Ingrid didn't wake when the sun rose, but Astridr wasn't surprised. When weaving her Seidr through the girl's body there were multiple fractures and strains. She had taken in too much Wyrd in such a short time.

The shock of her still gaining Wryd at a rapid pace was one of the many questions she had for the girl. There were many confusing things she had found when examining her with Seidr, but the real concern was her mental state.

Astridr was happy she had been spared death by starvation and saved. Yet, the rescuer wasn't the one she expected. Though, she didn't think a member of the Shamans would have been close enough to get her signal.

A cough and groan fought for dominance as she tried to sit up again. Seidr was powerful, but it took a while, and resources to heal the flesh. It's one of the reasons she liked being a Healer over trying to command the spirits for other magic.

Healing was an easy life for most things, and you didn't need to use Seidr for it all. Being an expert on plants, techniques, and the healing arts was just as exciting for her, even if she realized how big a gap in her defense was.

Bloodaxe Clan, like everyone she had heard the rumors about their new chief, but didn't think he would just raid without the Challenge. It would be clear to everyone what was going on...at least IF word got out.

Which was the dread she was feeling about this. They weren't being careful to not get caught, and it was like they didn't care about the whims of the spirits or laws of the Veil. Which weren't just old things to be trampled over.

Glancing down at the girl she tumbled the ideas. She could be one of those chosen by the spirits, but it seemed off. The way her Megin flowed and that hint of Seidr in there too.

That felt like something far different happening, and Astridr wasn't sure what the best move was. Some would have killed her cleanly right there. As she was an obvious threat to the status quo and a wild card.

As a Healer, Astridr preferred to try and manage things like this. Perhaps this would be the knife needed to cut out the infection of the Bloodaxe Clan. They were the only ones with a Karl Warrior.

This girl wouldn't be enough alone, but if they could gather a few others, make some plans and gain Wyrd. There could be real potential to push back against them.

But, she had a feeling this girl wouldn't just play the long game. Likely a orphan of another raid, or an only survivor. So, she would have sworn vengeance with an oath, and there would be little stopping her from throwing her life away in a futile attempt to get stronger or repay the debt.

Stolen story; please report.

"Dia duit, my fair lady." Came a wintery voice from behind her. All knew of those words.

"No deal shall be struck, Prince of the Winter Court." Her tone even and controlled. Not that she expected to be dealing with something like this right now. There was enough right now to deal with.

"Now, now, such a cold reception." Not a hint of humor in its voice. Was it really making a joke? A winter court fairy making a joke?

"Come now, I came all this way to have a little chat about the girl." Astridr held her tongue, but that comment clicked a few things into place for her. This creature had a deal with the girl, and that would be a problem.

The silent stretched as Astridr began to meditate. The peaceful excise helping to calm her racing heart and prevent the unnatural chill from taking root in her. It's not like Shamans didn't deal with the Fae from time to time.

"I see, well I am sure we will have time for another chat. One that you should be more warm about."

Astridr released a breath and opened her eyes. Their wasn't the usual signs of a Winter Fae, but there was no doubt it was one. And, for it to just pop up without any Wyrd, Seidr, or ritual? That would make it a powerful member of the Fae.

She decided to finally let the groan win as she crawled towards the crude pack the girl had brought with her. If she didn't miss her guess, the pack had plenty of dried meat in it at least. Which meant they would have a lot of lessons to go through in when she finally woke up.

It's like this girl had only been trained to do one thing, and it didn't seem to be balanced eating. Especially if her body was anything to go by, and the number of fractures pretty much screamed Warrior-born.

They always tended to treat kids like they would be good little warriors in the future. The number of injuries they got and didn't say anything about was the only remarkable thing. At least usually, some did get trained well and could even be good hunters if they didn't follow as a Warrior.

The dried meat was passable, but needed something to add flavor beyond just meat and salt. More proof of a lack of cooking knowledge, but Astridr couldn't fault the girl at this point. Food would be food, and this was decent boar.

Oddly, the taste of smoke lingered in her mouth, and it also had the tang of blood. Though it faded quickly after she took another bite, but it drew her mind back to the Bloodaxe Clan. They had burned the village to drive people out. Then, they killed everyone besides a few children and left.

It had been harsh, quick, and clearly planned. Which, lead her to wondering about the rest of the islands, and even the Conclave of Shaman. They had to have known something like this was going to happen. Almost every Clan had a Shaman attached to them for that purpose.

Letting out a breath, she lay down on the cleared ground near the girl. It would be a few more candles until the sun rose, and if she wasn't awake they would likely have animal problems. The smells and environment were perfect for it. Which surprised her that they hadn't been already.

Perhaps the presence of the Fae had done some good. Their presence did affect animals and Beasts alike. Something of their strangeness lingers in places where they are called often. Like the peaks of the mountains where most Shaman try their first.

On the other hand it could be the lingering effects of the raid. So much violence, blood, and fire might have scared off the smaller animals for a time. Though Beasts would be drawn to such places.

Like her thoughts had summoned them she heard sounds coming from the forest.

"Damn it."