Days Of The Halycon

Unto His Royal Highness, Laufey Son of Brimir, King of Jotunheim, does Freyr, Son of Njordr, King of Vanaheim, send his warm greetings,

     It has come to my attention that it would be within our mutual benefit for our realms to come together. To form a truce and an alliance to better serve for the protection and betterment of our realms. I am sure that it has not escaped your attention that Asgard grows stronger and bolder each moment that passes as we sit idly by. As we allow them to do as they please and act as a superior to all of the realms.

   I will not mince words and tact on pleasantries in an attempt to gain your favor, but for your assurance that we can come to peace, and once a great kinship has been formed between our realms I offer you the support of Vanaheim's armies, agreements of trade, and the means by which to rebuild your realm to its former glory.

Your response is expected soon, and we will discuss how to cement such alliances in due time.

May your days be Joyous and Healthy in the time to come,

                                                                                 His Majesty, Freyr, Son of Njord, King of Vanaheim

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The air was cold, and the wind was harsh as it swirled and howled. Snow and ice too thick the measure blanketed the ground creating an unbroken landscape of white and blue. No sun dared attempt to break through the dark skies that could have signaled night yet held no stars.

Against prior warnings and better judgement a small party struggled on through the storm. White and silver horses almost blended in completely, their riders' dark fur lined cloaks were the only break in the monotony.

"Will someone please explain to me exactly who believed this would be a good idea?" One of the men in the party, a large, broad shouldered man, yelled above the winds. The way he carried himself and his serious face hinted to his past as a soldier. With a tight grip on the reins he spurred his horse forward through the snow, kicking up a new storm as he went, much to the annoyance of those who followed behind.

"Princess!" The call carried on the wind as he cam to a halt beside the party's lead horse. "Are you well? We can return home if you wish."

The wind muffled some of the words and blue eyes, confused and squinting a bit from beneath the fur trimmed cloak greeted him. "Beg pardon?" The light voice asked, and when the statement was repeated the same voice sighed.

Pulling back the hood, platinum hair hair spilled out, it's curls framing frost flushed cheeks and wide blue eyes. "I am afraid I cannot hear you!" The princess said loudly, a crease between her eyebrows.

"I said, we can return home if you wish!" He yelled in return, his voice almost pleading. There was a small spark of hope in his eyes as she hesitated.

The princess cast a glance over her shoulder, hoping no one had heard him. The other's seemed absorbed in their own worries and were to busy attempting not to freeze to bother with eavesdropping. Not that the snow laden hoods they wore would have allowed them to hear much anyway.

Slowly she fixed her eyes on the soldier beside her, "We both know I can do no such thing." Her voice was even and held no clues as to what she was truly feeling.

"It is an honor that the king requested me to be the one who..." What was the right word to use? Consummate? No, that was too vulgar. Cement? No. Oh, why was this so difficult? "To be the one who creates the bond between realms. I will not fail him." With unsure words she assured him that this was her duty. That she wanted this. She wanted this...