Abyssal Road Trip

The mind palace had previously manifested as two small islets suspended in darkness. Now the single large island present was the simplest change, in a place now illuminated with radiant golden light. As she glanced towards the edge, a flare of energy rose in an arc from somewhere far below. Tendrils of its power branched out from the arc’s main path even before its course had completed. It looked as if it was kilometres away, but its light brightened the top of the island and banished the lingering darkness except within the stone. Every motion of that energy carried a thrumming note to her awareness, and far below, a chorus of power sang.

The island was a regular disc of polished, unmarked obsidian. A short column rose from the centre of the disc to barely the height of her knee. On its top, a mosaic of erratically shaped spaces seemed to form a game board across its surface. The pieces themselves made no sense; instead of two potential starting sides, it ranged in moments from eight to sixteen, and every number in between. Sections of the board vanished and reappeared with no pattern that Julia could see. The only thing constant was the pieces’ colours while they showed upon the board: obsidian and a clear crystal. None of the pieces matched each other, nor any game Julia could remember, but its appearance was vaguely familiar all the same.

Though as bizarre as its appearance was, it was more comforting than studying what B had become. Black obsidian eyes appeared eerily serpentine with each iris a slit of white power from top to bottom, with no pupil apparent. Long metallic claws tapped against the edges of the game board as she sat perched upon a backless chair that clearly was a throne. Her wings had lost all substance and were a multitude of ribbons dancing about in an unfelt wind—segments of them cycling between silken blackness and burning chains.

The tiara of horns was still present, with flames somehow blacker than before, drinking all light that dared come close. Feral hunger showed on her sharpened features, and B’s predatory smile showed an extra fang sitting at the outer side of her eyeteeth. While the form of her body itself was mostly unchanged, B projected an air of ardent, carnal desire far stronger than before with every languished gesture. Every time her smile broadened it was as if she was preparing to leap; but it was a type of smile that left one uncertain between predator and carnal beast.

Despite her wanton look, B still appeared to be healing from the wounds their conflict had left. The iridescent white cream of her flesh marred by punctures, burns and scars. The upper edge of one ear was severed, the flesh along the cut bubbling. Through a hole burnt in her cheek missing teeth were noticeable, and as Julia considered punching her again an incisor popped into place.

“Frisky kitten, frisky,” B purred, coiling her elongated tongue at Julia before she settled on her chair. “At least I got a space upgrade to use when you’re not slumming it with me.”

“Hidden all the shelves away I see,” taunted Julia, enjoying when B’s lip curled in anger. “Didn’t want to lose more of your no longer useful bargaining chips?”

“Oh, they’re still useful,” B replied, her voice tight with leashed rage. “The game however has very much changed; I like your new threads.”

As the sensation of air brushing across bare skin accompanied B’s remark, Julia glared at her, ignoring her dig.

“You tried and failed to enslave Celestials, we’re matched for now, but I’ll find a way to push you out. I’m no longer giving you any benefit of the doubt,” snapped Julia, words burning with furious disgust. “I’m not playing any games with you no matter...”

A crystal piece, shaped like a frozen flame, moved across the board even as Julia spoke. More pushed into existence hung in mid-air, as two of the starting position across from B disappeared.

“Oh, it’s not a game where you can avoid playing. Choosing not to play is still a move,” sneered B, her tone biting. Securing an oozing eye between claws, she moved it to a spot ahead. As she drew her hand back, the piece pulsed for a moment and rose into the air to occupy a newly formed mosaic spot. “Oh, this is fun, but Chaos is more my thing than yours, Babe.”

In the air close to B, a figurine of a Norse warrior appeared. His head bowed before a candle atop a broken skull, and tiny figurines wreathed in shadow staggered into the open. Yet none of the pieces had joined the board, as B peered at the nearly invisible lines that bound them together. After a moment of clearly strained focus, a strange assortment of Demonic pieces appeared in opened boxes on the floor nearby.

Plucking a Succubus piece from a box, B placed it on the board, only to find it changed from obsidian to crystal as she set it in place. It rose into the air propelled by its wings and ripped the eye apart, only for a flickering lightning bolt from nowhere to burn it from the board.

“Oh, well,” B pouted, “You win some, you lose some.”

A rumbling of words holding rage brushed against Julia’s awareness, with no idea what the figurines represented she let the voices draw her attention away. As she released the mind palace, two pieces from Julia’s side of the board slid forward, and five new starting blocks packed with pieces appeared. The crystalline female figurines appeared in loose pants, shirts and carried glowing power in their hands. A stack of boxes, their lids only partly ajar, appeared floating close to the column’s edge; when B reached out, her fingers passed right through.

“No fair,” grumbled B. “Bored now.”

Pain like a migraine pulsed in her head as Julia opened her eyes again. Someone was uncomfortably imbuing the light in the room with glowing Celestial force.

“Too much Celestial energy, tone it down to at least half please,” Julia said, her voice sounding odd as she brought up a hand to shield her eyes. The golden-bronze hue and 3D tattooed vines across her skin stopped Julia in surprise, and she squeezed her eyes shut.

My brain is doing weird stuff.

“I’ll remain with the wolf pup, guard the house unseen.”

Julia didn’t recognise the voice giving orders, but the energy instantly diminished, and she could only sigh in relief.

“I’d suggest next time we experiment with such things, we move to my spell chamber,” suggested Yngvarr, though even Julia could tell it his voice held relief.

“Let’s just not,” replied Julia. At the tone in Yngvarr’s voice, she risked opening her eyes and wondered at the obsidian walls she’d never seen in Yngvarr’s house before. Though she still felt a pressure of Celestial energies, there was no longer an aggressive edge to their presence.

{{I told you to tell them to fuck off. }}

That wouldn’t have been so hard if I wasn’t keeping you from enslaving them.

{{What’s a little bondage between friends. }}

The snarling anger that had been in B’s first remark changed to mischief just as quick as Julia was used to hearing.

“From the look of your aura, you’ve suffered psychic damage. It’s not something I’ve seen a Demon suffer before; though new with you, should hardly be a surprise.”

The words directed Julia’s attention to a heavily armoured Elven woman she’d never seen before. Age weighed in her gaze and was all the warning Julia needed to leave True Sight off; she didn’t even want to risk Analysis with the way she felt presently.

“Hi, you are?” asked Julia faintly, the words taking more effort than she’d expected.

“Your reinforcements! Though they’re here too late,” Alfarr said, interrupting the Elven Lady’s attempt to reply. As his voice drew her gaze she looked towards him, only to find a concerned Torm crouched close in-between.

“Did they at least learn everything?” Julia asked, not recognising her own voice as she looked between them.

“They didn’t say,” Alfarr replied, and Torm spoke up straight after.

“They wouldn’t be staying to train the platoons if they hadn’t.”

“That’s something at least,” Julia said, groaning in relief as she turned her head and glimpsed her tattooed shoulder. “What is this?”

Trying to shift position to get a better look, she stopped when she realised her situation; though even an attempt to focus on creating clothes made her brain churn.

“They’re the Markings of Royal Shame, though there isn’t enough colour in them,” The Elven woman said in answer, though Julia still hadn’t got her name.

“Sorry, what is your name?”

“My use name is too long for simple conversation, you may call me Amrúngwen,” she replied.

If that’s a shortened version, do I want to know the full name?

“Are you too worn out to change?” enquired Torm, his voice still weighed with concern.

“I’ll recover soon enough, but my mind feels like it wants to come apart. The form I negotiated with B, is off the table, she’s getting nothing from me after the crap she tried,” Julia grumbled. As she tried again to move, Torm helped her stand, keeping the blanket wrapped around her body.

“If you’d accept it, this will help,” Amrúngwen said, holding forth a short cord that looked woven of plant tendrils. At the sight of it Rana froze in surprise. “It’s a bracelet of shadow vine, it will enfold you in tendrils and fronds that can withstand much. It won’t betray where you got it from or object to your Abyssal energies.”

[Sense Motive [J] (2->3)]

“Thank you for the offer, but I don’t even know you,” Julia replied, even though she sensed sincerity.

“Not yet, but I’ve knowledge of you,” replied Amrúngwen. “Please allow me to assist.”

That’s certainly different to throwing out demands.

“I swear on the Lady’s name she means you no harm,” said Rana. “She and the others present on the Material Plane came when I requested aid.”

Julia accepted the offered bracelet with a nod of thanks, at first contact with her fingertips the material felt exactly like living vines. Against B’s snarled advice, Julia looped the cord around her wrist, and Torm helped her tie it in place. When secured, the woven cord split apart and tendrils grew in a mesh along her arm. Its growth took only moments and when it stopped Julia found herself clothed foot to neck. The material had formed the appearance of loose pants, and layered tunic all in a single piece. The outfit appeared woven of a deep green cloth as fine as some Elves’ silks at the gathering had worn.

Though her feet were still bare, it was the least of her concerns now that she seemed fully dressed.

“You can’t see through this outfit I hope,” Julia asked, hoping it was more than just an illusion.

Julia’s dry tone broke the concerned look on Torm’s face, and he granted her a smile before he replied.

“Perhaps I should keep you guessing for the worry you caused,” replied Torm, and Julia was glad to see his face relax from its concern.

“Thought you said you wouldn’t be mean,” Julia bemoaned, playing it up, she gave him a pout.

“I said I’d tease, which is exactly what you’re doing now,” Torm replied, before directing his attention to her arm not hidden by the blanket. “To my True Sight it looks like a fine mesh of living plants has wrapped around you.”

“That’s a relief,” Julia sighed, peering at the beautiful energy shimmering within the obsidian surfaces. “Yngvarr, have you been hiding more rooms from me? I’ve not seen this one.”

“You’re in what’s left of the sitting room,“ Yngvarr stated blandly.

Think I’m going to be saying sorry for a long time.

“Oh! I thought you must have shifted us somewhere,” exclaimed Julia, tilting her head at the noise just on the edge of hearing. “What’s that hum?”

“You left an impression of the Song in the stone. I believe my parents might actually care to visit just to hear it,” Yngvarr remarked smugly. At Julia’s shocked look, Torm gently pushed her jaw shut.

Was I catching flies?

“Oh joy,” Alfarr said, his tone overflowing with an acidic sarcasm that made Julia’s eyes widen, at her shock he continued on. “They’re not happy I lured their son away from his Royal duties. Pretty sure they’re glad my human life span will mean I’ll be dead soon enough.

“Remember that Master Farhad said those following the Monk path can become Immortal.”

Alfarr smiled wolfishly before he responded.

“Another reason to go adventuring again it seems.”

As the migraine started easing, Julia got her thoughts back on track.

“Marks of Royal Shame?” asked Julia, looking back to Amrúngwen.

“Markings of Royal Shame, These markings were worn by Scions appointed to do whatever necessary but dishonourable deeds were required by the Anar Royalty,” replied Amrúngwen, her serious tone matching her gaze. “Scions displayed parts of the tattoos in public to remind the Royal family that things could go wrong. While providing notice that they would hold everyone including themselves to account.”

“The - go stab my cousin in the back, he’s been bad - kind of dark?” Julia asked as she rubbed across her forehead at the continued pain.

“Darker things than that. If a member of their family needed killing, they’d see it done themselves. Scions often wore clothing cut in such a way to show particular areas of the tattoo, especially when they’d recently completed requests. With the vines: length is centuries of service, a palm length of tendrils each, thorns and burrs for unpleasant tasks, blood from thorns and burrs lesser assassinations, and serrated leaves are painful or deadly secrets. The petals around the roses at the throat represent massacres, while the blood droplets are assassinations of culturally important individuals.”

That’s so not what I was expecting from ‘Sun Elves’.

“Massacres?” asked Torm.

“The Anar respected life since they Sang many early races and beings into existence. Finding they needed to butcher hundreds of sapient creatures wasn’t a thing they took pride in. Battles for personal safety, even while venturing deliberating into danger to push one’s skills was acceptable. Executing a plan to enter a place and leave it empty save for the singing of departed Souls was something else. The only things they had no remorse towards killing were abominations, since they considered them perversions.”

“Guess I earned another petal or three,” muttered Julia, interrupting the look that earned with yet another question. “Rana couldn’t tell me much about them. How do you know so much?”

“My history is long; I have served Lord Oberon, since long before Rana first existed. I had extensive interactions with both Anar and Lómë before the Scourge occurred,” replied Amrúngwen, inclining her head. “While I would share more, I have a duty this called me away from; the others will stay and ensure your safety while you recover.”

“But the bracelet!” Julia exclaimed, surprised at her intent to leave so quickly.

“Keep it. I said it would help, it’s not a loan,” Amrúngwen said before disappearing.

I wonder if I’ve annoyed anyone by teleporting away? It’s certainly happening a lot to me recently.

“There was a mention of the events of tonight being triggered before the Hag could call her Herald home,” Alfarr said, and Julia groaned in response.

“Fuck,” Julia blurted out as concerns about Usd’ghi made the pain spike.

“If it’s an offer, make it to Torm. I’m married,” Alfarr quipped, causing Julia to hide her face in her hands.

“I said that aloud?” groaned Julia, the words muffled with her hands still in place.

“Yep, and earlier you said ‘Fuck me!’ in a very breathy way; made the skin tingle,” Alfarr said, clearly eager to inform.

“Thanks,” Julia snapped, the pain in her mind beckoning frustration higher at Alfarr’s glee.

“What goes around comes around,” Alfarr replied.

Julia ran her fingers through her hair in frustration and stopped as she felt her ears.

“I think I need a mirror.”

“Really!” exclaimed Alfarr, gazing at her in mock surprise. It pleased Julia when it earned him an exasperated look from Yngvarr and Rana alike.

“You look much better instead of merely Human,” Rana stated, “No matter how eye-catching your presence is to mortals.”

“Perhaps that might be a case of slight bias, she’s always looked beautiful, not just eye-catching,” corrected Torm with a frown.

Okay, did I miss those sorts of hints before?

{{ You’re not talking to me, remember! BUT FUCK YES!!! }}

Julia just hoped her wince could be mistaken only for continued pain as she rubbed her face again.

“Oh yeah, cause you’re so not biased yourself,” Alfarr teased before waving Torm off as he went to argue. “The Lady needs a mirror. Are you going to keep her waiting?”

“You need meditation and recovery time more than a mirror,” Rana stated as he moved aside.

Protean’s normal healing didn’t help her recovery, so it surprised Julia at how long the mental wounds lingered. Though once she could concentrate enough to cast Life Mana Walls and use Universal Life, her recovery had sped along. Still, it was well past midnight before she felt close to recovered and spent some time tweaking her form. Once she’d removed the wings, the tattoos had been the next to go.

At Rana’s advice, Julia had also changed her skin and hair tone; apparently a single look at her would have attracted questions from any Elf. Julia now possessed light caramel skin dusted with spring green. Bound in a ponytail, her hair was dark amber with highlights of autumn hues and honey gold. The full-lipped mouth remained unchanged, and the bright emerald green of her gaze accented the playfulness that her lips held even when she was resting.

That eclipse-eyed look is freakier than the obsidian orbs. At least I don’t have a resting bitch face, still I look cheekier than Livia at her best.

Sensing others stirring in the house, Julia rose to her feet and closed her latest grimoire. As she headed away from the chamber, Julia checked among the notifications again, still unsettled from the night’s events.

[Affinity: Celestial Unlocked!

Resistance: Mental [M] (15->16)

Harmony [M] (8->9)

Pain Tolerance [J] (19->20)

Zen State [M] (12->13)

Blink Learnt.

Conceal Life Learnt.

Mask Learnt.]

We really fucked each other up with the mental images we were using in our fight.

Pain Tolerance leveling makes me wonder how crippling that migraine would have been without it. That spike of mental pain reminded me of the migraines that made me want to puke in life, even with its protection.

{{ Any time you want a rematch, babe, you certainly know where to find me. Just come ready to worship. }}

(( You pushed yourself close to dissolution. The next time you battle in such a way could mean mutual destruction. ))

{{ But Baby and I had fun, it’s the only type of fucking she allows. }}

Embracing Harmony, she visualised walls around her thoughts, trying to stop B’s access to every idle one she had.

{{Oh, pieces just jumped onto the board. What are you up to? Though at least I can move some of my own now. }}

Turning a corner, Julia found Sagga coming out of her room and caused the girl to start in surprise.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know Master Yngvarr had another guest. May I assist you?” asked Sagga, her surprised gaze darting over Julia from head to toe.

“It’s me, Eakcï, I just look different again,” Julia said; the moment she finished explaining, Sagga’s surprise turned to acceptance.

Yeah, everyone just knows I’m weird.

{{They don’t require guide dogs. }}

“Lady Eakcï, forgive me, you look more than different. You have the same air about you that some visiting Elven nobility possesses,” Sagga said, before giving her a respectful bow.

“Sagga,” Julia gently reproved and stepped in to hug her as she straightened. “Please, Eakcï is fine don’t use Lady. How have you been?”

Sagga just gave her a rueful headshake before she answered.

“Busy Lady Eakcï, there are so many women to help. For now, Master Yngvarr has suspended lessons, other than our assigned reading, I’ve been helping some women you’ve taught,” Sagga replied after returning the hug. “Are you going for your dawn practice?”

Yep, continue to ignore the drop the title request figures.

“Only to say hello to Livia and Master Farhad, then I’ll play it by ear.”

“Last night was scary. Might I ask what happened?” Sagga asked quietly, concern lining her features. “Master Yngvarr sent an order to stay in the main spell practice chamber till he told us otherwise. The chamber kept shaking, there was so much noise and then a lot of yelling from the front of the house. When he said we could come out, I didn’t recognise the sitting room; well, I guess it’s not really one now unless you count sitting on the floor.”

“An unexpected outcome of a Power use,” Julia answered, her tone mild. “Shows the importance in not treating unknown things lightly.”

“The furniture certainly learnt that lesson. I just hope Master Yngvarr isn’t angry with me I’d left a book he’d given me to read in there and it’s gone as well,” Sagga said nervously.

“Just let him know what happened, and that I’ll sort out its replacement for him,” reassured Julia.

“He’ll grumble about not being able to repay you for other things if I do that,” Sagga said, a quick laugh dispelling her display of nerves.

“He’s allowed to grumble but I’ll just ignore them while I help. If you’re going out to the camps, can you pass word about my changed appearance, so it doesn’t catch them by surprise?”

“I’m going to have a quick bite to eat then going out to help cook breakfast,” Sagga said nodding happily at Julia’s request. “I’ll let them know that the beautiful Elven Lady helping is likely you.”

“You do well passing information along Sagga. I found that out with Aggie; It surprised me when I learnt you’d inspired her conversion,” Julia noted, her lips twitching in amusement.

“I just told her how much you helped us, Lady Eakcï,” Sagga responded, her gaze going soft with remembered compassion. “I found her praying and weeping about her abandonment. It's twisted: she was a victim as well, yet she’s thrown away. What sort of Goddess does that?”

“Not one that I would ever care for,” Julia answered honestly.

“The way Aggie speaks of her former Goddess’ kin, they all seem like that: There to be appeased and their help seems two-edged. I’m glad I wasn’t born amongst them having to endure such.”

Fuck! That sounds like they are the same sort of douchebags I read about in history class.

Need information, no bookshops, so what is it - a scrivener? Get copies of everything decent I can lay my hands on.

Wait, delegation girl.

“Can one of you ladies do me a favour?” Julia asked.

“Lady Eakcï, none of us may use that rank,” protested Sagga.

“It’s a general term where I came from, for a group of women. If you keep calling me Lady Eakcï, I’ll start calling you Lady Sagga,” Julia said, her tone firm but not unkind, as she tapped Sagga lightly on the nose. “That goes for all five of you, you’re to call me Eakcï or Julia, absolutely no Lady or any other title. Is that clear?”

Sagga frowned before reluctantly replying.

“As you wish Eakcï.”

After confirming Eyrarháls had a Scrivener, Julia left a wide-eyed Sagga with a scroll listing topics, her Amulet of Portage, and a budget to purchase accurate books.

Need more knowledge so I can plan properly.

She found Yngvarr and Alfarr still en route to the Temple Square passing the Silver Chalice. As she caught up, Yngvarr glanced at her and looked at the slowly brightening sky enquiringly.

“Nope, I’ve shards I can use. The bond was for jumping back and forth, that’s it,” Julia said. Trying to get ahead of the subject, she knew Yngvarr was going to raise.

“Will you assist me in learning Affinities?” Yngvarr asked.

“I can do that,” replied Julia, nodding. “What did you want to learn next?”

“Magma, and any other Quasi-element or Para-Element you have,” replied Yngvarr hopefully.

“Oh, I didn’t actually try learning Magma,” Julia confessed sheepishly.

“You didn’t learn it in the moons you were there!” exclaimed an astonished Yngvarr.

“No we were busy smacking things, or exploring,” replied Julia with a shrug. “Rana and Torm told me what I missed, not sure I can trust spear girl. Torm thinks the other Vargr Drangijaz might have just been following orders. I’m going to call them all to account. They were going to destroy me for whatever possibility was foreseen even though she even said they’re not carved in stone.”

“How do you want us to back you up?” Alfarr asked, his serious tone quite different from his normal playfulness.

“Don’t back me up,” Julia replied, “if they get aggressive, move to a safe distance.”

“Yeah, hopefully it won’t come to that.” replied Alfarr, but he didn’t sound optimistic.

Julia wasn’t sure what language Yngvarr started cursing in, but it sounded vulgar and harsh. The fact she didn’t notice him repeat a word by the time they reached the Temple square was impressive. Julia was unsure if it said more about Yngvarr or whatever language he was speaking in.

“Master Farhad, Skeppare Alfarr good morning. Is Lady Eakcï out scouting again this morning?” called Waiola, exiting the gates of the Temple of Frigga as the guard in the square focused on Julia. The leeway she gained from them in previous forms not given with her new appearance. At the guard’s reaction, Waiola glanced between them before looking at Julia, curiosity clear in her gaze. “Lady Eakcï?”

Unarmoured this morning, dressed in simple robes, the only nod to vanity the Priestess seemed to possess was her auburn hair up in a complex braided wreath. The silver hair combs used to hold it in place were decorated with what Julia considered Celtic knots set with garnets. As Waiola spoke, she waved for the others leaving the Temple with her to go ahead.

“Waiola, no need for formality after fighting beside someone,” Julia responded, giving her a rueful smile.

“Nevermind the fact it makes her grumble regardless,” Alfarr teased, and earned a flat glance from Julia for his mirth.

“You change appearances more often than my grandfather,” Waiola remarked, apparently used to Alfarr’s teasing ways when his remark didn’t even make her blink.

“Your grandfather’s appearance shifts?” Julia asked, surprise mixing with the relief of Waiola’s ready acceptance.

“He’s a Priest of Loki,” replied Waiola with a shrug as she came closer to the trio. “He claims it’s part of his responsibility to keep others on their toes. I think he just enjoys playing games and taking others by surprise. We were heading to heal more of the women this morning. What are your plans for the day?”

Who knows how many people will be this accepting? Priest of Loki have shapeshifting or change self?

“Besides confusing everyone with her new appearance?” asked Alfarr, slipping away from Julia’s reach as if he expected a smack.

“I had planned to scout, but the situation changed a bit after yesterday evening,” said Julia.

“We heard there was a bit of drama at Yngvarr’s house. The Temple guards were on alert in case the Jarl’s Guard needed help.”

“There wasn’t an issue really, Eakcï was providing some drama and refurbishment advice,” Alfarr said, his usual teasing muted.

“Alfarr, that’s mean. I was the guest of honour in someone else’s game,” Julia grumbled.

“We can spar later, you’re going to be busy with your little daughter in a moment, and she’s bringing company. Joy,” Alfarr quipped before he looked towards where Master Farhad was already within the square.

At his words, Julia spotted Odyis heading towards her with Torm and the other three Vargr Drangijaz, though Torm’s body language clearly expressed his discontent with Odyis. Livia had graced the four with a frown and waited beside Master Farhad. Clearly sensing the tension, Waiola glanced between the group and Julia before she spoke.

“I heard the Temple of Óðinn hosted a special guest last night,” Waiola stated, clearly seeking confirmation.

“Oh, she’s all kinds of special,” Julia drawled, the amiable smile gone from her lips. Her attention focused on Odyis she could feel her True Sight straining to see through the appearance that enfolded the Valkyrie. Pushing on the power she fought to trace over all the details trying to remain concealed and was rewarded for the effort.

[True Sight [Ad] (19->20)

Perception [Ad] (37->38)]

“A special amount of trouble,” Alfarr grumbled as they waited for the others to approach.

“Eakcï, I see you’ve recovered well. No hard feelings I hope,” Odyis said, stopping just beyond a spear length away. Julia glanced between her and the three Vargr Drangijaz. Then, as Torm ignored where the others stopped and walked over to Julia instead, she caught Waiola’s reaction to his behaviour.

Okay, it seems I’m not completely blind. Was Waiola hoping I was available? Oh well, I don’t float that way in any case.

“I’m quite familiar with things needing to get done,” Julia replied, and even Torm looked surprised at her harsh acidic tone. “And one day I hope to return the favour with just as much concern. For now, though I don’t trust you; so since you invited yourself to our planning session, consider yourself uninvited.”

Odyis’ laughter wasn’t the reaction she’d expected, especially when the spear and the Vargr Drangijaz’s weapons disappeared.

“You have a steel spine child, perhaps your plan will work after all.”

“I don’t care what you think, just go away,” Julia stated flatly, her voice clear through Odyis’ laughter. “I’m too disappointed with you to put things politely.”

“How dare you,” Odyis sneered, her expression as if Julia had spat in her face. When she went to say more the swordman gripped her shoulder clearly calling for restraint.

“I gave you a chance to save face. You were ready to kill me in a cowardly attack while I was helpless. Helpless from a situation you manipulated to occur. I won’t work with someone on this I can’t trust. Those women deserve the best and having proven untrustworthy you’re not that,” replied Julia, her voice cold as she gestured at the Vargr Drangijaz she continued on. “And you three, don’t even get me started. How is it Justice what you three took part in? Would Fenrir be proud of you or ashamed? Go ask him about suspicion because of what he might have done. You shouldn’t have to ask Týr about the price he paid for someone else judging another on what might occur.”

Their distress at her words was clear even in the wolf-like feature she could see under their human appearance.

“On behalf of my brothers our apologies, after last night your distrust is understandable. We didn’t know her full intentions till you were already on the ground, and there seemed potential for harm to others. We put our trust in her, who we’d known for centuries. You proved yourself true, and didn’t attack unfairly. If you’ll allow it, we would still assist; we can help provide training in matters other than your drill. Also, we would help with the women’s healing.”

For being the first words Julia had heard from these Vargr Drangijaz, they were fair especially after her scolding, and she hadn’t learnt their names.

As the Vargr Drangijaz spoke Odyis’ gaze turned from insulted to angered pride and roiling rage.

“I won’t stand for your insult,” Odyis growled, the spear reappearing in her hand.

The three Vargr Drangijaz moved between her and Julia in the instant her spear appeared, looking at Odyis in disbelief.

“Stand down! This is beyond the orders you claimed last night,” the swordsman among Vargr Drangijaz growled at Odyis. They fixed their attention on Odyis with the same intensity they’d directed at Julia last night. Guards around the Temple Square called for all to halt, and those outside the closest Temple struck some gate bells in alarm. Weapons appeared in the Vargr Drangijaz hands: the swordsman blocking Odyis’ path, while the axeman shifted to her flank, and the bowman reappeared at range, bow already strung, an arrow of light aimed at Odyis.

Their locations forcing her to angle her stance to keep all three in sight, yet the four of them held their positions, waiting for the first to move. As tension in the square climbed, an old man’s thin voice called out above the growing din.

“Odyis, I revoke my Summoning.”

With the words, a burst of rainbow light appeared around Odyis and her form vanished before the light faded.

From across the square, Master Farhad shook his head and mouthed something Julia couldn’t hear. Yet his expression she’d seen before Julia could imagine his words.

Wonder if he’s including me with rest of the hot-headed Norse.

“Seems others have things to say. I don’t even know your names. So why don’t we start again,” Julia said, pausing and glancing between the Vargr Drangijaz before she continued on. “My name is Eakcï, and you are?”

“If only it was that simple, but we were part of a wrong done. I am called Vragi,” replied the swordsman, before gesturing to his fellows with the axe and bow. “He is Eyvindur, while our distant companion is Hugleikr. I can understand your trust with us is fragile, if not already broken.” Eyvindur glanced at his fellows even as the grip on their weapons relaxed. Julia had to work to keep a straight face as True Vision showed her glances and ear twitches being exchanged.

Sheathing his sword, Eyvindur bowed to Torm, his voice formal as he spoke.

“I swear on Týr’s name to serve him through Torm’s orders and intentions alone, till Torm’s will releases us,” Eyvindur said, and the others echoed his words.

“I’d accept your oath, but as you said, you’ve taken part in an ill deed and I wasn’t the target,” Torm said before gazing at Julia, his face carefully neutral. “As the wronged party, do you accept this offer of service as weregild?”

“Torm, I trust you. So if you accept it, then yes I will, with but one small condition,” Julia stated, options already running through her mind as she spoke. “Since I was the attacked party, I should be the one who decides when you are released.”

“Agreed.” The three echoed at one, and Julia saw a faint flicker of light between all four of them in True Sight.

[True Sight [Ad] (20->21)]

What effect was that?

[Name: Torm

Species: Vargr Drangijaz

Class: Guardian / Monk / Fighter / Ranger

Level: 72 / 60 / 42 / 42 / 42

Condition: Vargr Drangijaz Alpha, Morale Bonus: Trusted ]

[Analysis [Ad] (29->30)]

Oh! Is that a Morale bonus cause I told him I trust him?

{{When is your guide dog training scheduled for? }}

Luckily I got you were snarky at me, and not implying I needed to collar him.

As for you three, Odyis wanted my destruction and you were part of it.

“Cool, then follow his orders as long as any of you exist,” Julia declared with a smile, and enjoyed the complete shock she got from them all. Still, all three of the Vargr Drangijaz nodded their acceptance without argument.

“Waiola and others from Frigg’s Temple were going to tend to women this morning,” Julia suggested, looking at Torm. Her casually spoken words breaking him free of his shock and he nodded in return.

“Brothers, please assist Priestess Waiola, for now,” Torm ordered, gesturing to Waiola. “Join us at the staging building for the first practice.” The moment Torm issued his order, their weapons disappeared, and they looked at Waiola for guidance.

“You’re Vargr Drangijaz!” exclaimed Waiola in disbelief, her eyes going wide in awe and surprise as she stared at Torm.

Julia looked between Waiola and the faint blush showing on Torm’s human facade.

“You’re so busted, your secret is out now,” Julia teased, confused how anyone could have missed it even without Mana or True Sight.

“Brat,” grumbled Torm.

A stooped aging Priest his whispy white hair fluttering in the spring breeze leaned against a guard’s shoulder as he began navigating his way through others outside Óðinn’s Temple.

A rainbow bridge opened in mid-air under a burning sky, and an unarmoured figure appeared. Clad in simple unmarked clothes, Odyis fell screaming in rage as her wings failed to find purchase in the air of the Infernal Plane. The course of her plunge taking her unchecked into the molten river of Dis, above the first rapids of its course.