Ingrid found herself breathing heavily. The intensity of Astridr's gaze and the way the air seemed to close in on her. It took away the joy and peace she had felt just a moment ago.

"What was your deal with the Fae?" And the pressure increased and seemed to be coming from within herself, "Never mind, I can see that you couldn't say."

The pressure eased from her, but Ingrid wondered what she meant by that. Shaman's had a reputation for being as mystical as Seidr itself.

"Why were you in the granary?" a tremble to her voice, but she held the woman's gaze. She had asked for questions, and Ingrid had plenty of her own.

"It was safe from the invaders until they burned it." She shrugged, "What are the Bloodaxe Clan to you?" Even though she didn't really answer the question Ingrid realized that was all she was getting.

"They are the enemy, and I will kill them all to clear the stone of their foul taint." Ingrid felt her inner flame blazing as she spoke, "They have broken the ancient rites and traditions. Even if I fall, they will suffer the punishment of doing so."

Heat began to rise from her, unseen by Ingrid, but noticed by Astridr. Her face not showing the concern and understanding she felt within. The girl clearly was using Seidr by instinct.

"You think you have a chance against a Clan that has the most Warriors in the Veil?" She asked, poking the fires she could see within Ingrid.

"I vowed to avenge them all." She said simply, the fire still dancing in her eyes, "Their spirits cannot rest until I have done what I can." Astridr sighed from the response causing Ingrid to get angry.

Was her resolve and oath to be mocked? A Shaman could have just waved her hand to end the raid and save everyone. Ingrid was certain that the woman in front of her would have saved her father easily.

But she was a Warrior and not even one when she had to stand by and watch them cut down everyone. The flames flared brightly within her soul, and Astridr narrowed her eyes at the faint, flickering flames.

Instinctual or not, this level of Seidr was expected from someone initiated as a Shaman. Yet, there was something so intense about the flames that had Astridr feeling they would hurt far worse if they were used.

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From the look in Ingrid's eyes it was clear that she was just ramping up, and something had set her off. Astridr was confused but had a feeling it was due to the repressed trauma of losing her home. Which she was certain was the case, from both her words and the emotions she could almost feel.

"I see, and I don't deny your oath. I will aid you in this to the best of my abilities." It took a second for Ingrid to register the words she heard, but when she did the rage flickered and died.

Of course the Shaman wanted to test her conviction and resolve. It was like in the tales from her father. The Hero needed to gather powerful allies to complete their oath and quest.

A pain in her chest had her looking down but saw nothing. Holding a hand to the spot she nodded to Astridr. They didn't need to speak more, the questions were done.

"While there is much I could teach you about healing, I feel that my knowledge in combat is lacking to your own." Her admission made Ingrid smile in response.

"Of course, that will be my position to hold as we travel. Should you be knowledgeable in cooking?" Astridr nodded in agreement. Which made Ingrid sigh on the inside.

She was a terrible cook beyond a simple stew her father taught her to stay healthy on a hunt. As well as how to identify various edible plants, nuts, and fruit even though she didn't know how to do anything else but eat them.

The idea that she could have a decently cooked meal was enticing enough to help her forget about the questions, and start to pack up the various supplies around her. Astridr seemed to have repaired the backpack, though it didn't need much.

Meanwhile Astridr watched her with a mix of emotions moving through her mind, but keeping a careful control of her face. The girl was strong enough to give anyone her level a challenge if she had more experience actually fighting. Or, if she could learn how to use Seidr.

That thought sent a shiver down Astridr's back. The girl would learn it easily, but would turn it into a wildfire that would burn everything it touched. She was the very reason Shaman were careful about who they taught.

The fact that simply staring her down, acting assertive, and asking a couple questions set her off so much. Was a clear sign that she was certainly repressing strong feelings. A normal girl, who looked around 10, it would be a problem to help them.

To a girl that had an unheard of Warrior pattern that gave her access to Seidr? It would require walking on eggshells around her. If Astridr wanted to both help her grow and keep her from self-destructing.

She would need to test the waters and play a very careful game. Stroke her ego while showing her how to handle physical tasks the girl thinks she's good at. Which should help to form a bond and rely on Astridr more.

The rest was in the hands of the Fates. If they smile upon the girl, she will come to understand the power she holds, and come to terms with herself. If they didn't... Astridr decided they would cross that bridge if needed.

As Ingrid stood back up. The lines of stress and emotion on her face were blank. The backpack resting easily regardless of its size.

"Alright, we must find more companions for our quest." Ingrid said pointing up the road. Astridr internally sighed.

"Where to?"