It is the next morning. It takes a moment for reality to set in. Sweiza does not stretch, instead her attention focuses on the window. Rain continues to patter away at it. She looks over next to the night stand for Sprite; he isn’t there, nor is he at the foot of the bed. Her attention goes up to the wall mounted bookshelf. Sure enough, he had jumped up there during the middle of the night. She doesn’t have a chance to sigh after the events of yesterday, and especially last night. Hunger hits her. After much heated anger from her mother, she agreed to go to bed hungry if it was suitable discipline. It, however, did not mean that Sweiza was getting out of dealing with Lady Strife. Her mother’s exact words were, “You go over there first thing in the morning and you apologize to her and make up for it.” Sweiza isn’t going to argue this time.

She looks up at the ceiling and silently asks herself, “What did I get myself into?”

She lets out a whistle in the direction of Sprite.

Sprite feels himself come to. His eyes open and he looks up at the ceiling.

“Sprite, wake up!”

His arm pulls itself over the wooden frame of his makeshift bed and he pulls his head up slightly as he looks to his side down at Sweiza.

“Unless it’s for sugar, I’m going back to bed.”

He turns his his whole body on his side facing the wall; he pulls the covers up and over him - he makes sure to lift them high enough that Sweiza can see them. This was it, his statement was final. Sweiza purses her lips at him and then walks towards the door. She doesn’t say it, but rather thinks it, “He can go hungry for awhile. I have more important things to be doing.” As she walks down the stairs the statement shoots through her head again as she asks herself, “Is this really important? Why am I doing this when I didn’t make the choice? Why should ‘I’ have to apologize to her, Strife is the rude one.” However, the thought of her mother comes to mind. Sweiza cringes and shudders at the thought of her mother with one hand on her hip and her other hand holding a spoon shaking it at her.

“And where are you going young lady?”

Sweiza turns towards the voice from the kitchen. She sucks in a breath and holds it tensely. Her mother indeed holds a spoon with her other hand on her hip.

“I’m going to Strife’s house.”

“Oh no you’re not!” Her mother shakes the spoon at her.

Sweiza winces.

“You haven’t eaten since last night. You come to the table and get some breakfast. Bacon and eggs to get you started.” Her mother goes back to the kitchen counter and proceeds to mix up some concoction unknown to Sweiza. Whatever it will be, it will most likely be a type of bread.

Sweiza does as her mother told her and proceeds to the table. The food is already made. Sweiza has no trouble wolfing it down, hiccuping halfway through it. The commotion gets her mother’s attention briefly, but she otherwise ignores her daughter.

“Thank you mama.” Sweiza drops her fork and chugs the milk glass in front of her. She is out of her chair and out the door just as quickly.

Her mother stares at the doorway, “Always in a rush.” She mutters it to herself. She notes a rapid tapping of feet returning to the door; it bursts open, Sweiza looks in the direction of her mother, and then to the coat rack. She grabs her coat and umbrella and returns out the door. It quickly closes behind her. Melda shakes her head.

—

Outside of Alice Verdandi’s house, Sweiza takes a deep breath, knocks on the door and steps back. There is no overhang to protect her from the rain, but thankfully she has an umbrella. There is no answer to the door. Sweiza lets out a look of disappointment. She looks over at the street and directs her attention back on the door and knocks on it again. No answer. She finally pounds on the door. There is a small commotion inside the house and a voice, “Just a minute.” There are footsteps towards the door and it opens slightly, Verdandi’s face appears, “How can…” Verdandi blinks a few times, “Oh, it’s you.”

Sweiza is utterly shocked at her appearance. A lavender robe and braid thrown into her hair.

“You look…” Sweiza doesn’t have time to finish. Verdandi lets out a scowl at her, “It’s not going to do you any good to just stand outside. Come inside. Close the door behind you.”

Verdandi heads towards her kitchen table and takes a seat. “Let us try this again Miss Serif. I would like it if you would join me for tea.”

Sweiza’s heart lurches as she sits down across from Verdandi.

“Um… Strife?” She says it, nervously and raises her left finger to make a point.

“Hmm?” Strife looks up from the table at Sweiza and her eyebrows raise.

“I don’t like tea, it’s too bitter.”

Verdandi refrains from wrinkling her nose in disgust. Sweiza stares blankly awaiting a reaction from Verdandi.

“Miss Serif, drinking tea is an art. It is an acquired skill, much like drinking straight tea. You are also not the first student to state as such. Besides…” Verdandi pushes a small bowl of sugar cubes towards Sweiza, “I never drink it straight.”

“Why?”

“It’s too bitter.”

Sweiza’s face turns to disbelief. Verdandi takes a sip of tea. She closes her eyes and lifts her head relishing the taste. She sets the teacup back down on the saucer and pushes a bottle of creamer towards Sweiza.

Sweiza clenches both of her hands between her legs. She knows she isn’t getting out of this, lest she stir Verdandi’s wrath. Therefor, she grabs the teapot on the table and pours it into the glass in front of her. Verdandi gives her little attention as she takes another sip of her tea. Sweiza reaches for a sugar cube with her fingers.

“Miss Serif…” Verdandi jostles her teacup back down on the saucer as she crosses her voice, “We are not barbarians in this house.”

Verdandi grits her mouth with disgust.

“And what are ‘sugar tongs’ supposed to be? You don’t even have any here!” Sweiza’s frustration finally gets the better of her.

Verdandi lifts her right hand and points to a set of silver mini-tongs next to the sugar bowl.

“Oh…” Sweiza feels heat on her face from embarrassment; she can online imagine what it looks like to Verdandi. However, Verdandi continues back to drinking tea. She gives Sweiza little attention.

Sweiza looks down at the sugar cubes and the mini-tongs. In her mind this whole affair is stupid, a waste of time when she could be tending to other affairs. Further, she never had to use tongs when feeding sprite. As far as Sweiza is concerned, Verdandi and herself are complete opposites.

Sweiza lifts the tongs up and grabs two sugar cubes. She lets them drop into the cup. She grabs the creamer and pours in a small amount. She sets it back on the table. She proceeds to bring the cup to her mouth, but flinches as she is interrupted again.

“Miss Serif!”

“What now?” She moans it as she sets the teacup back down.

“We are civilized at this table, we do not hoard the sugar tongs from others.”

Sweiza looks over to where she had set the mini-tongs down. She looks over at Strife, then back to the sugar bowl. “Oh.” Is all she says. The picks them up and puts them back next to the sugar bowl. “Sorry.” She musters it sheepishly before setting her attention back to the cup in front of her. She looks up at Verdandi and thinks twice about how she’ll pick up the cup. She picks up the saucer with her right hand and pulls it off the table; she grabs the teacup with her left hand. She lowers her head to the teacup. She stops and looks up at Verdandi, whom is watching her intently. Verdandi lets out a light, but high pitched, “Hmph!” at being upstaged.

“And it serves you right!” Sweiza says it defiantly. She looks back down at the tea. She closes her eyes in a mock gesture to Verdandi and lifts the teacup and saucer to her lips. The smell makes her stomach lurch. She ignores it and forces herself to take a sip of it. She doesn’t finish. Even with sugar and creamer, the taste is nasty and bitter to her tongue. She involuntarily gags and spits out whatever made it into her mouth. She drops the cup and saucer to the table as she coughs and attempts to remove anything from her lungs; she then pounds on her chest for good measure as she feels her stomach lurch once more.

Verdandi raises an eyebrow at the amusement, “It isn’t as easy as it looks, is it Miss Serif?”

Sweiza is unimpressed and her face flushes red. She lets out a stifled, but angry grumble at her. If there is one thing that is going to happen, she isn’t going to let Verdandi get the better of her.

“There is a washcloth on the counter next to the sink. You can clean up your mess when you are done.” Verdandi says it cross at Sweiza.

Sweiza crosses her arms and turns her head away from Verdandi.

“Miss Serif, did you hear me?” Verdandi pushes her chair back and stares at Sweiza dead serious.

Sweiza’s face flushes red. She quickly pushes her chair back and stands up sharply. She slaps her right hand down on the table and bends forward while she points her left finger at Verdandi. “You look here you witch.”

Verdandi interrupts her.

“I’m a witch now am I?” Verdandi says it with slight, but disinterested amusement.

“Why don’t you take your tea and shove it up your ass?!” Sweiza barks it at her.

Verdandi cracks a smile. They both know she has just won.

Sweiza’s body shakes in anger. Her hands tighten into fists. She takes in a deep breath and prepares to shout. Verdandi’s eyebrows raise and her head tilts ever so slightly awaiting the outburst. It never happens. Sweiza’s body trembles as she attempts to stifle her anger. Sweiza stares at Verdandi saying nothing.

“Is something the matter Miss Serif?” Verdandi says it quizzically, but it is more of a rhetorical gesture.

“Not at all.” Sweiza cocks her head and nose up. “I’m merely waiting for you to tell me what to do. Since you seem to like that kind of thing.” Sweiza says the last part loud and with enough contempt to make her point.

Verdandi lets out a chuckle as Sweiza tries to compose herself. “Very good Miss Serif. I believe that is enough for today. You are excused.”

Sweiza’s body takes in an involuntary breath of air. She about faces and takes two steps towards the door. She turns her head around. Her eyes are closed and she sports a frown, but attempts to say it with a lack of arrogance and as much sophistication as she can muster. “Verdandi, thank you for tea.”

Verdandi cracks a weak smile as she tilts her head into a bow. Sweiza turns around in a huff and marches towards the door.

“And Miss Serif…”

Sweiza freezes, but does not turn around.

“One thousand cuts Miss Serif.”

Sweiza grimaces her face and wrinkles her nose.

“You also owe me one thousand cuts from yesterday.”

Sweiza bolts her head around and her eyes narrow at Verdandi. “Screw, you!”

Sweiza’s hands tighten into fists again as she turns in place marches to the door. Verdandi says nothing. Sweiza grabs her umbrella and pulls the door open hard. She deliberately leaves it open as she walks outside. A few seconds later she walks back in. She gives one look at Verdandi, then turns around to grab her coat. She puts her coat on in a hurry. She is about to walk out the door again and stops shy of it. She goes to turn around to face Verdandi, but a picture on a table catches her attention. A young man, someone she assumes to be Verdandi’s husband or boyfriend. Sweiza pushes the split-second thought from her mind and forces her gaze at Verdandi. Verdandi’s eyebrows raise waiting for the reaction. Sweiza pops her tongue out at Verdandi and then walks out the door. Verdandi smirks at the display as she lets out a “hmph.” Sweiza appears a few seconds later, sticks her tongue out at Verdandi again and then slams the door shut behind her.

“Really?” Verdandi says it with unamused contempt before focusing her attention to the mess on the table. Sweiza had done better than she expected. She thinks to herself that tomorrow shall be better, she will see to it.

—

Sweiza appears before the door of her house. She goes to open it, but it is locked. She knocks on the door and it opens. Her mother’s face appears behind it. Sweiza sticks her foot in the door before it closes completely.

“Let me in.”

“You are supposed to be over at Verdandi’s.”

“She sent me home for the day. Now move.”

Sweiza pushes the door in and her mother steps back.

“Uneventful?” Her mother asks with some enthusiasm and curiosity.

Sweiza glares indignation at her mother and throws her coat on the floor. She chucks her wet umbrella to the coatrack. She hears her mother mutter something and ignores it as she storms up the stairs to her room.

—

Sprite is startled to a loud kick and then a door slamming. He yelps and darts up from Sweiza’s bed. He circles the room once and finds the source of the commotion. He softly lands on the bed and looks wide eyed at Sweiza. She is soaked from water.

“Didn’t you bring and umbrella?” He asks with roused curiosity.

Sweiza slams the door behind her. She walks over to Sprite. Tears are in her eyes. Her facial expression changes.

“If you are going to be a pest, you can go outside.” She points at the window to make a point.

“You always make that threat!” He says it with a smile knowing she is goofing around.

…However…

She grabs him with her left hand and walks over to the window. He realizes the situation.

“Wait!”

She looks down at him.

“I didn’t mean it!” He says it pleading.

Sweiza uses her right hand to crack the window open. She looks down at him again.

“Honest! I didn’t mean it!”

Sweiza opens her hand and lets him fly up.

“Sprite, I’m going back to bed.” She kicks her wet boots off towards the room door.

Rather than fall into her bed, she pulls herself in and pulls the covers over the back of her head. She stares blankly at the window.

Her sprite friend flies in front of her gaze.

“Something happen?” He says it with curiosity. She doesn’t answer.

“C’mon!” He tries to get her to answer, but she turns her head.

He lands on the bed and hunches over with his hands on his knees, “Was she that much of a bitch?”

Sweiza nods with tears in her eyes.

He crosses his arms in thought and taps his foot while doing so. He looks up and then the idea comes to him.

“Sweiza, I’m hungry!”

She says nothing as sleep takes her.

“Sweiza! Sweiza!” He lets out several clicks and chirps in frustration as sleep takes her.

He starts hovering and slaps his body into her several times to no avail.

“G’ah!” He lets out a grumble of frustration and finally gives up.

With the door closed and the window just open barely, he won’t be getting out of the room until Sweiza wakes up.

—

“Sweiza, wake up! Sweiza!” Sprite says it frantically. He raises his voice at her, but it does little to rouse her from sleep. He finally starts flying flying up in the air and dropping on her face. She comes to.

“Sprite, you know how I feel about you waking me up.” She says it with a grumble as she sits herself up.

“Nevermind that.” He says it frantically, “That Valkyrie was here.”

She takes a sharp look at him. He nods repeatedly.

“Sprite, if this is some kind of trick…”

“She was here!” He points towards the door repeatedly.

Sweiza looks over at the door and sees it is wide open. This has her attention as her eyes widen. She tosses the covers off her legs and runs towards the door, nearly tripping over her boots in the process. Upstairs the aftermath leaves her sprite friend making muffled noises underneath covers as he attempts to get out from under them.

Sweiza runs down the stairs and looks directly towards the kitchen. Lady Strife is sitting in a chair across the kitchen table from her mother. Sweiza scowls.

“Mother! Why wasn’t I informed we were having guests?” She snaps at her mother. Her mother stares at her and then to Verdandi blankly.

“Miss Serif, I am a guest here because I invited myself. We have business to attend to.” Verdandi looks from Sweiza’s mother to Sweiza.

“What kind of business?!” She snarls it at her in disbelief.

“I dare say we haven’t been getting along so far.” Verdandi says it with dismay. Sweiza can’t tell if it is genuine or fake. She wagers on the latter.

“I wonder whose fault that is.” She snaps it again. She turns around to face the top of the stairs and walks back up to her room.

Verdandi looks over at Melda and then to the stairs. Verdandi makes up her mind and pushes her chair back.

—

Sprite sits at the window when he hears footsteps from Sweiza’s door. He looks over to see her standing at the entrance.

“That bitch! Who does she think she is?! This is -my- house!” She snarls it as she walks towards Sprite. He attempts to answer, but with alarm his attention focuses on the door.

“If I am a bitch…”

Sweiza turns around sharply towards the door.

“…then so be it.” Verdandi says it without care.

“You…” Sweiza attempts to speak, Verdandi interrupts her.

“So far, this hasn’t been working.” Verdandi says it as she approaches Sweiza.

“I wonder why?” Sweiza says it with sarcastic contempt.

Verdandi’s tone changes and her armor appears. “Starla Serif, I hereby take guardianship and custody over your person. You are hereby bound under Valhallan law as Valkyrie. I will not tolerate disobedience any further.”

“You know what, I…!” Sweiza attempts to speak and stammers. Strife smacks Sweiza’s right shoulder hard with her gauntlet. Sweiza reaches up at the sore spot. She says nothing, part out of uncertainty, the other at fear of consequences if she does.

“Your punishments will vary as I see fit. You defy me, you will be punished accordingly.” Verdandi says it sharply at the girl.

Sweiza says nothing and glares in defiance. Verdandi again raises her gauntlet and smacks Sweiza on her shoulder’s already sore spot. Sweiza lets out another yelp and restrains the tears forming in her eyes.

“Just go away!” She says it gripping her shoulder attempting to massage it.

Verdandi turns around towards the door. Her head turns behind her towards Sweiza.

“I will be going away in the next few hours. You will be coming with me.”

Sweiza glares, but says nothing.

“We will be going to the hotsprings at Mount Surt. As it will be just the two of us, it will allow me to supervise your training personally without distraction and interruption. This will also allow us to become better acquainted with each other. We will be mentor and student for some time Starla, so I suggest you get used to it. And wipe that look off your face.”

Sweiza leans her head forward with a glare and sticks out her tongue. Sprite snickers.

“You think this is a game?” Verdandi uses her right hand to pull hair away from the left side of her head to show her left ear. Her left ear is elven, but the tip has been cut clean off.

“I implore you, do not make the same mistake as me. Odin took my child and husband for my disobedience.” Verdandi says it sharply. She covers her ear with her hand.

“And your ear?” Sweiza says it, barely caring.

Verdandi nods, “This was also part of my punishment.”

Sweiza crosses her arm and turns her head. “Hmph! Serves you right!”

“If you appear before Odin with a disobedient attitude, it means I have failed in my role as Valkyrie. I suffer no punishments at the hand of Odin for your abysmal attitude.” Verdandi changes her tone to more serious, “If necessary, I will lop your whole ear off. Am I clear?!”

Sweiza yelps and lets out a nod quickly as Verdandi snaps the last part.

“Good. I’m glad we are in agreement.” Verdandi raises her right hand and grabs a strand of hair and then flicks it, “You have a few hours to get your affairs in order. Melda informs me you have a rucksack. I suggest you pack what is important to you. You will not be back here for sometime. Might I suggest with a change of clothing?”

Verdandi motions towards the floor. Liquid sits at Sweiza’s feet. Sweiza closes her eyes in embarrassment. Verdandi finally got to her.

Verdandi raises her left leg sideways slightly, and then brings it down clicking her heels together. She changes her tone and mood as tilts her head and bows slightly. She turns around briskly and heads for the door, her greaves making metal clicks on the ground as she walks away.

However, she stops just shy of the door.

“Concerning that pest.” She looks her head back behind her towards the sprite, “I find it odd you would be friends with such vermin.”

“Hey!” The sprite jumps up from the window.

“Your mother has informed me that he is in fact, -not- your familiar. I find this stranger still. I will allow him to come along to be trained as your familiar, if you so choose.” Verdandi turns around sharply to face Sweiza and she snaps her head at the Sprite. “If you make a pest out of yourself, I will kill you.”

Verdandi clicks her heels together again and turns around and walks towards the door. She exits.

Sweiza’s sprite friend flies up to counsel his friend. She shakes her head and ignores him. She wipes the tears from her eyes as she walks towards the closet. Her belligerence is finally defeated. Her sprite friend says nothing as she goes for her closet and pulls out her rucksack.

—

“..try with a hair less sugar. It loses its bite when you do it like that.”

Verdandi is interrupted by a footsteps at the stairs. Melda looks over from Verdandi to Sweiza. Verdandi sets her teacup down and looks over towards Sweiza.

Sweiza makes a face at both of them; she holds it a little longer (quite deliberately) at Verdandi. Verdandi gives it no attention.

“Bitter tea is the work of the devil!” Sweiza says it high and mighty and then sticks her tongue out at Verdandi.

Verdandi flinches and quickly sets her tea cup down. She lets out several rapid coughs to mask her chocking.

“Really Sweiza… We have a guest. Can’t you show a little more respect?” Melda says it, stern but quick to forgive.

“Sorry mama.” Sweiza bows from the stairs.

“Miss Serif, one of your first tasks will be to refer to Melda as ‘mother’, not ‘mama’. This is something children do.” Verdandi turns her head back over at Sweiza. Sweiza turns her head away.

“It’s quite alright Verdandi.” Melda says it without regret.

“Miss Serif is now a Valkyrie. She needs to carry herself like one.” Verdandi looks down and takes another sip of tea.

“Let’s just get this over with.” Sweiza tugs at the supports on her rucksack and walks down the stairs. Melda’s eyes widen at the sprite sitting on the top of the rucksack.

“Verdandi, are you really letting her take that thing along? Concerning your history with them…” Melda says it with some concern, still eying the sprite.

“The… ‘Sprite’, will make an excellent familiar once the two of them have been trained to work together.” Verdandi says it, taking another sip of tea. She pays no attention to Sweiza.

Sweiza in turn, spends little effort ignoring Verdandi. Instead, she pushes her feet into her boots, throws on her coat, and picks up her umbrella.

“Are we leaving, or are you going to continue absorbing that nasty…” Sweiza is cut off by her mother.

“Sweiza!” Melda snaps it at her.

“Verdandi stifles a smile as she finishes her tea. “Thank you for the hospitality Melda. I must be going now with Miss Serif.” Verdandi pushes back her chair, stands up and bows at Melda.

“Stop by anytime Alice.” Melda says it respectfully and tilts her head into a humble bow. However, she does not push herself out of her seat.

Verdandi clicks her heels together and turns around. She walks towards Sweiza. “Miss Serif, are you ready?

Sweiza turns towards her friend on her rucksack. The both of them look at each other. Sweiza turns around to face Verdandi. A little bewildered, Sweiza lets out a nod.

“We shall be going then.” Verdandi opens the door. “Miss Serif, after you.”

“Excuse me?!” Sweiza lets it out disgruntled. Verdandi says nothing.

Instead, Verdandi grabs Sweiza by the shoulder and shoves her out the door.

“Hey!” Sweiza lets it out disgruntled again.

Verdandi looks up at the sprite, whom jumped off the rucksack at the incident. “I expect you to behave yourself at all times sprite. Miss Serif will have my same expectation.”

The sprite nods. Verdandi turns her attention towards the door and walks out. The sprite quickly follows after, but he makes sure to keep some distance from Verdandi as he moves alongside her. He quickly catches up with Sweiza. The two of them start to chatter.

“Miss Serif, we will be going towards the Nor…” Verdandi is cut off by Sweiza.

“I know the way.” Sweiza turns her head back from Verdandi and turns her attention at the mountain in the distance. Verdandi says nothing.

While being stuck with Verdandi is a bad thing in Sweiza’s mind, going to the hotspring is a rare treat that only occurs about twice a year. The fact she will be there for several days made it even better. Sprite coming along for the walk would make it a piece of cake. Sweiza grins at the thought. She quickly hides it and looks back at Verdandi.

“Hurry up slowpoke!”

Verdandi’s eyes widen and her eyebrows raise slightly, but she says nothing. Sweiza looks up at the sprite following her, he looks down to her. Sweiza cracks a smile. She’d finally won. And if she has anything to say about it, it will only be the start of many more victories against Verdandi.

—-

It is about an hour later and the rain continues. Sweiza lifts her umbrella in annoyance. She looks over at Verdandi whom is soaked.

“Verdandi, didn’t…” Sweiza is interrupted.

“When we are on assignment it is ‘Lady Strife’, Miss Serif.” Verdandi says it nonchalantly.

“My apologies. Lady Strife…” Sweiza stops and thinks twice about it, “Nevermind. It’s not important.”

“That’s odd coming out of you Miss Serif. You normally have a lot to say.” Verdandi eyes Sweiza’s reaction. It hits its mark as Sweiza bolts her head back forward. At this point Sweiza isn’t about to be outsmarted. She says nothing concerning Verdandi’s lack of an umbrella. Sweiza’s only concern after the moment is her Sprite friend, he hates the rain. Sweiza was gracious enough to let him park himself in one of her coat pockets. She looks down at him to ensure he is secure and continues on her way.

“We still have a long way to go Miss Serif.” Verdandi says it to her, without pushing the issue.

Sweiza looks over, “Sixteen miles to go.”

“Shall we pick up the pace then Miss Serif?” Verdandi starts to walk briskly leaving Sweiza behind.

Sweiza walks foward and her pace slows until she stops. She stands there several seconds alone.

“Hey! Wait up!”

Verdandi stops and looks back at Sweiza. Verdandi cracks a smile and looks forward again, this time picking up her pace, faster still. Sweiza lets out a surprised expression and hurries up, nearly dropping her umbrella in the process. Her pace barely keeps up with Verdandi. Sweiza can feel herself panting. In the back of her mind, Sweiza can’t figure out how this woman can move so fast.

—

Half an hour passes by…

“Verdandi!” Sweiza drops her umbrella. She stoops over, resting her hands on her knees.

Verdandi turns around, ignoring the fact Sweiza is off point with her name - again. “What is it dear?”

“Can we slow down? I’m not used to walking like this.” Sweiza looks up at Verdandi, hope in her eyes.

“You’ll get used to it dear. For now I’ll ease up on it. In the meantime, let’s rest a bit.” Verdandi walks over to Sweiza and picks up her umbrella. She holds it up above the both of them.

“For now I will be your shield.” Verdandi says nothing else.

“Thank you.” Sweiza lets out a sigh. Verdandi can be nice after all.

—

Some hours later…

Sweiza is actually ahead of Verdandi, whom is walking at a slower pace.

“Strife!” Sweiza stops and turns around and then bows at Verdandi. Verdandi knows what is coming.

“What is it child?” Verdandi uses her right hand to support her left hand as her left hand grabs a strand of her hair just shy of her ear.

“You said you had a husband and child.” Sweiza says it with some enthusiasm and eager curiosity.

“So I did.” Verdandi knows she isn’t getting out of this one, no matter how uncomfortable the topic.

“What happened to them?” Sweiza’s eyes widen.

“That’s a rather difficult topic Miss Serif.” Verdandi twirls her hair around her finger and lets it go.

“I see. Understood.” Sweiza bows again, turns around and hurries forward.

Verdandi’s eyes widen once in surprise at Sweiza’s respect. She flicks her left arm once and continues forward in the rain. This girl as her student might not be as bad as she first encountered her.

—

It is towards twilight when they reach the summit of the mountain.

“Miss Serif, we will setup camp here for the night and continue in the morning.” Verdandi says it with intent.

Ignoring Sweiza, Verdandi turns around to pick a good area hidden from view, but still near the main road. There wouldn’t be anyone else in the area, or so she hoped. With that in mind, she wants an area that will be easy to defend against wild animals - or worse, monsters.

“If we hurry, we can still make it to the springs!” Sweiza turns around to continue towards the summit. Verdandi halts her camp plans and looks towards Sweiza.

“Valkyrie Angst, stop!” Verdandi says it as a command.

Sweiza turns around unimpressed. “After all that, you ca…”

“Miss Serif, mind your tongue.” Verdandi says it, eying the area. “We will camp over here.” She motions towards an open area just outside of the main path. Most likely others had camped in this exact area in the past.

Sweiza wrinkles her nose at her. Sprite peaks up from her coat pocket and pipes up, “Sweiza, we really should stop here for the night.”

Sweiza looks down. “Quiet you. Don’t you dare take her side!”

Sprite flies up face level with Sweiza. “After all that walking you are surely sore. Resting it off will make the springs more enjoyable.”

Sweiza looks at him at him in disbelief, he is right.

“Fine.” She grabs him, his attempts to dart away failing. She stuffs him in her coat pocket. She makes ever attempt to be gentle, but she does it in such a way to make her point. Sprite says nothing else as he peaks his head back out of the pocket. He glances over at Verdandi.

“Perhaps he is different from his kind after all.” Verdandi says it thoughtfully, scanning the area.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” The sprite pipes up, Verdandi ignores him.

Verdandi walks over to one of the trees in the clearing and lets her body drop to it in a huff. She slowly slides down the trunk, letting her weary body finally catch up with her. She refrains from groaning, her body is sore from the trek. She looks over at Sweiza, whom seems to be unaffected and quite energetic from the trek. She thinks that perhaps Sweiza’s stamina exceeded her own, but more strenuous activity was her (Verdandi’s) domain.

“You can’t be serious!” Sweiza stoops over with her umbrella towards Verdandi and points her finger at her and then away. “I’m not staying in the rain.”

Verdandi says nothing as Sweiza folds up her umbrella and sets it to the ground. She pulls off her rucksack and sets it lengthwise on the ground. She pulls up rolled up fabric from the bottom of the sack and unfastens it. She unfolds it and pulls a small rope from it along with four metal spikes. She scans the area for two trees and finds two suitable ones. She proceeds to take the rope and tie it between the two and then throws the fabric over the rope. The pegs are soon in metal holes in the fabric; she uses her foot to push them in. Verdandi watches her the entire time. Sweiza opens her rucksack and then pulls out a small blanket. She chucks her rucksack to the base of the tent and then kicks it inside. She sets herself on the ground and gives one last look to Verdandi before entering the makeshift tent. The blanket is soon over her. Her sprite friend leaves her pocket just as she covers herself with the blanket. His prefered area is always on top of the blanket.

“Goodnight Dewey.” She says it, but he is already fast asleep. For someone that spent most of the day in her pocket, she can’t believe he falls asleep so fast.

Before sleep takes her, Sweiza gives one last thought about a soaked Valkyrie against a tree and then quickly dismisses it. She falls fast asleep as the rain continues to pour outside.

—

An hour or so later…

“Miss Serif…”

The voice rouses her slightly.

“Miss Serif.” This time Verdandi says it louder. It rouses Sweiza further than before. “Miss Serif!” Verdandi says it sharply and Sweiza wakes up. Sweiza lets out a groan.

“Wha?” Sweiza lets out a yelp as lighting arcs across the sky.

“If I may so boldly ask, I would like to spend the night with you.”

Sweiza looks up and her eyes widen. “Absolutely not.”

“Miss Serif. I humbly and respectfully request that you allow me to sleep with you. I have been in the rain for hours and I am drenched. I would like a dry shelter for some time.”

“Negative.” Sweiza says it without further thought or restraint and then closes her eyes as she pulls the covers over her face. She hears the sound of distant thunder and refrains from jumping.

Verdandi clicks her heels together. Sweiza attempts to ignore it. She feels a hand grab the covers from her face. Verdandi stands bent over her.

“Miss Serif, I would like shelter from the rain.”

“You’ll be calling me Sweiza if you do.” Sweiza says it as she turns her head and body away from Verdandi.

Sweiza hears movement against the tent as it flaps in the wind. She also feels the covers pull up; she lets out a shiver as something cold and wet brushes up against her. She feels the covers pull once again.

Sweiza turns herself around to see Verdandi lying down, but facing her.

“You’re crazy!” Sweiza stammers at her.

“Our body heat and breath will keep each other warm. If you can tolerate it for a bit, I will dry off throughout the night. I thank you for your hospitality…” Verdandi pauses and then says it thoughtfully, “…Sweiza.”

“Fine, whatever! Just stop bothering me and go to sleep!” Sweiza barks at her in frustration and turns her body sharply away from Verdandi.

Verdandi remains silent. Sleep soon takes the both of them as more lighting and thunder dominate the sky.

—

Sometime in the early morning…

Verdandi lets out an involuntary sigh as she rouses from sleep. She pulls the cover over her body tighter. Upon realization that there is more fabric than there should be, she turns around where Sweiza should be. She quickly claws at covers to get them off and attempts to scramble to her feet. She hits the top of the tent and rebounds to the ground - it is shorter than it looks. She crawls out and the first thing she sees is a makeshift firepit with burnt wood, smoke slowly rises from it, the fire still smoldering. She notes the ground is wet and that it is lightly misting. She looks up at the sky to see that it is still dark, but morning light is slowly breaking the horizon. She scans the camp area and sees no sign of Sweiza or the Sprite. In fact, the only thing she does see is the firepit, what appears to be a leftover rodent guts (squirrel she thinks) and the tent itself. She pauses to think about it for several seconds. Maria village is in the opposite direction and quite the trek; Sweiza is unlikely to leave a personal possession like her tent behind to someone like herself (Verdandi) after coming all this way.

Verdandi about faces and heads for the small temple and outcropping near the springs up the mountain. Sweiza will most likely be there, or so she thinks.

—

It takes about fifteen minutes for Verdandi to get to the summit of the mountain. It takes her another ten to get to the springs. Contained here is an outcropping where a small stone temple houses the actual springs. It isn’t large by any means, simply a series of three rooms consisting of an entrance, terrace and the actual springs themselves. Stone pillars adorn either side of the steps that climb up to the temple itself. It takes thirty steps to climb them.

Verdandi finds herself at the entrance. Futhark and images of generations past are carved into the walls and floors, all made of limestone. She pays them no attention. She hurries herself towards the middle of the temple and sees a large pool where the spring water collects via a small passage leading through the wall. Verdandi’s left hand goes to her hip and she scans the room, and sees nothing. Surely the girl would have left her rucksack or some clothing or some such. She walks up the stairs to the left and immediately sees the girl sitting in a much smaller pool, her clothing and rucksack at the edge of the pool separated by an indented divider. The sprite on top of her head is also of note.

Verdandi stands several steps below the entrance to the terrace. Sweiza and Sprite don’t notice her. At the entrance, Verdandi lightly clears her throat. When the two of them fail to notice her, she scrapes her boots against the ground and then clicks her heels together. Still nothing. Verdandi finally clears her throat louder. The Sprite is the first to notice her. He starts patting on Sweiza’s head. She turns her head away from the balcony and morning sky in the distance. Her relaxed attitude and smile quickly reverse directions when her eyes widen at Verdandi.

Sweiza says nothing.

“Miss Serif, yo…” Verandi is finally the one to be interrupted.

“You agreed to call me ‘Sweiza’, ‘Miss Verandi’.” Sweiza says it cocky and haughty. She puts emphasis on ‘Miss Verdandi’ to rub it in.

“Why so I did. As for the reason I am here.” Verdandi stiffens her body as she raises her heels one inch off the ground via the front of her feet. She drops and then clicks her heels together. “Valkyrie Strife at your service.”

Sweiza lifts her head signaling to Sprite to get off and meet her gaze. He does so without thinking twice. He hovers about two feet from her face to her left in direction of the entrance. After she looks at him blankly, he shrugs. The two of them look over towards Verdandi.

“Is this some kind of joke?” Sweiza snorts it at Verdandi.

“You presume to boss Valkyrie around. You don’t even know the proper protocol and how to act. You tell me what is laughable here.” Verdandi says it as she approaches Sweiza.

As Verdandi approaches Sweiza, Sweiza immediately stands up from the pool. She takes one step back.

“Stay away!” She says it with some uncertainty and forced confidence. As Verdandi continues to approach, Sweiza takes another footstep back. She trips over the center divider and her Sprite friend darts out of the way as she falls backwards and hard on her butt. She lets out an “Oh!” as a groan and starts rubbing the sore area. “See what you did!”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“I did nothing of the sort Miss Serif. You brought this on yourself.” Verdandi says it with her left arm supporting her right hand supporting her head in thought. She points at the girl with her right hand and flicks her finger. “However, coming here was part of the plan, so I suppose it is dismissable… this one time.”

Sweiza pushes herself back to her feet and lets her body sink into the pool. She looks over at Verdandi, now at the edge of the pool. She lets her clothing droop. Sweiza lets out a deliberate “Eep!” at the scars on Verdandi’s body. Verdandi enters the pool. At that moment Sweiza sinks her eye level underwater, closes her eyes and lets out several bubbles from her mouth. She hears Verdandi mutter something akin to, “Such a child.” She gives it no attention. Done blowing bubbles and having a moment she raises her eyeline and sees Verdandi sitting on the far left of the pull opposite of Sweiza. She faces the skyline and terrace.

“So then ‘Sweiza’, please tell me about yourself.” Verdandi says it nonchalantly, leaning her arms against the center divide. She stares blankly and in surprise at Sweiza when the belligerent girl says, “As if!”

Verdandi turns her head away, eyes closed and with dignity. She will not be had by the girl in front of her. Then Sprite snickers. Verdandi turns towards him and her face turns red; whether from the spring’s heat or the embarrassment of the two of them double teaming her composure, she can’t tell.

“Fine then, I’ll start.” Verdandi says it as she faces the two with dignity as she regains her composure. “I was knighted Valkyrie at twenty-six. Your turn.”

Sweiza and the Sprite look at each other. Sweiza goes to speak, but the Sprite interrupts her. “Why did you wipe out my kind?”

Verdandi clenches her jaw and stares at the Sprite seriously; not a question she wants to hear. “Odin’s decree. I was tasked with leading the charge as they ‘were’ native to this area.” She waves her finger to the Sprite, “It seems my suspicions were right when I missed a few.”

Verdandi looks at them squarely, “That’s two you owe me now. Your turn… ‘Sweiza’”.

Sweiza’s eyes widen. The Sprite pipes up again, “No, I mean ‘WHY’ did Odin give the order?”

He flies up from Sweiza, a few feet closer to Verdandi, caution, curiosity and suspicion in his voice and movements.

“As I’m sure you yourself have known… What was your name again?” She says it leaning back into the water, the heat from it soaking her sore body from the previous day’s walk.

“His name is Sir Dewey Herschel.” Sweiza crosses her arms as she says it with pride and contempt. Verdandi just shakes her head at the interruptions and exchanges between the two.

“Well then, ‘Sir Herschel’. I’m sure there has been more than one instance of Maria villagers chasing you away from the village market… or dare I assume out of someone’s kitchen a time or two?”

Although hard to see through his facial hair, Sprite’s face turns red. He stammers and when he can’t think of what to say, he flies behind Sweiza. “You take care of her.” He points at Verdandi and crosses his arms.

“I’m sure that should answer your question than.” Verdandi says it pleasantly having finally won. She quickly dismisses the Sprite, “As for you Sweiza. I’d like to know more about you.”

“Such as?” Sweiza adopts the same pose as Verdandi and leans her back and arms against the pool’s edge divider.

“Must everything always be a guessing game with you?” Verdandi finally crosses her arms, her dignity slacking.

“Must everything always be brutal misery with you?” Sweiza sinks her body into the pool again above eye level and lets out more bubbles.

Verdandi rolls her eyes and lets out a sigh.

“As your mentor Miss Se… Sweiza, it is easier for both of us we know things about each other. It will assist with your training. But you need to provide it willingly.” Verdandi says it without an air of contempt. “However, if that is how you feel about it, that’s your choice. Regardless of how you feel, the sun is rising if you’ll chance it.”

Sweiza glances over at the sunrise.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” Verdandi says it, switching her gaze from the sunrise to Sweiza. Sweiza’s gaze fixes on the sunrise; Sprite takes this opportunity to land on Sweiza’s head.

“I think so.” She turns her head, meeting Verdandi’s gaze. “This is a sacred place you know. We shouldn’t be arguing.”

“Agreed.” Verdandi pulls herself up from the water. “I see you took the opportunity earlier to hunt. I have yet to eat, so I will do the same. Do as you like, but do not leave the vicinity. I would suggest going back for your tent, however.”

Verdandi pulls herself out of the pool and puts her clothing back on. Sweiza notes she is more muscular than she initially thought. It might explain why Verdandi is so strong; she figures it is from training as a Valkyrie and would apply to anyone that acted as a knight.

“Do whatever, I’m staying right here.” Sweiza splashes the water with her hand in Verdandi’s direction. Verdandi looks at the girl wide eyed and gives a nervous bow before she excuses herself.

Sweiza’s eyes widen at the display. She looks up expecting Sprites reaction. He has no part in it. She looks back down at Verdandi’s original direction.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

She says it gruffly while fixing her attention to the sunrise. Her attention goes back to the direction that Verdandi went. Her lips purse and she lets out a stifled, but defiant and involuntary sigh. Her body shakes from the reflex.

“You do like hunting with others don’t you?” Sprite says it a few feet from her face at eye level.

“Pfft! As if! Not with her!” She cocks her head in the opposite direction of Verdandi’s exit. She opens one eye at the door.

—

It is about ten minutes later as Verdandi is heading down the stairs of the temple when she hears the rush of distant footsteps and then Sweiza’s desperate plea, “Hey! Wait up!”

Verdandi turns around as the footsteps get louder. Sweiza finally catches up and lets out her breath, huffing and puffing. She tries to speak and her lungs burn as she gasps for air.

“So you did decide to come along afterall.” She says it with amusement, “I’m guessing you like hunting.”

Sweiza attempts to say something, but her lungs still burn. She looks from Verdandi to Sprite and then motions at Sprite and then to Verdandi with an odd finger gesture. Sprite immediately sticks his tongue out at the Valkyrie. Verdandi covers her mouth to hide her surprised lips.

“Oh, Freya!” Sweiza lets out the curse as she takes the Goddess of Fertility’s name in vain. She does so while still gasping for air. Verdandi waits patiently for the young girl’s breath to catch up with her. Her Sprite friend bops up and down patiently, also waiting it out.

When Sweiza’s breath catches up with her, her Sprite friend interrupts and starts laughing at her. “You two do have something in common!”

Sweiza swats at him and he dodges the same. He starts laughing uncontrollably and starts darting in different directions in front of her, provoking her as she tries to swat at him.

“You can just stay right here… Dewey!” She puts emphasis at the last part as she storms down the temple stairs. Sprite hovers there confused and follows her. Verdandi looks with concern and keeps a note of the behaviors of the two for future reference.

“Miss Serif, let us make our way down to the camp. We’ll need your tent for later.” Verdandi says it, walking alongside the girl. Sweiza nods, “Agreed.”

“Sweiza, what are you doing?” Verdandi questions the girl as Sweiza pulls off her rucksack and fishes for a certain item.

She pulls out a small cylinder and slides the rucksack back onto both arms. She smacks the cylinder once to loosen the outer tube cover and unscrews it. She makes a clicking noise and Sprite grabs the cylinder as she chucks it up to him. He turns it upside down and she catches the three pieces of wood that fall out; two of the pieces are connected by a string of sorts. Verdandi guesses it is some kind of portable short bow. Her suspicion proves right as Sweiza takes the two thinnest pieces of wood with attached string, and jams both free ends into a longer thicker handle. She pulls at the string once and gives a nod of approval.

Sweiza gives another click and Sprite stands to attention. He hovers with the cannister into the backpack and drives into the backpack with it. He jumps out and winds the cord of it and then pulls a flap over the top of it. Sweiza gives out another click, but different in tone. Sprite again tenses to attention and dives at the rucksack, only this time he does it towards a cannister belted to the left side of the pack. This cannister has a much simpler style with a cork at the end. He pulls and pulls and struggles to get the cork out.

Sweiza lets out an irritated chirp. Sprite continues to struggle with it. She lets out the chirp repeatedly, her irritation grows as she speeds up the chirping. She raises the bow with her left hand and reaches her right arm under her left. She shoos Sprite away without looking at him. He dodges and gives out a disgruntled chirp at her. She grabs the cork with her right hand and uses her fingers to fish out three arrows. Verdandi flanks Sweiza’s left to observe the cannister - roughly ten arrows left inside.

“Did you make this Miss Serif?” She questions it looking back up at the girl. She flinches when she sees Sweiza looking up with the wood of the arrow in her mouth.

“Miss Serif, that is so undignified!” Verdandi says it with shock as she shakes her head.

Sweiza simply nods. She takes the remaining two arrows in her right hand and lets the tips slide into an oppening of the thick middle piece of the bow. The back of the arrows stick well above the thick piece as the tips hit the bottom. Sweiza takes the last arrow out of her mouth and lets out a chirp as she chucks the cork up. Sprite dashes towards it and grabs it. While he flies to the arrow cannister on the rucksack, Sweiza takes the arrow in her hand and pulls it tight against the bow’s string. She takes in a deep breath and lets out a sigh of approval. She points the arrow and bow just offset from Verdandi’s shoulders. Verdandi raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms. Sweiza points it down the stairs and then at the sun. She pulls the arrow and straightens it against several marks on the thick end of the bow. She points the bow towards a clearing just beyond the summit; the trees lighten in the surrounding area and dwindle towards the horizon of the clearing opposite the summit.

“Five hundred yards roughly. It’s about three hundred yards from camp. It might be easier to go that way and grab the tent.” Sweiza’s normal belligerence gone she says it to Verdandi.

“I guess there is something you are good at!” Verdandi says it with surprise and pride, “You surprise me Miss Serif. Nice work!”

“Whatever!” Sweiza shakes her head as she takes the final arrow and puts it into the bow’s makeshift quiver. She quickens her pace towards the camp.

Sprite flies around Sweiza in a very specific pattern. Occasionally he flies above the tree tops, then flies back down to her shoulder. He flies left or right of her position about twenty feet before returning; he repeats the same motion behind her. He finally circles around her about ten feet. He pauses for ten seconds and then repeats the motion. Verdandi makes note of this.

Verdandi follows them at speed for a time, but then slows her pace ever so few footsteps. Sprite notices this when he flies behind Sweiza. He stops his pattern and then doubles back to face her. He flies up to her.

He waits for it. Verdandi finally opens her mouth, “She has you trained well.” Sprite ignores it and flies back to Sweiza. He whispers something in her ear and then repeats his pattern.

Sweiza looks behind her and says in a hushed voice, “You are disturbing the hunt. Animals might here you.”

“I thought we were going back for your tent first.” Verdandi reminds her of their first goal.

“We still might see something on the way.” Sweiza says it again in a hushed tone, “…and keep your voice down.”

Verdandi bows, “My appologies. Carry on.” Verdandi says nothing more as they continue towards the campsite. Sadly, as fate would have it, the trip there is uneventful.

—

At the campsite Sweiza readies her tent back into a roll, spikes thrown into the center as a base. She refrains from having Verdandi help her.

“You seem to be quite self sufficient when it comes to the outdoors.” Verdandi mentions it quite deliberately. Sweiza gives it no attention. Verdandi twitches her eyes once, “You seem to be quite capable out in the woods Miss Serif.”

“I’m from Maria village.” She says it to the point as if Verdandi will understand.

“However, you seem not to care if you talk about yourself.” Verdandi sees her chance.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Sweiza holds the tent roll in her right arm. She pauses to address Verdandi’s concerns.

“I’m just saying, you are more capable than you let on - or want to talk about for that matter. You seem to also be fiercely independent.” Verdandi says it leaning against a tree, watching the girl.

“We have a hunt to focus on, let’s go.” Sweiza says it to the point, again. She uses clasps on the bottom of the rucksack to reposition and secure the tent; she throws it back over her shoulders and about faces from Verdandi. She looks up towards the path at the summit and then tries to remember where the next clearing was. She points towards the path again.

“It’ll be easier if we double back. There was a clearing that leads to it. It’ll be easier than traversing brush and trees.” Sweiza doubles back and walks past Verdandi towards the footpath. Sprite follows her.

“I see, very good.” Verdandi says it to no one but herself, and stifles a smirk all of the same before turning around and doubling back and following them.

—

About an hour later they are beyond the clearing. To Verdandi’s dismay they are behind schedule. At her urging to skip breakfast, Sweiza would have none of it.

Verdandi looks up top the tree that Sweiza has herself sitting in. She is sitting above the tree’s largest low hanging branch. She has been sitting there for the last fifteen minutes eying something in the trees some fifty feet away. Verdandi saw it minutes before. A bird, a rather large one. All she can do is cross her arms while leaning against the tree. She pushes her eyes to the left of her head with ridicule and boredom.

“This is ridiculous.” She mutters to herself. She suddenly hears a commotion and then the tug of a string and the launch of an arrow. There is a quick peg and loud squeak as it hits its mark. She looks over to the direction of where the bird should have been in the tree. It is gone, and instead Sprite is fluttering in it’s previous sitting location. She watches him suddenly scurry towards the ground.

“Lookout!” Sweiza suddenly jumps from the branch to the tree trunk and lets herself slide down. It isn’t long before Verdandi sees the reason why. Sweiza scurries over to the vicinity of Sprite. Verdandi calms her nerves as she slowly approaches. Sweiza holds up the still flailing bird. It is big.

“Delicious.” Is all Sprite says up towards the still approaching Verdandi.

Sweiza takes one look up at Verdandi, then to the bird. She drops the bird to the ground. To Verdandi’s surprise, as well as her delight, Sweiza’s greaves appear on her feet. To her dismay, Sweiza’s intent is to crush the bird’s head. The bird stops flailing the minute contact is made. The greaves disappear just as easily.

“You don’t have a fillet knife on you, do you?” Sweiza asks with some enthusiasm.

“I’m afraid not my dear.” Verdandi opens her palms face up at the girl and shakes her head.

Sweiza takes both of her hands to her cheeks and claps them twice and regains her composure. She kneels down to pick up the bird by the legs and looks up at Verdandi, “Don’t you carry a knife behind your armor? I seem to remember it.”

Verdandi cradles her hands under her elbows, “That was the plan before, but you seem to be equipped for hunting. If there isn’t a need to…”

Sweiza jumps to her feet, the bird shaking in her left hand, she pulls her right hand towards Verdandi as if to take an offering, “You wanted togetherness, so hand it over.” She makes a grabbing motion with her right hand. Verdandi closes her eyes and reaches behind her as her armor appears momentarily. It disappears the same as she unsheathes a blade rather large for a knife. She flips the blade in her hand and offers it to the girl.

“This is not a toy, and it is most certainly not a knife. It is a backup shortsword called a gladius. You are to treat it with the same…” She doesn’t have time to finish as Sweiza pulls the sword from Verdandi’s hand. Verdandi quickly retreats her hand, eying it up and down, noting there aren’t any cuts. She flexes her fingers a few times before she lets her hand down and shakes her head at Sweiza in disapproval. Her eyes widen at the girl not paying attention to her; instead, Sweiza already has a plate out of her rucksack and is at work on the bird. She makes no elegant affair of it as she trims it and leaves guts everywhere, blood included. Verdandi shakes her head. She approaches the girl about the time she is finished. Sprite flies up to Sweiza’s face. He starts shaking enthusiastically.

“Later.” Is all she says. He lets out an annoyed chirp. “Later.” Is all she says. She hands the shortsword back up to Verdandi. Verdandi grimaces as she grabs the blade, still full of blood. She grabs a few leaves from a nearby tree and uses them to clean the blood off the sword.

“You could at least give me the dignity of cleaning my weapon.” Verdandi says it nonchalantly. Her armor appears again momentarily as she sheaths the sword. Sweiza looks up at her and wrinkles her nose as she smirks at her. Verdandi shakes her head again. However, the trouble of the girl is worth it at the amount of meet. Complemented with any fruit or vegetation they find along the way, it will last for several meals.

“Do you intend to cook it?” Verdandi asks. Sweiza nods enthusiastically. She grabs some nearby leaves from a tree and uses them as a makeshift towel as she wipes the blood from her hands. Verdandi closes her eyes and shakes her head again.

“Watch the food. And make sure no animals… or obnoxious sprites, get to it.” Sweiza says it looking back at the Sprite.

“Hey!” He says it with his hands on his hips. Verdandi’s eyes widen as her hands also go down to her hips. In her mind she is on guard duty at the girl’s behest. She is soon starting to regret restraining authority and superior. She reminds herself that this ‘togetherness’ is only temporary until they depart for Valhalla.

She crosses her arms as Sweiza and Sprite move too and fro gathering leaves, twigs, branches and anything on the ground that could burn.

“Can your lance cut through tree branches?” Sweiza again speaks with enthusiasm. Verdandi nods. Sweiza motions her head for Verdandi to do it.

“It will only work on smaller branches dear.” Verdandi’s lance appears in her hand and she lets out a jump as she swings at it with both hands. It cuts through a three in branch of the nearby tree.

“Perfect!” Sweiza goes to grab it. However, she stops as Verdandi cuts it into smaller logs. Once finishes, Sweiza throws them into a pile. She reaches into her rucksack and pulls out two blocks and clips them together near the makeshift firepit. She clips them together again and sparks fly. Several attempts and several dry leaves catch fire. Sweiza uncorks her pack’s quiver and holds out an arrow for Verdandi. Verdandi looks at it with surprise and confusion. Sweiza takes it and stabs the meat. She points at the firepit and then offers it to Verdandi. Verdandi with some trepidition takes the offering and sticks it into the fire.

“I’m surprised it doesn’t burn the arrow.” Verdandi says it thoughtfully after eying the arrow and the food.

Sweiza pulls her own arrow and food from the fire, “They’re made out of imported wood. That’s why I don’t like losing them. They do, however, resist burning in fire for some time. I can always make more out of normal tree branches if necessary.” She finishes her statement and takes a bite of the food. Sprite appears before her, hovering up and down with his arms crossed and lets out an annoyed chirp. Sweiza ignores him. He lets out several more disgruntled chirps. Sweiza looks up at her viewpoint (at nothing in particular), let’s out a sigh and offers it to Sprite. In one motion, he darts for it, grabs the meat, and flies off with it. Sweiza stabs the arrow into another piece of meat on the plate, repeating the process as before.

Sometime later, Sweiza throws a preservative spice on the meat and throws it into a small skinned sack. It goes into her rucksack. She gives one triumphant nod to Verdandi. “Where to, oh great one?”

Verdandi’s face twitches several times as she maintains her composure. “We will be heading several miles up the mountain and then we will be traveling to the left summit after our business there.”

“The harbor is to the left. Why are we heading up? There is a dragon over that way.” The questions from Sweiza do not stop, nor does her confusion.

“Exactly. We have business with him.” Verdandi says it with a bright smirk on her face as Sweiza shakes. Verdandi turns around and heads for the mountain path. She turns around when she does not hear Sweiza’s footsteps. “Stand there if you like, but I’ll drag you up if necessary.”

Verdandi approaches the girl to make good on her threat. Sweiza immediately follows towards Verdandi; Sprite soon jumps from his hiding spot in the trees and follows after.

They make there way up and to the left of the mountain.

—

As they make their way up the mountain summit and past the temple, Verdandi is the first to break the silence. “Miss Serif…”

Sweiza immediately interrupts her, “Sweiza!”

“My Appologies, Miss Sweiza…” Verdandi bows and nods her head in one motion in apology, “It pleases me that you are so well prepared for the outdoors. You surprise me with your readiness.”

Sweiza escalates her pace as she nervously walks by Verdandi, ignoring her. She hastens her pace as the distance between the two of them continues. Verdandi goes to open her mouth with her hand next to it to channel the voice, but Sprite flies by her quickly and chases after Sweiza. Verdandi shakes her head and follows along, enough to keep the young girl in sight, but enough to keep some distance between them.

—

An hour or so passes. Sweiza walks with a greater pace, not as fast as before, but enough to keep Verdandi on her toes. Verdandi keeps up with her, trailing behind by ten feet. Sweiza seems to ignore her, as she makes a commotion here and there, pointing out out different things to her Sprite friend, whom seems to do the same. He darts readily back and forth, grabbing different flowers and other items of interest, both of his accord, and when she points out the object. Verdandi shakes her head in disbelief, but not out of contempt, but something more akin to relief and possible nostalgia for years gone by. It has been awhile since she has had a student, let alone someone so energetic.

In her mind, this ‘student’, might turn out to be a good thing. Time will tell.

—

Fifteen minutes pass. Sweiza’s energy spurt subsides and she walks at a normal pace, Verdandi walking abreast with her. They have walked together since the last conversation, in silence. Verdandi finally breaks the silence. “So Miss Sweiza, do you have any other talents that you are good at?” She says it with curiosity. Sweiza smirks and then beams and pushes her body as well as her face towards Verdandi. Both of them stop walking.

“Of course. I am good with the lyre and to and somewhat the harp.” She pounds her chest with her left hand.

“Oh really? I’m sure Odin would like to hear it.” Verdandi says it smugly, “Perhaps it will help in forgiving your belligerence and disobedience to him.”

Sweiza’s mood tanks as she purses her lips. Sprite starts laughing at her.

“Let us hurry.” Verdandi turns back towards the upside of the mountain and continues on her way. Sweiza instinctively follows, knowing she will not get out of this, regardless of her mood.

—

A half hour passes, the trio remain silent. Sweiza finally pipes up and breaks the silence.

“So…” She slows her pace, walking abreast with Verdandi. Verdandi looks over, slowing her pace as well, but she keeps her silence. Her face looks kinder, as it also gives away Verdandi’s intent to listen.

Sweiza attempts to speak, but falls silent and stammers. Verdandi waits patiently. Sprite hovers directly over Sweiza’s head. Sweiza attempts to speak again, but stammers once again. She curses her luck. “Oh, Freya!”

“Sweiza!” Verdandi says it sharply and in surprise. Sweiza’s face flushes red. She hears Sprite snickering behind her. She turns around, grabs him and launches him some distance away from Verdandi and herself. He maintains his position for a few seconds and then flies up to her.

Sweiza faces Verdandi once more. “I…” She quickly turns her head away when Verdandi’s eyebrows raise.

“I see. As you wish Miss Sweiza. Speak at your leisure.” Verdandi bows her head and about faces. She continues on her way and leaves Sweiza there to contemplate what just happened. Sweiza’s body tremors as she forces a deep breath and follows Verdandi.

—

“Dear Diary,

Verdandi has a history. This is to be expected, she is over two centuries old. Valkyrie apparently have long lives. I would assume this means the same for myself. However our first meeting might have fated itself together, we appear to be getting along better. I wonder how many friends a Valkyrie can make after just a century?

I don’t like adventure. I fear I may end up with a history similar to Verdandi. I would like to keep my ears if at all possible.

More importantly, I am remembering these odd nightmares about a demon named ‘Demi’.

-Sweiza“

“Whatchya doin’?” Verdandi says something out of character for her. Sweiza jolts and drops the journal and pen. She scrambles to pick up the open diary and closes it against her chest all the same; she looks around quickly for Verdandi, but doesn’t see her. She quickly finishes writing the rest of the entry as suspicion fills her at Verdandi’s absense. She quickly deposits the journal and pen in her rucksack. She has an ‘aha’ moment and spins around to see Verdandi behind her.

“You really like writing in that thing, don’t you?” Verdandi says it inquisitively, questioning the practice.

“That’s none of your business!” Sweiza angers up and walks straight up to Verdandi and gets in her face, “…and don’t ever let me catch you writing in it again!”

“…the bit about food?” Verdandi muses to herself and smirks again. She interrupts Sweiza before she can counter. “What are these nightmares you have been having?”

“That…” Sweiza questions whether she wants Verdandi privy to this information.

“Sweiza, if I am offering advice or trying to help you, it means I feel it would be beneficial.” Verdandi says it as a matter of factually speaking, more so for her (Verdandi’s) own sake than Sweiza’s.

“As if. You are so full of yourself!” Sweiza dares to inch closer to Verdandi’s face, but the Valkyrie holds her composure. “Getting angry isn’t going to help your situation, and it probably isn’t helping your nghtmares, if not making them worse.”

Verdandi leaves her there as she continues along the path. Sweiza hurries after her. Alongside her she mutters, “Fine!” She resumes a normal speech pattern, “I have reoccurring nightmares about some kind of dream spirit. It manifests itself differently each time, and the scenery is always different, but it always asks me what I desire. It calls itself ‘Demi’.”

Verdandi looks up at the sky and then to Sweiza. “Oh, one of those.”

“Hmm?” Sweiza’s curiosity perks.

“Have fun with it.” Verdandi closes her eyes and smirks at Sweiza.

“What do you mean?” Sweiza walks in front of Verdandi and partially blocks her path as they walk. Verdandi stops and looks down at the girl.

“That’s for you to figure out Miss Serif.” Verdandi uses her right arm to push the girl out of the way and continues on the path. A stunned Sweiza is left to figure out what just happened. She looks over at Sprite and he just shrugs.

“Hey! Wait up!” Sweiza hurries after Verdandi.

—-

Ten minutes pass. Sweiza speaks up again. “Verdandi, what I meant earlier was…” Sweiza trails off again.

“Yes?” Verdandi stops walking. Sweiza marches forward a few steps and then stops. She turns around.

Sweiza takes a deep breath and spits it out as a jumbled mess, “What I meant earlier, I mean if you wouldn’t mind answering, is if you could tell me about yourself, I’d like to know more about your family, why you became a Valkyrie, and if you acted different before you became one.” Sweiza feeling light headed, takes another breath. She cuts Verdandi off before she can speak, “You also said you were punished by Odin, why?” Her last statement more demanding than the others.

Though not in sight because of her hair, Verdandi instinctively reaches her left hand up to her left ear. She pulls and flexes her fingers on her hair in that vicinity. “That…” Verdandi pauses as she lowers her hand and looks up at nothing in particular in contemplation. Sweiza tenses up. Verdandi looks back down at her.

“I would say our relations are coming along. You’re not as rude as you were before.” Verdandi crosses her arms in thought. “But that last part was a bit demanding. Do you really need to know that?”

“That…” Sweiza freezes and stammers in surprise. “That’s not nice.”

“What isn’t?” Verdandi reaches her hand up to grab a lock of hair and fingers it once before releasing it.

“Stop dodging the issue!” Sweiza’s hands go to her hips, she points her left finger up at Verdandi and tosses it up and away from her. Verdandi cracks a pursed smirk.

“Very good Miss Serif.” Verdandi’s smirk broadens at Sweiza’s unimpressed reaction to the words ‘Miss Serif’.

“Let us walk and talk.” Verdandi continues on the footpath as before, “As I mentioned…” She faces Sweiza as they walk, “…I was knighted Valkyrie at twenty-six. My history, as well as my punishment are complicated, but they are all related.”

Sweiza puzzled, watches the Valkyrie, waiting for more words.

Verdandi finds the nearest tree off the path and leans on it. She turns around to face Sweiza. “For starters, I am of noble birth from Valhalla.” Verdandi crosses her arms, waiting for the surprise on Sweiza’s face, it doesn’t come.

“You strike me as more of a ruffian than nobility.” Sweiza walks up alongside the Valkyrie, Sprite follows quickly behind, eager not to be left out of any action - or better still, gossip.

“So it would seem that many people from Maria Village are backwater. Maria village is… or was my family’s vacation home. I live between the two.” Verdandi closes her eyes and nods as a matter of factually.

“Oh really?” Sweiza’s mock skepticism fires off. Verdandi gives her a look and pays no attention.

“You are familiar with the Muspell-Valhalla War?” Verdandi looks at the girl, waiting for an answer.

“Just barely. I seem to remember it happened about two centuries ago.” Sweiza says it, struggling to remember her history knowledge.

“The whole thing is stupid. Draco were changing their migration patterns due to the encroaching desert.” Verdandi looks back into the past, not inspired by it.

“And that is why we have the annual pilgrimage to Freya’s Temple.” This one Sweiza knew all too well.

“Correct. Goddess Freya has much to do with this area’s beauty, and so it has been for over a millenia or so. Regardless, Draco are not welcome in Midgard territory. Enough breaches of this knowledge lead to border disputes, which lead to skirmishes, which lead to a war.” Verdandi says it, straight forward, waiting to see if Sweiza is paying attention.

“What does this have to do with you?” Sweiza’s lack of enthusiasm as she closes her eyes and shrugs is not met with approval from Verdandi whom pushes herself from the tree with her legs and walks up to the girl. She closes the gap and inches closer to Sweiza’s face, barely a foot from her. Her eyes narrow and she becomes more serious.

“To keep this long story short so as it will fit within the scope of your short attention span…” Verdandi’s eyebrows raise up knowing that she hit the mark. Sweiza flinches and Sprite snickers.

“I fell in love with and eloped with a soldier of the Muspell military, his name was Sigurd. He found himself in Maria village, sick from injuries. He died from them before we could elope. Odin caught wind of this, and despite Maria village being neutral territory, I was brought before him to be punished. I was set to fight in the coliseum and won. However, despite winning, my belligerent tongue cost me this….” Verdandi reaches her left hand up to her left ear and pulls away her hair revealing the top of her ear had been cut. “Odin revealed to me that my family perished during the war. I was left to my own devices after that. Seeking revenge, I sought an audience with Odin and I was to become a Valkyrie.”

Sweiza trembles at the intimidating woman before her, but she says nothing.

“The war ended soon after. There isn’t much to say beyond that.” Verdandi steps back and clicks her heels together, knowing her point had been made. She flicks her hair with her right hand and shakes her head to move it the same. “I trust we are square as far as my history is concerned?”

“Quite.” Sweiza says it wide eyed with her eyebrows up. Sprite snickers again. She reaches her left hand up at the distraction and attempts to swat him, he darts out of the way. Sweiza faces the Valkyrie again. “Didn’t you say you had a daughter?”

“That is quite enough for now Miss Serif. Maybe later.” Verdandi waves her hand back and forth and then crosses her arms as she looks down at the ground, walking back towards the path.

Sweiza looks up at Sprite, they both chase after her.

—

Most of the rest of the trip is spent in silence, with Sweiza and Verdandi avoiding talking to each other. It doesn’t go unnoticed by Sprite, but Sweiza shoos him away when he chooses to inquire about it.

Verdandi finally stops abruptly. “Miss Serif, do you have any knowledge of personal defense or offensive comabat?”

Sweiza looks up to Sprite. He looks down at her with that grin he is known to do. “I am well versed in the bow staff and I have some intermediate knowledge of the steel tonfa for defense. I used to beat on the boys when I was younger. I also participate in the yearly sparring matches at the harvest festival.” Sweiza looks up, proud, if not arrogant.

“I believe their was a young girl that was kicked out one year for throwing sand in someone’s eyes. Was that you Miss Serif?” Verdandi says it, reminiscing and musing the same.

“Hmph!” Sweiza crosses her arms and jolts her head in the other direction while closing her eyes.

Verdandi walks up and puts her hand on Sweiza’s shoulder. Sweiza looks over towards Verdandi, her head still turned away, but she opens one eye to get a look at the woman.

“We’ll make a Valkyrie out of you yet.” Verdandi shakes Sweiza’s shoulder several times. “Come.”

Verdandi sets back towards the path.

“Wait!” Sweiza says it to stop the Valkyrie. Verdandi stops, but doesn’t turn around.

“How much longer?!” Sweiza says it with her hands on her hips.

Verdandi’s head turns just enough to turn her eyes and see the girl out of her vision, “Do you see the clearing about two miles ahead?” Verdandi turns her head towards the face of the peak and points to an area several miles under it.

Sweiza looks up. There is what looks like a large outcropping.

“That is our destination.” Verdandi says it and continues on her journey without remorse. “Hurry. It will be twilight soon.”

Sweiza rushes up to Verdandi, walking abreast with her. “Why are we going there?”

“You’ll see soon enough child.” Verdandi says it, not divulging any details. Sweiza rocks her head back and forth and rolls her eyes.

Sweiza follows along Verdandi, but paces much slower than her, some twenty to thirty feet. Verdandi gives it no attention. Sweiza talks and muses with Sprite. “Doesn’t she know there is a dragon in this area?”

Sprite shrugs at the girl, but doesn’t say anything. They both tag after Verdandi, keeping a pace of ten to twenty feet behind her. Verdandi again gives them no attention.

The rest of the trip is spent in silence.

—

Towards twilight, the trio finds themselves at the mouth of a large cave at the outcropping. Sweiza grows impatient at the silence from Verdandi. Verdandi just stares at the mouth of the cave, not doing much else. Sweiza finally breaks the silence.

“What’s so special about this location? Have you forgotten this area is dangerous?” Sweiza turns her back from the cave to Verdandi.

Sweiza suddenly freezes when she hears a large growl and rumbling from the cave. She bolts her body around at the direction. She quickly turns back to Verdandi. “We need to run!”

“I think not child.” Verdandi eyes the girl up and down. Her face remains expressionless as she turns her attention back to the cave.

Sweiza’s mouth gapes open at the Valkyrie. She turns back towards the cave. She sees the eyes. They were the first thing she sees. She bolts around, “RUN SPRITE!”

As she passes Verdandi, Verdandi’s leg comes out and trips her. Sweiza falls to the ground. Sprite stops near her, takes one look up at the creature, and then flies back towards the path below them.

“SPRITE! Help me!” Sweiza says it in terror at the creature rumbling up to them.

What happens next is something surreal and so fast that Sweiza’s brain has trouble processing what she is looking at. A four-legged creature, a set of wings, a set of horns on its head, and definitely reptilian with wings. She has heard the legends. The creature stops short of Sweiza and Verdandi and rears up on its hind legs and then slams its front feet to the ground. Sweiza attempts to let out a scream, but nothing comes out.

The creature inches its head towards Sweiza and lets out several times a forked tongue. It’s eyes are catlike, and irises narrow. Sweiza freezes as she feels her muscles and lungs lock. She wants to panic, but her body won’t let her. Sweiza manages to force her head to look up at Verdandi.

Verdandi’s arms are crossed and she looks up at the Draco with relief in her eyes. “I see you’ve shed your skin.”

The Draco flicks out his tongue again and looks at the Valkyrie. His face remains expressionless.

“Why have you come here?” It’s voice rumbles through its throat. It is quite deep.

“This girl was meant to be my current companion. But perhaps she would do better with you as a meal?” Verdandi says it to the dragon, while looking down at the girl. A big smirk crosses her face and her eyes light up. Sweiza’s body tremors as she attempts to get new air into her lungs. The physical tension prevents her from screaming, as much as she might like to.

“You know the consequences. It is forbidden for you to be here. You should leave.” The dragon turns around on his legs, ignoring the two as he heads back for the cave. It flicks its tail.

“I am happy you are well.” Verdandi says it to the dragon, but it says nothing. The last thing Sweiza sees is the dragon’s tail as it disappears into the cave. The situation finally processes towards her ignorance and her chest with her body trembling, finally takes in a breath. Verdandi’s upper body-frame appears above the girl. Verdandi looks down at her. Sweiza trembles and shakes as she takes another breath.

Verdandi grabs Sweiza by her left arm and yanks her up and pulls her to her feet. Sweiza lets out a yelp as she is planted back to her feet. Verdandi is clearly stronger than the girl first thought.

“Call your Sprite friend. He shouldn’t have fled too far.” Verdandi eyes the girl once. Sweiza eyes the woman back. Verdandi claps her right hand on the girl’s left shoulder. “Do it.”

Sweiza flinches once from the action and barely nods. She lets out a shrill sounding whistle with her left fingers in her mouth. Sprite flies back up from the clearing.

“Sera, what w…” Sprite isn’t given a chance to finish.

“That is Surt, the guardian of this mountain. He is the legal border of Muspell in this region.” Verdandi walks past the Sprite. “We’re moving out.” The Sprite and Sweiza are left to stare at each other. Sweiza looks at the cave and then to Verdandi. Verdandi stops about twenty feet in front of them when she hears the absence of their footsteps.

“Oh and Miss Serif.” Verdandi says it after turning around. Sweiza says nothing.

“That wasn’t bad for your first time. However, you will do well not to wet yourself next time.”

Sweiza looks down at her crotch region, as does Sprite. They both look up at each other. Sweiza’s face flushes red and Sprite starts laughing uncontrollably.

“Oh you!” Is all Sweiza says to Verdandi as she ignores Sprite and leaves him there to his devices. Sweiza hurries past Verdandi in her direction of travel. The quicker she gets away from the giant lizard, the better. Sweiza promises herself to give her treacherous companions the silent treatment for some time.

—

It is several hours later…

“Verdandi, how much longer?” Sweiza says it with depression, the day’s events starting to wear on her and fatigue setting in. Her sore legs were not helping any. She stops, hoping to stall Verdandi for even a few minutes.

“You finally choose to speak to me, and this is what you choose to say, Miss Serif?” Verdandi continues walking without stopping. Sweiza does a double take and hurries after her. She hurries past Verdandi. Sprite follows quickly behind. He gives one glance at Verdandi, and then trails after Sweiza.

Verdandi stops and looks up at the sky. Thunder heads loom in the direction of Muspell. Thunder perks her ears in the distance. She blinks twice as water splashes her in the eyes. She reminds herself better pay attention to the weather and her surroundings, despite the girl and her farmiliar being a handful. They were no longer in Midgard territory, but were walking in Muspell and while this is a safe region, monsters were known to travel through, despite the looming rumors of a certain Valkyrie and even more threatening dragon in the area.

Verdandi scans the sky around her and notes the thunderheads are moving in fast. They would have to set up camp before they reached the nearby harbor.

——

Several more minutes pass and thunder crackles in the sky. Verdandi’s closeness to Sweiza’s position does not go unnoticed by the young girl.

“Is there a reason you are following me so close?” She questions her mentor, Verdandi looks at her with a certain enchantment as she raises her eyebrows briefly.

“Miss Serif, if you would be so kind as to have your umbrella at the ready.” Verdandi says it thoughtfully as she eyes the sky.

“Why?” Sweiza says it ignorant. Sprite races towards her and smacks her upside the head. She feels it as little more than the hair moving on her head. He swings in front of her.

“Pay more attention dummy!” He says it stooped over at her with his hands open. He jumps, as does Sweiza as lightning flashes and thunder cracks over head.

Sweiza looks up. A few drops start to hit the ground. Sweiza reaches for the umbrella on the side of her rucksack. She has it out as a moments notice as the raindrops continue. Verdandi holds out her right hand.

“Miss Serif, if I may do the honor.” Verdandi motions her fingers and hand for Sweiza to give her the umbrella. She does so with some uncertainty. Verdandi has it open and held just above them.

“We’ll have to walk together closer, but all three of us will be out of the rain.” Verdandi says it with certainty as she starts walking again. She stops and shoots Sweiza a look when the girl doesn’t immediately follow. She looks at Verdandi blankly, then to Sprite, then follows Verdandi. It takes some seconds before they adjust their speed to match in unison. Sprite has other ideas as he seeks shelter in the hood of Sweiza’s coat. Just enough to get some sleep, while being comfortable and out of the way. Verdandi gives him some attention and refrains from saying something mean.

“Miss Serif, you seem to get along quite well with your farmiliar How did the two of you end up together.” She says it, although fake, quizzically.

Sweiza stares blankly at Verdandi for a few seconds. She looks over to where Sprite would be if he is following alongside of her, but he is nowhere. Verdandi motions with her free hand behind Sweiza at her hood. As if to look behind her, Sweiza’s eyes and head turn towards her right and just over her right shoulder. She looks back at Verdandi.

“Why do you keep calling him my farmiliar?” Sweiza asks, ignorant again.

“One would think it would be obvious Miss Serif.” Verdandi ushers the two of them forward as she quickens her pace, hoping the young girl keeps pace with her. She does.

Sweiza blinks several times, thinks about the question thoughtfully and then asks, “What’s it to you?”

“Miss Serif, honestly. We need to work on that attitude of yours.” Verdandi says it to the point, Sweiza’s face flushes red. “Not everything is an attack on your person, Miss Serif.” Verdandi continues, quite seriously. Sweiza’s body tenses up as she takes in a deep breath. “You’re doing it right now Miss Serif. Please control yourself. It is merely a simple question. Nothing personal intended.”

“Well it is personal!”

“Be that way then.” Verdandi turns her attention from Sweiza to the path in front of them. The harbor is still some twenty miles ahead of them. She focuses her thoughts on the task ahead, namely making as much progress for the day as they can. The further today they get, the easier the next day will be. “Sore joints and muscles be damned.” Is exactly what she will say, but she keeps it to herself. There will be plenty of time to rest once they make it to the ship. Twenty miles isn’t ‘that’ hard of a stretch. Her concern is the girl beside her. Verdandi knows full well she will get an ear full the longer and harder she pushes the girl. Verdandi silently curses her luck and winces at the thought of the inevitable.

“You can tell me at your leisure Miss Serif. However, make haste. We have a long road ahead of us.” Verdandi says it cautiously, knowing that the girl would retaliate in some way. She does indeed as she stops, turns around, sticks her tongue out at Verdandi and then pulls the bottom of her left eyelid down with ler left hand. She makes a ‘byuuu’ noise at her. Sprite starts laughing. They both high five each other and turn around, victorious. Verdandi closes her eyes and shakes her head.

—

It is some hours later and Little Sprite flies up to Sweiza. He lets out several clicks and chirps. She takes one look at him, turns her head towards the path, and ignores him. He darts in front of her, blocking her view. His hands on his hips, he waves his right hand in anger and lets out an annoyed whistle. She gives him a stern look and shakes her head. Verdandi distinctly hears the words, “I’m hungry!” from the little sprite, and a sharp, “No! It needs to last until tomorrow!” from Sweiza. The sprite lets out an angry chirp and Sweiza ignores him by power walking away from him at greater speed. He hovers there, flustered. He lets out another angry click.

Verdandi’s arms cross as she follows them silently from behind. She minds her manners and minds her curiosity about the two of them. She walks past the Sprite and towards Sweiza. She chooses a more subtle method by clearing her throat at the girl. However, Sweiza pretends not to notice and entertains herself without her Sprite friend. The Sprite lets out another chirp at her and gets ignored. Verdandi sees her chance and lets out a whistle. The Sprite immediately alerts and on instinct flies around and turns towards the whistle. He tenses up when he sees it is Verdandi. Sweiza is oblivious to what is going on behind her, as she is twenty to thirty feet ahead of them at this point.

In confusion the Sprite is left to hover there. Verdandi shoots her eyebrows up at him and chooses a half smirk as she walks by. His hands go to his hips, but not in anger, more out of confusion. Verdandi approaches Sweiza again and clears her throat, this time louder. Sweiza starts power walking again, acting oblivious to what is behind her. Verdandi hears a snicker from the sprite behind her. So far, her plan was working.

“Miss Serif!’ She raises her voice just enough to get Sweiza’s attention. Sweiza stops dead in her tracks and Sprite brakes himself in the air.

“Hmm?!” She says it shyly, just enough sarcasm to come off as sly. She has won, or so she thinks.

“Miss Serif, concerning what I asked you earlier.” Verdandi says it dusting her semi-damp clothing off as a mock display.

“About what?” Sweiza slows her pace as she walks around, behind and then to the other side of Verdandi.

“Miss Serif, please take this seriously.”

Sprite lets out a chirp and Sweiza lets out a snicker. Verdandi opts to be more quick and serious in tone.

“Miss Serif, outside of personal defense and the brief training I gave you with a sword, have you been trained in personal combat or with any form of weapon?”

Sweiza stops. She slowly crosses her arms behind her head as she nervously turns away from Verdandi. Sprite flies up and lets out several chirps and clicks at Verdandi.

“I’m afraid I don’t understand you little one.” Verdandi gives a mock smile as she says it.

“She was punished repeatedly for beating up the boys when she was younger.”

Verdandi’s left eyebrow raises as her head turns towards Sweiza. Sweiza says nothing as she lets out a nervous laugh.

This does not deter Sprite, “She begged the village knights to teach her martial arts. They refused.”

He jumps when Sweiza snaps at him, “Sprite!”. He sticks out his tongue towards her as he flies around Verdandi, putting her between him and Sweiza for protection.

“She turned around and went to the village elders for guidance. They said she is a girl and it violates tradition.” He gives an evil look to Sweiza. She pretends not to notice as she quickly turns her attention towards the path and leaves the two alone.

“Do go on little one.”

“Eventually her parents relented after enough whining. She was given two circles and shown and older style of dance and defense with them, or something.”

“I see.” Verdandi nods once at him and then turns her attention to the path. The Sprite flies in front of her, hovering. She stares at him blankly after a few seconds, and then walks around him. The Sprite lets out an annoyed chirp as she fails to acknowledge his request. He darts in front of her two feet and blocks her path.

“Can I help you out little one?” Verdandi attempts to be pleasant to what she consideres to otherwise be a pest. He bobs up and down as he holds out his hand and makes a come hither motion.

“I’m afraid I don’t understand what you want. I don’t understand the language of the Sprite.” She again tries to be pleasant as she turns and attempts to circle around him. He darts in front of her and again blocks her path.

This time Verdandi’s eyebrow twitches. He attempts to click and whistle at her again. She wastes no time as her lance appears in her hand. She swings and circles it in her hand once and points it at him, the blade inches from him. He crosses his arms and sticks his face at her as he sticks his tongue out. He dashes towards the front of the blade, kicks it and launches himself doing a backflip as he flies off. He turns around and slaps his butt at her for good measure before he darts in the direction of Sweiza. Verdandi sighs as she again shakes her head.

Whether she has made some influence with him, if not a future ally, has yet to be seen.

—

Some hours pass. Sweiza is walking side-by-side with Verdandi. The two exchange various forms of banter and information with each other. Sweiza continues to keep herself out of reach and Verdandi continues to find ways to pry. Sweiza’s head turns towards Little Sprite when he flies up to her. He lets out a chirp different from his normal. Verdandi doesn’t give it much attention, but Sweiza stops dead in her tracks. The Sprite lets out several chirps and clicks. Verdandi takes several steps forward, looks back at the two and then stops. She turns around.

“What could ever be the matter?” Her hands go down to her hips, her back towards their direction of travel and her guard down.

Sweiza looks over at her wide eyed. “He says we are being followed.”

“Oh really?” She cocks her head, almost playfully. “By what?”

Sweiza points towards the sky. “Something in the air.”

Sprite flies between both of them. “Two black birds.”

Verdandi closes her eyes and lets out a smile as she cradles her arms. “You only just now noticed? Let’s get going.”

Verdandi waves her hand and gives a gesture for the two of them to follow her as she turns around. She staggers her walk deliberately, if not for her own satisfaction as she lets her left arm drop and grabs her left shoulder with her right. She lets her head drop as she closes her eyes and looks at the ground and lets out a smile. She was wondering when the two of them would noticed. She thinks to herself that, ‘Sweiza probably wouldn’t have noticed if it wasn’t for the Sprite.’

Sweiza and Sprite glance at each other blankly. He shrugs. Sweiza shouts towards Verdandi, “Hey, wait up!”

Verdandi doesn’t wait up, and the two of them hurry after her.

Sweiza catchs up and walks towards the path, sideways, as her body faces Verdandi. She stares wide eyed and curious at her, “What was that about?”

Verdandi rocks her body as she walks and lets out a smile. “The ravens of Odin, Huginn and Muninn. They are known as Thought and Memory; they perform recon for Odin.”

“And this doesn’t concern you? That he is spying on us?” She says it with concern.

“Not at all. You are not the only one with a familiar dear. Come, let us go.” Verdandi quickens her pace as she follows the path.

“Wait!” Sweiza stops and shouts it at her. Verdandi pauses, turns around, tilts her head with intent and shoots her a look. “Be mindful of what you say dear. Odin will hear of it.”

Sweiza looks from Verdandi to the sky and the two ravens over head. “What could possibly be so interesting about the two of us? We are not even in Midgard!”

Verdandi supports her right elbow with her left hand and points her right finger up to her chin. “Any new Valkyrie in training is always of interest to Odin; especially when they are in just outside the borders of Midgard.”

Sweiza is not impressed by Verdandi’s body language. “Do you always have to do that?”

“Do what dear?” Verdandi clicks her heels together and then tenses her body before it slackens and she crosses her arms and holds it rigid.

“The deliberate body language.” Sweiza, not impressed by Verdandi’s body language, puts her hands to her hips.

Verdandi ignores the question. “It is gratifying to know that Odin views a backwater girl and an unworthy noble as important.” Verdandi turns around. Her head cocks back towards Sweiza and she shoots her a look. Sweiza understands it and starts following Verdandi. She cautiously walks up alongside her, Sprite following behind them. Sprite finally darts between the two of them and flies unusually lower, lower than Sweiza’s shoulder. Sweiza looks down, and then back up at the two birds circling over head.

“They must have been patrolling near Mount Surt…” Verdandi, cannot continue before Sweiza interrupts her.

“You mean after we spoke with…” Sweiza, this time canoot continue as Verdandi interrupts her for a change.

“Miss Serif. Do not speak of what transpired before then. Maidens in a spa are not for dirty old men that hang themselves from trees.” Verdandi says it with a smirk and certain level of contempt as she looks up at the ravens.

“Yeah, but…” Sweiza, again must stop her question as Verdandi interrupts her again.

“Miss Serif. Enough. Be quiet. As your superior, I have spoken. Do not speak of this further and refrain from speaking to me or Sir Herschel until we have setup camp. Do I make myself clear?” Verdandi stops again and faces the girl.

Sweiza looks at Sprite and then to Verdandi. She shrugs and bows to the woman. Relief floods Verdandi at the thought of the silence and peace, if not for an hour or two. They continue back on the footpath with the sun slowly approaching the horizon.

With the two silent for nearly an hour, the two ravens make themselves scarce and then fly off. The sun slowly approachs the scape of trees in the forest.

“Miss Serif, let us setup camp, and let us do so carefully. I have lost sight of those two.” Verdandi scans the treetops. “They may be hiding in the trees somewhere, but I digress.”

Verdandi clicks her heels together again as she approaches a tree and turns around to lean on it. She crosses her arms as she observes Sweiza. Sweiza, following her instructor’s command, busies her tent and a firepit. Her Sprite friend flies from Sweiza to Verdandi and hides between her back and the tree. Verdandi looks back and down once, but puts her attention back to Sweiza. She figures the Sprite is afraid of the two ravens for some reason.

In about twenty minutes, a tent is propped up between two trees and twigs and branches burn inside of a small rock formation. Sweiza puts her hands on her hips and admires her handiwork. She claps and dusts her hands off as she picks up her rucksack and pushes it into the tent. She faces Verdandi.

“I’m guessing Lord Rubbish will know at some point I can give a reading?” She says it while her attention turns towards the trees. She scans them, using her right hand to guide her view.

Sweiza’s plan to reinforce their togetherness fails as Verdandi lets out a snort. “Are you asking to give me a reading? She lets her hands up and shakes her head side to side with her eyes closed. She turns to the girl and looks at her more serious. “I wasn’t aware you subscribe to such fanciful folly.”

“Nevermind.” Sweiza says it as she heads for her rucksack and pulls out a familiar pouch. She pulls out a dried scrap of meat and lets out a chirp towards Verdandi. Verdandi looks back and down towards the Sprite. He is gone. He, however, does not make himself known.

“He must be afraid of those two.” Verdandi says it as a matter of factually to the girl.

“He is. He hates crows. He’s especially afraid of ravens.” Sweiza says it, shaking the meat and looking around as she shakes the treat. She lets out several more chirps. She looks back towards the rucksack and sees movement and a set of familiar wings. She shakes her head. Verdandi looks over and sees the same thing.

“We should get some sleep Miss Serif, we have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.”

Sweiza says nothing as she stares at the woman, blankly; she grabs a bite of the meat while doing so. Her head shoots up as she drops the meat she is holding and darts towards the tent. She reaches her hand in the rucksack and pulls out the Sprite. He has a piece of meat hanging from his mouth. It drops to the ground. She reaches her right hand into the rucksack and sees there are a few scraps of meat left. She gives him a disgruntled look.

“You pig! Shame on you! We needed that for tomorrow.” She shakes him with the hand she holds him. She chucks him to the side. He quickly darts back up to her shoulder. She crosses her arms at him.

“Verdandi, I’m going to sleep. Sprite, you’re lucky I’m nice, otherwise I’d make you sleep outside with those two vultures.” She shakes her finger at him as she heads towards the bed. He quickly darts after her, then past, and into the tent.

Verdandi refrains from smirking. Her intent the entire time was to fast towards the ship; it is only an advantage that Miss Serif has hunting skills. “Miss Serif…”

Sweiza stops, but doesn’t face her.

“There is plenty of food at the harbor.”

Sprites eyes widen at Sweiza. She bolts her head from him and looks at Verdandi. “So?”

“I’ll pay for it. I’ll also stand guard for a few hours. Good night.” Strife says it, leaning with one foot up against the tree.

“Whatever.” Sweiza says it with disdain and ducks down towards the tent.

—-

“Dear Diary,

Dirty little pig. Always a disgusting pig, and yet I love him so.

—Sweiza”

—

Sweiza awakens and fines herself in an odd environment. The ground is black. A ten foot split follows the ground towards the horizon. Between the split is a red glow; lava flows at the very bottom. There are trees, here and there, but they are dark. Stars, a great many of them, are in the skyline, some of them twinkle. The shadows of large mountains dot the horizon. Sweiza follows the ground fissure’s lava flow. Once she turns in the opposite direction, she sees a large lava flow swelling around a caldera. She recognizes it as a volcano. Her mind turns towards Mount Surt as the only known volcano in the area. However, known to her were also the multiple volcanoes in Muspell, but they are on the far west coast and very far from the Midgard border.

“Hello young one.”

A voice startles her and she looks up.

She lets out a gasp at the creature of myth and legend, looming infront and above her. She recognizes it as the bipedal ram ‘Baphomet’ from her tarot cards; it represents the devil.

“Demi?”

“What is your desire?”

A puzzles scowl appears on her face. She remembers Baphomet carrying a scythe.

“Are you to give me a reading?”

“You are getting smarter.”

He slowly approaches her. Her body stiffens up. She attempts to run, but forgets she is suspended in the air. She realizes it is one of his gimmicks. She looks back at him, he has a scythe in his hands and raised. He swings it…

—

Sweiza feels a jolt to her heart as her eyes open wide. She bolts herself upright in a sitting position. She looks around gasping for breath. The reality of where she is slowly comes into play. She doesn’t see Verdandi in the tent with her.

Her head pops out of the tent towards the tree Verdandi was leaning previously. The rain is the first thing to catch her attention. She refocuses, and looks around outside the tent, but sees no sign of her.

“Where is she?” She asks it to no one but herself.

She looks back in the tent and sees Sprite sleeping on her rucksack. As much as she wants to grab her watch, she refrains from waking him up and opts to shake her head at him. She instead pops her head back outside the tent and checks for the position of the three moons. She shakes her head again as she remembers it is raining. She decides to let it go and consider it a lost cause. She moves back into the tent and repositions her coat that she was using as a makeshift pillow. She pulls the covers over herself again, but not before whispering goodnight to Sprite.

As sleep takes her, she makes one vow, “I’ll be damned if Demi will get the better of me next time.” She lets out a snort as sleep takes her.

Unknown to her, Verdandi is indeed outside the tent, but at the opposite end Sweiza has checked. Verdandi shakes her head the Valkyrie in training. Verdandi thinks to herself, “She needs to learn more grace… as well as stealth.”

Verdandi dismisses it and continues to maintain watchful vigil for a few hours more before retreating from the cold and joining Sweiza under the covers.

—

It is early the next morning, shortly after dawn and the trio are on the last leg of their journey. At Verdandi’s behest, they started out well before morning light so as to get to Muspell Harbor. After some hours, there is only one thing on Sweiza’s mind. She turns her head to him as she walks. She shoots him a dirty look.

“Sprite!”

“I was hungry!” He tries to say it innocent-like, but the girl will have none of it.

“You should be ashamed of yourself; you are a pig!” She narrows her eyes and scowls at the creature. He opens his hands and arms at her in dismay.

“We don’t have any food for breakfast and it’s too early to hunt!” She snaps at him.

The sprite flies up to her, letting out several clicks. Sweiza snaps her right hand and finger to the ground. He scowls once and attempts to fly up to her rucksack. She uses her hand to shoo him away. He lets out an angry chirp. Sweiza lets out a shrill whistle and he flies off.

“What was that about?” Verdandi says it with some curiosity.

“Don’t worry about it! I thought your type didn’t like Sprites?”

“We don’t, they’re considered pests.” Verdandi continues walking without saying anything. The conversation is clearly over, but Sweiza is not in the mood.

“Then?”

“Then nothing Miss Serif. If you can’t behave yourself, then why have a conversation at all?” Verdandi deliberately misses her (own) hair as she flicks it with her right hand; she then looks away from Sweiza at the ground and walks away. The girl is left there to stare at her. Sweiza can’t figure out if she’d been duped or if Verdandi indeed knew what the conversation was about.

“Were you going to stand there all day Miss Serif?” Verdandi’s words snap Sweiza back to reality. She sees the Valkyrie looking back at her. Verdandi motions her hand back at the path. “Muspell Harbor is just a few miles ahead.”

Sweiza doesn’t move. She looks up at the sky. It looks like rain.

“Hurry. We want to get there before it rains if we are to get breakfast.” Verdandi continues forward, but looks back at the girl, “I’m buying. Make sure to call Sir Herschel back and inform him as such.”

Verdandi continues walking and ignores the girl. Sweiza’s hands go down to her hips as she walks Verdandi leave her behind. She squints her eyes and sticks her tongue out at her back. She hears a playful chirp behind her.

“Were you the whole time?” Her enquiry gets met with an enthusiastic chirp. He darts after Verdandi’s direction. Sweiza shakes her head.

A few footsteps forward and she looks up at the sky on instinct to see two familiar black silhouettes over head. She is fairly certain that Verdandi did not see them; at least she didn’t show any concern over them. Sweiza gets a bad feeling at the two ravens. She doesn’t much like the idea of Odin knowing her business, let alone when it concerns Little Sprite. The thought of throwing a rock up at them crosses her mind, but her aim isn’t that good and it would probably miss. An arrow might hit them, but she thinks better of it. They might inform their master and then she would have something to answer for later; probably from Verdandi as well.

She shakes her head and removes the though. There are more important matters for her to attend to, such as breakfast.