show that whenever you please!' Ulf barked, as a brief moment of surprise crossed the stranger's face before dawning his usual grim exterior.

"I was hoping more of a proper introduction, not an interrogation but understandable," he grunted, trying to shift within the tightening skin-soft bonds.

"Enough of your games berserker. Answer the questions and I shall decide if you're sparing." Robin bellowed, her tone unwavering she glowered at him in untrustworthiness.

"What was your name again, descendent of Fenrir?" he smirked. "No matter I shall call you Chopper since those choppers of yours seem ready to tear out my throat."

'May I eat him so he shuts up?'

"Not yet," Robin replied, pushing the man onto his knees with her limbs, as she stepped closer to the man, his hot breath brushing against her face. "Now, answer the questions so I may kill you swiftly after."

The man sighed. "Forgive me for not showing up the day before. I was sent to take both the revered völva and Jarl Crocodile back to our settlement, where my Jarl is currently awaiting his requested assistance. "

"You're the man that was sent to receive me for your clan?" Robin asked, her suspicion confirmed.

"Yes, and I'm sorry I arrived so late. If I had known the horrors you would have fallen to again-" the man paused, clearing his throat, as Robin tilted her head in confusion over his choice of words. He was different. He felt sorry for not being able to reach her home. He was bound by her arms, yet he did not resist but embraced the grasp and spoke with her in such strange familiarity.

"What did you say you were called?" Robin murmured curiously as his gaze locked onto hers, as he kneeled before her.

A grin spread across his face-so wide and unexpected that it made her take a step back. His laughter erupted, startling the crows perched in the nearby trees.

"Forgive me for not introducing myself properly. My name is Cuty Phlam but I prefer to go by the name Franky. And may I presume that you are Miss Nico Robin, correct?"

She nodded warily, with the knowing knowledge of her name.

"Miss Robin, do you mind easing up on this tight embrace?" Franky asked, still grinning. "I appreciate the warm welcome, but I fear it's a bit too strenuous-judging by the beads of sweat on your brow."