Children of Jotunheim

Chapter 1

In the north is a land surrounded by mountains, and where the snow never melts owned by the Hylli clan. The Hylli clan are one of the most feared and strongest there is. To all those who's faced them in battle, call them the ghosts of winter.

Legend has it that the clan and land was blessed by the goddess Skadi. When the first member of the clan washed up. Wanting to live and find a new home, he sacrificed his left eye to the giantess. Pleased by such a willing sacrifice, the giant blessed the stranded warrior and all those who'd wear the clan colors. Since than the clan and all under their rule prospered.
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(Many years later, Thalia)

"Milady we've found unfamiliar tracks and this arrow tip." A huntress dressed in hunters grabs with bear fur wrapped around her shoulder.

"Mmm. This doesn't bode well, send half of the hunters with the meat we've acquired back to my father, and have the other half stay here while we investigate. Also have them warn my brother to up the guard. We cannot let anything happen tonight with all the Jarl's visiting." I ordered.

"Yes milady."

Thy name is Thalia Hylli, next in line to be Jarl of the clan. My brother and I are known as the demons of the north, the fiercest warriors to come out the clan. Doesn't help that our mother is Skadi the goddess of winter. How our father caught the attention of a giant is beyond my brother and I.

All I know is she gifted us with special weapons. For me it was her first bow and hunting spear. Jason it was our grandfathers sword and frost axe.

"Milady I've done as asked. We're ready."

"The trail splits up, and leads further up the mountain. Four teams. We'll meet up at the base." I said before following the tracks in front of me.

Most likely wondering why I travel alone. I trained each of the hunters on the island myself and trust their skills. I prefer working alone if I'm not with my brother. Something I got from my mother, she's one of the most independent goddesses around. Who likes being alone, ever since the other gods killed our grandfather.

"Strange. Werewolf fur. What would wolves being doing this far north?" I muttered. "What's worse is that wolves usually travel in packs. Camp must be at the mountain, hope my hunters are good. Werewolves are known to control regular wolves." Picking up the pace headed to the mountains.

I arrived at the mountain base same time as the others.

"Milady, we're most likely dealing with wolves. We saw tracks and fur."

"I've noticed them as well. Let's head back and tell my father of our find." I said before running back to the main village.

"Mother watcher over us." I prayed on the way back.
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"Where is the Jarl? We must speak with him!" A hunter barges into the main hall of the village.

"My father is at port. Seeing to all the necessary preparations. What's the problem?" A young blonde warrior says walking into the dining hall. He was a handsome warrior, shaved blonde hair tied into a ponytail, a single scar running down right side split at the eye, and wearing a white wolves pelt covering part of his bare chest, with a sword strapped to his waist and axe on his back.

"Forgive me milord, but my orders were to tell your father. And for you to increase the guard tonight." The hunter answered.

"I take it my sister gave this order?"

"Yes milord."

"Than I say again. Tell me why you wish to speak with my father, so I can better prepare. Or would you rather I removed your head." The demigod threatened, his frost blue eyes growing colder causing the Hunter to step back.

"We found tracks on our hunt. Your sister went with other hunters to investigate."

"How long ago was this?"

"It was midday when we found them."

"Our guest will be arriving at first light. Send out word to the guard to increase patrol. And prepare another party for the woods. We'll be heading back out once my sister returns."

"Yes milord." The Hunter says running out. "What of you milord?" The Hunter stops at the door.

"I am going to pay my respects to our goddess." Getting a nod from the hunter before leaving.

None of the islanders besides the Jarl knew the twins mother was the patron goddess Skadi.
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(Skadi Temple)

Jason was finishing getting the fire ready when he sensed his sister.

"You're late."

"Full moon just came out brother."

"What's this I hear of tracks?" Jason asked looking at his sister. She had removed her wolf hood revealing her black hair tied in a warriors braid, icy blue eyes, with her bow and spear strapped to her back.

"Let's not worry about that now, let's hurry." Thalia changes the subject kneeling next to her brother, and laying her weapons down in front of her like her brother.

"Ready?" She asked. Getting a nod from her brother before they started speaking in their mothers tongue.

The fire started to turn blue and the area around them grew colder. Soon they were no longer in the temple but on a snowing mountain in the mist of a blizzard.

Sitting in front of them was two figures. A huge white wolf, with blue marking on its head. And a woman in hunting gear, skin pale blue, hair white as snow and eyes pure blue.

"Come her girl." Thalia says holding out her arms causing the wolf to bound for them.

"Thalia, Jason."

"Mother." They answered.

"You were almost late."

"Forgive us mother. Thalia was investigating unfamiliar tracks in the woods."

"What tracks?"

"Werewolves. I have no idea what they're doing in the north." Thalia answered.

"Did you find the camp?"

"Yes mother. I'm not a child." Thalia said annoyed.

"I take it you didn't go into the camp." Skadi says ignoring her daughters annoyance." Getting a nod from her.

"Good. I refuse to lose my children to mindless, bloodthirsty mutts. Once you return you and your brother will gather a party and hunt the beasts down. Always remember you two are stronger together." Their mother said. "Now tell me what all have you two been doing since last we spoke."