Of Justice and War

[Vakarian]

It had been several weeks since the Silver Jedi and the Prince had defended the people of Midvinter from the Vinterbound, and no length of time could erase the damage that the Vinterbound had done to the Valkyri, denizens of the Icy planet. They were a resilient people when it came to recovery and rebuilding, they had to be in the environment that they had claimed as their own. Hardened by the elements and beasts that stalked the landscape, the Valkyri often proved this fact. In this case, it was no different; the Valkyri had proven yet again that they would not be defeated by the creatures of Midvinter.

It had been shortly after their departure that the Silver Medical Fleet arrived within the system and proceeded to send drop ships and supplies to rebuild destroyed lives and heal the wounded. While the Valkyri were indeed most resilient to the environment around them, they were not immune to it, and even they had to accept outside help sometimes; a fact made easier in the knowledge that their Prince was the Grand-master of the Silver Sanctum. Among those receiving aid was a hopeful young Valkyri, one with eyes that mirror the glaciers that dot the landscape and a gaze that seemed to pierce any armor.

He had not been a part of the battle for his village, but rather bearing witness to the strength of both his people and the Jedi that had been sent to aid them. His people held honor and valor above all things, and on that day, the Jedi seemed to have no shortage of the traits, at least not in his opinion anyway.

“How are you feeling now, young one?” an elderly Jedi approached him with a slight hint of concern in her amber eyes, a concern that caused the younger Valkyri to flinch inwardly. It was not appropriate to have an elder fretting over his health, not when this one looked as though she could be blown away with the wind.

“Much better.” His young velvety voice rang out, booming with the natural oomph of his people. His glacial eyes turned away from the older woman, knowing that it was considered disrespect, but he did not wish to see the concern. “Very well then, you are free to go.” She acknowledged and the rustle of fabric as she stepped away from the younger boy and made her way to another wounded man.

The younger Valkyri stood and made his way through the camp, his intended action in mind, having previously decided to leave with the next transport to the medical fleet in the atmosphere. He was sure that there were Jedi there who would get him to Voss. He wrapped his furs more tightly around him, preparing for the trek to the nearest landing zone, and stepped out into the Icy wilderness.

The first steps of the path to his new future.

[member=Einarr Warscream]
(Hope this is okay for you, if not just let me know and I'll figure out something else.)

 

[Zef Halo]

Einarr overlooked from a vantage point the camp settled to give medical attention to his Valkyrian brothers and sisters who fought valiantly against the mortal threat of the Vinterbound. He observed it from such a point because his name was slowly gathering fame, for some a rallying point, for others another threat to throw Midvinter into civil war. Yet, Einarr still had much more to do before he could turn all the Valkyri into what they were supposed to be - conquerors.

He observed his kin tending their wounds and remembering how strong they are to defeat such a foe as the Vinterbound, they truly deserved to drink and celebrate now, both to enjoy their victory and in remembrance of their fallen comrades. The young blacksmith knew how strong his species were, he'd already been off world leading raids against neighboring planets and the Valkyri had come back with numerous wealth to sell in Thainbroek. Slowly but consistently, Einarr was mustering strength and reputation, slowly he was becoming a thorn in Dawnbringer's eyes.

Upon the icy hill where he had crouched, a young Valkyr was making his way headed somewhere. He could see that despite his youth, the boy had fought. Their age difference was not much but Einarr was obviously older. When the younger Valkyr came in closer, Einarr decided to call out to him with a smirk:

"Where to, boy ?"


[member="Máni"]

 

[Vakarian]

The peace that the wilderness afforded him was nothing short of paradise, a distraction from the devastation of the Vinterbound and an escape from the reality that was life on the planet. There were certainly worse places to live in the galaxy, he had no doubt about that, but at the moment he could only see the devastation that the Vinterbound had caused to his people and their way of life. No one on the planet was a stranger to hardship and the constant threat of death, but even so, there were limits to the strength of the Valkyri and their morale would only take so much before it would break; nothing was immune to degradation.

But, what did he know, he was still a child.

Máni pulled his furs tighter to his form as a feeling of unease passed over him, the feeling of being watched. He would not alert whatever it was to the fact that he knew he was being watched, rather he would wait and see what the watcher planned on doing before he acted. It wasn't the typical way of the Valkyr, but Máni had frequently been told that he wasn't the typical male of his race. He was different, softer in words and thought, but just as equally deadly in strength.

As he had expected, a voice rang out, shattering the silence that had been his companion through the icy wilderness and he turned sharply in the direction of the voice that called to him; his glacier eyes hardening and analyzing the Valkyr across from him. He didn't recognize him from his home village, but he knew of the man instantly upon further inspection... Warscream.

"Warscream." he greeted neutrally. He had heard of the calls for conquest and glory that came from the Valkyr across from him, and it was not something that sat well with him. Realizing that he had not responded to the initial inquiry by the older being, he answered. "Off-world to join our Prince in his fight against the darkness in the galaxy."

[member=Einarr Warscream]

 

[Zef Halo]

Einarr's wolfish smirk grew more as the young man before had recognized him and even called him by his recently acquired title, apparently his reputation was beyond what he thought it was. It was spreading fast and growing restlessly, the Valkyr relished that thought even more of what the younger Valkyr answered to his initial question. He tilted his head to both sides as he cracked his neck contemplating on how to respond to the youth's ambition to join Prince Thurion Heavenshield's order of Jedi. Einarr's philosophy was in complete contrast to what the Heavenshields preached and that was the reason most Valkyri, for now, disliked him. He had voiced his opposition to the ways of the Heavenshields and his belief that they were limiting the potential of the Valkyri and diverting them from their true path - conquest.

Analysing the man from head to toe, Einarr could figure out that the boy was possibly of those that did not share his philosophy. Especially since the youth had admitted he was off to join the Prince on his 'fight against the darkness'. Mentally, the smith chuckled and remained sitting on the cold, snowy ground. His furs tight around him keeping him hot enough, while in his hands he had began polishing his axe.

"Sounds like a noble cause." Einarr spoke with a hint of playfulness in his tone. With the same tone, he continued while polishing his axe. "Yet, noble in the sense of the Valkyrian tradition or someone else's ?" It was definitely a jab at the boy's intentions, questioning the Heavenshields' belief system, a system Einarr believed to be far from what was true Valkyrian.



[member="Máni"]



((OOC: The damn notification did not work again and I've also followed the topic :/ I will keep monitoring the thread manually though. )

 

[Vakarian]

The Valkyr across from him bore no hatred for his kindred, that much was evident by the way that he had responded to his own admission of his intent to join the Light Side in following his prince to the Silver Sanctum. He took notice of the jab at him, but evaded any hint of reaction through the usual stoical nature of their people. However, the casual sharpening of the axe belonging to Warscream brought a smirk to his lips; he was obviously a light-aligned individual but he was a Valkyri at heart and he would not back down from a physical challenge. That would bring dishonor to himself and his family.

His glacial eyes carefully eyed the features of the man across from him, beginning at his feet and ending at his eyes, sizing him up as well as checking for any hint of an ulterior motive. After a few moments of silent thought he made his way to a tree stump across from the older being and sat down, careful not to take his eyes off of Warscream for any hidden agenda that he may hold.

"Is it not noble to fight for the betterment of one's people by attempting to aid the galaxy in it's whole?" he countered Einarr's question with one of his own before continuing. "There may have been a time for conquest for our kin, but we are in a modern era and our kin are no longer the most superior.I believe I act for the betterment of the Valkyr as a whole, just as you do in your own path. The Valkyr are a strong people, but we are not yet strong enough to even consider expansion. You were witness to the carnage of the Vinterbound, and if you were not, you need only look around you. Our people cannot survive on their own anymore, the galaxy is changing and if we do not change with it, we will be swept away."

The younger of the two Valkyr was no fool as to believe that he was wise or knew the state of the galaxy, he had never even left Midvinter. But, there were stories of those that had left the planet and seen the state of the galaxy themselves. "There is no doubt that a time for conquest will come again, but now is not the right time for our people. So, I have chosen to help them as best I can." He was careful not to press too far upon the man's patience, all the while voicing his own thoughts on the older Valkyr's chosen path.
[member="Einarr Warscream"]

 

[Zef Halo]

Both Valkyri's eyes were locked as the younger one took a seat next to a tree stump that was across to where Einarr was currently sitting and working on his axe. He listened carefully to what the younger one was speaking and analysed his mentality by what he spoke. Einarr had differed from his kin due to his pioneer type of nature, a thirst of knowledge and inquisitive personality was what best described him despite coming from simple upbringing of a family of craftsmen. He was a blacksmith himself but that profession of his could deceive most and underestimate Einarr's mental capabilities. With such capabilities, rather than physical strength, he had been able to muster Valkyri behind his cause and raided a few other planets up till now.

"The galaxy is a means to an end, not an end." His wolfish smirk turned into a grin for a moment before becoming a wolfish smirk again as he continued. "We've always fought between each other so we could boast of being part of the 'Chief Tribe'. That brings us what ? Nothing but shedding our own blood when we can bring that strife to others' homes rather than ours. Help ourselves by using the galaxy rather than serving it. "

Einarr paused as he shifted his focus to sharpening his axe correctly for a bit before shifting his gaze at the younger Valkyr that stood across him.

"The Heavenshields have done only one thing good - be open to the rest of the galaxy and take in their knowledge. Unlike that fool - Beorlund. Yet they have not built on that, their passivity stemming from our Prince's Jedi order will only bring us into stagnation. Sooner or later, Valkyri would just be mythical warriors, thanks to that." His smirk turned into a wolfish grin as he finished his statement. "The galaxy is weak and divided into dozens of rulers, now is the time for us to rise."



[member="Máni"]

 

[Vakarian]

"Should the Valkyr muster their troops and add to the already increasing chaos that is present in the galaxy?" he countered again before continuing on. "If we were to carve out our own place in the galaxy, we would do nothing more than paint larger targets on our backs than we have now."

The man across from his was a dangerous one, but he meant no harm to his own people, that much Máni was sure of just by sitting across from him and examining his tone and actions whenever he spoke of the Light Side. He may not have been Light aligned, but he was attempting to look out for the interests of his people as best he could. It was much the same as Máni wished to be, but they had chosen two completely different paths by the sound of it. Warscream had his fair share of sensible reasoning, but still there was one flaw that Máni saw. "Say that our people were to acquiescence to your ways. We ready for war and we begin our conquest to claim our own part of the galaxy, how do you suppose we stand against the larger entities; the Sith, The Republic, or even the Silver Sanctum itself? We are technologically inferior, and if we were to try and carve out our own legend, we would die. It is honorable to die in combat, not to die senselessly."

He knew that he would not be able to convince the older man to see the reason behind his actions, they each had their own path to follow and only the gods knew what lay at the end of each path. He fell silent as he watched and listened to the steady rhythm of the older Valkyri sharpening his axe, a sound that was oddly peaceful to the younger of the two. No matter what he may believe, Máni was still Valkyri and he would not harm his own kin.

"Even if the Valkyri were to fade into myth or obscurity, it is better than dying needlessly. Odiir. Runa. Eár. Helm." he paused again, "They are legend and myth, do we doubt their existence? No. They are remembered by what we see around us, the wind and the seas, the beasts and the birds. The Valkyri can be remembered by what they leave behind. But, if we begin our conquest as you so eagerly wish to do, then we stand the chance of being erased from history entirely. There would be nothing left if the larger entities were to decide to consider us a threat and attack us. I have as much faith in our people as you do, but you must realize that we are not ready for what you are asking."

Máni finished with a slight sigh and waited in silence for the older man to reply. In truth, Máni enjoyed the talk between Warscream and himself, it allowed one to isolate the truth and falsities of rumors for themselves and thereby allow him to pass his own judgment on the man.
[member="Einarr Warscream"]

 

[Zef Halo]

Einarr listened to the young man preaching his own ideas to the blacksmith and he shook his head. The younger Valkyr reminded him of Einarr at that age - young and comitted. Comitted to his ideas and cause. Such people were hard to 'convert'. That did not necessarily mean they were stupid, no. Not always, at least. But such people were stubborn, more stubborn than the average Valkyr who were known for their stubborn as concrete nature.

"Chaos? Chaos is a ladder." Einarr stated as his smirk began to grow into a grin again ( I had to). "Many who try to climb it fall, and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some are given a chance to climb but they refuse, they cling to their realm or gods or love - illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is."

The blacksmith's eyes kept locked to the young man's glacier colored eyes, with an intent to read the younger Valkyr. Read not only his reaction but who he was, what characterized him and what differed him from others. What made him who he was. Einarr did not agree with the man's position as it echoed the Heavenshields' belief of 'healing'. But what was healing ? Healing was an end. Not a means to an end. Just like the ripe galaxy that awaited them.

"You see me as a reckless man, yet I am not." Einarr said and continued, his smirk still on his face, his tone slowly becoming more emotional. "Never fight until the odds are in your favor for a victory. Never engage in combat until you've had you victory sealed before." He paused as he halted the sharpening of his axe. "You speak of larger entities as threats rather than means, you look at it from one dimension. A linear dimension in which you could not see the numerous possibilities that arise with every action we take. Actions that could bring that 'healing' you speak of. The healing of our eternal inner strife."

His smirk turned into a simple smile as he finished speaking.

"Do not forget, that power does not bring only a bigger target for enemies to exploit, but also reinforces our position as people have always clutched to the strong."



[member="Máni"]

 

[Julian Falkenberg]

A single arrow, sharp as razor, darted through the chilly air only to hit its mark with utmost precision. The jugular vein of a grand brown stag bursted, thick dark red blood spurting all over the immaculate blanket of snow that covered the forest floor. The animal wailed, instincively springing forward on its muscly hind legs; even before it could utter another sound, a second arrow and third arrow hit it right between the eyes. The stag fell to the ground instantly with a loud thump, followed by a quiescent exhaled wallowing in self-satisfaction.

Plump lips curved into a half-smile as the daughter of Stormguard turned to two men who were her hunting entourage for the day. Surely, they've volunteered to accompany Astrid merely to see her hunt and see for themselves if the rumors were true. The word was - the blonde heir of Stormguard clan could shoot a cone out of a squirrel's hand from more than hundred meters away. Judging by the way they smirked, Astrid didn't leave them disappointed.

"Bring the horses and ropes. Secure the prey." she almost commanded, then slid the bow across her chest and readjusted the buckle that kept her silver furr cloak in place. A sharp whistle was enough to summon a dirty-white draft horse, his wooly hooves dashing through the snow as he pranced back to his rider. The beast would have no problem dragging the game they caught back to the camp. Astrid mounted the animal and then let men bind stag's legs together for transportation. She every so gently tugged the horse under his ribs and the animal responded by starting a heavy trot in the general direction of the camp, with precious cargo in tow. A sense of accomplishment pervaded Astrid's being as she made her way back, having done everything her father had asked her to; the mead was already there, the meat was on its way. For a few fleeting moments, she imagined his face, with a miniscule smile creeping through his otherwise stern features. Eodred was harsh on her more often than not, but could not help but to rejoice when she succeded. He'd then just ruffle her hair for a fleeting moments, as if she was nothing but a small boy.

"She's back, she's back!" a few voices sounded as the horseback-riding entourage rode into the camp, dragging the carcass of the stag to the middle of it. With much cheering, the Stormguard dismounted and patted the buttock of her horse before leaving it in the able hands of an elderly ostler.

"Éar was merciful today. We feast tonight." the blonde pronounced, then pulled out her three arrows out of the stag. Blood dripped across the snow as Astrid made her way to the edge of the camp, pretty much ignoring the plethora of taps on the back she recieved from the Valkyri folk. Once she was certain most of people's attention was on the food and mead she had supplied, the daughter of Stormguard unsheathed her sword and stabbed it into the ground while dropping the arrows beside it. Dull pain sprawled along the left side of her torso, exacerbated every time she inhaled. The Valkyr woman lifted the edge of her linen tunic under her cloak to reveal a bruise just under her last left rib, a sure sign something was broken or at least battered. The stag had initially shown some resistance, when the trio attempted a more forward approach.

"A thousand hells..." the blonde woman cursed and scooped up a handful of snow and pressed it against the bruise in an attempt to reduce the swelling.

[member="Einarr Warscream"] [member="Máni"]

 

[Vakarian]

A brief flash of emotion appeared in his eyes and disappeared just as quickly. The Valkyri across from him was set in his way, at least so far as he could tell. He believed in his cause and that belief gave him the strength to persist despite the disapproval of the Valkyr at large. Máni had to give him credit for his persistence and determination in his cause, and though it may stem from his wanting to better the Valkyri people's lot in the galaxy, the younger of the two still felt that he was going about it the wrong way. As it was, he was fairly certain that the man across from him felt the same way about his own actions in turn.

"Chaos is but a tool for the strong to manipulate the weak. We are a noble people, and to take advantage of the chaos is to lessen ourselves to the lowest of those in the galaxy. We are better than that." his voice rang with emotion, indicative of how strongly he felt for his people. "The larger entities are a threat to us, and to engage ourselves into an agreement with one power or the other is not the way of the Valkyr. Are we to become indentured to one or the other?" he questioned again. His eyes echoing the emotion in his voice. The young Valkyr turned his head in the direction that he had come from, hearing the cheers of the Valkyri in the camp. Either there was going to be a lot of mead, or a lot of of food - because nothing aside from the promise of a good fight could get the Valkyri as cheerful as they sounded in that moment.

He turned his gaze back to Einarr and stood before speaking again. "I believe that you have the best interests of our people at heart, but I cannot agree with the way in which you choose to enact those interests. It is not for me to judge you. So, I say this..." he paused before continuing, "Let us return to the camp and see what has boosted the morale of our people. It can only be two things; a good fight or a feast. I personally wouldn't mind either of the two."

Máni had decided that he liked the man across from him, and despite his disapproval of his chosen path, he was still a Valkyr in both blood and nature; he was kin. The younger of the two would never turn his back on his kin. A genuine smile appeared on the younger Valkyr's face as he stood awaiting Einarr.

[member="Einarr Warscream"] [member=Astrid Stormguard]

 

[Zef Halo]

Einarr would halt argueing with the younger of the Valkyri, he had made up his mind just as the blacksmith had. They would take different ways but the older Valkyri believed that the younger one would someday see the righteousness behind Einarr's ideas. Or he would perish along with the Heavenshields when the bells begin to toll years from now. Until then, the smith would preach his ways and muster strength while resuming the pillaging raids after they had taken an involuntary hiatus due to the threat of the Vinterbound. Many had left his cause after seeing the Heavenshields' efforts in eliminating the Vinterbound while also providing recuperation afterwards, while many others had averted to his cause believing the Heavenshields' passive nature were the cause of so many casualties in the war against the Vinterbound.

"Let's go then, my stomach has been aching for a while now." Einarr stood up as he put his axe back on his belt. Tightening the furs around him, he gladly strolled towards the camp with a wolfish smile on his face. The smith was having hopes that all the commotion would be a feast rather than another fistfight, he really was becoming hungry. "What is your name, boy?"

Both arrived at the camp after the short walk from where Einarr and the younger Valkyr had sat conversing with each other. They had arrived just in time when a blonde Valkyr woman dismounted from her horse and declared that a feast would occur, judging by her looks the smith knew who that girl might be - Eodred Stormguard's daughter. He'd heard the stories of a blonde Valkyrian beauty that had a talent for bows and hunting, she did fit the description considering the large stag lying on the ground.

Einarr noticed the frowning looks he received from most Valkyri as he approached the stag to observe it. Rubbing his stomach and licking his lips, he implied that he was definitely going to have a piece of that juicy looking stag.

"So, who in Éar's name would chop this up already ?"


[member="Máni"] [member="Astrid Stormguard"]

 

[Julian Falkenberg]

Able hands had already begun skinning the animal when Astrid returned to the center of the camp, her side numb from the snow she rubbed into her skin. The pain subsided, for now, and would remain so if there was enough mead to go around. Her father had sent an entire cart of his finest mead which was personally delivered by his only daughter. Barrels were still intact on the wagon, ready to be cracked open. Upon them, the stamp of Stormguard clan's seal, a lightning bolt over an oval shield. The buckle on Astrid's belt bore the same sigil, one she wore proudly.

The blonde woman stood by the fire and extended her palms towards it, hands warmed by the dancing flames consuming the fragrant pinewood. She grew quiet, sinking into the depths of her thick cloak, but remained ever observant of her surroundings.

"Bring out the mead!" men cheered as stag was slowly being turned into what would be a most delicious roast - "Let us drink tonight, in the honor of the gods!"
The Valkyri were as passionate about fighting as they were about food and drink, without the right sense of measure. Healing was best done over a full stomach, they thought.

Soon the barrels were uncorked and women began distributing the mead, pouring the golden liquid into every spare horn and cup. Each man was alloted as much mead as he could drink, but one. Every pitcher had evaded him, with nobody wanting to pour a drink to a man who openly questioned authority of the High King. Astrid had heard of him and the tales of his adventures, but never saw Warscream in person. Some even said he was a demon, a shape-shifter, a wretched being. Yet before her stood a Valkyri man, indistinguishable from the rest of them. By his side, a younger man, perhaps his next of kin? The blonde lofted a brow.

Astrid glanced over her shoulder, noting the rising contempt breeding in the cool air. The evening drew nigh, first stars sparkling on the horizon. Einarr's presence would eventually bring them to the edge of conflict, if left unchecked. The daughter of Stormguard was well aware of her social status and what power it brough her. She rarely exercised it, but sometimes one needed to sacrifice their principles for the common good. She bred contempt for Warscream even more than the rest of them, perhaps because he challenged everything Astrid held dear: honor, loyalty and servitude to the crown that ran in her family for generations.

Nonetheless, she took her chalice and poured mead into it, almost to the very rim and made her way towards Einarr, long cloak trailing across the snow. He simply had to stand in the middle of the camp, in the center of attention, where his presence could not be ignored. Upon aproaching him, the blonde-haired woman stopped and greeted him with a slight dip of her head; their eyes met, gazes locking instantly. A few silent moments ensued, as the jeer died off, the crowd expectant of Astrid's next move.

Wordlessly, the daughter of Stormguard drank a sip from the chalice and let the sweet taste of the mead simmer against her palate, before extending her cup to Warscream. A few jaws dropped in awe as Astrid extended an honor very few were priviledged to have. To drink from the same cup, was a call for unification, a peace treaty in the Valkyri folklore.

"There are no enemies here tonight." she announced potently - "Only sheep...that stray somewhat from Éar's flock."

[member="Máni"] [member="Einarr Warscream"]

 

[Vakarian]

The trek back to the camp was a swift one with him not having made it very far before he had been stopped by Einarr in the wilderness. It was the opposite way of where his true path lay, but he would not part on unsure terms with the older Valkyri. He would make it a point to show that Einarr that he was not considered an enemy in his eyes, even if the same were not to be said about himself through Einarr's own eyes. When they passed through the camp, Máni took note of the expressions that most assembled wore when their gaze fell upon Warscream, but he did not leave the mans side. He had seen good in the man, even if the rest of them could not, and that in itself was enough to earn Máni's respect. Warscream's question did not fall on deaf ears, and he quickly replied with a friendly tone.

"My name is Máni. That is all." his voice faltered slightly with emotion, but his gaze betrayed nothing of what he felt within. His family had been killed in the battle against the Vinterbound, and despite the efforts of the Jedi healers, they could not be saved. He had been the only child, so having been fatherless and motherless, he had chosen to shed his surname. He was not angry with the Jedi for their failure to heal his father and mother, they had been powerful warriors in their own right, and they would achieve Beornskald, where the legends of ages past awaited all Valkyr.

Having been offered a drink by a passing woman, he graciously accepted and drank deeply before turning to Einarr with another smile and saying, "It seems that your reputation proceeds you far beyond just a few travelers. Some do not approve, but there are others here who do approve of you. You can see it written in their eyes." his words were quickly ended as the assembled Valkyr had fallen silent, and Máni looked for the source of their silence.

It did not take him long to find the source.

A beautiful blonde haired woman approached the two of them, wearing the crest of Stormguard, a clan loyal to High King Dawnbringer. He was briefly struck silent and in his silence he watched as the Stormguard drank from her chalice and then offered it to Einarr in a peace offering. A wide smile graced his face as he watched the exchange, her acceptance of his presence would certainly ensure his safety for the festivities.

[member="Astrid Stormguard"] [member="Einarr Warscream"]

 

[Zef Halo]

Máni was the younger Valkyr's name, he'd remember it for sure. Einarr never forgot names, neither faces. For good or for bad, it was as it was. What he took notice of was the man's final words after introducing himself. Máni had not stated any surname after his given name, for a reason that remained unknown to the smith and he would not ask. Some things were better left alone.

"It seems that your reputation proceeds you far beyond just a few travelers. Some do not approve, but there are others here who do approve of you. You can see it written in their eyes."

His smile remained on his face slightly chuckling at Máni's statement, as most Valkyri around him were showing direct hostility to him. Horns and cups with mead were being distributed to all but him, others were conversing loudly their feelings about the blacksmith. Einarr knew that would happen and as such he tended to stay away from gatherings of Valkyri who did not share his philosophy. Yet, he was hungry and he was not a little puppy that left with his tail between his legs. They were all welcome to try their strengths at him. The thought of that turned his smile into a wolfish smirk.

All that hostility was brought to a sudden halt as among the crowd reappeared the blonde he had seen earlier dismount from her mount. Seeing her this close, Einarr knew for sure of her identity which he had simply guessed earlier - Eodred Stormguard's daughter. Her name rang up in his head as he remembered it - Astrid.

Astrid Stormguard, daughter of Eodred Stormguard. Loyal lord to High King Dawnbringer.

Nobles were known amongst the Valkyri, those such as Einarr who did not arrive on this world with blue blood would mainly attain a widespread fame either due to their skills in some sort of activity, a brave act or as in Einarr's case - an antagonist.

Astrid was certainly as she had been described - beautiful, yet firm judging by her body language. Hunting such a big game was also a confirmation of her firm nature. She approached him with a chalice in her hands, halting a foot away from him, their gazes had been locked. He curtly bowed to her slightly as she had nodded at him while the Valkyrian noble took a sip of her mead and offered it to the blacksmith.

The reaction by the gathered crowd was expected. She had demonstrated an act of honor that when taken meant peace in Valkyrian tradition.

For a moment, he simply looked at the chalice offered at him, the suspense growing simulatnously with his wolfish smirk. Tilting his eyes to Máni for a second who seemed to have a smile as bright as the sun before locking his gaze back with Eodred's daughter as she announced:

"There are no enemies here tonight. Only sheep...that stray somewhat from Éar's flock."

...he took the chalice...

He raised it for a toast and spoke with confidence:

"To the sheep it is, my lady." Einarr's eyes looking all over the crowd, his implication obvious. Taking a gulp rather than a sip, he returned the chalice to Astrid, his wolfish smirk still on his face as his eyes locked with hers once again.


[member="Máni"] [member="Astrid Stormguard"]

 

[Julian Falkenberg]

Stormguards were peculiar Valkyri nobles, perhaps less noble in the eyes of other aristocracy on Midvinter. A legend said that Astrid's ancestors had pledged their allegiance to the High King for a thousand generations to come when he fed them during a famine that occured when crops failed in the south. They've become nobility though service, rather than birthright, nor did they exclusively marry into ruling clans. Revered for their infalliable sense for justice, valor in battle and modesty in exposition, the Stormguards enjoyed a more than favourable reputation amongst the common folk. Astrid was no exception. While most blue-blooded ladies enjoyed the courts of Tháinbroek, the daughter of Stormguard often got her hands dirty - perhaps help with the plough or mending a broken wheel to a random merchant travelling to Warsung village. The people of Midvinter could only have true admiration for the girl, as she was the living embodiment of everything and all Valkyri.

Notwithstanding, she would not let Warscream get too comfortable, lest he confuses it for a sign of liking.
"Drink." she commanded, stepping aside to prevent herself from standing right in the center of attention, where Einarr so blissfully thrived. Astrid had no intention of taking the chalice back.

"You need it more than I do." the blonde concluded, before turning her attention to the younger man. He too grinned, albeit genuinely and with the warmth of Rôrik. Einarr's smile, on the other hand, was almost condescending.

"Wait, I remember you." Astrid said, quirking a curious brow - "You are from Reykjaa, aren't you?"
Stormguard had astounding memory; she could remember faces from childhood without much effort.
"Your name was spoken in Helm's temple - Máni is it not?"

Astrid could feel Einarr's almost lewd gaze scraping against her face. Her complexion was no different than the intact snow they were standing on, long braided hair descending all the way to the small of her back. The older Astrid grew, the more she looked like her late mother. Up close, almost like a demi-goddess. But the way she bore herself elicited respect. Nobody even dared to extend a hand and cup that perfectly chiseled cheekbone ever so lightly blushing from the now distant flames of the improvised hearth.

"Try not to cause any more havoc, at least not before everyone is drunk for the night." she advised Einarr without diverting her gaze towards him. Instead, she reached for Máni's cup, only to take a sip from it before returning it.
"I have to thank the gods."

[member="Máni"] [member="Einarr Warscream"]

 

[Vakarian]

Máni watched the interaction between Stormguard and Warscream with interest. It was like watching two storms on the verge of collision, but far more cordial and noble. It did his heart good to see that despite the shortcomings of other members of their race, the Valkyr would always welcome their own; albeit grudgingly by some. Glacial orbs filled with a genuine light of mirth passed over the assembled crowd as the liveliness returned and the cheer-making began again. It boosted his own spirits which were in so short supply since the loss of his parents, though outwardly one would not be able to tell otherwise. It was then that he was caught of guard as the Stormguard woman turned to him, and his face fell into its usual stoic nature when she mentioned his home village.

"Yes, Lady." Máni spoke softly to hide the hurt and anger that was rising his his heart at the memory of losing his parents to the Vinterbound. "My parents have joined the legends in Beornskald's Halls. They were slain defending our village from the Vinterbound alongside many of the Jedi from Prince Heavenshield's order. Since their death, I have given myself to Helm to use as he pleases." His words were stark and simple. It was clear that he believed he was doing his parents a service by devoting himself to the gods of their people. Máni was not oblivious to her beauty, as evident by the way his eyes lingered in her eyes, but he had not the heart nor drive to attempt anything further than a gaze.

He bowed again as she took his cup and drank from it lightly before handing it back to him and he took drank from the cup, "May the Gods favor us all." again his words were simple. He turned his gaze to [member=Einarr Warscream] and then back to [member=Astrid Stormguard] before he nodded to himself and spoke again.

"We are among brethren. There is no place for dislike and discontent with one another, save that for our enemies. We are brothers..." he paused and quickly flicked his gaze to Lady Stormguard before he continued, ".. and sisters by blood. There are no lost sheep, only different paths to walk. That does not change that we are kin. The moment we begin to turn on one another out of disapproval is the moment that darkness truly wins."

Call him naive if you wish, but Máni had a very clear outlook on his own people. No matter their choices in life, they would remain his kin until they openly announced themselves as otherwise. It was a pretty black and white outlook, but he believed it to the be right one.

 

[Zef Halo]

Einarr simply shrugged at her command and obeyed it by keeping the chalice to himself, downing it in a few gulps. He was truly thirst and still hungry, looking around he noticed that the hostility was dissipitating and the crowd was venturing to different places of the camp to enjoy they meals, surrounded by their close ones. The blacksmith had always liked that part of Valkyrian tradition, the noisy feasts and the true happiness that filled the hearts of his people.

Not soon after Astrid had turned her attention to the younger Valkyr, Einarr was approached by a younger Valkyrian girl with a plate of food. She remained silent and slightly blushing as she offered the plate to the blacksmith. With a curtuous nod, he took it from her and began devouring the food on it as the girl walked away. Einarr relished the food as he listened to the conversation unrolling next to him. Apparently, the reason behind why Máni had no surname anymore was his devotion to the Gods after his parents' death at the hands of the Vinterbound. The blacksmith explained the younger Valkyr's devotion as the reason why he had been so stubborn in his philosophy when both of them had their conversation up on the hill.

His thoughts of getting more food and leaving the camp were cut short when Astrid had warned him not to cause any more havoc for the night.

"I...jst cme by t eat, mlady." He said with his mouth full to the beautiful daughter of Eodred, the blacksmith was definitely hungry. She'd definitely taken the best out her parents' match.

Any further comments that Einarr might have thought of sharing had remained to himself as Máni began preaching his beliefs, including to Astrid. Einarr chewed and devoured the food in his mouth while waiting for the younger Valkyr to finish. What he was saying was correct but his way of achieving his beliefs were wrong, the ideals of Heavenshields were wrong, according to Einarr.

"We are brothers and sisters who keep killing each other, save our enemies." He stated as he gazed at the younger Valkyr and continued, his tone composed. "The sooner we realize this, the better... for all of us."


"Nothing good comes out of being sheep, isn't that right, my lady Stormguard?"


[member="Máni"] [member="Astrid Stormguard"]

 

[Julian Falkenberg]

Eodred's daughter watched the philosophical exchange between two men with much disdain. Astrid, unlike the two of them, never claimed precedence over Valkyri tradition, never assumed her ideals were more perfect or holy than those of others. Like her old man, she was very modest with words, but instead showed her allegiance with deeds, which earned her respect among the folk. The burden of a thousand-year oath lay heavy on her shoulders, constantly reminding her the life she lived would never be her own. These two, on the other hand, had absolute freedom to be whatever their hearts desired and yet they chose to debate in absolutes. For this reason, the blonde had mild envy for both of them and plethora of life's choices laid before them. No such luxury hath the progeny of Stormguard.

"We serve the crown and whoever may bear it." she said plainly - "My debt is to Midvinter and its people, not anyone in particular."

Her hand gently caressed the handle of her sword. One day, it would be her father's weapon that would hang by her side, the though of it both exciting and saddening.

"He who is fittest will sit in the throne, at the dismay of his enemies." voiced the blonde then turned to Warscream once again. She leaned in ever so lightly, her almond shaped eyes narrowing.

"Yet some challenge the claim foolishly, I'd say. My kin have watched many contest the right of sitting in that chair, but very few succeed." Throughout the ages, rebellions against kings were rarely successful.

"You are a very brave man, Warscream. I can honestly admire that - " she paused, before almost half-jokingly adding - "I'd hate to sever that handsome head from those shoulders, as the tradition prescribes."
It was common knowledge that Stormguards also served as henchmen, especially in cases of grand-treason against the crown.

[member="Máni"] [member="Einarr Warscream"]

 

[Vakarian]

Máni enjoyed the company of the two other Valkyri that he had chosen to spend his time with, though certainly for different reasons. It had been an accidental run-in with [member=Einarr Warscream], but it had proven insightful into the older man's way of thinking and that was something that he enjoyed. The rumors that went around about Warscream were true in part, but there was more to a man than what the rumors said about him. In Einarr's case this had proven true, in the younger Valkyr's opinion anyway. The run in with Lady [member=Astrid Stormguard] had been intentional on her part, wanting to evade the tension that was rising when Einarr entered the camp. That had been fortunate for the both of them.

"I realize, whether you believe it or not Warscream, that we kill each other more than our enemies. Does that mean that we should lead our people into the stars, killing others as we go, only to have the galaxy turn against us?" he paused, "If we gain what you desire, the galaxy will turn against us, there are far too many powers already vying for Kingship. We do not need to be a part of that mix." his tone was even and polite as he finished. He wasn't trying to preach to the older man, that would be inappropriate, he was no smarter than Einarr, but neither was he any less smart for his chosen path. He avoided a response to the comment directed to the Lady Stormguard and turned his eyes to her.

The kind smile that graced his features steadily fell as she spoke to Warscream, able to sense the passive-aggressive nature of her words. His eyes flashed with the fury of a winter storm in the height of the winter months, before he would speak with solid disapproval. "Tradition is not always the right course, even for one so noble as a Stormguard. Warscream has not vowed to lay a finger on the High King, nor has he made clear any intentions to take the throne for himself. Your threats are in direct contrast to your words just mere moments ago, whether jokingly or not. Challenges, in any words, are not taken lightly among our people Lady Stormguard." He finished with a steady gaze at the two of them and took his hand motioning around them.

"The people deserve their cheer and merriment, let us not ruin it with threats and squabbles over views and tradition. We are brothers...", he placed his hand on Einarr's shoulder and turned toward Astrid, ".. and sisters. Let us not threaten each other, not so soon after our people faced the Vinterbound. We cannot afford infighting." He did not dare to touch the woman, but he made it clear that he would not allow any fight or threat to be carried out while he was with the two of them.

 

[Zef Halo]

Einarr listened as the blonde Valkyrian noble brought forth who her kin served while passing her hand around the hilt of the blade in a non-hostile manner. As she leaned slightly towards the blacksmith who was finishing the last of his food, he put down his empty plate while his wolfish smirk growing the more she spoke.

Máni's intervention with he once again stated his beliefs to what the Valkyri ought to be had Einarr turn his gaze from the blue eyes of Astrid towards the glacier blue colored eyes of the younger Valkyr. He certainly was stubborn, Einarr would give him that but what he believed in, according to the blacksmith, was exactly what limited the Valkyr from the achieving the potential the Gods had given them.

"Why the big fear from the galaxy, boy ? A galaxy full of strife that would barely bat an eye at the rising threat we could be, labelling us as savages while we learn more and more, and suddenly we become a power to be respected. Their strife won't end just because of our appearance. No. With the power we could have we could hold leverage for our wants and needs, the power that the same Gods you have devoted yourself to gifted us with." He scoffed at the younger Valkyr and turned his gaze back at Astrid who spoke:

"You are a very brave man, Warscream. I can honestly admire that - I'd hate to sever that handsome head from those shoulders, as the tradition prescribes."

Einarr grinned at that half-joke and half-threat, shaking his head lightly but before he could speak Máni had intervened once again between them to attempt to calm the situation, yet in a way criticizing the blonde noble. Máni had just said the words Einarr would have but they sounded much better from a third-party rather than him. Hence, the blacksmith remained silent for a few moments, implying his agreement with what the priest said although not directly showing it, despite letting the younger Valkyr touch his shoulder. Afterwards, he simply added, a hidden verbal jab in what he said:

"Of course, shall we drink then for the Stormguard's hospitality and servitude to the crown."

She had bitten at him, it was only fair he returned the favor in a subtle manner. Einarr was not the typical direct Valkyr that would speak without thinking, quite the opposite he knew that she was at a position where she could make more direct statements than him. That did not mean he could play with words.


[member="Astrid Stormguard"] [member="Máni"]