A few drops of rain here and there prick Sweiza’s attention as it hits her skin. Sprite gets a few glares from Sweiza before he joins her under her umbrella. More chirps and clicks between them, this does not go unnoticed by Verdandi; she otherwise says nothing. More chirps and clicks occur between Sprite and Sweiza - their conversation specifically about Verdandi’s behavior. Sprite brings up his private exchange with Verdandi from before. Sweiza is quite surprised at this. Sprite however, brings up his annoyance that Verdandi called him over without any food. Sweiza smiles and shakes her head. This time, the two of them notice that their behavior gets Vedandi’s attention. She again says nothing. Their conclusion at this point, is Verdandi’s curiosity is because she cannot speak Sprite or perhaps has little to knowledge of their behavior. The both of them conclude this might be useful for later.

The trio doesn’t say much as the rest of their journey to Muspell Harbor is spent in silence. Raindrops combine with mist turns to light rain. Verdandi pushes herself voluntarily under Sweiza’s umbrella. At this point Sweiza is getting used to some of the woman’s mannerisms. She is about to say something, but the trees break and they find themselves at the end of this leg of their journey.

Muspell Harbor.

Sweiza has heard of it, but has never been here Few people from her village left their lives to visit, most of them simply have no business there; village survival and crops were always top priority. More often news of the outlying lands came through travelers passing through the village coming and going from the harbor.

It hits her. The smells. The delicious smells. She shudders as she attempts to control her body and emotions; it forces out an involuntary sigh. A smile crosses her face as her head jerks once. This is too much for her. She has always wanted to see the world, and if Verdandi was saying the truth, this will be the start of it.

The next sight excites her. Actual brick buildings, and not just small bricks, but large ones. The entire harbor is covered with them, as is its floor. Nothing like back in her village. Her head darts all around. Wooden crates, shops, items of all kinds, but more importantly, travelers of all types from different walks of life congregating in a single location. This is a place she can have some serious fun. Her excitement is interrupted by Verdandi.

“I see you are delighted. Very good.” Verdandi lets out a smile as her her left hand up to the girl’s right shoulder. Sweiza lets out an ambitious nod. Sprite flies up to the both of them and lets out a loud whistle, “Breakfast, now!”

The both of them look up to him as he hovers under the umbrella and above their heads. He starts flying hard as she jerks back and forth, “FOOD!”

“I do believe he is hungry Miss Serif. Perhaps we should entertain breakfast with him.” Her statement gets an excited chirp out of Sprite. Sweiza simply nods.

—

Eggs, bacon, toast; buttermilk and honey on pancakes, sausage and biscuits with a side of milk and orange juice. A so-called Island Breakfast. Sweiza has also heard of this. One more thing to tick off of her experience list. She says nothing as she tries to take the time to enjoy her food. This mostly consists of wolfing it down. Her mannerisms are quite unlike Verdandi who shows dignity and poise as she eats. The woman shows grace as she attempts to savor each bite. Island Breakfasts are hearty, but expensive; Verdandi intents to savor each bite. Sprite on the other hand has other ideas. He doesn’t care. He sits on the table with his legs spread out and grabs for a piece of bacon. His only interest is in the salty meat and perhaps a sugar cube or two. He does try some orange juice, but finds the drink sour compared to his normal palette.

As the activity dwindles, Verdandi sets down her cup on a saucer and clears her throat with a cough. Sweiza looks up with toast in her mouth. Verdandi waits to continue while the girl quickly eats it. Verdandi again clears her throat. Sweiza looks up her puzzled, then around. No idea. Sprite flies up to her and lets a whisper in her ear. Sweiza eyes widen as she quickly grabs a cloth from the table and wipes honey from the side of her mouth.

“Well then Miss Serif.” Verdandi cradles her arms as she waits for the girl’s response. Sweiza’s mood has changed drastically with a full gut. She is happy. When she looks up at Verdandi, her mood and facial expression are entirely different from the stubborn girl from before.

“Hmm?” Sweiza feels at this point perhaps something good will happen.

“Life as you are used to it in a village is quite different than that of a ship. The boredom is tedious, even I will admit this.” Verdandi nods to herself at the words. Sweiza simply nods slowly and cautiously in acgreement. Perhaps Verdandi is about to set her up for something to alleviate said boredom.

“Therefor, I expect no objections as you help out around the ship. Miss Serif, is that understood?” Verdandi’s eyes open. The air appears to change; Sweiza hasn’t realized Verdandi’s arms have switched to being crossed. Verdandi’s index and middle fingers also tap slowly on her left elbow.

“Miss Serif?”

Sweiza looks at Verdandi blankly. She shakes her head not knowing what to say. Verdandi continues to wrap her two fingers on her elbow. Verdandi’s eyes close as her head tilts down. Sweiza again says nothing.

“Verdandi?”

The request goes unacknowledged. Sweiza wants nothing more than to leave this situation. Perhaps Sprite will help her, but he is nowhere to be found. Verdandi lightly clears her throat. Sweiza jerks.

“I’m really sorry! I won’t do it again; I don’t mean to mess up!” Her shoulders and upper chest tense as she bows.

Verdandi’s mood appears to lighten, as does her tone, “Miss Serif, being able to speak of your own accord is a gift. When you do so sincerely and with earnest, I see no wrong doing.”

Verdandi’s arms uncross as she reaches for something in her pocket and places it on the table. She pushes her chair out as she stands up. Sweiza eyes the money ones. A generous offering. Her train of thought is interrupted.

“We’ll be leaving shortly. Come.” Verdandi waves her hand briefly as she heads towards the docking port.

“That’s it?” Sweiza says it with disgust as she scowls with contempt.

“We will need to work on your ability to speak at the proper time and when to stay silent. Such as acting rude Miss Serif.” Verdandi’s tone changes ever so slightly. The girl tenses up and quickly removes any quips and expression on her face. Sprite flies down from the sky, his previous position unknown. He flies close to Sweiza’s face, really close, mere inches in fact. He lets out a snicker at her and sets himself down on her shoulder. Her eyes close as she attempts to control her emotions. Having done so, she calmly pushes her chair back stands herself up. With what little dignity she has after Verdandi’s last comment, she slowly, but cautiously follows the woman, making sure to leave some distance between them.

This might not be so bad if she can control her tongue, but that will be a tall order and more expensive than an Island Breakfast.

—

Verdandi’s initial did not have much success with the young girl and her sprite friend. Rather, the duo decided to gawk and many of the merchant stalls and eye the windows of many more permanent brick and mortar buildings. At Verdandi’s coaxing, Sweiza kept the previous money Verdandi had given her. The reasoning was that Sweiza would find better things in Valhalla to spend it on. Sweiza agreed and they were off to the ship.

—

The trio arrive at the ship. It’s name is the “Sterling Blue”. At the moor and onramp, the group stops for several armed guards. One of them holds out his hand; he simply says, “Payment.” Sweiza and Little Sprite see Verdandi walk forward and speak in a hushed tone with the guard. The two cannot make out what they talk about. However, they hear the word ‘Valkyrie’ in a raised voice from Verdandi. The phrase “Valhalla-Muspell Treaty” escapes her lips in a louder tone still.

“We don’t believe you. You will provide us payment or you will be arrested for impersonating government personnel.” The guards behind him partially draw their swords at the tone of his words.

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As quick as they unsheath their swords to make a point, Verdandi’s armor appears and her outstretched arm provides her lance. She swipes it in their direction, five feet out of range and harmless to them. She brings it around and stabs the air in front of them and points it at the guard blocking the ram.

“I am Lady Strife, one of the ‘Knives of Odin’. You are in violation of the Valhalla-Muspell Treaty. As per treaty rules, you will grant safe passage to my cohorts and myself. If you do not comply, I will decide your fate.”

The guards immediately sheath their swords and step aside. The guard blocking the ramp steps aside and apologizes profusely. “Forgive my insolence Lady Strife. We did not know there would be any Valkyrie this far out. Normally there are prearrangements and paperwork. You do understand that…”

Verdandi clicks her heels together and interrupts him. “I am Alice Verdandi, that girl is Sweiza Serif and her pet…”

Little Sprite wrinkles his nose at that word, ‘pet’. Sweiza’s lets out a snort and a stifled laugh; her eyes move from Verdandi to Sprite. When she faces him, she cups her hands over her nose and mouth in a mock gesture to him. She again lets out a stifled laugh. This does not amuse him and he spreads his legs out while crossing his arms. So help him, she will get an earful for this.

“…is Sir Dewey Herschel. We expect to be entertained as guests and provided accommodations the same. However…” Verdandi’s head glances back at Little Sprite and Sweiza, “This girl is also Valkyrie. She is young and strong and eager to assist with any ship related activities. I trust this will not be a problem as she wishes to be put to work right away.”

Verdandi casually glances back at Sweiza and then looks back at the guards. It takes a few seconds for Sweiza to process what her ‘mentor’ just said. Her mouth drops before closing as her eyes narrow in disgust. She lets out a deep breath of contempt and leaves it at that; at this point she understands Verdandi is the one in charge.

“That will be no problem Lady Strife. I will inform the Captain of your arrival.”

Verdandi clicks her heels together again; All guards stand to attention at either the guard stops talking. All guards stand to attention at either flank of the ramp.

“Very good.” Verdandi’s takes one look back at Sweiza, “Come along Miss Serif. You too Sir Herschel.” Verdandi motions with her head as she focuses her attention on the ramp. As she approaches her armor disappears. Sweiza balks at first, but quickly follows her. Little Sprite follows her at speed. The ramp is not particularly big and Sweiza watches her footing as she climbs it.

Once on the ship, Sweiza breaks her silence. “Verdandi, what was that back there?”

Verdandi breaks from surveying the deck of the ship and turns around to face the girl, “One of the perks of being a Valkyrie my dear. You’ll find them out soon enough. Come, we must speak with the Captain to have our quarters prepared. In the meantime, get a good look at the deck of the ship. Be prepared to mop this as well as the rear of the ship daily for the duration of our journey.”

Verdandi leaves the surprised girl speechless as she (Verdandi) heads towards the back of the ship. Sweiza purses her lips into a frown as Verdandi walks away. This is not going to be a fun journey.

—

“So as you can see Captain…” Verdandi pauses and then motions with her hand, “What was your name again?”

“Dillard.”

The captain’s quarters, like so many on ships, is quite extravagant compared to all other areas of the ship. However, this being a luxury ship, meant that it was extra luxurious. Sweiza is taken by surprise at just how good it looks. She knows her Sprite friend all too well and notes his head and eyes darting in multiple directions. She restrains him with left hand, albeit gently; he understands the gesture means to behave himself. Sweiza whispers something to him before letting him go. He shrugs before planting himself on her shoulder. The two focus their attention back to the conversation between Verdandi and the Captain. The entire display gets a brief notice from the Captain before he continues speaking with Verdandi.

“Captain Dillard, with respect, your most gracious hospitality on the matter is urgent; it will not go unnoticed by the government of Midgard. I will also see to it that Odin himself hears of this.”

Captain Dillard crosses his arms while he stops to think about the matter. Verdandi’s request is a heavy one - free passage on the Sterling Blue. However, it wasn’t unheard of for civilians (read: merchants) and sometimes government personal to travel by this specific ship; it is one of the few that makes the voyage between Muspell Harbor and Valhalla. Once in a blue moon a Valkyrie or a Valkan might request passage on the ship. However, the key trait here is most of them have paperwork ready or some notice given well in advance. As with most ships, payment in some form is expected. Civilians must pay up front, government personnel are paid for by the Midgard government well in advance. Occasionally some of the government personnel, but more likely a civilian, will try to get free voyage. He remembers the last one as a conman that couldn’t pay. The Captain personally saw him thrown in the ship’s brig, and once in Muspell he again personally put him in the pillory after his trial. His ship, his rules.

He lifts his head and leans back in his chair as he uncrosses his arms. He reaches for his drink on the table.

Sweiza looks up at Verdandi and then steps forward to speak. Verdandi looks over at her as she does so and then puts her right hand in front of the girl, blocking her advance. Verdandi’s attention focuses on the Captain once again.

“Perhaps some kind of arrangements can be made.”

Captain Dillard closes his eyes as he sets down the drink. He down and then up again. “You ask a very tall order of this ship and its crew. What kind of arrangements did you have in mind?”

Verdandi has an ace gambit up her sleeve as she knows all too well what ships need more than anything else - a trained crew, or at least extra manpower with a properly trained crew.

“This girl is a Valkyrie in training. She is my charge.” Verdandi waves her hand to the girl. Sweiza looks at Verdandi and takes this as her cue to bow at the Captain.

His head droops. He lets his left hand drop and rests his right hand on his lap. He knows where this is going.

“She is young and eager to learn Captain. However, so young is she, that is is rather shy when it comes to conversation.” Verdandi looks from the Captain to Sweiza, the Captain follows Verdandi’s gaze to the girl. Sweiza looks at Verdandi clueless and then to the Captain.

“This girl has made it known to me that she has a passion for the ocean and the salty air that follows. As such her passion drives her to travel by boat. She has adamantly refused travel through the inner mountains.” Verdandi looks over at Sweiza dead serious. The girl again is clueless as to what Verdandi is up to.

“Captain, to keep it short and sweet, this girl would like the discipline of working on a ship. She is young and strong Captain. I highly recommend this experience for her training.”

Verdandi looks over at Sweiza, Sweiza and Sprite look at each other. Sweiza looks at the Captain and then to Verdandi and then back to the Captain. She bows on instinct.

Captain Dillard doesn’t show hit, but his left hand flinches when he hears young and strong. One of his sailors is sick, but he doesn’t mention it. This will be an excellent opportunity, however, this is too plain a request and he wishes to keep it interesting.

“Your request is granted. There is one condition, however,” He looks up and his eyes light up.

Verdandi’s head tilts ever so slightly at the Captain.

“Valhallan Brandy. Thirty year vintage I think, enough to last three months.”

Verdandi tilts her head in the other direction, this time more noticeable. “One month and a half.”

“Two months.” The Captain gives a counter offer as he reaches for his drink again.

“I think that sounds reasonable.” Verdandi looks over at Sweiza, the girl again clueless at what just happened.

“Valkyrie.” The Captain says it stern and serious.

“Yes Captain.” Verdandi says it as a statement, not a question as she stiffens up and clicks her heels together.

“You are familiar with the pirates?” The Captain puts his drink back down on the table.

“Yes Captain. Should the time arise, this ship will have the protection of Valhalla under the ‘Steel of Odin’.”

“Very good then. Please enjoy the accommodations of the ship for the duration of your journey. The crew will see to your quarters. As for the girl, she can begin work tomorrow.” At the Captain’s words, Sweiza flinches. “That will be all. You are hereby dismissed.”

Sweiza becomes annoyed at the words ‘dismissed’. He waves his hand at the group and Verdandi ushes Sweiza towards the door.

Once outside, Sweiza chimes in, “What was that about?”

Verdandi gives her a weak smile, “As luck would have it, I overheard a conversation during our meal.”

“You did?” Again, Sweiza looks at her clueless.

Verdandi nods, “Indeed. I had mention of an entourage destined for Valhalla. One of their members is sick. There is only one ship that makes the voyage.”

“Oh.” Sweiza says it looking down at the ground.

“Don’t worry. It’ll be fun.” Verdandi lightly and playfully nudges the girl. “Provided you don’t get see sick that is.”

“Come.” Verdandi motions for Sweiza to follow her. Verdandi sets off without looking back.

Sweiza looks up at Sprite. He just shrugs. All she says is, “Oh boy.”

—-

At the end of the night, Verdandi patiently eyes a young girl in a bed. Her attention is more on a small lantern with a candle in it than anything else.

“Are you almost done Miss Serif?”

Sweiza folds the book up and sets it down on a table next to Little Sprite. She looks down at him, he seems rather comfortable in a makeshift bed (a matchbox) that she always brings on their journeys together. She resists the urge to pet him, as he doesn’t like it much.

“Do you intend to sleep on the floor?” Sweiza says it with some concern. Unusual for the girl towards her mentor.”

“No, not at all.” Verdandi says it without concern.

“But you said I could sleep in the bed!” Sweiza stammers.

“So I did.” Verdandi flashes Sweiza a devilish look before she blows out the lantern’s candle. Sweiza lets out a bewildered look before the light in the room goes out. She suddenly feels the sheets move and something press against her.

“Goodnight Angst.” Verdandi says it in an ironic sweetness.

“Hmph!” Sweiza turns her body sharp towards her side of the bed and away from Verdandi. She pulls the covers on her side tight for good measure.

Verdandi lets them remain slack on her side.

—

Dear Diary,

Captain Dillian is a generous man. The “Sterling Blue” will be my castle for ten days. However, Verdandi has volunteered me as servant and cook. I do not look forward to this.

Soon I will be known as “Angst”. I will lose myself and my name as I begin this depressing journey. Thankfully, I will not do it alone. Dewey has been with me for a long time, and I hope he will continue to do so for a long time. He looks very comfortable in his matchbox bed.

—Sweiza”

*There is a noticeable sharpness to her signature due to Verdandi interrupting the girl’s writing.