Random Rainimator Stories

The Frostbourne Swanmaiden

If it isn't obvious from these previous stories, I headcanon Hilda to have some connection to Valkyries. Apparently, in some Norse myths, including Vǫlundarkviða, Valkyries are depicted as swans or wearing clothing, such as feather cloaks or shirts, that can turn them into swans. Swans are now my favourite birds. I'm sure nobody will be able to guess why.

Poor Hilda. I wonder what she'll be next.

Excuse my horrible paragraphing skills (they're non-existent, but that's besides the point). Wattpad is annoying with copying and pasting, and I'm editing this on an empty stomach.

The swan had arrived at dawn.

It had burst from a window of the Frostbourne Castle like a chamber pot being thrown out. It had shed plenty of feathers during its flight around the fortress, much to the dismay of early rising footsoliders, who ended up covered in feathers.

Some tried to capture the swan. They cornered it by the medical wing, weapons and shields at the ready. However, the swan had headbutted them and slipped past them towards the castle. The footsoliders chased the swan inside the castle until the swan bumped into Patrick, causing the grandmaster to drop his mug. A scowl had formed, which had deepened as he picked up his now-empty mug and took in the scene in front of him.

"I ordered you four to take over watch of the castle from dawn to early morning, and I find you chasing a swan instead? Who trained you?" Patrick had shouted.
"Commander Hilda?" one of them had answered.
The swan had perked its head as it heard the name "Hilda". Its eyes darted between the footsoldiers and Patrick, an amused smile stretching its beak.
"Sire, this swan came from the castle! We were simply trying to herd it back inside!" Another had spoken.
"That is irrelevant. Next time any of you spot a swan or any other creature running out of the castle, you either get another footsolider to deal with it or only one of you to deal with it!" Patrick had snapped, waving his mug around like a torch.

The four footsoliders had bowed their head in shame and muttered apologies. Then, one of them lifted their head before the other three.

"What shall we do now, Sire?" she had asked.
Patrick had waved his hand dismissively at the footsoliders. "Switch watch of the castle with whoever is stationed after you four. Heed my words and don't make the same mistake again. I'll deal with the swan."

The four footsoliders had hurried down the hall, leaving the castle with the slam of the front door. Patrick had turned to the swan, his eyes suddenly narrowing at it.
There was something off about the swan, as if it weren't entirely just a bird. It was a mute swan, yet its eyes were a bright teal. Then there were its wings, their feathers shimmering in rainbow colours, similar to the Northern Lights above. The swan had become still as a statue now, the only indication of life being the subtle rise and fall of its chest. It continued to stare at Patrick, eyes unnervingly similar to a particular member of the Frostbourne he knew well.

Azura was surprised when Patrick appeared in her lab, carrying the swan and dumping it on her desk. Despite the harsh treatment, the swan didn't flinch, but it did glare at Patrick afterwards.

"Really, love? A swan? You know I don't use-"
"I know. I need your help turning this swan into a human. Into the Frostbourne Shieldmaiden, specifically. The four footsoliders who were supposed to be on duty watching over the castle from dawn today ran off to chase this swan after it apparently flew out a window of the castle, according to them."
"Are you certain they are telling the truth?"
"I train warriors, not liars."
"Okay. So how do you know that this swan is... Hilda?"
"It's a mute swan. Notice its eyes? Mute swans don't have eyes like that. And its wings are even stranger."
"Patrick, as much as I feel honoured that I was the first person you thought of to seek help for this, I'm a scientist, not a sorceress. Stella is better suited for this."
"Blame the footsoliders. I spilled my coffee when they caused Hilda to bump into me this morning."