Merida and the Legend of the Valkryie

Valhalla

Crystalline optics blinked as the fae turned to glance over her shoulder..here within the Great Halls were the souls of fallen warriors congregated..where armor glinted like the sun's golden rays..where music filled the night...and the way of the sword reigned. Hearty cheers rose with the pitch of the ageless music that filled the atmosphere as the holy doors of the primordial gateway of Valgrind had yet smiled, and once more breathed in the Sons of Odin before Valhala..with its five hundred and forty doors through which over forty-score men could exist at once.. lost fellows are received with great love and honor..they have finally come home.

"ValTara.." came kind warm lyrics..soft as the feathers that graced the nightingale.

Flinching at the very sound, felt her heart jump to her throat. Taking a deep breath, kept her eyes pointing at the well polished flooring before kneeling down on one knee, "My Lord"

A deep yet soft spoken response soon followed, as the Great Son of Odin followed suit to help the fae up. "There is no need for formalities between us..remember?" Pausing added, " why does thou shield her pretty eyes?" With that closing inquisition, silence followed the moment he had caught the glimmer that drew a transparent line across her cheek..the Shield Maiden had been crying. Feeling a pang of curiosity, as well as concern tipped the young maid's chin so that her eyes could meet his, "Who upset you?"

Unable to answer, ValTara was grateful for her most trusted and loyal friend..a crow by the name of Hydin who gracefully flew into the scene, making the girl jump. Whipping round with a start, fell off balance and tilted backwards where strong hands gripped her shoulders preventing her from making a disgrace of herself. "Hydin!" she breathed before looking up at piercing eyes. Feeling the blood rush to her cheeks quickly straightened up and extended her arm so that her looping partner could perch. "My apologies my Lord," she bowed her head deeply.

"ValTara!" came a feminine voice from behind, followed with the echoes of boots upon the ground. "We're- oh my Lord didn't see you, my apologies-" came the young maid's tunes as she fell to one knee in a regal bow. Once her crown lifted, she caught sight of her sister Tara, and the reddish eyes decorating her features. Already knowing what must have come to pass added, " My grace, please excuse ValTara..she's feels for those fallen."

Thor kept his regal stature as he addressed the Valkyrie, " I see.." came his curt reply before turning to the glistening Shield Maidens who congregated at the end of the hall. Turning to the fae with the crow nodded his head, "I shall leave you to your devices."

Placing her right hand across her chest, bowed her head, "Until our next meeting my Lord," came Tara's reply.

"What shall I do with you sister.." came the thoughtful words of Rana.

"What are you two doing?" came a distant voice from beyond the laughter.

Exchanging soulful looks with Hydin, stroked the bird's head gently before turning to Rana, "Lead the way."

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The bellowing of horses soon filled the evening currents as the Warriors Nine took to the skies, and not long after, the battle cries of the Midgardians drew their attention. "They're from Nóregr" came a flat toned voice.

"You know what to do ValTara," came an authoritative tone.

With a heavy heart the young Shield Maiden descended into the blood strewn earth, the scent of burning fumes and death made her wince and wrinkle her nose. Dual optics managed to pick out those destined for the Great Halls of Odin, and gently led the wisps by the hand, and away from their mortal shell. And when the last soul was collected, the Valkyrie took to the skies once more only to get wind of another battle brewing..one that would draw the All Father's eyes to the sea.

"You are to escort the souls that will fall in the Northern Isles," instructed the Leading Shield Maiden, " Take the souls of Eriksen Lindel, Solan Xael, Derek Everdeen-"

"Derek Everdeen?" cut in Tara as she held her breath. "But why?"