Survival [Open to Aesir members]

[Valdís]

Large ebony paws assaulted the ground as the she-wolf made her way further inland from where she’d landed on the beach. After spending days on Miera and finding only Baard, she decided it was time to expand her search for lost members of Aesir. The terrain she’d landed on was unmistakably claimed, which she found she was disappointed by. It was an icy tundra of a landscape, and also one that she didn’t remember from her childhood. She and her parents had travelled across a decent amount of Anikira, yet neither Miera nor Cryothia were familiar to the mixed breed female. After finding Baard, her resolve of finding other survivors had only strengthened, and now the prospect of reforming her pack from scratch was forming in her mind. Although Cryothia would have been perfect for she and her band of tough, resilient pack members, Miera seemed like a reasonable choice, too, given its secluded nature.

As she moved, she raised her maw skyward and released a low, powerful howl that echoed across the snowy abyss and beyond. Valdís was no stranger to respect. Despite her gruff and unyielding demeanour, she could be courteous when the situation demanded it. There was no point getting chased off a piece of land because she had forgone decency. If all it took was a howl to alert the alpha of her presence so that she could search for her pack in peace, it was the logical thing to do.

There were so many wolves missing, too. Baard’s survival was a success, and it indicated that others could have made it if he had. Her children, Ingrid and Arvid, were are the forefront of her mind, as well as her mate, Torvid, and oldest friend, Jotun. That they’d all survived would be a miracle, and also extremely unlikely. Her heart still mourned for those who had perished, the souls she had watched leave the bodies of her friends, to be transported to the gods by Revinn. There was no doubt that her friends would have been taken to the gods, rather than the underworld, for Valdís only accepted the strongest and most courageous of wolves into her ranks.

The further she moved from the beach, her surroundings became even more barren. An icy wind whistled over the rolling dunes of snow, flecking her coat with chunks of crystal white. There was something refreshing about the weather. Africa had been a relatively warm climate, even to the west, but here on Anikira the land varied from snowy tundras to sweltering rainforests, from lush woodlands to dry, sandy deserts. There was no other place she had visited with such variety in such a confined area. Perhaps, after all, it had been her fate to return to this island, the one that had birthed and raised her for the first feeble eight months of her existence.

Raising her maw, she howled once again to draw attention to any nearby stragglers, and to ensure the alpha of the pack had heard her the first time.

---

Word count: 506
Notes: Open to any Aesir member! I just need to get the "meeting members" ball rolling xD. Also I asked Tril for permission to post here <3
Tags: Any Aesir member (Heimdall Hel Runa maybe?)

[Heimdall]

It was cold here that was plainly obvious that he even grumbled at having thought about it. He was better than that. 

Large mottled paws strode with power and precision across the icy tundra as his head was held up high and even. He was proud of himself needless to say. Not even here for long and he already had a new pet, a spirited one but she was gorgeous. Still he departed from her to expand his search, he wouldn't go far of course. His pet would need to be watched carefully until she fully succumbed to his dominance. 

A stoic mask kept his pride rather subdued at least in his face. The way he walked was a different story. Incredibly confident strides ate up the snow covered ground like he owned it despite the scent markers that spoke of a different ruler but that couldn't bother him. If only Hel were here to celebrate his success alongside him, she was always there before and it felt rather odd to not see her scheming somewhere in the shadows. The rest of the pack was gone, he hadn't seen anyone nor caught a whiff of one of their scents since he reached shore. It was hard for him to think they had died, they were a strong group, hard and dangerous. A fire and a swim couldn't wipe them out. Not possible.

Seemed he was right. A howl so familiar echoed through the air caused ebony ears to prick up at the sound, however his expression didn't change except for the glint in his eyes. Vivid green orbs were the only consistent way of reading his mood since he rarely broke that stone faced look unless he was working his magic on a hoped for pet.

As the voice died in the air, he picked up his speed to try and catch up with the long fanged Alpha in case she simply howled while moving through. He wondered how she would react to seeing him again, surviving the two challenging events that brought him here. 

Racing to her in his smooth gait, Heimdall heard a second howl and decided she really was looking for her lost followers. How many would answer her call? It was louder than the first, a true sign he was getting closer. Offering a bark of his own to let her know her call was heard by at least one, Heimdall soon saw a dark figure form and slowly increased in size until he could easily pick out Valdis' features. There was no mistaking those fangs and glinting eyes. 

When he had come close enough, he dropped his head in a bow of respect as his right fore leg picked itself up to hang over the ground a few inches only to take its place once again as his head rose. An odd bow but it was just how he did it. Call it a quirk if you'd like. Deciding to wait and speak until spoken too, Heimdall stayed silent and stone-like. 

The scattered wolves now numbered two. Surely there were more.

Word Count 523
Valdís Hel Runa

[Valdís]

It had been many years since Valdís had last stepped foot on Anikira, yet she found it was relatively easy to get to grips with once again. Cryothia and Miera had appeared some time recently, it seemed, but even from here she could see the familiar terrain of Caurus in the distance, a relatively non-descript portion of the land. The territory was mostly beautiful, opulent meadow; a decent place to shelter a pack, should it come to that once more. However, there would be no pack lands without a pack, and her thoughts of territories were interrupted by a short, sharp bark. Lifting her red-and-brown flecked head, she scanned the vicinity for signs of the wolf it belonged to, and her gaze settled on a potentially familiar figure headed toward her. The closer the brute came, the more recognisable his features became, and the heavier the air was with his masculine scent.

“Heimdall,” she whispered to herself, the freezing winds snatching the name from her lips almost immediately. The warrior drew closer still, green eyes standing out like twin jewels on his face, the scattering of angry scars only accentuating them further. He trotted toward her as though nothing had happened, causing a dark grin to tug at the corners of her mouth. The pack was so strong, so resilient in the face of adversity. Of course Heimdall had survived. And more would have, too – she had faith.

When he bowed, low and respectful, Valdís responded with a nod of her head. Despite his violent, unruly nature, she found that she’d never had much trouble getting him to follow orders. His allegiance had always been a great asset to the pack, along with his sister, Hel, who did not appear at his side this time, as she so often did. It reminded her that she was not the only one who was lost in this new land – without a family, without a pack, without a home. There were three survivors now, and it was her duty to protect them as best as she could, despite their small number.

“Heimdall,” she repeated, this time loud enough that he could hear. “I’m glad to see you survived.” The sizeable female moved toward him, circling him, and inhaling the scent that clung to his fur. Another grin split her scarred visage as she came to a halt in front of him once more, titling her head and scrutinising his expression. “We’ve only just arrived, and already you’re getting to know the locals,” she commented, referring to the feminine stench that he carried with him. “Who is she? A new toy?” There was no disapproval in her tone, but she did wonder why his first port of call had been claiming a female instead of seeking out his pack, or his sister. It had barely been a week since they had fled the fire. “At least you’re making yourself at home. Has there been any sign of your sister?” She queried, quirking a brow and seating herself before him. There was little need for formalities around the alpha. Although she expected it from pups, newcomers, and otherwise inferior wolves, she did not expect any sort of special treatment from her loyal followers.

---

Word count: 546
Notes: <3
Tags: Heimdall Hel Runa  

[Hel]

[attr="class","plbase"]

[attr="class","pltxt"]Lorem dolor, consectetur.

Convergences it seemed were not all that rare in the world she lived in. It was something however that the dark female had gotten to grips with in the recent days. For the most part, Hel had been alternatively resting and investigating the place she had found to be called Caurus. From there she had caught the scent of three packs but unlike her usual tendencies, she had not trespassed more than the border. First priority was finding her brother and then what was left of Aisir, if that was at all achievable. If it was not, a new life would have to be forged here alone and whilst it was certainly a place so very full of life and chaos and things to destroy, Hel found that she would much prefer to be with her pack. It was an odd revelation, considering that she rarely allowed such emotions to make themselves aware, but there was no getting around the loyalty she felt to Aisir. The group of miscreants was home to her more than any stretch of land. She still wanted her brother, however,and it was his scent she happened across first. It had been faint and interlaced with anothers but there had been enough to give her a direction to follow and a direction was all she needed. Hels body was resilient and had already begun to get over the stress it had been put through with no seemingly lasting effects from either fire or ocean. Very lucky. Both Heimdall and herself had survived, and she could not help but feel thankful.

The males scent brought her to the borders of a northernmost pack, the icy landscape as that field had been; desolate. Perfect place really. The frozen tundra seemed to be as harsh, tough and long lasting as the Aesir wolves themselves. She was just crossing the border line, dropping her nose to the ground to locate the scents of any other wolves that had passed through when another familiar scent caught her attention. Truely it was no surprise that Valdís made it. The large female just wasn't built to quit, like Hel herself. Stretching out, Hel took off at a low lope, her tread so quick and light that her paws barely left a mark in the snow. As two figures appeared in the vast white expance, Hel slowed to a trot, ears pricked forwards and nose scenting the air. Sure enough they were the one she was looking for. She caught the fanged females words to her brother and so she allowed her voice to ring out, "Not until now". Walking up to the pair of them, Hel bothered her Alpha a nod of the head and one of her rare smiles. Resisting the urge to push the large brute down, she instead put her muzzle to his shoulder before scowling at him. The scent of a female was heavy on him and if what part of the conversation she had heard was correct, then he had preferred to chase tail than find out if his kin or pack had made it across the water.

Hel did not care that he treated others as toys. Prioritising them over herself irritated her though. Perhaps when they were through here she would find said female. Time would tell whether Heimdall's toy would survive the encounter, mainly depending on how annoying the creature was. After all, it wouldn't be the first to come to an early end. Red eyes looked towards the large female, "Are we all that's left?".

Words: 609
Tags: Valdís Heimdall Runa
Muse: OK..
Notes: n/a

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[Heimdall]

Standing still as Valdis would look him over, Heimdall waited until she broached conversation. "Your survival is no surprise." He wasn't one for flattering and that was not his intent now, Valdis proved herself to be nearly unbreakable and it would take more than a fire to end her. "Even so, I'm glad to see you are unscathed."

Having made are no effort to hide His toys scent from his fur, Heimdall merely shrug his shoulders when Valdis mentioned her. "She is a spirited toy with blue green eyes of the summer seas and unhappy with her lot in life. A gentleman, I was." He wrapped up his short dialogue  with a fiendish glint in his eyes. No one could rightly call him a gentleman. But he wouldn't delve further into the details. Mostly because she had asked after Hel. But before he could say he had yet to cross any sign of her, that feminine edgy voice broke in. 

A brief nuzzle then then she scowled at him and he couldn't blame her. She must have thought he didn't care to find her. "Don't scrunch up your face like that, sweet sister. Her and I crossed paths moments after I crawled up the shore, what better way to find those I lost than to have someone who knew the lands to help me search? And you know it isn't like me to pass up an opportunity like that." He let his gaze rest on Hel's features. She may be angry with him for a time but he was confident they would return to their normal relationship soon enough. 

Three wolves were enough to start over but how small compared to their numbers on the mainland. He mused maybe it was the gods that wished to show who really were the toughest in the pack. The ones who were needed most to carry on the Aesir legacy. Hel would probably have something to say about that. Three.....there had to be more.

Valdís Hel Runa

[Valdís]

Heimdall’s comment regarding her continued survival left a bitter taste in her mouth, through no fault of his own, although she knew he was just being blunt and perhaps even slightly complimentary. What soured her mood was the truth of it, the fact that she would survive no matter what, it seemed – doomed to lose everyone she loved but too proud to quit herself, too proud even to admit how deep the loss of family would cut her. Her loss wasn’t certain, though, so she simply dipped her head in acknowledgement of his words. The survival of Baard and Heimdall helped to return a sense of normalcy to her life, which had been lost the moment the fire had broken out. She had not realised just how deeply these wolves had sunk their teeth into her heart, how deeply she cared for them and their safety.

“I would not consider myself unscathed, but I made it here alive,” she commented with a wry smile that stretched the age old scars on her maw. Smoke inhalation had affected her longs, and she sported new wounds from the disaster, not to mention the emotional scars. But he was right, in a way, as would not allow any of those things to hinder her.

As he described the female that he had recently met and claimed as a possession, Valdis registered the sound and scent of an approaching wolf. It was similar to Heimdall’s except sweeter, but equally as familiar. When she turned her head, she saw the exact sight she was expecting to, except Hel was a little worse for wear than the last time they’d spoken. Again, Valdis was relieved to see another member of her pack had made it, but she was also relieved for Heimdall. How the two of them would cope without one another, she hadn’t a clue, and now she would not have to find out. “There you are,” she said, nodding in response. “I was wondering when you were going to show up. Welcome back, Hel.”

She didn’t miss the scowl that adorned Hel’s face when she greeted her brother, and it appeared that neither did Heimdall. As he explained himself, Valdis let her attention wander briefly, her gaze turning to the northern horizon where the land was obscured by blizzard and snowstorms. The sight thrilled her. Adverse weather had never been a problem to her. She could survive almost anywhere, but the cold was where she felt most at home. Hel’s question turned her head once more.

“No. Baard survived also.” The black eyed brute had made little attempt to integrate into pack life back on Africa, so she doubted the sinister twins in front of her would care at all that he’d lived. “I have faith that more will have made it. Baard and I met on Miera, an island to the east of here, where I expect others will land if they survive the swim, but I wanted to explore Anikira’s mainland in case any of you had washed up here.” She glanced between the twins, their respective green and red eyes burning with determination and life despite everything they had lost. Their small exchange had given her the confidence she needed to dedicate herself to a decision.

“Four is not a lot, but it is enough to begin with. I intend to claim land for us, in the hopes that more survivors will arrive soon. Miera is the only unclaimed territory I have come across, but I have heard from a stranger that Caurus is also available.” Her searching gaze studied their expressions, interested in their input. “Miera would be my choice. It’s a harsh, barren island, but it’s secluded, and we will in a good position should we ever desire to invade the eastern territories.” Conquest was not her primary concern, nor even her secondary or tertiary, but as an alpha it was her responsibility to think to the future rather than choose the immediately satisfying option. Caurus would be a comfortable home, but Aesir was not a pack that relished an easy life.

---

Word count: 684
Notes: ~
Tags: Heimdall Hel Runa

[Hel]

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[attr="class","pltxt"]Lorem dolor, consectetur.

Had she been so inclined to, Hel would have laughed at the way Valdis acknowledged her presence, as if the massive female simply expected her to show up at her twins side. As she always had. Heimdall knew indeed why she had greeted him so and wasted no time in explaining himself. She could not doubt about her brothers logic, it was an action very true to his character. With a sly smile, she shook out her mantle and returned her attentions to Dis. They were not the only wolves to have surfaced from the foaming depths, the grizzled male, Baard had survived also. Seemed that old wolf was difficult to kill off and perhaps that was a good thing. If this was a test and the Gods had decided to destroy those not strong enough, then it boded well for those who continued to live for they would ultimately be successful in starting again. This time they would be stronger and more deadly than before. In this land of wolves, Hel had no idea if any would have the strength to join their ranks. Those who fought against them would die. There was no denying or mistaking that. The determined expression on her Alphas scarred face told her that. As the female spoke her intentions, Hel listened eagerly, giving the other her full attention. As the other put her proposals afore them, Hel grinned widely. The Meira was perfect for them, defendable and not exactly welcoming. Being of off the Mainland, surrounded by water and brimming with prey year round, it was exactly what they were after.

Cauros was no doubt beautiful in the warmer months. It was the place soft females would want to raise their pups, in comfort. With such things, they would go soft if they were not careful. "The Meira is the better choice", she told Dis. She felt no need to explain herself for the other was intelligent enough to understand her reasoning. Besides, it was not in her nature to explain her herself. Though it was a distant reality, just the prospect of causing destruction in the form of pack wars made her tingle all over with excitement. Plus her skillset meant she could cause a lot of damage without even getting into a proper fight. And wars meant captives, meaning Heimdall would have plenty of toys to keep him amused. It was a shame how quickly he ran through them. Perhaps one day he would catch one that didn't break so easily. "And I am always up for a bit of turf war, though there are other things that need attention", she spoke with a confidence that most wolves wouldn't adapt around their leader, but then, Valdis had a different relationship with her pack than others. They respected each others strength but did not bend to each others wills because of the fear of repercussions. It was a case of mutual respect.

Words: 500
Tags: Valdís Heimdall Runa
Muse: Iffy
Notes: n/a

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[Heimdall]

Seeming to have been forgiven for the time being, Heimdall gave his attention to Valdis as she offered the available lands they could start over in as well as notice that Baard had lived as well. Tough old guy. He had not spent a great deal of time around the other male but certainly that should be amended now that their numbers seemed to have dwindled. The survivors lived for a reason, he would find out the reason soon enough. It had become an interesting tidbit that was steadily grasping his attention. 

"Harsh? That doesn't mean much after what we have all experienced. Aesir is tough it only makes sense our new territory matches our dispositions." He had yet to see this Miera since he had only seen this pack land, courtesy of his toy. "Shall we continue our search before we go to Miera? If there were Hel and I there may be more." He didn't really come across as optimistic but there was a chance. Hel was the most important survivor and he had her back now. But that didn't mean he would give up.

There was also the prospect of new toys which was always on the agenda. Confounded things were fascinating as well as maddening. They just always reached a point where they stopped listening, why? Oh well it gave him and Hel practice at their little 'hobbies' so it wasn't a total loss. 

Conquest could be fun, after all he practically lived for a good fight. From what his new pet told him some packs seems rather sizable so Aesir would best wait to see their true numbers before waging war. But when the time came he would be right there on the front lines. The thought of action made his heart beat faster and his claws dug into the ground. Yes, one day he would feel that thrill again and it couldn't come soon enough.

Valdís Hel

[Valdís]

Their reactions were as she had expected. Neither would enjoy Caurus, and there would be less hope of coming across survivors of the fire there. None of them wanted to be confined by packs, but Valdís’s greatest concern about living in the centre of the island was the higher risk of being attacked. There were once again a small, growing pack, and Valdís would be careful not to chance what few numbers they had left. At their peak, Aesir would’ve been able to take on any pack the island had to offer, but as it stood they were vulnerable in their weakened condition. One or two of her more uninhibited warriors could spark some ire from locals, particularly Heimdall. If some of his more distasteful activities were discovered by neighbours, they could have hell to pay.

At Hel’s last comment, Valdís suppressed a roll of her mismatched eyes. “Obviously,” she said dryly. The past week had pushed her to the brink, and her patience was at an all-time low. Valdís had spent every waking moment since the fire attending the ‘other things’; what did Hel suppose the alpha had been doing? With practised nonchalance, she allowed the irritation to trickle away. Hel was loyal, and they had both just survived an ordeal. Now was not the time to berate her for pointing out the obvious. “I know very little about the packs that inhabit this island; there may be some that rival even our former strength,” she continued. “First we will recuperate, and perhaps then we will discuss ridding the island of its weaker links,” she added, a wicked grin splitting her grizzled face.

A strong, bitterly wind picked up then, whipping through her fur and chilling her body, still dripping with salt water, to its very core. Glancing up at the overcast, overflowing skies, Valdís thought of the gods.

The blasé words of Heimdall drew a low chuckle from her maw, distracting her from her reverence. Her fearsome gaze fixed once again upon the unperturbed warrior. “That’s the spirit, my friend. ‘Harsh’ is a relative word after all that we’ve gone through. No doubt the gods have many more trials in store for us, but we are the elite of our species, and we will remain, resolute and proud, no matter the foe we face.” The conviction in her words was clear; they would be the last to stand when the unworthy perished.

The brute spoke once more, this time of an action plan, one that Valdís had begun to form herself. She was silent for a moment or so after he spoke, racking her brain for a more efficient way for them to process, but none came. “Yes,” she said firmly, nodding. “Split up, and search the coast. One of you will head south, the other will follow Cryothia’s shoreline further north.” She paused, aware that the two had only just been reunited. It was, however, their obligation to put the pack first, as she was doing. There was nothing she wanted more than to search with them, in the hopes of finding her family, as the two of them had today. “I won’t have you wasting time on a lost cause, though. You have a week to search, and when the sun rises on the seventh day, I expect you to turn around and make your way to your new home, where you may rest.” The harsh Arctic winds thrashed at her, berating her for lingering here for longer than was necessary, but still she remained, stoic and unyielding, in their presence. They deserved more than a few seconds of her time after all they’d been through. “If you return alone, I’ll take Baard and resume your search.”

The alpha was used to giving orders, but she was already growing weary of the sound of her own voice. There was one last thing she wished to address though, after a cursory glance over their bodies to assess their condition. “Are either of you critically injured? Are you fit enough to travel?” It was doubtful that either of them would confess even if they were, but she would a poor alpha if she were not concerned for the well being of her pack mates after such a chain of ordeals.

---

Word count: 726
Notes: N/A
Tags: Heimdall Hel

[Hel]

[attr="class","plbase"]

[attr="class","pltxt"]Lorem dolor, consectetur.

A side smile flicked up the corner of her maw as her Alpha fought to keep down her irritation at the dark fae. It seemed the trials and tribulations they were coming back from had neither softened Valdís emotionally nor broken her physically. She was stressed though, the ropes of her sanity pulled taunt by the events of the past week. As they had done to Hel. She dipped her head and shifted her weight so it was evenly spread across all four paws. Though she was playing the attentive soldier, the she-devil had to suppress a grin as Dis made her next comment. The prospect of coming back to Aesirs usual play mad her exceptionally glad, as it would do her brother. They had lost everything and had to now build up from the strongest remains of what had been a once great pack. And will be again. They were few but they were fierce and that was all that was needed. A sharp wind blew, the promises of a snow storm that would bury all in its path. In its grasp the weak would perish, lost to the frozen rain, but the strong would be able to stay out of its reach and continue the journey of life. Her brothers comments on the matter were as her own, and as Heimdall's query took flight, Hel looked to the massive she-wolf as she awaited the answer. Now that the matter was settled, Meira would become a base of operations for them. A central point from which to work around.

As Dis made her speech, it seemed she had had the same thoughts as Hel herself. That the Gods had done this to test them, and that the only ones that emerged from the foaming depths were the strongest of the pack. Aeris was mighty but even the mighty will fall if they do not keep themselves sharp. The Gods had placed them so that they might grow even more formidable than before. Or at least she hoped that was the case. The opposite was unthinkable for then all would be lost. "Amen to that", she said with a slight grin. As the Alpha gave her orders, Hel looked to her twin. The parting would be bitter, but they were both alive and that was what counted. "I'll carry on North and you go South?", she asked him. No doubt he would not want to be too far away from his pet. As Dis finished talking, those red eyes caught upon her and gave a slight nod of her head, the respect that she held for the other present in her voice, "Consider it done". As the large female questioned their health, she merely shook her head. The cough was intermittent now, barely noticeable unless she travelled for long periods without resting properly. She would survive. Shifting closer to her brother, she leaned her body against his for a few moments. It was as close as she got to sisterly affection and as much as she needed for him to know she would miss her twin for the week they were apart.

The separation was necessary though it they were to cover more ground. Lifting an eyebrow, she looked at the black fae, "And what of your health?". It would be a poor thing if the Alpha was injured.

Words: 582
Tags: Valdís Heimdall
Muse: Iffy
Notes: n/a

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[Heimdall]

Oddly the dominant thirsty male felt himself draw up a little at the commendation of his alpha, not that he relied on the approval of others but he did respect Valdis. Assigning out missions for himself and his tricky twin, Heimdall kept silent untitled the back and forth was over between the two females. He generally wasn't one for excessive words in situations like this. 

A mere week to search the island, didn't sound like much but there was a point when it would become pointless to search, there would be more important things to do for the scattered remains of the pack to attend to. He nodded to signal he understood and would keep track of the passing days as he explored the new world he found himself in. 

While not sharing a very spiritual connection like his sister and Val along with a few others of the pack had, Heimdall had to wonder if they were right. He had thought of it once or twice but wouldn't go so far as to state it outright that the gods controlled everything. The strong survive, that was his belief.

Hel's voice chimed in and offered which would go where and he dipped his scarred face in agreement. Aztec would need to be checked on of course, it would be a shame to leave her alone for too long. "I have maintained good health, a few new scars for my collection is all I have to show for it." He was rather proud of them, permanent trophies. Even now the burns on his nose were starting to heal and his lungs didn't hurt nearly as bad unless he had to take deep breaths.


Hel then asked after Valdis' health and he deemed it appropriate to wait and hear the answer.  


Valdís Hel
304

[Valdís]

Neither of the twins seemed particularly forthcoming vocally, but then again they never had been. If anything, it was reassuring that the events had not changed them much; they were still the strange, dark twins she’d always known. They accepted her orders without question, which was just as well because Valdís was not in the mood to waste her energy needlessly. Their obedience was a testament to their loyalty, though, as they could just have easily told her that they would no longer be talking orders from her now that most of the pack was dead or lost. Bonds forged in the fire of battle were not so easily broken, as they had all proved to one another.

“Consider it done.”

Hel’s confidence was reassuring, but she had expected nothing less from two of her finest and hardiest friends. Valdís only nodded in response to her denial of injuries, and turned to look at Heimdall. The brute would probably deny being incapacitated even on his death bed, just as Valdís would. Whether it was strength or idiocy, Valdís didn’t know. Likely both, with a little added stubbornness for good measure. “I barely noticed, Heim. They blend in so well with all your other battle scars.” His newer scars stood out, particularly the raw wounds on his nose, but as a warrior he was no doubt used to them. “Perhaps when we meet again on Miera, we can see about adding a few more. No doubt we could both use the sparring practise,” she added, another grin tugging at the side of her face. “I’m fine,” she told Hel. “I was lucky to escape the fray in one piece, and that’s enough for me.”

There was nothing lucky about her circumstances, though. The she-wolf had been alone almost since she’d arrived on the new-old soil, and in that time she’d had far too much time for introspection, torturing herself with fabricated images of her family’s dead bodies. Her once-beautiful daughter Ingrid’s body burnt beyond recognition back on Africa; her mate Torvar’s body sinking into the ocean’s depth, the last bubbles of life slipping from his maw. And Arvid, the son who had made her prouder than anyone else – she envisioned his ruined body mangled on the rocks below a cliff. So close to reaching her, but Heithir’s guiding wing had other plans for him. If dead, they would all be with the gods now, and the thought should have filled her with pride, for there was no greater honour than to be granted a place beside Fenris for all eternity. But no matter what she believed, they were not here, where they belonged.

The arrival of Heimdall and Hel had managed to push these thoughts away for a brief time, returning her to something more akin to her old self, and in truth she did not want to leave them. Once she left she would be plunged back into isolation once more, with only her macabre thoughts to keep her company. “We should head out; time is wasting while I stand here idle,” she said finally, though she made no move to follow through with her words. Valdís turned her head once more to face the great ice storm that raged in the distance, and she did not envy Heimdall’s coming week. “I’ll see the two of you soon enough.” Her husky voice was softer somehow, barely audible over the hissing of the winds that bombarded them.

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Word count: 567
Notes: We can wrap this up soon if you're both okay with that ^^
Tags: Hel Heimdall

[Hel]

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The dark fae nodded her head as Valdís gave her reply. Whether the other was being truthful or not, the simple fact that she insisted that all was well told Hel everything she needed to know. Just like herself, whatever Dis had been through, whatever was messing with her head, was not going to be affecting her ability. She would continue to run the pack as she always had, and the twins would do as they were bid. It was the way of things. They had all lost a lot over the past week, though perhaps it was Valdís whpo had lost the most. No matter what happened now, Hel and Heimdall had each other and for a long time that was all they had needed. Dis had had a mate and pups to go alongside the family she had created for herself. So far only four had made it out of the water, there was time yet, but eventually time would run out and whoever hadn't surfaced would be officially dead. Though she had never had a mate or pups of her own, if she put her mind to it, Hel could imagine how it would feel to lose them. Such emotions were hard for her to appreciate since she had never let anyone in close enough to give it a go. Heim was the one who knew her the most, though maybe Valdís knew a far deal about her too. After all, they had known each other for years. Hel even had some affection for the others female offspring.

The companionship between the three was of some comfort for the black female, but the time was coming to a close. At least this time the parting would not be indefinite, without the hundred percent knowledge that those she held close were in good health. It is only a week. She had been given a new mission, a new objective to get achieved. Time to head out. It seemed Valdís had the same idea as she for no sooner had the thought crossed her mind than the fanged fae began to speak again. Her red eyes turned to the large she-wolf and nodded before turning her gaze to her brother, "In a week then". As her words stopped her eyes turned to the Alpha before turning her head and shoulders to the north. The wind had grown from a twisting pull into a harsh whirl, the howl of it reaching their ears and pushing at their bodies with hard hands. From this distance she could just see the snowflakes as they attacked the ground. No doubt they would hit against her pelt with no gentler an impact. Rolling the muscles of her shoulders and giving her whole body a shake to rid it of stiffness, Hel turned her body towards the storm and set off at a trot that carried her low across the snow laden ground. Once she had a better idea of its location she would angle herself so she could travel along its edge and not have to travel through it. Most likely however, she would have to make herself a snow hole and bed in until the snow has past somewhat. Just a week.

Words: 557
Tags: Valdís Heimdall
Muse: Distracted
Notes: - EXIT HEL -

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[Heimdall]

A crooked smile crossed his rugged features as Valdis spoke of his new scars, he saw them as trophies and she only seemed to encourage that attitude. One reason he respected her so much was she seemed to have a knack for finding out each of her followers quirks and yet never tired to stifle them out. She let each be unique as they wished. "It would be an honor to receive even more." An honor may be a strong word but he enjoyed sparring and Val was a worthy appointment.

Unlike most wolves, Heimdall didn't get too carried away with thinking of the 'what ifs' of the aftermath. They either lived or they didn't. Seemed rather callus, yes, but he had a hard time forging relationships with anybody. Valdis and his sister being the obvious exceptions. He knew families were involved besides his own, but the hardened heart that beat in his chest couldn't feel anything besides curiosity. If they lived that meant that they would have that much more help in rebuilding Aesir. If not, more work for him and those who did survive. It was as simple as that. 

A week wouldn't be so bad. Would it? He knew Hel and Valdis were alive and that could keep his strength up as he searched for the others. But he had not wished to be parted so quickly from his twin. Yet he would follow orders, he was a good soldier. No one could argue that point.

Icy winds cut through him but he didn't wince at the chill. "I'll see you then, sweet sister." He bid farewell to her and bowed his awkward little bow to his leader. "We will serve you faithfully, as always." He promised before he turned and went his own way. The twins wouldn't waste time or return prematurely, Heimdall was confident in his twin to make such a statement without her even needing to be there. She hadn't failed him yet, nor did he believe she ever would.

344
Valdís Hel
OOC: exit Heimdall

[Valdís]

The twins raised no issues with her orders, obeying with no fuss. She liked that about them, and she supposed it was why they fit so well in the pack. Stoic, but loyal, they would carry out her wishes with no qualms, and return safely at the appointed time. Although there were many wolves who deserved to have survive the swim, she decided she was glad these two had, and that she’d found them so quickly. Three heads were undoubtedly better than one, and with their help the pack could begin to be rebuilt.

“Until then,” she responded, nodding to the pair as they spoke their modest goodbyes, and went their separate ways. Even as the two split up and ventured into the icy, biting tundra, Valdis remained for a few moments longer, watching each of them disappear from her once more. “May Fenris guide your steps, and give you courage.” They would be able to protect themselves, of this she was certain, but it could not hurt to seek the gods’ protection. Thus far they had been favoured; surviving against all odds, against each test and trial that stood in their way and attempted to take their life, but it would be a shame for them to fall at the last hurdle.

Regardless of the outcome, the decision was made now, and there was nought left for her to do except return to Miera where Baard awaited her. Her time on the mainland of Anikira had been frightfully brief, and she would’ve liked more time to explore. It felt as though she’d barely dipped a toe into the vast continent that gave her life all those years ago, but she would return one day soon. Perhaps once her duties had been fulfilled and the pack was running smoothly once more. Remaining in one place for any length of time always made her bones itch for action once more, and she wondered how soon it would’ve been before the pack had moved on if the fire hadn’t happened. Briefly, she acknowledged that if they’d relocated sooner, they would all still be alive and well, her pack of forty strong wolves; her family, children, mate, friends.

But the thought was worthless now. What had happened could not be changed, and she would have to live with the consequences. Reluctantly, the dark alpha broke her still contemplation, and began her lonely journey back to the barren island in the east.

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Word count: 414
Notes: Le fin.
Tags: N/A