Rebuilding the Past [Valdís]

[Jotun]

It had been a couple months now. A couple months of peace. A couple months of quiet. A couple months of solitude. A couple months of… nothing really. At first Jotun had been… well, not happy. No, he could never say he had been happy in the face of so much loss of life. But perhaps he had been relieved. For a little while at least, circumstances had released him from obligation. For the most part, he did not mind the position he held in Aesir. He even sort of liked it, at times. But it did mean there was never enough time alone. But now he had had time alone. It was time to start looking for them. He had been looking some already, of course. Not actively, but everywhere he had gone, he had kept an eye peeled, occasionally put his nose to the ground, wondering if any of the others might have passed this way. How many of the others had even made it? Jotun wondered to himself as he limped a little along the coast of Miera.

The dark wolf had swum over just a day or two ago from Anikira, now not only exploring the main island he had washed up on, but also actively searching for Valdís. She was one of the only, if not the only wolf he would admit to caring about, in a non-romantic fashion, of course. There had never been anything of the sort between them. Things were simple between them, and Jotun liked that.

He could not say he missed the way things had been before. Alright, maybe he missed it slightly. Not because he missed the pack. Not because he really missed anything. He was back to convincing himself he did not miss it. And yet, when he finally picked up the scent of his alpha, of his pack, he could not stop his heart from increasing its pace ever so slightly. He padded along, trying to hide his limp as best as possible. His ankle did not seem to have healed correctly after it had been damaged in the fall escaping the fire. If the others had survived, they were likely to bear similar injuries, as well. And yet, Jotun felt like they must not know, like he could not show the weakness when he found them.

---

Words: 390
Muse: very reasonable.
Tags: Valdís
Notes: Finally got this up!! <3 Don’t know how fast I’ll be able to respond right now, but I figured it was worth starting. Also, liquid timing this a little bit in the future. He's late to join the party. xD This can be his "joining" thread of sorts.

[Valdís]

Oh, how cruel the gods could be.

Months. It had been months since Aesir had claimed Miera, and yet there was still no sign of the majority of her family. At the very least, her sole daughter had made it out alive, a solace the gods had granted, but she feared that was the only piece of her heart she would regain. Logically there was no use in clinging to false hope that they’d survived, but a part of her refused to outright reject the idea. Not everyone found her immediately, some may never have returned if she hadn’t sent Hel and Heimdall to scour the coastlines for any signs of former pack members, and it stood to reason that there may be some still lost, wandering aimlessly in search of their alpha. Their best chance of catching stragglers was to make themselves known. It was harder, having claimed an island, to gain the reputation they so deserved, but Valdís would make sure that every last fucking wretched creature on Anikira knew and feared the very mention of Aesir, of Valdís.

Picking her way along the southern fringes of Miera’s sprawling spillage of land, Valdís inspected the streams that ran parallel to the strip of dry (or, at least, comparatively dry) strip of ground she was walking along. Miera was unlike any territory she’d come across before; there was so many aquatic creatures she’d never seen in her life before, that lurked in the pools, streams, and coves that littered the territory. Her territory. It had proved to feel like home relatively quickly, though that was likely due to the presence of her pack mates. They were loyal, and she knew they would follow her to the very end, which helped to ease the sting in her heart. Wherever Aesir existed would be home to them; they were themselves a home.

When the forceful sea breeze picked up, it carried with it yet another piece of her twisted heart, a friend as important to her as her own mate and children: Jotun.

The scent of him was faint, but she wasted no time in following it, moving slowly at first but breaking into a long, loping sprint. Powerful muscles worked tirelessly beneath her ebony coat to carry her across the jagged rocks of Miera, until the black and white brute himself appeared in her line of sight before her very eyes.

“As I live and breathe,” she murmured reverently, continuing toward him until halting just short of him. “You look as ugly as the day we met, old friend.” A grin immediately split her scar-besieged visage, sharp canines glittering in the midday sun as she came to the conclusion that he was real, and not an imagining of her loss-damaged mind. Truthfully, he looked far worse for wear than the first time they’d met, though that had been an age ago. With a glance, she inspected his form for injuries, and noted with a frown the slight limp in his leg, the awkward way he held it. Immediately, she felt responsible for it, for everything that had happened, and her mood sobered.

“You’re hurt,” she stated, meeting his icy gaze. “How badly?” Neither had been one for excessive talking or emotional reunions; their friendship ran deeper than words, and more often than not, Valdís found Jotun understood her without her having to voice a word of it. “You don’t know how glad I am to see you again, Jotun,” she added, speaking as sincerely as her stoic nature would allow.

---

Word count: 590 
Notes:
Tags: Jotun

[Jotun]

This entire island smelled of Aesir and Valdís. Jotun quickly realized he could not actually determine in what direction he should head to stumble upon her. The island could not be too large, he decided as he contented himself with the idea of needing to continue his journey and search despite being so close. That was until a voice came from behind him.

As I live and breathe, You look as ugly as the day we met, old friend.

The dark brute stopped in his tracks, not immediately turning around, a smile forming on his face. “Well, well,” he began after a few seconds pause and slowly turned around. “I had begun to think I would have the good fortune of never needing to put up with you again.” His tone was perpetually sarcastic, something he knew would not escape her notice. He was appreciative of her and her understanding and willingness to put up with his sense of humor that most found too tasteless and brusque. But he should have known that that quality he admired so much would also be annoying at times.

You’re hurt. How badly?

He sighed, conveying that he knew she would notice and worry when she shouldn’t. It was also something that hurt his pride. He did not want her to always look at him as a cripple now. He wanted to resume his place in her pack and keep up with them and whatever she might need of him. Would she now that she knew? But in keeping with his normal method of communication, he looked down at his ankle, saying, “Not sure. Will probably die.” His face was blank, but he knew it would appropriately communicate that it was not a problem. He was prepared to do anything he needed to for her, with or without an injured leg. It would not be a hindrance to him. He would not allow it.

He scanned her for any signs of injury, but finding nothing frowned and said, “I feel sorry for you. It seems you have nothing tangible to remember our history by, whereas I will always have this reminder.” Of course he was glad to see that she did not bear any lasting injuries. She had enough scars for a life-time, and he did not want to see her hurt more than he knew she had been by the loss of so many of her family.

You don’t know how glad I am to see you again, Jotun

“It is good to see you as well, Valdís. Have you run into anyone else yet? How many?” Though he was sincere in his questions, his voice carried no hint of worry, sadness, or even hope. It sounded as if he purely wanted to know the facts.

---

Word count: 469
Muse: good
Tags: Valdís
Notes: ugh. sorry it's so crappy. trying to figure out how to play him and how obvious to be about everything.. >.<

[Valdís]

Despite her stoicism, Valdís find it impossible to hide the expression of relief and elation on her face. A lopsided grin remained fix to her face, still staring at him in barely-concealed disbelief as he threw back an equally tongue-in-cheek retort. Of course the bastard had survived. Now that he stood before her, as real and tangible as the firm ground beneath them, it seemed ridiculous that she had once thought him dead. His presence instantly made the barren rock she’d claimed seem less lonely, and more like home.

“It seems as though Heithir has granted you no such liberty from my torment,” she replied, a short chuckle arising from her chest. “Although you’ve had at least two months of respite. It’s time for you to start pulling your weight once more, Jotun.” Despite her reprimanding words, her expression was anything but. Their two personalities seemed to slip together seamlessly once more, and it was a welcome relief from the weeks of serious decisions she’d been having to make. As the leader of a pack, it was necessary for her to maintain her reputation, which meant it was rare for her to let her guard down around anyone. The exceptions were Jotun, Siggy, and her family – but so far only two of those had remained, and even her relationship with her daughter felt strained at times.

Another sarcastic comment dripped from his lips, drawing a humourless snort from the she-wolf. “Most likely,” she replied in kind. “Especially as none of our healers seem to have survived the fire. I’d send you to Hel, but she’d just as likely poison you for fun as tend to your burns. ” At the mention of the strange wolf, Valdís glanced in the general direction of the dens, making a mental note to visit the twins. It had been a long while since she’d spoken to them, and it would be wise to touch base. Their assistance in searching for stray members had been invaluable, and though Valdís was by no means an overtly demonstrative wolf, it was important that they be made aware of her appreciation.

There was little humour to be found in Jotun’s comment. She tried to hide the flash of pain that flashed across her expression with a scowl, black and blue eyes wandering to glare at the choppy ocean as though it had personally insulted her. “No physical scars,” she corrected, gaze dropping ever so slightly. It would take a much longer time for her to accept and move on from the absence of her mate and son, the loss weighing her heart down. At first, she had been able to busy herself with her duties; distracting herself from the pain of it all. But now that things had calmed down, it was more difficult to forget. Jotun had meant nothing by it though, so she returned her gaze to him and huffed a short sigh. “There’s plenty of time for me to garner new injuries, though. Now I have an entire island of opponents to brawl with.” With her attempt at resurrecting the cheerful mood came a smirk. “Anikira is teeming with packs.” Presently she was unconcerned with fighting any of them for their land, particularly as Miera provided them with enough to go around. More land needed more wolves to maintain and protect it, which was a luxury she could not afford at the moment.

Dark ears pricked at his inquiry into the surviving members. It was difficult to decipher if Jotun felt any true connection to his pack mates, but beneath his icy, sarcastic exterior, Valdis concluded that he must feel at least something. Even if it was only to humour her. There would be no reason for him to stick around if he were completely indifferent with their wellbeing, but she supposed his apathy counteracted her reckless concern for them all. “Precious few have survived, Jotun,” she replied solemnly, expression stoic but gaze filled with anguish and guilt. “Nine of us inhabit the island, you and I included. I found Baard first, followed by Heimdall and Hel. Runa made the swim, too, followed by my daughter, Ingrid, and then Ylva and Saga a week or so later.”

Suddenly, she felt the need to walk. Exercise, no matter how light, always helped to soothe the dull ache of loss. “Come,” she said to him, nodding her head toward the direction she’d come from. “Let me acquaint you with your new home.”

---

Word count: 761
Notes: beep. testing out speech colours for her
Tags: Jotun

[Jotun]

Jotun stood still, his posture and stance, as always, exuding the confidence he wished to portray. He had discovered long ago that a large part of having others think of him as intelligent and capable had to do with how he carried himself. And so, he had always carried himself as if he was better than everyone else and could do anything. Many found this off-putting, but as long as he was respected, Jotun did not mind.

It’s time for you to start pulling your weight once more, Jotun.

“I understand,” Jotun replied coldly, no emotion in his voice. He did not intend it to sound bitter, resistant, or anything similar. This was simply how he always spoke. Truth be told, he was rather looking forward to having something to do again, especially something he knew he could do and could do well at. “What has already been done and what needs doing?” There was no point in beating around the bush. This way he could get involved immediately, and hopefully help ease the load he was sure Valdís was carrying.

Most likely, Especially as none of our healers seem to have survived the fire. I’d send you to Hel, but she’d just as likely poison you for fun as tend to your burns.

Overexaggerating his response, the male’s eyes widened as if in fright. “I think I would rather slowly bleed out than visit Hel.” He had nothing against her; he was simply teasing. He would have said it even if she had been standing there. In fact, that would have been more fun. Perhaps he could find another time to banter with her. It was good to hear some of the wolves he had known had survived.

No physical scars. There’s plenty of time for me to garner new injuries, though. Now I have an entire island of opponents to brawl with. Anikira is teeming with packs.

Now this was a topic that interested Jotun. “How much do you know about Anikira and its packs?” He felt some relief at the fact that they had claimed territory not directly on Anikira itself, considering how many wolves there seemed to be here. He did not know enough about the island, the packs, and the wolves to feel safe any closer just yet. He had spent a couple months on his own around Anikira, but it was very different being on his own versus being responsible for a pack. “Are they friendly, hostile, what are their beliefs, how do they interact with each other?” All things that were important to know in order to effectively lead Aesir through this transition.

As Dís shifted the conversation to the survivors, Jotun could feel an uncomfortable lump forming in his throat and swallowed, so the fact that Dís moved on quickly to introduce him to Miera was a welcome relief. “Yes, that would be good. Wouldn’t want me getting lost. It isn’t like I found you on my own or that I know how to walk.” He was teasing, but at the mention of walking, he remembered his injured leg. Perhaps that had not been a good idea to bring up. But he stood and confidently walked past Dís, encouraging her to forget about his comment and commence introducing him to their new home.

---

Word count: 570
Muse: good
Tags: Valdís
Notes: I am enjoying trying to figure Jotun out. I'm sorry if some of it is inconsistent. Still working on what exactly I want him to be like. :3

[Valdís]

Such brevity. Jotun was about as icy as the frozen tundra she’d recently visited, but instead of feeling irritated at his standoffishness, she found that it was a welcome relief. It was a tiny remnant of her past that she hadn’t thought would survive; his curt but sarcastic attitude reminded her of a better time, when she’d been surrounded by family and friends instead of tumultuous ocean. As Jotun accepted her offer with a sardonic remark that she should have anticipated, she snorted mirthlessly, and tossed him a bored look. “Forgive me, I forgot that you are capable of everything and anything besides respecting your superiors,” she retorted. Her tone lacking the sarcasm that laced his own, but her words implied it anyway.

As they began to traverse the uneven rocky terrain, Valdís did not slow her pace. She knew he would not take kindly to pity, and besides, he had not indicated that his injury would in any way impair his abilities. He would have to work harder to keep up, or else be left behind. That was the way of things, even and especially for those she held dear. Once Jotun had caught up and they continued along the coast side by side, Valdís addressed his previous questions.

“There is little that needs to be done, in truth. Now that our numbers are scarce, we have less mouths to feed, but more incentive to be extra vigilant of our borders. Due to the nature of our new home intruders are uncommon, but scent markers will still need to be refreshed regularly. The island is large, so I’ll be enlisting your help with that.” She glanced at him then, taking in sight of him against the sea’s vast, azure backdrop, breathing in his familiar musky scent. It was almost surreal, having him back – a reminder that so much had changed, and yet many things remained the same. Plus, she’d forgotten how small he was compared to her; a thought that caused the side of her lip to twitch imperceptibly with mirth. “Hel and Heimdall have already scouted Anikira’s eastern coast for any remaining survivors, and should any more remain that haven’t been found, perhaps the twin’s scent will lead them back to us,” she mused, her gaze sweeping across the vast landscape that she now called hers. Inhaling deeply, she filled her lungs with salty sea air, and released it after a moment or two with a contented sigh. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved already. The gods have blessed us with the strength to persevere, and I am grateful.”

Jotun’s next words were amusing, though she did not think they would have been as amusing if Hel had been present. Jotun was strong, but Hel was intelligent and skilled with poisons beyond Valdís’s imagining, and her cobalt-eyed friend would not last long against her wrath. “I’ll make sure to not tell her you said that.” Valdís threw an amused look in his direction, a grin spreading across her face at her next words. “It’d be a shame to lose you so soon after you return.”

When the topic turned to packs, Valdís’ demeanour grew serious once more. She’d been fortunate enough to pry information from a loner on her very first day here, whose word she could not trust, but nor did she suspect was false. There’d been an honest and trustworthy quality to the wolf, as though she assumed everyone else in the world was the same. It was a foolish quality, but useful nonetheless, and her insight had been invaluable. What had her name been? Kimbra? Kendall? It didn’t matter any more. It had been filtered out of Valdís’s mind, along with all other inconsequential information she picked up. “There are eight other packs spread across Anikira. I know nothing of their dispositions, nor their alliances. Kairos must be the largest and strongest, as it lays claim to four territories in total. Luckily for us, it resides on the other side of Anikira, to the west.” Valdís would be curious to meet the wolf who was responsible for such an empire one day, but not before her pack had been rebuilt to at least its former glory.

“Airila occupies two territories: the northern tundra known as Cryothia, which I have briefly visited and can be seen from our northernmost shores, and Shyia, also to the west. The remaining six have one territory each, the closest of which are Eden in Tiayr and Othala in the Oriens. Ultoris, Ananke, Tenebris, and Valyn are the names of the others, but names are meaningless on their own. As I said before, I know precious nothing about them.” Living in such proximity to rival packs was troublesome, and Valdís intended to speak with Heimdall and Hel to determine if they’d uncovered anything useful from their excursion. “Eventually I will send a scout to find out more, but presently there are no bodies that can be spared.”

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Word count: 855
Notes: I feel like I've written a lot but not actually said much xD Sorry if she's being boring
Tags: Jotun